Family Cars

Premium electrified people movers are growing in popularity, propelled by the VW ID. Buzz EV, as well as Chinese brands like Zeekr and Denza. The XPeng X9 is the latest, with comparatively keen pricing, a huge list of standard features and impressively advanced tech, including air suspension. Great on paper, but we have doubts on some fronts, given our experiences with the Performance AWD model.

A new affordable electric sedan could be headed our way.The GWM Ora 5 Sedan has appeared in Chinese government approval filings as it gears up for launch later this year.At 4758mm long, the Ora 5 is smaller than the Toyota Camry, but will still provide competition for the popular Japanese hybrid sedan.The Ora 5 Sedan will be available in petrol, conventional hybrid and fully-electric set-ups, so its variants cover a broad spectrum of buyers.The Ora 5 Sedan EV will rival the BYD Seal and Tesla Model 3, while petrol variants will tackle the Mazda 3.There are limited details available for the Ora 5 Sedan at this stage.Petrol variants use a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, making 135kW and 275Nm, while the hybrid adds an electric motor to boost power to 166kW and 476Nm.The Ora 5 Sedan EV has a single electric motor, producing 150kW and 260Nm. The front of the Ora 5 Sedan looks similar to other Ora 5 variants with a bubble-like headlight design and an overall rounded look.It has traditional door handles, and from the back, sports a single continuous rear light bar, along with a sloping roofline.GWM Australia has not confirmed if the Ora 5 Sedan will arrive in Australia, but the brand is keen to focus on the name here."In terms of the levels of adoption that we expect to see within this market, within the coming years, we expect (hybrids) to accelerate more quickly," GWM Australia Head of Marketing and Communications Steve Maciver told CarsGuide in late 2025."We think we can do a lot more with Ora… with plug-in hybrid, but EV will certainly come behind that as well, for sure."The electric Ora 5 SUV has already launched in Australia, with a hybrid variant expected to arrive soon.GWM has also confirmed an Ora 5 electric hatchback is on the way for Australia.In August 2026, the Ora 5 GT wagon was approved for sale in China, with the local branch confirming the car was under consideration for Australia.GWM Australia has been contacted for comment to see if the Ora 5 sedan will launch in Australia.

Buyers can now get into a Polestar 4 for almost $5000 less than before in Australia.The rear motor variant will now start from $73,900 (before on-road costs), equating to a $4600 cut on the outgoing variant. Dual motor variants start from $81,750, which is $4610 less than previous examples on sale. The Polestar 4 is a premium rival to Australia’s best selling EV, the Tesla Model Y ($58,900). It also provides competition for the BMW iX3 ($89,900) and Porsche Macan ($129,800).The Polestar 4 is now available in an SUV body shape for the first time.SUV variants compliment the coupe, boasting a straight roofline and greater practicality.Polestar said the coupe features a recalibrated chassis with vibration- and roll-reducing dampers, as well as new spring and anti-roll bar settings. The brand also said the car offers more precise steering for a more controlled driving experience. The rear motor variant continues to produce 200kW and 343Nm, while the dual motor AWD boosts power to 400kW and 686Nm. The car can accelerate from 0-100km/h in less than four seconds. All variants are equipped with a 100kWh battery offering a driving range of up to 620km, but more powerful variants reduce range to less than 600km, all according to WLTP standards.  Inside, there is a 10.2-inch digital driver display and 15.4-inch central touchscreen, running on Google software. Buyers can option a heated steering wheel, power operated steering column and 12-way electrically-operated seats for an extra $1200. Dual motor coupe variants can be optioned with a performance pack that adds 22-inch wheels and Brembo brakes for $7200. To access the performance pack, buyers must purchase the plus pack ($6500). This includes a premium sound system, head-up display and power reclining rear seats, among other things. Polestar also announced its Formula 2030 concept to show off its future design direction on new models. Polestar provided limited details on what this new design will look like other than a silhouette of the concept car’s front. It keeps the same ‘dual blade’ headlights, while boasting what looks to be boxy proportions and sharp bonnet channels. The car has an aggressive stance, with wide fenders, a low ride height and subtle lower air intake vents. The new design direction will first feature on the Polestar 2 scheduled for launch in 2027, but expect more information before the end of this year.

Mitsubishi’s secret hybrid one-two punch has been exposed, with plans for a hybrid Pajero revealed.A senior Japanese executive told CarsGuide the company is advanced in developing two hybrid Pajero 4WDs.The company is working on a conventional hybrid and a plug-in hybrid version of the rugged new off-roader.This would give Mitsubishi some potent weapons in its arsenal to not only take on the mighty Toyota and Nissan off-roaders, but the new breed of Chinese 4WDs.Mitsubishi won’t be developing a diesel plug-in hybrid, similar to the one that will be fitted to the incoming Chery Stockman ute.Both will use a petrol engine, which will make the vehicle more attractive to the US and Middle Eastern markets, where diesel isn’t popular.The official also said there were concerns the displacement of the diesel engine in the Pajero would be insufficient, with big name rivals adding larger engines into their 4WDs.Mitsubishi’s new Pajero uses a turbocharged 2.4-litre diesel four-cylinder engine, which is an evolution of the motor found in the Triton ute, and makes 150kW and 480Nm.Adding hybrid or plug-in hybrid grunt would boost outputs and add more shove off the mark aiding acceleration and around town performance.Towing would likely be compromised due to the extra weight of the petrol-electric set-up, which would reduce the load-lugging capacity from the diesel version’s 3500kg limit.It is also expected this hybrid set-up would find its way into the Triton ute.This would give Mitsubishi a rival to new Chinese machines such as the BYD Shark 6 ute and Denza B5 4WD.This confirmation follows Mitsubishi Pajero Chief Product Specialist Itagaki Kunitoshi’s comments at a pre-briefing before the Pajero reveal.“Future electrification including hybrid, plug-in hybrid, we will consider in line with market conditions, customer needs, infrastructure and regulations of each country,” said Itagaki.“The all new Pajero is being launched with ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) only.“However, Mitsubishi Motors is actively conducting research and development in electrified ladder frame vehicles, including hybrid vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicle technologies for products such as Pajero and Triton in the future.”But it appears from the high-ranking official’s comments the dual hybrid assault plans are more advanced.Itagaki stated any electrified Pajero would be just as capable as customers have come to expect from the brand.“To meet Mitsubishi Motors standards future electrified models must not only deliver strong  on-road performance but also off-road capability, towing performance, durability or reliability expected of authentic Mitsubishi Motors vehicles."Ensuring the electrified models can maintain these characteristics while delivering the distinct Mitsubishi Motors driving experience requires further development," said Itagaki.Mitsubishi announced earlier this year it would spend almost half a billion dollars to upgrade its Thailand factory to build electrified vehicles.This is the same factory that produces the Triton and Pajero.The plan is to have the factory churning out electrified vehicles by the end of the decade, but expect a hybrid and plug-in hybrid Pajero sooner than that.

Ford Australia has confirmed the future arrival of the Bronco SUV to Australia, but not as it has historically been known.The 2027 Ford Bronco Basecamp will arrive in Australia in the second half of 2027, with the model’s platform unrelated to the T6 Ranger-based Ford Bronco and Escape-based Bronco Sport SUV both available in the US.The Bronco Basecamp is, instead, a product of Ford’s joint venture with China's Jiangling Motors (JMC) and is available in China as the Ford Bronco New Energy.While Australian details are yet to be confirmed as global market development work continues, Ford confirmed the model would retain its EREV (extended-range electric vehicle) powertrain. This means a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine will act as a range extender to charge the 49kW battery. Ford estimates a driving range of around 800-900km.While not as rugged as the full-size Ford Bronco available in the US, the Basecamp still features an all-wheel drive system thanks to electric motors driving the wheels - the engine doesn’t directly power the wheels.While the Bronco Basecamp’s local launch is around a year away, Ford Australia confirmed the ‘camping’ capability of the Bronco is expected to be a big draw.The roof of the Outer Banks grade is able to pop up to allow more space inside, and a mattress designed to fit the cabin with the seats folded flat is available.Heated and cooled compartments are included, and 6.6kW onboard power means camping gear like cooktops, lights or other equipment is able to be run from the battery.Given the arguable failure of the most recent Ford Escape in Australia, the starting price for the Bronco Basecamp will need to be competitive - and it could be, given its Chinese origins.Ford will want the starting price to sit well below the larger Everest SUV’s entry point of around $60,000.A combination of 130kW and 180kW motors at the front and rear are used in the Chinese market EREV, but Ford engineers wouldn't confirm or hint at local outputs.A full-EV variant is also available in China, though it’s not being discussed openly as a possibility for Australia given Ford’s insistence that the EREV will suit Australian buyers.Ford Australia will confirm pricing and specifications closer to its H2 2027 launch.

Toyota's LandCruiser has gone electric! Not quite. But it has joined the ranks of the new wave of hybrid vehicles with a powertrain that combines a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine and an electric motor. The 'i-Force Max' set-up, from the Tundra, produces substantial increases in power (up 114kW) and torque (up 90Nm), but is this Cruiser better off-road than its turbo-diesel stablemate?

A new Toyota RAV4 rival has just broken cover in China. The Nissan NX7 has been revealed in Chinese government filings as a new plug-in hybrid five-seat mid-size SUV. It will take on hybrid family SUV favourites the BYD Sealion 6 and Toyota RAV4, as well as the petrol-only Mazda CX-5. The car will launch in the fourth quarter of 2026, according to a report in Auto News. The NX7 is one of 10 new Nissan models to be revealed by 2027 from its Chinese partnership with Dongfeng.  Chinese government filings reveal the NX7 will be powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 73kW, paired with a 170kW electric motor. It's equipped with a 41kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery, offering an electric driving range of 225km, according to more generous CLTC standards. There are limited specification details available at this stage, but it will have semi-hidden door handles and ride on either 18-inch or 19-inch wheels. It is a size up on the Toyota RAV4, boasting dimensions of 4785mm long, 1920mm wide, 1660mm tall, with a 2815mm wheelbase.The NX7 poses in a sporty stance, with a covert rear spoiler and sharp creases on the bonnet.Its exterior design incorporates boxy elements, while still having rounded features for an imposing look overall. Nissan’s Australian branch has not officially confirmed any details about the Nissan NX7’s future Down Under. The local branch has been contacted for comment to see if the NX7 will launch here.The car has not been confirmed for any export markets at this stage and will only be sold in China for now. Some of Nissan’s other Dongfeng partnership models have already been earmarked for an Australian introduction.The Nissan Frontier Pro PHEV ute, expected to be called the Navara Pro in Australia, should arrive in 2027, with the larger NX8 SUV also on the cards. The NX7 would provide a cheaper hybrid alternative to the Ariya electric SUV that starts from $49,990, drive-away currently. 

Xiaomi has put a price-tag on its flagship large three-row hybrid SUV in China, after an extended teaser campaign.The Xiaomi SkyNomad N90 Max is priced at the equivalent of A$56,000 in its home market. The top-spec camper version, the Explorer Edition, priced at the equivalent of A$62,000.It comes shortly after Xiaomi’s new SkyNomad division also announced pricing for the slightly smaller two-row N70, which comes in at a slightly more affordable price-point of around A$55,000.If the SkyNomad range were ever to reach Australia, this would indicate pricing in the late-$60k or early $70k bracket once the roughly 20 per cent additional cost is added by the time Chinese vehicles hit Australian shores.Xiaomi racked up 10,000 orders for the N70 and N90 in just four minutes when they went on sale in China, according to the brand.The N90 buys into the mega SUV trend taking over the Chinese new car market. The hybrid flagship measures in at 5285mm long 1998mm wide and 1825mm tall, with an enormous interior-space maxing wheelbase of 3080mm.The N90 offers a six-seat interior layout, with front seats which are able to turn 180 degrees to face the rear. The second row captain’s charis and third row can also fold fully flat to facilitate a bed set-up.Both the N70 and N90 are range-extender plug-in hybrids, equipped with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine (112kW) and dual electric motors on each axle, producing 210kW at the front and 100kW at the rear. Xiaomi says it can sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds despite its imposing size.Under the floor is an EV-sized 76kWh battery pack, which offers up to 464km of pure electric driving range according to the more lenient CLTC measuring protocol. Maximum combined range is said to be 1705km, and fuel consumption once the battery is drained is rated at 6.3L/100km.The single N90 Max variant is also equipped with air suspension and continuously variable shock absorbers. For off-road ability it has several traction control modes for various surface conditions. Its approach and departure angles of 17.7 degrees and 18.8 degrees don’t come close to the current wave of boxy off-roaders from many rival brands, like the GWM Tank 500 or incoming GAC Yue 7. It has a good wading depth of 750mm with the air intake integrated into the bonnet.Aside from its interesting interior layout with a rail system for the middle row and rotating front seats, the N90 Max also features Nappa leather interior trim, an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, a 16.1-inch multimedia touchscreen, and a 20-inch holographic head-up display.There is also a nine-litre refrigerated compartment in the centre console, rear touchscreen control panel and a table fitting for the centre console. The Explorer Edition also scores a built-in pop-up roof tent, a 30-inch entertainment screen, a vanity cabinet built into the C-Pillar and underfloor heating with air conditioning ventilation for the roof tent section.Boot space measures 577-litres even with the third row deployed, or 1831L with it folded down.From the outside the N90 is available in seven colour choices, with three different 21-inch wheels.The N90 and its N70 relation take Xiaomi’s automotive arm in a new direction, opposite to the sleek performance of its smaller electric cars, the SU7 sedan and YU7 SUV. It is also a notably distinct direction from many rival brands, which have leaned more into the luxury SUV angle.In China at least, its primary rivals will include the XPeng GX, BYD Great Tang, and perhaps to a lesser degree, the Geely M9. It is at a lower price point than the more luxurious and performance-oriented Zeekr 8X/9X pair.With 10,000 orders in just four minutes, it seems the SkyNomad range will compound the brand’s production issues. While Xiaomi has had enormous success despite being limited to just China for the time being, delivering over 800,000 units so far, it has also attracted massive wait lists, sometimes measured in the hundreds of thousands of units.With new factory capacity coming online this year though, the company has managed to reduce its wait time from over a year to about 10 weeks for an SU7.According to Chinese media, wait times on SkyNomad orders at present are just one to five weeks with the brand building up stock to pre-empt a large initial order bank.In other recent Xiaomi news, the company has finally announced its plan to launch in markets outside of China, signing deals with dealer groups for a German launch in 2027.This gives the much-hyped brand a big step towards a more global footprint, although it remains to be seen whether this will include right-hand drive for markets like the UK and Australia.

Zeekr has heard your feedback and more of its cars will get tactile buttons and dials as it moves away from exclusively touchscreen-based controls.Speaking to CarsGuide at a 7GT pre-launch event, the head of the company’s design studio in Shanghai, Javier Garcia-Gallardo said more buttons were “definitely” something that will be put into its cars going forward.“For the 7GT’s predecessor, the 007 sedan, we didn’t have physical controls in the centre console. We got some feedback from the Chinese market back then, so when it came time to adjust it for the 7GT we knew it was something we had to change,” he explained.“They add more functionality for the driver, but also a richer interior feeling at the same time. When we move up the line-up to the bigger cars like the 8X and 9X you can see more physical buttons are coming - so we are taking that feedback on.”“Especially those more material customers who are looking at 8X and 9X, they appreciate those switches and buttons and not having to navigate through the touchscreen to adjust their seat or turn on message functions.”“So for those kinds of features you’re going to be using very often, we’ve made sure they have a switch.”Buttons or not, one thing that sets Zeekr apart from its parent brand, Geely, is its unique and decidedly flashier software suite. Something Garcia-Gallardo said has been a huge benefit for the design team to integrate better into the overall feel of its cars.“We have our own operating system exclusive for us and built from zero,” he said.“It’s taken a couple of years to get it where it is now, but we feel it’s at a point where it’s pretty good in the market. For sure, the design team has been one of the major stakeholders developing that.“Being a platform product, the operating system has over the air updates extremely often, so it takes us a lot of manpower to curate and maintain its constant evolution.”Garcia-Gallardo said Zeekr has evolved past its infancy as a spin-off from sister brand Lynk & Co, and it was set for some bigger changes as it aligns to a more global audience.He said it was a challenge to design for the huge Chinese audience, while catering for global tastes.“We need to design cars which appeal to all markets and balance those considerations and requirements.”“China is a big market for Zeekr, and one of the biggest overall markets in the world, so the demands of that market are extremely important, so we need to appeal to the Chinese market to keep growing and be financially stable.”“As we mature as a company though it’s very important we bring global demands and requirements into the design program at the beginning.”“This was happening less at the start because we didn’t have the same global footprint that we have today, but now that we have a stronger customer base we have a wider set of requirements.”He added customer and media feedback, as well as quirks of local market requirements like Australian Design Rules (ADRs) were “certainly part of my day-to-day design briefings”.ADRs saw the animated LED bar across the front of the car deleted from the 7X and 7GT for the Australian market.When asked how much freedom Zeekr’s designers have when it comes to its new models, Garcia-Gallardo said it was an essential pillar of the brand.“The company trusts a lot in design, especially when it comes to defining proportions of the car, and its architecture. I think that’s what makes a car feel special at first glance. It’s those proportions which makes it feel like it doesn’t simply land in mainstream territory.”He added Zeekr’s future updates and new-generation products would see its range more rationalised into its two main design languages, ‘Hidden Energy’ as worn by the 7X and 7GT, and ‘Powerful Elegance’ as worn by the 8X and 9X hybrid large SUVs.Design elements inherited from Lynk & Co, like the dual-DRLs still seen on the X small SUV and 009 people mover are set to be phased out over time.Zeekr leaps up the charts in Australia, almost entirely thanks to its smash-hit 7X mid-size SUV. It has brought the brand some much needed momentum, which it hopes will be realised with the arrival of the fully electric 7GT sporty station wagon before the end of the year, and the introduction of the 8X and 9X hybrid large SUVs in 2027.

Xiaomi could be one step closer to Australian buyers.The extremely popular Chinese technology brand will begin selling cars in Europe from 2027, according to reports.Xiaomi’s SU7 electric sedan put the brand on the map.Its second-generation SU7 shifted 15,000 units in only 34 minutes in a complete sell out in March 2026.Xiaomi also sells a YU7 SUV that has given the world’s best-selling EV, the Tesla Model Y, a run for its money in China.The SU7 has garnered praise from around the world, including Ford CEO Jim Farley, who said in late 2024 that Xiaomi was an industry juggernaut much stronger than many car companies.The SU7 directly rivals the Porsche Taycan, along with the Tesla Model 3 and Chinese rival the Geely Galaxy TT, while the YU7 squares up to the Tesla Model Y and other performance-pitched SUVs.Xiaomi will first sell cars in Germany in 2027, before targeting other European markets as it expands its presence outside of China for the first time.Xiaomi will initially partner with eight dealer groups that have an established presence in European new car sales. The brand has signed non-binding memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with these dealers, which will see them responsible for sales and servicing for Xiaomi cars.Xiaomi won't build its cars in Europe, and will import directly from China, leaving it exposed to hefty electric car tariffs from the European Union.  Xiaomi will import its entire ecosystem to Europe, made up of smartphones, smart-home products and electric cars.The plan is for a buyer’s car, home and phone to all seamlessly connect through Xiaomi’s technology.It is unclear where Xiaomi will take its cars next.Germany is a left-hand drive market like China, making it an easier transition for the brand. This means Xiaomi cars will not be available in right-hand drive, ruling out an Australian launch for now.  This doesn’t mean the brand won’t consider Australia down the line.The Australian market that has proven fruitful for key Xiaomi rival Zeekr, with the latter surging up the sales charts here. Xiaomi’s Chief Marketing Officer Xu Fei said at the IFA Berlin technology showcase in early September that Europe is a key market for the brand’s global strategy. Vice President of Xiaomi Auto and Head International Auto Business Yu Liguo also said Germany was just the beginning for the brand in Europe.“The ambition extends beyond a limited European launch,” he said.  “We hope that one day Xiaomi will be mentioned alongside Germany’s major automakers.”These ambitions could include the United Kingdom in the future, another right-hand drive market, and that would drastically improve Xiaomi’s chances of launching in Australia. Xiaomi’s global division has been contacted for comment to see if the brand’s cars will launch in Australia and if so when that might be.