hatchback

The Civic Type R might be the best front-wheel drive hot hatch ever built. It's almost certainly one of the greatest cars of this century so far. In fact, you can meet me outside if you reckon the Type R isn’t the most capable sports car of its kind ever built. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s get into why. The 2026 Honda Civic Type R, at an uncomfortable $85,000, drive-away, isn’t a car you can just go and buy. At least not all the time. The latest run launched in July this year, with just a tick under 100 units anticipated for local buyers. Deliveries start in December. It’s more expensive than another benchmark rival, the VW Golf R, by almost $15,000 and it’s not as practical to live with. But even though you can run your daily errands in the Civic Type R, that would be doing it a disservice. See, the Type R is a five-door hatchback with only four seats, and the front two are very figure-hugging sports bucket seats. It’s also only available in manual, so that rules it off the list for some seeking an easy daily driver.  Its 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine is probably a bit much for the daily grind, too, producing 235kW and 420Nm and sending that entirely through the front wheels. But there is a Comfort mode, and you even get a wireless phone charger. Heated seats? No, but the climate controls are always there - because they’re physical buttons and knobs. And the knobs are delightfully clicky. This is all to say that when you shell out your $85K, you’re paying more for what’s under the metal than the mod-cons in the cabin. Here’s what you do get: 10.2-inch digital driver display  9.0-inch multimedia touchscreen Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto Digital and AM/FM radio Bluetooth and USB connectivity Eight-speaker audio LogR performance data tracking system  Red suede-style upholstery Type R sports bucket front seats Alloy shift knob Alloy sports pedals Wireless phone charger Dual-zone climate control Keyless entry with push button start LED headlights (auto-levelling and dusk-sensing) and tail-lights 19-inch black alloy wheels Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres (265/30 ZR19) It all comes together in a package that looks rather aggressive and modern, but feels just far enough removed from the software-driven cars of today that it’s still focused on the driving experience. The exterior styling in particular when it comes to the FL5 Type R (launched in 2023) compared to the more angular FK8 that proceeded it seems to be less divisive. It looks slightly less like it’s come off the screen of an anime, for better or worse. Some specific praise can be levelled at the toning-down of decorative elements that made the FK8 look overly busy. But that doesn’t mean it’s any less suited to total road domination. The FK8, a car I spent plenty of time in during the late 2010s, won awards all over the world for its prowess.  I’ve driven the FL5 on track, but not on public bitumen before this road test. It was immediately obvious this car holds the same ability to turn from a sharp yet manageable city car into a slick corner-hunting weapon outside of urban areas. Nothing had been lost between FK8 and FL5. Praise be. The current Type R continues to be arguably the most capable hot hatch around, with its individual elements - steering, brakes, clutch, all of it - working perfectly and obediently to make this Civic move as quickly as possible. And with little fuss. The front tyres are surely working hard, but there’s mechanical grip in abundance and the helical limited-slip differential ensures traction. It also does this without sacrificing ride quality. Even in Comfort there’s cornering ability on tap, while Sport or R+ don’t turn the chassis into a giant shaker. It's the rear axle that’s particularly impressive, though. Its multi-link rear follows the MacPherson and dual-axis strut fronts with such compliance it’s as if the engineers whipped a fear of rebelling into the Type R’s back-end. During most road tests, there’s little point in trying to push a car - even a sports car - to 10 tenths. Most people won’t and it’s not sensible to try. But, more than most cars, the Type R feels like you could if you wanted to. On a winding road outside of Melbourne, the Type R felt mechanically flawless. Its shift-feel is smooth but decisive, steering is precise and weighted perfectly for input adjustment, throttle response and brakes require no guesswork, and even its seat should hold most drivers in a sturdy position. No notes. The boring bits when it comes to Type R ownership aren’t as grim as you might expect from such a pricey hot hatch. Where some performance cars would push fuel consumption into double-figures, the Type R’s mill only sipped 8.9L/100km on a very spirited route with some highway driving either side. Its claimed consumption under WLTP testing is 7.1L, so that feels reasonably achievable. Honda’s warranty and service schedule is also decent, all things considered. The five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty is starting to feel the bare minimum, but Honda’s $199 capped price for the first five services (every 10,000km or 12 months) is excellent.

There are more and more Chinese car brands entering the Australian new car market seemingly every day, which can be overwhelming for buyers. Some, like GWM have stuck it out in the Australian market for decades with many familiar brands returning to Australian shores, including Chery and Geely.  There are plenty of other newcomers many Aussies have never heard of. The following is a run down of all the Chinese car brands already established in Australia and their models currently on offer, as well as a heads-up on others set to touchdown shortly.  Avatr is Chinese giant Changan’s premium brand aimed at Zeekr and MG's IM Motors and it has confirmed it will start taking orders on its 07L electric SUV in late 2026. The brand hasn’t revealed any local details of the large, five-seat 07L yet, but in China it’s available in two grades, with the Max+ version using a single 305kW electric motor to drive the rear wheels. The potent Ultra grades up the ante with three electric motors, one at the front and two at the rear, combining for 712kW. Both use a roughly 90kWh Lithium-Ferro-Phosphate (LFP) battery that delivers a driving range of up to 725km in the single motor version and 650km in the tri-motor grade.   BYD Atto 1 For the time being, at $19,990 drive-away, BYD’s Atto 1 Essential is the cheapest new electric car available in Australia. It’s a city-sized, four-seat, pure-electric hatchback with big appeal for younger urban buyers given its cheaper than many internal-combustion alternatives like the Mazda 2 and Toyota Yaris Hybrid. The Atto 1 is offered in two grades, Essential and Premium, the former with a 30kWh battery for a claimed range of 220km and the latter with a 43.2kWh pack for a more useful 310km between charges.   BYD Atto 2 The BYD Atto 2 is a small, five-seat electric SUV priced to challenge aggressively positioned rivals like the MG S5 and Leapmotor B10. It delivers easy, comfortable city motoring and despite a budget price, doesn’t feel cheap. There are two grades, Dynamic and Premium, both powered by a 130kW/290Nm front mounted electric motor with a 51.1kWh LFP battery delivering a range of 345km. BYD Atto 3 The BYD Atto 3 is a compact electric SUV rival to the Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia EV3 and Niro EV, MG S5 EV, Volvo EX30 and Zeekr X, among others. Following a 2025 model year update the Atto 3 range was positioned with the entry-level Essential ($39,990 before on-roads) and flagship Premium ($44,990, before on-roads) variants. The range is powered by a 150kW/310Nm front-mounted electric motor with either a 49.9kWh or 60.5kWh battery pack, depending on the trim level. BYD Dolphin The BYD Dolphin is a small electric hatchback that rivals the GWM Ora and MG4 and starts at $29,990, before on-roads. But for examples of the entry-grade Essential ordered between September 15 and December 15 and delivered by December 31, 2026 the price is $28,888, drive-away.  The Dolphin is powered by either a 70kW electric motor with a 44.9kWh battery, or a 150kW electric motor with a 60.5kWh battery pack, depending on the trim level. BYD Seal  The BYD Seal is an electric sedan rival to the Tesla Model 3, available in two trim levels - Premium and Performance.  The Premium is a single motor, rear-wheel drive model delivering 230kW/360Nm and a 570km (WLTP) range while the dual-motor Performance pushes a stonking 390kW/670Nm to all four wheels and has a range of 520km (WLTP). BYD Seal 6 The BYD Seal 6 is a ‘large’ medium petrol-electric hybrid sedan and wagon specified and priced to challenge the segment-leading Toyota Camry. Starting at a fraction under $35K before on-road costs, its range is the star attraction, with more than 1000km achieved in the real world, tested on just one tank and one charge from Sydney to Melbourne.  BYD Sealion 5 The BYD Sealion 5 is a plug-in hybrid medium SUV powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine working in concert with a single permanent magnet electric motor. With a sub-$35K entry price the base-grade Essential’s 12.9kWh battery is good for a pure-electric range of 71km, rising to 100km for the top-spec Premium thanks to a bigger 18.3kWh battery.   BYD Sealion 6 The BYD Sealion 6 joined the local line-up in 2024 and was the first BYD model to feature plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains. It’s currently available with two PHEV powertrains, one front-wheel drive and one all-wheel drive. Depending on the grade, it can travel up to 92km on electric power alone, according to NEDC testing. BYD Sealion 7 The Tesla Model Y-rivalling Sealion 7 electric SUV is available in two trim levels - Premium and Performance, with pricing starting at $54,990, before on-road costs. There are two different electric powertrains available, and depending on the grade, it has an electric range up to 482km, according to WLTP testing. BYD Sealion 8 The BYD Sealion 8 is a large, seven-seat plug-in hybrid SUV offered in single-motor front-wheel drive and dual motor all-wheel drive form with its DM-i powertrain allowing the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine to assist and help drive the wheels at higher speeds. BYD claims a combined petrol-electric range in excess of 1000km and a pure-electric range of more than 100km for all variants. BYD Shark 6 The BYD Shark 6 is a plug-in hybrid ute rival to the Ford Ranger PHEV and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV. Priced from $55,900, before on-road costs, the Shark 6 is now offered in Dynamic, Premium and Performance grades across cab chassis and pick-up body styles. It continues to be a hugely popular ute option and is BYD’s second-top seller in Australia. Changan Automotive has gone on a hiring spree in Australia, with several job ads appearing on LinkedIn during the past several months, as it prepares to launch Down Under. The state-owned company is one of China’s biggest automotive groups, and is of a similar scale to Chery or SAIC, the latter the owner of MG. The arrival of Changan spells bad news for Mazda, which has a partnership with the giant manufacturer and relies on it to source its new range of electric cars, including the recently launched Mazda 6e sedan and CX-6e SUV.  Changan versions of these models will likely be cheaper than the Mazdas and more premium Deepal versions on sale in Australia.  Chery C5 The Chery C5 (formerly known as Omoda 5) was the brand’s first model when it came back to Australia in 2023. It’s powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine sending 108kW/210Nm to the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. A series-parallel (plugless) hybrid variant adds a single electric motor and high-voltage battery for a combined 165kW/295Nm. It remains front-wheel drive.  Chery E5 The pure-electric five-seat Chery E5 is powered by a single electric motor sending a solid 155kW to the front wheels. A September 2026 upgrade added four-way lumbar support, massage and ventilation to the already powered driver’s seat and a six-way power-adjust passenger seat (matching the driver’s) with ventilation included. In-cabin tech was also enhanced with the multimedia display increasing from 12.3 to 15.6 inches and an electrically operated charging-port cover and active grille shutter were added. Chery Tiggo 4 Available in two trim levels - Urban and Ultimate - the Tiggo 4 starts from $23,990, drive-away, and extends to $26,990, drive-away. Both are powered by a (108kW/210Nm) 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine with standard features including wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ‘Hello Chery’ voice control, dual 10.25-inch screens (multimedia and instruments), six-speaker audio and more. Chery Tiggo 7 The Chery Tiggo 7 Pro is offered in two 1.5-litre, turbo-petrol front-wheel drive variants - Urban and Ultimate. Pricing starts at $29,990 drive-away, and extends to $43,990 drive-away. The petrol-electric Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid is a plug-in model with a combined range claim of 1200km. Chery Tiggo 8 This car is one of the cheapest seven-seat SUVs on sale in Australia, the (180kW/375Nm) 2.0-litre turbo-petrol starting at $38,990, drive-away, for the entry-grade Urban, rising to $43,990, drive-away, for the top-spec Ultimate. The plug-in Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid is a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol with a claimed overall range of 1200km. Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid The Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid is Chery’s flagship in Australia, offered in front-wheel drive Elite form as well as all-wheel drive Ultimate trim. Both are powered by a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with the Elite tipping in a 19kWh battery for a pure-electric range of 90km, while the Ultimate ups the battery to 34kWh for a 170km EV range. Deepal S05 This entry-level compact electric SUV has been ‘set to arrive in Australia’ for some time; initially, the third quarter of 2025, but we’re still waiting. It’ll rival the BYD Atto 3 and Kia EV3 when it eventually goes on sale. Overseas this car is available as an EV with up to 510km of CLTC range, or an range-extender electric vehicle (REEV) that pairs an electric motor with a 1.5-litre petrol engine that acts as a generator. Deepal S07 The Deepal S07 was the brand’s first model in Australia and is a Tesla Model Y rival. Available in a single grade, priced from $53,900, the S07 is powered by a single electric motor producing 160kW and 320Nm. Following local feedback, Deepal updated and recalibrated the S07’s advanced driver assist systems (ADAS) and extended service intervals from every 10,000km to 20,000km. Deepal E07 This electric ‘multi-truck’ is an SUV/ute mash-up priced from $64,900, before on-road costs, for the single-motor rear-wheel drive version, and $73,900 before on-roads for the flagship dual-motor all-wheel drive model. Unlike many other SUVs, the E07 has a coupe-like roofline that electrically retracts to reveal a cargo section that’s like a ute tray. This area only has a 300kg payload, however. Denza B5 The Denza B5 is a large, luxurious and off-road capable plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV featuring a unique powertrain combining dual electric motors and a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, the latter only driving the wheels from 80-130km/h. The rest of the time it acts as a generator charging the 31.8kWh LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery. Two grades - B5 and B5 Leopard - are highly specified five-seaters boasting 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds and an overall range in excess of 850km.    Denza B8 The Denza B8 is an upper large six- or seven-seat SUV aimed squarely at established players like the Nissan Patrol and Toyota LandCruiser 300. It’s a premium plug-in hybrid powered by the combination of dual electric motors and a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine for four-wheel drive. Despite a 3.3-tone kerb weight it’s capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in just 4.8 seconds.  Denza D9 The Denza D9 is a luxurious, pure-electric seven-seat people mover boasting a sky-high standard specification across front- and all-wheel drive versions. More than 5.2 metres long and close to 2.0m wide, it’s a substantial machine with a top-shelf standard specification tailor-made for high-end hotel transport, prestige transfer operators and fussy families. Quick, too, with the AWD variant running 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds. Farizon V7E Farizon pitches the pure-electric V7E as a “nimble commercial van designed for urban work.” It has a cargo capacity of just under seven cubic metres, a 1338kg max payload and a range of up to 328km. Load length is 2.86 metres and the load height is just 510mm. There are two models - Standard Range with a 50kWh LFP battery, and Extended Range with a 66kWh battery, both powered by a 110kW/230Nm motor driving the front wheels.  Farizon SV The Farizon SV is a pure-electric rival to the likes of the LDV eDeliver 7 and Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo, and is available in a wide range of different body configurations. Max cargo space is 11.23 cubic metres, maximum gross payload is 1300kg and range is up to 376km.  Farizon F3E The Farizon F3E is a pure-electric light commercial now available in cab chassis, trayback and Cargo Box form with a maximum payload capacity of 1705kg and range of up to 314km. It’s powered by a single 110kW/260Nm electric motor driving the rear wheels, carries a 72.8kWh LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery and features V2L (Vehicle to Load) functionality. Forthing Taikon 5 Forthing's first model in Australia is called the Taikon 5, a mid-size SUV offered in electric (EV) and range-extender hybrid (REEV) guises with pricing that undercuts the likes of the BYD Sealion 6, Geely EX5, Jaecoo J7 PHEV, Leapmotor C10 and Starray EM-i. The standard equipment list is long and the EV has a single 150kW/340Nm front-mounted electric motor driving the front wheels while the range-extender features a rear-mounted 120kW/240Nm for rear-wheel drive. The latter also carries a 75kW 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine which acts purely as a generator. and never drives the wheels.  Foton Tunland V7 The Tunland V7 is powered by a 120kW/450Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine with 48V mild-hybrid assistance and is available in 4x2 and 4x4 both featuring leaf spring rear suspension. Braked trailer towing capacity is a category competitive 3500kg and payload is over one tonne. Tech includes a 14.6-inch multimedia screen and a digital instrument display.  Foton Tunland V9  The Tunland V9 is powered by the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel with 48V mild-hybrid assistance as its V7 sibling although this model picks up a BorgWarner selectable electronic 4WD system and a multi-link suspension set-up at the back. The tub is the same size as the V7 but the price you pay for a smoother ride is payload dropping to 995kg. The L has a rear diff lock while the S has diff locks front and rear as well as other included features like a panoramic sunroof, roof rails and privacy glass. Emzoom The Emzoom is a small (4.4m long) five-seat SUV powered by a 125kW/270Nm 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch auto transmission. While the entry-level Premium grade and top-spec Luxury are the same mechanically, the latter picks up extra features including 18-inch rims (up from 17s), electric door handles, power adjust for the driver’s seat, wireless phone charging, a 360-degree camera view, extra safety tech and more.  Aion UT The Aion UT is a roughly Corolla-sized hatch and one of the most affordable new EVs on the Aussie market, starting from $31,990, before on-road costs, for the entry-level Premium grade. The Aion UT has a front-mounted electric motor producing 150kW/210Nm with a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time of 7.3 seconds. It has a 60kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, which grants it a WLTP-certified 430km of driving range.  Aion V The five-seat Aion V is GAC’s mid-size, all-electric SUV offered in base Premium and flagship Luxury grades, both powered by a 150kW/210Nm electric motor driving the front wheels. The battery is 75.2kWh lithium-phosphate type, which provides a claimed WLTP range of 510km. GAC claims it can accept up to 180kW charging speeds, which will get the battery from 10-80 per cent in 24 minutes.  M8 The GAC M8 is a three-row luxury people mover powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain to rival other relative newcomers like the LDV Mifa 9, XPeng X9 and Zeekr 009, not to mention the hybrid version of the segment-leading Kia Carnival. It features everything from power-adjustable, heated and ventilated seats in the first two rows to top end materials including nappa leather trim on the top-spec Luxury version. Geely EX2 The Geely EX2 is a city-sized pure-electric hatch which has BYD’s Atto 1 squarely in its sights, its biggest advantage being that it seats five rather than the tiny BYD’s four passengers. There are two grades - Complete and Inspire - with power for both coming courtesy of a single electric motor driving the rear wheels, producing 60kW in the entry-level car and 80kW in the higher spec. Maximum torque is 150Nm for both. Range is 252km and 345km, respectively. Geely Starray The Geely Starray EM-i is a mid-size plug-in hybrid SUV offered in two grades - Complete and Inspire - powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder non-turbo petrol engine paired with an electric motor, which combine for 193kW. A hybrid transmission sends power to the front wheels, and a circa-18kWh Lithium-Ferro-Phosphate (LFP) battery delivers a pure-electric driving range of up to 83km. Geely EX5 The Geely EX5 mid-size SUV is a pure-electric rival to the likes of the Leapmotor C10 and Tesla Model Y, offered locally in two trim levels - Complete and Inspire - starting from $41,990, before on-road costs. It’s a single-motor front-wheel drive with snappy 0-100km/h acceleration in the mid seven-second bracket, a WLTP range of up to 475km and includes V2L (Vehicle to Load) capability for charging or powering electronic devices. GWM Haval Jolion The GWM Haval Jolion is the brand’s small SUV rival to the Chery Tiggo 4 and MG ZS. Available with petrol and hybrid powertrain options, the Jolion has been the brand’s top-seller for some time. Pricing starts at $26,990 drive-away, and extends to $38,990 drive-away. Haval Ora 5 SUV The Ora 5 pure-electric SUV takes over from the previous Ora hatch with similar pricing but updated tech, more features and an Australian ride and handling tune. Offered in Ultra and Lux models, propulsion is via a single motor mounted at the front axle sending 150kW and 260Nm to the front wheels. Claimed range is 435km from a 58.3kWh battery with DC fast-charging (at 120kW) taking about 30 minutes from 10 to 80 per cent. GWM Haval H6 The GWM Haval H6 is the brand’s rival to the likes of the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Toyota RAV4 among countless other mid-size SUVs. Available in petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, the H6 boasts a strong standard equipment list across Lux and Ultra grades in all three powertrain forms and a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating. GWM Haval H6 GT The GWM Haval H6 GT is a ‘coupe’ SUV version of the regular H6 offered locally in petrol and PHEV powertrain options. The latter is capable of travelling up to 180km on electric power alone, according to NEDC testing, but can also do the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds. Pricing starts at $46,990 drive-away and extends to $52,990 drive-away. Haval H7 This mid-sized SUV is intended to be slightly more rugged than the related Haval H6, but not quite as butch as the Tank 300 off-roader. Built on the same platform as the Haval H6 and Haval H6 GT, complete with MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, the 1.5-litre turbo hybrid Haval H7 differs with a locking rear differential and a ‘light off-road cruising mode’. Get in quick, because there’s a new version coming soon. Haval Tank 300 Available in petrol, hybrid and turbo-diesel form, the body-on-frame Tank 300 was the brand’s first model from its Tank sub-brand in Australia. The whole range now offers a braked towing capacity of 3000kg thanks to recently introduced tweaks. Pricing starts at $47,990 drive-away, and extends to $59,990 drive-away. Haval Tank 500 The GWM Tank 500 is currently the brand’s flagship offering in Australia and has just been upgraded with the option of a 170kW/620Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine. A body-on-frame seven-seat SUV rival to the Ford Everest and Toyota Prado, among others, its pricing starts at $65,990, drive-away, and extends to $79,990, drive-away. Haval Cannon The GWM Cannon is a ladder frame four-wheel drive dual cab ute powered by a 135kW/480Nm 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine paired with an in-house developed nine-speed auto transmission. A new single-cab chassis version is the entry-point to the range. It’s a Premium trim level with a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel and 4x2. Pricing starts at $35,490 drive-away and extends to $50,990 drive-away. Haval Cannon Alpha Like the Tank 500 SUV the Cannon Alpha ute has just been upgraded with the option of a 170kW/620Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine although a 2.0-litre plug-in hybrid option remains. The PHEV powertrain rivals the BYD Shark 6 and Ford Ranger PHEV. It offers up to 115km of electric range, according to NEDC testing, and has a braked towing capacity of 3500kg. Pricing for the Cannon Alpha line-up starts at $61,490 drive-away, and extends to $67,990 drive-away. The latest brand to hit Australian shores from Chery Group, iCaur (pronounced ‘eye-car’), has just made its public debut, and here’s what you can expect from the unusual new brand. The brand’s first product is the V25 mid-size SUV. It wears boxy 4WD styling, although it isn’t as adventure capable as some rivals. It will also launch early next year in fully electric form and a range-extender hybrid version will arrive at a later date. Performance is as high as 335kW/505Nm, according to Chinese specifications. The hybrid version will launch first in its domestic market and will be equipped with a 1.5-litre engine producing 115kW paired to a 33.68kWh battery good for a 150km electric driving range. Specs for the fully electric V25 which we'll see in early 2027 are yet to be revealed, even overseas. JAC T9 The JAC T9 dual-cab ute was the brand’s first vehicle in Australia. It’s being distributed by LTS Auto and sold at over 60 dealerships nationwide. Power comes from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine and following many revisions it now has a braked towing capacity of 3200kg. This budget dual-cab ute rival to the GWM Cannon and LDV T60 Max is only offered in two trim levels locally. Pricing starts at $38,990, before on-road costs, for the Tradepro dual cab chassis. JAC Hunter The Hunter PHEV is essentially a petrol-electric plug-in hybrid version of the T9 turbo-diesel ute and a direct rival to the BYD Shark 6, Ford Ranger PHEV and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV. Power comes from a 2.0-litre petrol engine and dual electric motors producing system outputs of 385kW and 1000Nm. It’s also capable of travelling more than 100km on electric power alone. Jaecoo J5 Chinese carmaker Chery loves a sub-brand and its Jaecoo nameplate arrived here in the second half of 2025 as a more premium option relative to its already established Omoda sibling. Think of Jaecoo as a mainstream Hyundai, Kia and Toyota alternative and the J5 as a sharply-priced small SUV challenger to the Kona, Seltos and Corolla Cross. There’s a choice of combustion, (series-parallel) hybrid and pure-electric models spanning a roughly $10K (drive-away) price band between $25,990 and $36,990.   Jaecoo J7 The J7 mid-size SUV led the brand’s launch in Australia and it’s available with either petrol or PHEV powertrain options. It’s a rival to the likes of the BYD Sealion 6 and GWM Haval H6, among others. Pricing starts at $34,990 drive-away and extends to $47,990 drive-away. Jaecoo J8 The Jaecoo J8 is a larger SUV than the J7 but doesn’t offer a third row of seating despite being bigger than a Kia Sorento. Pure-combustion and series-parallel hybrid powertrains are available and pricing starts at $49,990 drive-away and extends to $54,990 drive-away. Earlier this year JMC (short for Jiangling Motors Corporation) confirmed it will be relaunching in the Australian market before the end of 2026.  The Chinese carmaker was previously in Australia from 2015 to 2018 with a single vehicle, the Vigus dual-cab ute, and left due to poor sales. The return will be led with an all-new version of the Vigus and JMC Motor Australia CEO Danny Lenartic is spearheading an expansion of the dealer network. The Vigus is powered by a 3.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine sending 118kW to an all-wheel drive system via an eight-speed automatic transmission.  LDV G10 The LDV G10+ van is one of the brand’s older models, but it offers a one tonne payload and 5.2 cubic metres of load space. Power comes from a 118kW/375Nm 2.0L turbo-diesel engine driving the rear wheels through an eight-speed auto transmission.  Pricing starts at $37,884, drive-away, and extends to $41,642 drive-away. LDV eDeliver 5 The eDeliver 5 is a pure-electric van sized for city and suburban work. It boasts a 1.2-tonne payload, a minimum 6.6 cubic metre cargo space and a 335km range. Offered in Short wheelbase, Long wheelbase Low roof and Long wheelbase High roof form it goes head-to-head with the Ford Transit Custom Electric, Kia PV5 Cargo and VW ID. Buzz Cargo.  LDV Deliver 7 / eDeliver 7 The LDV Deliver 7 is a modern equivalent to the ageing G10+ van, offering an all-electric version called the eDeliver 7. Pricing for the Deliver 7/eDeliver 7 range starts at $44,726 drive-away, and extends to $73,674. LDV Deliver 9 / eDeliver 9 The LDV Deliver 9/eDeliver 9 is the brand’s largest commercial van offered locally. Available in turbo-diesel and electric versions, this van can be had in many different body configurations. Pricing starts at $51,568 drive-away, and extends to $118,836 drive-away. LDV T60 Max The LDV T60 Max will continue to be sold in Australian showrooms alongside the newer Terron 9. It received an update last year that saw it receive autonomous emergency braking (AEB) across the range, and the braked towing capacity increased to 3500kg. Power comes from a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine. LDV Terron 9  LDV’s latest ute is a tough turbo-diesel aimed at the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux with a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine delivering 3.5-tonne towing. It’s four-wheel drive with ‘Terrain Mode’, a rear diff lock and towbar standard. Inside is a world of screens with dual 12.3-inch displays with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as 360-degree camera view. LDV D90 LDV’s cut-price rival to the likes of the Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X and Toyota Prado is powered by a 184kW/410Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine.  It’s well-equipped with an impressive safety suite and pricing is sharp, starting at $43,674 drive-away, and extends to $51,568, drive-away. LDV Mifa / Mifa 9 The LDV Mifa/Mifa 9 is currently on a temporary ‘sales hiatus’ in Australia due to modest demand. It’s not formally withdrawn from sale but there are no cars coming for a while so you’ll have to hunt for examples held in dealer stock. Like a number of other LDV models, there is an electric version of this car that sits alongside the combustion version. If you can find one, pricing starts at $46,971 drive-away, and extends to $129,000 drive-away. Leapmotor B05 This is Leapmotor’s VW Golf-sized pure-electric hatch due in local showrooms before the end of 2026. It’s roomy and surprisingly sporty thanks to a rear-mounted 160kW/240Nm motor driving the rear wheels and suspension fine-tuned at Alfa Romeo’s Balocco Proving Ground in Italy (like Leapmotor, Alfa is a member of the Stellantis brand family).   A launch deal is set from $35,990, drive-away. Leapmotor B10 The Leapmotor B10 is a BYD Atto 3-rivalling small pure-electric SUV offered in Style and Design Long Range grades. The former has a claimed (NEDC) range of 442km (from a 56kWh battery) and the latter 516km (from a 67kWh battery). Power is 160kW for both models is 160kW and 30-80 per cent DC charge time is approximately 20min.  Leapmotor C10 The Leapmotor C10 is a mid-size five-seat SUV rival to the likes of the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. It’s offered in electric and range-extender powertrain configurations with prices starting at $43,888, before on-road costs, and extends to $49,888, before on-roads. Yet another Chery Group sub-brand is touching down in Australia. The Lepas L6 mid-size electric SUV will arrive in showrooms before the end of 2026 but the budget electric Lepas L4 small SUV, previously set to launch Down Under in 2026, won’t be available until the first half of 2027. MG3 The MG3 has been the brand’s entry point to its line-up for years now. A small hatchback rival to the Mazda 2 and Toyota Yaris, it offers 1.5-litre pure petrol and a hybrid option, the latter built around the same four-cylinder engine. Pricing starts at $21,990 drive-away, and extends to $30,990 drive-away. MG5 The MG5 is the brand’s budget rival to the likes of the Hyundai i30 Sedan and Kia K4. It’s loaded with included features for the money and powered by a 119kW 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine. Pricing starts at $24,888, drive-away, and extends to $28,990 drive-away. MG4 The MG4 electric hatchback was the brand’s first model built on a dedicated electric architecture. Available in a range of electric powertrain and battery configurations, a performance-oriented XPower variant is the flagship of the line-up. Pricing starts at $31,990 drive-away, and extends to $47,990, drive-away. MG7 The MG7 is a sleek 2.0-litre turbo-petrol powered fastback sedan offered in a single Essence grade. It’s front-wheel drive and the standard equipment list includes leather seats, a 360-degree camera view, 19-inch alloy rims and more.  MG Cyberster The MG Cyberster electric convertible joined the local line-up during late 2024 as a new flagship for the brand. As well as its dramatic design, which includes swing up ‘scissor’ doors, it boasts up to 375kW of power and a range of between 426 and 507km. There are rear- and all-wheel drive versions sitting either side of the $100K mark. MG ZS The second-generation MG ZS is a small SUV rival to the GWM Haval Jolion. There are (81kW) petrol, (125kW) turbo-petrol and (158kW) hybrid options, however an electric version left the line-up some time ago (the MGS5 EV replacing it). Pricing starts at $22,990 drive-away, and extends to $33,888 drive-away. MG S5 EV The MGS5 EV is the brand’s pure-electric successor to the MG ZS EV and is a rival to the BYD Atto 3, among others. Available in multiple trim levels, the S5 EV can be had with a 49kWh or 62kWh battery pack for WLTP ranges of 335km and 450km, respectively. Pricing starts at $41,990, drive-away. MG HS The MG HS is the brand’s mid-size SUV rival to the Hyundai Tucson and Toyota RAV4, among countless others. It’s offered in pure-combustion turbo-petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions with a 1.5-litre engine and front-wheel drive common to all of them. Pricing starts from $33,990 drive-away, and extends to $55,990 drive-away. MG S6 EV This is a pure-electric mid-size SUV offered in single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive form. Both carry a 77kWh battery for a claimed range of 530km in the FWD and 485km in the AWD. Performance is strong with the FWD running 0-100km/h in 7.3 seconds and the AWD lowering that to just 5.1 seconds MG QS This large seven-seat SUV is aimed at the Kia Sorento and Toyota Kluger with two grades - Excite and Essence - powered by a 153kW 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine driving the front wheels in the former and all four in the latter. Pricing starts at $46,990 drive-away, and extends to $50,990 drive-away. MG U9 The MG U9 ute is essentially a rebadged version of the LDV Terron 9, the big difference being the MG’s coil spring rear suspension compared to the LDV’s traditional leaf spring set-up. It features turbo-diesel power, 3.5-tonne towing, and a three lock 4WD system. A pure electric version is due to hit local showrooms any minute. MG IM5 The IM5 is a pure-electric, mid-size, five-seat luxury sedan to rival the likes of the Tesla Model 3. It’s offered in single-motor rear- and dual-motor all-wheel drive versions with a WLTP range of up to 655km. Standard specification and safety are sky-high, with pricing starting at $60,990, drive-away.   MG IM6 The IM6 is a premium, five-seat medium EV SUV rival to the Tesla Model Y. It’s a twin-under-the-skin to the IM5 sedan meaning it’s offered in single-motor rear- and dual-motor all-wheel drive versions with a WLTP range of up to 555km. Like the IM5, it’ll be sold in MG dealers around Australia with an identical price structure to the IM5. BYD could soon have some serious company in Australia because Chinese brand Nio has launched its Firefly, a BYD Atto 1 and Geely EX2 rivalling pint-sized electric car, in Thailand (a fellow right-hand drive market), with a starting price of the equivalent to $35,000 in Australia. The Firefly was approved for sale in Australia by the federal regulator back in August 2025, which is often the final hurdle before a vehicle goes on sale. Those federal government filings were updated late last year when right-hand drive production was confirmed and pre-production cars have been spied on Australian roads. Homologation details show two variants will be offered in Australia with power coming from a single 105kW/200Nm electric motor fed by a circa-42kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery that provides a WLTP driving range of up to 330km. Omoda 9 The Omoda 9 Virtue SHS is a five-seat plug-in hybrid SUV sitting in a size band between medium and large. It combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with three electric motors - two at the front, integrated into the transmission package and one at the rear. Combined output is 395kW, allowing this family-friendly SUV to sprint from 0-100km/h in just 4.9 seconds. A 34kWh battery allows the 9 to drive up to 145km (WLTP) on electric power alone and combined (combustion/electric) range is around 1100km. Standard specification is extensive, including 14-speaker Sony audio, ambient lighting, 20-inch alloys, heated and ventilated front seats with massage function, a panoramic sunroof and heaps more. Skyworth BE11 The Skyworth BE11 (formerly known as the Skywell EVA 5) was due to launch in the third quarter of 2025 but rollout plans have been paused by its importer to focus instead on commercial vehicles (although the brand’s website still encourages potential buyers to ‘register interest’). The BE11 is a mid-size electric SUV to rival the likes of the Leapmotor C10, Tesla Model Y and XPeng G6, with two grades in prospect  - Comfort and Luxury. Battery size is 86kWh and quoted (WLTP) range is 489km.  Smart #1 Smart is a Geely / Mercedes-Benz joint-venture in China and the #1 (pronounced ‘hashtag one’) is a small electric SUV rival to the likes of the Volvo EX30 and Zeekr X, which are also based on the same Geely platform. Available in three variants, the flagship Brabus version is powered by a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain producing a total system output of 315kW. Smart #3 Slotting above the #1 is the slightly larger #3, which is based on the same Geely platform. The #3 is powered by the same electric motor and battery configurations as the #1, and also features a Brabus flagship trim level. Smart #5 The Smart #5 is a mid-size pure-electric SUV and although the brand had not officially revealed performance output figures for Australia at the time of writing, in the UK its standard single electric motor provides up to 267kW and 373Nm to the rear wheels. The AWD Brabus adds an additional motor, increasing performance to 475kW and 710Nm. This dual motor set-up means the car can sprint from 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds.  Smart Australia has confirmed the car is equipped with a 100kWh battery, offering a driving range of 590km, according to WLTP standards. The first model from GWM’s premium sub-brand, Wey, has been approved for sale in Australia ahead of its expected launch in the fourth quarter of 2026. According to government approval documents, the GWM Wey G9 people mover has been approved for local sale in hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) guises.  At this stage GWM hasn’t officially announced the Wey G9 will be launching in Australia, but if it does it will form as a rival to the likes of the BYD M9, GAC M8 and Kia Carnival, among others. The hybrid powertrain pairs a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with dual electric motors. Total system output is 263kW.  The PHEV powertrain pairs a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine with dual electric motors. Despite having a smaller engine, it has a higher total system output of 325kW.  Wuling, a joint-venture between MG’s SAIC parent company and General Motors, is on its way to the Australian market with the Eksion 560 mid-size SUV approved for local sale.  It is produced in petrol, plug-in hybrid and EV form, but at this stage only the latter has been given federal government approval for Australia. It is 4745mm long, making it similarly-sized to the Tesla Model Y and Zeekr 7X, but it’s a size up on the popular Toyota RAV4 hybrid.  Australian sales approval information confirmed the car has a single front-mounted electric motor that produces 150kW and it’s expected to offer the same 310Nm as in Indonesia (a fellow right-hand drive market) where it is already in showrooms. XPeng G6 The G6 was the brand’s first vehicle on sale in Australia. It’s a mid-size, five-seat, coupe-style electric SUV rival to the BYD Sealion 7, Leapmotor C10 and Tesla Model Y among others. There are currently two variants on offer, the Standard Range and Long Range. Claimed range is 435km and 570km, respectively, according to WLTP testing. Pricing starts at $51,800 before on-roads, and extends to $66,800 before on-roads. XPeng L03 The L03 mid-size coupe-SUV is priced and specified to undercut the Geely EX5, Tesla Model Y and Zeekr 7X.  There are three pure-electric and one range-extender (EREV) L03s to choose from, with prices starting at $41,900, before on-road costs, for both the Standard Range EV and Power X EREV.  Standard Range electric versions use a circa-58kWh LFP battery that provides a WLTP rated driving range of up to 445km. Power comes from a single electric motor sending 163kW/280Nm to the rear wheels. The Power X EREV features a 1.5-litre petrol engine used purely as a generator to charge the 37kWh Lithium-ferro-Phosphate (LFP) battery. A 178kW/280Nm single electric motor drives the rear wheels. XPeng G9L The XPeng G9L is confirmed for Australian launch in early 2027. It’s a big five-seat SUV at just over 5.1 metres long. It is available with a pure-electric or range-extender hybrid (REEV) set-up. The latter uses a small petrol engine as a generator to charge the battery, with only the electric motor(s) driving the wheels. Both electric and EREV versions will be available in two- or all-wheel drive. The 2WD EV has a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 270kW, while the AWD adds a front-mounted 160kW motor for a combined 430kW. XPeng X9 The XPeng X9 is the brand’s seven-seat electric people mover rival to the plush Zeekr 009. The Standard Range sends 235kW of power and 450Nm of torque to the front wheels via a single-speed transmission, but the Performance AWD ups the ante with 370kW and 640Nm. These are combined outputs, thanks to a second motor on the rear axle.  The X9’s 800V architecture allows for up to 542kW of DC charging capability. The Standard Range features a 94.8kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate battery pack, providing a WLTP range of 542km, while the Performance AWD switches to a 110kWh Nickel Cobalt Manganese Lithium-ion battery pack, upping WLTP range to 580km. Zeekr X The Zeekr X is a highly-specified small electric SUV which shares its underpinnings with the Volvo EX30, Volvo being a fellow Geely Group brand. A rival to the likes of the Tesla Model Y, and of course the Volvo EX30, among others, the Zeekr X is available in two versions – RWD and AWD. Pricing now starts at $48,900 and extends to $57,900, before on-road costs. Zeekr 7X The Zeekr 7X line-up spans three variants - Standard Range, Long Range RWD and the dual-motor Performance AWD. Its value-for-money focus means even the entry-grade Standard Range includes features like a power tailgate, panoramic sunroof, big screens, 10-speaker audio, tri-zone climate control and much more. Zeekr 7GT The Zeekr 7GT is a sporty station wagon designed to take aim at the likes of the Audi S5  BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. It’s on track to land here in late 2026 or early 2027. Powertrain choices in China include a rear-wheel-drive version offering a whopping 370kW/545Nm and a 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.8 seconds, or an all-wheel drive with 585kW/812Nm and 0-100km/h sprint in just 2.85 seconds (faster than a Porsche Taycan Turbo). The 7GT starts from the equivalent of around A$42,000 and tops out at around $52,000 in China, suggesting a range of around A$55,000-$70,000 here.   Zeekr 009 The Zeekr 009 is available in six- or seven-seat configurations and is powered by a dual-motor all-wheel drive set-up producing a total system output of 450kW. Amazingly, despite its upright stance it boasts a low 0.27 drag coefficient and the interior is as spacious as it is luxurious. Pricing starts from $115,900 before on-roads, and extends to $139,900 before on-roads. Zeekr 9X At a whopping 5239mm long with a wheelbase of more than three metres, the three-row Zeekr 9X will be Australia’s first ultra-luxury car from China when it arrives in late 2026.  Propulsion comes courtesy of a dual- or tri-motor plug-in hybrid system, backed by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and a massive battery pack.  The result is either 660kW/935Nm of combined power for the base two variants, or 1030kW/1410Nm for the top-spec car, as well as between 300 and 380km of fully electric driving range without even needing the engine. The all important 0-100km/h sprint time? As low as 3.1 seconds. Not bad for a three-tonne SUV.

The days of China playing catch-up with the rest of the automotive world are over.  Some of the oldest brands in the car industry are now able to learn from Chinese brands, as they look to become more competitive on price and with the latest generation of electric vehicles. One of the companies at the centre of this new dynamic is Stellantis, the multinational group that combines Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Peugeot, Citroen, Maserati, Jeep, Opel and more under the one umbrella. Since 2023, Stellantis has had a stake in Chinese brand Leapmotor and has begun selling its vehicles in global markets - including Australia. The initial offering, the C10 SUV, was met with less-than-glowing reviews and since then the two sides of the joint-venture have begun to work more closely together. Stellantis is teaching Leapmotor how to build cars more appealing to European and Australian customers, but Leapmotor is also able to teach its own lessons, too. That’s according to Francesco Giacalone, Leapmotor International Head of Product and Marketing, who said the information and learnings flow both ways between Europe and China. “ For what concern Leapmotor, what we are seeing is that there are, in this moment, more and more interactions in terms of vehicle customisation,” Giacalone said. “So there are Stellantis teams of chassis, dynamic performance that are constantly visiting Leapmotor to help to improve the Leapmotor products for the overseas markets. "They are as a Stellantis team acquiring experience about how Leapmotor develop the products and in concrete terms, helping Leapmotor to be more efficient and fit to the customer in overseas markets. "At the same time, they are learning component by component what can be picked from Leapmotor as let's say low-hanging fruits or a bit more complex to integrate in the Stellantis architecture.” The launch of the more European-focused B05 hatchback and the new B03X compact SUV are signs of the European and Chinese sides of the business working together to shape a more globally friendly offering.  The B05 is due to arrive in Australian showrooms before the end of 2026. Pricing has already been announced, with the all-electric hatchback set to start from $35,990 drive-away for the base car, while the long-range variant will start at $39,990 drive-away. That means it won’t be the cheapest EV on sale in its segment, the GWM Ora 5 starts at just $33,990 drive-away, but it does feature a 160kW/240Nm electric motor, rear-wheel drive layout and the tuning was largely done in Europe with the help of Stellantis - combining the best of both sides of the partnership. While Giacalone didn’t reveal exactly what cars Leapmotor has planned for the Australian market, he did hint at offering cars tailored to our tastes, and even indicated a ute is under investigation. So expect more examples of affordable, European-tuned but Chinese-built cars, like the B05 and B03X to become increasingly common in the coming years.

Hyundai let CarsGuide in on why its Australian division gets special attention from its South Korean parent company. “We’re quite a small percentage of global volume but the level of support we get from Korea is always higher,” said Bill Thomas, Hyundai Australia’s GM of Corporate Communications. “Australia is a hugely competitive market and if you’re doing well here, you will, in theory, do well in a number of different markets which are less competitive. “Also, in terms of customer sentiment, there’s a mixture of European and American buying behaviour.” “So there’s interest from in the makeup of the market, both the competitor set and the customer demand for various types of vehicles.” Globally, Hyundai’s Australian arm outperforms compared to other markets where the South Korean giant plays. “If you look at our market share compared to some of the markets across the world, you’d find that we’re certainly up there amongst the better performing markets,” said Hyundai Australia's General Manager of Product Planning Jonathan Lam. Australia is not just important to the company as a vector for high sales either. Our market has seen the introduction of right-hand drive exclusives, like the first-generation Palisade large SUV, or the last-generation Veloster hatchback. There are new factors drawing Korea’s attention to Australia. Our market has become one of the most competitive in the world off the back of Chinese automakers using Australia as a stepping stone to Europe. It presents an opportunity both ways, as Hyundai has a chance to compete with these new brands often before they debut in larger markets. “The competitiveness of this market means that, yes, we are getting a lot of focus from headquarters,” continued Lam. “So that does actually make our job a bit easier, but at the same time it’s not like we can just ask for something and get it. “We have to make a strong case for every product. Head office won’t accept just anything, we have to be very detailed and structured in terms of the business case.” Lam said that the explosive amount of competition in Australia wasn’t boxing Hyundai into particular price points or segments for its range. “It’s not necessarily just the number of competitors here or how cheap they are” he said. “You could have a segment with fifty competitors, but it’s more to do with which are the ones actually selling in volume.” “We feel our pricing is competitive. Obviously there are competitors which will be cheaper, and there will be some which are more expensive, but I think for us it’s never just pricing which is what is driving market share or sales. Actually if it was just about pricing that would make my job a bit easier.” Lam said "intangible benefits" of the Hyundai brand, whether it was buyer familiarity, dealer and service network, or vehicle design and quality, are helping the company keep close to the front of the pack despite the ambition of new brands in the top-10 rankings. Lam said there were even products in Hyundai’s portfolio which didn’t have to sell in the kinds of volumes which rivals, Chinese or otherwise, might be aiming for. He conceded the Palisade XRT Pro, as a monocoque adventure-focused large SUV was a “quite niche” offering intended to make up around 10 per cent of the model’s volume. Even the Hyundai Inster city-sized electric hatch, which is priced significantly higher than something like the BYD Atto 1, was something the brand was keen to keep around as an alternative for buyers. “Niche products have their place in our portfolio. It’s not a car which is going to appeal to all consumers, but it has a very specific buyer subset who still really likes that car.”

Nissan has revealed a new light EV called the Pixo, built on the same platform as the new Renault Twingo. With a single grade confirmed but no pricing so far, the 2027 Nissan Pixo is “engineered specifically for European customers” according to the brand, and will be built at Renault's Novo Mesto manufacturing plant in Slovenia. Set to start European customer deliveries in early 2027, it’s unlikely the Pixo will head down under due to its low power output and relatively limited range. With a 27.5kWh LFP battery providing power to a 60kW front-mounted electric motor, the Pixo is capable of a 259km claimed range and is limited to 50kW on DC fast charging. It should take around half an hour to charge from 15 per cent to 80 per cent, according to Nissan. In terms of specification the Pixo almost mirrors the related Renault Twingo, which also has a 60kW motor and a range only a few kilometres longer. The Pixo also features 23 ‘easter eggs’ in the design and details, seemingly including a smiling face in the tail-lights. Nissan Global Design Lead Exterior Designer Masato Koyama said the Pixo’s diminutive design plays into its intention as a city car. “Pixo proves that great things can come in small packages.  “Its compact dimensions make it a natural fit for Europe’s cities, but we’ve worked hard to maximise the space within them, creating a cabin that feels open, practical and surprisingly roomy.  “I can’t wait to see how our customers embrace this bold and fun new EV – that is perfectly suited to urban environments.”  At just 3796mm long and 1790mm wide, the Pixo is properly small, though its surprisingly spacious boot offers up 356L of space with the rear seats up, and 1221L with the seats folded. Its relatively short wheelbase (2492mm) and minimal overhangs allow the Pixo to achieve a 9.9m turning circle, suitable for its intended purpose as a Euro-centric city car. Clíodhna Lyons, Vice President of Product, Brand and Marketing Strategy for Nissan AMIEO said the Pixo is about “giving customers practical alternatives that help reduce the cost of every journey”. "We believe the future of electric mobility isn't about building bigger vehicles with more technology, it's about building smarter vehicles that fit naturally into people's lives.”

BYD Australia has continued to knock down prices for its most popular models. The Chinese giant has slashed the price of the Dolphin Essential electric hatch from $29,990, before on-road costs, to $28,888 (lucky for some) drive-away. Given those on-road costs (dealer delivery, stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance and number plate fees) will range between $1500 and $2000 on a roughly $30K new car, this price repositioning represents a saving of between $2600 and $3100 in line with individual state or territory charges. The catch is the new price applies to orders placed between September 15 and December 15, with cars needing to be delivered by December 31, 2026 to qualify. This move follows BYD earlier this month making its Atto 1 electric city car cheaper than any other new vehicle currently on sale in Australia, with a shift to $19,990, drive-away pricing (from $23,990, before on road costs). The five-seat, five-door Dolphin hatch is offered in Australia in two variants - Essential and Premium - the base grade powered by a 70kW/150Nm electric motor driving the front wheels and delivering 0-100km/h acceleration in 12.3 seconds.     Its 44.9kWh LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery is good for a WLTP combined (urban/extra-urban) range of 340km with 60kW DC charging capacity onboard. 5.0-inch digital instrument display 12.8-inch (rotating) multimedia touchscreen  Synthetic leather trim Power front seats Six-speaker audio (with digital radio) Satellite navigation Android Auto/Apple CarPlay Voice Assistant LED exterior lights Climate-control air-conditioning (single-zone) Keyless entry and start Full suite of active safety features The top-spec Premium, still at $36,990, before on-road costs, boasts more power (180kW/310Nm), faster acceleration (0-100km/h in 7.0sec), a bigger battery (60.5kWh), greater range (427km WLTP) and faster charging (80kW). It also adds features like a panoramic glass roof, wireless charging, heated front seats, tinted glass and more. This pricing shift puts extra pressure on the Dolphin’s direct small hatch EV competitors, including the GAC Aion (from $31,990) and Leapmotor B05 (from $35,888), both before on-road costs.  And stand-by for what will inevitably be more price discounts as new car challengers intent on capturing market share battle with legacy brands equally determined to defend their ground and grow sales.

In just a couple of years, it will have been a decade since the current Mazda 3 made its debut. In that time, it’s outlived many a rival to remain one of just a couple of traditional hatchbacks on sale alongside the ever-present Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic and, if you count it as a Cerato successor, the Kia K4.  But how does the 2026 Mazda 3 feel in a new car market that looks very different to the late 2010s when it was just a pup?  Refreshingly simple and tactile is the quick answer to that question. But let’s get into why. The specific variant on test here is the Touring hatch, which is the top-spec as far as grades with the smaller 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine go.  It starts from $35,410, before on-road costs, and can be had with the brand’s Vision package for an extra $2000 to add surround-view parking cameras, front cross-traffic alert and driver monitoring as well as traffic support (lane and speed assist) and front parking sensors. It’s worth adding, in my view. The Touring also scores: Leather upholstery  Electric front seats Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay Wireless phone charging  Keyless entry and push-button start Dual-zone climate control Two USB-C ports 10.25-inch multimedia touchscreen Multimedia control wheel 7.0-inch TFT driver display Digital radio Satellite navigation Paddle gear shifters Back to the engine, the 114kW/200Nm 2.0-litre petrol unit falls short on paper compared with the 2.5-litre engine also available (with 139kW/252Nm), but the Touring’s outputs are adequate for a front-wheel drive hatchback. Its 5.9L/100km fuel consumption figure is where some might have doubts over the Mazda 3’s suitability, especially when real-world driving returns a figure in the mid 7.0-litre region, but its lack of a hybrid option means it falls behind its contemporaries regardless of opinion. Still, its six-speed automatic torque-converter transmission is smooth and makes decent use of the modest four-pot. The real treat from behind the wheel is the steering and its ride, though. The Mazda 3 is almost a dynamic benchmark in terms of elevating a capable hatchback into one that’s fun to drive without the assistance of more power. The 3’s steering is direct and weighted just right to be engaging without being tiring, and there’s a level of communication from the front wheels during dynamic driving that you won’t find in a lot of new small cars. While the engine can seem like it’s working hard at times, if you value a car with direct feedback and confidence-inspiring handling, the Mazda 3 will keep you happy. Stepping up to a G25 with the larger engine isn’t a bad move, though. The seating position, control placement and general ergonomics of the cabin make doing anything on the move a breeze, especially the scroll wheel that operates the multimedia screen. It’s on the way out in the next generation if the new Mazda CX-5 is anything to go by, which is a shame. It means not needing to lean and use the Mazda 3’s touchscreen on the move and allows you to navigate both its (ageing but easy) native software or a phone mirroring system. Similarly, the driver display is visually getting on in years, but it’s elegant and shows you what you need to know. It’s also housed in a perfectly shaped binnacle for looking at through the top of the steering wheel. It’s one of the little things that make the interior of the Mazda 3 as impressive as the exterior when it comes to design. The sleek interior manages to blend minimalism and function without sacrificing buttons, a lazy cost-cutting move many manufacturers (including Mazda in its newer models) have started leaning on. Climate controls and a few shortcut buttons around the multimedia control wheel, not to mention the traditional gear shifter, all blend nicely into an interior that rivals (and in some cases bests) the interior design of some highly-regarded European brands. Its gorgeous exterior design does have a downside, though - the boot is relatively small and the rear seat feels tight for adults, plus there’s not a lot of light and the thick C-pillars result in a rather large blind-spot. There are a couple of things to consider if a Mazda 3 is on your list, starting with its safety credentials. Because the current generation was tested in 2019, its maximum five-star rating has expired and it’s unclear how the car would perform against current testing procedures. Mazda has updated the safety kit for the 3 in that time, with some ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) features and seven airbags working to keep occupants safe, the tech is ageing and the 3 is missing a front-centre airbag that can be important in side impacts. The Mazda 3 is covered by the brand’s five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, which is starting to lag behind other mainstream brands, while servicing averages $475 for the first seven years (subject to change), every 12 months or 15,000km. Mazda also offers five years of roadside assist.

BYD has made its electric car cheaper than any other vehicle on sale right now. The Chinese brand has slashed the price of its Atto 1 electric small hatchback to $19,990, drive-away. There is no end date to the offer at this point. BYD Australia’s Chief Operating Officer Stephen Collins said this would give more Australians a chance to access an electric car during an ongoing period of sky high fuel prices and a cost of living crisis. "At a time when Australian families are carefully considering every household expense, we're committed to making vehicle ownership more attainable," said Collins. "The BYD ATTO 1 at $19,990 drive-away demonstrates our commitment to delivering outstanding value without compromising on technology, safety or quality.” The deal only applies to the BYD Atto 1 Essential grade, which was previously priced at $23,990 before on-road costs. This means buyers are saving about $7000 off the full drive-away price. The Atto 1 is an urban-focused electric car, with a small 30kWh Lithium-Ferro-Phosphate (LFP) battery that delivers a modest driving range of up to 220km. It uses a single electric motor to make 65kW and 175Nm to drive the front wheels. It is a small unit, measuring 3990mm long, 1720mm wide, 1590mm high and it has a wheelbase of 2500mm. That puts it in the same ballpark as the Toyota Yaris and Mazda2 hatchbacks. The current cheapest cars are the petrol-powered Kia Picanto starting from $19,190, before on-road costs, and the the MG3 hatchback is also priced from $19,990, drive-away, for a limited time.

MG is temporarily giving $2000 cash back on its MG4 Urban electric hatchback so it now starts under $30,000. Until September 30, the MG4 Urban line-up is priced as follows: MG4 Urban Essence 43: $29,990 MG4 Urban Essence 54: $32,990 All prices are drive-away This promotional drive-away pricing for the MG4 Urban Essence 43 makes it more affordable than the GAC Aion UT Premium and puts it on par with the entry-level BYD Dolphin Essential. However, it’s worth noting the Geely EX2 and BYD Atto 1 are both available for cheaper, but they offer less range. MG Motor Australia has also announced it will have a stall at the Everything Electric show in Sydney from September 18-20. If you place an order for an MG4 Urban you’ll also get a $500 charging card in addition to the cash back offer. Beyond this, if you put down a $1000 deposit at the show for an MG IM5 sedan or IM6 SUV, you’ll get access to a $5000 cashback. This adds the existing $3000 cash back offer with an additional $2000 Everything Electric cash back offer. This will price the MG IM models as follows: MG IM5 Premium: $55,990 MG IM5 Platinum: $62,990 MG IM5 Performance: $72,990 MG IM6 Premium: $55,990 MG IM6 Platinum: $62,990 MG IM6 Performance: 72,990 All prices are drive-away The MG4 Urban is the Chinese carmaker’s newest entry-level electric vehicle (EV) and it sits below the standard MG4. It launched locally earlier in 2026 as a more city- and budget-focused offering to compete against the likes of the BYD Dolphin, GAC Aion UT and Geely EX2, among others. All versions of the MG4 Urban are front-wheel drive, unlike the rear-wheel drive MG4, and there are two different battery packs available, a 43kW and a 54kWh unit. They offer up to 316km and 405km of WLTP-claimed electric range, respectively. Until the end of August a total of 2604 MG4 Urban examples were sold. Over this same time a total of 3838 BYD Atto 1 examples, 3068 BYD Dolphin examples, 1753 Geely EX2 examples and 572 GAC Aion UT examples were sold.

Volkswagen appears to have a  monster hit on its hands, as buyers line-up to get their hands on its latest machine. The new Volkswagen ID.Polo electric hatchback has more than 30,000 pre-orders, according to AutoNews. The frantic rush of buyers trying to jump into a ID.Polo has overwhelmed the brands expectations, with customers now facing a 10 month wait. Volkswagen’s little electric car has just gone on sale in Europe, and it appears its success will mean any future Australian arrival could be pushed back to meet demand on the continent. The German brand’s new entry-level electric car will go head-to-head with the new wave of cut-price EVs from China, such as the MG4, BYD Dolphin and GWM Ora 5. It is priced from the equivalent of about $41,000 in Germany, so expect it to be more if it arrives Down Under. Volkswagen is offering three electric motor choices: 85kW, 99kW or 155kW. The German brand has also confirmed a 166kW GTI version, but it won’t launch until next year in Europe. Lower grade versions will use a 37kWh battery, offering a driving range of 329km (WLTP), while higher specifications get 454km (WLTP) of range from a 52kWh unit.  Volkswagen has previously said the ID.Polo has a max charging rate of 105kW.  The ID.Polo is spawning a range of electric cars including the Volkswagen ID.Cross little electric SUV, Skoda Epiq and Cupra Raval. AutoNews also reported the ID.Cross had received very strong interest ahead of its arrival in European showrooms later this year. Skoda’s version of the ID.Polo, the Epiq, also has more than 35,000 orders. “The Epiq is generating very strong customer interest. We have clearly struck a nerve,” a Skoda spokesperson told Autonews. Cupra’s version, called Raval, also has a long wait list, with reports the Raval and Epiq orders stretch into May of 2027. Volkswagen has been struggling recently as sales in China, and of its first round of global electric cars, failed to fire. It has also experienced huge issues with its CARIAD software department, which has been losing billions of dollars. Volkswagen’s board has recently approved to cut 50,000 jobs, close several factories, cut half of the group’s models and even possibly delete the Seat brand.