Hybrid cars

Volvo is reportedly working on a next-generation version of its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology and it’s understood it will be applied to a series of vehicles.While it’s virtually guaranteed that this new Volvo PHEV system will make its way into a number of SUVs, new information indicates that it may power a successor to the S60 sedan.Tentatively dubbed the S70, a heavily camouflaged prototype has been spied in China. It’s understood to be based on the Lynk & Co 10.Official details are few and far between for now, but it’s understood it could be revealed before the end of 2026 and may initially be for the Chinese market, like the XC70 SUV.Based on this, digital artist Sugar Design has whipped up some renders of this forthcoming PHEV sedan.The digital renders of the forthcoming, so-called Volvo S70 show it has some design similarities with the XC70 PHEV SUV.There’s a faux front grille, large diamond-cut alloy wheels, flush door handles, as well as an elliptical tail-light design.Another notable design point is the LiDAR mounted on the roof which indicates that the car may have some level of semi-autonomous driving capabilities.No renders of the interior have been made yet, however a spied prototype showed it will have a central roller and button cluster like the new XC70, EX60 and ES90.At this stage we’ve only seen a sedan version of this forthcoming Volvo, however Sugar Design has mocked up what a wagon counterpart would look like.Tentatively dubbed the V70, it looks virtually identical to the S70 renders, but has a longer roofline, as well as a more upright tailgate and tail-lights that look more like the XC70.It’s unclear whether Volvo actually intends to produce a wagon version of the forthcoming S70.If it does, it could be a successor to the V60 which was axed during 2025.No official details about what may power the Volvo S70 and V70 have been confirmed yet, however PHEV power is likely.Given reports have indicated that the Lynk & Co 10 may form the basis of these cars, this potentially points to what may be on offer.The Lynk & Co 10 is powered by a PHEV set-up combining a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors. Total system output is 390kW.The electric motors are fed by either an 18.4kWh or 38.2kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, allowing up to 100km or 192km of CLTC claimed electric range, respectively.It’s understood that the forthcoming Volvo S70 sedan could be revealed before the end of 2026.Like the Volvo XC70, it’s expected the S70 will likely be aimed primarily at the Chinese market where sedans are still popular. However, export markets may be on the cards.While the S70 seems closer to production reality, it’s unclear whether Volvo actually plans to produce a wagon counterpart. No spied prototypes have been caught yet.If Volvo does plan to launch a new electrified sedan and wagon, the pair would form as successors to the S60 and V60.

As with its Hyundai Tucson cousin, the last two generations of Kia Sportage have long been good cars in search of better petrol powertrains.The old 2.0-litre atmo unit lacked spark and the 1.6-litre turbo was too-highly strung for a family runabout.The petrol-electric hybrid vehicle (HEV) that usurps both, on the other hand, strikes the right chord, but wasn’t available in base guise – until now.The entry-level S Hybrid, from $44,490, drive-away, puts the base Sportage right in the Chinese electrified mid-sized SUV heartland.Inevitably, several plug-in hybrid (PHEV) rivals cost less and yet bring more equipment, like the BYD Sealion 5, Chery Tiggo 7, Geely Starray and Jaecoo J7. But cheapness is their main attraction and most suffer from some worrying deficiencies.Oddly, though, the S overlaps with some hybrid-only alternatives from China, like the GWM H6 and MG HS, though again, both require more development.The Kia undercuts Japanese base-grade hybrid equivalents, such as the Nissan X-Trail e-Power, Honda CR-V e:HEV and, of course, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid that begins from over $6000 more.That said, the S isn’t scant on spec, with much of the expected convenience basics, like climate control, a reversing camera, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and alloy wheels.You’ll also find:A space-saver spare wheel – thank you, KiaSeven years of free Kia Connect remote app services accessKeyless entry and startA 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android AutoAdaptive cruise controlFront and rear parking sensorsIn other words, all you need and a bit more besides. There’s no wireless phone charger or heated front seats at this price point, though.Now in its fifth generation since 1993, today’s Sportage has been an especially strong seller worldwide.Maybe that’s why last year’s facelift is subtle. An obvious difference is the removal of the fussy inverted ‘V’ LED lighting up front, connecting the mid-sized SUV to some of its younger SUV siblings.Similarly, the Sportage’s cabin presentation has also weathered well.At first glance, you’d be hard-pressed to pick this as the poverty pack Sportage.Yes, the seats are cloth instead of modish synthetic leather (though vinyl belongs in record sleeves not in SUVs) and the driver’s side lacks lumbar adjustment. But these are the only real concessions to cost cutting.Dominating things is Kia’s classy, curved dual-display dash, which remains visually contemporary and operates smartly, swiftly and smoothly, while a row of fixed virtual buttons below responds on the first touch and are paragons of clarity. China (and Mazda CX-5), please heed, since the Hyundai Motor Group knows how to balance dashboard design and ergonomics effectively.The front seats provide adequate comfort and support, the driving position is faultless, the ventilation works fine, there is an abundance of storage and the quality of execution stands out.As with the spacious front row, back-seat entry and egress is effortless. The Sportage’s roomy rear features cushions are fixed, but remain adequately comfy, aided by backrests that recline a little. Also present are air vents, cupholders, USB-C ports and a folding armrest. Not bad for a base bus.Further back, even with the spare wheel, VDA luggage capacity is a decent 586 litres, expanding to 1872L with the 60/40 split-fold backrests dropped. Electrification need not compromise practicality.The S Hybrid 2WD uses a 132kW/265Nm 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol hybrid engine, paired to a 47.7kW/264Nm electric motor, driving the front wheels via a six-speed torque-converter automatic.Combined outputs are 173kW and 367Nm, while a 1.49kWh lithium-ion battery is located by the multi-link rear axle.The result is remarkably velvety performance, from stepping off the line in EV-first mode, to maintaining a strong and steady pace at speed once the internal-combustion engine seamlessly pipes in.A world away from the wheezy old 2.0L unit, the Sportage is especially adept at delivering immediate, muscular throttle response, especially in Sport mode, for satisfyingly instant overtaking, though it’s also refined enough to be licence-losingly rapid even before the driver notices. Beware.This fluid ease also describes the handling set-up, with engagingly linear steering for quick yet controlled cornering capabilities aided by finely calibrated brakes (not always a given in hybrids).While not as supple as, say, the latest CX-5’s, the S Hybrid's suspension tune remains acceptably firm. And, save for the tiring speed-sign warnings, the ADAS tech is sufficiently calibrated for Australian roads. Again, not a given nowadays.Fixes for the next model should include grippier tyres than what the Nexen Roadian rubber provide in the wet and a tighter turning circle.Still, the S Hybrid shows that the Sportage has evolved and matured remarkably. A far cry from the dynamic calamity of the earliest generations.Pump-to-pump, we averaged 5.8 litres per 100km over a week’s worth of often-spirited inner-urban, freeway and performance-testing driving, against 5.2L/100km on the trip computer and Kia’s claim of 4.9L/100km.In theory, the Hybrid 2WD is capable of 1060km between refills of (91 RON standard) petrol.Finally, tested back in 2022, the Sportage garnered a maximum five-star ANCAP rating, largely for “good” occupant protection.The long role call of ADAS tech includes multi-faceted autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and lane-support systems, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist and safe exit warning.Meanwhile, there’s a seven-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and up to eight years of roadside assistance if serviced at Kia. Intervals are every 12 months or 10,000km.Capped-price servicing is listed at $353, $561, $422, $880, $397, $703 and $716 over the first seven years, totalling $4032. That’s $1185 more than the albeit-$6K-costlier base RAV4 over the same period.

The new Nissan Patrol Y63 has given Aussie 4WD buyers some serious thinking to do. Nissan recently revealed pricing and key specifications for the new-generation Patrol.There are some huge changes for the Patrol in 2026, but Nissan has done its best to trump the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series.So, how does it shape up its sparring partner on the numbers?2026 pricing (before on-road costs)Pricing is pretty close, with both models skirting on the edge of the $100,000 mark to start, despite the Patrol being about $2500 more expensive than its outgoing V8 sibling. The Patrol undercuts the LandCruiser across the range, with Nissan’s 4WD kicking off from $350 less.The biggest gap comes in the sport-focused variants, where the Patrol Pro-4 X is more than $10,000 cheaper compared to the GR Sport grade of the LandCruiser. Hybrid LandCruisers are the most expensive, with a near $11,000 gap on the most expensive Patrol variant.  This round goes to the Patrol, but there might not be much in it for buyers on base price.Nissan made the big decision to ditch its much-loved naturally-aspirated 5.6-litre V8 petrol engine for a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 unit.The good news is the Patrol’s petrol V6 boasts even more power than the V8, producing 317kW, compared to 298kW on the outgoing model. This blows the LandCruiser 300’s twin-turbo diesel V6 engine out of the water on power because it only produces 227kW.It's debatable how much difference this will make in the real world as torque often proves more important for 4WDs when it comes to off-roading and towing capacity.Both the Patrol and LandCruiser 300 pack 700Nm in a dead heat.The LandCruiser 300 Series Hybrid edges the Patrol, making 341kW and 790Nm, although it does come at a price premium as covered above. The Patrol’s engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, while the LandCruiser 300 uses a 10-speed unit. Nissan claims its new Patrol can tow 3700kg, which is 200kg more than the industry standard and what is offered for its Toyota rival. Nissan has not revealed the fuel efficiency of the Patrol, so it cannot be compared with the LandCruiser 300's 8.9L/100km. The Patrol’s fuel tank is 13L smaller than the LandCruiser 300, and is a noticeable step down on the Y62 model, impacting how far it can travel between fill-ups.Fuel efficiency will be an important point to compare, especially with fuel prices continuing to surge.The Y62 returned claimed fuel consumption of more than 14L/100km, so the Y63 will need to offer a substantial improvement to remain competitive.The Patrol trumps in power numbers and has superior lugging capacity, so it is the winner on the figures for now.The Patrol features much of the equipment and interior luxuries available on the LandCruiser 300 as standard.All variants are equipped with a joint 12.3-inch central touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital driver display.By contrast, buyers need to upgrade to higher grades of the LandCruiser to receive a 12.3-inch digital driver display. The Patrol also rides on 18-inch wheels as standard, compared to the LandCruiser 300's 17-inch examples.The Patrol edges the LandCruiser 300 when it comes to standard equipment, but there’s not much in it again.Nissan’s 10-year/300,000 conditional warranty is hard to go past, but services must be completed at an authorised Nissan dealership to be eligible. Toyota offers a similar deal, adding an extra two years of warranty for the car’s engine and driveline when serviced at dealerships. Nissan offers capped price servicing at $499 per visit for the first five appointments, working out roughly $2000 less than the LandCruiser over its first five years. Without authorised dealer servicing, the Patrol’s warranty reverts to a five-year/unlimited kilometre promise, which matches the LandCruiser’s standard one.Nissan’s stacks up a better deal than Toyota’s seven-year engine and driveline alternative, and it’s also cheaper.If buyers don’t opt for capped price servicing, the pair can’t be separated.  Nissan has put forward a compelling proposition for its Y63 Patrol. It’s cheaper, more powerful and better equipped as standard than the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series. The Patrol’s real test will be whether it can match the LandCruiser’s reliability record, but a 10-year/300,000km conditional warranty shows Nissan is backing its 4WD to do the business. Only time will tell whether the Patrol can provide a serious threat to Toyota’s iconic name. It’s undeniable it's already doing so on paper. 

Plug-in hybrids aren’t the future - they’re the present.That’s the view of one car company leader, which is backed up by new car sales data from the first half of the year. Audi Australia Director Jeff Mannering believes the time is right for plug-in hybrids (PHEV) to take over from traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. It has started already, with Mannering pointing to the latest A5 Avant, with the PHEV accounting for 85 per cent of all sales of the wagon.“ So the consumers answered your question,” Mannering told CarsGuide. “They're actually moving to that car because it’s a better customer outcome.” Industry-wide, PHEV sales are up 118 per cent in the first half of 2026 with more than 64,000 sold.Unsurprisingly, and despite Audi’s positivity, it is the Chinese brands leading the way.BYD, Chery, GWM and Geely lead the way in terms of PHEV volume sold. BYD has the three best-selling PHEV models - the Shark 6 ute followed by the Sealion 8 and Sealion 6 SUVs. Mannering is also seeing a change at the top end of the market. Audi Australia has also achieved price parity between its latest Q5 ICE and PHEV models, showing the closing gap between the two technologies.Mannering admitted the petrol-engined Q5 is likely to be dropped in the near-future, as it no longer makes as much sense to customers when you can by a more powerful but more efficient PHEV for the same money.One of the primary reasons for this is the impact of the Federal Government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standards (NVES), which has pushed car makers to offer more affordable low emissions vehicles, like PHEVs and electric vehicles (EVs).“ Yeah and that's why we fought for the price parity, and it was with NVES because we, as a brand, want to be NVES compliant because we don't want to be in a position of paying fines; it's not a great look,” Mannering said.“And we've got our directive to be compliant, and currently, because the levels go down it will automatically change. Now, what happens in the next five years with the government, who lobbies the government on if there's any changes to, what the level is, will determine the mix of all the segments or the mix of the powertrains.”Audi will also continue to push its EV offerings, with the refreshed Q4 SUV to launch in Australia in September.

Mazda’s next-generation CX-3 is confirmed for production as soon as 2027, and is an important part of the brand’s turn-around strategy.The CX-3 is part of a wide-ranging renewal strategy for Mazda which kicked off with the latest CX-5 and China-built 6e and CX-6e.It most recently appearing in a shadowy preview in a slide deck accompanying the brand’s latest (and somewhat dire) financial figures.Now, this shadowy preview has been brought to life thanks to YouTube channel AutoYa, which frequently posts renders of upcoming new models based on available imagery.It combines the shape of the shadowy preview with the design cues of the existing Vision X Compact concept shown in 2025 to preview the new small car family, as well as including elements of the CX-6e and new CX-5.The channel has also taken the liberty to imagine the interior as a shrunken down version of the new CX-5’s interior, albeit with a smaller set of screens.What we can tell you about the CX-3 is that it will be built in Thailand (like the current model), which is an advantage for the Australian market as it will be cheaper to build and ship here and will naturally be in built in right-hand drive.It will be the first new-generation CX-3 in 12 years after a long run of facelifts and model year updates for the still-popular crossover.It will also be an important model for Mazda as it fights off newer competition, including an upcoming next-generation Hyundai Kona, and aggressive new manufacturers from China like Jaecoo with its J5 and BYD with its Atto 2.As per the brand’s current new model strategy, it is expected the new small SUV will be available in both combustion and plugless hybrid forms. It is expected to use Mazda’s new in-house SkyActiv-Z technology, as opposed to using a Toyota-sourced system like the US-market CX-50.This system will debut on the CX-5, although the company has said it is not due in Australia until 2028.By then, the lack of electrification across Mazda’s range will be causing the brand significant issues with Australia’s new vehicle efficiency laws (NVES), which impose fines on automakers whose fleet CO2 emissions are above a certain threshold.Mazda is one of the most exposed manufacturers under the new rules. It is a big part of the reason the company has been so quick to the market with its Chinese joint-venture 6e and CX-6e, and plans to offer them with very competitive pricing.Meanwhile the company told CarsGuide in 2025 that its ‘small architecture cars’ like the Mazda 2 and CX-3 would be its next priority after its CX-5 plans come to fruition.The current Mazda 2 and CX-3 are slated to continue in Australia, at least until the new CX-3 debuts in 2027. The future of the related Mazda 2 remains uncertain, although the Vision X concept shown in 2025 at Tokyo was notably a hatchback, not an SUV.In other recent news from Mazda on the small car front, reports out of Japan claim the next-generation CX-30 is set to debut in 2030, 11 years after the current and original version launched.Little is known about the upcoming CX-30 replacement, other than it is also slated to adopt SkyActiv-Z hybrid tech, and that CEO Katsuhiro Moro said the car will adopt cost-saving measures first introduced in the CX-5 for the new model to keep it price competitive.

For more than 70 years the Chevrolet Corvette has been a sports car icon and the current eighth-generation version comes to Australia in factory right-hand drive form. The petrol-electric hybrid Corvette E-Ray is arguably the most interesting version and we spent a week behind the wheel to see how 'America's sports car' fares in local conditions.

Hyundai has officially confirmed the first models that will receive its new range-extender (REEV) hybrid powertrain technology.The Hyundai Santa Fe and Genesis GV70 will be the first models. They both will launch in global markets from the first half of 2027.Hyundai has confirmed that REEVs are coming to Australia, but it won’t confirm an exact timeline or which models yet.REEV hybrids have a petrol engine but they don’t directly power the wheels. They instead act as a generator to charge up the high-voltage battery pack. This means all the driving power is done by electric motors, like an electric vehicle (EV).Hyundai has confirmed its Santa Fe REEV is launching in global markets in the first half of 2027. It’s unclear if or when it will come to Australia.The South Korean carmaker will manufacture this new REEV version of the Santa Fe in the US at its Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama plant. It already produces standard petrol and series-parallel hybrid versions of the Santa Fe for the USA.Few details regarding the Santa Fe REEV’s powertrain have been confirmed yet. It will have a dual-electric motor set-up, likely meaning one on each axle and all-wheel drive. It’s unclear which petrol engine it’ll have.There’s also a new ‘high-performance’ battery, which has been designed in-house, allowing for a total range of over 965km.Hyundai has been readying a facelift for the Santa Fe for a while now following the middling feedback to the exterior design and this new REEV powertrain may launch in conjunction with it.Following Genesis launching the GV80 Hybrid, which has a parallel hybrid set-up, the GV70 REEV will be the brand’s first range-extender hybrid when it launches in early 2027.Few details about the GV70 REEV’s powertrain are confirmed yet, however it will feature an in-house designed ‘high-performance’ battery pack, like the Santa Fe REEV.Genesis claims the GV70 REEV will offer a total range of over 1030km.This new powertrain option for the GV70 will add to the standard petrol and all-electric configurations.The confirmation of these new REEV models were announced as part of Hyundai’s latest Investor Day.The South Korean carmaker plans to launch over 100 new vehicles across its Hyundai and Genesis brands by 2030. The Santa Fe REEV and GV70 REEV are just two of these models.Other highlights include the new-generation Tucson, a series of body-on-frame vehicles, new EVs and a number of vehicles especially for the Chinese market, like the Ioniq V.Among the other things confirmed at the event, another key point is Hyundai plans to launch a new ‘high-volume performance’ segment by 2030 to sit between N and N Line.It will apparently feature carryover powertrain and parts from Hyundai N, with a focus on value features for daily high-performance driving.

This family favourite three-row SUV has been given some serious off-roading credentials in Australia. The Hyundai Palisade will be available in a new XRT Pro grade from next month.It starts from $79,900 (before on-road costs), making it $3400 more expensive than the base variant, but $10,000-plus cheaper than the range-topping example.This off-road ready variant could provide the Palisade an edge for buyers over the popular Toyota Kluger three-row SUV.The Palisade XRT Pro still features a car-based chassis, but its upgrades bring it closer to the rugged ladder frame Ford Everest 4WD ($58,990). The new variant is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, producing 207kW and 422Nm, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.This differs from other Palisade variants that are also equipped with a 2.5-litre engine but have a conventional plugless hybrid set-up and six-speed auto, making a combined 245kW and 460Nm.The Palisade XRT Pro comes with a factory-fitted towbar. When fitted with the towing accessory kit, it boasts a braked towing capacity of 2200kg, up from 2000kg as standard.It has XRT-specific 18-inch alloy wheels and a distinct metallic grille, along with blacked out and 'XRT Pro' detailing.Hyundai said the debuting XRT Pro grade adds genuine off-road capability, with focused hardware and other physical components geared for rugged activities.It features an electric limited-slip differential (e-LSD), dedicated off-road displays and a ground-view monitor.It also has improved approach and departure angles compared to the standard Palisade, with ground clearance up to 212mm from 187mm. The car has been given a specialist 4WD-tuned suspension in addition to the Aussie-specific set-up on other variants.It has separate mud, sand and snow terrain modes designed to help tackle different challenges.The new variant is slated to arrive in dealerships from September. 

BYD's answer to the Kia Carnival is coming to Australia.The BYD M9 plug-in hybrid is due to arrive in the fourth quarter of this year as a new electrified people mover option for buyers.The M9 will directly tackle the conventional hybrid- and diesel-powered Kia Carnival ($54,560, before on-road costs), sporting very similar dimensions.The M9 is BYD’s second people mover put on sale in Australia, following the arrival of the Denza D9 from the brand’s luxury division earlier this year.The M9 name comes from BYD’s Chinese ride-sharing and taxi services sub-brand Linghui.It also shares its underpinnings with the luxury-focused Xia DM-i people mover. It will be available in ‘Dynamic’ and ‘Premium’ grades, initially as a seven-seater that includes second-row captains chairs, before an eight-seater variant arrives afterwards. The front wheels are driven by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine and electric motor, but BYD has not revealed output figures yet. In China the engine produces 115kW, while an electric motor adds a further 200kW. It will be equipped with either a 20.4kWh or 36.6kWh battery, offering 145km of electric-only driving range and a total range figure of 850km, according to WLTP standards. BYD confirmed the car will have DC charging capacity and vehicle-to-load capacity so devices can be powered directly from the car. Inside the car is available with heated and ventilated front and second row seats, as well as ‘near’ zero gravity adjustability. BYD has not confirmed a specific launch date, other than it will be in the fourth quarter of this year. The brand will also reveal pricing in Q4 and it is expected to be competitive with the established pack. It will certainly be cheaper than the Denza D9 starting from $95,990, while hybrid variants of the Kia Carnival kick off from $68,540. 

Chery has confirmed it's adding another sub-brand to its growing arsenal in Australia.New adventure-focused iCaur brand will join Chery, Jaecoo, Omoda and Lepas in the carmaking giant’s local line-up. Chery will also likely launch Freelander and maybe Exceed in the next few years. Its Jetour off-roader brand will arrive later this year via a separate factory-backed entity.iCaur Australia boss Kate Gillis said Australians have a strong desire for vehicles that are practical, capable and good looking.“The V25 has been developed to meet those expectations while bringing a distinctive personality that will appeal to customers looking for something different,” said Gillis.The V25 features tough-looks with light off-roading ability.The company confirmed it will launch early in 2027, with the V25 the first model to join the line-up. It will go head-to-head with the Denza B5 and Subaru Forester in Australia and Toyota LandCruiser FJ in other markets.iCaur Australia hasn’t revealed any details for the V25, but specs have emerged in China.A filing to the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) last month showed the V25 is an extended range hybrid (EREV).An EREV uses the petrol engine just to charge the sizable battery, with only electric motors driving the wheels. This gives it the driving benefits of an EV but without the range anxiety.It uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that makes 115kW, and a 33.68kWh battery delivers an electric driving range of up to 150km albeit under the more lenient CLTC test cycle.According to the MIIT’s details, the V25 is 4636mm long, 1920mm wide, 1855mm tall, has a 1820mm wheelbase and has a track width of 1635mm at the front, 1642mm at the rear.Overhangs of 736mm at the front and 1080mm at the rear are also quoted, though an approach angle of 28 degrees and a departure angle of 24 degrees have also been reported.In China iCaur has the V23 and V27. The V23 is an electric SUV that uses a single electric motor to make 155kW and 292Nm. It is paired with a circa 82kWh battery that delivers a driving range of up to 430km. It can only charge at a max 104kW via a DC charger.The V27 is a bigger, chunkier tough-looking SUV, which uses an extended range hybrid set-up.A 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine charges the 34.3kWh battery, with power coming from a pair of electric motors driving each axle, which combine for 335kW and 505Nm.