Hybrid cars

Many brands are now realising it isn’t feasible to go all-electric for all markets and as a result are pivoting to offer hybrid technology alongside.As reported by Autocar, Renault is the latest and could rework its next generation of electric vehicles (EVs) to also offer range-extender (REEV) powertrain technology, which it is tentatively calling ‘Super Hybrid’.“We’ve got a two-leg approach,” said Renault product boss Bruno Vanel to Autocar.“The direction is towards EVs, so we are focusing on EVs and the efficiency of the vehicles, but it doesn't prevent us from looking at solutions like the one Horse has presented.”At last year’s Munich Motor Show, Horse Powertrain, which is co-owned by Renault Group and Geely, revealed a new 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that can be installed in an EV and act as a generator to charge the battery pack.“Things which extend the electric range of EVs look to us to be a very interesting and probably relevant solution to go towards an electric world - for the south of Europe, for example, or for people who cannot charge every two or three days,” added Vanel.“It could be a very good solution for the C- and D-segment and the next platform we are developing.”Renault is currently working on a new platform, originally designed to be EV-only, which will underpin its forthcoming mid-size vehicles.At this stage the first vehicle on this new platform will be a production version of the 2024 Embléme concept and it’s reportedly due around 2028.It’s worth noting that Renault has not disclosed any plans to adapt its current EV platforms or models to accommodate REEV powertrain technology.A number of carmakers are using the term ‘Super Hybrid’. Though the exact implementations vary from brand to brand, they largely all encompass some form of plug-in hybrid (PHEV).In Australia MG uses Super Hybrid on the PHEV version of its HS SUV, Chery uses it on the PHEV versions of its Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 SUVs, plus Jaecoo uses it on the PHEV versions of its J7 SUV.Although it doesn’t use the exact term Super Hybrid, Leapmotor is currently the only carmaker in Australia to offer REEV powertrain technology. It’s currently offered in the mid-sized C10 SUV.Previously REEV powertrains featured in a version of the BMW i3, as well as the Holden Volt.“Super Hybrids can help people to get into the electric world with less anxiety than they have today,” said Vanel to Autocar.“When you are talking about cars with more than 1000km of range, you know that even if you don't find a charge point, you can still drive."

The European Union is proposing an alternative to its tariffs targeting Chinese-made electric-powered vehicles, in the form of a minimum price model, according to Bloomberg.Under the model, Chinese exporters can submit price offers, which must be “adequate to eliminate the injurious effects of the subsidies and provide equivalent effect to duties”.Details such as the minimum import price, sales channels, cross compensation and future investments in the EU must be included.Alternatively, brands who do not use this new model will continue to be subject to the tariffs.A 2024 investigation found China’s car exporters gained unfair advantage from Chinese government subsidies, which found they were able to sell cars significantly under the price of Europe-built alternatives.To combat this, Chinese brands were hit with tariffs of up to 35 per cent on imports in addition to a 10 per cent foreign cars tariff.These tariffs are designed to counteract the impact of these subsidies to protect jobs and entice buyers toward European cars.They also are intended to encourage Chinese brands to build cars in Europe.Chinese auto makers have already begun building cars in Europe.For example, Xpeng is using local assembly in Austria, while Leapmotor manufactures cars in Poland.This latest change demonstrates a cooperative approach between the EU and Chinese car makers, described as a “soft landing” in China.Despite tough economic conditions for Chinese car makers in Europe, brands are gaining an increasingly strong hold.Chinese car brands outsold Renault and Audi in Europe during August in 2025. The following month they sold more vehicles than South Korean brands in Western Europe for the first time ever.These defiant sales figures are largely due to Chinese brands shifting focus from EVs to the import of hybrid and internal combustion vehicles.The news comes after reports that the EU is planning to remove its total ban on petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035.

This is likely one of the best examples of China speed to date.

The Audi Q5 Sportback has seen a much-needed update but does it make it a top-tier competitor in its segment?

Nissan has confirmed price and specs for its updated and now hybrid-only Qashqai range for 2026.Not only has the 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine been dumped from the range, but the hybrid has been made more affordable with a new entry-level variant, the ST-L e-Power which starts from $45,640 before on-roads.However, the discontinuation of the previous entry-level combustion car has made the entry-point to the Qashqai range now over $10,000 more expensive than before.Nissan’s e-Power system flips the hybrid formula on its head, with only the electric motor driving the wheels, and the 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine acting only as a generator.2026 Nissan Qashqai pricingThe Qashqai range now starts from the ST-L e-Power and tops out with the N-Design e-Power. See the refreshed pricing structure (with pricing before-on-roads) for the now-four-variant range below.2026 Nissan Qashqai powertrain and efficiencyThe hybrid-only Nissan Qashqai range is front-wheel drive only, and features the latest version of the e-Power set-up which is more fuel and emissions efficient than the previous version. In addition, it is also capable of a 10kW boost when in the Sport driving mode.2026 Nissan Qashqai standard featuresWhile the price has increased significantly for the entry-point to the Qashqai range, standard equipment inclusions have also scored a boost.Standard on all versions of the 2026 Qashqai are:18-inch alloy wheels12.3-inch multimedia touchscreenWireless Apple CarPlay and Android AutoOver-the-air connectivityWireless phone charging360-degree parking cameraKeyless entry with push-start ignitionDual-zone climate controlLED headlightsHigher grades score synthetic leather seats and larger alloy wheel designs among other upgrades. 2026 Nissan Qashqai safetyThe full safety suite is present on even the base versions of the new Qashqai, bar lane keep assist and blind spot monitoring which is only available on the Ti grade and above. The surround parking camera feature is now standard across the range.The 2026 Qashqai should carry over its maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating it was awarded in 2021, which is due to expire in December 2027. The ANCAP rating applies to both the hybrid variants and the outgoing combustion variants.2026 Nissan Qashqai warranty and servicingThe Qashqai is covered by the brand’s 10-year/300,000km warranty which is conditional on servicing inside the brand’s dealer network. Otherwise the warranty reverts to the brand’s previous five-year/unlimited warranty.Service pricing is yet to be confirmed for model year 26 versions of the Qashqai, but the outgoing car is covered by a fixed-price servicing regime, which is set at $399 per yearly visit.2026 Nissan Qashqai dimensionsThe new version of the Qashqai will maintain the same dimensions as the outgoing version, see these in the table below2026 versions of the Nissan Qashqai are due to hit dealerships in March.

Renault has announced a new hybrid luxury large SUV called the Filante. Few details have been revealed about the car at this stage, but it will feature state-of-the-art technology and roominess, according to the brand. Renault has released one photo of the Filante, which is mostly shrouded in smoke.The teaser shows a sloped roofline and a rear spoiler, highlighting an overall sporty design.Renault says the Filante nameplate “alludes to shooting stars, outer space and journeys”, which lines up with the French meaning of the word being "shooting," "flying," "falling," or "spinning”. Renault has drawn further inspiration from its Etoile Filante record-breaking speedster, which on one run in 1956, reached an average speed of more than 300km/h over 1km and 5km distances.Etoile Filante means “shooting star” in French. Renault also says the name refers to its 'Filante Record 2025', which was a concept car that set a new record for energy efficiency late last year.The Filante will be manufactured at Renault’s biggest Asian factory in Busan, South Korea where it will be initially marketed highlighting a more sustained push outside of Europe for the brand. "Korea has exceptional strength in the D and E segments. This is why Korea is so important to Renault. Filante is the second new-generation model in the Renault International Game Plan 2027 to be designed in Korea,” Nicolas Paris, CEO of Renault Korea said.“It illustrates our vision of a distinctive and daring crossover, a bold expression of Renault's global move upmarket. It perfectly embodies the brand's French roots." It will be built on a Geely-developed platform and have a hybrid powertrain, similar to the new-generation Koleos SUV also built at the Busan facility. The car forms part of the brand’s more than $5 billion ‘International Game Plan 2027’, being one of eight new models planned by the French-based company for launch outside of Europe. Renault recently confirmed the return of its iconic Scenic nameplate as the first of its 2027 initiative, with an all-electric Scenic E-Tech SUV.With driving range between 430km and 625km (WLTP), and a starting price tag of $55,990 (before on-road costs), deliveries on the Scenic E-Tech in Australia are scheduled to start this month. The range-topping Esprit Alpine ($65,990, before on-road costs) will launch before the Techno EV60 and Techno Long Range EV87 variants.It is unclear at this stage whether we will see the Filante in Australia, but given it will be manufactured in right-hand drive and Renault has already brought across the Scenic E-Tech, there are positive signs. The Filante will be officially unveiled in Seoul next week. 

The GWM Tank 500 Ultra Hi4-T Plug-in Hybrid is big news for Australia: this is a body-on-ladder-frame chassis large 4WD with five seats, high- and low-range gearing, and a front, centre and rear diff lock. It has combined power and torque outputs of 300kW/750Nm, offers about 120km electric-only driving range, and it can be used as a 6.0kW mobile power station (V2L) - all for under $80 grand. 

Amid the seemingly endless influx of new cars coming our way there are some that are simply more important than others.

The Federal Government is soon set to announce the carmakers that have and haven’t met the first phase of its tightening CO2 emissions standards.The New Vehicle Emissions Standard (NVES) came into effect on January 1, 2025, with mandatory compliance and fines coming into effect from July 1, 2025.As of December 31, 2025, the first performance period will end and the findings will be published by the NVES Regulator in February 2026.In this forthcoming report every carmaker will receive its so-called interim emissions value (IEV) which will indicate whether it is either above or below the predetermined CO2 emissions target.It’s worth noting that each vehicle has its CO2 target adjusted in terms of its vehicle type and weight. It’s currently a two-tiered system providing separate CO2 limits for smaller and larger vehicles.For brands that are under the CO2 emissions target they will also receive NVES credits. These can be used to offset higher CO2 polluting vehicles, or sold to other carmakers that aren’t meeting the CO2 targets at a price they determine.Polestar CEO Scott Maynard has previously told CarsGuide the company will be opting for the latter as it only sells electric vehicles (EVs) which don’t emit any CO2. However, it won’t be selling its credits to every car brand.While fines for carmakers that are above the tightening CO2 targets are now in effect, they have until December 31, 2027 to “extinguish units against a 2025 final emissions value (FEV)”.This means carmakers have until the end of 2027 to offset the fines they have incurred with either more hybrids or EVs, or by purchasing credits from other brands.If a carmaker is still above the 2025 FEV by this point it will be issued an infringement notice in February 2028.This will be charged to the carmakers, however a number of brands have previously noted some or all of the cost will be passed onto the consumer.Brands like Ford, Hyundai and Nissan have previously admitted, at least in part, that their price increases are due to the tightening CO2 standards.The companies have also started to axe certain models and engine types with high CO2 emissions. Examples include the 2.0-litre bi-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine in the Ford Ranger and Everest, as well as the 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine in the Hyundai Kona.Nissan also delayed the local introduction of the Ariya electric SUV, but the introduction of the NVES prompted its arrival.The Japanese carmaker is also set to make its Qashqai small SUV hybrid-only in Australia during 2026 when it introduces the new-generation version of its e-Power hybrid powertrain.

A recall has been put out for some of GWM’s leading hybrid models as per a Federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts notice. The GWM Cannon Alpha plug-in hybrid ute, Tank 300 hybrid and Tank 500 hybrid and plug-in hybrid SUVs have been caught up in an electrical issue which could affect performance. There are a total of 1445 vehicle affected by the issue, all from cars sold in 2025.“Due to a manufacturing defect, the shielding ring in the high voltage wiring harness may not be properly grounded,” the notice reads.“This can reduce the effectiveness of electromagnetic shielding, which may cause abnormal communication with the engine and transmission control systems.“As a result, warning lights may illuminate, vehicle torque may be reduced, and cooling performance of the hybrid system may be affected.”According to the notice, reduced vehicle performance and cooling operation could increase the risk of an accident causing serious injury or death to vehicle occupants and other road users. GWM will contact owners of the affected vehicles to request an appointment with an authorised dealership and have the work to rectify the issue carried out for free. The rugged-branded Tank 300 and 500 have been among GWM’s best-selling vehicles in Australia, approaching 6000 sales between them for 2025.Only the Haval H6 and Jolion SUVs have sold more units for the brand this year. The Tank 300 currently comes as a petrol, diesel and hybrid in Australia, but it has been announced that GWM will bring across a plug-in hybrid version next year. The Tank 500 is now exclusively sold as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid, however it's understood a new diesel engine could come in 2026.The Cannon Alpha has also been a competitive seller for the brand, with more than 2000 sales in 2025. Offered with diesel power, it also comes with a plug-in hybrid powertrain which is an alternative to BYD's popular Shark 6.This isn’t the first wiring issue to be found on the Cannon Alpha, with the ute suffering from another similar issue earlier this year.  An electric power steering wiring harness may come into contact with the driveshaft when driving and become damaged. This could lead to a loss of power steering and engine shutdown.