Motor shows

Geely has revealed several concepts at the Beijing motor show, as well as crucial details on its upcoming Toyota Prado-rivalling hybrid off-road SUV.The brand’s major reveals were for two prototypes previewing the company’s future direction for passenger cars and tech.The Galaxy Light concept, a large luxury sedan, was shown with key design elements (dubbed “ripple aesthetics”) which Geely says will roll out across its range in the future.While the sedan format may be waning in popularity across the globe, elements of this flagship concept, including its imposing “waterfall” grille, high beltline, “blade” style headlight fittings, and completely new interior design direction will inform future Geely production cars.Importantly, the interior also features an array of physical buttons to go with its somewhat toned-down screens, in what Geely says is a move to be more “human-centric.”Geely says a significant part of the Galaxy Light concept was inspired by the Hangzhou West Lake, an iconic destination in its home province of Zhejiang, leaning into an unapologetically “Eastern aesthetic".The brand also said that the key elements of its new design language are specifically to “make no distinction between ICE, hybrid, or EVs,” suggesting that Geely products will unify in design in the future regardless of powertrain.Geely has also teased an upcoming boxy off-roader in much the same vein as the Denza B5. Teased in concept form at last year’s Shanghai Motor Show, the upcoming Geely Battleship 700 as it’s known in China wasn’t shown in production form at Beijing.Instead, the brand showed off its new off-road platform which will underpin this, as well as other off-road vehicles into the future.The new platform has several key elements. Firstly it places a large battery pack between the front and rear axles and frame rails, leaving no room for a mechanical propshaft connection. This means the platform will work more like the Denza B5 or BYD Shark 6 than GWM’s Tank 500 or Cannon Alpha.Geely says this design also helps strike a balance between off-road capability and urban comfort, thanks to this layout maximising cabin and cargo space, as well as having crash safety benefits.In addition, the platform is equipped with a combustion engine mated to a hybrid transmission driving the front axle, with dual electric motors driving the rear axle. Geely says this system can support up to 1000 horsepower (745kW) and features “AI-driven” torque distribution. Off-road pundits disappointed with the Shark 6’s off-road systems will be pleased to know the concept was also equipped with a rear differential lock.Finally, the brand also revealed its EVA Cab, a purpose-built fully autonomous ride-hailing vehicle. Taking the form-factor of a people mover, Geely says this concept is an “industry first purpose-built robotaxi prototype.”To support a theoretical fleet of EVA Cabs, Geely said it would continue to invest in a technological ecosystem, which includes a Geely-owned and operated satellite constellation, a “world-first full-stack AI model for the automotive industry” and a new onboard AI assistant, which will also debut on Zeekr’s range of passenger cars in the near future.Other curious from Geely’s stand included its new i-HEV plugless hybrid system, which will debut on the updated Preface sedan and Monjaro mid-size SUV.This system, claimed to be one of the most efficient engines in the world with a 48.4 per cent thermal efficiency, can be paired with either a 1.5- or 2.0-litre engine with or without turbocharging. The hybrid transmission these engines are paired with use new-generation electric motors which can provide up to 230kW of power and up to 80 per cent electric drive.The brand says it has certified fuel consumption as low as 2.22L/100km in test conditions, but will use less than 4L/100km in the Preface sedan, and less than 5L/100km in the Monjaro SUV.Expect to learn more about Geely’s roll-out plans in Australia for these technologies, with the brand gearing up for an expansive model roll-out for the rest of 2026 and throughout 2027.

MG has already updated the new MG4 Urban in China only a month after it launched in the Australian market.A highlight of this updated 2026 MG4 Urban, which is just called the MG4 in China, is the availability of a new 53.9kWh semi-solid-state battery to complement the existing 42.8kWh and 53.9kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery options.It’s the first time MG has fitted a battery of this type to a production vehicle available for purchase.MG claims its semi-solid-state batteries are safer and can charge at faster rates than LFP batteries.However, this new MG4 Urban with the 53.9kWh semi-solid-state battery offers an identical 30 to 80 per cent DC fast-charge time of 21 minutes as the 53.9kWh LFP unit.It also has an identical claimed range of 530km, according to lenient CLTC testing, as the equivalent LFP-equipped variant.It’s unclear if MG plans to ramp up the semi-solid-state battery’s charging and range potential in due course or if this is an error in the official spec sheet.All variants are powered by a single, front-mounted electric motor that produces 120kW and 250Nm. The current model is available with either 110kW/250Nm or 118kW/250Nm, depending on the battery pack size.The other main changes with this updated MG4 Urban are either stylistic or technological.On the outside there are new alloy wheel options, an illuminated MG front badge, plus the availability of a black two-tone black roof.Inside, there’s a two-spoke steering replacing the current three-spoke unit, a larger 15.6-inch touchscreen multimedia system available on certain trims, as well as a more powerful 50W wireless charger and fewer buttons on the central stack.The current Australian-specification MG4 Urban has physical buttons and knobs to change the climate control and media volume, whereas it appears in the updated Chinese-specification version this is now done exclusively through the touchscreen.At this stage it’s unclear whether MG will eventually bring this updated version of the MG4 Urban to Australia, especially given it only just launched the outgoing version.This front-wheel-drive version of the MG4 is being sold alongside the previous, rear-wheel-drive version, which recently received a major update.Beyond this, the Chinese carmaker also used this year’s Beijing motor show to tease an SUV version of the MG4 Urban, dubbed the MG4X.MG claims it will officially reveal the MG4X in May.

BYD has officially revealed the next-generation version of the Atto 3 electric SUV – which it calls the Yuan Plus in the domestic market – at this year’s Beijing motor show.This new Atto 3 is considerably larger than the model it replaces. It measures in at 4665mm long, 1895mm wide and 1675mm tall with a 2770mm wheelbase.This is roughly 200mm longer than the current model and brings it more in line with the mid-size Geely EX5.Another major highlight is BYD’s new, second-generation lithium iron phosphate (LFP) Blade battery comes as standard, allowing flash charging from 10 to 70 per cent in five minutes.There’s either a 57.54kWh or 68.55kWh LFP battery pack, which is up from the current 50kWh and 60kWh units. The latter allows this new Atto 3 to travel up to 630km of range, according to lenient CLTC testing.Power comes from a single, rear-mounted electric motor producing either 200kW or 240kW, depending on the trim level.In terms of exterior design, the Atto 3 receives thinner LED headlights that are connected by a silver section, as well as a rear LED light bar. Other notable highlights include flush door handles, plus the availability of a LiDAR sensor that allows for semi-autonomous driving functionality.Inside, there’s a more minimal look including a new two-spoke steering wheel, larger non-rotating touchscreen multimedia system, as well as a new digital instrument cluster.At this stage it’s unclear if or when this new-generation Atto 3 will be coming to Australia.What is likely to arrive sooner is the updated, Evo version of the current Atto 3 which is already on sale in China and Europe. It’s already approved for sale in Australia.It takes the current, front-wheel-drive Atto 3 and gives it rear-wheel drive. There’s also an all-wheel-drive flagship with 330kW available.The electric motor(s) are fed by a larger 74.8kWh LFP battery and allow for up to 510km of WLTP claimed range, depending on the trim.The Atto 3 Evo operates on an 800V electrical architecture, allowing for DC charging at rates up to 220kW. This is a large improvement over the current car’s 88kW maximum DC fast-charging rate.

What's the most expensive car in the world? Well, we often think of the latest hypercars as the pinnacle of automobiles, and the manufacturers have turned to releasing eye-wateringly expensive limited-editions like the Koenigsegg Trevita ($6.7 million). However, modern cars don't hold a candle to classics when it comes to the most expensive car ever sold.

Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) has confirmed plans to launch a range of electric and hybrid vehicles in Australia by 2025. The announcement follows last year’s promise that Chinese state-owned GAC’s Aion electric car brand would reach our shores, with AGA Auto Australia now named as official importer of all GAC products.GAC and Aion’s Australian model portfolio is a long way from being finalised, however, an as-yet unseen Corolla-sized electric car has been all-but confirmed as has the new Model Y-sized Aion V. A GS8 hybrid large SUV and M8 people mover are also likely. The second generation Aion V was revealed at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show measuring 4.6 metres long. Powertrain and interior details are yet to be confirmed but the bluff medium SUV should pack around 450-600km driving range, 400-volt electrics with either LFP or NMC batteries which will eventually be made in-house. The unnamed, unseen, Corolla-sized electric hatch will be key for Aion to battle the MG4 and the BYD Dolphin in Australia. Like the Aion V, details are unconfirmed. Moving away from EVs, GAC makes Toyotas in China including the Camry, Kluger, Corolla and previous-gen C-HR under a long-standing joint venture. GAC also constructs its own line of vehicles sold under the Trumpchi brand, some of which use Toyota hybrid technology.The mooted-for-Australia GS8 is a Hyundai Palisade-sized seven-seat SUV sold in China with a fourth-gen Toyota hybrid system with e-CVT hooked up to the brand’s own 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder. It develops 174kW/391Nm, or 10kW shy of a similarly-sized Toyota Kluger hybrid AWD. The GS8’s fuel consumption is rated at 5.8L/100km under the more generous NEDC protocol. The Toyota hybrid system may not make it to Australian GS8s, though, owing to potential conflicts with the Big T selling hybrid tech locally in direct rivals. Aion Australia Chief Operating Officer Charles Lau admitted that the importer was yet to address this issue. Lucky then that GAC has its own ‘Mega Wave’ hybrid system. The brand doesn’t say so, but it has surely been influenced by Toyota’s approach. It also offers a plug-in hybrid ES9 version of the seven-seat larger SUV. The Toyota Alphard-like M8 people mover is also under study as one of the first models for the Australian market. GAC’s More exotic Hyper range could arrive further in the future but there are no immediate plans. The three models sold at home use 800-volt architecture and promise some wild charging statistics – at China’s 480kW DC pylons the GT performance sedan promises to rejuvenate 450km driving range (WLTC) in as little as 10 minutes. The Hyper SSR super car, meanwhile, boasts a 0-100km/h sprint of just 1.9 seconds and 880kW. Aion’s halo model costs the equivalent of A$260,000 in China, so the Corvette E-Ray rival is a serious piece of kit. When it comes to branding, much like GWM’s Haval and Ora brands, GAC will keep its lines separate. The Aion electric cars will wear distinct badging to the Trumpchi/GAC hybrid products though will likely coexist in sales spaces. Mr Lau also told CarsGuide that, although there’s been no mention yet, a ute is something that AGA Auto would jump at for Australia. Discussing sales models, Mr Lau said traditional dealer franchise, direct-to-consumer – like Tesla and Genesis – and agency models, as Mercedes-Benz and Honda offer, are all under consideration.“The one that stands out, realistically, to us is the agency/dealer hybrid model”, said Mr Lau. “We want to build a brand that is here to be sustainable more than – in crude terms – flog off as many cars as we can and no more.”The ability to carry spare parts and control the consumer process better was one of the benefits. Not unlike BYD’s model with MyCar service centres and Ineos’ Bosch relationship, CarsGuide understands that GAC will look to partner with other service providers to improve coverage. Australia will form the next step in GAC’s global expansion after the brand has begun reaching into select Middle Eastern, European, South American and African markets. Unlike Chery, BYD or MG which are imported by factory-owned operations, GAC and Aion will be imported by independent AGA Auto. The company has no track record of vehicle importing in Australia, starting life in 2002 as an inbound tour travel agency greeting guests from China. Later in the 2010s, the company entered the automotive market in China running several dealers that shift combustion, hybrid and electric vehicles. Mr Lau said this gave the company unique insight having “been at the forefront of current price wars in China.”The importer has been quiet on exact arrival timing but noted that Australian Design Rules (ADRs) can be tricky to navigate for new players. Mr Lau Indicatied that getting the product right for the market would come before announcing a final launch date. Australian suspension tuning – something that’s been so popular for Hyundai and Kia – is on the cards too. There was no mention of ADAS localisation, but other brands’ roll outs have proven this is important, if not more so, than chassis tuning for our market. Further details of GAC and Aion’s Australian launch and product portfolio will be revealed closer to the brand’s launch in 2025.

The 2023 Japan Mobility Show was full of surprises, so here's your way to cut to the chase with the most interesting and promising vehicles shown.

The motor show is dying. Even before the global pandemic shut down these events for several years, the spark had gone out as car makers invested less and less in these once extravagant expos.

Toyota has unveiled two new electric vehicles at this week’s Auto Shanghai, the bZ Sport Crossover and bZ FlexSpace, with the aim of bringing them to full production and sale in the Chinese market in 2024.

Codenamed B07, and likely to be called Haval Dragon MAX in China, GWM’s new-generation medium SUV has made its global debut at this year’s Auto Shanghai motor show (April 18–27).

GWM's Tank 500 looks to be China's answer to the LandCruiser 300 Series, although it has just one petrol V6 drivetrain for now.