Plug-in hybrid

Our best look at the next-gen Sorento's design yet.

GWM has admitted there is still plenty of work left to do to boost the popularity of its entry-level Cannon 4x2 and 4x4 range in Australia. Whilst recording a decent 19 per cent volume rise year-to-date, to just under 7000 units, on the back of a significant diesel engine and transmission upgrade earlier this year as part of 2025 facelift, the keenly-priced Chinese mid-sized ute is only in seventh spot.

Mercedes-AMG’s controversial four-cylinder plug-in hybrid (PHEV) C63 and GLC63 could soon reportedly be getting the axe due to new European regulations.As reported by German publication Elektroauto-News, the German carmaker has made the decision to stop production of the current version of these high-performance AMG models, among other four-cylinder powered AMG models, by May 2026.According to a leaked internal memo from the Mercedes-Benz Germany product management department from October 2025, the reason for the discontinuation is due to impending European Union external noise regulations.This report comes after lacklustre reception of the four-cylinder PHEV powertrain in the current AMG C63 and GLC63.Unlike previous-generation models which had big-bore twin-turbo V8 engines, the current AMG C63 and GLC63 feature a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that’s augmented with an electric motor.Despite the fewer cylinders, these models were more powerful than ever. They have total system outputs of 500kW and 1020Nm.In addition to these controversial PHEV AMG models, the German carmaker is reportedly set to cease production of the AMG C43, GLC43, as well as the GLA35 in February 2026.All of these AMG models feature a version of the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine but without the electric motor.Interestingly the Mercedes-AMG GLA45 S reportedly isn’t affected and will continue to be produced without restriction. It also features the high-performance 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.“Please ensure that no further orders are accepted for the aforementioned discontinued models for the period after their discontinuation,” reads the leaked internal memo when translated from German to English.“We will inform you about possible successor products in due course.”At this stage it’s unclear what Mercedes-AMG will do. It could simply revise the four-cylinder engine in order to have it comply with these new external noise regulations.Another possibility is it could prioritise instead six- or eight-cylinder engines, especially for these high-performance AMG models.Many rivals like Audi and BMW are still sticking with six- and eight-cylinder engines given that’s what customers seek.At this stage it’s unclear what this will mean for local Mercedes-Benz customers. We’ve reached out to Mercedes-Benz Australia and will update this story once we hear back.

Nissan North America may call it a “bold design with premium touches” but even casual observers of the global car business will pick the new Nissan Rogue Plug-in Hybrid as essentially a rebadged version of Mitsubishi’s Outlander PHEV.Set for a formal debut at this month’s LA Auto Show (November 21-30) and a possible preview of Nissan's approach to its upcoming Mitsubishi Triton-based Navara ute, the ‘new’ mid-sizer is little changed from its corporate cousin save for small tweaks to the upper grille, some minor massaging of the tailgate and a black-out treatment for exterior elements including the lower grille, rear diffuser panel and wheel-arch fenders.Positioned as “an important step in Nissan's electrification roadmap” the Rogue PHEV is powered by the same twin electric motors, 20kWh lithium-ion battery pack and 2.4-litre petrol engine as the Outlander.According to the USA EPA standard the Rogue offers a 61km EV-only driving (against a claim of 84km for the Outlander in Australia) with claimed overall range at 676km.But combined power outputs are identical to the Aussie-spec Outlander at 185kW/450Nm, the powertrain seamlessly switching between pure-electric power, internal combustion drive and a combination of the two.The 2026 Nissan Rogue is offered in SL and Platinum grades with standard features including 20-inch dark-painted wheels, all-LED exterior lighting, soft-touch materials throughout the cabin and acoustically (laminated) front door glass with (available) leather-appointed seats, door illumination and aluminium interior highlight trims on the top-grade model. That said, early reports out of the US have noted the Rogue’s interior is as per the 2025 model year Outlander PHEV with a 9.0-inch media touchscreen and nine-speaker Bose sound, rather than the MY26 version which incorporates a 12.3-inch multimedia screen and updated 12-speaker Yamaha audio.CarsGuide contacted Nissan Australia to determine if the new Rogue (due to hit US showrooms in early 2026) is a candidate for inclusion in the brand’s local line-up and a spokesperson told us Nissan does not comment on future product plans.

A Chinese brand’s attempt to copy a viral 4WD stunt has gone wrong.

Will this be the car to put GWM back on the map for electric car buyers?

BYD expects its hybrid seven-seat Sealion 8 will be its next segment-dominating offering.

The new Toyota RAV4 range will introduce the brand's first plug-in hybrid model as well as a high-performance GR Sport trim level in a radical shake-up for the country's best-selling SUV.

Audi has announced it’s bringing the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of its Q5 mid-size SUV back to Australia in new-generation guise.

The BYD Shark 6 is one of the best-selling plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) in Australia and it has caught the attention of many automotive engineers who are looking into why it is so popular.