SUV

Leapmotor has priced its BYD electric SUV smasher in Australia. The Leapmotor B03X small SUV will start from $29,990 drive-away until December 31, 2026, making it the Chinese brand’s cheapest car on sale. The range-topping ‘Design LR’ grade will start from $33,990 (drive-away).The B03X takes on the busy affordable EV segment. It's priced to compete with the BYD Atto 2 SUV ($31,990, before on-road costs) and the GAC Aion UT hatchback ($31,990, drive-away).It will arrive in showrooms in November 2026. The base ‘Style’ grade uses a single electric motor producing 130kW, while its more powerful sibling delivers 145kW. Both make 200Nm.This roughly matches the BYD Atto 2 (130kW) and the GAC Aion UT (150kW), but the B03X loses out to these rivals in torque (290Nm and 210Nm, respectively). Acceleration from 0-100km/h can be as fast as 8.6 seconds, with a top speed of 160km/h. The entry-level car is equipped with a 39.8kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery, offering up to 292km of driving range.The top grade relies on a 53kWh battery that has 382km of range, according to WLTP standards. With DC fast charging at 133kW, a 30 to 80 per cent charge takes about 16 minutes, but the Style grade can only charge at 100kW, so it will charge more slowlyThe car can directly power devices and tools using its vehicle-to-load system that can supply 3.3kW. There is a 14.6-inch central touchscreen and 8.8-inch digital driver display inside, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Design LR examples swap fabric seats for synthetic leather ones, while also boasting heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Buyers will need to choose the top-spec car for other useful features like a 360-degree camera as well as front parking and side collision sensors. The base B03X has a six-speaker sound system, but its more expensive sibling has a 12-speaker unit, and rides on 18-inch alloy wheels compared to steel ones. Leapmotor backs its B03X with a six-year/150,000km vehicle warranty and an eight-year/160,000km warranty for the high-voltage battery. There is an eight-year capped-priced servicing deal, with intervals every 12 months or 20,000km, whichever comes first. 

The CX-6e is the second model to arrive in the Mazda's recent EV push, and it gives the brand a model to go head to head with top-selling EVs like the Tesla Model Y and the Zeekr 7X. And, like both those rivals, the CX-6e is produced in China, through Mazda's partnership with Changan. We put it to the test at is Australian launch to see how it measures up.

Suzuki has resurrected a special-edition version of its most popular model in Australia.The Japanese small car specialist has reintroduced the Heritage version of its Jimny off-roader which was last seen in dealerships in 2023.But the 2026 version is a little different. The previous Heritage versions came in three- and five-door guises with a manual transmission, however the latest version is the three-door and it comes exclusively with an automatic transmission.Much like the earlier version, Suzuki is limiting the 2026 Jimny Heritage edition to just 300 examples, numbered from 301 to 600.Pricing kicks off at $42,490, before on-road costs, which is $1500 more than the Jimny GLX auto three-door on which the Heritage is based.So what do you get for that extra $1500? Suzuki has added the following:Red front mud flapsRed rear mud flapsJimny Heritage cargo trayHeritage decalsLimited-build badgeExclusive Jimny Heritage packIn terms of colours, the Jimny Heritage is offered in just three - Superior White, Medium Grey and Jungle Green.The previous Jimny Heritage edition sold out in just five hours, but Suzuki Australia General Manager Michael Pachota said keen buyers shouldn’t wait to get into one of the new ones.“But this is it. These 300 individually numbered vehicles, from 301 to 600, will be the final Jimny 3-Door Heritage limited-edition models sold in Australia,” he said.“Pre-orders are available now through Suzuki Australia dealers, and with only 300 available, we expect them to move quickly.”The Suzuki Jimny GLX, like all Jimny grades, is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine delivering a humble 75kW of power and 130Nm of torque.It has part-time four-wheel drive, 15-inch alloy wheels and the auto transmission has just four speeds. Fuel consumption is 6.9L/100 km.Standard gear on the GLX includes:LED headlightsReversing cameraFront and rear parking sensors9.0-inch multimedia screenDigital radioApple CarPlay and Android AutoVoice commandFabric seatsDigital climate controlAdaptive cruise controlThe current-generation Jimny went on sale in early 2019 and was an instant hit for the brand in Australia.More than seven years later, the Jimny is still Suzuki’s top-selling model Down Under.In fact, with 4971 units sold to the end of August, the Jimny has sold more than double the next model in Suzuki’s stable - the Swift light hatch (2015).

Jeep’s future in Australia is coming into focus - and it looks very different to its past.For decades the American off-road brand has built its reputation, for better or worse, on the back of its American-made SUVs. But it is now looking increasingly likely that its future models are likely to be built in China and not the USA.According to overseas reports, Jeep will introduce more European-focused vehicles rather than simply exporting what suits the American market. That’s driven by the fact Jeep is one of four ‘global brands’ that Setallantis will focus on (in its stable of 15), alongside Fiat, Peugeot, and Ram.Stellantis signed a partnership with Chinese automotive giant Dongfeng earlier this year and it is looking increasingly like this will be the source for the next wave of Jeep models to land in Australia.“The agreement announced by Stellantis and Dongfeng in May strengthens a long-standing global partnership and supports the development and production of future Peugeot and Jeep vehicles for China and other markets,” a Stellantis spokesperson told CarsGuide. “We look forward to sharing additional details for Australia at the appropriate time.”Stellantis Australia isn’t ready to reveal exactly what sort of models will be headed our way, but reports indicate there will be two models and they will both be available by a choice of plug-in hybrid or fully-electric powertrains.They will also be built at Dongfeng’s Wuhan factory, which has a long history with another Stellantis brand, Peugeot, which pre-dates the latest partnership. Dongfeng has had a joint-venture with Peugeot-Citroen since 1992, so has plenty of experience building the French-badged cars in China.This also opens the door for Peugeot to make another run at the Australian market, with either a new independent distributor or under the Stellantis Australia umbrella.Chinese-built Peugeot and Jeep models would give both brands with mixed reputations for both value and quality a fresh start in Australia. Chinese made vehicles now dominate the Australian market with over 244,000 already sold in 2025, ahead of Japan and South Korea sourced cars. Meanwhile, American-built models have only amassed 14,810 sales in the same timeframe.Given the repeated recalls and quality issues that have plagued Jeep in recent years, along with the rise and rise of Chinese-built cars in this market, a switch of production bases could be the brand’s best hope. Especially if Dongfeng and Jeep can ensure competitive pricing to correct course after an ill-conceived plan to try and pivot the brand more upmarket. Getting Jeeps more price-competitive again and with a higher quality standard is the only way for the brand to revive its fortunes in Australia.The days of the Grand Cherokee selling more than 30,000 examples every year are long gone - as is the Grand Cherokee. Jeep has managed to notch just 378 sales in the first eight months of 2026, which has led to the inevitable questions about its future.But it seems the move to more Chinese manufacturing has been in the works for some time and Jeep Australia will simply have to endure a bit more pain until it can try again with a refreshed range. This is likely the same scenario for Peugeot, as it awaits more Chinese-built options to reinvent itself in Australia.But China won’t be Jeep’s only option, with Europe set to play a bigger role as Stellantis management tries to give it a new chance alongside its more successful French, Italian and German brands like Peugeot, Fiat and Opel.Reports have said the new ‘STLA One’ modular platform will underpin a range of Stellantis small and mid-size models across multiple brands, including Jeep. Crucially, it will feature an 800-volt electrical system that will allow it to accommodate fully-electric, plug-in hybrid and conventional hybrid powertrains. A small SUV to sit slightly above the new Avenger, as well as a larger model that will sit just below the Compass are speculated to be on the way. This would create the potential for a more comprehensive line-up of Jeeps in Australia, and one that potentially distances itself from its American heritage (at least in a production sense).Whether or not it succeeds or fails will depend on many factors, not least the price and positioning of each model. But for Jeep fans, or just anyone questioning why the brand hasn’t given up and left Australia already, it’s clear there is a plan to once again make Jeep a popular choice for Aussie SUV buyers.

China is turning its automotive might to utes and four-wheel-drives, and the latest creation strikes right at the heart of 4WD legends like the Mitsubishi Pajero, Nissan Patrol and Toyota LandCruiser.Chery’s off-road focused sub-brand Jetour, which is slated to arrive in Australia in 2027, has launched its updated ladder frame G700 large 4WD in China.It’s a big rig, measuring 5198mm long, 2050mm wide and 1956mm tall with a 2870mm wheelbase.But what is underneath its boxy, rugged exterior styling — complete with a tailgate mounted spare tyre — is what will be giving established players fever dreams.The beefy off-roader is a plug-in hybrid that uses a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and two electric motors for combined outputs of 560kW and 795Nm.There are two batteries to choose from.The first is a roughly 34kWh lithium-ferro-phosphate (LFP) unit that is good for up to 122km of EV range.A circa-60kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery delivers an electric driving range of up to 211km calculated via the benchmark WLTP test cycle.This is paired with a 100-litre fuel tank that should mean the G700 can last more than 1000km before needing to be recharged and refuelled.It has some off-road pedigree thanks to front and rear locking differentials, air suspension and different drive modes for a range of surfaces.It has a 35-degree approach angle and 28-degree departure angle and a wading depth of 900mm.The G700 also has a special trick. It can swim.It can float like a boat and propellers can help it move through water. It can last up to 60 minutes in this mode. This could help with deep river crossings and navigating flood waters rather than cruising around Sydney Harbour.There is no official word yet on what Jetour’s line-up will look like when it launches here next year.Jetour is available in several right-hand drive (RHD) markets, which can give us a clue to what we can expect.The Chinese brand sells the G700 in Malaysia and several other RHD countries, which means it is a likely starter for Down Under.Watch out Toyota and Nissan.

Toyota is in the process of bringing its ultra-luxury Century brand to the world, officially extending the exclusive nameplate to markets outside Japan, China and the Middle East for the first time.That’s according to a Bloomberg report referencing the appearance of a new Century SUV transporting Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Akio Toyoda in Downtown Detroit as he was inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame late last month.When asked why Toyota chose a Century (not on sale in the US) for the high-profile transfer role, TMC Chief Technology Officer Hiroki Nakajima didn’t hold back.“We want to showcase the latest version of the Century,” Nakajima-san said.“It’s a global model, so we’re interested in getting feedback from auto industry officials in Detroit.”Positioned as Japan’s most exclusive luxury car, sitting above Lexus in the Toyota brand hierarchy, the golden phoenix Century badge has historically been applied to vehicles transporting the Japanese Imperial family, Prime Ministers and some of the country’s most powerful people since the 1960s.The Century name was created with the first model in 1967 to mark the 100th birthday of Toyota founder (and Akio Toyoda’s great-grandfather) Sakichi Toyoda.Previously a single limousine flagship model, famously powered by a 5.0-litre V12 engine from 1997 to 2018, the arrival of a 3.5-litre V6 plug-in hybrid SUV variant in 2023 raised eyebrows in Japan and elsewhere.And this time last year a dramatic Century Concept coupe was unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo.Toyota has since launched an English language website for the brand highlighting “Japan Pride ー A legacy of Japanese master artisans, spirit, and beauty.”The Bloomberg report makes the point that although current Century models are still partly handmade, the SUV’s domestic market starting price of 27 million yen (~A$250,000) is still some way outside the rarefied air of potential rivals like the Bentley Bentayga (from A$396,500) and even further away from the Rolls Royce Cullinan (A$777,000).So, fine details like Nishijin-ori brocade, urushi lacquer and Edo metal engraving could come at a relatively knock-down price.According to the report, Toyota sold around 500 Century vehicles in 2025, compared with about 1700 in 1997, so in the face of soft economic growth, a weak yen and rising inflation in Japan, placing the low-volume, potentially high-margin Century brand in new markets could be an important strategic move.Commenting on the Century brand expansion, Bloomberg Intelligence auto analyst Tatsuo Yoshida said, “If you count just volume or revenue, pushing Century may not make a lot of business sense.” “But it’s much more than that. It’s a clear statement by Toyota that it wants to play a role in the super-premium category currently dominated by the European brands.“Strengthening Century means Lexus doesn’t need to push further upmarket,” he said.Although Toyota is tight-lipped on technical details for the Century Concept coupe, a 6.0-litre twin-turbo plug-in hybrid V12 is a rumoured possibility for the production version, potentially also replacing the current limousine’s hybrid V8 and the SUV’s hybrid V6.The potential reintroduction of a V12 powertrain is a bold move, but as Tatsuo Yoshida said, “The luxury sector is pretty crowded already.” “That said, Toyota normally doesn’t give up until it succeeds.”CarsGuide contacted Toyota Australia for comment on the possibility of a local introduction for the Century brand and a spokesperson told us, “At the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, Century was reborn as a truly One-of-One brand, combining formal heritage with a magnetic, alluring flair.” “Century sets forth a new vision of ultra-luxury: a car as exquisite as a work of art.“At the unveiling, we confirmed that Toyota Motor Corporation Australia would review the business case for Century in Australia,” they said.

Mitsubishi is rejoining the electric revolution.The Japanese brand was one of the early electric car pioneers in Australia with its tiny i-MiEV hatchback nearly two decades ago. Now, 17 years later, it is launching its follow-up act. Dubbed the Mitsubishi ASX VR-e, the compact electric SUV has emerged from a partnership with Taiwan’s Foxconn — the maker of iPhones — and its automotive division Foxtron.Mitsubishi Australia has now confirmed it will bring a four-tier strong line-up for the ASX VR-e when it lands in showrooms late this year to take on the popular BYD Atto 2 and Jaecoo J5 EV.Mitsubishi Australia boss Shunichi Kihara cheers the brand’s return to the EV segment.“ASX VR-e combines unique Pininfarina styling with seamless BEV performance and zero-emissions driving.""It brings Mitsubishi Motors’ adventurous spirit into a new realm, with an engaging everyday driving experience,” he said.Mitsubishi will confirm prices closer to its arrival in showrooms, but has said it won't be the cheapest in its segment.The VR-e will be available in LS, Aspire, Exceed and GSR grades, with the latter the sole all-wheel drive version.Single motor versions send 171kW and 350Nm to the rear wheels. The GSR grade adds a second motor at the rear for all-wheel drive grip and total outputs of 342kW and 700Nm.Mitsubishi claims it can sprint to 100km/h from a standstill in 3.9 seconds, which is almost three seconds quicker than the rear-wheel drive grades.All variants are fed by a roughly 58kWh Lithium-Ferro-Phosphate (LFP) battery.Mitsubishi Australia hasn’t provided driving range figures, but overseas it ranges from 328km in AWD form up to 403km in the base, single-motor guise.The ASX VR-e is small on the outside but will be big on the inside thanks to a wheelbase — the distance between the front and rear axles — of 2800mm. It’s external dimensions are 4315mm long, 1885mm wide and 1535mm tall, which makes it smaller than a Hyundai Kona and Toyota Corolla Cross.Mitsubishi ASX VR-e details2026 Mitsubishi ASX VR-e  specificationsThe ASX VR-e LS comes with: Single-motor, rear-wheel drive18-inch alloy wheelsFlush door handles – manual operationBlack/grey cloth seat trimSix-way driver seat manual adjustmentFour-way passenger seat manual adjustment2nd row 60/40 split fold flat2nd row load through (ski hatch)Rear view monitorDual-zone Climate ControlSix-speaker audioEco/Comfort/Sport drive modesVehicle-to-Load (V2L) via external Type 2 AC charging portProximity door lock/unlockLED headlights with Auto High Beam (AHB)LED daytime running lampsLED tail-lights9.2-inch digital driver display15.6-inch multimedia touchscreenWireless CarPlay and Android Auto connectivityDriver Monitoring System (DMS)Aspire adds:Flush door handles – automatic operationD-pillar trims with etched finishBlack synthetic leather seat trimEight-way driver seat power adjustmentDriver seat memoryDriver seat heating and coolingFour way passenger seat power adjustmentPassenger seat heating and cooling64-colour selectable interior ambient lightingFrunk with electric bonnet releaseAdjustable height rear cargo floorAdaptive Driving BeamFront park assist (six parking sensors)Rear park assist (six parking sensors)Surround monitor with 360-degree camera viewAutonomous parking Exceed adds:20-inch two-tone alloy wheelsPanoramic glass roofElectric tailgate with hands-free operation12-speaker SEAS sound systemGSR adds:Dual motor all-wheel drive systemBlack synthetic leather with microsuede seat trimBlue stitching on seatsTwo-tone exterior paint finish

It may look like the old one but this new BYD Atto 3 Evo is a very different proposition. The company has given its popular mid-size SUV a major upgrade, introducing an all-new, rear-wheel drive option for the first time. So how does this new version stack up? We put it through its paces to find out if the unseen changes make up for the lack of new looks.

Two new electric SUV models are in the works from Hyundai. The Korean brand will launch the Ioniq 4 small SUV and Ioniq 7 mid-size SUV in 2027, according to a report in Auto Express.This could offer buyers more affordable electric cars from the brand.The Ioniq 4 small SUV would be one of Hyundai’s cheapest electric cars, priced above the incoming Ioniq 3 hatchback, but still less than the Ioniq 5. Expected to launch in 2027, the Ioniq 4 will start from 25,000 pounds (about $A48,000), but new cars in the UK cop a hefty taxing, so it’s more likely to be in the high-$30,000s bracket in Australia. The current Kona EV would likely need to make way for the Ioniq 4 in Hyundai’s line-up as the pair target similar buyers. The Ioniq 4 would tackle other electric small SUVs like the BYD Atto 2 EV ($31,990) and Kia EV3 ($47,600) in Australia. It will take on a boxier shape, providing increased practicality and interior space.The car is thought to be powered by a single front-mounted electric motor, with potential for a dual-motor ‘N’ performance variant in the future. It is expected to be available with 42kWh or 61kWh battery options, providing a competitive driving range, while riding on a 400-volt platform. Hyundai originally planned to name its full-size three-row EV the Ioniq 7, but adopted the Ioniq 9 moniker instead to reflect its flagship status.The Ioniq 7 would be a size up on the Hyundai Elexio, which is sourced from China.Pricing is expected to start from about 50,000 pounds, which is roughly $A100,000, but again, it’s likely to land around the $70,000 mark Down Under. It would need to be cheaper than the Ioniq 9 which starts from $119,668 here.It would sit between the Ioniq 5 SUV and the Ioniq 9 full-size three-row SUV, but can be optioned with two or three rows of seats. Built on Hyundai’s 800-volt platform, it's rumoured to use single- and dual-electric motor set-ups, capable of rapid charging, with roughly 650km of driving range. It’s too early to say whether the Ioniq 4 and Ioniq 7 will hit Australian showrooms. The pair would need to satisfy the business case in Australia, but that hinges on where the cars will be built. If these models are built in Europe, like the Ioniq 3, the Australian branch would have to contend with expensive import costs, making it more challenging to compete with sharply priced Chinese rivals.It would be more feasible for Hyundai if these models were built closer to Australia, either in China or South Korea.Expect more details on the Ioniq 4’s and Ioniq 7’s Aussie futures ahead of their European launch in 2027. 

Tesla is gearing up to fight off a new wave of Chinese electric cars, with big updates to its range.The fully-electric Model 3 sedan and Model Y SUV will feature a suite of upgrades and price cuts as they fight off increasingly competitive Chinese rivals Down Under. The Model Y’s top-spec ‘Performance’ grade now starts from $84,900, down from $89,400 (before on-road costs). The Model 3 is now cheaper as well, starting from $45,900 instead of $54,900, before on-road costs. Tesla said both updated cars can be configured on its website. Tesla's Model Y is the best-selling electric car globally, with Aussie buyers gaining access to improved performance.The Model Y’s long-range all-wheel-drive grade squeezes more performance out of its dual electric motors, and can now sprint from 0-100km/h in 4.3 seconds, down from 4.8 seconds.This is faster than lower grades of the Zeekr 7X ($57,900) that accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.0 seconds. The Model Y L three-row SUV is also now quicker from a standing start. Acceleration from 0-100km/h takes 4.5 seconds, instead of 5.0 seconds. The Model Y will be offered with a new Glacier Blue paint colour and a grey interior colour option. The Model 3’s price cut complements a larger 16.0-inch first-row touchscreen, up from the 15.4-inch unit previously installed, and matching the Model Y.The range-topping Tesla Model 3 Performance has an improved driving range figure of 600km, which is 29km more than before, according to WLTP standards. The car also receives a dark headliner, and the Zen grey interior option, as well as new 19-inch wheels. Tesla’s Model 3 has had a slower sales return in 2026 compared to its Model Y SUV sibling, batting for buyer attention with the strong-selling BYD Seal ($52,990). Both cars are equipped with Tesla’s ‘Power Share’ vehicle-to-load system that allows for owners to power appliances and tools directly from the high-voltage battery. Tesla cars in Australia previously did not have vehicle-to-load functionality, but this latest update brings them into line with other key mainstream EV rivals. The brand also confirmed older examples cannot be retrofitted with the Power Share technology.