SUV

The Mazda CX-30 is one of the Japanese carmaker’s most popular SUV models and it’s likely due to receive a major update or next-generation model in the next few years.Essentially a lifted version of the Mazda3 hatchback and sedan, the CX-30 was revealed back in 2019 and hasn’t received any major facelift or update since it launched.To help paint a picture of what this updated version of the CX-30 looks like, we have new digital renders from Thanos Pappas.Overall, the silhouette remains largely the same, but the biggest difference is the front fascia.Inspired by the likes of the new-generation CX-5, there’s an angrier and more angular front end with thin LED headlights and prominent bonnet bulges.There’s even an alternate version of the front end which is largely blanked out and reminiscent of the Vision X-Compact concept from the 2025 Japan Mobility Show.This latter option indicates what an electric or hybrid version of the CX-30 could look like.Mazda is currently developing its Skyactiv-Z in-house hybrid powertrain and the first vehicle it’ll feature in is the new CX-5 in 2027.It’s expected that versions of this Skyactiv-Z hybrid engine will eventually filter out to the rest of Mazda’s line-up of vehicles. This means the CX-30 will likely eventually end up with some form of hybrid engine.In fact, the CX-30 has previously already been offered with hybrid power, even in Australia, with the Skyactiv-X 24V mild hybrid on sale locally from 2020 to 2023, as well as the Skyactiv-G 12V mild hybrid that was briefly available.Both were discontinued locally due to slow sales and since then the only engine options have been 2.0-litre and 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engines.Mazda is also increasing its line-up of electric vehicles (EVs) and it wouldn’t be surprising if an update to the CX-30 brings more widespread adoption of electric powertrains.An electric version of the CX-30 was previously offered in China and built by the joint venture company Changan Mazda. It was jacked up much higher than the regular CX-30 and featured a unique front bumper.It was powered by a 160kW front-mounted electric motor which was fed by a 61.1kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The claimed range was up to 450km, according to NEDC testing.The CX-30 EV has since been succeeded by the larger Mazda EZ-60, which is based on the same platform as the Deepal S07 that is sold in Australia.At this stage it’s unclear what other changes may happen with this eventual CX-30 update, however the new CX-5 may preview some things.Mazda has notably moved away from having a physical rotary dial on the centre console with the new CX-5 and is now focusing on a much larger central touchscreen multimedia system.For now we’ll just have to wait and see what Mazda has in store for the CX-30.

Nearly 35,000 examples of the current-generation Toyota Kluger are being recalled over an issue with the second seating row.According to the Federal Government’s vehicle recalls website, because of a design issue, the second-row seat recliner mechanism might not fully engage when adjusting the seat back. As a result, the seat back could move inadvertently.“In the event of an accident or hard braking, if the second-row seat recliner mechanism is not fully engaged and the seat back moves inadvertently, it could increase the risk of injury or death to vehicle occupants,” the recall notice says.All up, 34,370 examples of the 2021 to 2023 Kluger are being called in for a fix and it covers all model grades - GX, GXL and Grande in petrol front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive and hybrid.Toyota will contact owners of impacted vehicles in writing and encourage them to make an appointment at their local dealer for a fix that will be free of charge.Despite its age, the Current Kluger is still a popular model for family buyers. Last year it was the third best selling monocoque-based large SUV in Australia, with 8098 sales. But it was beaten by the Subaru Outback (8384) and Kia Sorento (8745).

MG’s three-row QS has launched in plug-in hybrid form in the UK with the long-promised hybrid SUV taking one step closer to Australia.

Tesla Australia has confirmed the pricing and specifications of the upcoming Model Y L six-seat SUV ahead of its launch in the second quarter of 2026.The 2026 Tesla Model Y L is priced from $74,990 before on-road costs, which positions it between the five-seat Model Y's Premium Long Range AWD ($68,990 before on-road costs) and Performance ($89,400 before on-road costs) variants.While three-row versions of the Model Y have been offered in other markets, the Model Y L marks the first time it has been offered in Australia.It has a six-seat configuration with second-row captain’s chairs that are heated, ventilated and feature adjustable headrests and armrests. Even the third-row seats offer heating.Every second- and third-row seat has ISOFIX and top-tether child seat anchorage points, meaning you can install up to four child seats.The Model Y L has the same body shape as the regular Model Y from the B-pillar forwards, however the rear doors have been lengthened, as well as the rear three-quarter panel. There’s also a higher roof line to account for the third row of seating.It measures in at 4969mm long, 1668mm tall and 2129mm wide with a 3040mm wheelbase. This makes it 177mm longer and 44mm taller than the standard Model Y.Power comes from a dual-motor all-wheel drive set-up with a total system output of 378kW and 590Nm.This is fed by a nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) lithium-ion battery of an undisclosed capacity, however Tesla claims there’s 681km of range, according to WLTP testing. For context, the Model Y Premium Long Range AWD offers 600km of WLTP-claimed range.The high-voltage battery pack can be DC fast-charged at rates up to 250kW and it offers vehicle-to-load (V2L) at rates up to 3.3kW through the use of an adaptor that plugs into the charge port. This is the first time a Tesla vehicle has offered V2L in Australia.2026 Tesla Model Y Australian pricing:2026 Tesla Model Y L powertrain:2026 Tesla Model Y L dimensions2026 Tesla Model Y L standard equipment:19-inch alloy wheels with aero coversSix-seat configuration16.0-inch central touchscreen multimedia system8.0-inch second-row touchscreen50W driver’s side wireless charger30W front passenger’s side wireless charger19-speaker sound systemHeated and ventilated front- and second-row seatsHeated third-row seatsElectric folding third- and second-row seats2026 Tesla Model Y L safety:Tesla has confirmed the Model Y L retains the regular Model Y’s five-star ANCAP safety rating.There are nine airbags which cover all passengers, including those in the third row.2026 Tesla Model Y L warranty and servicing:The 2026 Tesla Model Y L is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, whereas the high-voltage battery is covered for eight years or 192,000km.Owners also receive five years of roadside assistance, including puncture repair and tyre replacement. Tesla will even offer you a loan vehicle if a repair isn’t possible.Tesla doesn’t enforce typical logbook servicing intervals for its vehicles.

The third-generation Mitsubishi Outlander mid-size SUV was popular in Australia for good reason, with it offering buyers the choice of five or seven seats, and plug-in hybrid, petrol or diesel powertrains. As a result, it can also make for a good used car.

Mitsubishi Australia has confirmed local pricing for the “significantly updated” Outlander plug-in hybrid (PHEV), launching immediately.The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV update, which primarily consists of a small battery capacity increase and more power, sees prices rise as much as $3000 for one variant.Now starting from $58,990 before on-road costs, the base ES now costs $1700 more, while the top-spec Exceed Tourer is now $74,490, an increase of $2700.The mid-size family SUV now comes with a 22.7kWh lithium-ion battery pack, up from 20kWh, which increases its NEDC electric-only range from 84km to 103km. Under more widely used (and more accurate) WLTP testing, Mitsubishi claims its EV range is 86km.Claimed fuel consumption under NEDC testing drops from 1.5L/100km to 1.2L/100km, though the testing undertaken to achieve this would have seen full EV mode used for much of the driven distance.Mitsubishi also claims power output for the drivetrain system, which consists of a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine and two electric motors driving all four wheels, is 221kW - this is up significantly over the previous 185kW.While the engine and motors' individual peak outputs are unchanged, the new system allows the trio to reach a collective peak power at a higher point. Mitsubishi doesn't quote a total torque output.Four drive modes, Normal, Charge, Save, and EV, also allow the driver to decide how much the Outlander is relying on the electric elements of its drivetrain.Australian-specific ride and handling changes have been made for the update, including a set of recalibrated shock absorbers at the front and rear, and an anti-roll bar with a smaller diameter. Power steering mapping has also been adjusted to “improve on-centre feel and linear turning response”.Cabin noise is reportedly helped by a new steel bonnet and front fenders, plus specific new Bridgestone tyres aim to lower road noise.Aerodynamics have been improved by some styling changes in line with the combustion variants, Mitsubishi says, while lighting has changed with the addition of rear LED lamps.Also key to the update is the changing of seating arrangements. The Aspire and Exceed have switched which grade is available with five or seven seats.Mitsubishi Motors Australia’s General Manager of Product Strategy, Bruce Hampel, says the Outlander PHEV is “more powerful than ever before, whilst simultaneously improving efficiency and pure EV range through Mitsubishi's latest generation PHEV powertrain”.2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Australian pricing 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Australian specifications 

Chinese giant GWM has its sights set on another bumper year in Australia in 2026, and it has bold plans on how to achieve its next ambitious sales target.GWM hit a high of 52,809 sales in 2025 landing in seventh place on the overall sales tally, just 400 sales ahead of BYD, but a hefty 8400 units behind sixth-placed Mitsubishi (61,198).Just five years ago in 2020, GWM’s combined sales in Australia were just 2600. To say the rise has been meteoric is an understatement.But GWM Australia and New Zealand Chief Operating Officer John Kett understands how hard it’s been to get to 50,000-plus sales and how much more of a challenge it will be to grow with an eye on the top five.“So we weren't making any outlandish statements of 100k and our premium brand will be 10k,” he told journalists in Melbourne recently in a not so subtle dig at rival BYD.“We just want to get to 75. So we set ourselves a target of a ‘six’ in front of our number this year.”Hitting a figure of 60,000-plus sales could mean unseating Mitsubishi by the end of this year, but it’s going to be a bigger task to get into fifth place, which is currently held by Hyundai (77,208 sales last year).Kett knows he faces an uphill battle to hit the longer-term 75,000 unit sales target but he said the team has studied its mainstream rivals to see how they got to their positions in the market.“It's even harder to get to 75 (thousand). We're looking at the Hyundais of the world that built scale and are sort of stuck in the 75k zone and have got aspirations to grow. We're looking at Kia, another… well managed business, trying to get from that 75 to 85, you just can't do it with one product, because it doesn't work.“We certainly looked at the history of Mitsubishi and Nissan, the things they've done so well. We've looked at the incredible consumer metrics that Mazda has always got.”Kett outlined improvements to GWM’s aftersales and customer service, with more customer service operators and investigators helping to solve product and quality issues. There’s also a focus on sharpening up the dealer footprint and expanding some spaces.But growth will largely come from continued strong sales of popular models like the Haval H6 and Tank 300, as well as a laundry list of new and updated product.GWM has already confirmed a plug-in hybrid version of the Ford Ranger-rivalling Cannon ute is coming this year, while a new 3.0-litre turbo diesel will soon be offered in the larger Cannon Alpha ute and the related Tank 500 large SUV.A plug-in Tank 300 arrives shortly, and the EV and PHEV compact SUV subbed Haval Jolion Max will also land before the end of the year.The slow-selling Ora EV range will get a boost with at least two new models landing in 2026, including the Ora 5 crossover. And GWM will finally launch its Wey semi-premium sub brand this year, likely starting with the G9 people mover.Kett admitted the brand could be doing more to talk about the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models in its line-up, especially in the Cannon ute stable.“I think with all the hybrids and super hybrids out there, we probably missed an opportunity to talk specifically about our confidence in Hi4-T (plug-in hybrid all-wheel drive powertrain). I mean Cannon Alpha is a ute, right? And we quietly let other brands beat us, and I totally respect that. But I feel like our Hi4-T story both in Cannon and Cannon Alpha will reveal itself as fit for purpose.”Combined sales of the Cannon and Cannon Alpha in the first two months of the year show GWM is ahead of the Mazda BT-50, Volkswagen Amarok, outgoing Nissan Navara and the LDV T60 for 4x4 pick-up sales.

The Zeekr 7X has been given some sharp new design elements as part of a special edition upgrade for the premium electric mid-size SUV in Australia. The ‘Black Special Edition’ 7X starts from $75,900 (before on-road costs), which is a $3000 increase on the most expensive Performance all-wheel drive variant.The car gets some major exterior changes, including a gloss black body paint, differing from the Performance grade's ‘Onyx’ black as well as green, blue, grey and white body colour options. The gloss black finish continues elsewhere on the car, including front and rear lower bumpers, lower door exterior trims finished and roof rails. It rides on 20-inch alloy wheels and gets a 7X black badge on the rear of the car. On the inside, there is Black Nappa leather interior trim, contrasting the white trim usually found on the top-grade model. Zeekr has introduced this car off the back of sustained demand from buyers for a darker and more bold overall design on the 7X.Performance-wise, the car keeps the same figures as the range-topping 7X, which has 475kW and 710Nm, with the 0-100km/h sprint taking 3.8 seconds. The 7X has had a blistering start to its life in Australia with more than 1000 sales in 2026, catapulting it one of the best selling EVs in the country. It also earned the 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year Best Medium SUV under $60K, up against regular favourites such as the Toyota RAV4. Despite its solid sales so far, its key rival the Tesla Model Y has sold more than 4000 units in 2026This new range-topping 7X, however, is still cheaper than the comparable Model Y, which starts from $89,400, before on-roads. The Sealion 7 remains the budget pick of the segment, with a price of $63,990, it has amassed 1327 sales so far this year.2026 Zeekr 7X pricing Australia  

A new small SUV is on the way to fill the smaller space below the likes of the Toyota LandCruiser and Nissan Patrol, rivalling the popular Suzuki Jimny.The 2027 Renault Bridger concept has been revealed as a rugged small SUV set for production in 2027, with combustion, hybrid and electric versions on the cards.Not a lot has been confirmed about the small SUV, but its design and rough size seem to be pretty close to locked in, with Renault confirming the Bridger will come in at less than 4.0 metres long.Packaging looks set to maximise interior convenience, with 200mm of knee room and 400 litres of boot space both touted as strong figures for the category.Set to be produced in India in 2027, Renault says there will be a “gradual roll-out to other international markets.”Built on the Renault Group modular platform, or or 'RGMP small' to give it its new name, the Bridger is one of 12 new models Renault plans to launch in the next four years before 2030.Renault plans to increase its electrification across its line-up, using its E-Tech hybrid system, as well as building its larger cars on its RGEV medium 2.0 electric platform.To that end, Renault has also revealed its R-Space Lab concept, which it claims “redefines the in-car experience” by exploring new ways to lay out and fit out the interior.The front passenger seat can, for example, slide back to the second row, or the individual rear seats have their own backrests. Seats can be folded or moved to create space for cargo or people as needed.As Australia is a relatively small part of Renault’s global sales footprint, it’s unclear how many of the brand’s new models will make it Down Under in the next few years.Given the popularity of of the Suzuki Jimny and the fact Renault has already launched the seemingly niche Dacia Duster here under its own badge, the Bridger certainly isn’t off the cards.The biggest snag so far? No Indian-built Renaults have been offered for sale in Australia.

Having launched the pure-electric version of its Cayenne large SUV late last year, Porsche Cars Australia has released details of a new all-wheel drive S Electric model, positioned between the existing entry-grade Electric and top-spec Turbo Electric.Scheduled for arrival in the third quarter of this year, the the Cayenne S Electric is powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor on each axle producing 400kW (up to 490kW with launch control) which is a mid-point between the base model’s 325kW and the Turbo’s 630kW (850kW with Launch Control).Claimed 0-100km/h acceleration time is a seriously rapid 3.8 seconds and a 113kWh (gross capacity) drive battery delivers combined cycle (urban/extra-urban) range of 635km (WLTP).With a charging capacity of up to 400kW Porsche says the Cayenne S Electric can be charged from 10-80 per cent in 16 minutes at that rate.And as per the Cayenne Turbo Electric, the Cayenne S Electric uses direct oil cooling for the rear-axle electric motor to dissipate heat directly from the current-carrying components.Car spotters should look out for specific front and rear aprons finished in ‘Volcano Grey Metallic’, body colour on selected inserts and the rear diffuser as well as 20-inch ‘Aero’ rims.2026 Porsche Cayenne pricing2026 Porsche Cayenne S Electric powertrain and efficiencyThe Cayenne S Electric is powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor on each axle producing a combined 400kW (up to 490kW with launch control).Combined cycle energy consumption is between 21.7–19.2kWh/100 km with range at 635km (WLTP).2026 Porsche Cayenne S Electric standard featuresAside from included safety tech, standard feature highlights are:20-inch ‘Aero’ alloy wheelsPrivacy glassParking Entry Package (with ‘Surround View’ and ‘Self-Steering ParkAssist’)Digital radioExterior colour - up to and including the ‘Dreams’ range as no-cost options14-way electric comfort seats with memory packageBose ‘Surround Sound System’Panoramic roof systemSeat ventilation (front)Four-zone automatic climate controlOptions:Porsche Torque Vectoring PlusPorsche Active Ride suspensionPorsche Ceramic Composite Brake (with yellow-painted brake callipers)2026 Porsche Cayenne S Electric coloursExterior colour options (standard): WhiteChromite Black MetallicVanadium Grey MetallicCarrara White MetallicDolomite Silver MetallicMystic Green MetallicMadeira Gold MetallicAlgarve Blue MetallicNapali Blue MetallicOptional ($7370):Oak Green Metallic NeoPale Blue MetallicSlate Grey NeoMonteverde MetallicInterior colour options:Partial leather - Black - Black/Chalk BeigeLeather - Black - Black/Lavender - Black/Magnesium Grey - Black/Sage Grey - Black/Bordeaux Red - Black/Chalk Beige - Black/Chalk BeigeSynthetic leather - BlackClub leather - Espresso - Bramble2026 Porsche Cayenne S Electric safetyThe Porsche Cayenne has not been assessed by ANCAP but standard safety features include:‘ParkAssist’ (front and rear) including reversing camera3D Surround View with Active Parking Support (Self-steering Park Assist)Warning and Brake Assist incl. Pedestrian protectionDriver Awareness DetectionLane Change Assist - Blind-spot monitoring and Rear AssistLane Keeping AssistTraffic sign recognitionAirbags - front, front side (thorax), side curtain (covering both rows) and knee airbags for driver and front passenger2026 Porsche Cayenne S Electric warranty and servicingService interval - 12 months / 15,000 kmWarranty - Three years / unlimited km (including paint)Battery warranty - Eight years / 160,000km12-year rust warrantyRoadside assist - Three years2026 Porsche Cayenne S Electric dimensionsLength - 4991mmWidth - 1980mmHeight - 1674mmWheelbase - 3023mm