SUV

Why Cupra says betting on EVs is far too risky in the short term.

It might look like a Toyota on the surface, but almost everything under the skin of the brand-new, all-electric bZ3C SUV will be sourced from Chinese rival BYD.

A brand new battery electric sedan made by Aion has been revealed in Chinese homologation documents ahead of the brand’s Australian debut next year.According to CarNewsChina, homologation documents submitted to the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) reveal the brand’s latest EV sedan, which the publication speculates could be named the Aion RT.The documents indicate two powertrain options that deliver either 150kW or 165kW. Both are paired with a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, although its capacity was not provided.The Aion RT looks fairly conventional, with similar rounded edges, closed-off front end, sleek headlights and retractable door handles to the BYD Seal or Tesla Model 3.At the rear, slim tail lights expand across the tailgate, with a ‘AION’ logo between.The images also reveal an RT badge, accompanied by additional 'T' and 'VT' badges, most likely indicating other trims.Dimensions for the Aion RT come in at 4865mm long, 1875mm wide and 1520mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2775mm. That makes the RT bigger in all directions than a Tesla Model 3 or BYD Seal.Four curb weights were declared: 1670kg, 1700kg, 1750kg, and 1780kg.Additional interior and exterior features include six front and six rear LiDAR sensors, an optional sunroof, privacy class and the option of different coloured door handles and charging port cover to create a two-tone exterior trim.Aion is China’s third best-selling battery electric car brand behind BYD and Tesla. It is an electric-only subsidiary of the state-owned Gangzhou Automible Group (GAC), which announced it was eyeing up a 2025 entry into the Australian market back in May.GAC currently manufactures and retails vehicles under sub-brands Aion, Trumpchi and Hycan as well as foreign-branded vehicles through partnerships with Honda and Toyota.The brand’s model portfolio for Australia is yet to be determined, although it is rumoured to be spearheaded by the brand’s Model Y-sized Aion V SUV, which is priced at between ¥129,800 and ¥189,800 (A$27,000 to A$40,000).A GAC-branded GS8 hybrid large SUV and M8 people mover are also likely entrants.GAC’s more performance-focused Hyper range could arrive later, although it is not rumoured to be in the pipeline as of yet. It currently produces three models that utilise the brand’s 800-volt architecture, the Hyper GT sedan, the HT SUV and the SSR sports coupe.GAC has claimed each model can be charged to a range of 415kms in just 15 minutes, though this figure hasn’t been verified according to WLTP standards.

Now two months in, does the XC40 still impress?

The Premium is the mid-level grade in the #3 family, above the Pro+ but below the Brabus.

Having vanquished the HiLux ute so far in 2024, can the Toyota RAV4 reel in the bestselling Ford Ranger as well for the number one sales spot in Australia?

GWM Australia has confirmed rumours circulating earlier in the week about a raft of new products coming in 2025. 

We test drive the new Kia EV3 in the built-up, smooth-road urban environment it was made for. But we're hoping a day behind the wheel will reveal whether this EV has the chops to make it in the harsher environment Australia presents.

The 2025 Honda HR-V has arrived with more safety equipment, revised interior design, more sound deadening and — rarely — a lower price.

The Pro+ is the entry to the Smart #3 family, listing at $57,900. Though to give credit to Smart, it definitely doesn’t feel like you’ve cut any corners.Even entry-level cars score 19-inch alloys, a panoramic roof, LED lighting, a powered tailgate and a 12.8-inch central screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a 9.2-inch digital dashboard.The Pro+ is a single-motor, rear-drive configuration, which isn't all that common in the EV world, where most position their electric motor on the front axle for front-wheel drive. That motor produces 200kW and 315Nm, meaning a sprint to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds and a 180km/h top speed.It also nabs a 66kWh battery, delivering a WLTP driving range of 435km. And when it comes time to charge, you can choose between home AC charging (either power point or wall box), or 150kW DC fast charging, which should take around 30 minutes to go from empty to 80 per cent charged.