SUV

Mahindra has thrown the covers off the electric version of its ultra-affordable 3XO small SUV in its Indian home market.

A new budget SUV has just been revealed. Indian brand Mahindra has unveiled its updated flagship seven-seater, called the XUV 7XO, which will replace the current XUV 700.It will start from 1.366 million rupees (around $22,500) in its home market of India. It will be available in two engine choices, which are 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and 2.2-litre turbo-diesel variants, paired with either six-speed auto or manual transmissions. The petrol motor produces 149kW and 380Nm, while the diesel has 137kW and 420Nm, which rises to 450Nm with an automatic transmission.The petrol engine variant can go from 0-60km/h in under five seconds, according to Mahindra. The XUV 7XO is available with an all-wheel drive option.It is unclear at this stage whether 7XO will come to Australia, but it will likely replace the current 700 in the brand's local line-up.The XUV 700 starts from $36,990, drive-away and is only available with a 2.0-litre petrol engine, producing 149kW and 380Nm. The 7XO would be an alternative to the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, which managed more than 3500 sales last year. Mahindra Australia has been contacted for comment as to whether we will see the updated budget seven-seater down under. The 7XO represents a big upgrade from the 700.It comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, a new sleek headlight and grille design and electric door handles.The car has undergone a serious revamp in the cabin, with a variety of new technology on offer. Most notably, there is a display spanning the full width of the dashboard, comprising of three high definition screens. Elsewhere, it has a 16-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system, featuring Dolby Atmos 3D surround sound technology to further provide high quality audio. Wireless charging comes as standard in both the front and rear of the car, while a sunroof and retractable rear shades add to the comfort for passengers in the back. The seats in the 7XO have also been significantly upgraded, with a new high-density foam and plush pads, along with front and rear ventilation. 

Hyundai has announced the pricing and specifications for its Elexio all-electric mid-size SUV. The Elexio comes in a single variant and is priced at $59,990 drive-away as a launch introductory offer. It will compete against the Tesla Model Y, Kia EV5, XPeng G6 and the Geely EX5.The Elexio is similarly priced to the XPeng G6, which ranges from $54,800 to $59,800 (before on-road costs).It is more expensive than the Geely EX5, which starts at $40,990, before on-road costs, but cheaper than the Tesla Model Y that starts at $58,900 (before on-road costs).Its single electric motor produces 160kW and 310Nm and there is a range of 546km (WLTP) from a 88kWh lithium-ion-phosphate battery.DC charging from 10-80 per cent takes 38 minutes.The Elexio will only launch in Australia with the 'Elite' single motor variant and not the dual motor all-wheel drive variant available overseas. When contacted for comment, a spokesperson for Hyundai Australia said the Elite grade will be the only option for buyers in the future at this stage.The Elexio is built in China as a product of Beijing Hyundai, which is a joint venture between Hyundai and BAIC Motor.  The car has undergone an Australian-specific tune, with suspension and steering tweaked to tackle demanding roads.The Elexio has been edging towards an Australian launch over recent months, with Carsguide spotting the SUV on the back of a truck in December 2025. It will join Hyundai’s increasingly growing electric SUV range in Australia, sitting in between the smaller Kona and the bigger Ioniq 5.Hyundai said it expects the Elexio to launch in Australia in the first quarter of 2026. 2026 Hyundai Elexio pricing Australia 2026 Hyundai Elexio electric motor and efficiency 2026 Hyundai Elexio standard features20-inch alloy wheelsHeated and power folding side mirrorsPower tailgate4-spoke leather steering wheelHeated steering wheelLeather appointed seatsHeated and ventilated front seatsKeyless entry and startWireless phone chargingRain sensing wipers27-inch digital driver and central touchscreen displayHead-up display6-speaker audio system2026 Hyundai Elexio safetyThe Hyundai Elexio has not been crash tested.9 airbagsLane keep assistBlind spot assistHigh beam assistHighway driving assistLane departure warningForward collision avoidance assistIn-cabin camera for driver monitoringParking collision avoidance assist2026 Hyundai Elexio dimensions  2026 Hyundai Elexio warranty and servicingThe Hyundai Elexio comes with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, which can be extended to seven years if all servicing is with Hyundai and on time. There is an eight-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty for the high-voltage battery. Hyundai's 'Genuine Service Plan' is available with the car. Pricing has not been disclosed yet.

Nissan has confirmed price and specs for its updated and now hybrid-only Qashqai range for 2026.Not only has the 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine been dumped from the range, but the hybrid has been made more affordable with a new entry-level variant, the ST-L e-Power which starts from $45,640 before on-roads.However, the discontinuation of the previous entry-level combustion car has made the entry-point to the Qashqai range now over $10,000 more expensive than before.Nissan’s e-Power system flips the hybrid formula on its head, with only the electric motor driving the wheels, and the 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine acting only as a generator.2026 Nissan Qashqai pricingThe Qashqai range now starts from the ST-L e-Power and tops out with the N-Design e-Power. See the refreshed pricing structure (with pricing before-on-roads) for the now-four-variant range below.2026 Nissan Qashqai powertrain and efficiencyThe hybrid-only Nissan Qashqai range is front-wheel drive only, and features the latest version of the e-Power set-up which is more fuel and emissions efficient than the previous version. In addition, it is also capable of a 10kW boost when in the Sport driving mode.2026 Nissan Qashqai standard featuresWhile the price has increased significantly for the entry-point to the Qashqai range, standard equipment inclusions have also scored a boost.Standard on all versions of the 2026 Qashqai are:18-inch alloy wheels12.3-inch multimedia touchscreenWireless Apple CarPlay and Android AutoOver-the-air connectivityWireless phone charging360-degree parking cameraKeyless entry with push-start ignitionDual-zone climate controlLED headlightsHigher grades score synthetic leather seats and larger alloy wheel designs among other upgrades. 2026 Nissan Qashqai safetyThe full safety suite is present on even the base versions of the new Qashqai, bar lane keep assist and blind spot monitoring which is only available on the Ti grade and above. The surround parking camera feature is now standard across the range.The 2026 Qashqai should carry over its maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating it was awarded in 2021, which is due to expire in December 2027. The ANCAP rating applies to both the hybrid variants and the outgoing combustion variants.2026 Nissan Qashqai warranty and servicingThe Qashqai is covered by the brand’s 10-year/300,000km warranty which is conditional on servicing inside the brand’s dealer network. Otherwise the warranty reverts to the brand’s previous five-year/unlimited warranty.Service pricing is yet to be confirmed for model year 26 versions of the Qashqai, but the outgoing car is covered by a fixed-price servicing regime, which is set at $399 per yearly visit.2026 Nissan Qashqai dimensionsThe new version of the Qashqai will maintain the same dimensions as the outgoing version, see these in the table below2026 versions of the Nissan Qashqai are due to hit dealerships in March.

Ahead of the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon, Japanese modification outfit Kuhl has revealed a rugged new take on a Toyota icon.The 2026 Toyota LandCruiser Prado has been given a lift and bodykit by Kuhl, with the company dubbing the show car the ‘Iron Build’.Complete with a mix of visual modifications and genuine mechanical changes, including a new set of wheels and off-road tyres, the Iron Build is set to be shown off at Tokyo Auto Salon between January 9 and 11.The Prado’s standard wheel-and-tyre package has been replaced by a set of dishy 22-inch wheels called ‘Verz DR03’ from Kuhl’s own catalogue, and wrapped in a set of 37-inch Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 mud tyres.The result is a ground clearance that looks to be just about doubled, reportedly sitting at 399mm.It’s not just the lift, the Prado has also been bestowed with some body kit like the wing above the rear window, plus some protective ‘pipe’-style protection around the side steps, front and rear bumpers, and over the wheel arches.It also scores a roof rack and a 40-inch-wide LED light bar, completing the ‘weekend warrior’ look.Kuhl sells and installs the parts shown off on the Iron Build, offering its customers the choice of buying a full predetermined set of parts or choosing their own specific custom components.The company has built wicked wide-body and lowered versions of cars from most Japanese manufacturers, from slammed HiAce vans to WRXs that would look at home in Need For Speed.The Prado Iron Build closely follows the reveal of a pair of cars set to be shown off at Auto Salon, the Outroad versions of the Toyota GR86 which come either with or without a lift for the purposes of gravel driving in the rear-drive Toyota sports car.

China’s Zeekr has confirmed it has a new high-performance flagship SUV in the works and it’s reportedly set to launch in its domestic market during the first half of 2026.The Zeekr 8X is set to slot between the 7X electric mid-size SUV and the 9X plug-in hybrid large SUV.The Chinese carmaker has shared a few photos of the 8X with camouflage giving us an indication of what the exterior design looks like.While the 9X is clearly inspired by the Rolls-Royce Cullinan in terms of exterior design, the forthcoming 8X shrinks the form factor and brings a sportier, almost Range Rover Sport-esque look.There are C-shaped daytime running lights with a split-level headlight setup, C-shaped tail-lights with a lightbar connecting them, a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor, plus traditional pull-style door handles.As reported by Car News China, it’s expected the Zeekr 8X will be based on a version of the same SEA-S hybrid platform, which underpins the 9X. It’ll likely only offer five seats, however three-row versions might still be on the cards.Technical details haven’t been revealed yet, though the powertrains are expected to mirror what’s already offered in the 9X.This likely means there will be two or three electric motors, depending on the configuration, with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine acting as a range extender. Total system outputs could go all the way up to 1030kW and 1410Nm.The Zeekr 9X is already claimed to go from 0-100km/h in 3.1 seconds and it’s expected the 8X could be a little faster again given it’s a tad smaller.It’s expected the 9X’s 900V high-voltage battery packs will also carry over to the 8X. There are 55kWh and 70kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) lithium-ion battery packs offered with the latter offering up to 380km of electric range in the 9X, according to the lenient CLTC cycle.If this is the case, expect a little more range for the 8X given it’s smaller than the 9X.It’s claimed you can charge the battery pack from 20 to 80 per cent in as little as nine minutes.At this stage it’s unclear whether the Zeekr 8X will be coming to Australia.Zeekr has been selling vehicles in the Australian market for over 12 months now, launching initially with the X electric small SUV and the 009 electric people mover.The Chinese carmaker recently launched the 7X electric mid-size SUV in Australia, also confirming it won’t receive any updates for the next 12-18 months.

Renault has announced a new hybrid luxury large SUV called the Filante. Few details have been revealed about the car at this stage, but it will feature state-of-the-art technology and roominess, according to the brand. Renault has released one photo of the Filante, which is mostly shrouded in smoke.The teaser shows a sloped roofline and a rear spoiler, highlighting an overall sporty design.Renault says the Filante nameplate “alludes to shooting stars, outer space and journeys”, which lines up with the French meaning of the word being "shooting," "flying," "falling," or "spinning”. Renault has drawn further inspiration from its Etoile Filante record-breaking speedster, which on one run in 1956, reached an average speed of more than 300km/h over 1km and 5km distances.Etoile Filante means “shooting star” in French. Renault also says the name refers to its 'Filante Record 2025', which was a concept car that set a new record for energy efficiency late last year.The Filante will be manufactured at Renault’s biggest Asian factory in Busan, South Korea where it will be initially marketed highlighting a more sustained push outside of Europe for the brand. "Korea has exceptional strength in the D and E segments. This is why Korea is so important to Renault. Filante is the second new-generation model in the Renault International Game Plan 2027 to be designed in Korea,” Nicolas Paris, CEO of Renault Korea said.“It illustrates our vision of a distinctive and daring crossover, a bold expression of Renault's global move upmarket. It perfectly embodies the brand's French roots." It will be built on a Geely-developed platform and have a hybrid powertrain, similar to the new-generation Koleos SUV also built at the Busan facility. The car forms part of the brand’s more than $5 billion ‘International Game Plan 2027’, being one of eight new models planned by the French-based company for launch outside of Europe. Renault recently confirmed the return of its iconic Scenic nameplate as the first of its 2027 initiative, with an all-electric Scenic E-Tech SUV.With driving range between 430km and 625km (WLTP), and a starting price tag of $55,990 (before on-road costs), deliveries on the Scenic E-Tech in Australia are scheduled to start this month. The range-topping Esprit Alpine ($65,990, before on-road costs) will launch before the Techno EV60 and Techno Long Range EV87 variants.It is unclear at this stage whether we will see the Filante in Australia, but given it will be manufactured in right-hand drive and Renault has already brought across the Scenic E-Tech, there are positive signs. The Filante will be officially unveiled in Seoul next week. 

The Dacia Duster is finally here! Well, it's actually here as the Renault Duster, but who cares when this well-liked small SUV has a reputation for off-road adventuring? And the Duster arrives as a family- and budget-friendly small 4x4 that is easy on the eye, very practical for day-to-day life and is reportedly capable off-road. Could the Duster be a legitimate rival for the Suzuki Jimny?

Mitsubishi has just teased its new Pajero large SUV as it draws closer to an official reveal.The brand has released a promotional video celebrating its rallying heritage, with clips of its previous success and its most recent triumph with the Triton ute. Towards the end of the video on the Mitsubishi YouTube channel, the new Pajero is featured driving along a road in dim lighting for roughly five seconds. While we get little more than a silhouette, the front light design matches up with a camouflaged version of the Pajero spied by CarsGuide in Australia late last year.  The video confirms a more boxy overall design on the new Pajero as spotted on the spy pictures of the pre-production test mule.It further reveals straighter window frames and a flat roofline as part of the design tweaks. It is expected Mitsubishi will drop the ‘Pajero Sport’ nameplate altogether to revive the ‘Pajero’ name, which was retired in 2021. It has been previously reported the new Pajero will be based on the new-generation Triton ute, supporting the increased likelihood of a body-on-frame chassis.This chassis set-up highlights the next Pajero's potential for rugged off-roading capabilities.The soon-to-be outgoing Pajero Sport battles in the hotly-contested large SUV segment, where it mustered more than 5500 sales in 2025 up to the end of November, which is a roughly 19 per cent drop on last year. It trails several of the big hitters in the segment such as the Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X which combined for nearly 30,000 sales in 2025. The new Pajero is likely to form part of the brand’s Momentum 2030 plan, which will see a comprehensive revamp of the Mitsubishi range over the next five years. It will focus on developing new energy cars such as those with hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric powertrains.It is unclear when we may see the speculated Pajero in full form, but this latest teaser from the brand indicates it's edging closer to the showroom.Regardless, it is unlikely we will see the Pajero back in Australia before 2027. 

Ford Australia has a popularity problem. By that I mean, the Ranger is so popular it is Australia’s best-selling new vehicle any given month, but at a time when the government is looking to crack down on emissions. The New Vehicle Efficiency Standards (NVES) have been designed to motivate both car makers and customers alike to choose a new vehicle with lower emissions.This is part of the reason why Ford has invested so much time and effort into adding the Ranger plug-in hybrid to its range. But, unfortunately for Ford Australia, buyers so far seem pretty happy to stick with good old fashioned turbo-diesel power. So, as we look at the missing pieces across several of Australia’s leading car brands, there is a very obvious gap in the Ford line-up - a small or mid-size SUV powered by either a plug-in hybrid or all-electric powertrain to help offset all those diesel Ranger emissions under NVES.Under the Federal Government’s policy it will penalise car makers for not getting their vehicles below a mandated CO2 emissions target. The good news is a car maker can effectively offset those vehicles over the limit by claiming ‘credits’ for its vehicles that are below the threshold. Obviously electric cars are rated with zero CO2 emissions, so enjoy the most credits.The problem for Ford is that its biggest selling models are the diesel-powered Ranger and Everest and the V8-powered Mustang. That trio accounts for more than 90 per cent of Ford Australia’s total volume. The all-electric Mustang Mach-E is less than one per cent of the company’s local sales.So, what Ford would likely love is for a more popular SUV, that could help both with NVES but also grow sales. Ford simply gave up on the SUV market, dropping the Escape, despite it being the biggest single segment of the market. It also dropped the Puma and Endura, leaving the Everest to fight on alone.It’s believed Ford will add the Chinese-built Bronco sometime in the not-too-distant future, and the range-extender mid-size SUV could be just what the brand needs at this moment in time. It’s powered by a 110kW 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine and electric motor, which is powered by a BYD battery to provide over 200km of range.What’s more, it’s a Bronco. The Escape was a perfectly fine mid-size SUV, but it was very easy to overlook in a crowded and highly competitive market, which is not something you can say about the Bronco.This is arguably Ford’s best chance of reestablishing itself into the mid-size SUV market. Hopefully being built in China allows it to be price competitive and Ford Australia can stop being so reliant on the Ranger for its success.