SUV

Chinese brand to save iconic carmaker
By Stephen Ottley · 05 Oct 2026
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.
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China’s new LandCruiser rival is an animal
By Dom Tripolone · 02 Oct 2026
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.
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Toyota eyes taking flagship brand global
By James Cleary · 02 Oct 2026
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.
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Japan's giant-beating EV detailed
By Dom Tripolone · 02 Oct 2026
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 details 2026 Mitsubishi ASX VR-e  specifications The ASX VR-e LS comes with:  Single-motor, rear-wheel drive 18-inch alloy wheels Flush door handles – manual operation Black/grey cloth seat trim Six-way driver seat manual adjustment Four-way passenger seat manual adjustment 2nd row 60/40 split fold flat 2nd row load through (ski hatch) Rear view monitor Dual-zone Climate Control Six-speaker audio Eco/Comfort/Sport drive modes Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) via external Type 2 AC charging port Proximity door lock/unlock LED headlights with Auto High Beam (AHB) LED daytime running lamps LED tail-lights 9.2-inch digital driver display 15.6-inch multimedia touchscreen Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity Driver Monitoring System (DMS) Aspire adds: Flush door handles – automatic operation D-pillar trims with etched finish Black synthetic leather seat trim Eight-way driver seat power adjustment Driver seat memory Driver seat heating and cooling Four way passenger seat power adjustment Passenger seat heating and cooling 64-colour selectable interior ambient lighting Frunk with electric bonnet release Adjustable height rear cargo floor Adaptive Driving Beam Front park assist (six parking sensors) Rear park assist (six parking sensors) Surround monitor with 360-degree camera view Autonomous parking  Exceed adds: 20-inch two-tone alloy wheels Panoramic glass roof Electric tailgate with hands-free operation 12-speaker SEAS sound system GSR adds: Dual motor all-wheel drive system Black synthetic leather with microsuede seat trim Blue stitching on seats Two-tone exterior paint finish
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BYD Atto 3 2026 review: Evo – Australian first drive | Kia EV5 rival tested
By Stephen Ottley · 02 Oct 2026
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.
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Hyundai's next-gen EV plans exposed
By Tim Gibson · 01 Oct 2026
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. 
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Tesla shows BYD, Zeekr how it's done
By Tim Gibson · 01 Oct 2026
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.  
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BYD Atto 2 2026 review: DM-i PHEV – Australian first drive | Chery C5 Hybrid rival tested
By Stephen Ottley · 01 Oct 2026
BYD clearly has no plans on settling for second-best. The fast-rising Chinese brand looks set to finish 2026 as the closest rival to Toyota. And now, hot on the heels of announcing the cheapest electric vehicle in the country, it has now added the most-affordable plug-in hybrid, too. The Atto 2 DM-i is the newest addition as the brand looks to expand its range in Australia. In theory it ticks a lot of boxes, too. It gives buyers looking for cheaper running costs a new option. It should appeal to those looking to electrify but not ready for the all-electric switch. And, it’s also just an affordable small SUV, regardless of what’s under the bonnet.  So, does it actually tick those boxes? Well, let’s start with the question of value, and the Atto 2 DM-i makes a strong opening statement. There are two models to choose from and both start under $30,000.  The Essential kicks off the line-up at just $24,990, before on-road costs, which is cheaper than the Chery 5 hybrid (from $31,990), GWM Haval Jolion hybrid (from $32,990) and is even cheaper than the petrol-powered Hyundai Kona (from $33,700). Even the better-equipped Premium starts at just $29,990, before on-roads, which is an impressive number for a hybrid, let alone a plug-in hybrid. Especially when the Atto 2 EV is priced from an already appealing $31,990 for the Dynamic and $35,990 for the Premium. Despite its modest price the Essential still comes equipped with: 360-degree view parking cameras Adaptive cruise control Traffic sign recognition Forward collision warning Rear collision warning  Rear cross-traffic alert LED headlights  Keyless entry and ignition Four-speaker sound system 10.1-inch multimedia touchscreen Wireless Android Auto and Apple Car Play Premium adds: Vehicle-to-load (V2L) 50W wireless smartphone charger 12.8-inch multimedia touchscreen Eight-speaker sound system Panoramic sunroof Synthetic leather seats Ambient lighting Obviously the key difference between the Atto 2 models is the powertrain. The DM-i uses a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with an electric motor that makes a combined 122kW in the Essential and 156kW in the Premium. Both are equipped with BYD’s trademark Blade battery with lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry. The Essential has a 7.85kWh battery that provides 39km of EV range and a claimed fuel economy return of just 1.0L/100km. The Premium gets a much larger 18.03kWh battery, which means a 90km EV range, and a claimed fuel economy figure of 0.7L/100km. Obviously that is a very impressive and attention-grabbing figure but like all plug-in hybrids, the published economy is a best-case-scenario, so don’t expect to see 1.0L/100km or less in the real-world. Our test drive was predominantly on open roads, so it wasn’t representative of what you’ll likely find in a predominantly urban environment, which is where a PHEV shines. So we’ll reserve our judgement on the efficiency of the Atto 2 DM-i until a later date. What our test drive did clearly demonstrate is that the Atto 2 is a well-built car. It may not be particularly quick, but it’s not weak either, comfortably cruising at 80km/h and faster on the open road.  It also did a nice job when the going got twisty. Again, measuring it against its mainstream and affordable peers rather than any dynamic benchmark, the Atto 2 DM-i felt solid and predictable on the road. The ride was respectable and soaked up bigger bumpers with relative ease, which is commendable on such an affordable car. One issue this reviewer had whilst driving was the seating position, which reminded me of my 1982 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. By that I mean I wasn’t able to find a comfortable position as the pedals felt too close and I couldn’t get the steering wheel close enough. That may be a specific issue for taller drivers, but driving comfort is important for anyone who tries it on for size. Fortunately there is plenty of space for other things, including a claimed 20 in-cabin storage spots and a new, larger boot. It now measures 425L, which is 45L more than the electric Atto 2.  It may be a cheap car, but BYD has included all the safety features you should reasonably expect in any modern car. That includes the previously listed technology including forward and rear collision alert and similar smart safety assists, so BYD should be commended for not cutting corners. However, it must be noted ANCAP has not tested the Atto 2 independently yet. As for its ownership credentials, BYD offers a six-year/150,00km warranty, which is only average in this age of seven years (or more) and unlimited kays coverage from many of the big name brands.
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Nissan's game-changing hybrid plans exposed
By Tim Gibson · 30 Sep 2026
Nissan is getting serious about hybrid power.  The Japanese brand announced it will invest heavily in its hybrid tech as part of a new United States-focused approach, according to a report in Automotive News.  Nissan will ditch its plug-in hybrid plans as part of this new approach to focus on developing a V6 hybrid engine and 'e-Power' range-extender hybrids instead.  The brand said it wants to make hybrid its main powertrain in the US, and it will add new e-Power range-extender variants and an all-new V6 hybrid to achieve this.  The new V6 hybrid engine will be used on mid-size and large SUVs, as well as utes.  It’s expected the set-up will first be used on the revised Nissan Xterra SUV that is primarily sold in North America.  It is unclear what this set-up will look like, but it's likely to feature the upcoming generation of the Frontier ute and the Pathfinder SUV.  Australia is not expected to receive any of these vehicles, because they predominantly target the US and the current generation models are not sold here. The Pathfinder was sold here briefly but was discontinued earlier this year. Nissan’s ‘e-Power’ system uses range-extender technology by employing a small battery, charged by the petrol engine, to power the wheels. It's currently used on some Qashqai and X-Trail SUV examples sold in Australia, but Nissan’s Kicks compact SUV is also available with it in other markets.  The Kicks is under consideration for Australia, with Nissan also eager to introduce the Kick's e-Power variant in the US.  The Kicks’ 2.0-litre four-cylinder conventional petrol engine would incur fines under Australian emissions regulations, but this new e-Power grade isn't expected to.  This is part of Nissan’s plans to pivot away from PHEVs due to wavering demand from buyers.  Nissan has discontinued its PHEV-powered Rogue SUV in the US - a rebadged version of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV - and will now sell an e-Power variant instead.  “The volume of plug-in hybrid in the US has collapsed down to almost zero,” Nissan Americas Chairman Christian Meunier told Automotive News.   “It's not a strategic model for us. It was more a bridge to e-Power hybrid. So production is stopped.” Nissan’s will shift towards manufacturing in the US to side-step hefty tariffs and minimise transglobal distribution costs.  Nissan views the US as a crucial market to its success. “Building where you sell eliminates many risks — tariffs, currency swings and supply chain issues,” Meunier said.  “For our most important market, maximising US production is critical.” This approach will see Nissan’s Tennessee manufacturing plant reach full capacity, shifting 600,000 units annually, compared to its current 400,000. 
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Smash hit Chinese 4WD incoming
By Dom Tripolone · 30 Sep 2026
Australia is about to get one of the hottest new vehicles from China. Geely has confirmed the Battleship 700 — name still pending — will come to Australia in the second half of 2027. And if its initial success in China is an indication Geely will have a smash hit on its hands in Australia.  Chinese buyers have hit fever pitch with 43,900 pre-sale orders received in the first hour after the order books opened. Aimed at everything from the new Mitsubishi Pajero to the Denza B8 and Nissan Patrol and Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series, it is a big beast, measuring 5085mm long, 1999mm wide, 1895mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2900mm. Australia will get the most powerful version, which uses a 2.0-litre petrol engine and three electric motors, delivering total outputs of 830kW and all-wheel-drive grip. The Battleship 700 gets a 47kWh battery pack, which is claimed to deliver an electric driving range of up to 170km. It is built on a new ladder-frame architecture, which will give it proper off-road ability. It has adjustable-height air suspension, off-road specific modes, an 800mm wading depth and a rear differential lock. It also has lots of hi-tech features including a ‘crab turn’ mode to rotate on the spot and it can self-park. It has a panoramic sunroof, 12.3-inch digital dash, 15.6-inch multimedia touchscreen, a fridge/heater under the centre console, standard synthetic leather interior trim and up to 23 speakers for the sound system. The Battleship 700 in 2.0-litre tri-motor form starts from the equivalent of around $A56,500 in China, stretching to $A81,460 for the top-spec ‘Land Yacht’ version. Chinese vehicles usually cost about 20 per cent more in Australia than in China, so expect it to cost in the range of $A70,000-$100,000, depending on the specification Geely brings Down Under. The Denza B8 starts at about $91,000 (before on-road costs) and the Nissan Patrol and Toyota LandCruiser start from just under six-figures.
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