Tradie

Work has begun on Kia Tasman 2.0, with componentry already undergoing testing in Australia as the brand prepares a mid-life facelift that will likely touch everything from design to powertrains and dynamics.

Chery’s International boss confirmed a local research and development centre is in the works for Australia. Chery International President Zhang Guibing noted that Australian-based engineers would help the brand tune its cars to better suit local conditions. Zhang said an R&D centre is planned, and even suggested one of Chery’s sub-brands could be headquartered in Australia in the future. “We will create an R&D center in Australia,” he confirmed. “We will use more local labor to really teach Chery because we are far Australia. “The habits, the road conditions, the weather is a big difference. Even now… maybe in the future we are also different.” The move to build an R&D centre in Australia would make Chery an on-paper leader in localisation in terms of its Chinese compatriots, with GWM also employing a local ride and handling expert in former Holden guru Rob Trubiani. Chery earlier this year confirmed it would build an R&D centre in Millbrook in the UK, though given the emphasis Zhang places on Australia, it seems an Aussie localisation program will teach the brand plenty about getting ahead in the brutally competitive new-car market. The announcement goes against the brand’s local arm saying last year that local ride and handling work is ‘irrelevant’ because much of the tech in Chery’s cars is too new for local experience to tune. “I think as long as we have the intelligent and educated input, whether we do that work in China or Europe or North America is irrelevant,” Chery’s local Chief Operating Officer Lucas Harris said in late 2025. To further cement Australia’s importance in the eyes of Chery’s top brass, Zhang suggested Sydney or Melbourne as potential locations for one of Chery’s sub-brands’ international operations to be headquartered in future. Chery currently has several global sub-brands: Jetour, Exlantix, Lepas, Luxeed, iCaur, Freelander and finally Omoda and Jaecoo, with the latter often paired together. This came alongside the acknowledgement that many have suggested London as a possible headquarters for Jaecoo’s international arm. He also noted the Stockman, Chery's upcoming ute, will launch in Australia before any other market, including China. Zhang also said Chery’s sub-brands in Australia wouldn’t all be based in the same city, ideally. “Some of the brands, the headquarters maybe put in Sydney. Some of the brand we put not in Sydney, in other cities… Melbourne.” He outlined that even in Wuhu, the plan is for Chery’s sub-brands to at least have their own buildings and spaces to develop and engineer their vehicles, despite the regularly shared engineering and tech across the Chery group. Mr Zhang’s approach is to try and tailor the staff on each brand to best understand the intended audience of the brand by being closer to that demographic where possible. “Actually, the team, the people, the different R&D department people is completely separated. “Because we want this brand from R&D and later the sales the, marketing, the people really is the same customer group of the brand. “Even the building, the design is also a very strong link with the customer feeling. So this is our main decision.  “Even for me, I don't participate. Because I think I'm not the customer group. So if sometimes I make too many decisions, it’s wrong.  “So I will leave more power to the different brand groups. So they will make their own decisions on how to really make the customer happy, because they understand the customers.”

Isuzu has revealed a new bi-turbo-diesel engine in Thailand that features in both the D-Max ute and MU-X SUV. This 2.2-litre four-cylinder bi-turbo-diesel engine produces 150kW and 500Nm which is 10kW and 50Nm more than the current 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel that’s available in Australia. It also produces 30kW and 100Nm more than the standard single-turbo 2.2-litre diesel engine that’s also offered in Australia and replaced the 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel in 2025. Isuzu claims this 2.2-litre bi-turbo-diesel engine is five per cent faster in the 0-100km/h sprint and eight per cent more fuel efficient than the 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel under highway conditions. At this stage Isuzu Ute Australia has said this new 2.2-litre bi-turbo-diesel engine isn’t for Australia, but this may change in the future. “The newly announced 2.2L Bi-Turbo engine is currently specific to the Thai market,” said an Isuzu Ute Australia spokesperson. “Isuzu Ute Australia continually considers future product opportunities based on local customer needs, market conditions and regulatory requirements; however, we have no announcements to make regarding this powertrain for Australia at this time.” Isuzu only introduced the single-turbo version of the 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel in 2025, but this new bi-turbo version may replace the ageing 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel and it’s not only more powerful, but claimed to be more fuel efficient. Last year, Isuzu Ute Australia received credits with the Australian Government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), however it’s unclear whether it’ll do the same in 2026. Isuzu currently only sells diesel-powered vehicles in Australia with no electrification whatsoever. The company recently shelved plans to introduce the D-Max EV and has not announced any intentions to bring the mild-hybrid engine options available in other markets. In 2026 the CO2 emissions target for Type 2 vehicles, which includes both the D-Max and MU-X, under the NVES is 180g/km. This is set to reduce to 150g/km in 2027. The D-Max 3.0-litre is claimed to emit 204g/km, whereas the 2.2-litre single-turbo is claimed to emit 188g/km, both according to combined cycle testing. These are both above the 2026 threshold and will attract fines of $1200 and $192, respectively, for each vehicle imported. The brand has previously said it's looking to trade NVES credits with other manufacturers and attempt to share the extra cost between dealers, without increasing the asking price of its diesel-powered D-Max and MU-X.

In a rare move, Toyota Australia is discounting its ever-popular HiLux ute, specifically via a $4000 ‘deposit bonus’ offer on new and demonstrator versions of the mid-range SR5 model. Unsurprisingly, there are several conditions applied, the primary one being that to qualify, the vehicle must be purchased through Toyota Finance, with a minimum $10,000 in the deal. Next, the offer applies to SR5s built between August 2025 up to December 2026 and excludes the dual-motor battery electric version. Private buyers as well as Toyota Bronze and Silver fleet customers are eligible, but a purchase connected to Toyota Finance Lease Products means the bonus is a no-go. And once you clear those hurdles, the vehicle must be ordered with finance applications received between 01/09/2026 and 31/12/2026 and settled by 28/02/2027. The 4x4-only HiLux SR5 line-up is currently listed from $69,901, drive-away (in NSW) for the Double-Cab Pick-Up, with the Double-Cab Cab-Chassis, featuring 48V ‘V-Active’ mild-hybrid power, topping the line-up at $73,952, drive-away. The HiLux was the fourth best selling vehicle in the country in September this year (4455 units), down 11.7 per cent on the same month in 2025 and more than 600 sales behind the market-leading Ford Ranger ute (5062 units). But Toyota Australia is pushing towards a big finish for the year, with increased supply of key models set to boost fourth quarter sales. Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations John Pappas said increased vehicle stock secured earlier in the year was continuing to flow through to customer deliveries. “In June, we announced we had secured additional arrivals of some of our most popular models. “Our customers continue to demand a broad range of vehicles that meet their needs and with our increased supply, we are targeting a very strong, record fourth quarter sales for 2026,” he said.

In a widely anticipated move, Changan Automotive is set to take over Australian representation of its Deepal brand, side-lining independent importer-distributor Inchcape Australia. Changan Automotive has been on a hiring spree in Australia, with multiple recruitment ads for senior roles appearing on LinkedIn during the past several months, as it prepares to launch Down Under, initially with the luxury Avatr brand in 2027, led by the large 07L electric SUV and 06T mid-sized wagon. That will be followed by the Nevo nameplate, likely led by the Q05 small SUV hybrid and Q06 mid-sized SUV EV (with range-extender EV option). State-owned Changan is one of China’s biggest automotive groups, of a similar scale to Chery or SAIC, the latter the owner of MG. Inchcape Australia launched the Deepal brand here in late 2024, bringing the pure-electric S07 SUV to market as a Tesla Model Y rival. Available in a single grade, priced from $53,900, before on-road costs, the S07 is powered by a single electric motor producing 160kW and 320Nm. Following local feedback, Inchcape worked with Changan to update and recalibrate the S07’s advanced driver assist systems (ADAS) and extended service intervals from 10,000km to 20,000km. The Deepal E07 electric ‘multi-truck’ followed a year later, the SUV/ute mash-up priced from $64,900, before on-road costs, for the single-motor rear-wheel drive version, and $73,900 before on-roads for the flagship dual-motor all-wheel drive model. Unlike conventional SUVs, the E07 has a coupe-like roofline that electrically retracts to reveal a cargo section much like a ute tray. This area only has a 300kg payload, however. But a big question mark has been hanging over the brand’s third model, the entry-level  Deepal S05 compact electric SUV. The S05 has been ‘set to arrive in Australia’ for some time; initially, the third quarter of 2025, but we’re still waiting and the new distribution announcement offers a big clue as to why. With Inchcape now side-stepping the investment cost required for a new model introduction, expect the BYD Atto 3 and Kia EV3 rival to land sooner rather than later. Although the local Deepal website invites pre-orders and requests for more information, local specification is yet to be finalised. Overseas this car is available as an EV with up to 510km of CLTC range, or a range-extender electric vehicle (REEV) that pairs an electric motor with a 1.5-litre petrol engine that acts as a generator. On a side note, the arrival of Changan spells bad news for Mazda, which has a partnership with the giant manufacturer and relies on it to source its new range of electric cars, including the recently launched Mazda 6e sedan and CX-6e SUV.  Changan versions of these models will likely be cheaper than the Mazdas and more premium Deepal versions on sale in Australia.  For the Deepal handover, in what Changan and Inchcape describe as a “mutual decision” there will be a transition period commencing October 21, 2026 until March 31, 2027, during which time Changan will assume distribution responsibility. A statement announcing the shift said, “Inchcape Australia and Changan will continue to work collaboratively to ensure a smooth transition for the brand, with a focus on supporting staff, customers, dealers and partners. “All Deepal sales, servicing, warranty programs, comprehensive logistics, parts, after sales and customer support will continue with all existing customer orders honoured. “Customers will also continue to have access to factory-trained technicians, genuine Deepal parts and ongoing servicing support and diagnostic updates throughout the transition period,” it said. Commenting on the coming changeover, Inchcape Australasia Managing Director Colin Christie said, “We are proud of what we have achieved alongside Changan in establishing Deepal in Australia and helping build awareness of the brand with customers.  “Through our partnership, we have shared valuable local market expertise and supported Deepal’s successful introduction to the Australian market.” Changan Australia Managing Director Bryan Guan added, “On behalf of Changan Australia, we thank Inchcape for its partnership in establishing the Deepal brand in Australia.  “As Deepal enters its next phase in Australia, Changan will manage the transition with transparency, professionalism and respect, ensuring continuity for customers and confidence across the dealer network" he said.

Ford will upsize the V6 engine the regular Ranger receives in the USA, though it won't be coming to Australia. As reported by Autoblog, the standard, non-Raptor version of the Ford Ranger will be gaining a larger and more powerful 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 petrol engine. This will reportedly replace the 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6 petrol engine that’s optional on certain Ranger grades in the USA. A Ford Australia spokesperson has confirmed the core Ranger line-up will remain diesel-only in Australia, excluding the Ranger Hybrid and Ranger Raptor. The US-specification Ford Ranger is produced domestically, whereas the Australian-specification models are produced in Thailand. In the US this standard Ford Ranger with the 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 engine will be paired exclusively with a 10-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. This mirrors the Ranger Raptor. The exact power and torque figures haven’t been confirmed yet. It’s unclear whether they will remain unchanged from the Ranger Raptor, or if the engine will be detuned. For reference, the 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 engine produces 292kW and 583Nm in the Ranger Raptor. The standard 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine is set to continue in the US, especially in the entry-level XLT trim. No turbo-diesel or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain is offered in the US, like it is in Australia. In the US the Ford Ranger receives a few other specification changes for the new model year. These include blue badging instead of black, updated alloy wheel options, revised front and rear fascias, new exterior paint colours, the availability of a power-sliding rear window and tweaks to the off-road-oriented FX4 package. It’s unclear whether any of these changes will inform future updates for Australian-specification Ranger. Some of the aesthetic changes may eventually come. The Ford Ranger has been Australia’s best-selling car for the last three consecutive years and it appears to be on track to achieve this again in 2026. A total of 37,858 have been sold until the end of September this year, which is narrowly ahead of the Toyota HiLux (36,616).

Nissan’s new local boss has outlined the direction the brand will take in the face of increasingly strict emissions regulations and changing market forces. Nissan’s Managing Director for Oceania Steve Milette says the first priority for new models won’t be to simply meet emissions targets, but to provide products that customers are asking for. The brand has just confirmed it will launch the (already expected) Nissan Navara Pro PHEV ute in 2027, there’s also a new-generation Nissan X-Trail on the way for 2027. The pressure is on for Nissan to sell more efficient cars to customers, too, as it reached the second-highest place for NVES (New Vehicle Emissions Standard) fines in 2025, an amount totalling $10,763,050. CarsGuide asked if there’s a path out of the NVES challenges facing the brand and if a refresh of the brand’s line-up is on the cards as part of that. “In terms of product introductions, yeah, yeah, for sure,” Milette told CarsGuide. “We have a pipeline, a robust pipeline.” “We can't talk about the details of those products, but all I can say is, it's going to be positive for us because the product resonates with the needs of Australians, and especially from a diversity of powertrain.  “Not just the vehicles themselves and the segments they play in, but the diversity of powertrains.” With the new X-Trail and the Navara Pro, Nissan isn’t confirming a move into any new (or previously served) segments, meaning passenger cars may still not be part of Nissan's plan. “There's some dominant segments: medium SUV, obviously. The utility market, the ute market, is huge. And traditionally, we've been, you know, we've been pretty strong at the SUV segments in general, like from smaller to to Patrol size,” Milette said. “And so I think for us, you can expect that we're going to be introducing products in the big segments that really are aligned with our history in terms of what we stand for, like very capable SUVs, very capable four by fours, innovative in terms of powertrains.  “That's where we're going.” This could point to the Nissan Terrano plug-in hybrid 4WD, and several electric and range-extender or plug-in hybrid SUVs from China, such as the NX7 and NX8. This would give Nissan an answer to the Denza B5 4WD and Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid. Nissan’s new addition to the X-Trail line-up, a more efficient front-wheel drive version of the e-Power hybrid system, could be considered a move in the right direction for its daunting NVES fines, but Milette says that wasn’t the primary reason for it. “Two-wheel-drive e-Power is a positive contributor to NVES, but its main purpose is to meet a need of the market,” Milette told CarsGuide. “I mean, 25 per cent of the sales in Australia so far this year are hybrid. Half of those are two-wheel drive, so we've only participated in half of that.  “So I think from a consumer preference, now we're in all of that segment.” “But from an NVES perspective, I think the north star is that as a brand we become self-sufficient… the portfolio that balances the negatives with the positives, if you will.” If Nissan sells more low-emission hybrids and electric cars, it will reduce the total amount of fines brought on by its ‘dirtier’ models like its Navara ute and its petrol SUVs. For reference, its second place ($10,763,050) in the 2025 list of brand fines saw it behind Mazda’s whopping $25,425,850 but well ahead of Subaru's $6,981,750. “But until we get there, we're well aware that we'll have to trade for credits, and there are published numbers. Like you saw, it was a public number in 2025.  “All I can say is that that's not the real cost.” Brands that find themselves with credits (likely through selling mostly EVs) rather than fines can agree to sell those credits to brands that have racked up fines, though Milette didn’t specify where those credits would come from. “For us, it's ‘what does the consumer want?’ We have a very powerful brand in Patrol as an example. If consumers want to buy Patrols, and they do, we're going to sell them Patrols. “No matter what the NVES impact there might be.”

Honda is preparing a Toyota HiLux hunter.  The brand is gearing up to launch a new ute in 2028, according to a report from Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun.  It will take aim at the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux in a ute market that remains one of the highest-volume segments globally. It will mirror the Nissan Navara in using the Mitsubishi Triton as the basis for its mechanical DNA.  It could be the first model in an expanded collaboration between Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi.  There are limited details on the new Honda ute at this stage, as it's still under development, but it will reportedly be built in Thailand.  It will sport the same ladder-frame chassis as the Triton, so buyers can expect Honda’s ute to provide some rugged off-roading and adventuring potential.  The current Mitsubishi Triton uses a 2.4-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine, making 150kW and 470Nm.  Mitsubishi has plans to offer hybrid power in its future ladder-frame models and Honda's ute could benefit from this.  This comes as Honda too shifts its focus from fully electric cars to invest heavily in hybrid power from 2027. Mitsubishi’s Chief Product Specialist Itagaki Kunitoshi said in September 2026 the carmaker is developing hybrid set-ups for its future Pajero 4WD and Triton ute models. “Mitsubishi Motors is actively conducting research and development in electrified ladder-frame vehicles, including hybrid vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicle technologies for products such as Pajero and Triton in the future,” Kunitoshi said. Hybrid power could help Honda steer clear of fines under Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES). It’s too early to say whether the incoming Honda ute will go on sale in Australia, but it's becoming increasingly likely.  The ute will launch in South-East Asia in 2028, a region with many right-hand-drive markets. While a RHD build improves its chances of an Australian arrival, the local branch hasn't officially confirmed it will land in showrooms. A spokesperson for Honda Australia told CarsGuide in October 2026 there was nothing to confirm yet.  “While Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi Motors are discussing various potential collaboration opportunities under the framework of our strategic partnership, there is nothing specific to share at this time,” they said.    Honda already sells a Ridgeline ute, but it is exclusively sold in North America. This means it’s built in left-hand drive, while it also uses a thirsty V6 engine that would incur fines under Australian emissions rules, essentially ruling it out Down Under.

At the 2026 Paris motor show Plenty of brands provided a preview of what’s to come for buyers . Some of the world’s biggest carmakers put their work on display from ultra-affordable EVs to retro reboots of past successes.  Here is some of the biggest news to come out of the show.  Smart has revealed a new compact EV called the #2.  Boasting a two-door and two-seat layout, it’s roughly 1200mm shorter than a BYD Atto 1 and slightly bigger than the original Smart ForTwo.  It has a 330km driving range, according to WLTP standards and can DC fast charge from 10 to 80 per cent in 20 minutes.  BYD sub-brand Denza has unveiled its answer to big hitters like Ferrari and Lamborghini with its Z electric sports car.  A close rival to the Mercedes-Benz SL Class, the Z is BYD’s first full-on performance model.  It will use a three electric motor set-up, producing 880kW, with a 0-100km/h time of less than two seconds.  Another Chinese brand is destined for Aussie shores.  Ultra-luxury brand Avatr showed off its T09 large plug-in hybrid SUV concept for the first time. It is due to launch in Australia in 2028 or 2029.  Citroen’s electric 2CV successor has landed.  The compact EV is due for launch in 2028, at 3760mm long shaping up slightly shorter than its petrol predecessor but still boasting a roll-top fabric roof.  It’s expected to be offered from a very affordable price point in Europe, but we’re unlikely to see it Down Under.  Fiat has revealed a bold new concept called ‘multiplay’, which can transform between a people mover, SUV and ute.  Measuring 4450mm long, the car shares a similar footprint to the BYD Atto 3. It features a sliding rear roof and C-pillar to enable conversion from a three-row family car, to a ute or an SUV depending on its specific requirements.  Alfa Romeo has given its iconic V6 engine a hybrid twist. Its Cuorerosso concept uses a conventional hybrid set-up, comprising a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine as well as some electric motor assistance.  The Italian brand developed the concept to show off the future direction of its Quadrifoglio sedan.  Renault unveiled two futuristic EV concepts.  The E-Space concept is an electric reboot of the Espace van and people mover.  The E-Space is similarly sized to the current Espace van on sale, but uses a fully-electric set-up and features a standout sleek design.  The French brand also showed off its radical Renault 5 Turbo 3E that is a limited-run production EV version of the Renault 5 Turbo.  Its electric motor set-up produces 410kW, while riding on a fast-charging 800-volt platform.  Renault will only build 1980 examples of the car to pay homage to the original birth year of the Renault 5 Turbo.  Peugeot provided a look into its future.  The rally-inspired E-T16 concept is a nod to the 1980s 205 T16 Group B rally car, and its three electric motor set-up, makes around 600kW. Its aggressive styling and blacked out accents are said to be a showcase into future styling for Peugeot.  The RCZ Vision concept is an electric sports car based on the original 2+2 sports coupe.  It features plenty of cutting-edge technology, including a solid-state battery with 10 to 80 per cent fast charging in under 10 minutes.  The car’s electric motor set-up produces 373kW, while a curved ‘double bubble’ roof is a reflection of the original design. 

Isuzu says it will look to trade emissions credits with other manufacturers and attempt to share the extra cost between dealers, its local head office and its international HQ to keep selling the diesel D-Max and MU-X in Australia without jacking up prices. The brand is in a tough spot when it comes to the federal government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) in Australia, with two models sharing diesel engines, and no form of electrification either here or coming in the immediate future. But it also says the segments it competes in – namely the ute and off-road SUV spaces – aren’t embracing electrification, even if it had powertrains to offer. That leaves it with little option but to buy credits from other lower-emitting manufacturers. Part of the government’s NVES policy is that manufacturers who exceed their fleet emission target end in credit, while those who miss theirs end with a deficit, but brands can trade to balance their ledgers. “The strategy is that we’ll do everything we can to make the impact as low as possible on the end user,”  says  Rod Caldwell, Executive General Manager - MD Office and Internal Audit Office. “If that means we need to buy credits, we're not saying that we won't do that. "If that means that it protects the consumer from any excessive price increases or whatever, but it gives them the lowest impact, then that's what we'll do. Some brands say they won't, we're saying that's an option we will seriously consider.” Caldwell says the brand would attempt to share any cost increases across the vehicle suppliers, rather than pass them onto the customer, though he concedes that might not be entirely possible. “We're trying to trim expenses at the same time, and we've got a number of parties involved in our process,” he says. “We've got the manufacturer, we've got our owner, we've got us. So we’ve all got a job to do to make sure that the customer doesn't have to wear the brunt of it.  “We want to minimise the impact. We will have to absorb some, the factory will have to absorb some. At the end of the day, the factory is the one responsible for the penalty, not us, but we've got to come to an arrangement on how we share this burden. “It's not going to be long term. We are going to have new technology in the future, for sure.”