Articles by Chris Thompson

The Mazda6 is on its way out, and a China-sourced electric car is set to take the reins. We've been given a preview drive of the Mazda 6e in Australia before there's even a local spec available. What are the first impressions of this new world for Mazda?

Porsche has finally unveiled the electric version of its iconic SUV, the Cayenne, after much testing and teasing.

BYD Australia has confirmed pricing and specifications for two of its smallest electric cars (EVs), and the entry prices are a shock.The 2026 BYD Atto 1 will start from a staggeringly low $23,990 before on-road costs, putting it amongst the likes of the Chery Tiggo 4, Hyundai Venue and Suzuki Swift in terms of pricing.It’s to be joined by the larger Atto 2, which will start from $31,990 before on-roads, still putting it on the competitive side of electric car pricing.BYD says both have undergone Australia-specific testing for suspension tuning and driver assist systems (ADAS).Built on the brand’s e-Platform 3.0 the two models feature different battery sizes and drivetrains, with two variants each consisting of different features and ranges.Both will arrive in showrooms for sale over the Australian summer, starting in December.2026 BYD Atto 1 standard features10.1-inch multimedia touchscreen7.0-inch driver displayDigital radioFour-speaker sound systemApple CarPlay and Android Auto (wireless and USB)4G connectivity and Over-The-Air (OTA) software updatesUSB ports (Type A and Type C)Bluetooth phone connectivity and audio streaming12V socketKeyless entry and startSplit folding rear seats (50:50)Tyre repair kitPremium adds:Wireless phone chargingAuto LED headlightsPower adjustable heated front seatFour-way steering adjustTinted privacy glassRetractable mirrorsSurround-view parking camera2026 BYD Atto 2 standard features10.1-inch multimedia touchscreen8.8-inch driver displayDigital radioFour-speaker sound systemApple CarPlay and Android Auto (wireless and USB)4G connectivity and Over-The-Air (OTA) software updatesUSB ports (Type A and Type C)Bluetooth phone connectivity and audio streaming12V socketKeyless entry and startSplit folding rear seats (50:50)Tyre repair kitPremium adds:12.8-inch multimedia touchscreenWireless phone chargingEight-speaker sound systemAuto LED headlightsPanoramic sunroofRoof racksPower adjustable heated front seatFour-way steering adjustTinted privacy glassRetractable mirrorsSurround-view parking cameraParking sensors

The next-gen Navara is set to be revealed next week, but Nissan Australia and a local engineering specialist have detailed how it's been tuned for Australia.

BYD has launched the 2026 update for its M9 people-mover, called the Xia in its home nation.The plug-in hybrid van is a relatively new addition to BYD’s line-up, and is closely related to the Denza D9, a similarly sized, more upmarket people-mover.The BYD M9 is already scoring new batteries, updated tech and even better fuel efficiency, less than a year after its initial launch in China.With a range of up to 1163km (tested under lenient CLTC methods) in its longest-range variant, the BYD M9 costs between the equivalent of A$45,000 and $58,000 in China.Four variants with either 100km or 218km of EV-only range are available, with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine helping charge and power the battery and wheels respectively.While the M9 itself hasn’t been confirmed for Australia, nor its Denza D9 sibling, the brand hasn’t ruled either out in the past.Denza in particular is currently focused on launching its B5 and B8 SUVs, while BYD’s line-up has already been significantly bolstered in recent years. A people-mover wouldn’t look out of place in either brand’s model line-ups.Denza boss Mark Harland told CarsGuide the brand wouldn’t look at smaller segment models, such as people-movers, until it had established itself in volume segments like large SUVs.“It’s real simple: Volume - the large segment in particular - this is what Australians buy, this is where volume is for us,” he told CarsGuide recently.“I want to establish the brand with B5 and B8 - get some wins under the belt, get those sales and establish the network.“Then we can look at the smaller segments - the Z9 GT, the D9 later - but we want to fish where the fish are first.”Stay tuned.

Mitsubishi Australia has confirmed the plug-in hybrid Outlander will follow its petrol-only sibling with the update revealed earlier this year.The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid (PHEV) will arrive in the first quarter of 2026 and will gain improved tech, features and an updated look.While pricing and some more specifications are yet to be confirmed for the plug-in family SUV, Mitsubishi has confirmed the key changes and the model line-up outline.Headlining changes is a larger battery, now 22.78kWh up from 20.0kWh. Claimed electric range has only improved by 2km on paper to 86km up from 84km before.The good news is its claimed EV range is now under WLTP testing, which returns more accurate results than lenient NEDC testing. In reality the new 86km range is more likely to be achieved.It retains its 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, joined by an electric motor at each axle, though Mitsubishi hasn’t confirmed yet if there are any changes to the total 185kW/450Nm output for the Outlander PHEV.Its ride and handling had been updated with the petrol variant, carrying over to the PHEV along with changes to reduce the effects of NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) such as a new new steel bonnet, front fenders, and a ‘Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium’ audio system from the entry-grade ES.While more details are yet to come, Mitsubishi says the ES will be joined by the Aspire, Exceed and Exceed Tourer variants. There’s no word yet on the GSR, which is currently available.The ES won’t be available with seven seats, but will have a large 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen, LED interior lighting, surround-view parking cameras, a driver monitoring system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a host of safety kit.The Aspire can be had with seven seats, plus gains synthetic leather, heated seats and a wireless phone charger. The Exceed gains proper leather upholstery and seat ventilation, whole the Exceed Tourer adds a 12-speaker Yamaha sound system, massage seats, and improved ‘Brick Brown’ leather.

Renault's new electric city hatch shapes up to rival the BYD Atto 1

New arrival brand GAC, or Guangzhou Automobile Group, has set a very lofty sales goal for its first couple of years in Australia.

GAC says it has already done Australian tuning prior to its local launch

Australian new car market continues to shift in October 2024.