Articles by Chris Thompson

A new Chinese electric van is on the Horizon, as incoming brand Skyworth has been granted approval from the government to sell two versions of its boxy workhorse.The Skyworth 233, as we expect it could be called based on international markets, is a full-size commercial van with a reported driving range of more than 400km in China.Confusingly, despite ‘Skyworth’ being the badge along its front, it’s referred to as the Skywell 233 in the UK, and in China it’s called the Skyworth Hongtu.While it’s been around in China for some time and internationally for a couple of years, the Skyworth brand is relatively new to Australia, and this new electric van is one of a couple of models listed on its site as set for Australia.Now, it’s been confirmed as approved via government documents seen by CarsGuide, alongside images of both a tall- and low-roof version of the van.While those pictures don’t provide much in the way of detail, we do know the van is 5490mm long, 2200mm tall, 1990mm wide and with a 3450mm wheelbase in its low-roof version.The taller version of the van is 5990mm long, 2700mm tall, 1990mm wide and has a 3950mm wheelbase.According to international details, an in-house 101kWh LFP (Lithium-Iron-Phosphate) battery and 150kW/370Nm outputs from a rear-mounted motor make up the 233’s drivetrain setup, with UK specs claiming a 350-400km range based on WLTP testing when 50 per cent loaded up.Additionally, 120kW DC rapid charging should mean getting the battery back to mostly full within the span of a work break.The Skyworth Australia website lists the 233 as simply ‘Next-Generation Van’, so it’s yet to be determined what the model will be called, if the plans do indeed go ahead.

Toyota’s next Corolla is approaching, but the brand is keeping quiet on what we can expect from the next generation of on of the world’s highest selling cars.

Toyota Australia is currently dealing with a couple of problems that, while it’s not alone in facing, seem to be affecting it more than most.With Australia’s new emissions laws set to continue tightening, Toyota will have to start looking for more and more efficient vehicles to lower overall emissions from the vehicles it sells.At the same time, its line-up of EVs remains behind the curve while people are more readily looking to go electric.This coincides with a sales dip thanks to the changeover in generations of the Toyota RAV4, something the brand might face more challenges with due to its lack of ANCAP rating.The dramatic increase in interest in cars built in China is another factor, with new brands sapping market share from the local market veterans to the point that China was the third-biggest source of new cars in Australia in 2025 behind Thailand 2nd (thanks to dual-cab utes) and Japan (thanks in great part to Toyota and Mazda).China is on-par with Japan for first in Q1 2026, and was the biggest source of new cars in March.It seems like a big problem for Toyota, but it could also in part contain the solution.Toyota has two major joint-ventures in China, a requirement for foreign companies to operate in China, one with Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) and one with First Automotive Works (FAW). GAC will be familiar to some Australians, having launched here in 2025, with the Aion V electric mid-size SUV leading the charge.Interestingly, the GAC Aion V is built on a platform co-developed with Toyota that also underpins the Toyota bZ3X in China.Given Toyota is in need of electric cars, and it has access to a readily available EV in China that would surely be more affordable than the bZ4X mid-size SUV, we asked Toyota Australia’s Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations, John Pappas, whether bringing in cars like the bZ3X from China is on the cards to increase sales in the EV space.While Pappas wouldn’t be drawn to comment on any specific models, or even whether Chinese cars were under consideration, he told CarsGuide there’s always scope for new models to come in from anywhere, regardless of the market of origin.“So the beautiful thing, the benefit of being such a global company like Toyota, and being in around 180 markets all around the world, and having so many manufacturing plants, that enables us to assess - whether it's sourcing of the vehicle, spec, power train.”“We are always considering from all parts of the world where we should source our next vehicles from. So that's an option for us, right? And that's the beautiful thing about being part of the Toyota global platform and family.”When asked if there were any learnings to be drawn from China’s rise to dominance in Australia or whether Toyota has gleaned insights from its joint-ventures, Pappas played down the focus on China, instead saying he believes Toyota’s history in Australia puts it in a strong position for its future here.“We want to make sure that whatever decisions we make, whether we're sourcing a car out of Europe, whether it's sourcing a car out of China, whatever it is, it's all about making sure we look after our customers through our extensive Toyota dealer network.”

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser is the top-spec model in the new RAV4 line-up priced from $56,990 in front-wheel drive or $60,340 as an AWD before on-road costs.It features high-end inclusions like high-grade LED headlamps, leather-accented seat trim, head-up display, digital rearview mirror, four heated seats, two wireless phone chargers, plus a sunroof, a premium nine-speaker JBL audio system and 20-inch alloy wheels.It also comes with plenty of the RAV4’s standard features like LED headlights, privacy tinting, eight-way powered driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, a 10.5-inch touchscreen display for multimedia, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, five USB-C ports plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has a full-size spare wheel.Powering either the front or all four wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is a 143kW/221Nm series-parallel hybrid 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, which Toyota claims uses 4.5 (2WD) or 4.6L (AWD) of petrol per 100km of driving. It also now needs 95RON instead of the previous minimum 91RON.Toyota expects a five-star ANCAP rating, though will not find out until later in 2026.Eight airbags, auto emergency braking (AEB) pre-collision, emergency steering assist, full-speed active cruise control, front and rear cross-traffic alert, lane trace, automatic high beam, parking support brake and blind spot monitor are all standard across the range.The brand’s five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty can be extended to seven years if you maintain your logbook servicing with Toyota. Capped-price servicing ($325 per service) comes every 12 months or 15,000km - this lasts five years or 75,000km. 

Mercedes-Benz has confirmed details of its newest model, the stylish CLA four-door, coming to Australia with petrol-hybrid and electric variants.The five-strong line-up of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA will arrive through May and June, with a starting price of $66,500 before on-roads for the most affordable of the three hybrid variants.The small sedan brings with it two fully electric variants for the first time, as well as a next-gen version of the brand’s in-car operating system, over-the-air updates, a ‘Superscreen’ for the multimedia interface AI-powered voice control.The CLA180, CLA200, and CLA220 all run a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that’s assisted by an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. It draws power from a 1.3kWh lithium-ion battery and can power the car alone when less than 20kW is needed.The CLA220 is a 4Matic model, so the drivetrain powers all four wheels, while the CLA180 and CLA200 are front-wheel drive.In the two electric variants, the CLA200 Electric is rear-wheel drive with a WLTP range of 470km, while the CLA350 4Matic Electric is AWD with a 663km range.The EVs can be charged at up to 320kW thanks to new-generation 800-volt EV architecture. The CLA200 Electric’s battery is 58kWh while the CLA350 4Matic Electric's is 85kWh.Mercedes-Benz Australia is yet to specify the full list of which features will be available with which variants, but standard across the range are things like panoramic sunroofs, heated front seats, wireless phone charging, ambient lighting and facial recognition.The models above base-level also score AMG design features and trim interior parts, while optional Premium Package features include a head-up display, adaptive LED headlights, Burmester surround sound and illuminated door sills.2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA pricing Australia2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA drivetrain and efficiency

The 2026 BYD Sealion 5 is a mid-size SUV that just happens to be the most affordable plug-in hybrid available in Australia during a fuel crisis. That alone is enough to draw in plenty of potential buyers, but whether the Sealion 5 is actually good enough to convert that interest into sales is another story.

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 XSE is an all-wheel-drive, mid-size SUV priced from $58,340 before on-road costs.It features high-end inclusions like synthetic leather and suede sports front seats with contrast stitching and three-stage front seat heating and ventilation, plus a sunroof and 20-inch alloy wheels.It also comes with plenty of the RAV4’s standard features like LED headlights, privacy tinting, eight-way powered driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, a 10.5-inch touchscreen display for multimedia, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless smartphone charger, a six-speaker audio system and five USB-C ports plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has a full-size spare wheel.Powering all four wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is a 143kW/221Nm series-parallel hybrid 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine.Toyota claims it uses 4.6L of petrol (now 95RON instead of 91RON minimum) per 100km of driving.Toyota anticipates the new RAV4 will score five stars thanks to extensive safety kit, but it is as yet unrated, that comes later in 2026.Eight airbags, auto emergency braking (AEB) pre-collision, emergency steering assist, full-speed active cruise control, front and rear cross-traffic alert, lane trace, automatic high beam, parking support brake and blind spot monitor are all standard across the range.A five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty covers the RAV4 and can be extended to seven years if you maintain your logbook servicing with Toyota. Capped-price servicing comes every 12 months or 15,000km and costs just $325 per service - this lasts five years or 75,000km. 

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 Edge is a mid-size SUV available only in all-wheel drive, rather than having a front-wheel drive option like much of the RAV4 line-up. It’s priced from $55,340 before on-road costs.It comes with plenty of the RAV4’s standard features like LED headlights, privacy tinting, eight-way powered driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, a 10.5-inch touchscreen display for multimedia, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless smartphone charger, a six-speaker audio system and five USB-C ports plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has a full-size spare wheel.The Edge has a unique (to the RAV4 line-up) 20mm wider wheel track and its own front-end design plus 18-inch dark matt grey metallic alloy wheels.Under the bonnet, a series-parallel hybrid 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine produces 143kW and 221Nm. It powers all four wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT).Toyota claims it uses 4.6L of petrol (now 95RON instead of 91RON minimum) per 100km of driving.The RAV4 is yet to be crash tested by ANCAP, but Toyota anticipates five stars thanks to extensive safety kit including eight airbags, auto emergency braking (AEB) pre-collision, emergency steering assist, full-speed active cruise control, front and rear-cross traffic alert, lane trace, automatic high beam, parking support brake and blind spot monitor. All this is standard across the range.Toyota’s standard five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty can be extended to seven years if you maintain your logbook servicing with Toyota, plus capped-price servicing (every 12 months or 15,000km) costs just $325 per service for five years or 75,000km. 

Jeep has debuted an updated version of one of its newest models at a Brazilian festival.This refreshed 2026 Jeep Avenger is the official car of this year's Todo Mundo no Rio music festival, which has historically played host to millions of attendees and artists like Madonna and Lady Gaga.A highlight of this update is a reinterpretation of the brand's iconic seven-slot grille. It's now illuminated, following an increasing trend for brands to highlight their trademark design features.The Avenger also scores new X-shaped tail-lights as past of a “modern look aligned with the brand's new global design”.New wheel arches and bumpers are said to “reinforce the feeling of being in a Jeep, as well as excellent approach, departure, and ground clearance angles”.New paint options, two-tone combinations, roof racks, and a new 18-inch wheel design are also part of the update.So far, Jeep hasn’t confirmed any technical or mechanical changes to the model.It’s unclear if it retains the same setups in its petrol front-wheel drive, hybrid all-wheel drive, or electric front-wheel drive versions.In Australia, the Avenger is available only as an EV with a 115kW front-drive setup and 390km of range and competes with the BYD Atto 2 and coming Geely EX2.The current version is priced from $40,000 drive-away.Expect more information about the Avenger update to come later this year.

Toyota Australia’s reputation for reliability has, in the last few years, had to work hard against its reputation for long wait times.Especially after supply chains were ravaged in the lockdowns of the early 2020s, Toyota’s most popular models became the subject of months-long waits.So, with the arrival of a new generation Toyota RAV4, we asked Toyota Australia Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations John Pappas if customers can expect times to diminish.“So on average, across our range for RAV4, on average, the lead times will be within three to six months,” Pappas told CarsGuide.“And we obviously, together with our dealers, communicate that when we're taking any of the orders for our customers.”When asked whether a six-month waiting period was still acceptable to the brand, he said it was usually only customers who had more specific preferences that would wait longer.“I think for us a lead time is always going to differ a little bit whether it's going to be a one month versus a three month depending on, you know, the grade, the colour, the spec. “And let's not forget that the RAV actually has, when you look at the RAV breadth, when it comes to spec, two-wheel drive, all-wheel drive… It's quite broad.”Pappas added, now that the line-up for the RAV4 is more diverse thanks to a new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) drivetrain on the way and a series of trims with either two- or all-wheel drive, he expects those looking for more ‘standard’ versions of the RAV4 won’t have to wait as long.He says it also means anyone looking for a bit more out of the RAV4 will have an option thanks to the introduction of the more powerful GR Sport model that will sit atop the range.“And the reason why we've done that is because, on the strength of RAV now becoming an icon in Australia since 1994, six generations, and it's so popular that we've taken all that sort of customer feedback, and that's why now… when you look at the range, we've got the plug-in coming now with a new halo vehicle, GR Sport, because we want something more sporty, more aggressive at that top end, with more power. “And then you can look at where the Edge sits now versus where it used to sit. So we’ve strategically done that based on meeting customer requirements.”