Postingan

2027 GWM Haval HX: New Prado and Defender rival as brand flagship

Gambar
GWM’s flagship large SUV is expected to compete with some of the segment’s heavy hitters if it makes its way to Australia. Images of GWM Haval’s Newest flagship full-size SUV have been released ahead of its first public appearance at the upcoming Beijing motor show . The GWM Haval HX , as it’s known for now, still awaits an official name, but is a step up from the brand’s existing models and is expected to run a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 2.0-litre turbo engine and twin electric motors. Visibly, it features square headlights, a silver grille, body-coloured wheel arches, and prominent black-coloured underbody cladding, as well as a LiDAR system sitting atop the windscreen. MORE: GWM Tank 500, Cannon Alpha 3.0-litre diesel begins Australian testing ahead of global debut Side on, there are large door handles, a contrasting black roof, and squared wheel arches; the rear features rectangular LED lights, a side-swinging tail-gate, and a spare-wheel carrier. The model...
Posting Komentar
Baca selengkapnya

Hyundai recalls nearly 5000 electric cars in Australia

Gambar
A fault could cause the battery management system to short-circuit, leading to a potential vehicle fire, according to the recall notice. Hyundai Motor Company Australia has recalled a total of 4888 examples of its 2018-2023 Kona and 2018-2022 Ioniq electric vehicles (EVs) citing a potential fault with the software within the Battery Management System (BMS). Between the two models, there are 3478 Konas and 1402 Ioniqs affected. The recall notices for both models, lodged with the Department of Infrastructure, says: “A software issue in the Battery Management System (BMS) of both the Hyundai Kona and Ioniq may cause an electrical short circuit while charging or parked, leading to a vehicle fire. “A vehicle fire could increase the risk of injury or death to vehicle occupants, other road users and bystanders, and/or damage to property.” The notices for the Kona EV and Ioniq EV can be found here. Date of recall notice 9 April 2026 Make Hyundai Model Ko...
Posting Komentar
Baca selengkapnya

Toyota RAV4 EV is possible, but don’t hold your breath for bZ4X showroom-mate

Gambar
An electric version of Toyota’s new RAV4 is possible, but the company says competing with the high-tech Tesla Model Y is what the bZ4X is for. Toyota says the electric-car market is better served by the bZ4X than a battery-powered version of the new RAV4 – and that it is moving too quickly to justify converting its top seller to EV technology. The latest RAV4 is the first to offer plug-in hybrid technology in Australia, alongside conventional hybrid technology – but not electric. Two generations of electric RAV4s have been produced by the Japanese car giant – a few hundred examples based on the original SUV in 1997, and about 2500 cars using Tesla tech in 2012 – but all have been California exclusives with sub-200km driving ranges. New Toyota RAV4 chief engineer Yoshinori Futonagane told Drive through an interpreter that “we haven’t given … a lot of deep thought” to an electric variant of the latest model. MORE: 2026 Toyota RAV4 to skip ANCAP safety rating until critical...
Posting Komentar
Baca selengkapnya

Toyota Prius back off the cards for Australian return

Gambar
Australia lost the hero of the green car revolution before it was given a glow-up – and hopes for its revival have been dashed. The door to a return of the Toyota Prius to Australia has slammed shut, months after chances of the hybrid pioneer’s re-introduction to local showrooms surfaced. Last year , then-sales and marketing boss of Toyota Australia, Sean Hanley, told Drive the brand would “re-study Prius ” for Australia after passing on launching the latest, sleeker and more efficient fifth-generation model. “I’d like to revisit it because I think under the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard … coming into place, particularly [in the] post-2027 period, it would be advantageous for us to re-look at it and see if we can make it work in our product line-up,” Hanley said. Nearly six months on, the Prius is no longer under consideration. MORE: Toyota Prius back under study for Australia in surprise return (published November 2025) “We’re not planning on re-introducing the ...
Posting Komentar
Baca selengkapnya

Polestar considers itself well positioned if Australia is at an EV tipping point

Gambar
As rising fuel prices push interest in electric vehicles to record levels, this EV company hopes for a silver lining. As electric vehicle sales rise to record levels, Polestar is hoping current uncertainties around fuel supply mark the beginning of a new era for EV uptake in Australia – and believes its brand is in a great position. A record 14.6 per cent of new cars sold last month were electric, up 42.3 per cent compared to the month prior. Sales of used electric vehicles also rose, reportedly doubling over the same period . “The questions around Australia’s fuel security, and the independence that can be gained by customers driving electric, I think, is now better established than it was,” Polestar  Australia managing director Scott Maynard told  Drive .  “I would like to think that there would be a tail to this after the horrible conflict in the Middle East is resolved, and after fuel prices return to state of normality. MORE: Road user charge should be b...
Posting Komentar
Baca selengkapnya

2026 MG HS Hybrid+ Essence review

Gambar
MG’s HS Hybrid+ in Essence trim touts a cabin that baits the premium SUV players and a warranty that scares them, but screen-heavy tech and heavy-handed safety systems get in the way of a good drive. Skip ahead: Introduction Running costs Price and specification Energy use Interior space and comfort On-road assessment Connectivity and infotainment Summary Safety Next steps 2026 MG HS Hybrid+ Essence You may be forgiven for thinking MG stands for more goodies in the Hybrid+ Essence. There are more soft-touch surfaces, more screen real estate, more warranty, and safety (and audible safety reminders) to sink the proverbial ship. On paper, its long list of features and goodies look to undercut segment stalwarts like the GWM Haval H6 and the Toyota RAV4. Step inside, and it’s clear the cheap and cheerful (and sometimes rattly) ghosts of MG’s past have been exorcised with a spray of soft-touch surfaces, plush synthetic leather and pile carpets t...
Posting Komentar
Baca selengkapnya