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A reshuffle of BMW’s smallest SUVs has added plug-in hybrid power and simplified the line-up. BMW X1 sDrive18i pictured. Plug-in hybrid power is now available in the 2026 BMW X1 small SUV line-up in Australia, as part of a reshuffle of the model range for it and its coupe-styled X2 sibling. It will see BMW axe four-cylinder engines in all petrol models bar the M35i performance variants – which cop power cuts – in favour of more frugal three-cylinders with mild- or plug-in hybrid assistance. The new, entry-level X1 is $4300 dearer than before, while the cheapest X2 is now $5900 less expensive, with other models receiving price rises of up to $2900. MORE: 2025 BMW X1 Sport Collection arrivs BMW X1 sDrive18i pictured. Leading the upgrades is the introduction of the X1 xDrive25e, due in showrooms mid-year, which adds plug-in hybrid power to the line-up. It combines a 100kW/230Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with an 80kW electric motor to produce 18...

When Alexander Volkanovski isn’t busy beating his opponent in the UFC octagon, the 37-year-old can be found driving this heavy-duty custom dual-cab ute. Picture: Getty Images/Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC When you’re in the business of taking heads in the UFC octagon ring, you’d expect to ride around in the toughest car to reflect your hardcore personality. In the case of Alexander Volkanovski – or ‘Volk’ as he is affectionately known by his fans – the Australian UFC champion’s daily driver is as tough as his famous leg kicks and right jabs. RELATED: Carlos Alcaraz’s daily driver isn’t what you’d expect According to Volkanovski’s YouTube videos, his custom Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series VX dual-cab ute was a product of different businesses. Most notably, the fighter tapped TJM Chipping Norton – a Western Sydney-based four-wheel-drive accessories store – as the main collaborator on the project. While the 37-year-old MMA fighter didn’t say how long the process took, ...

SUVs might not be the only EV body style on offer by Chery Australia as it studies the potential for hatchbacks and sedans. Chery dealership. Photo: iStock. Chery Australia is open to branching out from high-riding SUVs and could sell passenger car models, if there is market demand. Speaking to Drive , Chery Australia Chief Operating Officer Lucas Harris said the local division has been keeping a close eye on what products are being launched in its home market. “We’ve got in other markets, larger, medium sedans, which are a really cool,” Harris said. “In China they’ve got a Fulwin, it’s a large sedan. MORE: Omoda, Jaecoo, and now Lepas – Chery explains its multi-brand strategy Chery Fulwin A9 (Chinese model). Image credit: CarNewsChina “They come with the Super Hybrid technology, really keenly priced, I think that would be great for our market. “Look in that segment, there’s not many competitors either, and the options are a bit boring. “If we could have...

Sales are down for the Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal – and the passenger-car segment in general – but Kia is adamant its own EV4 electric sedan will succeed in Australia. Kia EV4 sedan Kia’s first non-SUV electric vehicle has arrived in Australia late compared to its competition, but the brand believes the new EV4 can hit its modest sales targets. The brand aims for 70 sales per month of the all-new Kia EV4, an electric sedan that is similar in style and price to the Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal . However, last year’s sales results showed a drop of 61.3 per cent and 40.8 per cent for those nameplates, respectively. Meanwhile, sales in the entire mid-size sedan category – including petrol models like the Toyota Camry – were down 41.1 per cent in 2025. Asked about the new EV4’s prospects in the face of a declining market over the last 12 months, Kia is undeterred. MORE: 2026 Kia EV4 price and specs – Tesla Model 3, BYD Seal rival arrives in Australia Ki...

The new Audi Q5 hasn’t attempted to redefine the luxury SUV class. At a time when competitors are moving fast, has Audi been smart to slow things down a little? Skip ahead: Introduction Technology Value Exterior Fuel efficiency Competitors Cost Verdict Interior 2026 Audi Q5 TFSI The motoring world moves fast, but the 2025 Audi Q5 aims to take a breath. Not too many years ago, if you wanted a prestige car, a German brand like Audi, BMW or Mercedes-Benz was probably the answer. You might opt for a Jaguar or a Lexus, but most wouldn’t. Now, in 2025, alongside the previously mentioned brands, there are a number of Chinese premium cars to consider from brands like MG’s IM, Polestar, Zeekr, and more. Into the mix, there’s the need to decide between petrol, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or all-electric. Audi hasn’t been shy about its own range of options. The new Q5 is available with petrol or diesel engines, front- or all-wheel drive, and a newly add...