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        <atom:link href="https://www.carsguide.com.au/feed/rss/car-news" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/>
        <title>CarsGuide - Car News</title>
        <link><![CDATA[https://www.carsguide.com.au/feed/rss/car-news]]></link>
                <description>Car News Australia: Latest Motoring News from CarsGuide</description>
        <language>en-US</language>
        <pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 11:30:39 +0000</pubDate>

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            <title><![CDATA[2026 Geely EX2 and Leapmotor B05 awarded five-star safety ratings from ANCAP in affordable electric car battle with BYD Atto 1, GAC Aion UT and MG4 Urban]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2026-geely-ex2-and-leapmotor-b05-awarded-five-star-safety-ratings-from-ancap-in-affordable</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Two affordable EVs have learned their safety fate in Australia.&nbsp;The Geely EX2 and Leapmotor B05 electric hatchbacks have provided buyers with some new options in the budget-focused electric car space.&nbsp;They have now both been tested under the Australasian New Car Assessment Program&rsquo;s (ANCAP) new 2026 protocols.&nbsp;&nbsp;They are among the first to be tested using the revamped criteria that places a great focus on preventing accidents and safe driving.&nbsp;2026 Leapmotor B05 safety&nbsp;The B05 is Leapmotor&rsquo;s newest and most affordable model put on sale in Australia, starting from $35,990 (drive-away).&nbsp;It achieved a five-star overall rating from ANCAP.&nbsp;ANCAP emphasised the hatchback&rsquo;s strong crash avoidance performance, heaping praise on its lane departure warning and auto emergency braking systems.The watchdog said Leapmotor needed to improve in scenarios involving pedal misapplication and driveway runover risks.&nbsp;The B05 impressed with its crash protection, achieving a 92 per cent rating, with ANCAP highlighting a well-designed vehicle structure and restraints.ANCAP said the B05 demonstrated capability in the safe driving category, which evaluates driver assist features and hazard awareness, but it said there was room for improvement.&nbsp;2026 Leapmotor B05 safety score2026 Geely EX2 safety&nbsp;The Geely EX2 has already proven to be one of the most popular EVs so far, with the compact hatch amassing nearly 500 registrations in August, having only gone on sale in late July.&nbsp;It is priced as one of the cheapest electric cars on sale, starting from just $26,490 (before on-road costs), putting it into competition with the BYD Atto 1 (from $23,990) and larger GAC Aion UT (from $31,990).&nbsp;The EX2 was awarded a five-star rating from ANCAP, with the watchdog praising its monitoring system that detects occupants wearing their seatbelts incorrectly.&nbsp;ANCAP also said its active safety software, including auto emergency braking and lane keep assist performed well, while it wasn&rsquo;t so successful in some low-speed situations.&nbsp;The EX2 provided good protection in front and side impact collisions despite an elevated risk of driver leg injury in frontal offset testing.&nbsp;Pedestrian and other road user safety was impressive on the EX2, according to ANCAP, praising its small size and increased front crush space in the absence of an engine.&nbsp;2026 Geely EX2 safety scoreANCAP&rsquo;s Chief Executive Officer Carla Hoorweg said these results demonstrate cheaper EVs shouldn&rsquo;t mean they are less safe.&nbsp;&ldquo;These results show that choosing a more affordable electric vehicle doesn&rsquo;t have to mean compromising on safety, Ms Hoorweg said.&rdquo;&ldquo;The Leapmotor B05 and Geely EX2 have got the fundamentals right, delivering good crash protection, effective crash avoidance technology and important safety features as standard.&ldquo;With more brands and models entering the Australian and New Zealand markets, safety is another area where manufacturers need to compete.&rdquo;]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Tim Gibson]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2026-geely-ex2-and-leapmotor-b05-awarded-five-star-safety-ratings-from-ancap-in-affordable</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 17:40:37 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[2027 Skoda Peaq proves even big electric vehicles can travel nearly 1000km on a single charge beating out Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2027-skoda-peaq-proves-even-big-electric-vehicles-can-travel-nearly-1000km-on-a-single</link>
            <description><![CDATA[With the aim of putting the once dreaded concept of &lsquo;range anxiety&rsquo; firmly in the rear view mirrors it seems electric vehicle hypermiling is a key promotional focus for carmakers around the world.Skoda is the latest brand to wring an extreme number of kilometres from a single EV battery charge, with a team of drivers pushing the recently introduced pure-electric Skoda Peaq seven-seat SUV 936km from the company&rsquo;s Mlad&aacute; Boleslav headquarters in northern Czechia, north-west through Germany to the Netherlands.The recently introduced Peaq already has an impressive WLTP-rated combined cycle (urban/extra-urban) range figure of 647 kilometres.Additional 289km of rangeSomehow the car&rsquo;s 91kWh battery was able to cough up an additional 289km of range, setting a new seven-seat EV range record in the process.The run was supervised by certification authority T&Uuml;V S&Uuml;D with average energy use coming in at 9.2kWh/100km, an exceptional number for a fully-equipped, three-row SUV weighing in excess of two tonnes.Despite its close to 4.9-metre overall length the Czech maker&rsquo;s new flagship boasts a drag-coefficient of 0.249, which surely assisted in the distance attempt.Testing new SUV&rsquo;s range potentialSkoda said company employees, Marek Je&#382; and Jakub Krs, wanted to test themselves and the new SUV&rsquo;s range potential.&ldquo;The aim was to demonstrate what the technology can achieve when pushed to its limits.To maximise the range, we selected the most suitable route and, of course, adapted our driving style accordingly,&rdquo; said Jakub Krs (Head of high-voltage battery strategy at &Scaron;koda Auto).&ldquo;In everyday use, customers are unlikely to drive the car this way.&nbsp;Instead, they will take advantage of everything the Peaq has to offer in terms of driving dynamics, onboard infotainment and comfort,&rdquo; added Marek Je&#382; (Head of the Peaq model series).Standard car, standard rubberThe car was a stock Peaq 90 which features the 91kWh traction battery (86kWh net), a single 210kW motor driving the rear wheels and its 19-inch wheels were shod with standard low-rolling-resistance rubber.Departing Mlad&aacute; Boleslav (where the Peaq is produced) at midday on Tuesday August 25, the record team took breaks to change drivers, rest and eat before reaching the Netherlands early on the morning of Wednesday August 26.The big seven-seat electric SUV is expected to land in Australia in 2027, where it would complement the mid-size Enyaq and compact Elroq electric SUVs in Skoda's expanding local EV range.Based on European pricing it will likely sit above the $80,000 mark here, sending a shot across the bows of existing electric three-row SUVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 9 ($119,750) and Kia EV9 ($97,000), both before on-road costs.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[James Cleary]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2027-skoda-peaq-proves-even-big-electric-vehicles-can-travel-nearly-1000km-on-a-single</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 16:43:20 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[2026 Mitsubishi Pajero price revealed as new 4WD prepares to battle Toyota Prado and Ford Everest]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2026-mitsubishi-pajero-price-revealed-as-new-4wd-prepares-to-battle-toyota-prado-and-ford</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Mitsubishi means business with its new Pajero 4WD priced to thrill.Buyers will be able to choose from three grades when the Pajero arrives in Australian showrooms this December.Buyers have already been lining up to get their hands on the new rough-and-tumble machine, with Mitsubishi recording more than 3000 pre-orders from before the reveal yesterday.It&rsquo;s a head-turner with butch, boxy and rugged looks and a plush interior to pamper.2026 Mitsubishi Pajero pricesPrices kick off at $68,490 (before on-road costs) for the entry-level GLS with five seats, or $69,990 with seven seats.The mid-tier Exceed jumps up to $79,990 and the range-topping GSR starts at $84,990. Both variants are only available with seven seats.  @carsguide.com.au Nissan has confirmed pricing for the 2026 Nissan Patrol, and it&rsquo;s got the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series very clearly in its sights. @DomtripCars  #nissan #nissanpatrol #4x4 #cartok #fyp &#9836; original sound - CarsGuide.com.au   All come in substantially cheaper than the equivalent Toyota Prado, but just a little bit more than the Ford Everest powered by the V6 diesel.Mitsubishi&rsquo;s deal is sweetened with a conditional 10-year/200,000km warranty, which requires owners to complete every logbook service at a Mitsubishi dealer or it reverts to a five year/100,000km guarantee.Mitsubishi offers up to 10 years of capped-price servicing with scheduled workshop visits required every 15,000km or 12 months.Not just a Triton SUVThe new Pajero shares its underpinnings with the current Triton ute, which means it uses a rugged ladder-frame chassis that is found underneath serious off-roaders. This is a break from recent tradition with the past few Pajero generations using a car-like monocoque chassis.&nbsp;Mitsubishi has done some serious work to the Pajero to make it more refined and composed compared to the more workman-like Triton.The chassis is stiffer with greater use of high-quality steel, which increases its stability during cornering but also improves its durability and reliability to better handle the rough stuff.The rear suspension from the Triton has been replaced with a sophisticated five-link set-up to make it more composed on the road.What powers the 2026 Mitsubishi Pajero?The engine is a 2.4-litre diesel four-cylinder with a single variable geometry turbocharger, which is an evolution of the bi-turbo unit found in the Triton. Mitsubishi has been able to squeeze a little more torque to boost outputs to 150kW and 480Nm.Mitsubishi has ditched the six-speed automatic transmission and installed a new eight-speed unit, which will smooth out the drive experience and lower fuel consumption.It also uses AdBlue to help lower emissions and improve efficiency.How much can the 2026 Mitsubishi Pajero tow?The Pajero can play with the big boys with it rated to tow up to 3500kg.It comes with Trailer Load Assist that enhances stability while towing by detecting if the trailer is swaying and can adjust power and braking to each wheel to get the rig back under control.Owners can load up to 300kg of static load, or 100kg dynamic, on the roof, which further boosts its adventure credentials.2026 Mitsubishi Pajero off-road credentialsIt is ready to rumble off-road thanks to the company&rsquo;s Super Select 4WD-II tech.It delivers part-time four-wheel drive for on-road driving, full-time four-wheel drive for all conditions and a rear differential lock and a low range transfer case for heading off the beaten track.There are seven selectable drive modes including Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock.Rally-bred tech such as Active Yaw Control (AYC) is standard. AYC helps manage the torque delivery to left and right wheels to increase stability when cornering. It is paired with active stability and traction control and anti-lock brakes to help the Pajero manage slippery surfaces.Practicality is front of mindMitsubishi has put a lot of thought into the third row, with it designed for adults.The third]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dom Tripolone]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2026-mitsubishi-pajero-price-revealed-as-new-4wd-prepares-to-battle-toyota-prado-and-ford</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 15:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[2026 Ford Fathom: Ford boss teases upcoming affordable electric ute in new images as rival to KGM Musso EV and Slate truck]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2026-ford-fathom-ford-boss-teases-upcoming-affordable-electric-ute-in-new-images-as-rival</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Ford CEO Jim Farley has shared some official images on social media of the forthcoming Fathom electric ute ahead of its proper reveal in 2027.The pictures show two prototype examples of the Ford Fathom with heavy camouflage.This isn&rsquo;t the first time we&rsquo;ve seen prototype examples of the Fathom. An uncamouflaged version of the Fathom was reportedly shown off at a dealer event in the US last month.Pre-orders for this new Ford electric ute are set to open in the US in early 2027 and at this stage it&rsquo;s unclear if right-hand drive production is on the cards, but there is a strong hint it may come Down Under.What&rsquo;s so special about the Ford Fathom?The Ford Fathom is the first vehicle to be built on the US carmaker&rsquo;s new Universal EV platform. It&rsquo;s a modular architecture and a series of new vehicles will be based on it.Ford has confirmed the Fathom will have a starting price of US$28,350 (~A$39,500), before on-road costs, for the standard-range battery in the US. This confirms Ford is planning to offer multiple battery configurations.The Fathom&rsquo;s starting price is virtually identical to the Maverick hybrid ute in the US.The US carmaker has also confirmed all versions of the Fathom will come with the following:Five seatsVehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilityCargo bedFrunkLarge central touchscreenApple Maps integrationApple CarPlay and Android AutoBlueCruise semi-autonomous driving capabilityWhat does the Ford Fathom look like?At this stage Ford hasn&rsquo;t publicly revealed the exterior or interior design of the Fathom, however an uncamouflaged example has reportedly been shown to US dealers.The camouflaged prototype is notably smaller than the Ranger and more on par with the Maverick for size.There&rsquo;s a boxy silhouette with slab sides and a stubby glasshouse. It also appears the charge port is on the front.No official details regarding the tub dimensions, payload, towing capacity, battery capacities, range, power or torque have been confirmed yet.Will the Ford Fathom come to Australia?At this stage Ford hasn&rsquo;t confirmed whether the Fathom will be produced in right-hand drive.The US carmaker has previously confirmed however that its Universal EV platform is capable of right-hand drive.Ford has trademarked the Fathom name in Australia to use on "motor vehicles, namely, gasoline and electric automobiles, pick-up trucks, vans, sport utility vehicles and their structural parts". This leaves the door open to an arrival in the future, however it&rsquo;s not a confirmation as many carmakers trademark names they use so other carmakers don&rsquo;t use them.As it currently stands Ford doesn&rsquo;t offer any electric ute in Australia. The now-defunct F-150 Lightning was never officially offered through local Ford dealers, though some were imported and remanufactured to right-hand drive by third parties.If the Ford Fathom does come to Australia it will become a rival to the KGM Musso EV, which is also built on a monocoque platform, rather than a tougher body-on-frame architecture, like the Ranger.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jack Quick]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2026-ford-fathom-ford-boss-teases-upcoming-affordable-electric-ute-in-new-images-as-rival</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 14:27:09 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[2026 GAC Yue 7 price revealed overseas as new 4WD becomes cut-price alternative to GWM Tank 500 and Denza B5]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2026-gac-yue-7-price-revealed-overseas-as-new-4wd-becomes-cut-price-alternative-to-gwm</link>
            <description><![CDATA[GAC has slapped a price tag on its upcoming Denza B5 rival over in China ahead of its anticipated launch in Australia in the future.The GAC Yue 7, which was revealed at the Beijing Motor Show earlier this year, starts from the equivalent of just A$37,342 for its most entry-level 2WD Pro variant, with Chinese prices stretching to nearly A$50,000 for the top-spec 4WD Ultra.It is available in China in four variants, the base 2WD Pro, mid-spec Max in both 2WD and 4WD, and the top-spec Ultra only as a 4WD.All variants get a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine (125kW/245Nm) paired with a front transmission-mounted electric motor (205kW/360Nm), or in higher grades with the addition of a rear motor (220kW/385Nm).Total combined power is quoted at 205kW for the 2WD version, or 425kW/1000Nm for the 4WD.GAC Yue 7 promises big driving range and impressive off-road specsThe GAC Yue 7 is only available as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with two battery sizes, either a smaller 28.3kWh version (161km of CLTC-claimed electric range), which is only available on the base Pro 2WD, or a larger 46kWh battery on every other variant, which delivers 261km electric range in 2WD or 259km of electric range in 4WD.  @carsguide.com.au 2026 GAC Yue 7 is China&rsquo;s plug-in hybrid Toyota Prado rival! #GAC #Yue7 #PHEV #cartok #fyp &#9836; original sound  - CarsGuide.com.au   Combined range is up to 1352km, while the fuel consumption with the battery drained (a required disclosure in China) comes to 6.2L/100km.Unlike some rivals, the over five-meter long SUV rides on a monocoque platform rather than a ladder-frame, although it maintains a full-size spare wheel mounted to the swing-open tailgate.As for its off-road abilities, the Yue 7 has a 34.5 degree approach angle, 36.2 degree departure angle, 310mm of ground clearance, with a wading depth of up to 780mm.&nbsp;It can lock its front and rear hardware differentials, although there is no driveshaft connecting the engine and hybrid transmission in the front with the rear axle. This makes the GAC Yue 7 closer in its design to the Denza B5 than the GWM Tank 500. Regardless, GAC says the Yue 7 can emulate a central locking differential with software and has nine software-based terrain modes to deal with various terrain conditions.The Yue 7 has independent suspension all-round with the top-spec ultra scoring dual-chamber air suspension and continuously variable dampers.Feature-packed 4WD undercuts major Chinese hybrid off-roaders on priceOther notable features the Yue 7 has includes two 220-volt vehicle-to-load (V2L) power outlets in the cabin, a 15.6-inch central touchscreen with a three-screen digital instrument cluster and separate 1.1-meter long panoramic information display across the top of the dashboard.Overseas the GWM Tank 500 in hybrid form is priced from nearly A$70,000 (in Australia from $75,990), while the 4WD we know as the Denza B5 is priced from A$60,170 (in Australia from $77,185). The upcoming Geely Battleship 700 is yet to be priced, even in China.While the Yue 7 hasn't been confirmed for an Australian launch, the Chinese pricing suggests it would be competitively priced compared to its natural rivals if it did. With the usual 20 per cent additional pricing that cars from China tend to receive, this would place it at roughly A$52,000 for the entry-level 4WD Max grade in Australia.It is highly unlikely our market would receive the particularly sharply-priced 2WD versions, particularly if GAC wants to make a splash in the off-road space with its first large SUV offering.Australian market set to be inundated by boxy hybrid SUVs from China in 2027GAC is nowhere near alone in the launch of its trendy 4WD, with other options headed to Australia including from Chery&rsquo;s Jetour and iCaur brands.Both of which have recently launched Australian divisions, as well as a likely local launch of Geely&rsquo;s Battleship 700.This will make for an increasingly crowded off-road space in Australia next year and]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Tom White]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2026-gac-yue-7-price-revealed-overseas-as-new-4wd-becomes-cut-price-alternative-to-gwm</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 14:01:58 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[August 2026 Australian new car sales: Tesla Model Y leads the way, followed by Toyota RAV4, HiLux and Prado trifecta]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/august-2026-australian-new-car-sales-tesla-model-y-leads-the-way-followed-by-toyota-rav4</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Aussie car buyers can&rsquo;t get enough of the Tesla Model Y right now.Tesla&rsquo;s mid-size SUV topped the sales charts for August 2026, fending off three Toyota models in the latest set of data.&nbsp;Total car sales held relatively steady in August, with plenty of the usual players occupying the top spots.&nbsp;Electric cars are also making an impact Down Under.Four electric-only models made featured in the top 10 last month.Tesla Model Y is back on top, followed by a Toyota trifectaThe Tesla Model Y surged to the top of the monthly standings once again, with 6414 sales as its new three-row Model Y L experienced sustained popularity.Combining sales of its Model 3 sedan, Tesla was the third best-selling brand in the country.&nbsp;Toyota&rsquo;s near 20,000 sales was the best out of any brand, and saw it occupy second, third and fourth on the standings.&nbsp;Its new RAV4 continues to impress (5470), followed by the Hilux ute (4833) that now holds a healthy lead over its arch rival the Ford Ranger (2440).&nbsp;Sales numbers start to drop off after the HiLux, with the Prado&rsquo;s 2475 rounding out the top four.&nbsp;Ford Ranger momentum slowing as Chinese carmakers continue to gain shareThe Ford Ranger ute experienced another decline in August 2026, falling to fifth position on the standings (2440).The Ranger has been the best-selling car in Australia for the last three consecutive years, but sales decreased in August 2026 by more than 50 per cent compared to August 2025. &nbsp;The next five cars were from Chinese brands as they increased their grasp over the Australian market.&nbsp;The BYD Sealion 7 mid-size SUV finished in sixth place (2213), followed by the Chery Tiggo 4 small SUV (2012), with the Geely EX5 registering 1947 examples last month.&nbsp;BYD may only have had one car in the top 10, but it was the second best-selling brand in Australia in August 2026.Key Tiggo 4 rival, the GWM Haval Jolion, sold 1891 units, while the Zeekr&rsquo;s 7X sold 1748 units last month.&nbsp;The Isuzu D-Max took out ninth spot for the month (1708), with the Hyundai Kona finishing off the top 10 with 1688 sales.&nbsp;August 2026 best-selling cars&nbsp;August 2026 best-selling car brands&nbsp;]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Tim Gibson]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/august-2026-australian-new-car-sales-tesla-model-y-leads-the-way-followed-by-toyota-rav4</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 13:30:48 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[2026 Range Rover Electric priced as luxurious 4WD gets huge driving range to fend off Zeekr 9X and Genesis GV90]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2026-range-rover-electric-priced-as-luxurious-4wd-gets-huge-driving-range-to-fend-off</link>
            <description><![CDATA[JLR Australia has confirmed pricing for its flagship electric SUV, the Range Rover Electric.Priced from $317,718 plus on-road costs in Australia, the 2026 Range Rover Electric has a three-grade line-up from launch.Built at JLR&rsquo;s revamped Solihull manufacturing facility, the three Range Rover Electric variants all use a dual-motor, 405kW/850Nm powertrain that draws power from a huge 118.5kWh lithium-ion battery.The Range Rover Electric will wear a 600km claimed driving range figure under NEDC testing, though JLR admits to a real-world range of 535km.Three grades for the Range Rover ElectricThe entry-level 2026 Range Rover Electric is the HSE (standing for High Specification Equipment) which is suitably luxurious despite being the &lsquo;cheapest&rsquo; of the bunch at $317,718 plus on-roads.The HSE features:22-inch alloy wheelsSynthetic leather upholsteryA 13.1-inch multimedia touchscreenA 13.7-inch driver displayWireless phone chargerThree-zone climate control&nbsp;Configurable interior mood lightingFront seat armrestsA powered roof blindGesture-opening tailgateSoft-close doorsStarting from $357,718 before on-roads, the mid-spec Autobiography adds:Upgraded digital LED headlights with &ldquo;signature DRLs&rdquo; and image projectionA sliding panoramic roofAn upgraded Meridian sound system24-way adjustable heated and cooled massage front seatsExecutive rear seatsFour-zone climate controlAmbient fragrance diffusion&nbsp;Illuminated metal Autobiography scuff platesThe top grade from launch is the SV, which starts from $417,418 and includes:Serenity or Intrepid exterior theme optionsSemi-analine leather seats&lsquo;Hot stone&rsquo; massage front seatsExecutive Class Comfort Plus rear seatsBody and Soul Seat (BASS) 4D sound system with physical seat vibrationsIlluminated metal SV scuff platesThe first electric Range RoverRange Rover Managing Director Martin Limpert says the Range Rover Electric is the result of a decade of engineering and development.&ldquo;Electric propulsion is perfectly suited to the exquisite refinement of Range Rover, elevating the sense of calm and secluded sanctuary for occupants.&ldquo;At the same time, Range Rover's breadth of capability is uncompromised thanks to the combination of a powerful, adaptable electric powertrain and advanced chassis technologies that make every Range Rover peerless, accomplished and desired.&rdquo;
]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Thompson]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2026-range-rover-electric-priced-as-luxurious-4wd-gets-huge-driving-range-to-fend-off</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 13:26:49 +1000</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[2027 Geely Monjaro EM-i revealed, but will we see this Toyota RAV4, BYD Sealion 6 rival in Australia soon?]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2027-geely-monjaro-em-i-revealed-but-will-we-see-this-toyota-rav4-byd-sealion-6-rival-in</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Geely is set to reveal two new SUV models at the forthcoming Sydney Everything Electric show from September 18 to 20.Both of these two new Geely SUV models are set to launch in Australia during 2027.They will be shown alongside the existing EX5 and Starray EM-i SUVs, EX2 hatchback, as well as the forthcoming Emgrand L EM-i plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sedan.The latter vehicle is set to launch in Australia in the first half of 2027 and will be a key rival to the likes of the Toyota Camry and BYD Seal 6.What will the new Geely SUV models be?At this stage Geely hasn&rsquo;t officially confirmed what new SUV models it will display at the Sydney Everything Electric show.The Chinese carmaker previously showed the flagship M9 PHEV SUV at the Melbourne Motor Show in April.  @carsguide.com.au Australia is about to get China's most popular car, the 2026 Geely EX2. #geely #EX2 #EV #cartok #fyp @Jack Quick &#9836; original sound - CarsGuide.com.au   However, it&rsquo;s unclear whether this is one of the new SUV models it plans to launch locally.Geely offers a sprawling number of SUVs in its global portfolio, including the Galaxy M7, Galaxy Cruiser 700/Battleship and Monjaro, among others.What are the export plans for the Geely Monjaro?The announcement of Geely revealing two new Australian-bound SUVs follows an international roll-out of the aforementioned Monjaro.The Geely Monjaro is the export market version of the Xingyue L in China. It&rsquo;s already offered in markets like Latin America, Russia and the Middle East, but recently launched in Egypt as a PHEV offering.The Monjaro is also already offered in Vietnam, which is notably a right-hand-drive market, like Australia. It&rsquo;s a petrol-only offering in that market though.Globally the Monjaro is available in a series of pure-petrol, hybrid and PHEV powertrains. A rebadged Renault version of this SUV, dubbed the Grand Koleos, is produced and offered in South Korea.How is Geely performing in Australia?Geely&rsquo;s namesake brand relaunched in Australia 2025 after a brief flirtation in Western Australia during 2010.The first Geely model offered in Australia this time was the EX5 electric mid-size SUV, followed by the Starray EM-i PHEV SUV and most recently the EX2 small electric hatchback.Until the end of August a total of 19,159 Geely vehicles were sold, which is up 600.3 per cent year-on-year.In fact during the month of August the brand sold a total of 4504 vehicles, making it the 10th best-selling brand.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jack Quick]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2027-geely-monjaro-em-i-revealed-but-will-we-see-this-toyota-rav4-byd-sealion-6-rival-in</guid>
            <pubDate>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 13:15:27 +1000</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[2026 Nissan Qashqai price updated as brand drops sporty variant from its hybrid-only Hyundai Kona and Kia Seltos rival]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2026-nissan-qashqai-price-updated-as-brand-drops-sporty-variant-from-its-hybrid-only</link>
            <description><![CDATA[After a small ($210) price adjustment across its Qashqai range in August, this month Nissan Australia has dropped the sporty N-Design grade from the small SUV&rsquo;s local line-up.The out-going flagship was based on the mid-tier Ti spec, adding a panoramic glass roof, hands-free power tailgate, head-up display, 20-inch alloy rims and Alcantara trim on the seats, dash and door panels.&nbsp;It featured the same e-Power hybrid powertrain as the rest of the range, consisting of a 116kW/250Nm 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine used solely to charge the car&rsquo;s 2.1kWh lithium-ion battery/inverter and power the electric drive motor.Top-spec role taken by Qashqai Ti-L e-Power&nbsp;Price at the time of the N-Design&rsquo;s departure was $54,350, before on-road costs, with the top-spec role now taken by the Qashqai Ti-L e-Power at $53,850, BOC.A Nissan spokesperson told CarsGuide, &ldquo;The decision was primarily linked to its wheels, which were a key differentiating feature of the N-Design grade and have now been adopted on the Ti-L from MY26.5.&rdquo;A three-model line-up remains, with the entry-grade ST-L featuring:Blind-spot monitoringRear cross-traffic alertLane-keep assistSeven airbagsLED exterior lightsDual-zone climate controlCloth seatsWalk-to/away central lockingAdaptive cruise control12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen12.3-inch instrument displayWireless Apple CarPlay/Android AutoPhone chargerNative sat-navSix speaker audioFront parking sensors360-degree camera view18-inch alloy wheelsThe Ti adds:19-inch alloy wheels (black)Synthetic leather seatsEight-way power driver's seatHeated steering wheelHeated front seatsCustomisable ambient lightingThe Ti-L adds:20-inch alloy wheelsPremium quilted leather-accented seats10-speaker Bose audioPanoramic glass roof (with electric shade)10.8-inch windscreen head-up display&nbsp;Nissan Qashqai pricing]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[James Cleary]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2026-nissan-qashqai-price-updated-as-brand-drops-sporty-variant-from-its-hybrid-only</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2026 17:10:35 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[2026 Polestar 4 SUV revealed as lifted wagon style alternative to the Porsche Macan and BMW iX3]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2026-polestar-4-suv-revealed-as-lifted-wagon-style-alternative-to-the-porsche-macan-and</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The Polestar 4 has officially been revealed in its new SUV body style ahead of its Australian arrival in the fourth quarter of 2026.Compared to the existing &lsquo;coupe&rsquo; model, this new Polestar 4 SUV most notably gains a longer roofline with a more upright tailgate. There&rsquo;s also a proper rear window.As a result of these changes there is slightly more second-row headroom and extra cargo capacity. With the rear seats upright there is up to 655L of boot space, expanding out to 1665L with them folded.Additionally there are full-length roof rails that allow for a dynamic roof load capacity of 100kg.Polestar claims it only needed 48 new parts to create this new SUV body style and the rest of the existing car remains largely untouched.How much does it cost?All Australian-specification examples of the 2026 Polestar 4 SUV are set to be manufactured in South Korea, unlike the coupe body style which will remain in production in China.Two variants are set to be offered and they are priced as follows:Polestar 4 SUV Rear motor: $73,900Polestar 4 SUV Dual motor: $81,750All above prices are before on-road costsThese new SUV versions of the Polestar 4 are $4600 more affordable than their coupe body style counterparts.A series of option extras are available and they are priced as follows:Comfort pack: $1200Plus pack: $6500Nappa upgrade (requires Plus pack): $6100 for Zinc, $5700 for CharcoalPerformance pack (requires Dual motor with Plus pack): $720022kW AC charging: $900Tailored knit in Mist with Zinc deco: $1400Electrochromic glass roof: $1000Digital rear-view mirror: $1000Privacy glass on rear-side windows: $700Electric retractable towbar: $4070What is under the bonnet?The Polestar 4 SUV is built on the same SEA architecture as its coupe counterpart, plus there is still a choice of two all-electric powertrains.The Rear motor version is powered by a single, rear-mounted electric motor that produces 200kW and 343Nm. Enough to send it from 0-100km/h in 7.3 seconds.The Dual motor version, on the other hand, features a dual-motor, all-wheel drive set-up with a total system output of 400kW and 686Nm. Enough for a 0-100km/h sprint in 3.9 seconds.All SUV variants come with a 100kWh battery pack. The Rear motor is claimed to offer 630km of WLTP-claimed range, whereas the Dual motor is claimed to offer 600km of WLTP-claimed range. This is an increase of 10km over the coupe counterparts.What standard equipment is on offer?All versions of the Polestar 4 SUV offer vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, like its coupe counterpart.Using the charging port with a certified charging adaptor, the V2L system can deliver up to 3.3kW of power. It can be used to power household appliances, camping equipment or any other powered electronic device.Additionally there&rsquo;s a new &lsquo;Camping&rsquo; mode that allows the climate control to remain active when parked. It also allows you to use the screens, ambient lighting, V2L port, as well as the USB-C and 12V outlets.Like the coupe version, there is a digital instrument cluster and a landscape-oriented touchscreen multimedia system. Both operate on Google Built-in with Google Gemini functionality.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jack Quick]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2026-polestar-4-suv-revealed-as-lifted-wagon-style-alternative-to-the-porsche-macan-and</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2026 17:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Chinese government introduces host of new rules for its carmakers like BYD, Chery and Geely to follow in overseas markets including Australia]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/chinese-government-introduces-host-of-new-rules-for-its-carmakers-like-byd-chery-and-geely</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Chinese carmakers like BYD, Chery and Geely must now play by new rules in export markets like Australia.&nbsp;The Chinese government is cracking down on alleged anti-competitive behaviour from its automakers overseas, according to reports.&nbsp;The European Union has imposed extensive tariffs on Chinese electric cars imported and sold in the region over the past few years.The EU made this move to stop suspected Chinese government subsidies from heavily undercutting local carmakers in showrooms.Export markets have become crucial for Chinese carmakers, with an oversaturated local market squeezing out profits.&nbsp;Chinese brands have relied on low prices to establish global market share, which has left some domestic automakers scrambling to survive.These rules are designed to ensure Chinese brands won't be pushed out of export markets by tariffs and other penalties from domestic governments.It could also make new markets like the United States more open to Chinese brands.What are the new rules?The Chinese government wants to prevent price wars for its brands in overseas markets that harm its reputation.&nbsp;Carmakers must price cars based on production costs and market dynamics, not aggressive price cuts to drive out established competitorsThey should avoid steep or frequent price fluctuations, like heavy discounts that destabilise foreign marketsThey must avoid activities that trigger trade disputes or damage the image of Chinese brands&nbsp;They must not force overseas dealers to set a certain price for cars, instead creating clear price gradients for different model grades.&nbsp;They must follow host-nation regulations and implement anti-corruption safeguardsAll marketing and advertising must be truthful, with no misleading claims on vehicle specifications or performanceCarmakers must follow local information protection and privacy laws&nbsp;What do the new rules mean for Australian buyers?&nbsp;These new rules set out clear obligations for Chinese carmakers in their export markets, including Australia.&nbsp;It is unclear if the rules will have a material impact in Australia in the short term.Australia does not have a domestic car industry to protect, so it doesn't need to impose the same heavy tariffs as Europe.&nbsp;This is one reason there are now so many new automakers drawn to Australia.The new rules could potentially see prices of Chinese cars increase, with many models on sale some of the cheapest on the market currently, and extremely competitive with established brands.However recently Chery, one of the most aggressively priced Chinese brands in Australia, dismissed the idea that its pricing was based on outside support, with local boss Lucas Harris saying its current price structure is "sustainable" and that the brand wasn't engaging in activities like dumping cars into our market."I'd love to see some actual evidence" he said, "I'd love a subsidy, it would really help us out."]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Tim Gibson]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/chinese-government-introduces-host-of-new-rules-for-its-carmakers-like-byd-chery-and-geely</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2026 16:14:17 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Record high number of Australians considering electric cars as high fuel prices and affordable options like the 2026 Geely EX5 and BYD Sealion 7 storm charts]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/record-high-number-of-australians-considering-electric-cars-as-high-fuel-prices-and</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The number of Australians willing to buy an electric car has increased dramatically, with now only 17 percent of people stating they wouldn&rsquo;t consider an EV according to a report by the NRMA.Australian tastes are rapidly changing when it comes to how we want our vehicles powered. And while combustion vehicles still rule our roads with the majority of new cars bought still have petrol and diesel engines, the uptake of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hybrids and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) is increasing.How many Australians would now consider an EV?According to the NRMA&rsquo;s latest Changing Gears report 31 percent of Australians in 2026 would consider a battery electric vehicle (BEV) compared to 20 percent in 2024.Additionally, consideration of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) has increased from 41 percent in 2024 to 58 percent in 2026.The report also found that the number of Australians who would not consider an EV was now just 17 percent.What factors have changed Australians&rsquo; attitudes towards EVs?The Changing Gears report found that lower prices of electric cars, better infrastructure and rising petrol costs were some of the main motivating factors for the change in attitudes towards EVs.&ldquo;There&rsquo;s no doubt 2026 has been the tipping point for EV adoption. More affordable vehicles, expanded charging infrastructure and government incentives have all helped move EVs into the mainstream,&rdquo; NRMA CEO Julie Batch said.&ldquo;At the same time, rising petrol prices and concerns about long-term fuel security have given consumers even more reason to consider an EV.&rdquo;&nbsp;What&rsquo;s stopping more people from considering an EV?The NRMA report found several barriers, both real and perceived, were preventing Australians from considering an electric car.Of the 17 percent of people who would not consider an EV, the biggest concern was battery life with 60 percent saying this was a major barrier; 56 percent also felt that driving range was also a substantial reason not to buy an EV; 54 percent saw charging time as a factor that put them off; and finally 52 percent also felt fire risk stood in the way of them purchasing an electric car.&ldquo;Some of the concerns we see around battery health and safety don't reflect the reality of modern EVs, but that doesn't mean they should be ignored. The challenge is helping Australians separate fact from fiction and to make decisions based on reliable information," Ms Batch said.&ldquo;For example, independent battery testing is already widely available and can provide buyers with a clear picture of a battery's condition. When it comes to fires, EV battery fires are extremely rare and when charged correctly, there&rsquo;s virtually zero fire risk.&rdquo;How many EVs are on the road in Australia?The NRMA says that approximately 500,000 EVs are currently on Australian roads accounting for about three percent of the nation's entire number of registered cars.This number is expected to rise to approximately 10 percent by 2030, with CSIRO modelling&nbsp; predicting that 97 percent of light passenger cars will be electric by 2050.Right now affordable Chinese EVs are proving hugely popular with Australians. Electric SUVs such as the BYD Sealion 7, Geely EX5 and Zeekr 7X are now more popular than past Aussie combustion favourites such as the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Laura Berry]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/record-high-number-of-australians-considering-electric-cars-as-high-fuel-prices-and</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2026 14:33:23 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[2026 Mitsubishi Pajero 4WD revealed, including engine and towing capacity as it prepares to battle Toyota Prado, Ford Everest]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2026-mitsubishi-pajero-4wd-revealed-including-engine-and-towing-capacity-as-it-prepares-to</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Mitsubishi has put itself back in the game, with its new Pajero 4WD.The Japanese brand whipped off the covers of the new rugged off-roader before it heads to Australia later this year.The company has claimed this Pajero will be the most capable and comfortable Pajero to date.Mitsubishi has prioritised Australia which will be the third market to get the new SUV, following Thailand and Japan.2026 Mitsubishi Pajero has big changes underneathAfter five years in the wilderness the Pajero returns, but it is a lot different from what some might remember.This version is built on a rugged ladder frame, which underpins most off-road focused 4WDs and utes, instead of the car-like monocoque platform of the most recent generations.It shares its underpinnings with the current Triton ute, but Mitsubishi has done a lot of work to make the Pajero a more refined and accomplished daily driver.The chassis is stiffer with greater use of high-quality steel, which increases its stability during cornering but also improves its durability and reliability to better handle the rough stuff.The rear suspension from the Triton has been replaced with a sophisticated five-link set-up to smooth out bumps and lumps.2026 Mitsubishi Pajero engine details and towing capacityIt uses an evolution of the engine found in the Triton, a 2.4-litre four-cylinder with a variable geometry single turbocharger diesel unit, instead of the bi-turbo set-up of the Triton, which makes 150kW and 480Nm, a jump of 10Nm compared to the Triton.Mitsubishi has also ditched the six-speed auto from the Triton for an eight-ratio gearbox. This will improve performance and help lower fuel use by giving the vehicle more control over the rev range.The new Pajero has a braked towing capacity of 3500kg.2026 Mitsubishi Pajero's off-road abilityIt is ready to rumble off-road with the company&rsquo;s Super Select 4WD-II tech, which delivers part time four-wheel drive for on-road driving, full-time four-wheel drive for all conditions and a rear differential lock and a low-range transfer case for heading off the beaten track.There are seven selectable drive modes including Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock.Rally-bred tech such as Active Yaw Control (AYC) is standard. AYC helps manage the torque delivery to left and right wheels to increase stability when cornering. It is paired with active stability and traction control and anti-lock brakes to help the Pajero manage slippery surfaces.New Pajero looks the partIt has chunky proportions with square, muscular haunches and a blocky rear-end. T-shaped headlights linked by a light bar across the bonnet and similar shape tail-lights give it the look of a classic 4WD for the modern age.Mitsubishi has added a throwback to Pajeroes of old with the hexagonal rear design feature to pay homage to the externally rear-mounted spare tyre of previous models. The spare is located under the car now.2026 Mitsubishi Pajero's plush interiorThe Pajero pampers just as much as it can handle punishment.This is the most modern looking Mitsubishi interior by far.Dual 14.3-inch screens - one for the multimedia and the other for the driver&rsquo;s instruments - dominate the dash.The central screen also houses what the brand calls a Multi Meter, which is a modern, digital version of the old triple meters from previous generations.The new digital readouts will show altitude, compass heading, ambient temperature, vehicle pitch and roll angles and left and right torque distribution.But the dashboard in front of the driver is lathered in soft-touch materials and designed to give the feeling of space with its swept-back design. And the built-in grab handle is a throwback to the past.It is built to seat seven, with the third row able to slide up to 150mm and a tumble mechanism for easy access to the last pew.Mitsubishi has thought about people actually using the last row, with what it claims is plenty of headroom and room for feet under the seats in front.Refinement was top]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dom Tripolone]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2026-mitsubishi-pajero-4wd-revealed-including-engine-and-towing-capacity-as-it-prepares-to</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2026 14:15:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[2026 Lexus NX: Big upgrades for deeply facelifted luxury RAV4 spin-off and key BMW X3 rival]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2026-lexus-nx-big-upgrades-for-deeply-facelifted-luxury-rav4-spin-off-and-key-bmw-x3-rival</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Lexus has unveiled an upgraded version of its NX mid-size SUV featuring subtle design tweaks, a revised hybrid system and new battery tech as well as improved body rigidity and better ride quality.Offered across 300h, 350h and 450h+ variants in Japan, it&rsquo;s likely the same line-up will be offered locally when the new car hits Aussie showrooms in the first part of 2027.The 300h is a 2.0-litre, front-wheel drive series-parallel hybrid with an overall output of 145kW, the 350h is a 2.5-litre hybrid in front- or all-wheel drive producing 140-180kW, with the 2.5L AWD plug-in hybrid flagship 450h+ delivering 215-240kW (with an EV-only driving range of 140km in Japan).&nbsp;At 4690mm, the new NX is 30mm longer than the model it replaces with width (1865mm), height (1660mm) and wheelbase (2690mm) unchanged.&nbsp;An exterior design refresh includes integrating reshaped headlights and DRLs with a raised mesh grille which is claimed to improve aero and cooling performance.&nbsp;Car-spotters should also look out for exterior mirror covers in black rather than chrome and LED tail-lights featuring a &lsquo;Double L Signature&rsquo; graphic.Interior makeoverInside, a 12.3-inch instrument display is joined by a 14-inch navigation/multimedia panel with a &lsquo;Sensory Concierge&rsquo; combining &lsquo;linear illumination&rsquo;, music, air conditioning, seat temperature, fragrance and &lsquo;indirect lighting&rsquo; to &ldquo;create a calm and sophisticated atmosphere.&rdquo;The new car&rsquo;s compact &lsquo;e-Axle&rsquo; which integrates the transaxle, motor and PCU (Power Control Unit) now uses silicon carbide (SiC) in the inverter's power elements to enhance efficiency and improve fuel economy.At the same time the flagship NX450h+ features a new battery pack boasting eight per cent higher output and a 30 per cent capacity increase for additional range and even faster DC charging.Improved body rigidityBy changing battery cell orientation from longitudinal to lateral, body rigidity has been improved and the car&rsquo;s centre of gravity lowered for improved handling dynamics.Torsional strength has also been improved across the board through &ldquo;reshaping of the engine block and increased rigidity of the transaxle and engine connection using reinforcing materials.&rdquo; This also contributes to reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).Floor rigidity has been improved by approximately 25 per cent and the suspension towers have been integrated more thoroughly with connected components.The claim is a 30 per cent improvement in overall rigidity &ldquo;resulting in improved handling, ride comfort and reduced road noise.&rdquo;In fact, Lexus said the new NX&rsquo;s performance characteristics have been fine-tuned at the Toyota Technical Centre Shimoyama, west of Tokyo and Germany's N&uuml;rburgring.Better balance between handling and rideNew dampers feature &lsquo;ultra low-speed valves&rsquo; for a better balance between handling response and ride comfort.The variable-ratio steering set-up has been recalibrated to adjust to changing demands faster and accelerator control has been revised for a more linear response. The steering wheel itself is also 10mm smaller in diameter.Standard wheels are 18-inch alloy shod with 235/60 rubber with F Sport grades stepping up to 20-inch rims and 235/50 tyres.Safety systems upgradedActive (crash-avoidance) safety has also been &ldquo;evolved to recognize objects more broadly and from a greater distance, expanding the range of accident scenarios it can address.&rdquo;Other safety systems have also been upgraded, including:Active cruise controlLane-change assistPre-collision safetyDriver monitoringAdaptive high-beamBlind-spot monitoringPanoramic overhead 3D view&nbsp;Pricing and exact specification will be confirmed closer to the new car&rsquo;s launch date but for reference the existing line-up starts at $71,830, before on-road costs, for the 350h 2WD Luxury and tops out at $96,090, BOC, for the]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[James Cleary]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2026-lexus-nx-big-upgrades-for-deeply-facelifted-luxury-rav4-spin-off-and-key-bmw-x3-rival</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2026 12:19:42 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Zeekr global sales double year-on-year as Chinese premium brand takes off in threat to XPeng and BYD]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/zeekr-global-sales-double-year-on-year-as-chinese-premium-brand-takes-off-in-threat-to</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Zeekr has announced monthly sales figures for August, announcing that it has more than doubled its global sales footprint year-on-year.Up a massive 100.4 per cent year-on-year, Zeekr reports it has delivered 251,000 vehicles, with monthly sales volume for August coming to 36,981 units.The growing luxury arm of Geely, Zeekr says it has now cumulatively sold nearly 900,000 units worldwide since its inception in 2021.This is an important milestone for Geely, as the higher pricing and margin of Zeekr vehicles is dragging up the brand&rsquo;s average sale price in an environment where China&rsquo;s automakers are seeking better profits after a bruising price war in the domestic market.The average sale price for a Zeekr vehicle is reportedly 370,000 RMB (A$77,090) and is an important factor in dragging the average sale price up for the entire Geely Group.Highlights for the year so far shared by Zeekr include over 200,000 global orders for the 7X mid-size SUV, and the Zeekr 9X large SUV becoming the best-selling SUV above the A$100,000 mark in China.In addition, the 009 people mover is now the best-selling luxury electric people mover in several markets, while the 7GT, soon to go on sale in Australia, is moving over 10,000 units a month globally.Zeekr has experienced explosive growth in Australia over the course of 2026, led primarily by its 7X, which until the end of July has clocked 7424 registrations. This has made it one of the best-selling electric cars in the country, ranking only behind more mainstream offerings like the BYD Sealion 7, Geely EX5 and Tesla Model Y.Zeekr will no doubt be expecting a bumper year in 2027, as well, as it adds the 7GT electric station wagon to the range as a new rival to the BYD Seal and Tesla Model 3 before the end of the year, with the 8X large SUV and 9X flagship, both as plug-in hybrids, also set to join the line-up in 2027.For Geely&rsquo;s part, it has also experienced massive growth in Australia, moving over 14,000 units so far in 2026, despite only having a two-model range. The keenly-priced EX2 hatchback has just joined its range, with the Emgrand sedan and possibly the Monjaro upper mid-sizer set to join the range next year as hybrid options.The company has big global aspirations to double its export sales in 2027. Doing so in Australia would put the brand in the same stead as other Chinese success stories like BYD, Chery and GWM.But Geely&rsquo;s Australian CEO Alex Gu told CarsGuide earlier this year that the company would continue its measured approach in Australia, despite its early success.&ldquo;Success isn&rsquo;t just the volume booming,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;success is also customer satisfaction and dealer satisfaction.&rdquo;&ldquo;We&rsquo;ve only launched two models and for example other brands have launched 10 models.&ldquo;Of course, they have been in the marke longer, but even with two models you can see we only try to bring &lsquo;star&rsquo; models into each segment.&ldquo;From my perspective, 1000 a month is a milestone for a new model, especially in mainstream segments.&rdquo;He said the company&rsquo;s ultimate target was to be a global top-five player, and that in export markets like Australia the goal was to be &ldquo;the number one Chinese brand.&rdquo;From there it was a matter of challenging &ldquo;the global top three.&rdquo;Stay tuned for more on Zeekr&rsquo;s new model roll out, as well as more on Geely&rsquo;s plans for 2027.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Tom White]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/zeekr-global-sales-double-year-on-year-as-chinese-premium-brand-takes-off-in-threat-to</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2026 12:12:44 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[2026 Cadillac Lyriq tweaked as refreshed rival to the BMW iX and Polestar 3]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2026-cadillac-lyriq-tweaked-as-refreshed-rival-to-the-bmw-ix-and-polestar-3-102552</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The entry-price for Cadillac&rsquo;s flagship electric SUV, the Lyriq, has been locked in at below $100,000 with the brand confirming specifications for a refreshed line-up.In fact, the 2027 Cadillac Lyriq line-up consists of just one variant so far, the Sport, which sits alone as the Luxury variant has been culled.Starting from $90,000 before on-road costs, the Lyriq remains close to the temporary drive-away price of $95,000 that was offered until the MY27 specification and pricing was confirmed.Key specification changes for the Lyriq include tweaks to the battery and drivetrain that mean a tiny bit less power, plenty more torque, a smaller battery and a slightly reduced driving range.What&rsquo;s new for the 2027 Cadillac Lyriq?The 2027 Lyriq Sport has a 284kW power output and 720Nm of torque, with 0-100km/h taking a claimed 4.9 seconds down from 5.3sec. This is down 4kW and up 110Nm from before.The battery is now a 92kWh unit rather than the 102kWh battery it previously had, though claimed range doesn&rsquo;t suffer too much. It&rsquo;s now 503km instead of 530km.Cadillac has also added some impressive tech to its electric SUV, including a 23-speaker AKG Studio sound system with Dolby Atmos (including speakers in the front headrests), plus built-in Google for the 33-inch multimedia touchscreen.Lane centering assist and traffic sign recognition have also been added to its list of driver assistance features.What will the full 2027 Cadillac Lyriq line-up look like?While the Sport grade is the only launch variant, it&rsquo;s not the only one on the way.The performance-focused Lyriq-V has been teased on the Cadillac website, and while pricing and specifications haven&rsquo;t been confirmed for Australia, a launch date of 18 September is confirmed.The Luxury grade, which was very similar to the Sport in MY2025/26, has been discontinued and doesn&rsquo;t seem to be planned at this stage.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris Thompson]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2026-cadillac-lyriq-tweaked-as-refreshed-rival-to-the-bmw-ix-and-polestar-3-102552</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2026 10:37:02 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Why Chery can’t stop adding new brands like Lepas, iCaur and Freelander]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/why-chery-cant-stop-adding-new-brands-like-lepas-icaur-and-freelander-102531</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Chery&rsquo;s in the middle of a rapid expansion and has no plans to slow down.Chery relaunched in 2023, but the Chinese automotive group has added Omoda and Jaecoo already, has confirmed Lepas will start sales in October and confirmed both iCaur and Freelander will follow soon.What makes it more confusing to many, is the company has a very different approach to its multi-brand strategy than most rivals, with a significant amount of crossover in terms of both vehicles offered and pricing.Flat v vertical structureLucas Harris, Chery Australia&rsquo;s Chief Operating Officer, explained the thinking behind the company to CarsGuide.&ldquo;&#8202;So I think one of the differences in our approach to the brands is that established brands' way of thinking, because there are established brands that have multi-brand arrangements, they typically stack them on top of each other,&rdquo; Harris said.&ldquo;This one's volume, this one's kind of premium mainstream, this one's luxury, this one's a supercar. And they segment them and separate them really just by price.&rdquo;&ldquo;So our approach is less about pricing and much more about trying to create a unique brand image and a unique brand feeling. And, product is a big part of that and you can see quite a big difference in the design of our products across the brands. The idea is to try and have different brands that speak to different sub-sets of consumers.&rdquo;Freelander will be the first brand to break that mould, with the Jaguar Land Rover joint-venture to be a genuine luxury brand, priced above Chery, Omoda, Jaecoo and Lepas.&ldquo;It's very much a luxury car and is going to be in that luxury segment and have fit and finish, and be priced accordingly. So totally different from our existing products,&rdquo; Harris confirmed.The introduction of so many brands does have one major challenge - finding enough dealerships to sell them. Omoda and Jaecoo models may be similar to Chery underneath, the different design has seen the brands operate in separate showrooms.Lepas to expand quicklyFor Lepas, Harris said he hopes to add up to 50 new dealerships by the end of the year, which is changing the way dealers physically carve up the space they have available on the showroom floor.&ldquo;&#8202;Look, when we launched with Chery three and a half years ago I think the timing we were fortunate with, in that there wasn't as many new brands competing for showroom space at that time and so that was good,&rdquo; Harris said.&ldquo;And Chery really has been the catalyst for our other brands to come through and have good support from our dealers. So if we look at Lepas, maybe two-thirds of it are existing dealers that want the additional franchise and they like operating and dealing with us. And so they're pretty enthusiastic to put their hands up to get the extra brand.&ldquo;It is also quite good timing that whilst some of those established brands are now not what they once were. They can't command the same 800 or 1000 square meter showrooms that they used to. And it's becoming increasingly expensive for dealers to do business in Australia."The cost of everything's gone up from, the cost of wages and marketing, the cost of electricity, the property and rent costs are through the roof. So it's really hard for any brand, particularly a suffering established brand, to support those kinds of facilities anymore.&rdquo;Which is why he&rsquo;s confident he can find so many new dealers willing to sell Lepas, Freelander and potential future brands Chery Group could add.&ldquo;&#8202;I would say at least every second day I get a phone call from a dealer that I've not dealt with who would like a franchise,&rdquo; Harris claimed. &ldquo;And I don't know, obviously they're getting my number from other dealers who are dealing with us. But yes, there's a lot of interest in working with us and it's very flattering.&rdquo;]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Stephen Ottley]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/why-chery-cant-stop-adding-new-brands-like-lepas-icaur-and-freelander-102531</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 02 Sep 2026 03:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[2026 Hyundai Avante priced in South Korea ahead of expected Australian launch in 2027 as i30 sedan to rival Toyota Corolla and Kia K4]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2026-hyundai-avante-priced-in-south-korea-ahead-of-expected-australian-launch-in-2027-as</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The potential new generation of Hyundai&rsquo;s popular i30 sedan is one step closer to Aussie shores.&nbsp;The brand has priced the new Avante sedan in its local South Korean market ahead of its Australian arrival in 2027.The current i30 sedan sold in Australia is called the Avante in South Korea, so this is likely to be the case for its new generation.It starts from 23,980,000 won (about $24,000), with prices ranging up to 31,520,000 won (roughly $32,000).&nbsp;There is also a high-performance Avante N variant that starts from $33,560,000 won (about $34,000).&nbsp;The i30 lines up as a sedan rival to the Toyota Corolla ($32,585) and Kia K4 ($32,090), both before on-road costs.2026 Hyundai i30 sedan detailsThe Avante is available with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 111kW, and a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor, making 117kW.It is expected the car will only be offered with the hybrid set-up here to appease stringent emissions regulations.&nbsp;The new-generation features a bold, outgoing design, with boxy proportions and distinctive body panel creases, matching up with Hyundai&rsquo;s current design language.&nbsp;The car has a large central touchscreen and pop-up digital driver display instead of a traditional unit embedded into the dashboard.&nbsp;Hyundai confirmed its in-car software has undergone major changes, including Over-The-Air (OTA) updates, and a Gleo AI voice assistant for navigation and climate control.&nbsp;When will the 2026 Hyundai i30 sedan go on sale in Australia and how much will it cost?&nbsp;There is no official word from Hyundai on when the new Avante will launch in Australia as the next i30 sedan, but it is expected to arrive in the first half of 2027.&nbsp;There is likely to be more information about its Australian future towards the end of 2026.The i30 sedan currently starts from $30,000 (before on-road costs), but its predicted hybrid-only status will push that price up.&nbsp;Korean pricing can provide a rough indication on where it might land in Australia.&nbsp;Its 23,980,000 won (about $24,000) price tag will probably receive an extra 30 to 40 per cent bump here to account for shipping, import and distribution costs.This means it could be offered from the region of $35,000-plus.&nbsp;]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Tim Gibson]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2026-hyundai-avante-priced-in-south-korea-ahead-of-expected-australian-launch-in-2027-as</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 16:57:23 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Massive price cut for 2026 Mahindra XUV700: Significantly cheaper 7-seat SUV from India now undercuts Chery Tiggo 8 in Australia – with a catch]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/massive-price-cut-for-2026-mahindra-xuv700-significantly-cheaper-7-seat-suv-from-india-now</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Mahindra has taken a razor to the price of its XUV700 SUV, slashing $10,000 off cost-of-entry for the base AX7 and $9000 off the more premium AX7L.But beware, there are a couple of significant catches. The &lsquo;Instant Retail Offer&rsquo; ends on October 31, 2026 and only applies to cars built in 2025.&nbsp;Despite the build date caveat, the brand has positioned the move as &ldquo;its largest instant retail offer yet&rdquo; adding it &ldquo;strengthens the XUV700's position as one of the most compelling value propositions in Australia's highly competitive medium SUV segment.&rdquo;The 2025-build seven-seat AX7 is now listed at $29,990, drive-away, and the 2025-build AX7L sits well under the $35 threshold at $33,990, drive-away.Repositions entry-level tier of the mid-size SUV segmentIn the short-term the move effectively repositions the entry-level tier of the mid-size SUV segment putting the Mahindra at or below the price of rivals like the BYD Sealion 5 (from $33,990, before on-road costs), Chery Tiggo 7 (from $29,990, drive-away), GWM-Haval H6 (from $35,990, drive-away), Jaecoo J7 (from $34,990, drive-away), KGM Korando (from $30,990, drive-away) and the MG HS (from $33,990, drive-away).The Indian maker believes the XUV700's specification remains a key differentiator with standard features for the AX7 and AX7L including:Panoramic sunroof18-inch alloy wheels10.25-inch multimedia display10.25-inch digital instrument clusterWireless Apple CarPlay and Android AutoThe AX7L adds:360-degree surround-view cameraVentilated front seats12-speaker audioActive (crash-avoidance) tech includes:Adaptive Cruise ControlAutonomous Emergency BrakingLane Keep AssistTraffic Sign RecognitionBlind-spot monitoring (AX7L-only)Mahindra XUV700 pricing&nbsp;]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[James Cleary]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/massive-price-cut-for-2026-mahindra-xuv700-significantly-cheaper-7-seat-suv-from-india-now</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 16:56:34 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[2026 Jaecoo J7 range trimmed in Australia ahead of battle with Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2026-jaecoo-j7-range-trimmed-in-australia-ahead-of-battle-with-hyundai-tucson-mazda-cx-5</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The Jaecoo J7 just got more expensive for Australian buyers.&nbsp;Jaecoo has trimmed its J7 variants from five to three, with the cheapest &lsquo;Ridge&rsquo; petrol grade now $39,990, drive-away - a $5000 jump on the previous &lsquo;Core&rsquo;.&nbsp;However, petrol and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) power are both available from $39,990.&nbsp;The range-topping plug-in hybrid Summit is now the only grade available with a choice of two or all-wheel drive, starting from $47,990.&nbsp;The petrol and range-topping PHEV variants are available in showrooms now, with the mid-spec Track arriving in October.&nbsp;The J7 is the larger sibling of the smash-hit J5 small SUV.It takes on popular family SUVs like the petrol or conventional hybrid-powered Hyundai Tucson ($39,100) and petrol-powered Mazda CX-5 ($39,990), both before on-road costs.&nbsp;2026 Jaecoo J7 pricing Australia2026 Jaecoo J7 powertrain detailsThe base Ridge grade is powered by a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine, making 137kW and 275Nm.&nbsp;The first of two PHEV set-ups uses a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine and single electric motor to produce 205kW and 365Nm.&nbsp;The top-spec PHEV adds a rear electric motor, boosting total power up to 260kW and 490Nm.&nbsp;Both PHEV variants are equipped with an 18.4kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery, with J7 capable of travelling as much as 100km on electric-only power.&nbsp;The J7 PHEV has a total driving range of up to 1200km when the battery is fully charged and the fuel tank is at capacity.&nbsp;DC charging from 30 to 80 per cent at 40kW takes 20 minutes.&nbsp;2026 Jaecoo J7 specification detailsThe J7 comes as standard with a 10.25-inch digital driver display, but other equipment depends on what grade you buy.&nbsp;The base and range-topping variants have a 14.8-inch central touchscreen, while the mid-spec PHEV has a 13.2-inch unit.You get synthetic leather seats in the Ridge petrol and Summit PHEV grades, with the front seats heated and ventilated.&nbsp;Those grades also receive an electrically operated panoramic sunroof and power tailgate as well.&nbsp;All grades ride on a variant of 19-inch wheels and feature Jaecoo&rsquo;s waterfall grille as on all its petrol- and hybrid-powered models.&nbsp;]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Tim Gibson]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2026-jaecoo-j7-range-trimmed-in-australia-ahead-of-battle-with-hyundai-tucson-mazda-cx-5</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:28:42 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[2026 Denza N8L goes all electric with the Range Rover Sport-baiting Zeekr 8X large SUV rival ready to roll in China]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2026-denza-n8l-goes-all-electric-with-the-range-rover-sport-baiting-zeekr-8x-large-suv</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Denza has confirmed a pure-electric version of its Range Rover-baiting N8L large SUV will launch in the Chinese domestic market this month, joining the existing plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model, already offered across four grades.Denza Auto General Manager Li Hui confirmed the arrival timing, with documents already lodged with the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) pointing to power for the luxurious six-seater coming from a single permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, sending 370kW to the rear wheels with a 130.2kWh LFP battery delivering a range of no less than 960km (to the more generous CLTC protocol).Dimensions unchangedOverall dimensions are unchanged from the N8L PHEV, the pure-electric model measuring 5.2m long, a fraction under 2.0m wide and just over 1.8m tall with a 3075mm wheelbase. The front trunk measures 208 litres.Kerb weight is a sturdy 2900kg but claimed top speed is still an impressive 240km/h.Standard specification and pricing is yet to be confirmed but it&rsquo;s likely the N8L EV will retain features from the PHEV including:Fast-charging capacity (taking advantage of parent company BYD&rsquo;s rapidly expanding Flash Charging network)&lsquo;God's Eye 5.0&rsquo; (end-to-end large-scale reinforcement learning model)An extensive active safety suite and nine airbagsCrab parking capabilityDual-cavity air suspensionMotion sickness preventionNappa leather seat trimAuto-extending running boardsMultiple large-format entertainment, media and information screensHigh-end audioMulti-zone climate control&nbsp;The Denza N8L PHEV currently ranges in price from &yen;299,800 to &yen;349,800, which would translate to Australian prices of around $80,000 and $95,000, respectively.&nbsp;There is no word yet on whether the Denza N8L PHEV or EV will come to Australia but it&rsquo;s clear BYD is aggressively expanding its high-end sub-brand&rsquo;s line-up locally.The B5 large PHEV SUV, B8 upper-large PHEV SUV and D9 pure-electric people mover are already on-sale here with the high-performance Z9GT &lsquo;arriving soon&rsquo;.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[James Cleary]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2026-denza-n8l-goes-all-electric-with-the-range-rover-sport-baiting-zeekr-8x-large-suv</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:28:02 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[2026 Nissan X-Trail coming to the US sooner than expected to battle Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V hybrid SUVs, but Australian timing remains the same]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2026-nissan-x-trail-coming-to-the-us-sooner-than-expected-to-battle-toyota-rav4-and-honda</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Nissan is reportedly fast tracking the development of its new-generation X-Trail in order to claw back declining sales.As reported by Automotive News, this new mid-size SUV from the Japanese carmaker is set to launch in the US badged as the Rogue in November 2026. It was previously set to arrive in mid-2027.At launch a single, high-spec trim with the e-Power hybrid powertrain will reportedly be offered in the US. More variants, including versions with a standard petrol engine, will follow at a later date.This specific trim level has reportedly been strategically selected for volume and margin, however stock is expected to be slim.Where will these US-spec Nissan X-Trail&rsquo;s be built?Nissan is set to initially import US-spec versions of the X-Trail/Rogue from Japan. This means these examples will attract tariffs in the US.However, the Japanese carmaker is reportedly set to begin domestic production of the petrol-powered variants at its US production facility in Tennessee in mid-2027.Domestic production of the e-Power hybrid variants is planned for early 2028.For reference, all Australian-specification versions of the new-generation Nissan X-Trail will come from Japan.When will the new Nissan X-Trail come to Australia?Although the US launch of the new-generation X-Trail/Rogue has been fast tracked to November, it appears the Australian launch timing remains unchanged for now.CarsGuide understands the new-generation X-Trail will launch in Australia in late 2027.  @carsguide.com.au The 2027 Nissan X-Trail has been officially unveiled in Japan!! #nissan #xtrail #SUV #cartok #fyp &#9836; original sound - CarsGuide.com.au   The Japanese carmaker is still rolling out versions of the outgoing X-Trail in Australia.There are new, two-wheel drive X-Trail e-Power hybrid variants coming in Australia, as well as a tough-looking Rock Creek trim level.What is different with the new Nissan X-Trail?Nissan revealed the new-generation X-Trail earlier in 2026 and it&rsquo;s based on an iteration of the Renault-Nissan Mitsubishi Alliance CMF-CD platform that underpins the current model.Despite the carryover architecture, Nissan claims it reworked the structure and it&rsquo;s much stiffer than before. Additionally it has completely reworked the suspension system with a wider track width.Under the bonnet is a new-generation e-Power hybrid that&rsquo;s claimed to be quieter, smoother and more fuel efficient than the current version. A pure petrol powertrain will be offered globally, though it&rsquo;s unclear whether it&rsquo;ll be offered in Australia.It appears the glasshouse has carried over but with new body cladding and styling. At this stage the interior design hasn&rsquo;t been revealed.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jack Quick]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2026-nissan-x-trail-coming-to-the-us-sooner-than-expected-to-battle-toyota-rav4-and-honda</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 12:53:36 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[2026 Geely Starray EM-i receives new all-wheel-drive grade in Australia to rival BYD Sealion 6, Chery Tiggo 8 and Toyota RAV4 PHEV]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2026-geely-starray-em-i-receives-new-all-wheel-drive-grade-in-australia-to-rival-byd</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Geely&rsquo;s Starray plug-in hybrid mid-size SUV will soon be available with all-wheel drive for Aussie buyers.The increasingly popular Chinese brand has confirmed it will add a new &lsquo;Inspire&rsquo; AWD grade to its growing line-up.&nbsp;Starting from $44,990, before on-road costs, it will be $3500 more expensive than the top-grade two-wheel-drive variant.&nbsp;This means it will undercut the smaller Toyota RAV4 AWD PHEV by nearly $20,000.The new variant provides competition for the BYD Sealion 6 AWD ($52,990) and the 2WD-only Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV ($49,990, drive-away).It will arrive in dealerships in mid-September 2026 as the brand&rsquo;s third Starray EM-i variant, with increased popularity encouraging the brand to broaden offerings.It went on sale in Australia in September 2025, following on from the fully electric EX5 earlier in the year.2026 Geely Starray AWD detailsThe AWD Starray uses the same 29.8kWh battery as the 2WD top grade, capable of travelling 130km (WLTP) on electric-only power.&nbsp;This is marginally less than the Inspire 2WD, but Geely has given the AWD a 60L fuel tank (up from 51L), boosting total driving range to 1065km from 996km.&nbsp;This variant boasts the most powerful set-up in the range.It adds a rear motor to compliment a front motor and 1.5-litre petrol engine, to make a combined 220kW and 412Nm.The new set-up means the car can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.3 seconds, down from 8.2 seconds.It is slightly more thirsty than its 2WD sibling, registering 1.7L/100km for fuel efficiency, as opposed to 1.6L/100km.&nbsp;&nbsp;Geely has added a five-link rear suspension compared to the four-link unit on other variants for improved comfort and handling, according to the brand.&nbsp;It also has two new all-terrain-focused driving modes called &lsquo;Snow&rsquo; and &lsquo;Off-road&rsquo;.2026 Geely Starray EM-i pricing (before on-road costs) Australia]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Tim Gibson]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2026-geely-starray-em-i-receives-new-all-wheel-drive-grade-in-australia-to-rival-byd</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 11:11:42 +1000</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[2026 Audi Q5 plug-in hybrid hits price parity with purely petrol versions]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2026-audi-q5-plug-in-hybrid-hits-price-parity-with-purely-petrol-versions-102537</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Audi has introduced the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of its new-generation Q5 mid-size SUV in Australia and it&rsquo;s claiming it will be more popular than ever.The German carmaker is expecting the new e-hybrid PHEV versions to make up to 40 per cent of the overall Q5 sales mix.Audi claims the previous-generation Q5 PHEV initially made up 10 per cent of the sales mix, but it then grew to around 20 per cent by the end of its lifecycle.This new-generation Q5 e-hybrid has launched much earlier in the lifecycle than the previous version, which was towards the end of its run.What is the 2026 Audi Q5 e-hybrid?The Audi Q5 e-hybrid is the company&rsquo;s PHEV version of the mid-size SUV. It&rsquo;s available in both the SUV and &lsquo;coupe&rsquo; SUV Sportback body styles.Power comes from a familiar 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor. Total system outputs are 270kW and 500Nm, which is unchanged from the previous-generation model.What has changed however is there&rsquo;s a larger 25.9kWh lithium-ion battery pack that allows for up to 88km of WLTP-claimed electric range.AC charging has also been upped from 7.2kW to 11kW, but fully charging the battery still takes 2.5 hours due to its larger size. There are now DC fast-charging capabilities.How much does the 2026 Audi Q5 e-hybrid cost?The 2026 Audi Q5 SUV e-hybrid is priced from $96,818, before on-road costs, whereas the Q5 Sportback e-hybrid is $3500 more at $100,318 before on-road costs.This brings price parity with the recently introduced Q5 TFSI quattro 200kW variants.It follows a similar structure Audi introduced when it launched the A5 e-hybrid last year.The previous-generation Q5 PHEV was around $17,000 more expensive than the equivalent petrol-only model. It was also more expensive brand new than the current, new-generation model.Where the Q5 e-hybrid sits within Audi&rsquo;s line-upAs part of Audi&rsquo;s electrification strategy, it plans to offer combustion (ICE), PHEV and battery electric vehicle (BEV) options in key segments it competes in.With mid-size SUVs, for example, it has the regular Q5 and Q5 Sportback, the Q5 e-hybrid, as well as the Q6 e-tron and SQ6 e-tron, respectively.The German carmaker is still scaling this strategy but other PHEV models it currently offers are the A5 e-hybrid, Q8 TFSI e, as well as the forthcoming RS5. The smaller Q3 e-hybrid is also under evaluation for an Australian launch.In addition to the Q6 e-tron and SQ6 e-tron, Audi offers a number of other BEV models locally, including the Q4 e-tron and e-tron GT.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jack Quick]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2026-audi-q5-plug-in-hybrid-hits-price-parity-with-purely-petrol-versions-102537</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 10:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA[2026 Skoda Enyaq will likely be Skoda's most popular model and it gets big upgrades to take on 2026 Zeekr 7X and Tesla Model Y]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2026-skoda-enyaq-will-likely-be-skodas-most-popular-model-and-it-gets-big-upgrades-to-take</link>
            <description><![CDATA[The model poised to be Skoda&rsquo;s best-seller in Australia next year has improved, with better safety, more practicality and an expanded range topped by the return of the higher-performance RS flagship.On sale now from $51,990 (all prices are before on-road costs), as before, the Czechian mid-sized SUV EV kicks off with the Select 60 rear-wheel drive (RWD) in SUV Wagon-only guise, leaving the swoopier Enyaq Coupe SUV models reserved only for higher grades from Sportline 85 (from $60,990-Wagon/$66,990-Coupe) and up for now.That&rsquo;s a $1000 jump compared to when it arrived in Australia late last year, though the changes do run deeper than usual for a model-year refresh.What new with the 2026 Skoda Enyaq?They include upgraded autonomous emergency braking (AEB) functionality, as part of upgraded advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) technologies, with new cross-road assist bringing lateral on-coming vehicle detection and braking, broader single-pedal driving with full-stopping capability, and traffic sign recognition.On the practicality front, the Enyaq now scores a 21-litre storage enclosure underneath the bonnet (also known as a frunk in Tesla-speak), a revised Android multimedia set-up offering short cuts among other advances, and a 25-watt Mag Safe wireless smartphone charger.As outlined earlier this year, the Enyaq RS returns, in new SUV Wagon form from $76,590, as well as returning SUV Coupe shape for $1000 extra.2026 Skoda Enyaq power and driving rangeDubbed the most powerful production Skoda ever offered in Australia, power and torque are rated at 250kW and 545Nm respectively. A motor on each axle brings all-wheel drive, allowing for a 0-100km/h sprint-time of 5.4 seconds on the way to a 180km/h top speed.On the efficiency front, RS&rsquo; combined WLTP range is 546km for the Wagon and 11km more in the more-slippery Coupe.It also features a 2kWh-larger battery pack compared to the mid-range 85 Sportline&rsquo;s 82kWh alternative, while the base 60 Select sticks with a 61kWh item.Further upgrades include the addition of the Volkswagen Group&rsquo;s Dynamic Chassis Control tech, offering adaptive dampers, dedicated drive modes with an individualisation setting and 21-inch wheels.You&rsquo;ll be able to spot the RS from lowlier Enyaqs by their unique alloys, body kit, reshaped bumpers, glossier trim and additional colour options on the outside, and racier trim, leather sports seats with heating and ventilation up front, upgraded audio, fatter steering wheel rim and augmented reality head-up display inside.It&rsquo;s worth noting that the Enyaq SUV Coupe&rsquo;s 570-litre cargo capacity is just 15L shy of the SUV Wagon&rsquo;s, though with rear-seats down, that gap is 100L at 1610L versus 1710L.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Byron Mathioudakis]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2026-skoda-enyaq-will-likely-be-skodas-most-popular-model-and-it-gets-big-upgrades-to-take</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 06:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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