<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" standalone="no"?><rss xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" version="2.0">
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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>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 16:31:21 +0000</pubDate>

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            <title><![CDATA[It costs how much? Mind-boggling price-tag for Rolls Royce's latest ultra-luxury Bentley Mulliner rival]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/it-costs-how-much-mind-boggling-price-tag-for-rolls-royces-latest-ultra-luxury-bentley</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Just when you thought electric vehicles were getting more affordable and accessible for everyone - here&rsquo;s an EV that costs $13 million.Rolls Royce would never call it a 'special edition' but the limited run of 100 electric convertibles codenamed Project Nightingale will each sell for about $13 million.Produced by the British brand's new Coachbuild Collection, Project Nightingale is an electric reincarnation of the Rolls Royce 17EX Torpedo complete with the long tail and oozing Art Deco elegance.More than just a very collectible Rolls Royce, Project Nightingale is expected to showcase the future of the company&rsquo;s design.&ldquo;Project Nightingale is built on the design principles that define this marque at its most compelling &ndash; grand proportions, absolute surface discipline, and a clarity of line that rewards the closest attention,&rdquo; Domagoj Dukec, Director of Design, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said.&nbsp;&ldquo;And yet, it takes them somewhere entirely new. For me, this landmark motor car feels both inevitable and completely unexpected, and it will shape everything that follows.&rdquo;&nbsp;&nbsp;Full specifications haven't been released for Project Nightingale but Rolls Royce is reported to have said that it will share much of the same engineering under its Spectre - the brand's first&nbsp; EV.The Spectre has a 107kWh battery and dual electric motors making 430kW and 900Nm. That oomph can throw the three-tonne super luxury vehicle from 0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds.At 5.76m long Project Nightingale is the same length as the brand&rsquo;s flagship Phantom saloon.The example you can see in the images is painted in a pale hue called Cote d&rsquo;Azure Blue with a red metal flake. The interior is finished in two tone pastel Charles Blue with a Grace White and Deep Navy seat inserts.&nbsp;Rolls Royce expects the vehicles to be bespoke to each of the buyers&rsquo; desires, and this will push that asking price into the stratosphere.While called Project Nightingale for now, an official name for the exclusive drop-top will be chosen soon, as will be the owners. Yes, Rolls Royce has already handpicked the new owners for each of the 100 cars.&nbsp;]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Laura Berry]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/it-costs-how-much-mind-boggling-price-tag-for-rolls-royces-latest-ultra-luxury-bentley</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 17:07:53 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[2026 Audi RS5 lands in Australia with 470kW to take on Mercedes-AMG C63S and BMW M4]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2026-audi-rs5-lands-in-australia-with-470kw-to-take-on-mercedes-amg-c63s-and-bmw-m4-101365</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Audi has released the pricing and specifications for its ballistic RS5 performance sedan and wagon in Australia as it gears up to arrive in showrooms in the second half of this year.&nbsp;It will start from $179,900 (before on-road costs), which is roughly $10,000 more than the previous generation of the car sold in Australia. There is also a wagon variant of the RS5, costing an extra $3000.The RS5 shapes up as a rival to other European performance mid-size passenger cars in the segment, such as the hybrid Mercedes-AMG C63S and the petrol-powered BMW M4.Audi&rsquo;s example is cheaper than the Mercedes and the BMW, which have price tags above the $185K mark.&nbsp;It is $70,000 more than the smaller RS3 and $70,000 less than the flagship V8-powered RS6, but unlike its siblings, the RS5 has been given electrified power.&nbsp;The RS5 uses a plug-in hybrid set-up, which pairs a 2.9-litre twin-turbo six-cylinder engine with a powerful single electric motor.&nbsp;This combines to produce a total of 470kW and 825Nm, which is less than C63S, but more than the M4.It is capable of completing the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.6 seconds, courtesy of its all-wheel drive system.&nbsp;One of the other key upgrades on the RS5 is the addition of an electric motor incorporated into the rear transaxle to distribute torque efficiently.&nbsp;The 26kWh battery has an electric-only driving range of up to 78km, but it can only be charged via an AC adapter, taking 2 hours and 30 minutes to fully charge.&nbsp;2026 Audi RS5 pricing Australia&nbsp;2026 Audi RS5 engine and efficiency&nbsp;2026 Audi RS5 standard features&nbsp;Other standard features include:&nbsp;Bang and Olufsen premium sound systemRed brake callipersAcoustic glazed front windowsPrivacy glassFlat-bottom steering wheelHeated, ventilated front seats with massageHeated rear outer seatsPanoramic glass roofHead-up displayTri-zone climate control&nbsp;2026 Audi RS5 safetyThe 2026 Audi RS5 has not been crash tested.&nbsp;Standard safety features:&nbsp;Auto emergency brakingPedestrian detectionAdaptive cruise controlLane departure warningLane change assistRear cross alert360-degree cameraSpeed sign recognition&nbsp;2026 Audi RS5 warranty and servicing&nbsp;The Audi RS5 comes with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, along with an eight-year battery warranty. There is also a 12-year warranty bodywork corrosion perforation.&nbsp;The five-year warranty can be extended up to nine years when additional servicing and roadside assistance is purchased.&nbsp;A five-year servicing plan is available, with two-year extensions up to four years available after this.
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            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Tim Gibson]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2026-audi-rs5-lands-in-australia-with-470kw-to-take-on-mercedes-amg-c63s-and-bmw-m4-101365</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 16:16:28 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[New Nissan Xterra 4WD and Skyline sedan confirmed to tackle 2026 Toyota Prado and four door performance cars]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/new-nissan-xterra-4wd-and-skyline-sedan-confirmed-to-tackle-2026-toyota-prado-and-four</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Nissan has officially teased two new vehicles following the reveal of the new-generation X-Trail and Juke EV.These new vehicles are a new-generation Nissan Skyline sedan and Xterra body-on-frame Toyota Prado-smashing SUV. These models will be focused at the Japanese and North American markets, respectively. This therefore makes an Australian launch for both unclear.The Nissan Xterra has traditionally been an SUV version of Navara and Frontier utes.Despite the very brief teaser video, this new Xterra appears to be a different beast altogether. We only get a brief look at the grille which has &lsquo;Nissan&rsquo; scripture and three slashes.Power will come from a V6 or V6 hybrid. The displacement, or exact power and torque figures have been detailed yet.Nissan has made a point of saying it&rsquo;s reducing its model count and is strategically grouping model families together to reduce complexity and costs. This therefore opens the door for more variations of vehicles, meaning more body-on-frame vehicles based on the Xterra are likely.Similarly with the new-generation Skyline, it&rsquo;s understood an Infiniti version will be offered in due course.According to the short teaser video, this new Skyline will have design touches that are inspired by the original model. This includes &lsquo;Skyline&rsquo; badging on the rear three quarter panel, as well as quad circular tail-lights.It&rsquo;s worth noting this new Skyline is unrelated to the GT-R and will likely remain a four-door sedan.The current-generation Skyline sedan hasn&rsquo;t been offered locally as a Nissan model but it was as the plusher Infiniti Q50 from 2014 to 2020.Nissan has confirmed there is a new GT-R in the works but what form it will take and when it will launch is still up in the air.No further details on the new-gen Skyline have been confirmed yet, however it&rsquo;s expected the 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine from the current model will carry over.More information on both the new Skyline and Xterra, including when they will be fully revealed, will be announced in due course.  @carsguide.com.au OMG, the new 2027 Nissan Juke has just been revealed and it's all electric! #nissan #juke #EV #SUV #cartok @Jack Quick &#9836; original sound - CarsGuide.com.au   ]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Jack Quick]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/new-nissan-xterra-4wd-and-skyline-sedan-confirmed-to-tackle-2026-toyota-prado-and-four</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:44:03 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[2027 Polestar 2 price and specs locked in as key 2026 Tesla Model 3 and Mazda 6e rival levels up]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2027-polestar-2-price-and-specs-locked-in-as-key-2026-tesla-model-3-and-mazda-6e-rival</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Polestar has confirmed pricing for its updated Polestar 2 liftback, now with more driving range and various hardware upgrades, however the previous entry-level Standard Range variant has been culled from the range, with starting prices jumping up as a result.The most affordable Polestar 2 is now the Long Range Single Motor, which starts from $66,400, stepping up significantly from the previous $62,400 Standard Range. See the full pricing table for the updated range below.The new Polestar 2 also faces increasingly stiff competition in the fully electric sedan and liftback segment, with the introduction of the keenly priced Mazda 6e and Kia EV4 (both from $49,990) joining its traditional rivals like the Tesla Model 3 (from $54,900) and BYD Seal from ($46,990).It represents a move into more premium territory, which Polestar has been telegraphing for its range for some time.This version of the Polestar 2 is the third update the model has received since its original launch, and the second minor range tweak with the current styling. A new-generation car said to be a significant overhaul due in 2027.2027 Polestar 2 priceThe Polestar 2 range consists of three variants, all of which share the same 82kWh battery, with the grades separated primarily by driven wheels and power outputs.2027 Polestar 2 powertrain and efficiencyThese model year updates to the Polestar 2 do not include significant changes to power output compared to the previous version of the car, aside from the slightly less powerful Standard Range being culled from the line-up. As the Polestar 2 is now only equipped with the Long Range battery, it has significantly longer range than many of the entry-level versions of its rivals.2027 Polestar 2 standard featuresThe base Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor comes equipped with:19-inch alloy wheelsLED headlights with auto high-beams12.3-inch digital instrument cluster11.2-inch central multimedia touchscreenAndroid Automotive operating system with OTA services and updates including Google Maps, Assistant, Spotify, YouTube, Waze, Internet Browser, Tidal, TuneIn radio and Prime VideoPolestar connect phone applicationWired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity250W eight-speaker audio systemTextile interior trimFront seat heatingKeyless entryPower tailgateHeated auto-folding auto dimming wing mirrorsRain sensing wipersDual-zone climateAmbient interior lighting360-degree parking cameraBlind spot monitoringRear cross traffic alertRear collision warning with auto brakingThe mid-grade Long Range Dual Motor addsSecond motor on front axleThe top-spec Performance adds20-inch Performance forged alloy wheels with Continental SportContact 6 tyresPerformance software upgradeOhlins adjustable dual-flow dampersBrembo brake packagePixel LED headlights&lsquo;MicroTech&rsquo; Charcoal interior trim with &lsquo;Black Ash&rsquo; interior detailingGold accents for brake calipers, seatbelts, and valve capsPanoramic fixed sunroof600W Harmon Kardon 13-speaker premium Audio systemElectrically adjustable front seatsUpgraded ambient interior lightingLED fog lightsFoot sensor for the power tailgateAir quality sensorSmartphone digital keyUpgraded &ldquo;lid-in-lid&rdquo; boot lining2027 Polestar 2 optional featuresAs with previous iterations of the Polestar 2, there are a range of option packs which can significantly change the car, including the Plus Pack, Climate Pack and Pro Pack. The previous Pilot Pack which included additional safety equipment is standard on all Australian-delivered vehicles.The Plus pack ($4700 - included on Performance grade) adds:600W 13-speaker Harmon Kardon Audio systemPanoramic fixed sunroofMicroTech interior trim in Charcoal with Black Ash highlightsFully electrically adjustable front seatsUpgraded ambient interior lightingAir quality sensorDigital key via phone appLED fog lightsKick sensor for power tailgateUpgraded &ldquo;lid-in-lid&rdquo; boot liningThe Climate pack ($1500) adds:Heat pumpHeated rear seatsHeated]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Tom White]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2027-polestar-2-price-and-specs-locked-in-as-key-2026-tesla-model-3-and-mazda-6e-rival</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:09:14 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[2026 Porsche 911 GT3 loses its top with new S/C variant that is the second most expensive Porsche at more than $500,000]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2026-porsche-911-gt3-loses-its-top-with-new-sc-variant-that-is-the-second-most-expensive</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Porsche has unveiled the 911 GT3 S/C, the first-ever fully-automatic convertible version of its highly-focused, naturally-aspirated GT3 model.Powered by the same 4.0-litre (375kW/450Nm), horizontally-opposed, six-cylinder engine as its lightweight hardtop 911 GT3 S/T sibling, the new car boasts a 9000rpm rev ceiling with power going to the rear wheel only via a short-ratio, six-speed manual gearbox.A pure-two-seater, the GT3 S/C&rsquo;s bonnet, wings and doors are carbon-fibre and the 911 S/T&rsquo;s carbon anti-roll bars and shear plate are carried over.Other weight-saving measures include the &lsquo;Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake&rsquo; (PCCB) package (claimed to be 20kg lighter than cast iron brakes), centrelock magnesium rims (20-inch fr / 21-inch rr) saving nine kilograms of unsprung mass, magnesium ribs and lightweight actuators in the automatic roof and a compact 40Ah lithium-ion battery, the latter saving a further 4.0kg.The less is more approach continues inside with lightweight door panels incorporating carbon-fibre pull handles, carbon shell seats and even lightweight carpeting.That said, the interior is full-leather including the sun visors and A-pillar trim. The seat centre panels are finished in perforated hide as is the steering wheel.Resulting kerb weight is a relatively trim 1497kg which Porsche said is &ldquo;only about 30kg more than the 991-generation 911 Speedster."Relative to the previous gen GT3 the S/C&rsquo;s &lsquo;boxer&rsquo; engine features more aggressive cams from the 911 GT3 RS, flow-optimised individual throttle bodies and specific oil coolers.Claimed 0-100km/h acceleration is 3.9 seconds with maximum velocity pegged at 313km/h.Under the heading of interesting details, the soft top can be opened or closed in 12 seconds at speeds of up to 50 km/h, the digital tachometer display can be rotated so its 9000rpm limit is positioned at 12 o'clock and an optional &lsquo;Street Style Package&rsquo; adds a distinctive colour, materials and graphics treatment.Street Style exterior highlights include &lsquo;PORSCHE&rsquo; lettering on the car&rsquo;s sides in &lsquo;Pyro Red&rsquo;, wheels finished in slate grey &lsquo;Neo&rsquo;, brake calipers in &lsquo;Victory Gold&rsquo; and tinted HD-matrix headlights.Cabin upgrades include &lsquo;Adaptive Sports Seats Plus&rsquo; with centre panels upholstered with four-tone braided leather, while the steering column, seat console, air vents (including the slats!), inner sill trim and fuse box cover are also trimmed in leather.Introducing the 911 GT3 S/C, Porsche Head of GT Cars Andreas Preuninger said, "We have already learned with the 911 Speedster and the 718 Spyder RS just how well our high-revving naturally aspirated engine, a particularly dynamic chassis set-up and thorough lightweight construction combine to create a true driver's car without a roof."For the first time, the 911 GT3 S/C uses the double wishbone front axle on an open-top 911. Combined with the particularly high-grip sports tyres and low weight, the car offers driving pleasure on winding roads that was previously virtually unheard of in an open-top car," he said.&nbsp;The 911 GT3 S/C is a permanent addition to the German brand&rsquo;s local line-up (rather than a limited edition, as per the GT3 S/T) with pricing set at $588,500, before on-road costs. The Street Style package adds $58,670.2026 Porsche 911 pricing&nbsp;]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[James Cleary]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2026-porsche-911-gt3-loses-its-top-with-new-sc-variant-that-is-the-second-most-expensive</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:37:13 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Latest family SUV with striking credentials unveiled in Australia with updated 2026 Cupra Formentor to tackle BMW X2 and Mazda CX-30]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/latest-family-suv-with-striking-credentials-unveiled-in-australia-with-updated-2026-cupra</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Cupra has officially unveiled the updated range for its sweet-steering Formentor small SUV in Australia, ahead of the start of deliveries late next month.&nbsp;The range has been consolidated for 2026, with a new mild hybrid variant starting the range off from $53,990 (drive-away).&nbsp;This means it is $7000 cheaper to buy into the Formentor range (before on-road costs), but elsewhere there have been some substantial price increases, particularly for internal combustion examples.The cheapest petrol-powered Formentor now retails from $57,490 (before on-road costs), which is up from $51,990, but it will be available with a drive-away offer of $61,990.&nbsp;The Formentor takes on other small SUV rivals across different powertrain choices, such as the petrol powered BMW X2 and up-spec versions of the Mazda CX-30.&nbsp;Plug-in hybrid variants of the Formentor have also experienced a decent price jump, starting from $68,990 (before on-road costs), up from $64,990, although it also has a drive-away offer of $74,490.&nbsp;The updated petrol version of the Formentor still features a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, which produces 150kW, up from 140kW.The juiced up petrol version has seen a slight power increase of 17kW and now produced 245kW, while getting other performance upgrades like a torque vectoring rear differential for added handling boosts.To compensate for the extra cost, the PHEV set-up has seen a more substantial increase in power, now producing 200kW - an increase of 90kW.&nbsp;It has also been given DC fast charging capabilities, as well as a boosted electric-only range up to more than 100km, according to Cupra.On the inside, there is a 12.9-inch central touchscreen, along with synthetic suede upholstery and a power operated and massaging driver seat.&nbsp;Cupra has introduced an optional &lsquo;Extreme&rsquo; package which costs $6500 on the plug-in hybrid and $7000 on the more powerful ICE variant.&nbsp;This unlocks features such as carbon fibre-backed bucket seats in a grey upholstery as well as performance Akebono brakes on the ICE and Brembo ones on the PHEV.These variants complete the Formentor range for 2026, following the announcement of the high-performance variant of the car, which was announced last month.&nbsp;2026 Cupra Formentor pricing Australia&nbsp;&nbsp;]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Tim Gibson]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/latest-family-suv-with-striking-credentials-unveiled-in-australia-with-updated-2026-cupra</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:25:23 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[2026 Toyota bZ4X Touring pricing and features revealed as large electric family SUV twin to Subaru Trailseeker and Kia EV9 rival]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2026-toyota-bz4x-touring-pricing-and-features-revealed-as-large-electric-family-suv-twin</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Toyota has priced its upcoming upsized electric SUV, the bZ4X Touring.A sister car to the Subaru Trailseeker, and one of a handful of larger mainstream electric SUVs, the bZ4X Touring starts at $69,990 before on-road costs, topping out a restructured bZ4X range.It's only available with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup with 167kW at each axle, outputting a combined 280kW, making it Toyota's most powerful SUV. The brand says it can sprint from 0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds.It has a 74.7kWh battery pack which grants it a 488km driving range according to the WLTP cycle. It can charge at up to 150kW on a fast DC charger or an impressive 22kW on AC for comparatively fast slow-charging rates.While the Touring shares its underpinnings with the regular bZ4X, it is 140mm longer, increasing boot space by nearly 100 litres, from 452L to 550L.Standard features are set to include dual-zone climate control, eight-way powered front seats with both heating and ventilation, a digital rear-vision mirror, fixed panoramic sunroof, dual wireless phone chargers, a 1500W inverter for vehicle-to-load charging and a 14-inch touchscreen with a nine-speaker premium audio system. It maintains the same 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster as before.The Touring scores unique 20-inch alloys compared to the rest of the bZ4X range, with front and rear skid plates, roof rails, matt finished wheel arches, a contrasting bonnet insert and a rear window wiper.Meanwhile, the recently-updated mainline bZ4X range continues in two variants, either the front-wheel-drive version, priced at $55,990, or the all-wheel drive, priced at $67,990.Interestingly the Touring forms part of the regular bZ4X range, while Subaru&rsquo;s equivalent Trailseeker is sold as a separate model in two grades, distinct from its bZ4X-equivalent Solterra range.Stylistically, the two Subaru models are more distinct than the bZ4X and its Touring variant, which share the same face.The pair share an even larger three-row fully electric model each, the Toyota Highlander EV and Subaru Getaway, however they have been announced in left-hand drive for the North American market only for now.2026 Toyota bZ4X pricing&nbsp;]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Tom White]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2026-toyota-bz4x-touring-pricing-and-features-revealed-as-large-electric-family-suv-twin</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[BYD and Zeekr are showing Australians their electric vehicle future as 2026 Atto 1, Dolphin and 7X models dominate the landscape | Analysis]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/byd-and-zeekr-are-showing-australians-their-electric-vehicle-future-as-2026-atto-1-dolphin</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Two car brands could reshape the Australian car market.The EV transition is accelerating at an unprecedented rate, particularly in Australia, as fuel prices soar.&nbsp;This has allowed brands to capitalise on snatching EV market share to surge up the sales charts and claim established status.BYD has been leading the way on this front, with all six of its electric models sitting inside the top 15 best-selling EVs for March 2026.&nbsp;The brand has adopted a similar strategy to its previous domestic Chinese market success by offering cars at comparatively low prices to rivals.&nbsp;BYD seems to have cornered the budget EV market Down Under, with its Atto 1 hatch priced from $23,990 (before on-road costs).&nbsp;It also offers the bigger Dolphin hatch, which also starts at less than $30,000, before on-roads.&nbsp;This price competitiveness continues up the range, with only the Sealion 7 mid-size SUV, sitting above the $40,000 range.&nbsp;The other brand that could be threatening BYD&rsquo;s EV crown is Zeekr, following a flying start to life in Australia.&nbsp;The 7X mid-size SUV has flown up the sales charts and was the third best-selling EV for March, following a much-anticipated launch late last year.&nbsp;The car is arguably breaking similar ground for Zeekr as the Atto 2 did for BYD when it launched in Australia in 2022.Zeekr is a sub-brand of major Chinese carmaker Geely, and has been expanding its presence Down Under after a slow start due to supply challenges.In addition to the 7X, it has the X small SUV and the 009 people mover, with plans to introduce further EVs in the future.&nbsp;Zeekr has already delivered more than 1800 EV units across its range so far this year.The federal government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) is further benefiting these brands, as they can sell their credits to heavy polluting brands.BYD accumulated more than 6 million NVES credits for the 2025 performance period, and this gives the brand some serious bargaining power.Units can be traded with other carmakers who have accumulated liabilities under the scheme, which allows brands such as BYD that are in a strong position to potentially dictate terms. BYD could cover the entire liabilities for the 2025 NVES reporting period more than five times over.&nbsp;Zeekr is on the cards to pick up a strong NVES position for 2026 as the 7X sales increase, but the brand has already secured more than 250,000 units, despite selling less than 2000 cars last year.&nbsp;
]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Tim Gibson]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/byd-and-zeekr-are-showing-australians-their-electric-vehicle-future-as-2026-atto-1-dolphin</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 09:53:47 +1000</pubDate>
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            <title><![CDATA['Doesn't matter what fuel costs if you can't get any': Polestar says Australia's EV wake-up moment has arrived]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/doesnt-matter-what-fuel-costs-if-you-cant-get-any-polestar-says-australias-ev-wake-up</link>
            <description><![CDATA[EV brand Polestar says Australia's EV "wake-up" moment has arrived, saying its sales are soaring as customers flock to electric vehicles.That's the word from the brand's local chief, Scott Maynard, who says Polestar's sales so far (up 19.5 per cent so far this year despite dropping in March) aren't actually a true reflection of demand, suggesting orders and test drives were even higher."We've seen a real drive into sales. It's just been exciting and a number that isn't necessarily told by last month's results. These things take a little bit of time from point of sale to the point of delivery," he says."So you've not yet seen what we've been pulling in, but our order intake last month was a record for that month in a year, and our current test drive bookings are through the roof. So yes, we definitely see it come right through to the point of sale, which is good."Driving demand, says Mr Maynard, is the echo of international conflicts being felt at home, where fuel supply, not just the price per litre, has become a dinner-table topic across Australia."I don't know that there were too many Australians that were aware that at any one time we hold approximately 30 days of fuel. And you know, one of the, I suppose, interesting side effects to the current tragedy that is playing out overseas is that it is now a number that's etched in the minds of all Australians," he says."I think that it's not the price of fuel, but the availability, as we see service stations run out of the stuff. It doesn't matter what you can pay for fuel if you can't get any."And so the questions around Australia's vulnerability to disruptions to fuel supply will remain after this crisis has come and gone. So it'll be interesting to see what the tail effect on inquiry is to electric vehicles, now that that, I think the wake-up call has been heard."The lingering question, says Mr Maynard, is whether this uptake will continue apace, or begin to settle once the conflict in Iran eases and oil begins flowing again."I think it would be good for Australian drivers if the rate of inquiry was sustained, perhaps not at the same frenetic pace, but still at a reasonable rate that would see the share start to fall in line with other developed markets around the world," he says.&nbsp;"Europe is easily surpassing a 20 per cent share. Asia is on or around 30 to 50 per cent, and we still languish around 10 to 15 per cent, so it would be good to see this as a bit of a catch-up moment for Australia."]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Tim Nicholson]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/doesnt-matter-what-fuel-costs-if-you-cant-get-any-polestar-says-australias-ev-wake-up</guid>
            <pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 03:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Cheaper 2026 Chery Tiggo 9 model unveiled for plug-in hybrid seven-seater to go up against BYD Sealion 8 and Mitsubishi Outlander]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/cheaper-2026-chery-tiggo-9-model-unveiled-for-plug-in-hybrid-seven-seater-to-go-up-against</link>
            <description><![CDATA[A new more affordable variant of the Chery Tiggo 9 plug-in hybrid family seven-seater SUV has just been unveiled.It will start from $52,990 (before on-road costs), which is $7000 cheaper than the only other Tiggo 9 variant on the market and will be available in showrooms from the start of next month.&nbsp;This price drop makes it cheaper than a comparative BYD Sealion 8, which has a starting price of $56,990 (before on-road costs).It also cements the Tiggo 9's comparative cheapness to a seven-seater example of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, which recently increased in price, now starting from $66,790 (before on-road costs).&nbsp;Although the Outlander PHEV comes as standard with AWD.The main difference on this cheaper Tiggo 9 is it is front-wheel drive as opposed to the all-wheel drive system on the up-spec model.There are some other compromises buyers will have to make, including only two electric motors instead of three, producing a combined 225kW and 450Nm, as opposed to 315kW and 580Nm.&nbsp;There is a 19kWh battery, down from 34kWh, which nearly halves the electric-only driving range to 90km, according to more generous NEDC testing.On the inside, the FWD version gets much of the gear found on the AWD, such as heated front seats as well as a 15.6-inch central touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital driver display.&nbsp;The FWD swaps leather seats for a synthetic-based material, with massage function only available on the driver&rsquo;s seats, and neither front seat is ventilated.Other omissions include a heated steering wheel as well as heating and ventilation for the rear outward seats.From the outside, the Tiggo 9 FWD looks much the same, keeping the panoramic sunroof, but it does ride on smaller 19-inch wheels, down from the 20-inch ones on the AWD.&nbsp;The Tiggo 9 launched in Australia late last year and has managed 420 sales so far in 2026, trailing the likes of the BYD Sealion 8.&nbsp;2026 Chery Tiggo 9 pricing&nbsp;&nbsp;]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Tim Gibson]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/cheaper-2026-chery-tiggo-9-model-unveiled-for-plug-in-hybrid-seven-seater-to-go-up-against</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:32:43 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[New Toyota Corolla Cross dubbed 'Baby RAV4' as it takes on the same looks as the 2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid mid-size family SUV: report]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/new-toyota-corolla-cross-dubbed-baby-rav4-as-it-takes-on-the-same-looks-as-the-2026-toyota</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Toyota&rsquo;s new-gen Corolla Cross will be here in less than two years and it&rsquo;ll look exactly like a baby RAV4, according to the almost-always-right Japanese motoring publication Best Car.Sure, Toyota has only just given the current Corolla Cross an update with a redesigned grille and upgraded cabin features, but Japan&rsquo;s Best Car magazines&rsquo;s latest issue reveals the totally new next-gen will arrive in 2028 and look just like it&rsquo;s big sister - the RAV4.Dubbed "Baby RAV4" by Best Car, it adopts the new RAV4&rsquo;s C-shaped LED headlight and daytime running light styling and grille treatment along with other exterior design elements.The magazine&rsquo;s front page shows an artist's impression of the Corolla Cross looking a bit sleeker than the taller and larger RAV4 but the resemblance is striking &mdash; from the grille, which varies depending on the grade, to the tough looking black moulded wheel guards and sloping rear pillar.Best Car got word from those in the know that the new Corolla Cross will be slightly longer and wider. Currently the little SUV is just 4460mm long, 1825mm wide and 1620mm tall, or about the same size as rivals like the GWM Haval Jolion or Kia Seltos. Best Car says the next-gen Corolla Cross will be 4650mm long and 1850mm wide tall, but a smidge shorter in height at 1600mm.&nbsp;These new dimensions will give the Corolla Cross a sleeker, beefier, more planted look, and apart from having more visual appeal could help handling and dynamics, but what would it do to headroom inside?Best Car also hears the next-gen Corolla Cross GR Sport will have a new 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a plug-in hybrid system and share the same suspension as the new Corolla GR Sport with front struts and rear double wishbones.All new-gen variants of the new Corolla Cross will also use an upgraded version of the TNGA-C platform, with a sixth-generation hybrid system.The Corolla&nbsp;Cross is one of Toyota's best-selling models with 1687 sold in march this year, but that&rsquo;s not enough to put it ahead of cheaper rivals such as the GWM Haval Jolion, Chery Tiggo 4 or Hyundai Kona. A new sportier look for the Corolla Cross and more fuel efficient powertrains would possibly go a long way to closing the sales gap.So when can we expect to see the new gen Corolla Cross in real life? Well&nbsp;Best Car reckons it will come not long after the arrival of the next-gen Corolla which we might see in late 2027. Best bet is 2028 and of course, we&rsquo;ll only truly start to know what it looks like when Toyota starts testing it out in the wild.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Laura Berry]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/new-toyota-corolla-cross-dubbed-baby-rav4-as-it-takes-on-the-same-looks-as-the-2026-toyota</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 14:06:25 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Longest range electric car in Australia revealed: Incoming Mercedes-Benz EQS EV locked-in as new BMW i7 and Genesis G80 rival]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/longest-range-electric-car-in-australia-revealed-incoming-mercedes-benz-eqs-ev-locked-in</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a substantially updated version of its pure-electric EQS sedan with a claimed WLTP range of up to 925 kilometres, 350kW charging capacity, steer-by-wire technology and supercomputer powered AI software.The German maker says the upgraded EQS consists of 25 per cent fresh components, including an 800-volt electric architecture, new in-house developed electric drive units, a two-speed transmission on the rear axle and larger batteries with revised cell chemistry.Mercedes said the new drive battery cells feature anodes in which silicon oxide is blended with graphite allowing more energy storage per kilogram compared with the previous-gen battery that used conventional graphite anodes.The maximum 925km range represents a 13 per cent increase over the superseded car, the new EQS&rsquo;s higher charging capacity now able to add 320km of range in 10 minutes when connected to a suitably fast charger.At the same time a new AI-powered, Cloud-connected iteration of the Mercedes&#8209;Benz Operating System (MB.OS) &ldquo;integrates and controls every aspect of the vehicle.&rdquo;This includes everything from the front seatbelt heating (up to 44&deg;C) and &lsquo;Surround Navigation&rsquo; to cloud-based &lsquo;Airmatic&rsquo; damper regulation and even more accurate parking assist.The four-model range includes a new single-motor, entry-level EQS 400 (270kW/505Nm), followed by the single motor 450+ (300kW/505Nm) and the dual-motor, all-wheel drive 500 4Matic (350kW/750Nm) and 580 4Matic (430kW/800Nm) variants.Their new-generation drive units are claimed to be more compact, efficient and robust. The front unit in all-wheel drive models acts as a booster with an integrated disconnect unit switching it on or off as required.Zero to 100km/h acceleration is a rapid 6.2sec in the EQS 400, dropping to a supercar-like 4.1 seconds in the EQS 580 4Matic.Energy recuperation via regenerative braking is up to 385kW, which Mercedes said dramatically increases efficiency.From a design point-of-view, luxury car-spotters should look out for an illuminated three-pointed star on a revised nose including digital headlights (using micro-LEDs), bonnet &lsquo;Powerdomes&rsquo; and daytime running lights incorporating star-shaped insignia.The rear light strip features helix elements and an &lsquo;AMG style&rsquo; bumper has more pronounced diffuser ribs on the underside and chrome trim running across the width of the car.The EQS remains one of the most aero-efficient production cars ever made with a drag coefficient of 0.20.Inside, the Mercedes &lsquo;MBUX&rsquo; user system runs through two 13.1-inch displays, or in upper models, a 12.3-inch driver display, 17.7-inch central display and 12.3-inch passenger display, managing a &ldquo;high-end entertainment system&rdquo; and the &lsquo;MBUX Virtual Assistant&rsquo; can &ldquo;conduct complex dialogues&rdquo; with the car&rsquo;s occupants.The system&rsquo;s main &lsquo;star avatar&rsquo; is supported by a second human-like avatar and a third, nicknamed &lsquo;LittleBenz&rsquo;, the latter inviting more &ldquo;playful interaction.&rdquo;Active crash-avoidance tech includes 10 external cameras, up to five radar sensors and 12 ultrasonic sensors.Arrival timing and model line-up for Australia is yet to be confirmed, but in Germany EQS cost-of-entry starts at &euro;94,403 (~$156,800) for the 400, rising to &euro;134,732 (~$223,800) for the EQS 580 4Matic.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[James Cleary]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/longest-range-electric-car-in-australia-revealed-incoming-mercedes-benz-eqs-ev-locked-in</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:07:52 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Nissan’s small SUV re-booted as new rival to BYD Atto 2 and Jaecoo J5]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/nissans-small-suv-re-booted-as-new-rival-to-byd-atto-2-and-jaecoo-j5-101344</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Nissan has revealed a re-booted version of its Juke small SUV, as a purely electric vehicle.The next-generation Juke is described by Nissan as a core model for the European market and was revealed as part of Nissan&rsquo;s new long-term direction strategy announcement.This announcement also saw the introduction of the next-generation X-Trail mid-size and Rogue small SUVs, both primarily as e-Power hybrid models.Aside from its size-category, the new Juke is a total departure from the previous model, debuting a new distinct design direction which separates it from the rest of the mainline Nissan range.Up front, this includes blocky light fittings and an LED light bar with an illuminated Nissan logo, as well as chunky rhomboid design motifs. Powertrain details are yet to be announced and the interior is yet to be shown.The Juke will live alongside the next-generation Leaf in Nissan&rsquo;s fully electric line-up, although as they overlap significantly with the Leaf morphing into a crossover, both cars won&rsquo;t be offered in every market.To that end, Nissan confirmed the new-generation Juke would not be offered in Australia, following its earlier announcement that the existing combustion car will be culled from the line-up.The outgoing Renault Captur-based Juke was one of the least popular options in the small SUV segment, moving just 90 units year-to-date, outselling only the Alfa Romeo Junior and Jeep Avenger in its category.It seems Australia may not even receive the next-generation Leaf for the time being either, with the brand also confirming it has put its plans to introduce the next-gen crossover to our market on hold as Nissan struggles for competitiveness of its electric models in the face of cut-price Chinese rivals.The new Leaf wasn&rsquo;t all-out cancelled, with the car being described to CarsGuide previously as &ldquo;indefinitely delayed.&rdquo;According to the brand the scaling-back of its EV ambitions in Australia is to focus on hybridising its passenger car line-up, where it says 75 per cent of all registrations are, in order to &ldquo;future-proof&rdquo; its local line-up.However, with the nameplates being cancelled, this sees Nissan&rsquo;s line-up reduced to six models for the time being, including the Qashqai small SUV, X-Trail mid-sizer, Patrol off-roader, Navara ute, Ariya mid-size electric SUV and the Z sports car.The future may have more in store for Nissan as it globally re-focuses, and brings more of a spotlight on its thriving range of Chinese joint-venture models, which are imminently earmarked for export across the world.This includes the N7 sedan, but more interestingly for Australia - the Frontier Pro plug-in hybrid ute as an electrified alternative to the Navara and NX8 large SUV, which could serve as an electric and hybrid replacement for the outgoing Pathfinder.Nissan is embattled on two fronts in Australia - facing hefty fines under the recently-introduced new vehicle efficiency standard (NVES) which burdens it with up to $10.76 million in potential fines if it doesn&rsquo;t buy emissions credits or sell less polluting vehicles before the end of this year.The brand is also facing a sales down-turn as it struggles to find footing with its increasingly expensive range in a more-competitive-than-ever Australian market.Nissan is down 31 per cent year-on-year to the end of March while more value-focused rivals like GWM (up 28.5 per cent), Chery (up 93.8 per cent), and BYD (up 100.1 per cent) and other newcomers like Geely and its Zeekr premium arm, as well as Omoda Jaecoo eat into its market share.Stay tuned for more on Nissan&rsquo;s plans for the remainder of 2026.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Tom White]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/nissans-small-suv-re-booted-as-new-rival-to-byd-atto-2-and-jaecoo-j5-101344</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:39:33 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[New Nissan X-Trail e-Power hybrid confirmed as it gears up to battle the 2026 Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V Hybrids]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/new-nissan-x-trail-e-power-hybrid-confirmed-as-it-gears-up-to-battle-the-2026-toyota-rav4</link>
            <description><![CDATA[A new hybrid family SUV war is heating up.Nissan has revealed its new X-Trail e-Power hybrid mid-size SUV to challenge the existing Honda CR-V and new Toyota RAV4 which is due to land in showrooms imminently.The Japanese brand lifted the lid on the new family-hauler during the company&rsquo;s announcement of its global strategy today.Nissan has flagged the X-Trail as a core product for the brand and will heavily promote its 'e-Power' hybrid tech.The e-Power system works more like an extended range hybrid, where the engine is used purely as a generator for the battery and electric motors drive the wheels only.This means it drives in similar fashion to an electric car, but without the range anxiety and mimics the fuel use of conventional hybrids such as the Toyota RAV4.Nissan revealed images of the updated X-Trail, which brings it inline with newer vehicles such as the updated Qashqai small SUV.It features a large lattice work grille with dynamic headlights and lots of label creases down the side.The makeover gives the X-Trail a more modern look compared to the ageing design of the current version.Nissan hasn&rsquo;t provided any mechanical details of the next-gen X-Trail yet.  @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 current X-Trail e-Power has been on sale in Australia for several years and has found success, but a new design and increased tech could catapult it up the sales charts.It is also likely the next-generation X-Trail will be hybrid only, with purely petrol-powered versions deleted.Carmakers will soon face fines for selling purely petrol powered cars in Australia due to the federal government&rsquo;s New Vehicle Efficiency Scheme (NVES), which requires cars to emit CO2 below a certain threshold. This threshold gets lower every year until 2030.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Dom Tripolone]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/new-nissan-x-trail-e-power-hybrid-confirmed-as-it-gears-up-to-battle-the-2026-toyota-rav4</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:21:29 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Lexus LandCruiser could be about to go hybrid: Land Rover Defender and Denza B5 rivalling GX550h on the cards thanks to new patent filings]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/lexus-landcruiser-could-be-about-to-go-hybrid-land-rover-defender-and-denza-b5-rivalling</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Lexus has filed a patent overseas for a new variant of its boxy LandCruiser Prado-based GX off-roader, dubbed the GX550h.Currently, the GX sold in Australia is distinct from the LandCruiser Prado, offering a 3.4-litre turbocharged petrol V6 instead of the Prado&rsquo;s HiLux-soruced 2.4-litre diesel engine.As a result, the Lexus has a clear power advantage, putting out 250kW/650Nm as opposed to the Prado&rsquo;s 150kW/500Nm. Despite its distinct gearbox (the GX scores a 10-speed automatic compared to the Prado&rsquo;s eight-speed unit), the GX is a thirsty vehicle, consuming a combined 12.3L/100km of minimum 95RON unleaded.This new patent filing over in the USA reveals the brand is considering a new hybrid variant of the GX, the GX550h. It is hard to say what this powertrain could be, as a &lsquo;550h&rsquo; doesn&rsquo;t currently exist in the Lexus line-up.The closest engine is the hybrid LC 500h GT car, which is equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 petrol (8GR-FXS - 220kW/350Nm) paired to a hybrid system, producing a combined 264kW, or the RX500h that uses the same naming convention, but has a different set-up, pairing a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired to a six-speed hybrid automatic transmission, producing a combined 273kW.However, it&rsquo;s possible the 550h could be a hybrid version of its turbocharged V6 petrol engine which has yet to be seen. US media points out a version of this set-up already exists in the left-hand drive LandCruiser 300 Series based LX700h, while locally a 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol hybrid (V35A-FTS 290kW/649Nm) exists in the US-built Tundra with a combined 326kW mated to a 10-speed automatic.A similar powertrain will soon join the LandCruiser 300-Series line-up for the flagship hybrid GR Sport and Sahara ZX variants. It is due in the first half of 2026 - but will only be offered in a five-seat layout. Figures like towing capacity, payload, and even fuel consumption are yet to be revealed for the larger LandCruiser.It&rsquo;s worth noting that our trademark search did not bring up a current trademark for GX500h in Australia, suggesting it may be a left-hand drive only proposition focused on the US market - at least for the time being.The Lexus GX has moved 241 units in the first few months of 2026 - down 15.4 per cent year-on-year, and paling in comparison to the more pragmatic Prado&rsquo;s 4515 units. Even the Prado is down 46 per cent for the year, however.Lexus as a brand is down 14.6 per cent year-on-year and is facing fresh competition from new more premium players from China, like the increasingly popular Zeekr, which is up 768.2 per cent from a low base, and Denza, which has already moved 627 units in 2026 despite not existing in Australia last year.In the case of the GX, many Chinese players will also be muscling in on what was once the turf of Japanese brands, Jeep and Land Rover, with hybrid offerings like the Denza B5 which will be followed-up by hybrid off-roaders from Geely, Chery, and GAC.
]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Tom White]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/lexus-landcruiser-could-be-about-to-go-hybrid-land-rover-defender-and-denza-b5-rivalling</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:14:51 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Lepas delayed in Australia as launch of Chery sub-brand with new hybrid and electric rival to Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson confirmed in UK]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/lepas-delayed-in-australia-as-launch-of-chery-sub-brand-with-new-hybrid-and-electric-rival</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Chery sub-brand has officially confirmed the arrival of its electrified Lepas L6 mid-size in the United Kingdom, but an Australian launch for the brand has just been pushed back.&nbsp;Lepas was originally scheduled to launch in Australia in the middle of this year, but we will now not see it until the end of this year.Projections for Lepas are now stated as being in the late second half of 2026.All Lepas models remain under consideration in Australia, but it is expected the L8 and the L6 will be the first models to launch, followed by the L4 compact SUV later down the track.&nbsp;The brand&rsquo;s first car Down Under could be the L8, which is a larger mid-size SUV than the L6, and was the first model put on sale from Lepas in the UK.&nbsp;There is potential Lepas will follow the same route in Australia, with the L8 launching first this year, followed by the L6 in 2027.&nbsp;Hybrid versions of the L8 and the L6 pose a new threat to the soon-arriving revamped Toyota RAV4, along with hybrid variants of the Hyundai Tucson and the Kia Sorento.&nbsp;The L6 will launch in the UK towards the end of this year and will be offered in plug-in hybrid and fully-electric variants.&nbsp;There are limited other details available on Lepas&rsquo; latest overseas-bound model, but we know the PHEV version of the L6 will share the same set-up as the Jaecoo J7.&nbsp;The J7 is powered by a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine and electric motor, producing 152kW, along with a small 18.3kWh battery with an electric-only driving range of 90km, but these figures may differ on the L6.&nbsp;Lepas has revealed the total driving range of the PHEV L6 sits at the equivalent of more than 1100km.The power and torque stats for the EV variant of the L6 have not been released yet, but it has been confirmed it will have a 67kWh battery, which offers a driving range of more than 430km.&nbsp;DC fast charging from 30-80 per cent takes 20 minutes, but beyond this, more information on the L6 will be confirmed closer to its late 2026 launch.&nbsp;]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Tim Gibson]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/lepas-delayed-in-australia-as-launch-of-chery-sub-brand-with-new-hybrid-and-electric-rival</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:05:31 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[The fuel crisis is going to get worse, so buy that 2026 Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7 EV now! | Opinion]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/the-fuel-crisis-is-going-to-get-worse-so-buy-that-2026-tesla-model-y-byd-sealion-7-ev-now</link>
            <description><![CDATA[If you haven&rsquo;t bought an EV yet, how much more convincing do you need given what&rsquo;s happening in the world right now?The fuel crisis has shown us just how ridiculous our traditional energy choices are and the urgent need to switch to electricity to power our cars.The choice to get an electric car used to be about them being better for our environment with zero tailpipe emissions reducing pollution in cities. And while that should absolutely be the core reason for the choice to buy an EV, the war in Iran has exposed another very real and urgent need to go electric - fuel security.Australia sources 90 per cent of its refined fuel from overseas, specifically from South Korea, Singapore and Malaysia. These countries get most of their crude oil from the Middle East and nearly all passes through the now infamous Strait of Hormuz, which as you know has been used by Iran as its one and only, but hugely powerful bargaining chip. Like a tap, Iran can turn nearly all of Australia&rsquo;s petrol and diesel supply on and off.The situation is going to get worse. See, even if the Strait of Hormuz returns to normal operation again, because the ships carrying the oil move so slowly (30km/h max) and with there already being a hold up of more than a month, plus the backlog of waiting tankers, we&rsquo;re going to experience a shortage unlike anything we&rsquo;ve seen since the 1970s, or possibly ever.Again this will be temporary and the situation will right itself again&hellip; eventually. But it's a warning, to change our ways.In the meantime you need to commute to work, drop the kids at school, drive to doctors appointments &mdash; in other words, live your life normally.&nbsp;And freight needs to move around Australia normally. Food needs to get from the producers to storage, and from there to supermarkets. I&rsquo;m putting it very simply here, but you know where this is heading.All of this will stop without petrol and diesel. Australia will be brought to its knees in a matter of months. The Australian government knows this and you&rsquo;ll likely see another address by the Prime Minister announcing a move to Level 3 in its plan to manage fuel use. Level 3 in the government's plan is for targeted action and will focus on ensuring essential services have the fuel it needs while asking the public to limit its usage to preserve what&rsquo;s left.If only there were cars that didn&rsquo;t need petrol or diesel. Oh yeah&hellip; there&rsquo;s hundreds of them. Well, there&rsquo;s 110 different electric models to choose from and that number is growing every month, and so are the sales.March, 2026 saw the highest number of EVs sold in a month ever, with 15,839 finding a new home. That&rsquo;s almost double the number sold in the same month the year before. The total number of petrol cars and SUVs for March this year totalled 34,694, down 20 per cent on March 2025.The argument that there isn&rsquo;t a type of EV that suits your needs or lifestyle is becoming redundant. Looking for a small hatchback as an alternative to a Suzuki Swift or Toyota Yaris? There&rsquo;s the BYD Atto 1. Oh, but you don&rsquo;t get Atto 1 for the price of the Swift or Yaris. That&rsquo;s right, Atto 1 costs less than the Swift and Yaris, and by thousands of dollars.Small SUVs instead of a Kia Seltos or Honda HR-V there&rsquo;s the MG S5, BYD Atto 2, Hyundai Kona Electric.&nbsp;The Toyota RAV 4, Subaru Forester, Nissan X-Trail and Mitsubishi Outlander have long been&nbsp;the rulers of the mid-sized SUV world and while all offer hybrid powertrains, all still need petrol. There&rsquo;s fully electric SUV choices galore. There&rsquo;s BYD&rsquo;s Atto 3 and Sealion 7, the Geely EX5, Leapmotor C10, Deepal S07 and the Skoda Elroq.Large electric SUV? There&rsquo;s Kia EV9, Hyundai Ioniq 9, Deepal E07 and Polestar 3, with more models coming in the next 12 months.The choice for fully electric off-road vehicles, both utes and large SUVs, is limited currently, but]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Laura Berry]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/the-fuel-crisis-is-going-to-get-worse-so-buy-that-2026-tesla-model-y-byd-sealion-7-ev-now</guid>
            <pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 03:00:00 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Hyundai launches unexpected new brand as Ioniq spins-off into new division featuring fresh hybrid tech to better rival BYD and Chery]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/hyundai-launches-unexpected-new-brand-as-ioniq-spins-off-into-new-division-featuring-fresh</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Hyundai has established Ioniq as a sub-brand in China, elevating the South Korean maker&rsquo;s EV line-up to stand-alone status in a bid to outflank the increasing number of pure-electric competitors it faces in the critical Chinese market.In announcing the move, Hyundai said, &ldquo;In China, Ioniq will evolve beyond a product line-up into a broader mobility ecosystem tailored to local customers.&nbsp;&ldquo;While maintaining Hyundai Motor&rsquo;s globally proven standards in safety and quality, Ioniq is being redefined through localised technologies, services and user experiences for China&rsquo;s fast-evolving NEV [New Energy Vehicle] market,&rdquo; it said.Ioniq&rsquo;s initial China market-specific initiatives include introduction of autonomous driving systems developed with local partners, and for the first time, an Ioniq incorporating an internal-combustion engine in upcoming Extended Range Electric Vehicles (EREVs).&nbsp;Hyundai is also introducing a unique naming convention for Ioniq in China with future models named after planets, &ldquo;symbolizing how each vehicle orbits around the customer, the central focus of this new Ioniq universe.&rdquo;To that end, Ioniq has revealed a pair of pure-electric concept cars to &ldquo;highlight Hyundai Motor&rsquo;s readiness for China&rsquo;s new energy vehicle market.&rdquo;Previewed before their first public appearance at this month&rsquo;s Beijing Auto Show (April 24 to May 3), the Venus Concept sedan and Earth Concept family SUV are positioned as &ldquo;two &lsquo;planets&rsquo; in a new &lsquo;universe&rsquo; of models.&rdquo;Finished in &lsquo;Radiant Gold&rsquo;, the Venus sedan features a &lsquo;one-curve silhouette&rsquo;, lightweight, frame-structured roof and a transparent spoiler, while the wrap-around cockpit is designed to &ldquo;evoke Venus&rsquo;s glowing atmosphere with layered mood lighting.&rdquo;The Earth SUV has been conceived to &ldquo;embody the vitality and biological balance of our home planet&rdquo; blending &ldquo;sharp edges and sculpted volumes&rdquo; with details including skid plates and exposed bolt accents. &lsquo;Air-hug&rsquo; seats are made of soft air modules and mood lighting is structured to mimic tree shadows.Speaking at the Ioniq brand announcement, Beijing Hyundai Motor Company President Li Fenggang said, &ldquo;Starting with the two concept cars unveiled today, we will continue to present products that reflect deep insight into Chinese customers and our genuine commitment to this market.&nbsp;&ldquo;Built on Ioniq&rsquo;s uncompromising principles of world-class safety and quality, we will soon introduce production models that seamlessly combine the smart driving and smart cabin experiences that Chinese consumers demand,&rdquo; he said.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[James Cleary]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/hyundai-launches-unexpected-new-brand-as-ioniq-spins-off-into-new-division-featuring-fresh</guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 17:12:29 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Diesel not giving up in Australia as 2026 Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux stay strong with petrol sales declining fast due to hybrids such as Toyota RAV4]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/diesel-not-giving-up-in-australia-as-2026-ford-ranger-and-toyota-hilux-stay-strong-with</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Diesel fuel prices have been skyrocketing in Australia, making buyers think twice about running costs.According to NSW fuel price data, diesel is up to $1 per litre more expensive than petrol on average, sitting on average at over $3 per litre.Diesel sales were already in decline, but sustained higher fuel prices appear to have accelerated this trend.What may surprise some, though, is that petrol car sales are decreasing at a faster rate than diesel.&nbsp;Diesel sales have declined 10.1 per cent compared to February 2026 and 4.8 per cent overall this year.&nbsp;Petrol sales for the same periods have declined by more than 20 per cent and nearly 18 per cent, respectively. This equates to almost 22,000 less vehicles sold compared to this time last year. Diesel sales have only declined a little over 4000 units compared to March 2025.&nbsp;There were 28,364 diesel sales in March 2026 as opposed to 34,694 petrol ones, but if petrol sales continue to decline at the same rate, it will not be long before diesel is the top selling non-electrified fuel type for vehicles.Diesel also still more than doubles the sales of electric month-on-month, but EVs are rapidly catching up.One of the key reasons for these differences is many brands are ditching pure petrol models for electrified variants, as Australia's new vehicle efficiency standards start to impose big consequences for higher-emitting engines.&nbsp;For example, most of Toyota&rsquo;s major models are now hybrid only, such as the Yaris hatch, Camry sedan and RAV4 SUV.&nbsp;There have also been talks of brands completely cutting petrol options from their line-ups, such as Chery.Local Chief Executive Officer Lucas Harris told CarsGuide earlier this year it is something he is eager to see happen.&nbsp;&nbsp;&ldquo;Personally I would hope that we get to that point because the super hybrid driving experience, in particular Chery&rsquo;s super hybrid driving experience is so good and I think it is much better than ICE,&rdquo; Harris said.&ldquo;The more people that try it, the more consumers go that way. We&rsquo;ll be led by demand so if all of a sudden nobody is buying an ICE Tiggo 7, and they're only buying Tiggo 7 super hybrid, it probably doesn&rsquo;t make much sense to continue bringing an ICE product that consumers don&rsquo;t really want.&rdquo;Other brands have echoed these comments in the past as they move to predominantly hybrid and electric line-ups. In February, for example, Hyundai was number two for hybrid sales in Australia, a title it may lose to BYD's popular range of plug-in hybrids like the Shark 6 and Sealion 6. BYD, meanwhile, is already hybrid and electric only.Diesel utes still dominate the sales charts, the Ford Ranger and the Toyota HiLux leading the way, with the Isuzu D-Max also in the top 10. Both the HiLux and D-Max experienced subtle growth, while the Ranger had a near 10 per cent decline compared to last month.&nbsp;&nbsp;Best-selling diesel cars in March 2026&nbsp;&nbsp;]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Tim Gibson]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/diesel-not-giving-up-in-australia-as-2026-ford-ranger-and-toyota-hilux-stay-strong-with</guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:58:51 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[BYD’s new ute spotted in the wild as sub-Shark 6 car-based ute nears production as new rival to 2026 KGM Musso EV and Geely Riddara RD6]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/byds-new-ute-spotted-in-the-wild-as-sub-shark-6-car-based-ute-nears-production-as-new</link>
            <description><![CDATA[A new ute from BYD has been spotted again, and it&rsquo;s not some variation of the best-selling Shark 6.Instead, this new offering from BYD will be based on a monocoque chassis with more modest capabilities than its larger ladder frame Shark 6 sibling.The brand hasn&rsquo;t been forthcoming on details of this new tray-backed offering, but judging by the spy images from China it will be a more lifestyle and urban-focused vehicle.In interesting additional details unearthed by CarNewsChina based on Ministry of Industry and Information Technology filings, BYD has earmarked new production capacity for a &lsquo;plug-in hybrid pick-up&rsquo; at its Zhengzhou production facility, marking the first time BYD has been approved to produce such vehicles for domestic sale.This is because while the Shark 6 has been a smash hit in export-markets, it is yet to be sold locally in China.The car-based BYD ute has been spotted multiple times before, and is expected to launch both in China, but also South America in 2026. In both cases, the styling appears to share much of its design language with the brand&rsquo;s &ldquo;Dynasty&rdquo; line-up of vehicles, specifically the car we know in Australia as the Sealion 5.Current spy images show an SUV-style body all up until the C-Pillar, which gives way to a relatively compact tray. It also shows significant rear suspension compression, suggesting it is undergoing load testing.Unlike previous images, it also shows a Sealion 5-style grille that was previously more heavily camouflaged. It also shows an integrated rear sports bar piece which syncs-up with the SUV-style roofline.The tailgate has upright-style headlights, while the rear axle appears further back than it does on the Sealion 5, suggesting an extended wheelbase over its presumably SUV platform-relations.It matches previous European patent filings, which show a unibody pick-up with near-identical styling to the Sealion 5 up front, Sealion 6-style alloy wheels, and a rear light profile which more resembles the Shark 6, with a family similarity suggesting it could be part of a broader Shark ute line-up.BYD global executives have previously poured cold water on the idea of a smaller sibling to sit underneath the Shark 6 in Australia, with the brand&rsquo;s Asia Pacific General Manager Liu Xueliange telling CarsGuide BYD has &ldquo;no plan&rdquo; for the smaller model.However, with the overwhelming success of the Shark 6 in the intervening six months since those comments were made, it would be unsurprising if the brand isn&rsquo;t looking hard at the possibility of expanding on the Shark&rsquo;s success Down Under.If so it would be one of the first to dip back into the unibody ute market, which is currently only served by the KGM Musso EV.Overseas, there is a bigger scene for such non ladder-frame offerings, with the likes of the Hyundai Santa Cruz and top-selling Ford Maverick also potentially being good fits for the Australian market.Locally passenger car based utes once used to be strong sellers thanks to the locally-assembled Ford and Holden utes, but even smaller tray-backed models enjoy cult classic status, like the Subaru Brumby and Proton Jumbuck.It would be characteristic of BYD to ignite interest in an unlikely segment of the market, as it has done with affordable EVs, plug-in hybrid utes, and now small cars like the BYD Atto 1. Watch this space.
]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Tom White]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/byds-new-ute-spotted-in-the-wild-as-sub-shark-6-car-based-ute-nears-production-as-new</guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:37:19 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Cheap new sub Tesla Model Y electric SUV is back on the agenda to fight 2026 BYD Atto 2, GWM Ora 5 and MG4 Urban: Report]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/cheap-new-sub-tesla-model-y-electric-suv-is-back-on-the-agenda-to-fight-2026-byd-atto-2</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Recent reports out of the US are pointing to an all-new, more affordable Tesla compact SUV entering the early stages of formal pre-production.According to Reuters, &ldquo;four people familiar with the matter&rdquo; have confirmed the company &ldquo;has contacted suppliers in recent weeks to discuss details of the plan for the compact SUV &ndash; which would be a new vehicle and not a variant of Tesla&rsquo;s current Model 3 or &#8203;Y.&rdquo;Members of the insider group said the new model would be produced in Tesla&rsquo;s Shanghai factory in China while noting the brand is also aiming to later expand &zwnj;production to the United States and Europe.Details including overall length were also shared, the new car said to measure 4280mm end-to-end; appreciably shorter than the Model Y at 4794mm. It is a similar size to new Chinese small SUVs such as the BYD Atto 2, GWM Ora 5 and MG4 Urban.The report questioned whether this decision effectively reanimates Tesla&rsquo;s low-cost EV program, famously vetoed by CEO Elon Musk in 2024 in favour of a focus on the Cybercab robotaxi and robot technology.In 2020, Elon Musk publicly stated Tesla&rsquo;s aim of selling 20 million vehicles annually by the end of the decade, close to double current global sales leader Toyota&rsquo;s world-wide output. And a US$25,000 EV widely referred to as the &lsquo;Model 2&rsquo; was expected to drive massive sales growth.So, would the new, cheaper EV represent a &ldquo;strategy shift back to mass-market human-driven EVs or would it align more with Tesla&rsquo;s vision for fully autonomous vehicles&rdquo;.It&rsquo;s worth noting that in 2024 Musk said it would be &ldquo;pointless&rdquo; and &ldquo;completely at odds with &#8203;what we believe&rdquo; for Tesla to produce a $25,000 EV for human drivers because the company would &ldquo;soon offer driverless vehicles&rdquo;.According to one of the report&rsquo;s sources and a current Tesla employee &ldquo;with knowledge of its current product philosophy&rdquo; in general, the automaker now aims to build models that would be driverless but offer a human-driven option.That appears to be because the company has acknowledged many global markets won&rsquo;t see &ldquo;meaningful adoption or regulatory acceptance&rdquo; of driverless vehicles for some time to come.&nbsp;Interestingly, the report also quoted market analysts predicting a third-straight year of declining sales for the traditional EVs that provide the vast majority of Tesla&rsquo;s revenue.And so far, Tesla only operates a small number of robotaxis in Austin, Texas, many with human &lsquo;safety monitors&rsquo; in the passenger seat.The main group referenced in the report claimed Tesla is aiming to offer the new SUV at a &ldquo;substantially lower price&rdquo; than its entry-level Model 3 sedan, a move driven by intensifying global competition from Chinese EV makers.Cost-saving measures allegedly include a smaller battery and RWD-only configuration, which would presumably mean a lesser driving range than the 520km offered by the Model 3 RWD and the Model Y RWD&rsquo;s 466km (both WLTP).That said, the new car is set to weigh in at around 1.5 tonnes compared to the Model Y&rsquo;s roughly 2.0-tonne kerb weight.Timing for the new EV&rsquo;s ramp up is unclear, although Reuters sources said &ldquo;production is unlikely to begin this year&rdquo;.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[James Cleary]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/cheap-new-sub-tesla-model-y-electric-suv-is-back-on-the-agenda-to-fight-2026-byd-atto-2</guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:21:11 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[More than $35,000 price cut for updated 2026 Lexus RZ as it tackles BMW iX, Genesis GV60 and incoming Volvo EX60]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/more-than-35000-price-cut-for-updated-2026-lexus-rz-as-it-tackles-bmw-ix-genesis-gv60-and</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Lexus has released the pricing and specifications for its RZ electric SUV in Australia, ahead of its official launch next month.The lineup starts from $84,500 (before on-road costs) for the 500e, which is substantially cheaper than the outgoing 450e variant that had a retail price of more than $120,000 before on-roads.This is a serious price drop that brings it closer to the price of many of its key rivals in the electric SUV segment.It is now cheaper than the Genesis GV60, which starts from more than $100,000 in Australia, while remaining a little more expensive than the Polestar 4.This updated RZ will also take on the incoming Volvo EX60, scheduled to launch in late 2026.The RZ has been given a boost in power of 50kW up to 280kW as standard from its dual motor set-up, with the higher spec model offering 300kW.The RZ lineup gets an upgraded 75kWh and 77kWh battery depending on the variant, which Lexus has said boosts charging times.DC charging on the RZ from 10-80 per cent takes around 28 minutes at 150kW, while AC charging from 0-100 per cent takes 3.5 hours at 22kW.Lexus also revealed more details about its incoming performance variant of the RZ called the 600e F Sport Performance. Pricing will be revealed closer to its launch in late 2026, but expect it to sit some way above the $100K price point.We know it has dual electric motors, with the front motor offering 167kW and the rear motor adding 268kW to provide a total system output of 313kW.Adding to the performance feel is the car sitting 20mm lower to give it a more poised centre of gravity.On the exterior there are 21-inch matte black alloy wheels along with enhancements such as a vented hood and a two-tiered rear wing spoiler.Other changes include a sharper front lip spoiler, rear lower bumper and lower rocker panels.It has also been given beefed up ventilated brake disks at 400mm x 28mm, which have larger six-piston blue calipers.2026 Lexus RZ pricing Australia&nbsp;2026 Lexus RZ engine and efficiency&nbsp;&nbsp;2026 Lexus RZ standard features&nbsp;Other standard features include:&nbsp;Heated front seatsElectrically adjustable steering wheelDual-zone climate controlPowered tailgate&nbsp;Sports Luxury grade adds20-inch two-tone machined alloy wheelsPremium fabric seatsWoodgrain interior elementsHeated and ventilated front seatsMemory drivers seatHeated rear outward seatsHeated steering wheelPanoramic roof13 speaker audio systemDigital rearview mirrorHead-up displayPremium digital driver displayAuto-levelling headlights&nbsp;F Sport grade addsYoke-style steering wheelGloss black alloy wheelsSimulated gear changesFront lip spoilerRear spoilerRear diffuserPainted brake callipersSuede sport-style front seatsAluminium pedals&nbsp;2026 Lexus RZ safetyThe Lexus RZ received a five-star ANCAP safety rating in 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lexus said the RZ has a full suite of its &lsquo;Safety Sense+&rsquo; features as standard.&nbsp;Standard safety features:&nbsp;Blind spot monitorRoad sign assistAuto emergency brakingAuto emergency steer assistRear cross traffic alertLane keep assistAdaptive cruise control&nbsp;]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Tim Gibson]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/more-than-35000-price-cut-for-updated-2026-lexus-rz-as-it-tackles-bmw-ix-genesis-gv60-and</guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:07:08 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Budget 2026 GWM Ora EV hatch axed in Australia ahead of potential shake-up in battle against BYD Atto 1, GAC Aion UT and MG4 Urban]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/budget-2026-gwm-ora-ev-hatch-axed-in-australia-ahead-of-potential-shake-up-in-battle</link>
            <description><![CDATA[GWM will axe its Ora electric hatchback from sale in Australia - at least for now.The Ora is GWM&rsquo;s only EV currently on sale in Australia, with a starting price of $35,990 (drive-away). Up-spec models of the Ora start from $37,990 and $38,990, drive-away.The Ora has been subject to several price drops since its introduction to the Australia market in the middle of 2023 as it battled increasingly diverse budget rivals.There remains limited stock available on the outgoing Ora.It has tried to keep price parity with other cheap EVs, including the BYD Dolphin, but more competition in the form of the GAC Aion UT and MG4 Urban will arrive soon.The Ora comes with a single electric motor producing 125kW and 250Nm, with its 57.7kWh battery providing up to 400km of driving range.&nbsp;&nbsp;It now appears GWM has decided to shift focus to its new EV.The Ora&rsquo;s departure coincides with the arrival of the larger Ora 5 electric SUV, which will come in $2000 cheaper than the Ora, starting from $33,990 (drive-away).&nbsp;This might not be the last the we here of the Ora in Australia, with potential for the car to make a return in the near future.GWM currently sells plug-less and plug-in hybrid versions of the Ora overseas and it could line up with plans to diversify the range."In terms of the levels of adoption that we expect to see within this market, within the coming years, we expect (hybrids) to accelerate more quickly," GWM Australia Head of Marketing and Communications Steve Maciver told CarsGuide late last year."We think we can do a lot more with Ora&hellip; with plug in hybrid, but EV will certainly come behind that as well, for sure."It can be speculated the revamped Ora lineup in Australia could launch before the end of the year, and it would likely have fit under the $33,990 price tag of the Ora 5 SUV.While the Ora 5 is the GWM&rsquo;s only confirmed future EV, the brand will continue to bring across new plug-in hybrid models, such as on the rugged Tank 300 and Tank 500 off-roaders.GWM is experiencing serious growth Down Under currently, with a near-enough 30 per cent month-on-month increase as per the latest numbers.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Tim Gibson]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/budget-2026-gwm-ora-ev-hatch-axed-in-australia-ahead-of-potential-shake-up-in-battle</guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:29:27 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[New Chery ute interior revealed to lure buyers away from the popular 2026 BYD Shark 6 and into its GWM Cannon Alpha-rivalling diesel plug-in hybrid]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/new-chery-ute-interior-revealed-to-lure-buyers-away-from-the-popular-2026-byd-shark-6-and</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Chery has revealed the interior of its KP31 concept ute showing off a plush, tough and super modern looking cabin ahead of the production model&rsquo;s Australian launch.While Chery&rsquo;s KP31 is still in concept form we&rsquo;re told there won&rsquo;t be too many changes in the design between now and when the ute goes into production so you can have a lot confidence in what see here being very much what you'll be able to buy soon.&nbsp;Luxurious quilted leather-like upholstery to the seats up front and the bench in the rear are complemented by wide screens, as well as chunky dials and buttons in this dual cab ute.This interior is similar to what we&rsquo;ve seen in models from Chery&rsquo;s high-end Jetour off-road brand with the G700 SUV&rsquo;s cabin resembling the layout in KP31, although the ute&rsquo;s insides are even more tough and practical looking.&nbsp;There are physical dials for volume and switches for climate control, plus beefy grab handles either side of the dashboard which features diagonal and hexagon shapes with rivets for a robust look.A wireless phone charging pad sits atop a floating centre console, that houses storage underneath, with a large and low gear shifter flanked by buttons for off-road controls and selectable EV and hybrid mode.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The BYD Shark 6 ute is firmly in Chery&rsquo;s sights. Like the Shark 6, Chery&rsquo;s ute will be a plug-in hybrid but instead of a petrol engine it will have a diesel, in a rare layout the brand says will be better for towing.A new 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel is to be combined with one electric motor or possibly two for monster torque. And that&rsquo;s part of the very big appeal for Aussie&rsquo;s looking to tow.Chery Australia Chief operating officer Lucas Harris told CarsGuide the upcoming ute needed to have the capability Aussies demanded and that includes a 3500kg braked capacity and one tonne payload - which the Shark 6 doesn't currently have.&ldquo;I believe Chery has one chance to prove that we can build and deliver a highly capable ute,&rdquo; said Harris.&ldquo;And so to do that, it needs towing capability, payload capability, all-terrain capability. Particularly all-terrain capability, you know, you get people towing caravans on the beach. You really do need the torque and power delivery that a diesel gives you down low to be able to do those things.&rdquo;Front, centre and rear diff locks will ensure this ladder on frame ute will have the expected off-road capability too.The "Super Hyrbid" powertrain will ensure good fuel economy - as long charging happens regularly.No date has been announced for the Chery&rsquo;s ute to launch but it could before the end of the year and as for the name the company recently held a competition, which is now closed, for Aussies to come up with the name themselves. According to Chery&rsquo;s website a short list of names will be coming soon.]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Laura Berry]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/new-chery-ute-interior-revealed-to-lure-buyers-away-from-the-popular-2026-byd-shark-6-and</guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:18:23 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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            <title><![CDATA[Kia's new affordable small electric cars and revolutionary hybrid ute confirmed to battle everything from 2026 BYD Shark 6 to Toyota Corolla]]></title>
            <link>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/kias-new-affordable-small-electric-cars-and-revolutionary-hybrid-ute-confirmed-to-battle</link>
            <description><![CDATA[Kia has confirmed its short-term new model plans, with the upcoming EV2 small SUV to be followed up with what appears to be an EV1 and a hybrid/electric ute.At Kia&rsquo;s CEO Investor day, the brand&rsquo;s CEO Ho Sung Song confirmed a range of future products to be launched by the brand before the end of the decade.Song said its fully electric line-up will expand to 14 models by 2030, made up of 11 passenger cars, and three commercial vehicles.It is part of the brand&rsquo;s push to be recognised as what Song termed as a &ldquo;Tier-1 EV brand.&rdquo;On the passenger car front, this will include the EV2 this year, but also the Syros city EV for the Indian market, a Mazda2-sized electric hatchback, a new mid-size SUV (to live between EV5 and EV6 in terms of price), and an little SUV, expected to be the EV1.The brand will continue to lean into its &ldquo;PBV&rdquo; commercial vehicle range. The first of the Kia PBVs to launch in Australia will be the PV5 mid-size van, due imminently, wearing a keen $55,990 price-tag for the single Cargo S launch variant.From there, the brand will launch a larger PV7 globally later this year, and then the large PV9 by 2029.All versions of the PV vans will score multiple bodystyles, totalling 40, including standard, long-wheelbase, cab chassis and passenger variants, but also an open-bed pick-up truck form as well as purpose-built taxis, campervans and luxury layouts.The headlining news is the announcement of another ute to bolster the brand's range. Kia said this model will be a US-dedicated HEV pick-up due before 2030. While the brand showed the silhouette of the Tasman on its slides regarding this incoming model, it seems there will be a distinct product designed to compete with US-specific &ldquo;mid-size&rdquo; models.It will be available as both a plugless hybrid, but will also feature a new range-extender hybrid system, which has also been hinted at by Kia&rsquo;s Hyundai parent company.Kia says the new system will use a proprietary system, which leverages the generator motor as the drive motor, and will reduce costs by using &ldquo;optimised battery sizing&rdquo; while improving range through &ldquo;engine based battery charging.&rdquo;This new range-extender hybrid will use only electric motors to drive the wheels, with no tailshaft connecting the rear wheels to the front, as per a graphic shown by the brand. In this sense, the system will be closer in its design to a BYD Shark 6.This push into electric cars, vans and even a ute, won&rsquo;t come at the cost of combustion models either. Kia promised nine new combustion cars before 2030, including the next-gen Telluride large SUV and the Seltos small SUV.The brand also promises &ldquo;entry-level&rdquo; hybrid versions of many of these cars as it hopes to sell nearly 70 per cent electrified models by 2030.It confirmed it is also working on a new software-defined vehicle, which will &ldquo;debut to customers&rsquo; in 2028, with an eye to launching a dedicated robotaxi model in &ldquo;late 2030.&rdquo;Locally, the next major launches for Kia will be the arrival of its next-generation Seltos, as well as the arrival of the PV5. Stay tuned for more as the brand will no doubt announce more plans for 2027 in the second half of this year.
]]></description>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Tom White]]></dc:creator>
            <guid>https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/kias-new-affordable-small-electric-cars-and-revolutionary-hybrid-ute-confirmed-to-battle</guid>
            <pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:13:59 +1000</pubDate>
                            <dc:category>News</dc:category>
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