Carseekers news
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Renault has confirmed Duster 4x4 manual demand in Australia is outstripping supply, with the brand unable to lock in enough production. The boxy budget small SUV is pulling adventurous buyers cross-shopping the Suzuki Jimny. Just 62 Dusters were sold last month but the order book is climbing. Here is the full picture.
BYD is reportedly preparing to launch a plug-in hybrid version of the Atto 2 in Australia. UK pricing suggests it could land under $30,000 before on-roads, making it the cheapest PHEV in the Australian small SUV segment by some distance.
BYD has been cleared by Australian regulators to launch the M9 plug-in hybrid people mover, with showrooms slated to receive the seven-seater by year-end. It will go after Kia Carnival hybrid buyers.
Audi Australia's head of product has signalled the new Q9 flagship SUV is 'most likely' coming locally. The seven-seat upper-large SUV will rival the BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLS and Range Rover.
Mercedes-Benz Australia has added two new limited-run E-Class editions to the lineup. The E300 AMG Night Edition is priced at $129,400 before on-roads, while the AMG E53 Hybrid Dark Carbon Edition lands at $206,900.
Honda has formally abandoned its 2040 electric-only target after a $3.6 billion annual loss. Two hybrid prototypes have been revealed, signalling a future built around petrol-electric hybrid power rather than pure EVs.
Ram Trucks Australia has launched a new entry-level 1500 Express Black Edition at $109,950 before on-roads. It undercuts the Ford F-150 XLT by $5000 and arrives in showrooms in June.
Audi Australia's current best-seller has been recalled. Nearly 800 Q5 SUVs are affected by a manufacturing defect that may reduce seatbelt protection in a crash. Owners are being urged to wait for parts and dealer contact.
The next Maserati Quattroporte could be a Chinese-built electric sedan, with Stellantis reportedly partnering with JAC and Huawei to produce a new flagship. Australia would receive it as a Maserati, not the Chinese-market Maextro badge.
BYD is plotting another swing at the Australian SUV market with the Ti7, a Santa Fe-sized five-seater that could land as either a BYD or a Denza. PHEV and electric powertrains are on the table, with the EV version supporting BYD's flash charging.
Xpeng's seven-seat X9 electric people mover has been confirmed for Australia with pricing expected before the end of June. It will go head-to-head with the Zeekr 009 and the upcoming Denza D9.
The fuel excise cut ends on 1 July and the Government is openly building a per-kilometre road user charge to replace lost fuel tax revenue. Both petrol drivers and EV buyers are about to pay more.