Carseekers news
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Queensland Police have launched a 12-month road safety blitz, with enforcement targeting speed, distraction, and seatbelt offences. The car you drive matters more than you think, particularly if you are about to buy.
GWM is taking the unusual route of pairing diesel engines with hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems, and the brand says they are heading to Australia. The fuel-economy and torque story is interesting, but timing matters because the 2027 launch arrives just as electric utes hit their stride.
GWM is widening its Australian range with a new Haval H7 Plus, a seven-seat SUV that fills the gap between H6 and Tank 500. Tayron, Outlander, and Sorento shoppers should weigh this in.
GWM is developing two V8 engines while the rest of the industry is electrifying, and the Tank 700 V8 is a chance for Australia. If you are a LandCruiser 300 shopper, this completely reshapes how you think about your next purchase.
GWM has revealed the Wey V9X, a flagship six-seat plug-in hybrid SUV with 800V architecture, up to 550kW of power, and 363km of pure electric range. It's not yet confirmed for Australia, but GWM has flagged it as 'under consideration'. At over five metres long, it targets the same luxury segment as the Zeekr 9X and BYD Great Tang.
Mitsubishi has cut its manual Triton offering to a single variant for MY26, leaving the Toyota HiLux and Mitsubishi Triton as the only mid-size utes in Australia still available with a manual gearbox. Ford, Isuzu and others have already gone automatic-only. If you want three pedals in a dual-cab, your options are narrowing fast.
Zeekr's chief engineer has confirmed that both the 8X and 9X EREV SUVs could be converted to full BEV if the market demands it. The two large SUVs are confirmed for Australia in late 2026 or 2027, with the 8X expected from around $85,000 to $100,000 and the 9X likely crossing the Luxury Car Tax threshold.
Chery and Jaguar Land Rover have revealed the Freelander 8, a six-seat SUV with 800V architecture and Huawei LiDAR. A thousand prototypes are testing globally, with Australian roads confirmed as part of the program. Local pricing and timing are still to come, but the groundwork is being laid.
Cupra has recalled 1,666 Born electric hatchbacks over a manufacturing defect in the high-voltage battery that can lead to a vehicle fire. This is not a routine recall. If you own a 2022 or 2023 Cupra Born, there are specific steps you need to take today.
Mercedes-Benz Australia has recalled 106 examples of the G580 EQ over wheel bolts that were fitted incorrectly at the factory. The bolts can work loose, causing the wheel to shift while driving. At $249,900 before on-roads, this is not a recall to sit on.
Hyundai has revealed the Ioniq V at the 2026 Beijing Auto Show, its first EV built specifically for China. It sits on the same platform as the Ioniq 5 and 6, claims 600km-plus range and carries a 27-inch 4K screen. Whether it reaches Australia depends on one decision Hyundai has not yet made.
Volkswagen has recalled 5,931 Golf, Tiguan and Tayron vehicles in Australia over a software fault that can cause the electric power steering to cut out mid-drive. If you own one of these models, here is what you need to know and what to do right now.