Carseekers news
New cars. Big ideas. Better decisions.
Your view of what’s moving Australia.
Read. Discover. Decide.
Plug-in hybrids look like an obvious middle ground, but the EV growth curve is now steeper. Here is the honest read on where the BYD Shark 6 still wins, where the new wave of EVs takes the lead, and what Australian buyers should actually consider in 2026.
Australia jumped from Euro 5 straight to Euro 6d, and the rule that came with it has effectively killed the cheap Japanese hybrid import pipeline. Toyota Prius, Alphard, Nissan Note and Daihatsu Hijet imports are out. Anyone still chasing a JDM hybrid bargain has weeks, not months.
Geely Australia is set to more than double its model range in 2027, adding large PHEV SUVs, a seven-seat PHEV, a box-style 4WD, and a PHEV sedan to take on the Toyota Camry. The brand that delivered 5000 cars in 2025 is moving into direct competition with mainstream segment leaders.
The JAC Hunter PHEV has officially become Australia's cheapest plug-in hybrid ute, priced from under $50,000 before on-roads. With 360kW, 100km-plus electric range, and 3500kg towing, it undercuts the BYD Shark 6 by more than $7,000. Order books are open now.
Australia's EV novated lease discount runs in full until March 31, 2027. After that, the FBT exemption tightens to cars under $75,000 and eventually narrows further. Buyers with an EV on their shortlist need to understand the deadline and act accordingly.
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander arrives with no powertrain or feature upgrades, but most variants cost $750 more. The LS Black Edition rejoins the lineup at $45,490, paint surcharges are up $50, and the Exceed Tourer gets a new two-tone option. We break down where the value still sits, where the dealer hopes you will not look, and what to push back on at the desk.
Zeekr's vice president says the 7X can reach 2000 Australian sales a month, which would topple the Tesla Model Y as Australia's top-selling EV. The data behind that claim is more interesting than the headline, and it has direct implications for buyers considering either car.
Hyundai's fastest production car is here. The Ioniq 6 N lands in Australia at $115,000 before on-road costs, packing 448kW, a 487km range, and track-capable hardware that puts serious pressure on the Porsche Taycan at a fraction of the price.
JAC has joined Ford in dangling a $4000 fuel card to soften the blow of record diesel prices. We break down what the offer is really worth, where the margin is hiding, and the dealer behaviour you should expect when you walk in.
Chery's premium offshoot Lepas has unveiled an all-electric version of its L4 small SUV at Beijing. With Lepas confirmed for Australia from mid-2026, the L4 EV could become one of the most affordable electric SUVs on sale here.
GWM's new 3.0-litre turbo-diesel produces 170kW and 620Nm, beating the Ford Ranger and Everest V6 on torque. It will arrive in Tank 500 and Cannon Alpha variants from Q3 2026, replacing the current 2.4-litre diesel and 2.0-litre hybrid.
LDV is preparing PHEV versions of its T60 and Terron 9 utes, plus a brand-new T70 model. If they reach Australia, they'll join a fast-growing plug-in ute segment now led by the BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV.