Toyota Australia still delivered 76,017 new vehicles in the first five months of 2026, comfortably ahead of BYD's 33,454 units.

However, BYD's rapid growth has seen its sales more than double from 15,199 at the same point last year, while Toyota's tally has fallen from 100,753 as the gap between the two brands continues to narrow.

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BYD launched in Australia in 2022 under importer EVDirect, whose founder and executive director Luke Todd made bold predictions about how quickly the Chinese brand could challenge Toyota for market leadership.

"I'm on record as saying our target is 2027," Mr Todd told CarExpert in early 2025 when asked when BYD expected to become Australia's number-one automotive brand.

In mid-2025, BYD took over Australian distribution from EVDirect, which remains a dealer partner for the brand.

Toyota has been Australia's best-selling automotive brand every year since 2003, when it overtook Holden for the first time. It also holds the record for the highest annual sales result, delivering 241,296 vehicles in 2024, and has seen its Corolla, HiLux and RAV4 top annual sales in the last decade.

Toyota's market share was approximately 19.3 per cent in 2025. Its January-to-May 2026 result keeps it on top, though its market share has fallen from 20.3 per cent to 15.5 per cent year-on-year.

BYD's market share has increased from 3.1 per cent in May 2025 to 8.2 per cent in May 2026, with the Sealion 7 SUV its most popular model ahead of the Shark 6 ute. Year-to-date, its market share is sitting at 6.8 per cent.

Speaking to media, including CarExpert, at an event marking the arrival of almost 5000 BYD vehicles in Melbourne yesterday, BYD vice president Liu Xueliang was more measured when asked when the Chinese brand might overtake Toyota.

"Toyota is still an excellent company," said Mr Liu.

"We continue learning while working hard ourselves. Whether we can surpass Toyota in Australia ultimately depends on Australian consumers."

Toyota Australia issued a press release yesterday that appeared aimed at adding context to the arrival of the BYD Zhengzhou – one of the automaker's own vehicle carrier ships – which delivered almost 5000 of the 30,000 vehicles BYD plans to bring to Australia by the end of June.

Toyota's statement said it had secured an additional 10,000 vehicles for Australia and remained on track to deliver 220,000 vehicles in 2026.

BYD said in April it planned to ship 30,000 vehicles to Australia in response to increased demand, particularly for its electric vehicles (EVs).

April sales figures appeared to support that claim, with BYD posting a record 7702 deliveries to finish second overall for the first time.

The company backed that up in May, recording 8211 sales to retain second place behind Toyota, which delivered 16,342 vehicles.

MORE: Explore the BYD showroom

At the launch of the W600, representatives from Volkswagen suggested there may be upgrade packages available in the future for the upgraded dual-cab – which the company is calling the “ultimate driver’s ute”.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Australia (VCVA) product manager Michael Cenci gave some clues about what could be in store for the turbo-diesel V6 that powers the W600, which makes the same 184kW of power and 600Nm of torque as the rest of the Amarok range.

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“Obviously, Walkinshaw are our performance brand and they’re known for performance, and in the past have tuned various engines in the HSV days,” said Mr Cenci.

“So yeah, we’re always exploring opportunities to go down that road, but there’s nothing that we’re in a position to… confirm at the moment.”

Indeed, Walkinshaw Performance already offers an aftermarket '680 Power-Up' kit for the previous Amarok W580, which increases peak torque to 680Nm.

But the potential to enhance your Amarok W600 may not just be limited to its engine.

CarExpert spied a pre-production development vehicle in a car park at the W600’s launch (pictured above), with a big brake kit hiding behind 20-inch alloy wheels – featuring a different design to those found on the Walkinshaw.

“At the end of the day, with a product like the W600, we have to look at the total package and also be competitive from a price point in market,” answered VCVA brand director Nathan Johnson when asked why the W600 didn’t come with larger brakes as standard.

“Now, upgraded brakes may not be the requirement for every single W600, but it may be an opportunity for us moving forward to further enhance this car from an accessories or an upgrades point of view.”

Mr Johnson also talked about Walkinshaw “scaling on projects in terms of volume, but also in terms of additions to the project's performance, and so forth”.

“That’s the beauty of this relationship that we have with them, so we are exploring other areas where this car could be enhanced in the future – or additional offerings being [sold] through to the customers in the aftermarket, or through our dealerships as well.”

MORE: Explore the Volkswagen Amarok showroom

Based on the Style variant of the German brand's dual-cab 4x4 ute, the forthcoming Volkswagen Amarok W600 is powered by a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 making 184kW of power and 600Nm of torque, with the team working primarily on improving handling to make it a more driver-focused ute.

However, with the revised Amarok lineup now including a Style TSI452 variant powered by a 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, CarExpert asked whether Walkinshaw’s expertise could be married with the powertrain from the TSI452.

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“I think the answer is never say never,” said Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Australia brand director, Nathan Johnson.

“We evaluate every opportunity in front of us, and we definitely evaluated that engine as part of [the W600]. We made, I think, a very easy decision with the facts in front of us, that the V6 was the best opportunity here,” he explained.

The 2.3-litre turbo-petrol engine is standard in North America's version of the Ford Ranger, the Amarok's sister model, and makes 222kW and 452Nm in the Amarok Style TSI452, but the same engine makes 232kW and 475Nm in the Ford Mustang EcoBoost.

As well as being popular in the tuning and aftermarket communities, the turbo-petrol engine also weighs approximately 78kg less than the V6 – lightening the front-end and, presumably, improving handling dynamics.

“I won’t say that we’ve made the wrong decision at all,” Mr Johnson said of the turbo-diesel V6.

“But the opportunity with Walkinshaw allows us to continue to evaluate every opportunity in front of us, and that’s the beauty of this relationship.”

MORE: Explore the Volkswagen Amarok showroom

Upgraded by Walkinshaw Automotive, the W600 is based on the Amarok Style dual-cab, but receives a long list of changes to both its looks and chassis.

While there’s no more power from the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engine – which makes 184kW of power and 600Nm of torque – the W600 receives a dual exhaust system with side-exit outlets in shadow chrome.

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To improve handling, Walkinshaw has removed the front sway bar, and added a 22mm sway bar to the rear. A set of bespoke Koni shock absorbers has also been fitted, with tuning completed by Walkinshaw’s team.

The wider-offset 20x10-inch alloy wheels are unique to the W600, clad in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV tyres.

Along with styling changes to the front bumper and wheel-arches, the Amarok gets a colour-coded rear sailplane, power-retractable side-steps, puddle lighting on entry, and Walkinshaw badging.

Inside, there are Walkinshaw-branded brushed door sills, aluminium sports pedals, and embroidered head restraints and carpet mats.

Despite being based on the Amarok Style, the W600 gets heated 10-way Savona leather-trimmed seats from the Aventura – with “firmed seat bolsters and lumbar support” – plus a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 12.0-inch infotainment screen, wireless smartphone charging, 230V outlets, and an eight-speaker premium sound system from Harman Kardon.

Buyers will also be able to option an electric roller cover for the tub.

Unlike the previous-generation Amarok W580X, but like the old W580S, the new W600 is specifically targeting on-road performance.

According to research conducted by Volkswagen, modern ute drivers are significantly more likely to spend their time on sealed urban roads and highways, while few ever venture onto difficult bush tracks.

The results led Volkswagen and Walkinshaw to instead create a ute intended to provide greater levels of driving enjoyment on the road.

“We’ve positioned this vehicle quite purposefully to be more on-road orientated, without compromising the fundamental capability of the platform,” Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Australia product manager Michael Cenci told CarExpert.

“So everything in the customer data – not just for Amarok, but for the whole segment – everything in our own customer feedback, our dealer feedback, was pointing towards our customers demanding a product which drove well on the road, was engaging to drive, was comfortable, [and] was ergonomic,” he explained.

“And the way all of that came about allowed us to position this car in a more on-road focus, and still meet the brief and the demands of our customers.”

While Volkswagen hasn’t disclosed expected sales figures, the company says the Amarok W600 is not a limited-edition model, and has no cap on production.

Five exterior paint finishes are available: white, metallic silver, metallic grey, and metallic black. However, the final colour will be a ‘wildcard’ option, which will be changed annually – beginning with Deep Red Metallic.

Pricing is expected to be announced closer to the release of the 2027 Volkswagen Amarok W600, due in late 2026.

MORE: Explore the Volkswagen Amarok showroom

It's almost 40 years since the HSV VL Commodore Group A SS was shown to the world, and now after working its magic on a series of other dual-cab 4x4 utes including the original Volkswagen Amarok, Walkinshaw has once again lent its talents to the German brand to create this: the Amarok W600.

Volkswagen is calling it the “ultimate driver’s ute”, which has more than a hint of BMW’s famous slogan. Regardless, it’s a brave thing to declare.

While the previous-generation Amarok W580X had more of an off-road character about it than the road-focused W580S, the brief to Walkinshaw this time was to turn the second-generation, Ford Ranger-based Amarok into a ute that’s engaging and capable on the road – where the vast majority of owners spend the vast majority of their time, according to Volkswagen's research.

However, VW’s people say this isn’t a direct competitor to the Ford Ranger Raptor, despite benchmarking the Raptor during development of the W600.

“It’s been obviously present for a number of years and is very, very popular. What we’ve done [with the W600] is we’re not competing with Raptor,” said Michael Cenci, Product Manager for the Amarok at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Australia.

“We don’t believe that [the Ford Ranger Raptor] gives us what our customers were asking for. Our customers were asking for a ute that is great to drive on the road, that is refined, that feels Euro and premium,” he told CarExpert.

“That product is also compromised in terms of towing and in terms of payload, which is something we’re not seeing on this vehicle.”

Which is a good point. Those wanting the street cred of a Ranger Raptor have to deal with a lower payload, and a towing capacity that drops from 3500kg to 2500kg.

The W600, on the other hand, maintains the payload and towing capabilities of the Amarok Style on which it’s based.

However, while the Raptor has a spicy twin-turbo petrol V6 engine, the W600 continues with the turbo-diesel V6 found in the rest of the Amarok lineup.

So, what is different about the Amarok W600?

Firstly, there’s the styling. Since the first teaser images of the current Amarok came out, Walkinshaw chief designer Julian Quincey has been working on a beefier version. The result is a new front bumper design, incorporating Walkinshaw’s ‘W’ logo into the grille, as well as wider wheel-arches.

When combined with new 20-inch alloy wheels, also designed by Walkinshaw, it gives the W600 a much stronger, stouter look. The 10-inch-wide wheels – up from 7.5 inches – together with a much more aggressive offset, give the car a particularly assertive stance and a tougher presence in person, without ever being in-your-face.

There are also power-retractable side-steps, a dual exhaust system with side-exit outlets finished in shadow chrome, and 285/50R20 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV tyres.

But the big story is under the car. Taking a page from Peter Brock’s recipe book, Walkinshaw has removed the front anti-roll bar and fitted a 22mm anti-roll bar at the rear – despite there being no factory mounts for it, as there’s no rear sway bar on the rest of the Amarok lineup.

To make that happen, Walkinshaw welds drop-link mounts to the ladder-frame chassis and fits forged knuckles to the axle that replicate original equipment from Volkswagen.

Walkinshaw also approached Koni – arguably one of the best shock absorber manufacturers in the world today – and had it create a bespoke damper tuned by Walkinshaw and combining the best components of its FSD and Raid products.

CarExpert was one of a small number of media outlets invited to the Lang Lang Proving Ground to experience pre-production examples of the Volkswagen Amarok W600 – despite the variant not being 100 per cent signed off yet.

It’s fair to say our time with the car was limited, with unrelenting rain on the day also meaning we weren’t able to really push the car to its full capabilities.

But it was enough for us to get a first taste, and there are some very promising things here.

How much does the Volkswagen Amarok cost?

Pricing for the 2027 Volkswagen Amarok W600 by Walkinshaw has yet to be announced.

Volkswagen has heavily revised the Amarok range in recent months, dropping the Core and Life variants, and making the Style the new entry point to the lineup. The high-spec Aventura no longer gets the 2.3-litre turbo-petrol engine, however, that powertrain is now available in the Style as an alternative to the turbo-diesel V6.

As first reported by CarExpert in December 2025 following the axing of the Ford-sourced 2.0-litre biturbo diesel engine globally, large fleet customers still have the option of ordering the four-cylinder Amarok Core TDI405 – powered by an upgraded 2.0-litre single-turbo diesel making 125kW of power and 405Nm of torque – though this grade is not available to the public or smaller fleets.

It's also worth mentioning that, at the time of publication, Volkswagen has several drive-away offers on MY25 Amarok vehicles, which you can read about in our EOFY roundup.

To see how the Volkswagen Amarok lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What is the Volkswagen Amarok like on the inside?

Despite being based on the Amarok Style, the W600 actually borrows some of its interior from the top-spec Aventura.

There isn’t a lot to distinguish this as a W600 inside, besides some brushed sills bearing the Walkinshaw logo, aluminium sports pedals, puddle lamps, and the brand’s W shield embroidered on the head restraints and carpets.

While not strictly to do with the interior, the power-retractable side-steps are a cool feature – common on full-size US pickups, but it's the first time I can remember seeing them in this segment. Walkinshaw said it wasn’t really happy with off-the-shelf solutions, so it engineered the side-steps from scratch, using the units found on American pickups as a reference.

Being someone who is dedicated to science, I replicated a night in the bush with mates and bourbon, and jumped up and down on the side-steps. There was a bit of deflection during my research, but nothing snapped and they continued to work afterwards as intended.

Other than those things, the cabin is pretty standard Amarok – which is no bad thing.

The centrepiece is the 12-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen, complemented with a volume knob and several shortcut buttons below.

The PRND shifter is appreciated for its relative simplicity, and there’s a wheel to select between rear-wheel drive, automatic four-wheel drive, high-range four-wheel drive, and low-range four-wheel drive.

The push-button starter is where you’d expect it, and the automatic headlight switches are easy to find and use. The only oddball thing is the indicator being on the left – one of the few real differences between the Amarok and the Ranger on which it’s based.

Another is the steering wheel, which is a Volkswagen unit with real buttons and leather trim, which fits the hands well.

The seats themselves are comfortable and do a decent job of providing support. There’s enough space in the back for two adults to spend some time in, though I did smack my knee on the centre console when jumping in. Being the reasonable man I am, I blame Volkswagen directly.

The Amarok has always had one of the nicer interiors in the dual-cab ute segment, and there’s nothing crazy about the W600 inside compared to the standard ute.

There’s an element of ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ here, though it would have been nice if there was a little bit more to help sell the Walky Roc (a nickname I’m trying to get traction on) as a driver’s ute from the driver’s seat.

I’m glad there’s no fake carbon-fibre trim (the standard ute weighs circa 2.4 tonnes, after all), and Walkinshaw’s corporate colours are basically black and white, which makes it harder to add a splash of colour inside while maintaining its theme. Plus, there’s something a bit cool and understated about the W600, and a bright red interior would take away from that.

Volkswagen’s people specifically told us they would be looking for our feedback on the W600 ahead of final sign-off – and I’m cognisant of the fact they’re somewhat limited in what they can do, and that they want to keep production costs in check.

But I’ll offer this: add some matching white contrast stitching to the steering wheel, and stick a plaque on the centre console. Everyone loves a plaque in their car – it’s like a participation award for making a big purchase and may enhance resale value.

To see how the Volkswagen Amarok lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

The Volkswagen Amarok W600 is powered by the 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 making 184kW and 600Nm, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

As mentioned, there’s selectable rear-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, and high- and low-range four-wheel drive.

Volkswagen told CarExpert the 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 in Ford’s Ranger Raptor wasn’t available to be used in the W600, as you’d expect.

Performance remains the same in the W600 as other V6-powered Amaroks, and while there hasn’t been any confirmation or announcements at this stage, there may come a time in the near future when owners can purchase a performance upgrade for the engine.

To see how the Volkswagen Amarok lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

How does the Volkswagen Amarok drive?

Volkswagen gave us the opportunity to get a baseline in the standard Amarok V6 prior to jumping into the W600.

Car companies will only do this if they’re confident there is a noticeable improvement in driving characteristics. So that tells you something right off the bat.

What it also did, given the unrelenting rain and standing water on the track, was show just how rubbish the Amarok's Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tyres are in the wet. I don’t think that was the intention.

The chance to get reacquainted with the Amarok was appreciated, though. The ute has a decent powertrain, okay brakes in normal circumstances, and good enough ride and handling for a body-on-frame light commercial ute.

Push the Amarok – particularly in the wet, on those tyres – and the limit isn’t far from the mean.

Even with the Amarok being arguably one of the best dual-cabs on the market, driving it with aggression will quickly show inadequacies in braking performance, lateral grip, and chassis response.

All of which makes the Volkswagen Amarok W600 so impressive, because it’s a big leap forward in on-road performance.

The three real differences between the W600 and the standard Amarok are grip, body roll, and comfort.

Ride comfort isn’t a hot-button feature of the W600, but it’s the result of the vehicle being fitted with high-quality shock absorbers that have been expertly tuned for this particular ute.

The valving technology from Koni allows the dampers to remain somewhat firm in response to lean from the body, while still absorbing potholes, railway tracks, and bumps. The result is a ute that feels planted on the road, yet is comfortable over rough roads. A pretty astonishing feat, considering this is a ladder-frame ute with leaf packs at the rear.

The real genius comes from the work Walkinshaw's team has done in regard to sway bars. In removing the front sway bar and adding one at the rear, they have dramatically reduced body roll, without increasing that jittery feeling that comes from oversized sway bars. It shows both the care and expertise Walkinshaw’s engineers apply to their craft, rather than merely throwing a bunch of off-the-shelf parts at the car and calling it a day.

From initial turn-in to hard cornering, the Amarok W600 is far more responsive and predictable, feeling a lot more athletic through bends. It also handles direction changes with great composure – even sudden yanks on the steering wheel don’t seem to faze the Volkswagen.

In a tightening, off-camber corner that was drenched, we got a surprising amount of understeer from the standard Amarok – admittedly, driving it far more aggressively than you ever would on public roads. While the W600 displayed some of the same characteristics at the same speed and on the same bit of road, there was far less pushing from the front-end, and it was easier to both predict and control.

Having said that, the upgrade to Michelin Pilot Sport tyres is doing a lot of the heavy lifting here. That isn’t to diminish the good work of Walkinshaw’s people, but Michelin’s engineers also need to take some credit for the W600.

Particularly when it comes to braking. While a prototype development vehicle spotted in the car park was fitted with larger calipers and discs, Walkinshaw chose to keep the standard brakes on the W600 – likely to keep costs down. We may see a bigger brake package offered in the future, but the much larger contact patch of the new wheels and stickier tyres means braking distances are reduced by quite a bit on the Walky Roc (it’ll catch on, just give it a chance).

The wet roads made it harder to get a read, but it does seem like road noise might be improved with the Michelins too, despite there being more rubber meeting the road. We'll have to confirm this in the future, though.

Then there’s the powertrain. The turbo-diesel V6 isn’t a zingy engine, nor does it offer the kind of lazy performance you get from a Chevy V8. But it delivers a good balance, responding well and providing a decent surge of torque when you need it.

I remain somewhat unconvinced that the turbo-diesel is the right fit for this vehicle – or, really, the intention of this vehicle. The V6 has always been a good, strong thing, but its character doesn’t entirely lend itself to the ethos of the W600.

We asked Volkswagen whether we could see a Walkinshaw Amarok with the 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine from the Style TSI452, which puts out 222kW and 452Nm. It’s a slightly detuned version of the engine used in the Ford Mustang EcoBoost, and combining that engine with Walkinshaw’s upgrades could give us a vehicle that’s more akin to the likes of the Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore utes that Aussies loved so much. A Mustang EcoBoost dual-cab, with a VW badge.

The answer? “Never say never.”

However, the 10-speed has always been the V6’s best friend, ensuring the powerplant is kept in its sweet spot, no matter what you’re asking of it. It’s not the most sophisticated transmission in the world, and while it can sometimes be a little busy, it shifts relatively smoothly.

The exhaust – which is a true dual-pipe system – does change the tone of the engine slightly. It’s not a crazy difference, but Walkinshaw has done a good job of not making it sound like an old Mack, or like a Ranger Raptor, thankfully. But I do like the side-exit tips in shadow chrome, no doubt inspired by US pickups.

We also spoke to a Walkinshaw engineer about what’s left to be signed off, and apparently there are still some conversations happening about the steering. Personally, I thought it was pretty much bang-on. There’s a nice weight to it, without being too heavy or too light – the latter being the trend nowadays – along with offering a good level of feedback from the front tyres.

Add in the wider offset, and the Amarok W600 we drove offered a much higher level of confidence within normal driving limits – and in conditions that were less than ideal – providing a more stable platform during quick direction changes and through sweeping bends.

To see how the Volkswagen Amarok lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What do you get?

The Volkswagen Amarok lineup is now packed full of variants, so buyers can easily find one that suits their needs and budget.

2026 Volkswagen Amarok Core equipment highlights:

• 17-inch ‘Cobra’ alloy wheels
• Front disc, rear drum brakes
• Locking rear differential
• Power-folding side mirrors
• Side-steps
• Mud flaps
• 2 x front tow hooks
• Steel underbody protection
• Plastic fuel tank protection
• Tow bar
• 12-pin trailer plug
• Black side mirrors, door handles
• Manual locking tailgate
• 6 x tie-down points in tub (pickup only)
• Exterior tie-down rails
• Cargo box LED lighting (pickup only)
• Automatic LED headlights
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Automatic high-beam
• Halogen tail-lights
• Vinyl flooring
• Grey headliner
• Fabric upholstery
• 6-way manual driver seat
• 4-way manual front passenger seat
• 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster
• 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Four-speaker sound system
• Wired and wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
• DAB+ digital radio
• Wireless charger
• Single-zone air-conditioning
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Trailer brake controller

Amarok Life adds:

• Rear disc brakes
• LED front fog lights
• Body colour side mirrors and door handles
• Heated, power-folding side mirrors with puddle lamps
• Locking wheel nuts
• Tailgate lift assist (pickup only)
• Power tailgate lock (pickup only)
• Privacy glass
• Six-speaker sound system
• E-shifter
• Electric park brake
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Carpet flooring
• Eight-way manual front seats
• Adaptive cruise control with stop/go

Amarok 10 Deserts Edition adds:

• 17-inch black ‘Cobra’ alloy wheels
• Continental CrossContact all-terrain tyres
• 40mm suspension lift (275mm total ground clearance)
• Composite underbody protection
• Black tonneau cover
• 10 Deserts badging
• All-weather floor mats

Amarok Style adds:

• 18-inch ‘Amadora’ alloy wheels
• Chrome side mirrors and door handles
• Plastic tub liner (pickup only)
• Stainless steel sports bar (pickup only)
• 12V socket in tub (pickup only)
• 230V sockets in tub (pickup only)
• 400W inverter
• Matrix LED headlights
• LED tail-lights
• Leather-look dashboard and door inserts
• ArtVelour microfibre upholstery
• Heated front seats
• 10-way power driver’s seat
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• 12.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Dual-zone climate control
• Rear air vents
• Insulated windshield
• Proximity entry and push-button start
• Alarm system

Amarok W600 adds:

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV tyres
• Embroidered head restraints
• Brushed sill plates
• Sports pedals
• Embroidered carpet mats
• Puddle lights on entry
• Power retractable side-steps
• Harman Kardon 8-speaker sound system
• Leather seat trim (Savona)
• Increased seat bolstering and lumbar support
• Dark matte grey exterior styling accents
• Body-coloured sailplane
• Black roof rails and window trims
• Privacy-tinted glass
• Dual exhaust with side-exit outlets in shadow chrome
• Unique front-end styling and wheel-arches
• Koni shock absorbers
• Rear sway bar

Amarok PanAmericana adds (over Style):

• 18-inch black ‘Amadora’ alloy wheels
• All-terrain tyres
• Dynamic suspension
• Black side mirrors and door handles
• PanAmericana decal
• Black sports bar and steps
• Soft tonneau cover
• Roof rails
• Spray-in tub liner
• Leather upholstery
• Power passenger seat
• Eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
• Black headliner

Amarok Aventura adds:

• 21-inch ‘Varberg’ alloy wheels
• Chrome bumpers, mirrors, handles
• Rear sailplane
• Electric roller cover
• Leather seat trim (Savona)

Options

While final specifications have yet to be finalised, Volkswagen says the W600 will be available with an electric roller cover for the tub.

The W600 will also be available in Clear White, Medium Silver Metallic, Midnight Black Metallic and Dark Grey Metallic paint colours, and a 'wildcard' option that will change annually – Deep Red Metallic initially.

To see how the Volkswagen Amarok lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

Is the Volkswagen Amarok safe?

Volkswagen has yet to confirm a safety rating for the W600 – as the vehicle has not gone into production at the time of writing – however, the rest of the Amarok range gets a five-star grade from ANCAP, issued in 2022.

Standard safety equipment across the range includes:

• 9 airbags
• • Knee
  • Centre
  • Front
  • Side curtain
  • Rear
• Adaptive cruise control
• Autonomous emergency braking
• • Pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Front, rear parking sensors
• Intelligent Speed Limiter
• Lane-keep assist
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Reversing camera
• Swerve Steer assist
• Speed sign recognition
• Tyre pressure monitoring

Amarok Life adds:

• Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go

Amarok Style adds:

• Park Assist semi-autonomous parking
• Surround-view camera
• Trailer assist

To see how the Volkswagen Amarok lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

How much does the Volkswagen Amarok cost to run?

As this was a pre-launch event for a model not yet on sale or in production, ownership costs have yet to be published by Volkswagen.

However, it's expected the W600 will follow the rest of the Amarok range with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and up to five years of capped-price servicing.

To see how the Volkswagen Amarok lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

CarExpert’s Take on the Volkswagen Amarok W600

This was only a quick taste of what Walkinshaw has cooking with the Volkswagen Amarok W600 – and it left us wanting more seat time.

Is it the “ultimate driver’s ute”? Time will tell, but it’s probably not an especially high bar to clear in this segment, if we’re being honest, and the W600 could absolutely prove to be the best among them. We’ll reserve our judgement until we get a finalised production vehicle out into the real world for a longer drive – and, ideally, on some dry roads – but there’s enough here to be excited about what’s coming.

The excitement also comes from what may emerge from this program, beyond the W600. One of the bigger question marks is whether the turbo-diesel V6 has the right disposition for a vehicle aimed at driving enjoyment and on-road performance. But the 2.3-litre turbo-petrol unit found in the Amarok Style could be something really exciting when combined with the changes found on the W600. It’s also a popular engine among tuners and the aftermarket industry.

But straight out of the box, the Volkswagen Amarok W600 is a big leap forward for the model. The bold yet understated exterior presence, the improved braking grip, the balance and agility it displays, and the increased traction it offers instil confidence behind the wheel – resulting in a more determined driving experience.

To be sure, we’re not talking the same levels of engagement you could expect from Toyota Gazoo Racing or BMW M, but there’s clearly a lot of promise from the Walky Roc (stick with it, it’s a really great nickname).

I can't help thinking that this is what the Mercedes-Benz X-Class should have been.

Then there’s the ride comfort, which is markedly better. And yet, you don’t lose any of the towing or load capability of the ute.

While turning a dual-cab into a driver’s car doesn’t make a lot of sense on paper, in reality the W600 makes a lot more sense than the likes of the Ranger Raptor – something designed for the Finke Desert Race.

And as with the normal Amarok, it just feels a bit more grown-up and mature. Not as shouty. Less naughty. None of which are bad things – particularly if you want the segment-leading ute but don't want to carry the weight of public perception that comes with its non-identical twin.

The Volkswagen Amarok W600 may not have the flair and rowdiness of an HSV VL Walky, but from what we’ve experienced so far, it's clear Australian engineers are still delivering cars we can be proud of.

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MORE: Explore the Volkswagen Amarok showroom

The new Jaecoo J5 looks vastly different to the Tiggo 4 from the Chinese automaker's sister brand, but shares a few key ingredients, and is very similar in size.

But the Jaecoo is a completely different looking thing inside and out, and offers a different tech package compared to its stablemate.

It’s like putting a Maccas takeaway burger next to the Insta-worthy food truck offering your mate shared – one looks very appetising, while the other will still do the job for similar money.

However, with a price tag that's still razor-sharp in the small SUV market, the Jaecoo J5 could be the tastiest new dish.

How much does the Jaecoo J5 cost?

There’s the more expensive electric version of the Jaecoo J5, which is still affordable for the class it competes in at $36,990 drive-away.

But when it comes to the petrol versions? The pricing is astounding, considering what you’re getting, and the perception that this car has as a compact, premium-looking machine.

That kind of pricing positions the Jaecoo J5 $2000 higher than the budget-friendly Chery Tiggo 4, and also about $1000 higher than the base MG ZS Turbo.

And no, you won’t find anything from Mazda or Toyota for this kind of cash. Even the Kia Stonic and Hyundai Venue are over and above these prices. 

To see how the Jaecoo J5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What is the Jaecoo J5 like on the inside?

One of the J5's strongest selling points is the cabin – it’s a cheap car that doesn’t feel cheap to sit in.

It feels more premium than the related Chery Tiggo 4, I reckon, and part of that comes down to the presentation, but there's also just a nicer overall ambience to the cabin. It feels a little more polished and a little more mature.

I quite like the cloth upholstery, too. Plenty of Chinese-made rivals lean heavily on synthetic leather trim, but good cloth seat trim can be more comfortable in Australia's climate. The seats don’t feel hot or sticky, but if you want the faux leather trim, the higher-spec variant’s leatherette trim is pretty convincing.

Practicality is well sorted too. There are large door bins, soft-touch trimming where your elbows sit, a decent-sized glovebox, storage between the seats, a pair of cupholders, and a centre console bin that's a reasonable size.

This particular grade misses out on wireless phone charging, so the tray ahead of the gear selector looks and feels a bit redundant – but I’m sure there’s an aftermarket solution to turn that tray into a charging station (and there are USB ports down below, which might help!).

The steering wheel takes a little getting used to. It's an unusual design, and the glossy black trim attracts fingerprint smudges.

There are cruise control buttons on the wheel, though there is a bit of a learning curve when it comes to switching between adaptive cruise control and the lane-centring functions (press and hold the steering wheel button with an ‘A’ to change modes).

The indicator and wiper controls are straightforward, and I particularly like the neatly concealed rear wiper tucked under the roof spoiler – tidy.

Ahead of the driver sits a compact digital instrument display. It's easy enough to read, but one thing you'll quickly become familiar with is the driver monitoring system. If it thinks you're distracted, it'll let you know.

But you can adjust some of the active safety systems to your liking. Lane departure warning and lane keeping assistance settings can remain disabled between drives if that's your preference, but the driver monitoring camera defaults back on every time you restart the vehicle – so if you don’t like it, you’ll have to disable it each time you get back in. 

Thankfully there’s a swipe-down menu (top-left of screen) that allows you to toggle commonly used features on and off, without having to dive into menus. Just make sure you get it from the top-left, not the top-right of the screen, as otherwise you’ll enter the Notifications screen, which is usually just blank.

Otherwise the central touchscreen is pretty good, though it does require a bit of learning. 

Climate controls are integrated into the touchscreen, and there are a few quirks. Rather than displaying a conventional temperature setting, the system uses a scale from 1 to 16 for the temperature, which is dumb. Fan speed and airflow direction are also managed on-screen, so yeah some knobs and buttons wouldn’t go astray.

The menus beyond the climate and phone mirroring tech are easy enough to learn, and there are changeable settings such as drive modes and all the safety tech adjustments.

One of the standout features is the surround-view camera system. If you're nervous about parking, you'll appreciate the multiple viewing angles, front and rear camera views, 3D surround-view functionality and automatic camera activation when the car senses you're getting close to an obstacle.

There are some unusual inclusions, too. The owner's manual is built into the infotainment system, and yes, there's even a karaoke function if that's your thing. You just need to buy the accessory microphone.

Ramming it home that you didn’t buy an expensive car, there are some things missing in the front cabin area.

The sun visors don't extend, the vanity mirrors aren't illuminated, there's no auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and the overhead controls include blank switches where the higher-spec variant gets a sunshade for its panoramic glass roof. 

In the back, the space is surprisingly good. With the driver's seat adjusted for my 6’0” (182cm) frame, I still had kneeroom behind it, and enough foot space to slide my feet under the front seat. Headroom is excellent thanks to the boxy roofline, while the tall side glass and light-coloured headlining make it feel airy inside.

Amenities include map pockets on both front seatbacks, plus grab handles and coat hooks, but the single rear directional air vent might lead to arguments between the kids on hot days. Maybe they could learn to negotiate because of that, as there’s also only one USB-A port. Sharing is caring, kids.

The floor is relatively flat, making the centre seat more usable than in some other small SUVs. Families will appreciate the ISOFIX child-seat anchor points in the outboard seats and there are three top-tether anchors across the second row, too.

This entry-level grade misses out on a fold-down centre armrest, which is fitted to the Summit grade, but the seats themselves are comfortable, with soft cushioning that should keep passengers happy on longer journeys.

The boot is big for a little car. You can adjust the floor to have either a flat loading lip, or lower it to maximise your cargo capacity. 

Under the floor you'll find a tyre repair kit rather than a spare wheel. There is provision underneath for a spare to be fitted, and it’s frustrating that Jaecoo didn’t just fit a space-saver wheel. 

The cargo hold includes shopping bag hooks, tie-down points, storage nets and a light. However, there's no retractable parcel cover, which could be a problem for people who regularly leave valuables in the back.

To see how the Jaecoo J5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

This is perhaps the part where enthusiastic car customers might feel a sense of disappointment – it’s not the end of the world, but the turbo-petrol, CVT auto, front-wheel drive combination here isn’t exactly excellent…

I was reasonably impressed by the displayed fuel consumption over a few hundred kilometres of mixed driving in urban, highway, freeway, commute and errand driving, however.

While 7.9L/100km isn’t terrific in isolation for a new vehicle with a small-capacity turbocharged engine, it’s better than I expected.

To see how the Jaecoo J5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

How does the Jaecoo J5 drive?

It takes a bit of getting used to.

If you're heavy on the throttle, you might find the combination of the turbo-petrol engine and CVT auto a little frustrating until you’re used to it. 

The throttle response can feel quite sensitive, while the transmission itself isn't always the smoothest or most intuitive with its behaviour.

Once you learn how it likes to be driven it's a much more agreeable experience. But it’s never what I’d call ‘fun’, despite at times feeling pretty responsive.

The powertrain responds best to measured inputs rather than sudden throttle stomps. 

Drive it smoothly and it feels perfectly acceptable for daily commuting duties.

Mash the accelerator from a standstill and you may encounter some of the hesitation and flare that CVT haters know well. This isn’t going to offer a strong counterargument to those CVT sceptics.

The throttle calibration can also feel inconsistent, so pay attention to that during your test drive. Furthermore, the CVT in our press car felt jerky after a cold start on a chilly morning.

It was less of an issue once the car was warmer, but if you live somewhere where the mercury drops to single digits (or negative digits), you'll want to warm your car up for a few minutes before setting off. 

But if you're simply looking for an automatic SUV, and maybe you don’t even know what a CVT is or how it differs from a regular auto transmission, then you might find it perfectly fine.

If you want a little more urgency to the car’s responses there's a Sport mode that sharpens things up and gives the drivetrain a more eager character.

The trade-off is heavier steering, which can make low-speed manoeuvring feel a little more cumbersome than necessary. But you can adjust that separately to make it more urban-friendly.

Ride quality is on the firmer side for this segment, but it’s not uncomfortable. There's a solid, planted feel to the way the suspension deals with the road, though it can occasionally feel a little bouncy over uneven surfaces.

One advantage is the independent rear suspension setup. While many rivals make do with a simpler torsion-beam arrangement, the J5’s more sophisticated rear-end helps it feel composed through corners and enables competent corner-to-corner handling.

The steering is predictable and easy to live with. Around town it lightens up nicely for parking manoeuvres, while at higher speeds there's enough weighting to inspire confidence. But as I mentioned, the Sport steering mode just adds resistance, and makes it harder to park.

With a better set of tyres – the Chao Yang Aggressor rubber fitted to the J5 isn’t terrific – it would be even more fun, and potentially less sensitive to road imperfections. It could possibly be quieter at higher speeds too, as it can suffer from some road roar in the cabin.

Braking performance is respectable, too. The pedal feels progressive and the car pulls up confidently under hard pressure.

And while we're talking about everyday safety considerations, the technology is less annoying than in other cheap cars in this class.

This vehicle allows you to customise many of the driver assistance systems, including disabling some of the more intrusive warning chimes if they're not to your liking.

The lane keeping tech will stay off if you want it to, and the speed sign chimes can be banished if you find them frustrating, too. 

It mightn’t be a benchmark-setting car in terms of its powertrain, but there are lots of livable and likable traits to the drive experience beyond that engine and auto.

To see how the Jaecoo J5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What do you get?

You might think that the Jaecoo J5 is a stripped-out small SUV, but the standard kit list is actually pretty lengthy in this two-strong petrol-powered SUV model range.

2026 Jaecoo J5 Track equipment highlights:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Automatic projector LED headlights
• Automatic high-beam
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Remote start
• Push-button start
• 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster
• 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 6-speaker sound system
• ‘Premium’ steering wheel
• Cloth upholstery
• 6-way manually adjustable front seats
• Surround-view camera system
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Full active safety suite - details below

2026 Jaecoo J5 Summit adds:

• Fixed panoramic glass roof with power sunshade
• Power tailgate
• Dual-zone climate control
• 8-speaker sound system
• 50W wireless phone charger
• Leatherette upholstery
• 6-way power-adjustable front seats
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Colour-adjustable front ambient lighting
• Rear centre armrest with cupholders
• Soft-touch dashboard and upper front door trim

To me, the extra expenditure is worth considering. I mean, if it’s the difference between your repayments forcing you to sacrifice a couple of coffees per week, then do it. Unless you really like cloth trim.

To see how the Jaecoo J5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

Is the Jaecoo J5 safe?

The Jaecoo J5 range (ICE and EV) hasn't been crash-tested by ANCAP as yet, but the closely related Chery Tiggo 4 wears a five-star safety rating against 2023 protocols.

Standard safety equipment includes: 

• 7 airbags incl. front-centre
• Forward collision warning 
• Autonomous Emergency Braking – AEB
• Emergency lane keeping 
• Lane departure warning
• Lane departure prevention
• Adaptive cruise control
• Traffic Jam Assist
• Integrated Cruise Assist 
• Blind-spot monitoring 
• Lane Change Assist 
• Rear Collision Warning 
• Rear cross-traffic assist
• Door Opening Warning 
• Speed limit information
• Speed Control Assist
• Driver monitoring

The Jaecoo J5 comes with the whole gamut of safety technology you’d expect, and – frankly – most of it is inoffensive.

It has all the nanny kit to help you stay safe, while the parking assistance gear includes one of the best surround-view camera setups available – not just against its rivals, but at any price point in the Australian market.

There are overhead, front, rear, side and see-through view options, as well as sensor-activated camera view to stop you from bumping into things before you see them. And those parking sensors are mounted front and rear, too. 

To see how the Jaecoo J5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

How much does the Jaecoo J5 cost to run?

Kia's seven-year warranty helped redefine buyer expectations in Australia, and Jaecoo is attempting a similar play with its eight-year ownership package.

The ‘step-up’ arm of Chery offers a step up in terms of its ownership promise, which could be enough to win over some new buyers. Those are compelling arguments to buy a J5 and service it with the brand’s network, right?

Well, I’d say yes. But I also want to point out that one of the ways these newer cars are more affordable is the thinness of their sheetmetal, and even a gentle press on the J5's panels shows that. 

The underlying structure is no doubt strong, but based on our initial impressions the panels might cop a hiding even in a gentle collision. And, the paint doesn’t seem to be overly thick either, meaning your new car mightn’t look that new for long, especially if you’re not cautious about your car park spot selection.

To see how the Jaecoo J5 lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

CarExpert's Take on the Jaecoo J5

This is an excellent car with an average powertrain.

It is so close to being an overall top choice for new-car customers, but the engine and transmission can be frustrating, particularly if you consider yourself someone who likes driving.

However, as a commuter car, or a vehicle that seems to be a set-and-forget option with outstanding aftersales ownership provisions and reasonably user-friendly tech, it really makes a strong case for itself.

CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Jaecoo J5. Click here to get a great deal.

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MORE: Explore the Jaecoo J5 showroom

Per data from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) and the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC), a total of 106,887 new vehicles were delivered in May 2026, down 2.3 per cent on May 2025.

However, EV sales were up 111.6 per cent year-on-year to 21,303 units, accounting for a record 19.9 per cent share of the market, while plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sales grew even more, albeit from a lower base – they were up 202.3 per cent YoY to 9315 units.

Conventional hybrids still outsold PHEVs with 19,024 deliveries, but posted a more modest increase of 11.3 per cent. Add EVs, PHEVs and hybrids together, and they accounted for 46.4 per cent of all new-vehicle deliveries.

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The popularity of EVs pushed Tesla up to sixth place, tied with June 2023 for its highest placing ever in the top 10. Though it offers just two models in Australia, one of them – the Model Y mid-size electric SUV – was Australia's best-selling vehicle for the first month ever, and the only EV to ever become Australia's best-selling vehicle.

BYD was Australia's second-best selling brand for the second month in a row, up 154.6 per cent YoY thanks to both fresh new models and strong YoY increases for most of its carryover range.

“The evidence increasingly demonstrates that NVES is encouraging manufacturers to bring more low emissions vehicles to Australia, increasing both consumer choice and technology availability,” said FCAI chief executive Tony Weber in a press release.

“Regulatory stability and growth in public charging infrastructure is now critical to maintaining investment, consumer confidence and continued growth, particularly during a period of global economic uncertainty.”

Brands

Toyota still took the top spot as usual, but was down 30.7 per cent YoY despite May marking the first month it has had the full new-generation HiLux range available, including new electric and extra-cab variants. Overall, the HiLux was down 19.1 per cent YoY.

Indeed, almost its entire range posted double-digit YoY declines, apart from the bZ4X (203 units, up 181.9 per cent), Camry (1034 units, up 12.5 per cent), HiAce (1001, up 4.3 per cent), plus the more niche Tundra and Supra.

Toyota posted significant double-digit declines elsewhere, with the Prado tumbling by 63.9 per cent to 987 units due to supply issues and the Kluger plummeting by 70.7 per cent to 400 units. Even thrifty models like the Yaris and Yaris Cross were down significantly.

Where Toyota fell, BYD soared. Only its Dolphin hatch and Shark 6 ute slumped, while its Sealion 7 rose by 215.2 per cent YoY to 1538 units – a great showing, but not enough to topple the Tesla Model Y. Overall, BYD was up by 154.6 per cent YoY, with its Atto 1 comfortably becoming Australia's best-selling light car.

Ford remained on the podium with 7195 units, down 15.0 per cent. Larger vehicles like the F-150 and Transit posted increases.

Hyundai pushed past sister brand Kia again, with a 4.5 per cent increase to 7007 units. Its SUV range did much of the heavy lifting, with the Kona up 17.4 per cent and holding the title of Australia's best-selling small SUV despite cheaper Chinese competition; the Tucson up 27.5 per cent to become Australia's third-best-selling mid-size SUV; and the Palisade and Santa Fe also posting double-digit increases.

Kia sat in fifth with 6761 units, down 2.1 per cent despite the brand having rolled out the Tasman over the past 12 months. With just 436 units, the Tasman was Kia's ninth-best selling vehicle.

As mentioned, Tesla sat in sixth place, while erstwhile podium finisher Mazda was stuck in seventh with 5698 units, down 27.4 per cent YoY. All of its models posted double-digit declines apart from the CX-60 (506, up 32.5 per cent) and MX-5 (82, up 22.4 per cent).

The top 10 was rounded out by GWM, Chery and MG, all of which were up YoY.

Mitsubishi fell out of the top 10, sitting in 11th place, just ahead of Isuzu Ute. Finishing in 13th, Geely had its best month yet in Australia, as did Omoda Jaecoo which placed 14th and had Australia's second-best selling small SUV.

Models

The Tesla Model Y finished in first place overall, the first time it has managed this feat in Australia.

As usual, the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux finished on the podium, with the Toyota RAV4 just missing out on the bronze.

A new arrival in the top 10 was the Jaecoo J5, with Omoda Jaecoo's entry-level small SUV narrowly outselling its corporate rival, the Chery Tiggo 4.

Much like the Geely brand itself, the EX5 mid-size electric SUV narrowly missed out on a top 10 position.

Hyundai, BYD, Ford and Mitsubishi each had two vehicles in the top 20, while overall the top 20 consisted of seven models from Chinese brands, and eight Chinese-built vehicles overall.

Segments

• Micro cars: Kia Picanto (548), Fiat/Abarth 500 (14)
• Light cars: BYD Atto 1 (768), MG 3 (601), Suzuki Swift (248)
• Small cars under $45,000: Toyota Corolla (1069), Mazda 3 (659), Hyundai i30 (590)
• Small cars over $45,000: MG 4 (580), Volkswagen Golf (182), Audi A3 (162)
• Medium cars under $60,000: Toyota Camry (1034), Tesla Model 3 (828), BYD Seal (581)
• Medium cars over $60,000: BMW 3 Series (136), Mercedes-Benz C-Class (123), Mercedes-Benz CLA (101)
• Large cars under $70,000: Skoda Superb (7), Citroen C5 X (1)
• Large cars over $70,000: MG IM5 (63), Volvo ES90 (27), BMW 5 Series (19)
• Upper large cars: Porsche Panamera (7), Mercedes-Benz S-Class (3), BMW 7 Series (2), BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe (2)
• People movers under $70,000: Kia Carnival (857), Hyundai Staria (90), Ford Tourneo (16)
• People movers over $70,000: Volkswagen ID. Buzz (108), Volkswagen Multivan (36), Mercedes-Benz Vito Tourer (18)
• Sports cars under $90,000: Honda Prelude (142), Ford Mustang (127), Mazda MX-5 (82)
• Sports cars over $90,000: BMW 2 Series Coupe (94), Mercedes-Benz CLE (47), BMW 4 Series two-door range (45)
• Sports cars over $200,000: Porsche 911 (61), Ferrari two-door range (9), Mercedes-AMG GT (7)

• Light SUVs: Mazda CX-3 (782), Suzuki Jimny (656), Toyota Yaris Cross (635)
• Small SUVs under $45,000: Hyundai Kona (2291), Omoda Jaecoo J5 (2172), Chery Tiggo 4 (2123)
• Small SUVs over $45,000: Kia EV3 (531), BMW X1/iX1 (482), Mercedes-Benz GLA (311)
• Medium SUVs under $65,000: Tesla Model Y (5605), Toyota RAV4 (3865), Hyundai Tucson (2287)
• Medium SUVs over $65,000: Zeekr 7X (966), BMW X3/iX3 (526), Mazda CX-60 (506)
• Large SUVs under $80,000: Ford Everest (1876), Isuzu MU-X (1062), Toyota Prado (987)
• Large SUVs over $80,000: BMW X5 (429), Land Rover Defender (390), Lexus RX (183)
• Upper large SUVs under $120,000: Toyota LandCruiser (1262), Nissan Patrol (428), Denza B8 (296)
• Upper large SUVs over $120,000: BMW X7 (162), Lexus GX (67), Lexus LX (64)

• Small vans: Volkswagen Caddy (101), Peugeot Partner (19), Renault Kangoo (18)
• Medium vans: Toyota HiAce (1001), Ford Transit Custom (284), Hyundai Staria Load (248)
• 4x2 utes: Isuzu D-Max (580), Ford Ranger (423), Toyota HiLux (320)
• 4x4 utes: Ford Ranger (4051), Toyota HiLux (3685), Isuzu D-Max (1336)
• Large pickups: Ford F-150 (203), Ram 1500 (177), Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (170)

Sales by category

Includes Tesla and Polestar sales.

Top segments by market share

Includes Tesla and Polestar sales.

Sales by region

Excludes Tesla and Polestar sales.

Sales by buyer type

Excludes Tesla, Polestar and heavy commercial sales.

Sales by fuel or propulsion type

Excludes heavy commercial sales.

Sales by country of origin

Includes Tesla and Polestar sales.

MORE: VFACTS January 2026: Australia’s new-vehicle market up… justMORE: VFACTS February 2026: Sales of EVs, Chinese cars up in slow Australian new-car marketMORE: VFACTS March 2026: Market down but EV sales jump, Kia and BYD enter top threeMORE: VFACTS April 2026: Rising EV, PHEV demand boosts new-vehicle market, BYD takes second spot

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler Rewind Limited Edition will be capped at just 50 units for Australia, celebrating the American off-road specialist's heritage that "channels the vibrant spirit of the 1980s and 1990s".

Shown here in distinctive Reign purple, the Wrangler Rewind applies retro exterior graphics, gold-accented wheels, bespoke Nappa leather seats with eight-bit arcade-inspired embossing and heating, and other retro-inspired appointments.

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2026 Jeep Wrangler Rewind highlights:

• Complimentary premium paint
• Body-coloured 3-piece hard top
• Body-coloured fender flares
• '80s inspired multi-colour decals
• 17-inch Gold-accented wheels
• Bronze 'Jeep' and 'Trail Rated' badging
• Rewind soft spare tyre cover
• Nappa leather seats incl. 8-bit Arcade graphics
• Heated front seats
• 8-way power front seats incl. 4-way lumbar
• Iced Blue and Plum accent stitching
• 8-bit Arcade shifter medallion
• 8-bit Arcade swing gate plaque

Features carried over from the core range include a 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an eight-speaker sound system, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, as well as front and rear parking sensors.

Available colours for the retro edition include Reign purple, White, Black, or Granite Crystal grey.

The Rewind Limited Edition package is exclusively offered on the Wrangler 4-Door in Australia (née Wrangler Unlimited), with power coming from the same 200kW/400Nm turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine fitted to the wider Wrangler range in Australia.

Drive is sent to the Selec-Trac active on-demand 4x4 system via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Jeep Wrangler Rewind was actually first revealed as a one-off concept vehicle for the 2025 Easter Jeep Safari. According to the American off-roader specialist, the "overwhelming excitement it generated ultimately convinced the Jeep brand to move it into production".

In Australia, it slots in under the more hardcore Rubicon variants. Jeep Australia hasn't offered a Wrangler under the Rubicons since July 2025, when it axed the Sport S and Overland.

The Jeep Wrangler Rewind is available to pre-order now in limited numbers.

Pricing

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MORE: Explore the Jeep Wrangler showroom

It beat out the Hyundai i30 Sedan and Mazda 3 to the award.

Last year, the Hyundai i30 Sedan claimed the gong and the Kia K4 was a runner-up.

But since the inaugural CarExpert Choice Awards, Kia has updated the K4 with a new, more efficient and more pleasant base powertrain. It has also gained a practical and distinctive hatchback body style.

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All that’s missing, at least for now, is a hybrid powertrain to match the Hyundai.

Kia’s small hatch and sedan features a stylish and well-appointed interior, and thoroughly modern technology.

From the entry-level S variant through to the top-spec GT-Line flagship with its punchy turbocharged engine, the K4 is enjoyable to drive and has a comfortable ride.

Whether you’re looking at an entry-level small car or something fully loaded, the Kia K4 should be at the top of your shortlist.

2026 CarExpert Choice: Best Affordable Small Car

• Winner – Kia K4
• Finalist – Hyundai i30 Sedan
• Finalist – Mazda 3

To see all the CarExpert Choice winners, click here.

MORE: Explore the Kia K4 showroom

At an event during Australian Made Week last month, the Prime Minister suggested advances in technology accompanying the global rise of electric vehicles (EVs) could provide an opportunity for Australia to reboot its automotive manufacturing industry.

Speaking at an official media event in Melbourne, BYD vice president Liu Xueliang was asked whether the Chinese brand had spoken with the Australian government about such a move.

“Not in the plan yet … maybe our priority will be sales volume, and fulfilling customer needs first, but – BYD is very open, so anything is possible,” Mr Liu said.

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BYD is uniquely placed for this conversation, given its high level of vertical integration – an approach pioneered by Ford in the early 1900s whereby a manufacturer owns as much of the supply chain as possible to control costs.

The Chinese company was founded in 1995 as a battery manufacturer before moving into vehicle production in 2003.

Mr Liu was speaking at Port Melbourne, where the Zhengzhou – one of eight vessels operated by BYD – had begun unloading 4309 vehicles shipped from Shanghai.

“You’ve seen the [BYD] energy storage system, but in the future, not just passenger vehicles – we’re bringing more commercial vehicles,” Mr Liu said.

“Because I see it is a really hard time for a lot of commercial vehicle owners because the diesel price has skyrocketed.”

BYD, which surged to second place in Australia in April behind only Toyota, has a large manufacturing footprint beyond its significant Chinese operations, with plans for multiple production facilities in Europe.

It already operates facilities in Thailand, Brazil and Uzbekistan and, while Chinese brands are not yet permitted to sell passenger vehicles in the United States, BYD also has a battery plant in California.

The key difference between those markets and Australia is the lack of trade barriers – namely tariffs – between China and Australia.

Tariffs were used to support Australia's vehicle manufacturing industry until they were wound back during the 2010s and replaced by free trade agreements (FTAs).

Australia and China have had an FTA in place since 2015, following announcements that Australian vehicle manufacturing plants would close, with Ford ending local production in 2016 before Holden and Toyota followed in 2017.

As a result, Chinese vehicles attract no tariffs or import duties, as is also the case for vehicles imported from Japan and Thailand, among other nations with which Australia has FTAs.

The prospect of Australian vehicle manufacturing was also raised by BYD rival Chery at the 2026 Beijing motor show in May.

Speaking to local media, including CarExpert, Chery International president Zhang Guibing said: “Australia has too many car manufacturers, because based on the market size, I think they should have one factory or some different factories. But I think, today ... most of the factories, later they are dismembered.”

“[From] Time to time, our chairman has also asked me to lead the thinking if it is possible we can make the factory return back again or something.”

MORE: Explore the BYD showroom

It beat out the Tesla Model Y, last year's winner, and the Skoda Elroq for the title.

After a bit of a slow start for the Zeekr brand, it's kicked into overdrive with the arrival of the 7X which has stormed up the sales charts. And with good reason, too – this is a thoroughly good mid-size electric SUV.

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Its interior is spacious and comfortable, with high-quality materials, plenty of tech, and clever storage solutions.

You don't even need to step up to the flagship Performance variant with its air suspension and 3.8-second claimed 0-100km/h time to get a 7X that's both comfortable and rewarding to drive.

All 7Xs can be charged at up to 22kW on AC power, and offer maximum DC fast-charge rates north of 400kW. Infrastructure permitting, that means less time spent at a charger than with many of the 7X's rivals.

Range figures are thoroughly competitive too, with between 480km and 615km available on the WLTP cycle depending on the variant.

The 7X is great as an EV and great as a family car, and despite Zeekr's premium positioning it has a base price lower than some of its key rivals.

Rival brands will need to sit up and take notice of this compelling new entry into the mid-size electric SUV segment.

2026 CarExpert Choice Best EV – Mid-Size SUV

• Winner – Zeekr 7X
• Finalist – Skoda Elroq
• Finalist – Tesla Model Y

To see all the CarExpert Choice winners, click here.

MORE: Explore the Zeekr 7X showroom

Based on the Cobra GT roadster launched back in 2023, the two cars share about 75 per cent of their components.

The coupe's styling is inspired by the 1960s A98 race car with its Kammback tail. Under the retro exterior is an extruded aluminium spaceframe and carbon-fibre body panels that help keep the weight down to 1600kg, which is around 100kg more than the roadster.

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Despite having a design drawn from a race car, the Cobra GT coupe is being pitched as a grand tourer with a "compliant yet responsive" ride and handling setup.

Under the bonnet is a Ford 5.0-litre V8 in either naturally aspirated or supercharged forms. Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual or 10-speed auto.

The 336kW/555Nm naturally aspirated V8 has a top speed of 275km/h, while the 537kW/820Nm supercharged V8 maxes out at 320km/h. It also has a claimed 0-60mph (0-97km/h) time of under 3.5 seconds, which is a bit slower than the supercharged roadster's 0-100km/h time of 3.4 seconds.

The coupe measures just 4225mm long, 1980mm wide, has a 2570mm wheelbase, and is said to have a 50:50 front-to-rear weight balance. It rides on 21-inch alloy wheels with 275/35 Michelin Pilot Sport S tyres up front, and 325/30 rubber at the rear.

AC claims the leather-clad cabin will comfortably house people over six-feet (1.83m) tall. It has a row of analog dials in the middle of the dash, but ahead of the driver is a circular digital instrument display, while a touchscreen infotainment system is mounted where the centre console meets the dash.

Pricing for the naturally aspirated coupe starts at £234,300 (A$439,000) before taxes in the UK, while the supercharged variant kicks off at £256,300 pre-tax (A$480,500).

It's been slow going for the small British car company, which launched the new Cobra GT roadster in 2023, and began shipping the car to customers in mid-2025. Deliveries of the coupe are expected to commence in 2028 after the first batch of roadsters are completed.

At present the company only has capacity to build around 100 cars a year, but it is hoping to grow this to just under 1000 per annum. With the coupe, AC is hoping to attract more buyers from the Middle East and Asia.

“Xpeng ANZ is building for the long term in Australia. The commitments we made on 1 April are being met, and the infrastructure established in our first two months reflects that commitment,” said a company spokesperson.

“Dealers are now open across five states, parts are moving, customers have a direct channel to the business, and the foundation of Xpeng ANZ is built and operational.”

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Xpeng says it has opened dealers across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia – the locator tool on its website is still being updated – with state offices opened in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney to serve as dealer support hubs.

The company has opened a parts warehouse in Melbourne in partnership with FedEx, with next-day parts delivery for Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne and two-day delivery for Brisbane (plus next-day delivery for urgent orders).

It has also opened a dedicated customer care channel, and a review process for customers with outstanding promotion-related matters – likely referring to cashback offers made by TrueEV, which some customers have reported they still haven’t received.

There’s a new Australian Xpeng website that now lists the upgraded G6, though there's no pricing or specifications yet, and other upcoming models no longer appear.

TrueEV's site, in contrast, features the outgoing G6, with pages for the larger G9 SUV and X9 people mover it confirmed last December for a 2026 launch.

Xpeng ANZ confirmed in May it has more new models on the horizon.

“We’re currently working through the local product roadmap now that Xpeng ANZ is operating directly in Australia,” said a company spokesperson in a statement.

“At this stage, the next product updates we expect to share are around the New G6 and X9, with more detail on local specifications and pricing to be provided in Q2.”

That confirms Xpeng ANZ will announce pricing and specifications for the upgraded mid-size electric SUV and new people mover before the end of this month.

The spokesperson confirmed there was interest from Xpeng ANZ in other models – including the G9L and P7 electric sedan – but said “we don’t have confirmed Australian availability, specifications, or timing to share at this point”.

“As you’d expect, any future model introductions need to be assessed against local market requirements, business priorities and customer demand,” they added.

Xpeng ANZ announced in April it was not only establishing its own factory-backed distribution operation, separate from its existing arrangement with local distributor TrueEV, but that it had also appointed a new local senior executive team.

The company remains mired in a court battle with TrueEV, with a trial date set for October.

The Chinese automaker has argued its sales and service network would “function much better” if it handled its own distribution, and TrueEV has in turn alleged “unconscionable conduct” by Xpeng which reportedly gave notice to terminate its exclusive distribution agreement on January 1, 2026.

TrueEV CEO Jason Clarke published a letter in May apologising for the lack of communication since news of the distributor's court battle with Xpeng became public more than two months ago.

He assured customers that warranties will continue to be supported and that cashback offers are being processed as it works through current backlogs.

“We are doing everything we can to maintain continuity... TrueEV remains fully committed to supporting our customers, partners, and the Xpeng brand in Australia," he said in the letter.

It’s unclear how this will all shake out, and whether the Xpeng brand could end up being handled by both factory-operated and third-party distributors in Australia, like Suzuki.

Currently, TrueEV distributes just one Xpeng model: the mid-size G6 electric SUV, a rival for top sellers like the Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7 and Zeekr 7X.

MORE: Explore the Xpeng showroom

Some cars cater for family life better than others, and EVs are no different.

When looking for a family car, we want all the same things from an EV as any other car: enough room in the back for bulky child seats, a spacious boot that fits the pram while they’re young and sports gear as they grow up, and for those with smaller kids, having enough legroom for front occupants when rear-facing child seats and infant capsules are installed.

EVs have other benefits beyond lower running costs and the quiet, smooth driving experience.

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Families with infants can relax! EVs have the added benefit that you can drive round the block as many times as you need to get your baby to sleep, or sit while your baby sleeps with the air-con running without burning through fuel or contributing to local air and noise pollution.

EVs are also great for school-run parents who get there 30 minutes early in the hope of a place at the front of the car conga line at pick-up and drop-off time, or the closest parking spot to the school gate. You can listen to your music, check your emails and keep the air-con running without all the downsides of idling a petrol or diesel engine.

That’s why I’ve put together this list of the best electric vehicles for families, having driven hundreds of cars with my family onboard over the last 10 years.

Small EVs

Hyundai Inster

The four-seat Hyundai Inster is a surprisingly spacious tiny SUV for families who only need two rear seats. Child seats fit comfortably and legroom is excellent for tall front passengers, with room for a 186cm driver in front of rear-facing child seats.

Individually sliding rear seats provide both flexible legroom and boot space distribution when needed, and kick plates on the back of both front seats protect upholstery from flailing feet.

A double pram fits nicely in the boot and the removable boot floor adds roughly 10cm of extra boot depth if you need it.

Sounds of Nature white noise and Quiet Mode for rear speakers make the cabin the perfect environment for dozing infants.

A battery range of 293-360km is the shortest in this list but enough for a few days between charging, and you’re not likely to take a car this small on family road trips.

The Inster also has a household power outlet in the front footwell, so you can plug in your laptop if, like me, you sit working when you get stuck in the car while the little one is having their day nap.

Jaecoo J5

For families who need to fit three child seats in the back of their small electric SUV, the five-seat Jaecoo J5 is a great-looking small SUV.

It has room for a 180cm driver in front of a rear-facing child seat, or a 186cm driver with a forward-facing child seat behind them.

Those with two infants can fit a double pram in the boot, with extra boot depth available underneath.

A battery range of 400km is good for family life and occasional road trips.

GAC Aion UT

The GAC Aion UT blends an affordable minimalist and modern electric hatch with good space and practicality for families.

Three child seats fit across in the back and there’s good legroom in front of rear-facing child seats. Like the Jaecoo, a 180cm driver can fit in front of them, or a 186cm driver in front of forward-facing child seats.

The spacious boot has 10cm of extra depth available if you drop the floor.

A 430km range is ample for school runs, commutes and occasional longer journeys.

Kia EV3

The Kia EV3 can fit three forward-facing child seats or a combination of rear- and forward-facing child seats across the back row.

A slide-out table up front and household power socket in the rear footwell make the Kia EV3 a mobile office for working parents.

Depending on the variant, a range of 436-604km means the EV3 can be a flexible electric family car for parents not keen on going up a size.

Mid-size EVs

BYD Sealion 7

It’s easy to see why the BYD Sealion 7 is a popular electric SUV for families. It is spacious and modern with a big boot that fits 13 shopping bags or easily accommodates a twin pram.

The roomy cabin fits three child seats across the rear seat, with enormous legroom for a 186cm driver in front of rear-facing child seats, or even taller folk with forward-facing child seats in the back.

A range of 450-480km is ample for family life and longer trips between charging.

Leapmotor C10

The Leapmotor C10 is another modern and spacious mid-size electric SUV for families to consider.

Its seats are very comfortable and upholstered with an “OEKO-TEX” silicone which has been tested for harmful substances as well as being really soft, squishy and easily cleaned.

Its slightly smaller boot holds 10 shopping bags, which is still enough for a full family shop or a twin pram for those with multiple infants.

Three child seats fit across in the back with room for a 186cm driver in front of rear-facing child seats, or even taller drivers with forward-facing child seats installed.

A range of 420-485km is ample for the weekly school runs and occasional road trips.

GAC Aion V

The Aion V excels in cabin space, fitting three child seats across in the back and a 186cm-plus driver in front of rear-facing child seats, or a 190cm driver with forward-facing child seats behind.

Like the Leapmotor, it can fit 10 shopping bags in its boot, the depth of which means there is plenty of room for sports equipment or a twin pram to fit nicely.

Its clean and minimalist interior with a tray table in the back creates an activity zone for children during longer journeys.

A range of 570km makes the Aion V the most road-trip-ready mid-size electric SUV in this list.

Hyundai Ioniq 5

Packed full of features families will love, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a favourite all-rounder for those with the budget.

Bigger than it looks, the Ioniq 5 has the most boot space of this bunch, swallowing 15 shopping bags which is enough for the weekly family shop. The kids’ scooters or a twin pram fits in the boot with room to spare too.

Three child seats fit comfortably across the second row, with room for a 186cm driver in front of rear-facing child seats, or a taller driver with forward-facing child seats.

Built-in window blinds in the back shade your baby from the sun and Sounds of Nature white noise and Quiet Mode for the rear speakers make the cabin a calm environment for infants.

A range of 448-570km as well as super-fast charging capability make the comfy Ioniq 5 a realistic option for family life and holidays.

Seven-seat EVs

Volkswagen ID. Buzz

A super-cool and fun seven-seat bus for the school run, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz is available in short-wheelbase (five-seat) and long-wheelbase seven-seat guises (the sporty GTX flagship is a seven-seater only).

Sliding rear doors give great access and mean you can park in tight spaces without the fear of kids damaging other cars when opening their doors.

The centre console can be removed so passengers can walk through the whole cabin, and rear tray tables give little ones activity or snack stations.

Seven-seat models have three seats in the second row, all with top-tether child seat anchors and ISOFIX points for the outer seats. In the third row are two seats, both with top-tether and ISOFIX anchors.

Five child seats fit comfortably in the back of long-wheelbase versions and there’s heaps of legroom in all three rows, so a 186cm-plus driver can sit in front of a rear-facing child seat, with a forward-facing child seat in the third row too.

Passengers can easily access the third-row seats, even with three child seats installed in the second row.

Boot space is excellent, fitting a tandem pram on the shelf, with two baskets of shopping underneath.

The ID. Buzz’s 422km range is less than most models in this list. But Volkswagen says it can charge from 10-80 per cent in 26 minutes at a DC fast-charger, which I’ve found works for my family’s road-trip stops, and its Kombi-like design is a real conversation starter at charging stations.

Kia EV9

The Kia EV9 is a great electric car for large families. You can fit five child seats in the back and access the third-row seats with three child seats across the second row.

Legroom is good throughout the EV9. Even with forward-facing child seats in the third row and rear-facing child seats in the second row, you can fit a 180cm driver up front.

Four variants and battery sizes are available, along with a driving range of 443km-512km.

Boot space is generous, with room for nine shopping bags or a tandem pram, even when using all seven seats.

USB-C ports, air vents and great storage in all three rows of seats help to make family driving easier, and there are built-in window blinds for the second row.

The top-spec version’s digital side mirrors took me a bit of getting used to, but the rear-view mirror and parking cameras help with visibility when parking such a big SUV.

Volvo EX90

The Volvo EX90 has an in-built booster seat in the second-row central seat, and a booster seat accessory with side support is also available. This makes family life a whole lot simpler once your child reaches booster seat age and size.

Five child seats can be fitted in the back of the EX90, with good legroom throughout. With a forward-facing child seat in the third row and a rear-facing seat in the second row, a 180cm driver can sit up front.

However, access to the third row requires two or fewer child seats to be installed in the second row.

The EX90’s 570km of range is ample for our daily school runs and commutes, and Volvo says the large SUV can add 170km of range in 10 minutes at a DC fast-charger, making it one of the more practical seven-seat EVs for family road trips.

Boot space is excellent, with room for a twin pram when using all seven seats, and there is hidden under-floor storage too.

Hyundai Ioniq 9

The seven-seat Hyundai Ioniq 9 is a stylish family EV with a battery range of 600km, which is way more than my kids can last between toilet stops, let alone charging station visits.

You can fit five child seats in the back of the Ioniq 9 but, like the Volvo, only four child seats if you need daily access to the third row.

Rear window blinds, cupholders in the doors that kids can reach easily, Sounds of Nature white noise and Quiet Mode for the rear speakers are all great features for families.

For families with young siblings, a twin pram fits in the boot when using all seven seats, although the boot feels shallower than those in the other large SUVs in this list.

Toyota has treated its already-hot GR Corolla to a raft of modifications and upgrades, most notably removing its rear seats to create a two-seater cabin, while also retuning its drivetrain, suspension, and steering.

It also receives a new aero body kit, similar to the one recently made available for the three-door GR Yaris, with this particular Corolla "designed and engineered with direct input from the brand's involvement in motorsport", according to Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations John Pappas.

“Under the direction of our chairman Akio Toyoda – who races under the pseudonym Morizo - the GR brand was designed to create high-performance sports cars using the knowledge and experience we gain from motorsport and this new GRMN Corolla was honed on one of the world’s most demanding race circuits, the Nürburgring,” he said.

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“This is truly our GR philosophy in action, and has produced an astonishing high-performance driver’s car that is as at home on the racetrack as it is on the road."

The GRMN Corolla's 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine produces 221kW of power and 408Nm of torque (up from 400Nm), while its all-wheel drive system has been 'optimised'.

Its unique front and rear monotube shock absorbers have been retuned to better handle racetrack conditions, and its electric power steering has been recalibrated for improved high-load cornering feedback.

Helping keep the car planted are new Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 performance tyres that are 10mm wider than before, while the new aero package includes a five-step-adjustable rear roof spoiler, a front side spoiler, and vents on the bonnet and fenders.

Inside, the two-seat GRMN has been fitted with very aggressive motorsport-style bucket seats, positioned lower to better accommodate a driver wearing a race helmet. There's also a unique instrument panel, an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, and Morizo's signature embroidered on the dashboard.

Toyota says that all these changes have resulted in a 40kg kerb weight reduction compared to the regular manual GR Corolla, which means the GRMN weighs in at 1450kg. It appears the GRMN Corolla will only be available with a six-speed manual transmission, while the regular GR Corolla can be had with an eight-speed automatic.

Additionally, the hatch will be available in two unique colours. One is matte black, pictured throughout this article, and the other is a new khaki finish – the latter is unique to the Australian and North American markets.

The GRMN Corolla largely echoes the unique fittings found on the GR Corolla Morizo Edition, introduced in 2023. Notably, that model was also a two-seater, with just 25 examples imported by Toyota Australia.

According to Toyota, Morizo's directive is that any GRMN-badged car should be able to "run the Nürburgring properly", with this hotted-up Corolla extensively tuned on the famous German racetrack. In fact, GRMN stands for 'Gazoo Racing tuned by the Meister of Nürburgring'.

In addition to testing on the 'Ring, the GRMN Corolla's aero and suspension components were developed through Toyota's involvement in the Japanese Super Taikyu endurance racing series.

In this, the brand fields a hydrogen-powered GR Corolla in the ST-Q class – designated as a test bed for future technologies, primarily alternative fuels.

As a mainly production-car-based race series, Toyota also competes against the likes of Honda and its low-carbon-fuel Civic Type R, Subaru's Impreza-based, WRX-powered hatch aimed at achieving greater power and efficiency, and Mazda's low-carbon, lightweight MX-5.

The GRMN Corolla's unveiling follows the reveal of the hardcore GR Yaris Morizo RR and a small, motorsport-inspired update to the regular GR Yaris, applied in May 2026.

The latter brought a smaller-diameter steering wheel with motorsport-style buttons, retuned power steering, and Bridgestone Potenza race tyres for the top-spec GTS.

Pricing has yet to be confirmed for the GRMN Corolla. Given the manual GR Corolla GTS is priced at $67,990 before on-road costs, it seems likely that this hotter version will be priced at closer to $80,000.

MORE: 2026 Toyota GR Yaris Morizo RR revealed as even more hardcore hot hatchMORE: 2026 Toyota GR Yaris – Rally-bred hot hatch gets more performance partsMORE: Explore the Toyota GR Corolla showroom

Speaking in a roundtable interview with media including industry journal Automotive News Europe, the COO of Stellantis’ Enlarged Europe region, Emanuele Cappellano, officially confirmed that Alfa Romeo will launch a new compact hatchback based on the new STLA One 'multi-energy' modular platform – indicating hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric powertrain options.

Mr Cappellano stopped short of confirming a name or firm launch date for the Italian marque's new rival for the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series, but said that models based on STLA One will be 20 per cent more affordable to develop than Stellantis' current models of the same size.

Stellantis hopes the new compact model will help Alfa Romeo's fortunes in its home region. Its sales in Europe are down 20 per cent to the end of April this year, according to Dataforce figures quoted by the ANE.

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It will be the first time Alfa Romeo has competed in the compact hatchback segment since 2020, when production of the Giulietta ended. A press release issued by the brand following the Stellantis Investor Day last month indicated the new small car would be launched some time after 2027.

The modern Alfa Romeo Giulietta (Tipo 940) was produced between 2010 and 2020. It replaced the 147, which was produced over the previous decade.

Mr Cappellano also told Italian media that Alfa Romeo's Tonale compact SUV will be replaced by a new model based on the STLA Medium platform. It will be built in Melfi, Italy, alongside the DS No.7 and No.8, as well as the new Lancia Gamma and Jeep Compass – all of which are based on the same platform.

It's still unclear whether the confirmed Tonale successor is separate to the "new C-segment SUV" confirmed in the FaSTLAne 2030 plan presented by Stellantis on May 21, or if the latter will be positioned above the new Tonale.

The new architecture will also allow Alfa Romeo to offer an all-electric variant of the Tonale replacement. The existing Tonale currently offers 48-volt 'Hybrid' and Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) powertrains, but not a full EV drivetrain.

In a surprise revelation, Mr Cappellano also indicated the Italian brand is on the hunt for partners to help develop electrified successors for the current Giulia sedan and Stelvio SUV.

“We are currently evaluating two to three solutions to launch new D-segment models, some coming from our engineering department and some from external partners,” Stellantis' European boss said.

“Partnerships permit us to accelerate the launch of new models and also to increase the scale of their core components. This is what we are currently evaluating for Alfa Romeo and Maserati."

While the new STLA One platform supports vehicle sizes up to the D segment (mid-size models such as the Stelvio, Giulia and BMW 3 Series), Mr Cappellano told Automotive News Europe that the new architecture "stretches only to entry mid-size models".

His comments indicate that STLA One is a front-wheel drive platform with the option of all-wheel drive, much like the Volkswagen Group's ubiquitous MQB architecture. Therefore, the Italian brand will rely on partnerships for its Giulia and Stelvio replacements, in order to retain their more desirable rear/all-wheel drive layout with electrified powertrains.

Based on the Giorgio platform, the current mid-size sedan and SUV had been due to be replaced by electric-only successors based on the STLA Large platform in 2025 (Stelvio) and 2026 (Giulia).

Patent images of the next-generation Stelvio surfaced in April 2025, before Alfa Romeo confirmed in October 2025 the current models would continue to be produced until 2027.

Alfa Romeo had confirmed it was looking to engineer available combustion powertrains following a move away from its previously stated goal of an EV-only lineup by 2027. A recent Autocar report suggested the new models will now arrive in 2028, offering electric, mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

The current cars will continue to be produced until next year, including their hot twin-turbocharged petrol V6 Quadrifoglio variants. However, Stellantis has provided no indication of launch timing for the new models.

Nor was any mention made of a flagship ‘E-SUV’ which Alfa Romeo had previously spoken of. It appears to be the latest large Alfa Romeo model to be cancelled before seeing the light of day, with BMW 5 Series and X5 rivals being scrapped from the brand’s pipeline in 2018 when it was part of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

As part of Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa's FaSTLAne plan, Alfa Romeo will update its electrified Junior light SUV by 2030, as well as introduce the aforementioned new C-segment SUV as well as an exclusive 'New Bottega Fuoriserie Project'.

Bottega Fuoriserie is the Alfa Romeo-Maserati joint 'creative hub' that covers everything from classic vehicle restoration to the development of performance technologies and new ‘few-off’ vehicles – indicating this new model could be an exclusive coach-built special.

Alfa Romeo will continue to be positioned below Maserati, which will produce two new E-segment (large) models: a passenger car and an SUV.

MORE: Alfa Romeo getting more fresh models, but timing still unconfirmedMORE: Explore the Alfa Romeo showroom

The Japanese giant and local auto market leader for the past 29 years yesterday confirmed the first PHEV version of Australia’s favourite SUV would arrive in dealerships late this month, earlier than it previously indicated.

Toyota announced pricing for its three-variant RAV4 PHEV lineup last November, when it opened the order books ahead of first deliveries, which at the time were said to take place in the third quarter of this year (July to September).

There is no change to the $58,840 starting price of the RAV4 PHEV lineup, which is expected to eventually account for up to one in three sales of the sixth-generation mid-size SUV that arrived here in late 2025.

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However, in a press release issued this morning – as BYD stages a media event to mark the arrival of almost 5000 new BYD and Denza vehicles in Australia – Toyota announced an additional 10,000 cars have been secured for Australia in 2026, when the market leader says it now expects to sell 220,000 vehicles.

Toyota says its additional allocation and higher full-year sales forecast “represents an important prioritisation of Australian customers” and “continued customer confidence in the brand and its broad portfolio”, and the Japanese giant underlined the fact it remains the only brand to sell in excess of 200,000 vehicles in Australia in a single year.

“Toyota has been part of Australian communities for almost seventy years, and we continue to see strong demand from customers who rely on us for their mobility needs,” said Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing and franchise operations John Pappas.

“This increase in supply is great news for our customers and dealers. It reflects the strong partnership we have with Toyota globally to prioritise the Australian market.

“Vehicles like HiLux remain essential for many Australians, while RAV4 continues to lead the SUV segment thanks to its versatility, drivability and efficiency.

“We will continue working closely with our global production teams to secure additional supply where possible and ensure we are meeting the needs of Australian customers today and into the future.”

BYD was Australia’s second-best-selling auto brand in April, when it sold an all-time high number of 7702 vehicles, beating its previous record set just a month earlier of 7217 vehicles and finishing behind only Toyota (15,185 deliveries).

To April this year, it’s sitting in fifth place with 25,243 sales, just a few hundred units shy of fourth-placed Ford (25,920), but BYD is planning to be a top-three player overall in 2026, and its previous independent distributor boldly stated the Chinese brand would topple Toyota to become Australian market leader by 2030.

BYD Australia says its “first special shipment” of 4810 new vehicles from Shanghai, which arrives in Melbourne today aboard one of the automaker’s eight purpose-built, roll-on roll-off (RORO) car-carrying vessels, called the BYD Zhengzhou, is intended to meet strong local demand for PHEVs and EVs.

BYD says the ship’s cargo will be evenly dispersed across Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, with “essential workers” among the first to take delivery of vehicles on board.

Over 2000 of the 4810 vehicles on the ship are BYD Atto 2 and Sealion 7 electric SUVs, but BYD also notes examples of the Denza B5 off-road SUV and D9 people mover are also on the manifest, while a video of the ship being loaded also shows BYD Atto 1, Sealion 6, Sealion 8, Seal 6 and Shark 6 vehicles.

Toyota, meanwhile, is about to release a quartet of new electrified models as part of its “multi-pathway” product strategy for reducing CO2 emissions, including the RAV4 PHEV, HiLux BEV, bZ4X Touring, and LandCruiser 300 Series Performance Hybrid, all of which will be launched late this month.

“The arrival of our first plug-in hybrid model further expands our multi-pathway strategy that aims to provide the right powertrain for the right vehicle and its intended use,” said Mr Pappas.

“While we are continuing to expand our battery-electric range with the arrival of the bZ4X Touring model, we have always said that BEVs are only one part of a broader mix of solutions to reducing emissions, as our vehicles have to be fit for purpose.

“That means continuing to offer customers a mix of hybrid, BEV, PHEV, diesel, petrol and FCEV (fuel-cell electric vehicles) powertrains while always looking to ways to improve efficiency, performance and reduce CO2 tailpipe emissions.”

Globally, Toyota has reduced its production targets due to conflict in the Middle East, which has resulted in higher fuel prices and weaker demand for its vehicles.

Business news outlet Nikkei Asia reports Toyota has told suppliers it will be cutting production output by approximately 83,000 vehicles over the next six months, predominantly affecting Middle Eastern markets.

MORE: Explore the Toyota showroom

The Volkswagen Tayron (nee Tiguan Allspace) is adding plug-in hybrid (PHEV) power – meet the 2026 Volkswagen Tayron eHybrid, available in two flavours.

Like the smaller Tiguan mid-size SUV, which also adds two PHEV variants this year, the Tayron eHybrid boasts over 100km of EV driving range while offering even more rear-seat space and luggage capacity than its smaller stablemate.

Sadly, there's no third row of seats available in either plug-in Tayron, due to the placement of the battery pack under the boot floor. The Tayron PHEV does, however, significantly undercut the related Skoda Kodiaq PHEV at base level, by some $7000.

Not only is it cheaper than the similarly sized Kodiaq, it's also cheaper at base level than the smaller Tiguan eHybrid in Australia – though the technicality is that the Tiguan has the contents of the Tayron's optional Sound & Vision Package as standard in base specification.

Still, if outright space and metal-for-your-money is your priority, the Tayron could be your pick of VW's new plug-in SUVs, especially since larger PHEV SUVs aren't all that common, particularly at the base grade's launch offer price point.

Should you get it on with the plug-in Tayron? We joined the Australian media drive in Byron Bay to find out.

Note: This review will focus on the 150TSI eHybrid Elegance, but the 200TSI eHybrid R-Line is pictured throughout

How much does the Volkswagen Tayron cost?

The Tayron eHybrid range starts at $62,390 plus on-road costs for the 150TSI Elegance specification, but until June 30 you can actually own it for $61,990 drive-away.

As noted earlier, that's less than the smaller Tiguan 150TSI eHybrid Elegance, though if you add the Tayron's optional Sound & Vision Package ($4200), that $2000 advantage quickly becomes a $2200 deficit based on the drive-away pricing offer at launch.

Perhaps the most prominent rival in the market currently is the BYD Sealion 8, which starts at $56,990 plus ORCs and trumps the Tayron eHybrid by offering a PHEV drivetrain with three rows of seating.

To see how the Volkswagen Tayron lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What is the Volkswagen Tayron like on the inside?

It's basically a Tiguan, just longer.

No fiddly touch-capacitive buttons on the steering wheel is a highlight, as is the smart dial on the centre tunnel that can be configured to toggle different functions. It can also light up in different colours based on the selected ambient lighting.

The massive (optional) 15-inch touchscreen infotainment system looks a little tacked on and won’t suit all tastes, but it’s running the latest version of Volkswagen’s software interface, meaning a dedicated (virtual) toolbar for climate controls, snappier load times than the infotainment system that debuted in the pre-update Mk8 Golf hatchback, and a simplified menu structure.

Sadly, VW Australia still doesn’t offer proprietary connected services ex-factory, but does have a third-party solution via the GoConnect smartphone app, which offers decent baseline functionality like vehicle status and being able to schedule services with your local dealer.

One thing to note as a difference between the Tayron and Tiguan up front, other than the name of each model being stamped across the dashboard, is that the Elegance-spec Tayron gets a wood-effect trim insert that stretches the width of the dash – make of that what you will.

Also unlike the smaller Tiguan in Elegance trim, the Tayron eHybrid requires ticking an option box ($4200) to add items like Harman Kardon premium audio, a head-up display, 'IQ.Light' HD Matrix LED headlights, as well as upping screen size from 12.9 inches to 15.

Given the additions I think it's a worthy box to tick, and it brings the price to just over $65,000 drive-away when you account for the launch drive-away offer which ends on June 30.

Material quality is pretty good too, with more soft-touch surfaces and stitched leather-look detailing than in the old Tiguan Allspace. As many premium brands continue to lower their standard of fit and finish, as well as some of the Tayron's mainstream-branded rivals, VW is heading in the right direction here.

Still, I’m not sure about how I feel about the bold gloss-black dash insert that sits behind the touchscreen and incorporates the driver's display. Combined with the etched ambient lighting cutouts, it’s a little naff and looks too much like VW is trying to ape the Chinese brands – just my opinion.

Little differentiates the Tayron eHybrid from petrol-powered versions, though the 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrument cluster has a power meter that combines with the digital tachometer, as well as additional symbols and widgets that go with the electrified underpinnings.

You can also toggle a charge status meter in the infotainment system, as well as an animated energy flow graphic if that's your thing.

Also worth noting are the excellent front seats, which wear 'ergoActive' branding in Elegance spec, and feature 12-way power adjustment, three-position memory function, as well as three-stage heating and ventilation in addition to a pneumatic massage function.

Storage remains a strong point, with plenty of nooks and crannies to stow your belongings in. Of particular note are the huge, flock-lined door bins, which put the ones in my Golf to shame. The cubby under the centre console, complete with wireless phone charger, is also a nice touch.

The Tayron adds 110mm to the Tiguan's wheelbase, and 253mm of added overall length, as well as more boot space which we'll get to later.

But that all means in simple terms that the second row of the Tayron is nigh on capacious, with heaps of leg, knee and toe room, even for taller passengers like me at 6'1".

Clever touches include manual sunshades in the rear windows to block out haters, a third zone of climate control, a sliding and reclining second-row bench, map pockets on the front seatbacks, and big lined door pockets with space for larger bottles.

The driveline hump in the floor will eat into the foot space of the centre passenger, but the footwells on either side are pretty deep and wide. You can also fold down the rear seatbacks in 40:20:40 format, so if you need to stow a longer item you can still seat four adults in comfort.

The Tayron eHybrid doesn't offer a third row of seats due to the battery being placed under the rear floor, but it still has a massive 705 litres of capacity with the second row in use – though that's with the seats in their forward position.

Drop the second-row seatbacks and you have a massive 1915L on hand, but the seats-up figure is 145L less than non-eHybrid versions of the Tayron. PHEV vehicles also switch out a space-saver spare for a tyre mobility kit.

To see how the Volkswagen Tayron lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

All Tayron eHybrids employ a turbocharged 1.5-litre 'TSI' four-cylinder petrol engine teamed with an electric motor, lithium-ion battery pack, and a six-speed 'DSG' dual-clutch automatic transmission driving the front wheels only.

Our real-world fuel consumption figure was achieved on a circa-50km mixed drive loop in EV mode with a battery starting at roughly 50 per cent charge.

We originally intended to follow up with a drive of the 200TSI eHybrid R-Line the next day, but logistical changes prevented us from testing the up-spec version.

To see how the Volkswagen Tayron lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

How does the Volkswagen Tayron drive?

I did a pretty extensive drive loop through the winding B-roads surrounding Byron Bay in just EV mode, but can lean on my time with the smaller Tiguan eHybrid to fill in some gaps.

We managed to do a ~50km loop in the Tayron 150TSI eHybrid Elegance in just E-Mode with a half-charged battery, resulting in an indicated fuel consumption figure of 0.0L/100km, and an energy consumption readout of 18.0kWh/100km.

The Tayron PHEV will default to 'E-Mode' on startup with sufficient charge in the battery, prioritising electric power to minimise fuel use and emissions. You can flick it into hybrid to have the petrol engine assist earlier on in the acceleration response, and preserve charge.

The 85kW/330Nm electric motor doesn't sound all that powerful on paper, but it offers the sort of outputs that not long ago would have been quoted by a smaller diesel engine in a car like this.

As such, the immediacy of torque response and linearity of the e-motor's power delivery makes for smooth and quiet progress, even if you can occasionally feel the DSG shifting as you roll along.

The added wheelbase and length of the Tayron makes it feel a little more planted and settled on the road than the shorter Tiguan, and its larger size means you're not tempted to really fang it about, but rather make smooth and measured progress.

As such, the eHybrid drivetrain makes a lot of sense here. It's smooth, comfortable and quiet, getting you and your family (and whoever else) to where you need to go with lower fuel consumption and emissions than other Tayrons with purely petrol powertrains.

It feels a touch off the Tiguan's pace with the same powertrain, noting the Tayron's extra size and about 50kg of extra heft, but again you shouldn't feel the need to wring its neck.

While we didn't give the Tayron a proper go in Hybrid mode due to time constraints, our time with the Tiguan eHybrid tells us the 150kW PHEV system has more than enough go to get this family bus moving at a decent clip, and will feel more powerful on the roll than the 8.6-second 0-100km/h claim might suggest.

Standard adaptive damping with 15 stages of adjustment is pretty high-tech for the segment, meaning that beyond the standard Eco, Comfort and Sport settings you can go softer than Comfort and harder than Sport.

Given the wide variance of Australia's road network, particularly in areas like where we drove in and around Byron Bay, the standard settings are a good middle ground to tackle most conditions.

Said modes also adjust steering and throttle response to the driver's liking, and can also be individually configured if you wish. I found Comfort to be best, with any extra urgency requiring a quick flick of the column-mounted shifter from D to S.

Whether you're tootling around town or humming along the highway, the Tayron PHEV in electric mode does a great job of isolating occupants from road imperfections and the sounds of the outside world, with minimal wind noise and tyre roar permeating the cabin, even on rougher black top.

The steering and ride in the Elegance is quite clearly focused on everyday comfort and manoeuvrability, with very light steering and a supple ride especially in Comfort mode.

Even in Sport mode it's far from harsh or uncomfortable, and in the more aggressive setting the steering adds weight for more engagement. However, the latter feels artificial and doesn't really add any extra feel, even if the steering response is pretty quick and accurate in general.

While not necessarily a standout for athleticism or engagement, the Tayron's on-road manners are definitely in line with VW's 'premium for the people' schtick, offering a more upmarket and refined feel behind the wheel than a lot of electrified offerings at a similar price point. It's an excellent all-rounder, complemented by achievable real-world efficiency.

It's perhaps a more profound point when you consider similarly sized hybrid and PHEV rivals charge considerably more for similar levels of specification and less competitive electrified driving capability. For under $65,000 you'll only get low- to mid- grade versions of the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid (from $57,650), for example, while the Kia Sorento PHEV starts from $71,175 – though both electrified Korean rivals offer three rows of seating.

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Aspire boasts AWD, seven seats and more on-paper grunt than the Volkswagen, but is likewise dearer ($66,790) and has less standard luxury and tech items than the Volkswagen.

Beyond general on-road behaviour and the performance of their plug-in powertrains, the eHybrids retain the same excellent driver assist tech calibration as the wider Tayron range.

VW's Travel Assist system remains one of the better semi-autonomous highway assistants in the business, with adaptive cruise control and lane-centring functions working predictably, accurately and intuitively.

The blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert systems also do what they say on the tin, and the audible speed limit assistant has a faint and peaceful chime rather than the incessant and annoying bongs presented by many rival brands and models.

The Tayron eHybrid range also comes standard with Area View surround cameras as well as front and rear sensors to make parking this SUV a little bit easier, and there's even a Park Assist Plus function which can semi-autonomously slot the big SUV into both perpendicular and parallel spaces.

To see how the Volkswagen Tayron lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

What do you get?

The VW Tayron eHybrid is available in two specifications in Australia – Elegance and R-Line.

2026 Volkswagen Tayron 150TSI eHybrid Elegance equipment highlights:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Adaptive Chassis Control Pro – 15-stage damping
• Electrically operated tailgate
• Keyless access with alarm
• Digital Cockpit Pro – 10.25-inch cluster
• 12.9-inch Discover touchscreen navigation
• Wireless App-Connect – Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
• 2 x wireless phone chargers
• Leather-appointed upholstery
• ErgoActive comfort sport front seats
• Electrically adjustable front seats incl. memory function
• Heated, ventilated front seats incl. massage function
• Heated outboard rear seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Rear privacy glass
• LED Plus headlights
• Rear window sunblinds – manual
• Luggage partition net

2026 Volkswagen Tayron 200TSI eHybrid R-Line adds:

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• R-Line exterior, interior styling
• 15-inch Discover Pro Max touchscreen navigation
• Harman Kardon premium audio
• Head-up display
• IQ.Light HD Matrix LED headlights incl. Dynamic Light Assist

Options

Each Tayron eHybrid is available with an option package, as well as a handful of single-item optional extras.

Sound & Vision Package – Elegance: $4200

• 15-inch Discover Pro Max navigation system
• 700W Harman Kardon premium audio
• Head-up display
• IQ.Light HD Matrix LED headlights
• Dynamic Light Assist – Adaptive high-beam

Black Style Package – R-Line: $1500

• 20-inch 'York' alloy wheels
• Interior styling in Black/Dark Anodized trim
• Gloss black exterior mirror housings
• Gloss black exterior accents

Standalone options include:

• Metallic paint: $800
• Premium metallic paint: $1200
• Panoramic sunroof: $2100

To see how the Volkswagen Tayron lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

Is the Volkswagen Tayron safe?

The Volkswagen Tayron has a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing conducted by Euro NCAP in 2025 – and it applies to all variants including the eHybrid PHEVs.

Standard safety features include:

• 9 airbags, incl:
• • Curtain
  • Front-centre
  • Rear-side
• Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
• Autonomous emergency braking
• • Cyclist detection
  • Pedestrian detection
• Driver attention monitor
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Front cross-traffic alert
• Junction assist
• Lane departure warning
• Park Assist Plus
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Safe exit assist
• Surround-view camera
• Traffic sign recognition
• Travel Assist
• • Adaptive cruise control
  • Lane-centring
• Tyre pressure monitoring

To see how the Volkswagen Tayron lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

How much does the Volkswagen Tayron cost to run?

The Tayron eHybrid is subject to the same five-year, unlimited-kilometre new-vehicle warranty as the wider Volkswagen range, with separate high-voltage battery coverage that matches that of the brand's EVs.

Scheduled maintenance sticks to the same 12-month or 15,000km intervals as the petrol range, and is similar in pricing to its petrol stablemates ($3461).

To see how the Volkswagen Tayron lines up against the competition, check out our comparison tool

CarExpert’s Take on the Volkswagen Tayron eHybrid

The larger of Volkswagen's pair of new plug-in hybrid SUV offerings perhaps offers stronger value, if not quite as nimble on-road manners.

Electrification (or lack thereof) was a gaping void in the local Tiguan and Tayron lineup, and the new eHybrid PHEVs go a long way to not only addressing that criticism, but their sharp launch pricing also puts VW on solid footing with its new entries.

Relative to the smaller Tiguan, the Tayron offers a lot more space and a more planted ride, which goes a long way provided you don't need a third row of seating. If you can do without the contents of the Sound & Vision Package, you can actually buy one for less than its smaller sibling, too.

Our indicated real-world efficiency readout also points to a realistic EV range of over 100km per charge, in line with the German brand's claims, and there's enough tech and premium touches to compare favourably against the Japanese and Korean competition – but some Chinese rivals offer way more for less.

My advice? The Elegance with Sound & Vision is the best value and all you'll ever need. Based on my drive of the smaller Tiguan 200TSI eHybrid Elegance, the more powerful Tayron PHEV only offers a negligible amount of extra kit and performance in the real world, which doesn't feel worthy of spending an additional $10,000.

Interested in buying a Volkswagen Tayron? Let CarExpert find you the best deal here

Click the images for the full gallery

MORE: Explore the Volkswagen Tayron showroom

Available in a single specification, the Super-One has been priced from 3,390,200 yen in Japan – which based on a direct currency conversion equates to A$29,600.

Honda has also confirmed more details on the domestic market-spec version of its all-new electric kei car, providing a strong indication of what to expect when the Super-One arrives in Australia later this year.

Looking for your next car? We'll help you research and compare so you choose with confidence.

The boxy little electric hatch employs a small electric motor on its front axle, fed by a 29.6kWh battery pack.

The Super-One makes just 47kW of power in its standard setting, though the available Boost mode ups that to 70kW and 162Nm of torque. While that sounds pretty anaemic on paper, the Japan-market model weighs just 1090kg, making it a featherweight by modern vehicle standards – EV or not.

As such, the new Honda EV's official WLTC range is 274km per charge. By comparison, the BYD Atto 1 quotes 220km of WLTP range in base Essential trim (30kWh), and up to 310km in the Premium with a larger 43kWh battery.

Honda is offering a strong baseline specification too, with highlights including Bose eight-speaker premium audio, a 9.0-inch Honda Connect infotainment touchscreen with Google Built-in, and a full suite of Honda Sensing driver assistance features as standard equipment.

Measuring 3580mm long, 1575mm wide and 1615mm tall, the Honda Super-One has a smaller footprint than even a Kia Picanto.

The all-electric micro-car has seating for four people only – much like the Civic Type R hot hatch, as well as the Atto 1 and Hyundai Inster city EVs – with a focus on driving fun and outright packaging efficiency.

Of particular note in all of Honda's communications about the Super-One is Boost mode, which not only optimises the drivetrain for its maximum 70kW output, but also simulates a seven-speed 'multi-gear transmission' with an Active Sound Control system that's claimed to provide "virtual engine sound".

In its domestic market, the Super-One also offers a 'Honda Power Supply Connector', which is the brand's marketing-speak for vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality. This allows the Super-One to output up to 1500W of power via an adaptor, acting as a generator or backup power source.

As for paint colours, five main body finishes will be available in the Japanese market, with four of those offering the addition of a contrasting black roof.

Boost Violet Pearl headlines the colour palette, as the interior displays and ambient lighting system glow purple when Boost mode is activated.

The Honda Super-One has been confirmed for Australian release in late 2026, and will be the Japanese brand's first all-electric model Down Under. It will also be sold in markets like the UK (as the Super-N) and in other unspecified Asia-Pacific markets.

Last month Honda walked back its electrification rollout strategy, cancelling the all-electric 0 Series Saloon and SUV as well as the Acura RSX that was due to go into production in the coming year.

Instead, the company now plans to launch 15 new hybrid models by 2030, mostly in North America, where some of the larger vehicles will be powered by a new V6 hybrid setup. To support the announcement, a pair of hybrid prototypes were revealed and confirmed for production by 2028.

Honda will repurpose its joint-venture factory with LG Energy Solution to build battery packs for these new hybrid cars.

Although its EV ambitions have been scaled back significantly, Honda still plans to launch new EVs “mainly in the mini-vehicle [kei car] category” in Japan, as well as plug-in hybrids and EVs “built on platforms provided by local partners” in China.

Honda says it remains committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, but its previous target of halting production of cars with internal combustion engines by 2040 has been abandoned. Instead, it says it will reach its 2050 goal via a “multi-faceted approach” comprising “EVs, hybrid vehicles, carbon-neutral fuels and carbon-offset technologies“.

Honda Australia has long been more conservative than its global parent with its EV rollout, primarily focusing on hybrids.

The Japanese brand recently expanded the hybrid offerings in its top-selling CR-V and ZR-V mid-size SUVs, with the smaller HR-V adding a third e:HEV hybrid variant just this week.

It also launched the controversial Prelude e:HEV hybrid sports coupe last month. Honda Australia expects more than 80 per cent of its sales in 2026 to be hybrids.

Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest news and reviews, and share your thoughts in the comments below.

MORE: 2026 Honda Super-One review – Quick driveMORE: Explore the Honda showroom

Zinc Green Metallic will debut on the 2026 MX-5 Roadster and RF in their domestic market, marking the first time a green exterior paint finish has been offered for the fourth-generation sports car.

Mazda says the new colour "takes its inspiration from the color and texture of zinc chromate primer, an undercoat used to enhance the durability of industrial products".

Looking for your next car? We'll help you research and compare so you choose with confidence.

"In low-light conditions, its solid-like texture creates a tight, powerful impression, while in bright light, the delicate metallic sheen accentuates the body’s sculptural beauty, resulting in a sophisticated and modern overall appearance," says Mazda.

"To achieve this effect, the color formulation incorporates bluish metallic flakes, with optimized particle size and alignment to deliver a cool, refined tone."

Other changes for the Japanese-market MX-5 are still to be confirmed. CarExpert contacted Mazda Australia for information on any upcoming updates for the local range, but it declined to comment at this point in time.

Australia's MX-5 range currently misses out on a few things available in the Japanese market, including adaptive cruise control and a more attainable 1.5-litre engine option, as well as additional roof and interior trim options including racier Recaro bucket seats in the flagship RS.

The facelifted ND-generation MX-5 range debuted connected services for the Mazda brand in Australia, and then in 2025 added a commemorative 35th Anniversary Edition which also debuted the Artisan Red exterior colour for the iconic nameplate.

Mazda Australia has shuffled and adjusted its range of MX-5 variants a number of times during the current model's lifetime. Its existing MX-5 lineup comprises seven variants including all transmission and roof style variations.

Currently, the MX-5 lineup kicks off from $42,640 plus on-road costs for the base Roadster manual, and tops out at $56,790 before on-roads for the more focused MX-5 RF GT RS hard-top, which features BBS forged alloys, Bilstein dampers, Brembo front brakes and a special DSC-TRACK stability control mode for a more playful feel on track.

Stay tuned to CarExpert for the latest Mazda MX-5 updates as they're announced.

MORE: Explore the Mazda MX-5 showroom

It beat out the related Kia Sorento, as well as the recently redesigned Skoda Kodiaq, both of which have been named finalists.

The Santa Fe continues to impress with a cabin that offers plenty of space in all three rows, enabled by its boxy body.

Looking for your next car? We'll help you research and compare so you choose with confidence.

Despite its large dimensions, the Santa Fe is easy to drive and offers a comfortable ride.

There’s a choice of front- or all-wheel drive and either a punchy turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine or a thrifty 1.6-litre four-cylinder hybrid.

Even the base Santa Fe offers a long list of standard equipment, including a comprehensive suite of safety technology. You can also step up to posher Elite and Calligraphy trims.

Spacious, practical and comfortable, and backed by a solid aftersales offering, the Hyundai Santa Fe is an exceptional choice for families in the market for a large three-row SUV.

2026 CarExpert Choice: Best Affordable Large SUV

• Winner – Hyundai Santa Fe
• Finalist – Kia Sorento
• Finalist – Skoda Kodiaq

To see all the CarExpert Choice winners, click here.

MORE: Explore the Hyundai Santa Fe showroom

BYD's pint-size electric hatchback beat out the MG 4 hatch and the GAC Aion V mid-size SUV to claim our affordable EV award.

Arguably the most show-stopping aspect of the Atto 1 is its base price. It starts at just $23,990 before on-road costs, making it $6000 cheaper than the next most affordable EV, the BYD Dolphin. But the Atto 1 is more than just a cheap set of wheels.

Looking for your next car? We'll help you research and compare so you choose with confidence.

Its pint-size dimensions belie a surprisingly well-packaged, distinctive and comfortable interior with excellent visibility. Okay, we might ding it for having only four seats, but find us a city car in which you'd want to put someone in the centre rear seat anyway.

There's a big 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, even in the base Essential variant. Stepping up to the Premium brings niceties like a high-resolution surround-view camera system and heated and power-adjustable front seats, though the base grade is far from a poverty pack.

The entry-level Essential has a 65kW/175Nm electric motor and a 30kWh battery offering 220km of WLTP range; the Premium ups these figures to 115kW, 220Nm and 310km, respectively.

Those range figures mightn't seem huge but, for a vehicle designed primarily for urban commuting, that is sufficient range. DC fast-charging capacity is between 65kW and 85kW, depending on the variant.

While you're on your daily commute, you'll notice the Atto 1's smooth torque delivery, quiet cabin, and well-calibrated steering and brakes.

With even the top-spec Premium sliding in under $28,000 before on-road costs, the Atto 1 is sensational value for money and ideal for buyers after an EV for the daily commute.

2026 CarExpert Choice: Best Affordable EV

• Winner – BYD Atto 1
• Finalist – MG 4
• Finalist – GAC Aion V

To see all the CarExpert Choice winners, click here.

MORE: Explore the BYD Atto 1 showroom

Available in Australia from today (June 2, 2026), the update adds Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA), a digital key for Apple iPhone users, as well as navigation and infotainment upgrades.

The update will be applied automatically to all Zeekr 7X variants, with owners able to manage installation via the SUV's 16.0-inch touchscreen.

“This update is exactly what modern electric ownership should deliver. Our 7X customers are gaining new features that make their vehicle even smarter, easier to live with and more enjoyable to drive,” said Zeekr Australia managing director Frank Li in a media release. "It reflects our commitment to continuous innovation and delivering real benefits over time."

Looking for your next car? We'll help you research and compare so you choose with confidence.

The update adds a straight-line function to the RSPA system, allowing drivers to remotely move their 7X forwards or backwards using an Apple iPhone. Zeekr says this will help owners manoeuvre the electric SUV into tighter parking spaces.

iPhone users will also gain access to a CCC 3.0 digital key, enabling the vehicle to be unlocked using a smartphone without the need for a physical key.

Zeekr Australia says the OTA update also improves Apple CarPlay functionality, delivering smoother operation and improved usability.

Completing the update are revised alert tones, indicator sounds and audible notifications designed to be less intrusive.

The 7X was launched in Australia in September 2025 as the Chinese brand's third model, following the X small SUV and 009 people mover, and has since become its most popular vehicle.

Year-to-date, the 7X is Australia's third-best selling electric vehicle (EV). In April 2026, Zeekr delivered 973 examples, allowing the 7X to outsell the Model Y for the first time in a single month.

Following that result, Zeekr vice president Mars Chen told CarExpert the company is confident it can sell 2000 7Xs per month, which would be enough to challenge the Model Y for EV sales leadership.

The Model Y has been Australia's best-selling EV for the past three years, having taken the title from its stablemate, the Tesla Model 3 sedan.

MORE: Explore the Zeekr 7X showroom

Way back in 2020, Polestar effectively set out its design and performance manifesto with the Precept concept car, a gorgeous five-door GT that preceded the electric vehicle brand’s move further away from its parent company, Volvo.

Since then, the Polestar lineup has filled out considerably, but it hasn’t forgotten that show car, taking the time to develop a production version based on a bonded-aluminium platform, creating something suitably special to top the range. The result is the Polestar 5.

It’s been a long time coming, so does Polestar's new flagship sports car offer well-heeled buyers a seemingly great-value alternative to other high-performance EVs?

How much does the Polestar 5 cost?

Just two versions of the Polestar 5 have been announced so far, starting with the Dual Motor Launch Edition priced at $186,249 drive-away in Victoria. This is a little less than the entry-level Taycan costs, and it’s far more powerful, comparing favourably with the considerably more expensive GTS variant of the Porsche.

What is the Polestar 5 like on the inside?

You sit low in the Polestar 5, which is a good start for a car said to be all about performance, and while the interior shares a lot with other models from the brand, it still manages to feel special.

Low-set sports seats help in this regard, and they’re electrically adjustable every which way, as you’d expect at this price level. Even after two long days at the wheel, our backs were twinge-free, so they’re comfortable as well as supportive through the corners.

In line with Polestar’s green image, the standard upholstery is a synthetic material, while genuine leather is an expensive upgrade. The brand’s 'Swedish gold' hue is found on the seatbelts and on the large rotary volume control, welcome little pops of colour that can be enhanced by the multi-colour ambient lighting.

The design is quite minimalist overall due to a lack of buttons throughout the cabin, which looks great, but does mean an over-reliance on the large portrait-oriented touchscreen in the middle of the dashboard.

This is a 14.5-inch display running Android Automotive OS with Google Built-in, and it is very slick and attractive-looking, too. It has Apple CarPlay as well, of course, and is packed with connectivity and features, though it's not quite as gimmicky as Tesla’s equivalent.

For the driver, this is mercifully augmented by a separate 9.0-inch instrument display ahead of the chunky, mildly flat-bottomed steering wheel.

The outer rear seats mirror the fronts in terms of design and comfort, and they even get electrical adjustment for the backrests.

If you really have to, you can carry someone in the middle of the back seat – where there is a seatbelt – but it’s a narrow and relatively uncomfortable place to be, and it’s clear that Polestar intended for the console between the outer seats to be in position for the majority of the time.

A massive glass roof extends behind the heads of rear-seat occupants, meaning they may not immediately notice there’s no window behind them. Instead, there’s a bulkhead between them and the boot.

This, and the rear seatbacks, can fold down to accommodate longer items when required. The boot volume itself isn’t massive at 365 litres, but the tailgate allows unobstructed access and there’s some extra storage under the floor. All this is supplemented by a 62L frunk up front.

From the driver’s perspective, the rear view is supplied from a roof-mounted camera to the digital 'mirror' in the middle of the windscreen. Interestingly, learning from feedback on the same feature in the Polestar 4, the brand has altered the zoom level and it’s far more natural to use now, without requiring a momentary shift in your eyes’ focus.

What’s under the bonnet?

Two variants of the Polestar 5 have been confirmed for launch, both using the same 112kWh battery pack – of which 106kWh is quoted as usable – and two electric motors for all-wheel drive.

The Dual Motor’s peak output figures are 550kW of power and 812Nm of torque, which is enough for Polestar to claim 0-100km/h acceleration in a rapid 3.9 seconds, despite the 2500kg kerb weight.

Polestar quotes the same weight for the Performance variant, so its 650kW and 1015Nm outputs are enough to drop the benchmark sprint time to just 3.2 seconds (claimed). This model also gets a chassis upgrade comprising Magneride adaptive damping and a lower ride height.

In terms of range, the Dual Motor’s official figure is as high as 678km depending on wheels and tyres, while the Performance model’s number drops to 558km.

The Polestar 5 uses an 800-volt electrical architecture which allows for fast DC charging at up to 350kW. If you can find such a charger, the theoretical 10-80 per cent charge takes 22 minutes. On a three-phase 11kW AC charger, a 0-100 per cent charge takes 11 hours.

How does the Polestar 5 drive?

Polestar may not call the 5 an electric sports car, but it fulfils that role when you want it to, and just as well as the Porsche Taycan does.

We drove from Narbonne in France to Andorra on day one in the Dual Motor car and then from there to Barcelona on day two in the Performance variant. And while we did our fair share of urban driving and a little highway, most of the route involved tortuously twisty mountain roads, some narrow and technical, others wide open and well-sighted. This was a clear signal of intent from the Polestar team.

Even before the road turned interesting, the 5 proved itself a polished product. It’s a car that feels right within a few metres thanks to the weighting of its steering and the effortless way its powerful motors bring the car up to whatever speed you want to be driving at. 

In the default 'Range' mode, the response to the accelerator pedal is smooth and measured, though even in this setting you can summon up violent forward acceleration if you push the pedal down far enough. It’s laughable that the entry-level variant has 550kW, though of course the electric motors’ instantly produced torque is what defines the experience, as in any fast EV.

Thankfully, there’s a lot more to the Polestar 5 than the sort of straight-line acceleration that makes passengers feel unwell.

The chassis of the Dual Motor model is a revelation. Here is a passive setup using what Polestar refers to as “expensive, high-capacity dampers” with traditional coil springs. To this are added hydraulic rebound stops and a bypass channel in the dampers that opens mechanically over high-frequency bumps to enhance comfort.

And it’s a sublime setup, managing to be comfortable and composed on all kinds of road surfaces, while also delivering an engaging, controlled experience when the roads turned mountainous. The Polestar 5 even feels agile despite its five-metre-plus length.

There’s not a vast difference between the three power steering settings – Light, Standard and Firm – though we quickly found a preference for turning the brake-energy regeneration system down to its minimum as that resulted in clean brake pedal feel and consistent stopping. Indeed, it was one of the highlights of the experience, allowing you to place the car confidently and accurately when hauling it down from high speed. And there was never a hint of fade despite repeated hard use of the brakes.

When not relishing the body control, the solid brakes and the communicative steering, we realised the Polestar 5 was otherwise incredibly quiet and refined. Acoustic side glass helps with that of course, but whatever the reason, we finished our first day mightily impressed that Polestar had indeed created a proper GT, without resorting to more expensive chassis hardware. Could the Performance model really be worth the extra outlay?

That depends on a lot more than just how it drives, but there’s a subtle difference in character between the two cars on the road, and not only because of the increased power and torque outputs of the Performance variant. 

There are few places you can truly use such outputs, so in day-to-day driving it matters little that the Performance model punches hard with an extra 100kW and 200Nm. But the more powerful rear motor does make itself felt elsewhere.

For example, on one particularly entertaining section of hairpin-riddled road, the Polestar 5 Dual Motor had to be massively provoked to elicit any slip from the rear axle, even with ESC Sport selected. Instead, it rewarded smooth, measured driving with relentless forward motion.

In the same situation, the Performance car had a much friskier rear-end. Now, we’re not about to suggest it should have anything as uncouth as a drift mode, but keen drivers will appreciate the more interactive back axle.

Indicating what an astoundingly good job the Polestar team did on the passive chassis, we can’t honestly say that the – ostensibly more sophisticated – Magneride system results in a better drive.

There’s a fraction more firmness to the ride in all situations for a start, though this may be down to the lower-profile tyres, while the Performance feels heavier somehow. That could be because of a slightly different power steering calibration as Polestar quotes the same weight for the two models.

When pushed hard through corners, the Magneride dampers do keep the Polestar 5 flatter, but at no point did we complain about excessive body lean in the Dual Motor model, so yes, the Performance flagship is a little more accomplished, but not at the speeds most people drive at.

Given the roads on offer at the launch, you’ll have to forgive us for not carrying out a proper efficiency or range test on this occasion. We saw consumption as high as 30kWh/100km under duress and as low as 12kWh/100km when ambling around town.

What do you get?

Only the Launch Editions have been revealed so far on Polestar Australia’s website, and they’re understandably loaded to the gunwales with equipment.

2027 Polestar 5 Dual Motor Launch Edition equipment highlights:

• 20-inch Aero alloy wheels
• Adaptive cruise control
• Heated front and rear seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Head-up display
• Park Assist
• 15W wireless phone charger
• Four USB-C ports
• 14.5-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive OS
• Google apps and services built-in
• Digital rear-view mirror
• Bluetooth
• Wi-Fi
• Over-the-air software updates
• 360-degree camera system
• 300W audio with 10 speakers
• Brembo brakes
• Heated, electrically adjustable, automatically folding and dimming door mirrors
• Adaptive Pixel LED headlights
• Automatic wipers
• Panoramic glass roof
• 12-way electrically adjusted front seats
• Power-folding rear seats
• Four-zone climate control
• One-touch up/down front windows

Performance adds:

• 21-inch Performance wheels
• Magneride dampers
• Bowers & Wilkins sound system (1680W, 21 speakers)
• Swedish Gold details

Is the Polestar 5 safe?

The Polestar 5 has not yet been crash-tested by ANCAP and is therefore ‘unrated’.

Standard safety equipment includes:

• 8 airbags, incl: Front, front-side, inner-side, curtain
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Pedestrian detection
• Cyclist detection
• Adaptive cruise control
• Blind-spot assist
• Evasive steer assist
• Lane keep assist
• Post-collision braking
• Reversing camera
• Rear cross-traffic assist
• Rear parking sensors

How much does the Polestar 5 cost to run?

Polestar backs the 5 with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, with a separate warranty for the drive battery. It’s covered for eight years or 160,000km, whichever comes first.

There are five years of roadside assistance included in the purchase price, as well as over-the-air software updates.

Servicing is required every 12 months or 20,000km.

CarExpert’s Take on the Polestar 5

The Polestar 5 is not the direct Porsche Taycan rival some will expect it to be, but we reckon that’s a very good thing indeed.

While Porsche puffs up the chest of its electric offering, making out that it’s some sort of electric 911 equivalent, Polestar quietly delivers a proper GT car that is searingly fast and capable, without forgetting that it’s likely to be used at normal road speeds by normal people.

And it feels special no matter how or where you’re driving it.

Click the images for the full gallery

MORE: Explore the Polestar showroom

According to ABC Melbourne, an error message on the Services Victoria website earlier today said there had been technical issues and asked users to “please try again later”.

The problem prompted the office of Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan to say the site had been “overwhelmed”, and to urge motorists to be “patient” as efforts were made to bring it back online.

In April, the Victorian Government announced vehicle owners would be eligible for a 20 per cent discount on registration for up to two privately registered vehicles weighing less than 4.5 tonnes, in a move that could hand back almost $750 million to vehicle owners.

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Typically, the saving amounts to around $186 per vehicle, meaning as much as $372 for someone claiming the discount for two vehicles. The rebate will be paid regardless of whether the vehicle owner pays their registration monthly, quarterly or annually.

After opening today, applications for the rebate will remain open until July 31, 2026, when the scheme ends.

The Victorian Government said four million vehicles on the state's roads are eligible for the rebate, which would total $744 million in waived registration fees.

The move comes a day after two months of free public transport ended in Victoria, although half-price fares will remain in place until the end of this year as part of measures designed to ease the impact of record fuel prices due to conflict in the Middle East since late February.

In Australia, record retail prices for diesel and petrol were reached in April, affecting almost every industry and prompting incentives from auto brands including Ford, which has introduced a $4000 fuel card offer for its predominantly diesel-powered Ford Ranger ute and Everest SUV lineups.

The fuel price crisis also prompted the federal government to halve its fuel excise to 26.3c/L and remove the 32.4c/L heavy vehicle road user charge for three months from April 1, 2026.

Following the federal budget it handed down on May 12, 2026, the Australian Government has shown no sign of extending these measures beyond their original June 30 expiry despite cost of living pressures and ongoing uncertainty over fuel prices.

MORE: Record fuel prices spark gouging probe as government threatens crackdown

Due to touch down in local showrooms during the fourth quarter of 2026 (October-December), the new BMW iX3 40 dips under the $90,000 barrier as well as the Luxury Car Tax threshold, making the new entry-level variant also eligible for Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemptions when purchased via a novated lease.

Announced today, the iX3 40 is $20,000 more affordable off the bat than the iX3 50 xDrive, which arrives this month and will come with dual-motor all-wheel drive and a larger battery. It also undercuts the cheapest Audi Q6 e-tron by $10,000.

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Power in the iX3 40 comes from a 235kW/500Nm electric motor driving the rear axle exclusively, fed by an 82.6kWh (usable) lithium-ion battery.

BMW claims a driving range of up to 635km on the WLTP test cycle, and a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 5.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 200km/h.

The iX3 40 offers DC fast-charging at up to 300kW, at which it's capable of accepting a 10-80 per cent charge in just 21 minutes. The Bavarian marque says that at the top charging speed, up to 300km of range can be added in just 10 minutes.

AC charging is capped at 11kW as standard, with an optional 22kW on-board charger allowing a full charge in approximately four hours 15 minutes.

BMW iX3 40 equipment highlights:

• 20-inch alloy wheels
• 300kW DC fast-charging
• Acoustic protection for pedestrians
• Alarm system
• Ambient light
• Automatic air-conditioning
• Automatic tailgate operation
• BMW 3D Head-up Display
• BMW Digital Premium – 3-year duration
• BMW Dynamic Performance Control
• BMW Iconic Glow exterior package
• BMW Panoramic Vision
• Control display in Free-Cut Design
• Comfort Access system incl. Digital Key Plus
• DAB+ digital radio tuner
• Driving Assistant Plus
• Active Cruise Control
• Steering and Lane Control Assistant
• Fast-charging cable, mode 3
• Harman Kardon HiFi sound system
• Intelligent charging flap
• Luggage compartment separating net
• M Sport Package
• M Sport Brakes, Blue
• M roof spoiler in body colour
• Multifunction Charger
• Multifunctional seats for driver and front passenger
• Panoramic glass sunroof with climate comfort glazing
• Parking Assistant Plus
• Seat adjustment, electric, with memory
• Seat heating for driver and front passenger
• Sports steering wheel
• Storage compartment under bonnet
• Steering wheel heating
• Sun protection glazing
• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• Tyre repair kit Plus
• Veganza upholstery
• Wireless charging tray

Available options for the entry-level iX3 include the M Sport Package Pro ($3500 incl. GST), which adds racier M appointments inside and out, including red M Sport brake calipers and larger 21- and 22-inch alloy wheel designs.

Further to the confirmation of pricing and specifications for the iX3 40, all BMW iX3 variants are now available with a wider range of paint, upholstery and wheel options from July production.

Highlights include an extended range of BMW Individual options ($7600), with newly available choices headlined by Grigio Telesto Pearl, Tanzanite Blue II, Twilight Purple and Java Green.

Pricing

MORE: 2026 BMW iX3 review – International first driveMORE: Explore the BMW iX3 showroom

Available to order now, the new 2026 Honda HR-V e:HEV RS is priced from $44,400 drive-away, undercutting similarly specified rivals including the Hyundai Kona Hybrid Premium (from $45,950), and the Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos Hybrid 2WD (from $47,990) – both rivals are priced before on-road costs.

The RS is distinguished externally by an RS-specific grille finished in Bernina Black, along with blacked-out lower front bumper trim, door garnishes, mirror caps and 18-inch alloy wheels. Opting for the sportier look adds $1500 over the existing e:HEV L grade.

UPDATE 2/6/2026: We have updated this article with high-res local imagery

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The darkened theme continues inside the cabin, with the RS largely serving as a cosmetic upgrade over existing HR-V e:HEV hybrid variants.

Power comes from the same hybrid system introduced to Australian showrooms in 2023, pairing a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors to produce a combined 96kW and 253Nm.

Drive is sent to the front wheels through an electric continuously variable automatic transmission (e-CVT), with Honda claiming combined fuel consumption of 4.3L/100km.

The HR-V was Honda Australia's third best-selling model in 2025 behind the CR-V and ZR-V, with the brand's SUV range continuing to significantly outsell its Civic hatchback and Accord sedan.

Initially, the hybrid powertrain was offered exclusively in the flagship HR-V e:HEV L, but it's now available across three of four available grades. The entry-level VTi X remains the sole variant powered exclusively by a 1.5-litre petrol engine.

“With the arrival of an additional hybrid grade, the range-topping e:HEV RS, we’re confident HR-V will connect with even more drivers in 2026,” said Honda Australia's director of automotive, Robert Thorp, in a statement.

“The introduction of the RS is another example of Honda’s focus on hybrid following the expansion of CR-V and ZR-V hybrid ranges. We anticipate by the end of this year, more than 80 per cent of Honda sales will be hybrid.

Mr Thorp was part of a leadership reshuffle at Honda Australia just over 12 months ago, when he was appointed director of automotive while former Honda United States executive Jay Joseph became chief executive officer (CEO).

Expanding the availability of hybrid models has formed part of the brand’s local turnaround strategy, with Honda recording a 9.2 per cent sales increase in 2025, making it one of the few Japanese brands to post growth last year.

This time last year, Honda only offered a single hybrid model grade in each of its SUV lines – CR-V, HR-V and ZR-V – as well as the Civic and Accord.

With the addition of the HR-V e:HEV RS, that has now increased to 12 model grades across six nameplates, including the newly arrived Prelude sports coupe.

MORE: Explore the Honda HR-V showroom

“Due to a software issue, the Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA) system may continue to apply sudden/unexpected braking even though it is no longer necessary to avoid a collision or reduce impact,” says Hyundai Australia in its recall notice.

“Sudden or unexpected braking may increase the risk of an accident, which can result in injury or death to vehicle occupants or other road users.”

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• A total of 36,496 vehicles are affected, produced in 2025 and 2026
• The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) list is attached here
• The original recall notice is attached here

If you own an affected vehicle, you'll be contacted in writing by Hyundai Motor Company Australia asking you to schedule an appointment with an authorised Hyundai dealer to have the software updated, free of charge.

Concerned owners can contact Hyundai Customer Care by calling 1800 186 306 or visiting Hyundai’s website.

This is a separate recall from the one in April 2026 which involved 3445 examples of the Hyundai Kona, Tucson, Santa Fe, Palisade, Ioniq 9 and Sonata due to a digital instrument cluster fault that could be rectified by an over-the-air software update.

MORE: Explore the Hyundai Tucson showroom

June is traditionally the strongest sales month of the year as brands make a final push before the June 30 EOFY deadline, offering enticing deals on both new and used stock.

Not only have EOFY campaigns started earlier than usual in 2026, but some brands such as Hyundai have also launched ‘Pre-EOFY’ promotions as the super-competitive Australian automotive market drives more incentives and bigger discounts.

Below is a list of deals available across the market during the final month of this financial year, and it features more brands, more models, and larger savings for Australian new-car buyers than we've ever seen.

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Jump between brands using the links below to view the latest EOFY offers across Australia’s new-vehicle showrooms.

• Abarth
• Alfa Romeo
• Audi
• BMW
• BYD
• Chery
• Chevrolet
• Fiat
• Ford
• GAC
• Geely
• Honda
• Hyundai
• IM Motors
• Ineos
• JAC
• Jeep
• KGM
• Kia
• Land Rover
• LDV
• Leapmotor
• Mahindra
• Mercedes-Benz
• Mini
• Mitsubishi
• MG
• Omoda Jaecoo
• Nissan
• Peugeot
• Polestar
• Ram Trucks
• Renault
• Skoda
• Smart
• Subaru
• Suzuki
• Toyota
• Volkswagen
• Volvo

Abarth

Fiat's performance brand is offering the electric Abarth 500e Scorpionissima for $43,990 drive-away for private buyers until June 30, a saving of $16,510 compared to its standard list price of $60,500 before on-road costs.

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Alfa Romeo

While the Italian brand doesn’t currently have any specific EOFY deals, it is running out Veloce demonstrator models.

The Veloce lineup includes the Tonale and Stelvio SUVs, as well as the Giulia sedan. As these are individual demonstrator vehicles, pricing and savings vary between models.

It's also offering the Alfa Romeo Junior SUV in the Ibrida Series 0 model grade for $49,990 drive-away, including premium paint and sunroof, a saving of up to $6000.

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Audi

Hate the Luxury Car Tax (LCT)? Audi will pay it for you on selected models before June 30.

The offer applies to the model year 2025 (MY25) Q5, Q4 e-tron, Q6 e-tron Sport Limited and Q7 SUVs in current stock. Audi will also pay the LCT on the outgoing MY25 A5.

The LCT take on the entry-level petrol Q7, according to Audi Australia's online configurator, is as around $7800 based on a buyer in Sydney.

For the Q5 TFSI 150kW petrol SUV (as opposed to Sportback), it’s around $1300.

Keep in mind that the LCT is calculated after dealer delivery and is added on top of the 'regular price' listed below, which is why the LCT here doesn't equate to the LCT at the regular price.

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BMW

BMW leads Audi and Mercedes-Benz in sales year-to-date, but all three German premium brands – as well as Lexus – have seen sales decline in 2026.

BMW will pay the equivalent of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) across its entire SUV lineup for vehicles ordered and delivered to private buyers by June 30, 2026.

That includes all ‘X’ prefixed SUV models, apart from its electric SUVs (iX1, iX2, iX3, iX), and X1 25e hybrid vehicles.

It’s a significant saving, too. For the entry-level X3 20 xDrive, the saving is $7795 – the GST line item listed on BMW's configurator – based on a private buyer with 2000 postcode.

Of course, the GST payable is higher on more expensive models, meaning even bigger reductions for them.

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BYD

The Chinese brand has charged up the sales charts – both metaphorically and literally – finishing April behind only Toyota as the BYD finds favour with Australian new-car buyers.

EOFY deals bring $3000 cashback for buyers of the electric Sealion 5, the plug-in-hybrid (PHEV) Sealion 6, and the seven-seat Sealion 8 PHEV ordered by June 29 and delivered by June 30, 2026.

There’s also $3000 cashback on the Shark 6 Premium PHEV dual-cab ute.

Buyers of the above SUVs and ute can also access a 1.88 per cent finance comparison rate.

Other models benefit from a five per cent novated lease discount until June 30, including Australia’s cheapest EV – the Atto 1 hatch – as well as Sealion 7 electric SUV.

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Cadillac

General Motors' luxury marque was relaunched in Australia in 2024 as an electric vehicle (EV) brand. Cadillac now has three models on sale here – all of them electric SUVs – and has EOFY offers for each of them.

The smallest of the trio is the Optiq, which kicks off at $86,270 drive-away, while the mid-size Lyriq has been slashed to $95,000 drive-away until June 30 after being introduced at $117,000 before on-road costs.

At these prices, both the Optiq and Lyriq sit below the LCT threshold of $91,387 for EVs, which is set to increase in 2027 to $120,000.

That’s shy of the larger Cadillac Vistiq SUV, which is available for $124,550 drive-away.

MORE: Explore the Cadillac showroom

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Chery

The Chery Tiggo 4 is already Australia's cheapest SUV, starting at $23,990 drive-away, but until June 30 it comes with a $1000 fuel card for both petrol model grades.

Based on its 7.4L/100km combined fuel consumption figure and the current average petrol price of 183.6c/L, the $1000 card is enough to drive the Tiggo 4 more than 7300km.

There are savings for the Tiggo 4 Hybrid, too, with a $2000 bonus off the Urban’s $29,990 drive-away starting price, and the top-spec Ultimate's $32,990 drive-away price.

Going up in size, the Chery C5 small SUV comes with a $1000 fuel card for both its Ultimate and Urban grades, while the range-topping electric E5 Ultimate is priced from $37,990 (previously $40,990) drive-away.

Chery Australia also has EOFY pricing for the Tiggo 7, starting at $29,990 drive-away for the entry-level petrol model, and $5000 off Super Hybrid versions which are priced from $34,990 drive-away.

Also until June 30, 2026, the seven-seat Tiggo 8 kicks off at $43,990 drive-away, with a $2000 factory bonus on Super Hybrid models, starting with the Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid Urban from $45,990 drive-away.

Chery is also offering a 3.88 per cent finance comparison rate on its larger, seven-seat Tiggo 9 SUV.

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Chevrolet

The Chevrolet Silverado remains the only V8-powered full-size pickup in Australian new-car showrooms, and while there’s no promotional price, buyers will benefit from three years or 36,000km of free servicing on the Silverado 1500 until June 30, 2026.

As for the Corvette supercar, well… GM Specialty Vehicles (GMSV) doesn’t need to discount those.

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Fiat

Drive-away offers for ABN holders on the Scudo van range see the entry-level SWB model priced at $47,500 in Gelato White – a saving of $990 and on-road costs, given its standard list price of $48,490 before on-roads.

The larger Ducato also has drive-away deals for ABN holders, with the Ducato Series 2 LWB dropped from $60,500 before on-road costs to $55,000 drive-away – again, only if you buy it in white.

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Ford

The current-generation Ford Ranger has been Australia’s most popular model bar none for the past three years.

There’s an updated ‘MY26.50’ (model year 2026.50) Ranger and Everest SUV coming soon, and Ford is already offering a $4000 discount on both upgraded models in the form of a fuel card until June 30.

There’s an even bigger $5000 off (or a $5000 fuel card) for the MY26 versions that the updated model replaces, applicable to certain variants of both the superseded Ranger and Everest.

The discounts come amid both a model-year changeover and record fuel prices, with diesel fuel increasing the biggest amount – and all Rangers bar the headline Raptor and PHEV vafriants run diesel engines.

The PHEV has had its starting priced slashed by more than $10,000, lowering the starting price to $62,990 drive-away nationally for the entry-level MY26 Ranger Hybrid XLT.

Ford does actually make other cars, and one of those is the F-150 full-size pickup. It was updated in 2026, but remains the same spec as the MY24 sold in the US, and Ford Australia also has stock of the original MY23 spec.

There’s a flat $8000 off MY23 vehicles – including XLT and Lariat in both short wheelbase (SWB) and long wheelbase (LWB) form – while MY24 F-150 vehicles have drive-away pricing across the board.

This sees the MY24 XLT SWB start at $115,000 drive-away – essentially meaning Ford pays the on-roads, given the $114,900 before on-road costs list price, with the same incentive available for other MY24 F-150 vehicles.

The Tourneo, the people mover version of the Ford Transit Custom van, is priced at $72,000 drive-away for the Titanium X – the higher of two model grades. It can normally be had for $72,490 plus on-road costs.

There’s also a 6.99 per cent comparison finance rate for the Mustang (both four-cylinder and V8 variants), for buyers applying by June 30 and settling by July 2, 2026.

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GAC

Newcomer GAC launched in Australia in November last year with three models. Since then it has added a fourth model, and now offers petrol, hybrid and battery-electric vehicles.

GAC Australia’s first ever EOFY brings offers across the lineup.

It starts with the petrol-powered Emzoom hatch at $26,990 drive-away – plus a $1000 cashback bonus – for vehicles ordered before June 30, 2026. That compares to its regular price of $25,590 before on-road costs.

If you’re after an electric hatch, the Aion UT – the newest model here – is offered from $32,990 drive-away nationally for the Premium model grade, plus a free 22kW wall charger.

Buyers of the higher-spec Aion UT Luxury also score the 22kW wall charger, but also get $1000 cashback from its $35,990 before on-roads price.

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Geely

Just over 12 months after its return to Australia, the Chinese brand has deals on two of the three nameplates it currently offers.

A 0.88 per cent finance offer applies to the EX5 Extended Range electric SUV – a Tesla Model Y and Zeekr 7X rival which was the third-most popular EV across all makes and models sold in Australia in the first four months of 2026.

The 36-month term for the finance offer comes with no minimum deposit, no establishment fee, and no additional repayment fees.

EX5 buyers will also score a 7kW single-phase home charger (not including installation costs) until June 30.

If you’d prefer a hybrid Geely SUV, the Starray EM-I is also available with the same finance offer until the end of the financial year and comes with a six per cent discount off the list price for eligible fleet buyers.

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Honda

Honda Australia is hitting its stride with the born-again Prelude sports car about hit local showrooms, but its most popular model, the CR-V mid-size SUV, has just been updated – meaning EOFY deals on the outgoing one.

There’s up to $3000 off 2025 CR-Vs, including an eight-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty (instead of the usual five) and eight years of roadside assistance, too.

2025 versions of the smaller ZR-V are also available with $2000 off, as well as the same eight-year warranty offer.

HR-V buyers will score a $500 Ampol fuel card until June 30, too.

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Hyundai

Hyundai has drive-away deals across several models in its range, with savings of up to $11,000 as part of offers launched in May under its ‘Pre-EOFY’ sale.

This sees the i30 hatch and sedan offering savings of between $3500 and $4500 (based on Sydney prices) for selected 2024 and 2025 variants, with the i30 Sedan priced from $30,000 drive-away and the i30 Hybrid from $32,990 drive-away.

The outgoing 2025 i30 Hatch range includes the N Line priced from $36,990 drive-away and the N Line Premium priced from $41,990 drive-away – savings of around $3500 on each.

On the SUV front, there are savings on the 2026 Kona, which starts at $35,990 drive-away for the entry-level petrol variant, a saving of almost $2000 (based on a Sydney 2000 postcode).

The 2025 Kona Electric starts from $36,990 drive-away instead of its usual $41,266 drive-away price, too.

The 2026 Tucson is the next size up and petrol versions are reduced by around $2600, with a starting price of $40,990 drive-away, while similar savings apply to the Tucson HEV, priced from $44,990 drive-away.

Savings of around $4000 can be had by buyers of the Santa Fe HEV (now $59,990 drive-away), with the biggest savings reserved for the top-spec Santa Fe Calligraphy.

If you prefer a battery-electric Hyundai, there are deals on the new Elexio and 2025 Ioniq 5 SUVs – but not the brilliant Ioniq 5 N – with almost $10,000 off the base Ioniq 5, which now priced from $65,990 drive-away.

The Staria people mover also comes in for EOFY pricing for both petrol and diesel versions, starting from $54,890 drive-away for 2025 models, while 2026 models start from $58,990 drive-away.

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IM Motors

The premium sub-brand of MG, IM Motors, will cover on-road statutory costs and throw in $500 worth of accessories across its entire local model lineup, which include the IM5 electric sedan and IM6 electric SUV.

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Ineos

Ineos is offering ABN holders 1.99 per cent finance across the range for a 36-month term on MY25 and MY26 Grenadier Station Wagon, Quartermaster Pickup, Cab Chassis and Black Edition vehicles purchased and settled by June 30.

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Isuzu

Isuzu is offering three months of free scheduled servicing on all MY25.5 MU-X SUVs, covering both the 2.2-litre and 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engines.

Based on pricing published on the Isuzu Ute Australia website, and after the initial zero-cost service, the first three scheduled services are priced at $469 each for MY25.5 MU-X models. This means the offer equates to a saving of $1407.

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JAC

JAC is offering a $4000 fuel card with every T9 ute – including new cab/chassis models – until June 30, 2026.

It’s the brand’s only model until the Hunter plug-in hybrid dual-cab arrives in the third quarter of this year (July-September).

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Jeep

The pint-size Jeep Avenger Longitude electric SUV is priced from $40,000 drive-away, a saving of almost $10,000 over its $49,990 list price, and an even bigger saving when adding on-road costs.

The deal is for the 2024 model-year Avenger, which arrived in Australia in May that year, and has since been updated in Europe.

There are also bonuses on MY24 Wrangler vehicles, including the MY24 Wrangler Sport S which is offered from $75,000 drive-away.

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KGM

Korean brand KGM – formerly known as SsangYong, if you’re wondering – has a $5010 factory bonus offer across the range.

The saving is offered on the diesel-powered MY26 Musso dual-cab ute, MY26 Rexton SUV, MY26 Actyon, and MY26 Torres Hybrid and MY26 Torres.

There’s also $5010 off MY26 Torres EVX and Hybrid vehicles “built in 2025 calendar year”, and the MY25 Torres “built in 2024 calendar year".

KGM's oldest model, the Korando, is being offered with $5010 off MY23 examples built in 2024.

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Kia

Every Kia in stock – including demonstrators – comes with a $1000 deposit contribution until June 30, 2026.

Until then, you can also pay $59,990 drive-away for an MY25 Tasman X-Line pickup – previously $67,990 plus on-road costs – or $64,990 drive-away for an MY25 Tasman X-Pro pickup (down from $74,990 plus on-roads).

And ABN holders can nab a Tasman S 4x2 cab/chassis from $39,990 drive-away.

These prices don’t include the $1000 deposit contribution.

On the SUV front, the Stonic small SUV is on offer from $29,990 drive-away, the Seltos from $33,990 drive-away, and the Sportage Hybrid S for $44,490 drive-away – so essentially free on-road costs for all three.

If you’re after an electric SUV, the EV3 Air SR is now available for $46,990 drive-away, and the EV5 Air SR for $49,990.

Need more space? The hugely popular Kia Carnival S hybrid now costs $59,990 drive-away, compared to its $56,100 before on-roads price.

Smaller? There’s the Kia Picanto Sport automatic at $23,390 drive-away, while the K4 hatch and sedan are offered from $33,490 drive-away.

And the EV4 electric sedan in Air guise costs $52,990 drive-away until June 30, 2026.

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Land Rover

There are EOFY deals for the Land Rover Defender and Discovery, and the Range Rover Sport and Velar.

Until June 30, 2026, the Defender (apart from Defender 90 and Defender 110 D250S) comes with a $4500 trade-in bonus.

The Discovery comes with a $5000 trade-in bonus (not including Discovery S and Discovery Gemini), as does the Range Rover Velar.

There’s a $5000 trade-in bonus on the Range Rover Sport SE, and a $10,000 trade-in bonus on the D300SE, HSE and PHEV.

To qualify for the bonus on the Range Rover Sport, your trade-in must be no more than 10 years old and is limited to ‘approved’ models from Jaguar, Land Rover, Audi, BMW, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz or Porsche.

The Nissan Patrol, Toyota LandCruiser and Prado are also eligible trade-ins.

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Leapmotor

China's Leapmotor brand has a 0.88 per cent comparison-rate finance offer across its B10 small electric SUV range, and its mid-size C10 hybrid and electric SUVs.

The finance must be approved by June 30 and settled by July 15, 2026.

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LDV

LDV has made its D90 large SUV – already one of the cheapest seven-seaters available in Australia – even more affordable with its EOFY deals.

The offers start with the D90 2WD Mode trim level at $39,990 drive-away (was $43,674 D/A).

The D90 2WD Executive – which adds a sunroof, power tailgate and wireless phone charging – kicks off $43,990 drive-away (previously $47,884 drive-away), with the 4WD version priced from $47,490 drive-away (was $51,568 drive-away).

LDV has deals for ABN holders on the T60 ute, with the T60 Max Pro now priced at $36,990 drive-away, the Plus at $42,990 drive-away, and the T60 Max Plus Mega Tub at $43,990 drive-away.

There’s also a free towbar thrown in with all T60s until June 30, 2026.

For ABN holders, there's $4000 off diesel-powered short- and long-wheelbase Deliver 7 vans, and $9000 off the eDeliver 7 one-tonne electric van.

The larger Deliver 9 is available with up to $3000 off for ABN holders.

LDV has also announced the eDeliver 5, which at $47,990 drive-away until July 31 is the cheapest electric van available in Australia.

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Mahindra

The Indian auto brand is offering free fuel cards of varying value across all three of its current models until June 30, 2026.

A $500 fuel card comes with the Mahindra XUV 3XO, the brand’s newest model and a challenger to the Chery Tiggo 4 small SUV, with a $2000 fuel card available for the Scorpio Z8L+ large SUV, and $5000 fuel card for the XUV 700 mid-size SUV.

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Mazda

Mazda’s 2025 plate clearance isn’t strictly an EOFY sale, meaning it doesn’t have a June 30 deadline and instead runs while stocks last.

The promotion offers factory bonuses ranging from $500 to $5000 across selected models, including the Mazda 2 hatch, outgoing CX-5 mid-size SUV and BT-50 ute.

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Mercedes-Benz

The German brand will pay the equivalent of the GST across its standard (non-AMG) petrol, diesel and hybrid passenger vehicle range – which means as much as $10,000 on the C200 sedan, for example.

There are some exclusions, including the G-Class, GLC200 Avantgarde and the C300 AMG Line Edition.

A separate offer sees the GLC200 4Matic Avantgarde Edition available for$89,490 drive-away until June 30, provided customers take delivery by August 31, 2026.

There’s also national drive-away pricing on the C300 AMG Line Plus Edition, which is $94,900 compared to its regular price of $95,400 before on-road costs.

The GLC200 Avantgarde Edition is now priced at $89,490 drive-away, down from its standard price a $85,400 before on-roads.

Mercedes-AMG customers can opt for a 1.4 per cent finance comparison rate across all Edition R and Edition R+ models until June 30, 2026.

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MG

MG is offering cashback deals, drive-away pricing and free accessories across much of its lineup as part of its EOFY campaign.

The offers start with $3000 cashback and five years of free servicing across the MG HS mid-size SUV range, excluding Super Hybrid variants, which instead receive $6000 cashback.

The $3000 cashback and five-year servicing offer also applies to the QS large SUV and U9 dual-cab ute.

Elsewhere, buyers can receive $2000 cashback on the MG S5 EV electric SUV and MG7 sedan, while selected ZS small SUV and MG3 hatch variants attract between $500 and $1000 cashback.

The new MG4 Urban electric hatch is among several models offered with $500 worth of complimentary accessories for vehicles ordered and delivered by June 30, 2026.

Mini

The iconic British small-car brand is offering a 3.99 per cent comparison finance rate through its Mini Flex division until June 30, 2026, on any new or demonstrator electric vehicle.

The BMW-owned brand's current battery-electric models include the Cooper hatch, Aceman EV, and Countryman SUV.

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Mitsubishi

The Japanese brand has taken $5000 off its new-generation ASX small SUV, bringing the price down to $34,990 drive-away for private buyers of MY25 vehicles.

Its larger MY26 Outlander comes with three years free servicing – a saving of around $1047 based on the latest capped-price servicing costs.

Buy an MY25 Outlander and you'll will receive a $2000 fuel card (excluding the five-seat ES).

Older MY24 examples of the Outlander plug-in hybrid (PHEV) come with a $10,000 cash bonus, but only Exceed Tourer and GSR model grades.

Mitsubishi also has stock of the Eclipse Cross PHEV small SUV, which was dropped in 2025 – with MY24 examples priced at $45,490 drive-away for private buyers.

The Triton ute doesn’t miss out either, with a $2000 fuel card for MY25 vehicles, or the same three-year servicing deal for MY26 versions.

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Nissan

If you're an ABN holder the Navara SL can be had for $57,990 drive-away, and with 2.9 per cent finance for all comers – with existing Nissan owners getting a better 1.9 per cent rate.

That takes the $159/week repayment for regular customers down by $9 to a flat $150 – perhaps enough for a weekly beverage and a sausage at your local hardware store on a Saturday morning.

The same rates apply across the new Navara lineup for ABN holders until June 30 – or buyers can choose to make no repayments for the first six months instead.

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Omoda Jaecoo

There's up to $5000 cashback across most of the Omoda Jaecoo lineup, which currently consists of three Jaecoo-badged SUVs and a single Omoda model, the Omoda 9 large SUV.

The $5000 cashback comes off the Jaecoo 8 large five-seat SUV, which means a starting price of $44,990 drive-away for the Track and $49,990 for the Ridge.

Both are powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, with the Track being rear-wheel drive and the Ridge all-wheel drive.

There’s $4000 off the Jaecoo J7 petrol models, too – also offered in Track and Ridge grades – while the Super Hybrid System in the Track and Summit come with a $3000 saving until June 30.

The Omoda 9 – also running the Super Hybrid PHEV system – is offered in a single ‘Virtue’ model grade, with $3000 off before June 30, making it $58,990 before on-roads.

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Peugeot

The 120-year-old French marque has been made one of the priority brands by its owner Stellantis, which should give confidence to new-car shoppers – especially after importer Inchcape dropped the Citroen brand Down Under in 2024.

EOFY offers see the 3008 Allure Hybrid priced from $54,990 drive-away, a somewhat small saving when on-road costs are added to its $52,990 list price.

The flagship 3008 GT Premium Hybrid is usually priced at $64,990 before on-road costs, but is now priced at $62,990 drive-away until June 30, 2026.

The 5008 Allure Hybrid SUV can be had from $58,990 drive-away instead of its $55,990 before on-roads, and the 5008 GT Premium Hybrid SUV from $69,990 drive-away instead of its usual price of $67,990 plus on-roads.

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Polestar

The Swedish-Chinese electric vehicle brand is offering savings of up to $10,000 off ‘preconfigured’ examples of its Polestar 4 mid-size SUV (essentially meanings cars in stock), which starts at $78,500 before on-road costs and any offers.

The 4 has been the brand’s best-seller so far this year, ahead of the Polestar 2 liftback, which can be had with savings of up to $5000 for in-stock vehicles purchased before June 30. It's normally priced from $66,400 before the discount and on-road costs.

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Ram

Ram Trucks Australia is offering ‘Mates Rates’ of no-deposit 4.99 per cent financing for ABN holders on the Ram 1500 Rebel, introduced as a new model grade in 2026 and priced at $141,950 before on-road costs.

The Rebel runs the standard output (SO) 3.0-litre twin-turbo Hurricane inline six-cylinder petrol engine, meaning 313kW/635Nm outputs, fed through an eight-speed auto and four-wheel drive.

The older Ram 1500 Big Horn, which runs the 5.7-litre Hemi V8 – albeit with lower 291kW/556Nm outputs – comes with a free larger tub until June 30, 2026.

Ram will upsize the 1500 Big Horn’s 5.7-foot tub to a larger 6.4-foot version, marking a $1000 saving.

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Renault

Renault’s quirky Duster small SUV is now priced from $34,990 drive-away in entry-level Evolution 4x2 form – marking a good chunk off the regular price of $36,490 plus on-road costs – if delivered by June 30 (private buyers only).

The MY25 Koleos mid-size SUV is also on offer at $36,990 drive-away – compared to its normal $34,990 plus on-roads price – and includes free metallic paint and a 1.99 per cent finance comparison rate.

The paint and payment offer is also available for MY25 Koleos Techno 4x2 vehicles now priced at $39,990 drive-away, and the MY25 Koleos Techno 4x4 priced at $42,490 drive-away.

Until June 30, the Megane E-Tech electric SUV is priced from $49,990 drive-away, with Renault Australia essentially picking up up the tab for the GST and statutory on-road costs.

The best-selling Renaults in Australia are commercial vans, and there are run-out deals on the MY25 Trafic and larger Master LWB Pro automatic van, which can now be had for $57,990 drive-away – and a free LWB upgrade – for private buyers.

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Skoda

The Czech brand’s EOFY offer sees drive-away deals across its older 2025 Kodiaq large SUV range, boosted by a $4000 fuel card for all model grades apart from the plug-in hybrid.

This sees the MY25 Kodiaq start at $49,990 drive-away – previously $54,990 before on-road costs – with the MY25 Kodiaq Sportline priced at $54,990 and the flagship MY25 RS at $69,990 drive-away.

The EOFY offer sees all three variants come with a $4000 fuel voucher until June 30, too.

The Kodiaq PHEV, meanwhile, is being offered from $59,990 drive-away for the 2026 model year, which kicks off with the Kodiaq Select mild-hybrid at its regular price of $49,990 drive-away.

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Smart

A serious $14,000 has been lopped off 2024 versions (yes, 2024) of the Smart #1 electric hatch, which until June 30 starts at $44,490.

Last EOFY, Smart offered $11,500 off the same vehicles and also the Smart #3 small electric SUV – and only on the east coast of Australia where its dealers are located.

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Subaru

Subaru is offering substantial price cuts on its best-selling model, the Forester mid-size SUV, until June 30, 2026.

Savings of $4000 have been applied to Forester AWD vehicles with a 2.5-litre boxer petrol engine, with a starting price of $44,990 drive-away.

Hybrid vehicles come with a $5000 price cut, kicking off with the Forester AWD Hybrid at $46,990 drive-away.

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Suzuki

Japanese small-car specialist Suzuki, which has overtaken Honda as Japan’s second-best selling automaker, is offering a $500 fuel card to buyers of its Swift Hybrid hatchback.

The Ignis is on run-out at $25,135 drive-away, and the MY2025 Fronx small SUV is currently priced at $29,990 drive-away.

Suzuki’s newest model, the e Vitara small SUV (the ‘e’ stands for electric, of course) can be had with a $3000 saving for the first 100 buyers, making it $46,990 drive-away until June 30, unless it notches up 100 sales beforehand.

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Toyota

Order a new or demonstrator MY25 Toyota bZ4X 2WD electric SUV and use Toyota Finance before June 30, and you’ll get a $5000 ‘deposit bonus’ off the price (excludes lease deals).

Go for the AWD bZ4X, and the offer increases to $7500.

The discount can be teamed with the 7kW JET Charge wall-mounted charger currently being offered to all bZ4X buyers – which can be swapped for a 12-month Chargefox subscription instead until December 31, 2026.

Toyota is also offering up to $10,000 off its Tundra pickup – a rival to the Ford F-150, Ram 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado – for examples made before July 2025, which will also come with free on-road costs until June 30, 2026.

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Volkswagen

The German brand has a raft of deals on a wide range of its models, including passenger and commercial vehicles.

The new-generation Tiguan 110TSI Life is now priced at $44,990 drive-away – compared to its $45,650 before on-roads list price – for MY25 and MY26 vehicles purchased and delivered by June 30, 3036.

Go for the new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Tiguan, and the 150TSI Elegance starts at $63,990 drive-away, while the Tiguan eHybrid 200TSI R-Line will set you back $73,990 drive-away before the end of June.

The Tayron large SUV, which replaced the Tiguan Allspace last year, starts with the seven-seat 110TSI Life priced at $49,990 drive-away. The five-seat 150TSI Life is priced at $54,990 drive-away.

There are also savings to be had on the Tayron eHybrid, with the 150TSI Elegance variant priced from $61,990 drive-away, and the 200TSI R-Line from $75,990 drive-away.

Volkswagen's diesel-powered Touareg large SUV has gone out of production, meaning run-out deals on existing stock, with the 170TDI now available for $95,634 drive-away, and the 210TDI R-Line from $119,994 drive-away.

The Touareg R PHEV is priced from $140,994 drive-away.

There are deals on Volkswagen electric SUVs too, including the ID.4 and ID.5 – while the already heavily discounted ID. Buzz people mover can now be had from $79,990 drive-away, with offers also available for electric ID. Buzz Cargo commercial van.

There are also deals on the compact Caddy van, the Multivan people mover, the large Crafter commercial van, and the MY25 Amarok ute and Golf hatchback, which is available from $37,990 drive-away in 110 TSI Life form.

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Volvo

The Volvo XC60 Plus Bright Special Edition can be purchased for $79,990 drive-away if delivered by June 30, scoring you 20-inch alloy wheels and a Lifestyle Pack bringing a panoramic roof, tinted rear windows, and Harman Kardon audio.

Volvo Car Australia is also offering free on-road costs and five years or 75,000km of scheduled servicing across its XC90 large SUV lineup (apart from mild-hybrid and PHEV variants).

While not strictly an EOFY offer, the Volvo EX30 small electric SUV is priced at $55,990 drive-away for the Plus Single Extended Range variant (normally $49,990 plus on-roads) until October 31, 2026.

The Swedish brand is also offering a 1.0 per cent comparative finance rate for selected EVs, with the federally funded Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) chipping in 0.5 per cent.

See every EOFY car deal in one place at CarExpert's EOFY Sale Hub. We've done the deal hunting for you: every brand, every offer, updated in real time. When you're ready to buy, our New Car Specialist team goes to market on your behalf to find the best deal and manages all the paperwork with the dealer. From deal to driveway, we've got you covered.

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A new nameplate for Renault Australia showrooms, the five-seat, five-door Symbioz will be offered in three grades – one mild-hybrid and two hybrid variants – when it arrives in July 2026.

It replaces the previous Captur in local Renault showrooms, which was last updated for Australia in 2024 and was priced from $33,000 before on-road costs in entry-level Life guise.

That makes the Symbioz cheaper than the Nissan Qashqai ST-L e-Power ($45,640 before on-road costs), but marginally more expensive than the Hyundai Kona Hybrid ($36,950 before on-roads).

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The new Renault also undercuts the smaller Mitsubishi ASX, essentially a rebadged version of the latest Captur not offered here, which starts from $37,740 before on-roads.

The Symbioz sits on the same 2639mm wheelbase as the latest Captur and ASX, but measures 4412mm long overall, making it 174mm longer. Width remains unchanged at 1797mm, while height is 1567mm.

Boot space has also increased, with the Symbioz offering 563 litres of capacity compared to 484L in the Captur and ASX.

For 2026, the range opens with the Techno grade, priced from $36,990 before on-roads and powered by a mild-hybrid drivetrain.

It uses a 104kW/245Nm 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission driving the front wheels. Combined fuel consumption is rated at 6.4L/100km.

The Techno can also be specified with Renault Australia’s first hybrid powertrain, a non-plug-in system that adds $6000 to the asking price, taking it to $42,990 before on-roads.

While adding 85kg in weight (1397kg) and reducing boot space from 563L to 460L, the hybrid is both faster and more fuel-efficient than the mild-hybrid model.

Its 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor produce combined outputs of 116kW and 265Nm, driving the front wheels through a hybrid automatic transmission and supported by a 1.4kWh lithium-ion battery.

Renault claims fuel consumption of 4.7L/100km, giving the hybrid a theoretical driving range of 1021km from its 48L fuel tank. It also completes the 0-100km/h sprint in a claimed 9.1 seconds, 0.3 seconds quicker than the mild-hybrid.

Standard equipment for Techno variants includes LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, push-button start, cloth upholstery, rear privacy glass and a sliding second-row bench seat.

There’s also a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, heated steering wheel, 10.4-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a rear-view camera.

Positioned above the Techno grades, the flagship Symbioz Esprit Alpine adds 19-inch alloy wheels, darkened Renault logos, and Alpine badging.

Inside, there is unique Alpine trim, Esprit Alpine sports seats, heated six-way power-adjustable front seats, and blue-accented seatbelts.

The range-topper also features a Harman Kardon nine-speaker sound system, hands-free power tailgate, and automatic parking assist.

The Symbioz is sold as the Mitsubishi Grandis in Europe – a model not offered by Mitsubishi in Australia – and has a four-star safety rating based on 2024 Euro NCAP crash testing.

Standard safety and driver-assistance technology across the range includes six airbags, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist with lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.

Options include a panoramic sunroof, while all colours apart from Flame Red attract a $900 premium paint surcharge.

MORE: Explore the Renault Symbioz showroom