Suzuki Australia has announced a new special edition Jimny Rhino, which is now available to order in Australia. The Rhino is based on the five-door XL model and it adds a number of cosmetic upgrades compared with the standard model. Priced from $44,990 plus on-road costs, the Rhino asks $7500 more than the standard XL, and a full $13,000 more than the entry-level Jimny Lite.
The headline feature of the Rhino is the ‘Kinetic Yellow’ paint colour, which isn’t available on the regular XL, and is the only available colour option for the Rhino, paired with a black roof. There are unique decals on the sides of the Rhino, with “exclusive Rhino-themed side decals featuring a charging rhino motif accompanied by twin stripes that sweep rearward from the iconic Rhino logo.” The ‘サイ’ at the rear is the word rhino written in Japanese script.
Other exterior features include new 15-inch alloy wheels, satin silver side skirt and front bumper trims, a “heritage” front grille that’s available on other Jimny models as a dealer-fit accessory, mud flaps, a rhino badge on the rear and even LED puddle lamps.
Inside, there are also upgrades to the Rhino, including black leather trims on the door handles and grab handles, a laser-etched Rhino logo and silver accents on the air vents and gearbox surround. Manual models also gain a retro-design shifter.
There is also LED ambient lighting — which can be set to the same Kinetic Yellow as the exterior colouring — as well as a four-speaker Pioneer audio upgrade and rubber floor mats.
Finally, each Jimny Rhino will also receive a ‘Rhino Go Pack’ with merchandise including:
- Rhino-branded metal key presentation case
- Rhino-branded key chain
- Bucket hat with Rhino Special Edition logo embroidered in Kinetic Yellow stitching
- Portable lantern with Rhino Special Edition logo in Kinetic Yellow
- Drink bottle with Rhino Special Edition logo
- Rhino-branded blanket
- Rhino-branded thermos tumbler
- Rhino-branded cooler box
- Portable Bluetooth speaker with Rhino Special Edition logo
- Rhino Rations: Koko Black 9-piece Dark Chocolate Pistachio praline box presented in a bespoke Rhino Special Edition branded sleeve
The Rhino’s new equipment is in addition to the standard features on the Jimny XL, which include dusk-sensing automatic LED headlights, remote central locking, heated/electric-folding mirrors, single-zone automatic climate control, a 9.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and a reversing camera. The automatic also features adaptive cruise control.
Because the Rhino gives no mechanical upgrades to the standard Jimny, the 75kW/130Nm 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine remains unchanged, as does its part-time four-wheel drive system and either five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission options.
2026 Suzuki Jimny pricing (plus on-road costs):
| Lite 3-door 5-speed manual | $31,990 |
|---|---|
| Jimny 3-door 5-speed manual | $33,990 |
| Jimny 3-door 4-speed automatic | $36,490 |
| XL 5-door 5-speed manual | $34,990 |
| XL 5-door 4-speed automatic | $37,490 |
| Rhino 5-door manual | $44,990 (new) |
| Rhino 5-door automatic | $47,490 (new) |
The Suzuki Jimny Rhino is now available to order, except in Queensland and Northern New South Wales, where the company uses a different distributor.
A significant update for the Geely EX5 electric mid-size SUV has been revealed through the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology with updated styling, more power and even a switch to a rear-wheel drive drivetrain that replaces the current model’s front-wheel drive layout. It’s yet to be confirmed for markets outside of China, though given the popularity of the current EX5 in Australia, we’re expecting it to launch locally eventually.
Outside, the updated EX5 sports new front end styling with a new bumper design for a bolder and more characterful look. The side air intakes have been made larger than the current model, and a satin chrome finish has been added as well.
There are new alloy wheel designs in both 18- and 19-inch sizing, while the EX5 has also gained regular door handles to comply with new Chinese regulations banning the pop-out handles that feature on the current EX5. At the rear, the EX5 is largely unchanged, aside from the Geely name now spelt underneath the tailights.
We can also spot a LiDAR sensor on the roof, which suggests that the EX5 will gain a Level 3 autonomous driving system in its home market, but that likely won’t spread to the Australian market.
Under the skin, the EX5 has gained a new 245kW motor, which is a lot more powerful than the current 160kW unit, and it’s now located on the rear axle and not the front. Geely is yet to confirm if the bump in power will improve acceleration, but the top speed has reportedly risen from 175km/h to 200km/h.
The Chinese documents did not confirm battery sizes, but the current EX5 uses 68kWh battery in Australia with a claimed WLTP range of between 450km and 475km. Smaller 50kWh and 60kWh batteries are offered in overseas market EX5s as well.
Geely Australia is yet to comment on the updated EX5 and if it will be sold locally, but we’d be surprised if we didn’t see it before the end of 2026.
Jeremy Clarkson has revealed he has been diagnosed with cancer, with the former Top Gear and The Grand Tour presenter sharing the news during the latest season of Clarkson’s Farm.
The 66-year-old disclosed the diagnosis during an emotional conversation with farm manager Kaleb Cooper in one of the final episodes of the Amazon Prime series.
Clarkson explained that the cancer was discovered following medical testing earlier this year and described it as aggressive, although detected at an early stage.
“I’ve got cancer,” Clarkson told Cooper while discussing the year’s farming challenges.
According to Clarkson, doctors identified the illness after he underwent a biopsy following a medical examination. He said treatment would likely take place during a critical period on the farm, creating further challenges during an already difficult year.
The diagnosis comes after a series of well-publicised health issues for Clarkson. In late 2024, he revealed he had undergone heart surgery after experiencing symptoms linked to coronary heart disease, a condition he also referenced during the Clarkson’s Farm episode.
“So we started the year and I had coronary heart disease and ended it with me with cancer,” Clarkson said.
The television personality was recently the subject of the Wheels Interview, talking about the continued success of Clarkson’s Farm and his evolving relationship with motoring, farming and life away from television’s traditional studio environment. The series has become one of Amazon’s biggest global hits, introducing Clarkson to a broader audience beyond the automotive enthusiasts who first came to know him through Top Gear.
Clarkson said he had been aware of the diagnosis since May and was hopeful treatment would be successful, with further medical testing scheduled to monitor his progress.
Ahead of the release of the final episodes, Clarkson warned viewers they would be markedly different from the show’s usual tone.
“Ordinarily, we try to keep the show light and cheerful,” he said in a video shared on social media. “The final two episodes are a difficult watch.”
Clarkson’s Farm has become known for its mix of humour, agricultural challenges and personal moments, but the latest season is set to reveal one of the most significant challenges Clarkson has faced both on and off screen.
Nissan is set to adopt a dramatically shorter development cycle for its upcoming 14th-generation Skyline sedan.
The new Skyline, first announced with a teaser image in April 2026 (main), is set to be revealed as a production preview by the end of this year or early in 2027, according to Nissan CEO, Ivan Espinosa.
In an interview with Nikkei Asia, Esinposa revealed that the Skyline would be revealed during the coming Northern Hemisphere winter (December to February), thanks to an accelerated development cycle. To do so, design and testing have been overhauled with the use of emerging technologies.
“A big part of this is built on AI capabilities and the utilisation of new tools, more digital tools in the design phase, in the testing phase, in the manufacturing phase,” Espinosa said.
As part of a major restructure to return the brand to profitability, announced in 2025, Nissan pledged to trim average vehicle development timelines from 37 months to 30 months. In the case of the new Skyline, Nikkei Asia reports that the previous generation’s 55-month development has been cut to just 26 months.
Nissan’s accelerated development strategy stems from its joint venture program with Chinese automaker Dongfeng. The Nissan N7 sedan, with development led by Dongfeng, took just two years.
“China is, as of now, setting the industry standards of the future in terms of technology, in terms of cost competitiveness and in terms of development time,” Espinosa said.
The outgoing Skyline, which was sold in Australia as the Infiniti Q50 between 2014 and 2019 (below), has now been in production for 12 years – almost twice as long as a traditional passenger car model cycle.
Its replacement is rumoured to adopt the twin-turbo V6 from the Nissan Z coupe, itself a development of the engine from the current Q50 Red Sport, bringing the possibility of a manual transmission, though it will likely be reserved for a flagship Nismo version rather than fitted across the range.
Although not yet fully revealed, Nissan has hinted that the new Skyline will take cues from models of the past, most prominent of which are the four circular tail lights seen through the model’s past iterations.
The name of Chery’s first Australian ute, formerly known as the KP31, has finally been revealed after a public competition to decide on a locally relevant moniker.
To be known as the Stockman, the name was submitted by Victorian Steve Kodikara, who will receive a free Stockman when it becomes available. The name received over a quarter of votes when the final eight names were put to the public to choose their favourite. The Stockman is due to launch in Australia before the end of 2026.
According to Chery, the name is inspired by the “resilience, dependability and hard-working spirit of Australia’s stockmen” and “reflects the characteristics Chery believes define its first ute: capability, endurance and versatility across a wide range of Australian conditions.”
“I’m incredibly honoured that Stockman was chosen from the thousands of entries submitted to title Chery’s new ute,” said Kodikara.
“I felt the name captured the spirit of Australia’s original workhorse and everything a ute should represent: reliability, capability and resilience. I’m glad it resonated with Australians, and I’m thrilled to see it become part of Chery’s story.”
“The response to this competition exceeded our expectations and showcased just how passionate Australians are about utes,” said Lucas Harris, Chief Operating Officer, Chery Australia. “Stockman stood out because it captured something uniquely Australian while reflecting the capability, reliability and innovation behind our upcoming ute. Steve’s submission brought the name to life through a compelling story, connecting Australia’s heritage with the next generation of ute technology.”
Stockman emerged from a shortlist that included Outrider, Orca, Ironbark, Bushwalker, Longreach, Ridgeback, Terra and Mate. It ultimately received more than 25 per cent of votes cast by over 12,000 Australians during the public voting phase.
As announced earlier in 2026 when it was revealed, the Stockman will be the first ute on the Australian new car market to offer a diesel plug-in hybrid drivetrain, with a petrol PHEV variant due later on.
More details about the Chery Stockman will be announced closer to its market launch in late 2026.
The 2027 Audi A6 allroad quattro has made its international debut, marking the fifth iteration of Audi’s SUV-styled crossover wagon.
Based on the 2026 A6 Avant wagon, the A6 allroad takes a more rugged approach with air suspension that sits 35mm higher than the regular A6 at its normal height. The adaptive system features 55mm of height adjustment, 25mm greater than the A6.
The A6 allroad also features beefier widebody styling, some 111mm wider than the car it’s based on and 84mm wider than the previous A6 allroad. The aggressive styling gives a strong hint at what Audi has in store for the high-performance RS7 Avant.
The off-road styling is further differentiated with slim wheel arch extensions, large bumper trims front and rear, and notched side sills available in black or with silver and aluminium highlights. Alloy wheels from 19 inches up to 21 inches are available with tyres ranging from 265/45 R19 to 285/35 R21 in size, the latter aimed at on-road dynamics rather than off-road traction.
From launch, two powertrains will be offered. The entry-level option is a 220kW/580Nm 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6 with mild hybrid, while plug-in hybrid will be optional on the allroad for the first time, with a 270kW/500Nm claimed combined output from a 185kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol and 105kW electric motor.
Acceleration from 0-100km/h in the hybrid takes a claimed 5.5 seconds, with up to 95km of WLTP electric-only range and fuel consumption from 2.6 to 2.9L/100km when fully charged or 7.2 to 7.7L/100km once the hybrid battery is depleted. The 3.0-litre V6 has a slightly quicker 5.4-second sprint to 100km/h and has a claimed fuel use of 5.8 to 6.4L/100km depending on specifications.
Audi has overhauled the steering for a more direct feel with a stiffer mounting path between the steering wheel and front wheels. The A6 allroad comes standard with progressive rate steering, and the plug-in hybrid features standard four-wheel steering, which is optional on the diesel.
Brake-by-wire with blended braking removes the physical connection between the brake pedal and brake booster to allow a greater range of regenerative braking for both the mild-hybrid and PHEV versions. Regenerative braking is used in most situations, with physical braking now reserved for emergency stops. Up to 25kW can be harvested by the mild-hybrid and 88kW by the PHEV.
The interior of the A6 allroad follows the design direction set by the regular A6 range, including an 11.9-inch digital instrument display, 14.5-inch infotainment, and an optional 10.9-inch passenger screen.
The system can be accessed via the touchscreen, capacitive buttons on the steering wheel, or through voice commands with ChatGPT integration. Outside of the navigation and infotainment, voice control also allows some driver-assist functions, like adaptive cruise control, to be engaged via spoken instructions.
The A6 allroad comes with sport seats and available features including heating, ventilation, and massage, an electrochromatic panoramic glass roof, four-zone climate control, soft-close doors, and Bang & Olufsen 3D surround sound.
Audi’s matrix LED headlights include adaptive lighting that can adjust to weather conditions and illuminate an adjacent lane when merging, plus features lane-marking projections and dynamic start-up animations along with user-customisable running light signatures.
Cargo capacity of the V6 TDI model outranks the PHEV slightly, with between 466 litres and 1497 litres depending on rear seat position, which drops to 404L to 1423L in the PHEV. Towing capacity for the PHEV is also slightly lower at 2000kg, compared to 2500kg for the diesel.
Audi has not yet confirmed the new A6 allroad quattor for Australia, but says the model is under evaluation for the Australian market. Other new-generation models in the A6 range, including the A6 Avant and A6 e-tron sedan, are yet to launch in Australia.
Hyundai Australia has revealed a new special edition of its i20 N hot hatch called the Shadow Edition. The i20 N Shadow Edition is limited to just 100 units and is priced from $41,500 plus on-road costs, which is $3000 more expensive than the regular i20 N.
Created to celebrate the end of the current-generation of i20 N, the Shadow Edition adds a number of new features like a suede steering wheel, bronze alloy wheels and special detailing.
Above the regular i20 N (of which some units are still left in stock) the Shadow Edition adds matte bronze 18-inch alloy wheels, black wheel nuts and bronze lower door decals. The exterior paint is only available in either Atlas White or Phantom Black colours, with the latter adding $595 to the cost.
Inside, the Shadow Edition further adds a suede steering wheel rim and gear knob, a numbered plaque on the dashboard and unique rubber floor mats featuring the Pirelli P Zero tread pattern.
That’s on top of the regular i20 N’s standard equipment list, including automatic dusk-sensing LED headlights, sports seats with cloth and synthetic leather trim, twin 10.25-inch displays, single-zone automatic climate control, various N modes and safety features like autonomous emergency braking, adaptive lane guidance, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and a reversing camera.
The 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine is unchanged compared to the regular i20 N, making 150kW of power and 265Nm of torque. It’s mated to a six-speed manual transmission and power is sent to the front wheels. Combined fuel consumption is rated at 6.9L/100km and CO2 emissions at 157g/km.
Production for the current i20 N ceased earlier this year in March, and while the next-generation regular i20 has just been revealed, the N model is yet to debut. Its timing is yet to be confirmed, though the company has previously suggested that it will move to a hybrid drivetrain to meet emissions laws, which could cost it its six-speed manual transmission.
The Hyundai i20 N Shadow Edition is available to order now ahead of local deliveries commencing soon.
One in four or 25 per cent of Australian drivers warn other motorists about the presence of law enforcement by flashing their headlights despite the practice lying in a legal grey area.
That’s the finding from a survey of 1000 Australian drivers by financial comparison tool Money.com.au, which also found that 36 per cent only signal when there’s a genuine road hazard, like an accident, breakdown or animal on the road.
According to Money, it also found that 25 per cent regularly warn other drivers about speed cameras or police presence, 39 per cent never signal other motorists at all and among drivers who do signal, 66 per cent are aware the practice could be illegal.
Money‘s Head of Insights, Sean Callery, says the findings reveal a significant gap between what drivers consider common courtesy and what the law may allow. “Many drivers flash their headlights to help fellow motorists avoid a fine, and some see it as the Australian thing to do. But the irony is that the gesture itself could backfire because of this driver-to-driver courtesy. Drivers trying to save someone else from a costly penalty could find themselves on the receiving end of one instead,” he said.
“For some Aussies, there’s a stronger case for warning drivers about a hazard ahead than a speed camera. If alerting another motorist of an accident, a stranded vehicle or an animal on the road, many would see that as both a road safety benefit and a way to avoid potentially costly vehicle damage.”
Among drivers who signal other motorists, two-thirds are aware that the practice could be considered illegal in some circumstances. The remaining 34 per cent said they were unaware of the potential legal implications.
According to Money, while there’s no law that explicitly prohibits drivers from flashing their headlights to warn other motorists, the Australian Road Rules (ADRs) state that drivers must not use their vehicle’s lights in a way that dazzles or is likely to dazzle another road user. Drivers are also prohibited from using high-beam headlights when travelling within 200 metres of a vehicle ahead or an oncoming vehicle.
The survey also revealed differences between age groups. Millennials are the most likely generation to regularly warn other drivers about speed cameras or police presence, with 30 per cent admitting they do so. That’s compared with 27 per cent of Gen Z, 23 per cent of Gen X and 21 per cent of Baby Boomers.
However, Gen Z drivers (44 per cent) are the most likely to use headlight flashes or other signals to warn fellow motorists about genuine road hazards rather than speed cameras or police presence. They are followed by Baby Boomers (38 per cent), Gen X (34 per cent) and Millennials (32 per cent). Gen X drivers are the most likely to keep to themselves on the road, with 43 per cent saying they never signal other motorists about speed cameras, police presence or road hazards. That’s higher than Baby Boomers (41 per cent), Millennials (38 per cent) and Gen Z (29 per cent).
The full results of Money’s survey can be found here.
The Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S and Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 have received a mid-life overhaul, the headline act a new ‘M177 Evo’ flat-plane-crank twin-turbo V8.
Previous versions of the GLE 63 and GLS 63 were powered by an older-generation of the M177 V8, the new Evo engine has been engineered for improved efficiency to meet tough new Euro7 emissions regulations.
The new engine has been heavily revised with a flat-plane crankshaft, modified camshaft, new air intake and exhaust ports, upgraded fuel-injection system, revised compressor and turbocharger housing, and new cylinder firing order. The latter is claimed to reduce engine vibration with smoother power delivery.
Making the same 450kW and 850Nm as before, the modified V8 retains the mild-hybrid tech of the previous version for an additional boost of 17kW and 205Nm.
AMG’s nine-speed automatic transmission is carried over and delivers outputs to all four wheels via Mercedes-AMG’s 4Matic all-wheel drive system.
Performance remains unchanged, with the GLE 63 S sprinting from 01–0km.h in just 3.9 seconds, while the slightly larger and heavier GLS 63 covers the dash from standstill to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds. Top speed remains unchanged, both models quoted at 280km/h.
Both models have been given a facelift, with a new AMG front grille, larger air intakes and redesigned headlights. The exhaust system has also been modified, with a petrol particulate filter (PPF) and exhaust flaps that automatically adjust to boost engine sound.
Both updated models have been confirmed for an Australian launch, with deliveries expected to start in 2027.
The current Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S line-up is priced from $273,300 before on-road costs for the SUV wagon and $275,300 (plus on-roads) for the Coupe body style. The Mercedes-AMG GLS63 starts from $307,100 before on-road costs.
Ford is introducing daily engine inspections and artificial intelligence monitoring across its manufacturing operations as the carmaker attempts to address an escalating quality and recall problem.
According to reporting by Road & Track, Ford has dramatically increased scrutiny of engines produced at its Essex Engine Plant in Canada, where the company builds the 5.0-litre Coyote V8 used in the Mustang and F-150, along with the 6.7-litre and 7.3-litre V8 engines fitted to Super Duty trucks.
The move comes after Ford recorded an industry-leading 153 recalls in 2025, affecting almost 13 million vehicles. That figure dwarfed rival Stellantis, which issued 53 recalls covering approximately 2.7 million vehicles during the same period.
The recall headlines have continued into 2026. Last week alone, Ford announced a recall affecting 548,463 Expedition SUVs in the United States after chrome trim on the centre console was found to bubble, peel and potentially create sharp edges capable of injuring occupants. The company is aware of dozens of reported injuries linked to the issue, which affects 2018-2024 model-year vehicles.
Road & Track reports that Ford has abandoned its previous practice of conducting detailed engine tear-down inspections every few months, instead removing and dismantling an engine from the production line every day.
Plant manager Neil Wilson said the process has shifted from being a reactive measure to a proactive quality-control tool designed to identify problems before vehicles reach customers.
The company has also introduced AI-based monitoring systems that analyse production data and identify patterns that could signal potential faults, even when components remain within manufacturing tolerances.
Rather than selecting engines at random, Ford now uses the technology to flag specific engines for deeper investigation. Engineers then focus their inspections on areas identified by the system as possible sources of future problems.
The strategy was reportedly inspired by Ford’s Valencia engine plant in Spain, which the company identified as one of its best-performing facilities for quality control.
Ford claims the approach is already producing results. Internal warranty metrics tracking vehicles at various stages of ownership have shown declining fault trends since the program was introduced, according to the outlet.
The company has acknowledged its recall issues publicly, but argues many recent recalls relate to older vehicle programs rather than current production.
Ford remains under regulatory scrutiny in the United States, where repeated software, electrical and manufacturing-related recalls have raised questions about quality control processes. While executives concede the recall numbers won’t fall overnight, the company believes greater use of predictive analytics and more intensive inspections will help reduce future defects and improve long-term reliability.
