Chinese electric-vehicle maker Zeekr has showcased the 9X, a full-size plug-in hybrid SUV built to take on premium German rivals, as part of its push into Europe and beyond. The company confirmed it aims to launch in markets including Germany, the UK, France and likely Australia within the next 12–18 months.
The 9X uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors on a 900-volt architecture, producing a combined output of up to 1,030 kW (approximately 1,381 hp). Zeekr also claims a sub-3.1-second sprint from 0–100 km/h and an EV-only range around 380 km CLTC (roughly 236km WLTP). Charging from 20 per cent to 80 per cent can take just about nine minutes.
Although right-hand-drive production hasn’t been confirmed, Zeekr says it is evaluating adaptation for markets like Australia, where the brand already sells the 7X SUV. Zeekr’s European CEO, Lothar Schupet, said the UK is “one of the priority markets” and that Zeekr sees itself competing directly with BMW and Audi.
The 9X’s styling nods to luxury SUVs such as the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, with imposing dimensions, a commanding grille, and premium touches throughout. It adds to the brand’s existing EV family including the 001, X and 7X models. With its headline figures and luxury positioning, Zeekr intends the 9X to be its performance flagship.
For Australia, the launch of the 9X would mark a major step in Zeekr’s global ambitions – transitioning from niche newcomer to serious competitor in the premium SUV segment. Local timing and pricing remain unannounced, but the overshadowing spec sheet positions the 9X as a disruptive option for buyers seeking both luxury and technical performance.
The Ford Mustang could live forever.
The hero car for the blue oval brand has received a string of go-faster upgrades and updates in recent times with support from the highest levels of Ford management in Detroit. Company president Jim Farley has raced in the Mustang Cup at Le Mans and vice-president Jim Baumbick, on a rapid-fire visit to Australia, could not contain his enthusiasm for the historic performance car.
“I can’t imagine a Ford Motor Company without a Mustang,” Baumbick, told WhichCar by Wheels in an exclusive interview.
Baumbick was visiting Ford’s product development hub at Broadmeadows on one of his final stops as head of advanced product development, cycling planning and programs for FoMoCo, before taking up a new job as president of Ford Europe in November.
He has been closely tied to the Product Development Centre in Melbourne for a decade, eventually rising to the top of the engineering division at the company and helping to drive the renewed emphasis on internal-combustion models.
He showed enthusiasm for everything around the Mustang program, from right-hand drive development to Supercars racing.
“We’re going to keep the pedal down on Mustang,” Baumbick said. He confirmed the Mustang would continue as a key model for the company, to the extent that future planning around electrification and emissions was done to ensure it would not be threatened.
“I’ve been doing the (product) cycle plan for the company since 2017-2016 and we always had a product-led approach to our emissions and CO2. Ours was designed to ensure that we could continue to lean on Mustang. “And that’s why you have a Dark Horse.”
Baumbick said some of Ford’s rivals – “I’ll let you decide who those are” – had “run out of juice” in their efforts to protect their combustion hero cars.
“Our was always product led,” he emphasised. “I think there is a lot of opportunity, a huge amount of value, and a wild following of passionate customers on Mustang.”
According to Baumbick, Ford’s use of the Mustang in motorsport — from Supercars to NASCAR stock cars and GT sports car racing at Le Mans – was key to polishing the badge. He had watched the Gold Coast street race and could not contain his enthusiasm. “I was transfixed watching the 500,” he said.
But Baumbick emphasised that Ford’s motorsport programs with the Mustang are linked to showrooms. “We’re augmenting that with our ‘Race to Road’ strategy. You’re seeing it play out here if you watch the (Supercars) race.”
He also highlighted development of the latest Mustang GTD, even though the race-ready road car is a sell-out in the USA and not coming to Australia.
“You can see that ladder all the way up. The creation of the GTD was inspired by the GT3 (race car),” he said. “The GTD is an incredible apex representation of Mustang. Some of those cars you can buy, as a customer, and some you can’t. We just wanted to unleash engineers, without constraint, to show them what we could do with that vehicle.”
Hyundai Motor Company, together with its joint venture Beijing Hyundai, has revealed its latest electric vehicle strategy for China alongside the debut of an all-new SUV, the Hyundai ELEXIO. The model will serve as a cornerstone for Hyundai’s regional electrification plans and will arrive in Australia in early 2026.
Built on Hyundai’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) – the same foundation used by the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 – the ELEXIO combines global EV technology with locally developed systems tailored to the Chinese market. Hyundai describes the model as its first dedicated EV created under the brand’s regional mantra: “In China, For China, To Global.”
The ELEXIO’s design features clean, upright proportions, crystal-style LED headlights, and a durable, high-strength body intended to balance comfort with structural rigidity. Measuring as a mid-size SUV, it targets both urban and long-distance drivers seeking a premium yet practical electric vehicle.
Inside, the ELEXIO adopts a 27-inch 4K ultra-wide digital display powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chip, supporting AI-assisted features and multi-screen functionality. A “Cyber Eye” heads-up display projects driving data with high clarity, while Dolby Atmos audio and BOSE eight-speaker sound systems enhance cabin ambience.
The SUV offers 506 litres of boot space, expandable to 1,540 litres, and includes 46 storage compartments. Safety equipment includes a nine-airbag system, extended curtain airbags, and a high-strength steel body structure comprising over 77 per cent of the frame.
Underneath, the ELEXIO houses an 88.1 kWh battery pack capable of an estimated 722 km range (China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle) – equivalent to over 500 km on WLTP standards. Using DC fast charging, the battery can be replenished from 30 to 80 per cent in roughly 27 minutes.
The ELEXIO is the first of several models in Hyundai’s expanded New Energy Vehicle (NEV) lineup for China, which will grow to include additional sedans and SUVs by 2030.
Full Australian pricing and specifications will be announced closer to launch, with local deliveries expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026.
The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) has handed down three new results as part of its latest new car safety testing, with two five-star ratings for the IM 5 and IM 6 – part of MG’s new premium IM range – and a three-star rating for the new Renault Duster.
The IM 6 electric mid-size SUV achieved a five-star ANCAP safety rating, performing strongly in all crash tests, according to ANCAP. It achieved one of the highest frontal offset (MPDB) test scores to date under current ANCAP protocols (7.54 points out of 8.00).
Its IM 5 sedan sibling delivered an equally confident result, earning a five-star rating across all variants. In frontal and side impact testing, the IM 5 maintained a stable passenger cell and provided solid protection to adult occupants. Families will note its 91 per cent Child Occupant Protection result, with child dummies well protected in both frontal and side collisions.
The IM 5 demonstrated similar collision avoidance capabilities to its SUV sibling, with both models impressing in their ability to reliably respond to pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists in both autonomous emergency braking (AEB) straight-line and turning scenarios.
“The safety ratings for the premium IM 5 and IM 6 demonstrate MG’s ability to deliver vehicle safety at a high level. It’s encouraging to see this level of performance, and we hope to see these features carried across the broader MG range,” ANCAP Chief Executive Officer Carla Hoorweg said.
However, the Renault Duster enters the Australian market with a three-star ANCAP safety rating, based on Euro NCAP testing. Full points were awarded for protection of the driver in the oblique pole crash test, and for the driver and child passengers in the side impact test. The frontal offset and full width tests delivered more mixed results, including weak protection of the driver’s chest in the MPDB test.
While fitted with an autonomous emergency braking system, this was shown to be less effective in more advanced test scenarios, such as in turning or head-on scenarios, and at higher speeds. The Renault Duster does not respond to an overtaking or oncoming vehicle in emergency lane-keeping scenarios. These limitations contributed to scores of 60 per cent for Vulnerable Road User Protection and 58 per cent for Safety Assist – the latter limiting its overall rating to three stars.
Australians will soon be able to confirm their identity online using their driver’s licence photo, as the federal government expands its national facial recognition framework.
The Face Verification Service (FVS) — a system that matches a person’s face to their official identity documents — will begin incorporating driver’s licence data through the National Driver Licence Facial Recognition Solution (NDLFRS).
Until now, identity verification has relied on the Document Verification Service (DVS), which compares document details such as licence or passport numbers against government records. The new approach will add biometric verification, allowing a person’s live image or selfie to be matched to the photo already stored on their licence or passport.
The Attorney-General’s Department says the FVS aims to make identity checks faster and more secure while reducing the risk of fraud. It can only be used with an individual’s consent and is currently limited to federal government services. In future, access could extend to state and territory agencies and selected private organisations, but only under formal agreements that enforce privacy and security standards.
Western Australia will be the first jurisdiction to integrate its driver’s licence data into the system by late 2025, initially for government use. Private companies, such as financial institutions and telecommunications providers, could gain access the following year, enabling customers to verify their identities for services like account setup or age confirmation.
A spokesperson for the department said the goal was to “provide a secure way to access services and help combat identity crime,” but emphasised that participation would remain voluntary.
Individuals who prefer not to have their information included in the NDLFRS can opt out by notifying their state or territory road authority, which issues their licence.
Australians do not need to renew or update their licences or passports for the system to work, as existing data will automatically be included once a jurisdiction joins the program.
The government says the expansion is part of broader efforts to modernise digital identity verification, giving people more control over how they prove who they are while helping protect against the rising threat of identity theft and fraud.
Subaru has offered a glimpse into the next chapter of its STI performance division, revealing two striking concept vehicles – the Performance-E STI and Performance-B STI – at the Japan Mobility Show.
The pair represent Subaru’s dual focus on electrification and tradition, with the Performance-E signalling an all-electric future and the Performance-B drawing directly from the current Impreza hatchback.
Subaru describes the Performance-E STI as a vision for its next generation of sports cars, designed with both aerodynamic efficiency and everyday usability in mind. While technical details remain scarce, the concept’s aggressive styling and heritage cues suggest a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, aligning with the brand’s performance DNA.
Finished in STI’s signature dark blue with gold wheels and pink badging, the concept nods to Subaru’s rally past – particularly the 30th anniversary of Colin McRae’s 1995 World Rally Championship victory in the Impreza. Design elements include a large rear wing, vented bonnet, aerodynamic wheel vents, and a prominent rear diffuser, all wrapped into a four-door body style that blends modern performance aesthetics with nostalgic details.
In contrast, the Performance-B STI offers a clearer connection to existing Subaru models. Based on the latest Impreza, it shares the hatchback’s proportions and headlight design but adds a wider front wing, reshaped grille, and new bonnet to create a more muscular stance.
Subaru confirmed that the Performance-B STI uses the company’s signature Boxer engine and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, though it stopped short of revealing output figures or further mechanical details.
The concepts arrive at a time when STI’s presence in production models has been limited. Subaru has yet to release a full WRX STI version of its current-generation sports sedan, with markets like Australia instead receiving the WRX tS – a variant that incorporates chassis upgrades but no major performance increases.
While Subaru has made no commitments to production, the two concepts strongly hint that the STI badge is far from retired. The Performance-E STI, in particular, could preview how Subaru plans to retain its rally-bred identity in the electric age – balancing heritage with technology for a new era of performance.
Honda Australia has confirmed that the Honda Super-ONE, a compact electric vehicle designed for city use, will go on sale locally in the second half of 2026.
Unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, the production Super-ONE evolves from the Honda Super EV concept first shown at the Goodwood Festival of Speed earlier this year. The small-scale model will join Honda’s expanding electric range following the new Prelude coupe and updated CR-V and ZR-V e:HEV hybrids.
Honda Australia president Jay Joseph said the Super-ONE offers a practical solution for urban commuters seeking a compact, fully electric vehicle. “Developed from Japanese Kei car principles, the Super-ONE blends small-car agility with Honda’s design and engineering focus,” he said.
Measuring under 3.6 metres long and 1.6 metres wide, the Super-ONE is tailored for dense urban environments, with tight-turning agility and light steering suited to narrow streets and busy parking spaces. The compact proportions and short overhangs are designed to make the car easy to manoeuvre while maintaining a confident stance.
The Super-ONE features a “Boost Mode”, allowing the driver to temporarily increase power for rapid acceleration. In a nod to traditional performance cues, the system also generates synthetic engine sounds that rise with the simulated gear shifts, creating a more engaging driving experience despite the EV drivetrain.
Testing has been carried out in Japan’s major cities as well as on longer regional routes to refine both performance and charging compatibility. Honda says the model will support multiple charging standards, with Australian versions to undergo additional evaluation to ensure local suitability for infrastructure, climate, and safety standards.
Joseph said the company’s focus on quality extends into its new electric range. “The Super-ONE will launch in Australia following completion of local testing to ensure it delivers the ride comfort, safety and reliability customers expect from Honda,” he said.
Positioned as an accessible, city-focused EV, the Honda Super-ONE will join a growing field of compact electric models as the brand transitions toward full electrification in the coming decade.
Jeff Guyton, Representative Director, Senior Managing Executive Office and CFO of Mazda, knows his company’s product line as well as anyone. So, when he speaks, it’s fair to say journalists listen. That’s why his opening comment to Australian journalists at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show was surprising to say the least.
“Our product has gotten a bit old,” Guyton said. “That’s set to change dramatically within the next – let’s say year, even less. Because you get the new CX-5, and the (all electric) 6e (main, above), which you’ve seen, maybe some other things we haven’t talked about yet and won’t today.”
It’s a frank admission from the top, that Mazda can better take the fight to an ever more competitive market, with a slew of newer, more updated product. “It’s all set to change quite quickly,” Guyton said. “We think that the products we’re going to bring offer appealing choices for our existing customers as well as conquest in the Australian market.”
Guyton went on to say that he believes as these new products hit the market, and as they take a hold with buyers, Mazda will be able to recover its share of volume in markets around the world. Part of that move is likely to be the new Mazda CX-5 as well as the upcoming Mazda 6e. Two vehicles that will need to appeal not only to loyal Mazda buyers but buyers who have never bought a Mazda or who might be returning to the brand after some time away.
“You’ve see the Mazda 6e, and it’s competitively priced and has great specification,” Guyton said. “We’re already on sale in Europe with that product where it has been reviewed quite well. And it gives us something for the electric market and something for the sedan market.”
Key to revitalised sales in Australia will be the new CX-5, a vehicle with a strong and loyal following locally, and one that needed to be updated to go head-to-head with the best in segment.
“The main thing that people were concerned about with CX-5 is that it’s a little bit tight (inside the cabin) for today’s market. It’s not quite big enough. But open the back seat or the boot in the new CX-5 and it’s quite a lot bigger,” Guyton said.
“The other thing that’s appealing about it is the graphic interface and the tech that goes with it, so it’s much more modern and addresses the main concerns that our customers have shared with us – and in the not too distant future there will be a hybrid version of that, which is Mazda’s own creation.”
Honda has unveiled the 0 α (Alpha), a next-generation compact electric SUV prototype that previews an upcoming production model due to launch globally in 2027, with initial markets including Japan and India. The vehicle made its world debut at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, expanding Honda’s new 0 Series of electric models.
Positioned as an accessible “gateway” model for the 0 Series lineup – which already includes the Honda 0 Saloon and 0 SUV – the Alpha introduces a new design philosophy built around the principles of being “Thin, Light, and Wise.” Honda says this approach aims to simplify vehicle architecture, reduce weight, and use technology intelligently to improve efficiency and comfort.
The 0 α prototype presents a low-profile silhouette with SUV-like ground clearance, achieved through a packaging concept that maximises space within a compact footprint. The design integrates sleek bodywork with a wide stance to convey both stability and agility.
Both the headlights and charging port are built into a unified “front screen” surface, while the rear lighting signature features a continuous U-shaped strip combining brake, turn, and reversing lights. The design direction, led by Taku Fukui and Park Sungjin, seeks to create an understated, durable look that appeals to both first-time EV buyers and younger audiences.
Fukui said the model’s proportions and styling were shaped partly through research in India, where the team studied urban conditions and driver expectations in crowded, unpredictable traffic environments. This led to a design that balances compact dimensions with a stronger, more secure visual presence.
The designers describe the 0 α as an attempt to introduce “refined simplicity” in markets that traditionally favour ornate styling. Surfaces are taut and clean, with strength expressed through restrained character lines rather than decorative elements.
The prototype’s development also reflects a fusion of digital modelling and traditional clay craftsmanship – an approach Honda’s designers say allows subtle surface adjustments to be judged by eye rather than algorithm. According to Park, “Even a few millimetres of change can completely alter the vehicle’s sense of mass and movement.”
The 0 α follows Honda’s broader EV roadmap, which seeks to produce smaller, more efficient vehicles that align with regional needs rather than global uniformity. The production model will sit below the 0 SUV in size and price, designed to attract new EV buyers in growing markets.
The prototype highlights Honda’s intent to combine minimalist design, advanced electric technology, and human-focused engineering in its next generation of electric vehicles.
MINI Australia has confirmed it will introduce the new MINI Paul Smith Edition from the first quarter of 2026, following its global debut at the Japan Mobility Show. The design-led edition will launch alongside the next-generation MINI Cooper Electric, with petrol and convertible versions to follow later in the year.
The new edition marks another chapter in the ongoing collaboration between MINI and Sir Paul Smith, who first worked with the brand in the late 1990s. Reflecting his distinctive design sensibility, the Paul Smith Edition combines understated British styling with contemporary electric technology.
Sir Paul Smith said the renewed partnership was “a privilege,” adding that the collaboration brought together two icons of British design. “The MINI Paul Smith Edition has been a wonderful project, offering new colours and unexpected details,” he said.
The model will be offered in three paint finishes – Statement Grey, inspired by the 1959 Mini Austin Seven; Inspired White, referencing the Classic Mini Beige; and Midnight Black Metallic, a tone from MINI’s current palette. In all versions, accents in Nottingham Green – a nod to Smith’s hometown – appear on the mirrors, grille, hub caps, and roof.
Design signatures include Smith’s trademark ‘Signature Stripe’, positioned asymmetrically on the roof, and 18-inch Night Spoke wheels finished in dark steel. A newly designed MINI badge in blue-black tones replaces the traditional chrome emblem, while the designer’s name subtly appears on the rear handle.
Inside, the cabin balances simplicity with playful details. Knitted dashboard and door surfaces draw on Smith’s textile patterns, complemented by Nightshade Blue seats with colour-contrast stitching. Digital touches include exclusive display themes on the central circular screen, while hidden motifs such as a “Hello” projection and hand-drawn rabbit graphic add character.
The collaboration between MINI and Paul Smith dates back to 1998, when the designer created a striped Classic Mini for display. Since then, the partnership has evolved through several projects, including 2021’s minimalist MINI Strip concept and the Recharged electric conversion in 2022.
Pricing for the MINI Paul Smith Edition will be announced closer to its Australian release in 2026.
