In Australia, the first small SUV that Toyota launched was not the Corolla Cross or Yaris Cross, but their more style-focused C-HR sibling back in 2017. Because it was Toyota’s only offering in the segment at the time, the C-HR sold well and has built up a loyal following of owners.
Now though, the second-generation C-HR has arrived in Australia with arguably even more style but also with a much higher price tag – plus, with two cheaper, more practical siblings now in competition as well. Does the C-HR make as much sense the second time around?
Price and equipment
Toyota C-HR pricing (plus on-road costs):
| GXL | $45,440 |
|---|---|
| Koba | $52,390 |
| GR Sport | $57,390 |

C-HR Koba standard equipment:
- 19-inch alloy wheels with a tyre repair kit
- Dusk-sensing automatic LED exterior lighting
- Rain-sensing automatic wipers
- Keyless entry with push button start
- Electric tailgate with kick-to-open functionality
- Heated and auto-folding mirrors with puddle lamps
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Synthetic leather steering wheel
- Synthetic leather and cloth upholstery
- 10-way electric driver’s seat with memory
- Heated front seats
- Head-up display
- 12.3-inch digital driver’s display
- 12.3-inch touchscreen with live services
- Wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Satellite navigation with live traffic
- AM/FM/DAB+ digital radio
- 9-speaker JBL sound system
- 3x USB-C ports
- Wireless phone charger
- Configurable cabin ambient lighting
- Toyota Connected Services (12-month subscription)
C-HR Koba safety features
- 10 airbags
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian, cyclist and intersection assistance
- Adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist
- Lane keeping assistance with adaptive lane guidance
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
- Safe exit assist
- Low-speed rear automatic braking
- Matrix adaptive high beam
- Traffic sign recognition
- Driver attention monitoring
- Automatic parking
- Front and rear parking sensors
- 360-degree camera
- Tyre pressure monitoring
- Alarm
The C-HR GXL and Koba received a five-star ANCAP rating in 2024 with scores of 85 per cent for adult protection, 88 per cent for child protection, 86 per cent for vulnerable road user protection and 82 per cent for safety assistance.
C-HR options
- Premium paint: $575
- Two-tone paint: $775-$1550
- Two-tone ‘plus’ paint with panoramic glass roof: $2700

Interior, practicality and bootspace
Swooping lines, cool ambient lighting, big screens and soft materials make up the description of the Toyota C-HR Koba’s cabin. It doesn’t feel quite as upmarket as a Nissan Qashqai, with some cheap-feeling materials dotted about, but the dashboard and door tops are padded and soft, with the suede also used on the doors to create a positive first impression.
Interestingly, there’s no real leather used inside the C-HR, with the steering wheel and seats using the fake stuff instead – we reckon buyers won’t notice, and cows will thank you for it. The switchgear all falls easily to hand, and we love the physical AC controls that aren’t buried in the touchscreen. In fact, most controls inside the C-HR – as you’d expect for a Toyota – are very simple to operate.
The C-HR range uses a 12.3-inch touchscreen with the company’s latest infotainment software. The screen quality is impressive; it’s quite responsive to touch and well featured as well with wireless smartphone mirroring, satellite navigation with live traffic and DAB+ digital radio. However, the menu structure could be easier to use and some features, such as the sound adjustment, are buried in sub menus.
The nine-speaker JBL sound system, however, is easily the best Toyota-used JBL system we’ve heard, with a noticeable upgrade in aural quality and punchiness over other Toyota JBL systems. The 12.3-inch digital driver’s display looks modern and is configurable as well, though it could be easier to use and annoyingly, the ADAS settings are buried in it and not the touchscreen.
Buyers will appreciate the new C-HR’s cabin storage, which includes large door bins, a big tray underneath the dashboard with a wireless phone charger and a big box underneath the central armrest. The cup holders are on the small side. Front seat comfort is great, even after a six-hour drive – the 10-way electric adjustment for the driver is great and its heating works quickly too, which is very helpful in winter.
The rear seat experience is less positive, with the only features on offer being bottle holders in the doors, a single map pocket and a single USB-C port with no air vents, door pockets or arm rest. The space on offer is more generous than you might expect, with just enough room for two adults – but it feels much smaller thanks to the coupe-like roofline and tiny windows, which kids won’t like.

The C-HR Koba’s boot is a more positive story than the rear seat, with a healthy 388 litres of space available with the seats up, and 1155 litres with them folded. There is also a bit of under-floor storage, and a few hooks to hang bags off, though no spare wheel and when the seats are folded, a big lip between the boot floor and rear seats so it’s not flat.
Performance and fuel economy
The C-HR Koba uses a familiar four-cylinder Toyota hybrid drivetrain with a 72kW 1.8-litre petrol engine and a 70kW electric motor making 103kW of total power (a combined torque figure isn’t provided). It’s the same drivetrain you get in the Corolla, and provides reasonable performance and refinement, as well as excellent fuel economy. The typical CVT drone is present, however, and we wish it was more stepped like the Honda ZR-V hybrid.
Toyota claims that the C-HR Koba uses 4.0L/100km on the combined cycle, with CO2 emissions of just 89g/km. Helping running costs further is that it can use 91RON regular unleaded fuel, while its 43-litre fuel tank is small but you can still expect to see over 800km from a tank. In our testing, which included a trip from Sydney to Albury, we recorded 4.8L/100km. That’s impressive given that hybrids aren’t at their most efficient on motorways as opportunities for regenerative braking are limited. Around town, expect fuel economy in the 3L/100km range.
On the road
As we’ve come to expect from products based on Toyota’s ‘TNGA’ platform, the C-HR is a delight to drive. Its predecessor was one of the first to use the platform and it delivered a big improvement in dynamics for the brand’s regular vehicles that others such as the Corolla and Camry have continued. In its second generation, the C-HR is still one of the best small SUVs to drive thanks to a fun chassis and a comfortable ride.
Even on the 19-inch wheels of the Koba and on harsh country roads, the C-HR rides well with excellent body control and an agile chassis that likes to be pushed. Of course, with just 103kW, it’s no powerhouse but even at lower speeds, it’s a fun thing to punt around and while the steering doesn’t offer a huge amount of feel, it is well weighted and quick.
Refinement has been improved in the new C-HR, and it’s much quieter at speed than its Corolla and Yaris Cross siblings, with road noise only noticeable on coarse chip roads. The driving position of the Koba is a bit high, however, we wish the driver’s seat went lower. The rear visibility is also poor, thanks to the small rear windows and large pillars – thankfully, the large mirrors help and the 360-degree camera is detailed. It also has a camera rear mirror.
Toyota’s active safety features impress with a generally well tuned feeling – the adaptive cruise control in particular is far less conservative than a lot of cars it will be compared with. The adaptive high beam works well on country roads, though the driver attention monitoring is quite sensitive and even changing your temperature will have it beeping at you. You can switch it off, but it turns itself back on every time the car is switched off.

Verdict: Should I buy a Toyota C-HR Koba?
The Toyota C-HR Koba undoubtedly has appeal in the small SUV segment thanks to its bold styling, quality cabin, fun driving dynamics and fuel efficient drivetrain. It’s well equipped in Koba spec, its technology is mostly easy to use and it handles a long roadtrip with ease thanks to excellent comfort.
But there’s also no doubt that against its Yaris Cross and Corolla Cross siblings, the C-HR’s appeal decreases. Those two cars are a lot more practical, and while neither is particularly cheap either, they’re still far more affordable than the C-HR. Blame the C-HR’s European production source for that. However, those who are drawn to the C-HR’s styling and aren’t put off by its high pricing will likely be impressed with it.
C-HR Koba rivals
Specs
| Model | C-HR Koba |
|---|---|
| Price | $52,390 plus on-road costs |
| Engine | 1798cc 4-cylinder petrol hybrid |
| Engine outputs | 72kW/142Nm |
| Electric motor outputs | 70kW/185Nm |
| Combined power | 103kW |
| Transmission | CVT automatic, front-wheel drive |
| 0-100km/h | 10 seconds (est.) |
| Fuel consumption (claimed/as tested) | 4.0L/100km, 4.8L/100km |
| CO2 emissions (claimed) | 89g/km |
| Fuel tank size | 43L |
| Dimensions (length/width/height/wheelbase): | 4362/1832/1564/2640mm |
| Boot | 388 litres (seats up), 1155 litres (seats folded) |
| Kerb weight | 1490kg |
| Warranty | 5-year/unlimited km, no roadside assistance, annual/every 15,000km intervals |
| 5-year service cost | $1275 |
| On sale | now |
Hyundai is preparing a major expansion of its connected car services, introducing themed digital content and integrated payments as part of a broader push to make vehicles more interactive, entertaining, and market-savvy.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, the automaker plans to roll out football-themed in-car displays through its Bluelink store, leveraging over-the-air updates to keep content fresh and regionally tailored.
While exact details remain under wraps, the company is aiming to deepen its long-standing partnership with FIFA by embedding themed graphics and user interfaces in select models. Whether this will be a universal World Cup aesthetic or customized national team motifs remains to be seen. Hyundai hopes to appeal to fan fervor while avoiding the drag (and fuel cost) of physical car flags.

The football initiative is part of a larger strategy to diversify in-car personalization. Hyundai is also exploring collaborations beyond sports, including a potential Peanuts partnership that could bring Charlie Brown and Snoopy to digital display screens.
Meanwhile, Hyundai’s IONIQ 9 SUV will be among the first to receive a trio of digital upgrades. These include paddle-operated virtual gearshifts adapted from the IONIQ 5 N and six custom lighting animations. Two new infotainment skins, one with natural themes and another inspired by the retro 1975 Hyundai Pony, will be offered as free downloads.
Looking ahead to early 2026, a new entertainment package will allow users to stream services like Disney+ and Netflix while their vehicles are charging.
Hyundai is also bringing in-car payment capabilities to UK drivers by late 2025. The first application: seamless, location-aware parking payments triggered and ended automatically via the car’s infotainment system. Fuel and toll payments are expected to follow as Hyundai secures UK-based partners.

According to Guido Gehlen, Director of Connected Car Services, Hyundai is targeting 2–3 major software updates per year, starting with small pilot groups before a wider rollout.
Other enhancements include Google Places integration and an emergency vehicle alert system in select European markets, with potential future features like pothole detection via anonymized vehicle data.
Hyundai has unveiled a refreshed and expanded 2026 Kona range for Australia, introducing three distinct trim levels and a host of feature upgrades designed to give buyers greater choice and value in the small SUV segment.
The standout addition to the line-up is the all-new Kona Elite, positioned between the base model and the top-spec Kona Premium. This new mid-tier offering adds a suite of premium features aimed at customers seeking a balance of style, comfort, and practicality without stepping up to the range-topping variant.
Powertrain options have also been refined. The 2.0 MPi petrol and 1.6 GDi hybrid engines are now available across all grades, while the previously offered 1.6 T-GDi AWD has been discontinued.

The base Kona now features a new 17-inch alloy wheel design, replacing the previous 18-inch style, and no longer offers the N Line option pack. Meanwhile, the 2026 Kona Premium has received a premium boost, now including a wide glass sunroof with a power sunshade as standard.
Additionally, a dynamic N Line styling package is now available as an option for both the Elite and Premium trims.
The new Kona Elite stands out with key enhancements including leather-appointed upholstery, heated and power-adjustable front seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a high-end electrochromic mirror. Other upgrades include rain-sensing wipers, privacy rear glass, and Shift By Wire gear control with paddle shifters for the 2.0 MPi variant.
Hyundai Motor Company Australia CEO Don Romano said the refreshed range reaffirms the Kona’s position as a class leader. “We are delighted to introduce the updated and improved 2026 Kona range, with the new Elite model offering a highly appealing mid-level option,” he said. “Kona is the market-leading small SUV, and we are confident the 2026 range will deliver even better value and choice to Australian buyers.”

| Powertrain | Transmission | KONA | KONA Elite | KONA Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 MPi | CVT | $32,700 | $35,700 | $41,700 |
| 1.6 GDi Hybrid | 6 speed dual clutch | $36,700 | $39,700 | $45,700 |
| Option Pricing | KONA | KONA Elite | KONA Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| N Line Option Pack | – | $3,500 | $3,000 |
| Metallic / Mica premium paint | $595 | $595 | $595 |
| Light Shale Grey/Sage Green interior | – | – | $295 |
Note: All prices are Manufacturer’s List Price. Price excludes dealer delivery and on road costs.
KONA (2.0 MPi CVT 2WD or 1.6 GDi Hybrid 6DCT 2WD)
- 17” alloy wheels (new)
- Satin chrome beltline/roof spoiler garnish
- LED MFR headlights w/LED DRL’s
- LED taillights (bulb turn/reverse/licence plate)
- Smart Key system w/Remote Start
- 4.2” instrument cluster display
- 12.3” multimedia system w/DAB+ radio
- Bluelink® connected car service
- Over The Air (OTA) s/w update capability
- LED interior lighting
- Dark grey roof rails
- Leather appointed steering wheel & door armrests
- Leather gear knob (2.0 MPi only)
- Heated & power folding ext. mirrors
- Driver/passenger seat height adjust.
- Driver seat 2-way lumbar support
- Front seat back storage pockets
- Rear seat centre fold-down armrest
- Dual zone climate control
- Rear air vents
Specific for 1.6 GDi Hybrid:
- Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS)
- Smart Regenerative Braking 2.0
- e-Dynamic Torque Vectoring
- Shift By Wire (SBW)
- Paddle shifters
- Open type centre console
Safety
Hyundai SmartSense including:
- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)
- Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
- Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (ISLA)
- High Beam Assist (HBA)
- Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA)
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision- Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
- Safe Exit Warning (SEW)
- Smart Cruise Control w/Stop & Go (SCC w/S&G)
- Multi Collision-Avoidance Brake (MCB)
- 7 airbags – w/front centre airbag
- Parking Distance Warning – Forward & Reverse

KONA Elite adds:
- 18” alloy wheels
- Heated front seats
- Solar control w/ screen + front door glass
- Shift By Wire (SBW) (2.0 MPi)
- Open type centre console
- Privacy rear glass
- Paddle shifters
- 10-way (including lumbar) power adjustable driver’s seat
- 8-way power adjustable passenger seat
- Electrochromic mirror
- Leather appointed interior
- Silver painted skid plates
- Rain sensing wipers
KONA Premium adds:
- LED dual projector beam headlights
- LED ‘Seamless Horizon’ front light
- LED front/rear turn signals
- Smart power tailgate
- 12.3” full digital instrument cluster
- Navigation w/Bluelink® live traffic
- BOSE™ 8 speaker premium audio
- Voice Control
- Acoustic laminated/solar w/shield
- Wide glass sunroof (new)
- Power sunshade
- Premium relaxation front seats
- Heated & Ventilated front seats
- Heated rear outboard seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Power/memory driver seat (IMS)
- Cloth knit headlining (new)
- Ambient mood lighting
Safety
Hyundai SmartSense including:
- Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM)
- Parking Collision Avoidance
- Assist-Reverse (PCA-R)
- Surround View Monitor (SVM)
- Parking Distance Warning – Side
- Remote Smart Parking (RSPA)
N Line Option Pack adds:
- Bumpers/skid plates/side skirts
- Wing-type gloss black rear spoiler
- Badges / N wheel centre caps
- 19” N Line alloy wheels
- Chrome twin tip exhaust
- Black mirror caps/beltline garnish
- Body coloured cladding
- Leather appointed/Alcantara® interior
- Steering wheel w/perforated grips
- Active Red air vent/seat highlights
- Dark Metal interior trim highlights
- Black headlining
- Alloy pedals
- Sport scuff plates
Below included in Premium:
- LED dual projector beam headlights
- LED ‘Seamless Horizon’ front
- Parking light
- LED front/rear turn signals
- 12.3” full digital instrument cluster
BMW Australia has expanded its local line-up with the launch of the BMW X5 Shadow Edition, a striking new limited-run model that blends luxury, performance, and exclusive design touches for a recommended retail price of $146,900.
Available exclusively in the xDrive30d variant, the Shadow Edition is powered by BMW’s robust TwinPower Turbo diesel engine, delivering 210kW of power and 650Nm of torque. The new model builds on the legacy of previous Shadow Edition releases – including the 3 Series (2017), 1 Series (2019), and X7 (2020) – and is set to appeal to enthusiasts looking for enhanced style and presence.
The X5 Shadow Edition stands out with four metallic paint options offered at no additional cost: M Carbon Black, Black Sapphire, BMW Individual Dravit Grey, and Mineral White. The exterior features exclusive 21-inch V-spoke 915 M bi-colour alloy wheels, making their debut in the Australian market.

The M Sport Pro Package brings additional flair, featuring red brake callipers, M Shadowline lighting, and M Sports exhaust, while M seat belts and Shadowline exterior details complete the performance-inspired aesthetic.
Inside, the cabin boasts an atmosphere of refined sportiness: Alcantara Anthracite headliner and carbon fibre trim, and Crafted Clarity cut glass elements, including a crystal-finished iDrive controller. A 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system elevates the audio experience, providing immersive sound quality for all passengers.
Other premium touches include privacy glass and a high-end interior materials package that ensures the Shadow Edition feels as exclusive as it looks.

With its combination of powerful performance, standout styling, and premium equipment, the BMW X5 Shadow Edition adds a distinctive edge to BMW Australia’s SUV line-up. Availability will be limited, reinforcing its appeal as a special edition for keen fans of the brand.
Specs
| Variant | X5 Shadow Edition |
|---|---|
| Powertrain and drive | 3.0L TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder diesel engine; 8-speed Steptronic; xDrive |
| Max. Power (kW) | 210 |
| Torque (Nm) | 650 |
| 0-100km/h | 6.1 secs |
| Price | $146,900* |
*Recommended Retail Pricing is shown and includes GST and LCT but excludes on-road costs. Customers are advised to contact their nearest BMW dealer for all pricing enquiries.
Australia’s most high-profile new dual cab utility, the Kia Tasman, has secured a coveted five-star ANCAP safety rating, following comprehensive independent testing under the 2023–2025 criteria.
As Kia’s debut ute and one of the most eagerly awaited arrivals in the Australian market, the Tasman scored highly across all key safety areas: Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, Vulnerable Road User Protection, and Safety Assist.
This top-tier result comes amid a surge in popularity for utes across Australia and New Zealand. June 2025 sales data from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) shows four of the five top-selling vehicles in Australia were dual-cab utes, with light commercial vehicles making up more than a quarter (25.3%) of new vehicle sales.

The Kia Tasman now joins the ranks of five-star rated rivals like the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, Isuzu D-Max, and BYD Shark 6. New Zealand reported similar sales patterns, with utes claiming four of the top eight spots.
“The popularity of utes among consumers continues to rise. Given their time spent on the road both as commercial workhorses and family transport, it is important that models in this high-volume segment offer robust levels of safety,” said ANCAP CEO Carla Hoorweg.
In testing, the Tasman showed strong performance, particularly in crash protection and collision avoidance scenarios. It scored highly in the frontal offset crash test with low risk of injury to both adult and child occupants. Additionally, its relatively low crash compatibility risk – a measure of how much danger a vehicle poses to others – was notable for a vehicle of its size.
A minor issue was detected during the full-width frontal crash test, where the driver dummy’s pelvis slipped beneath the lap section of the seatbelt, resulting in a small penalty.

“With such strong market presence and consumer demand, it’s pleasing to see manufacturers continuing to prioritise safety in this segment,” added Ms Hoorweg. “The dual cab shopping list is already healthy, and we expect it to grow with new contenders entering the market. Consumers and fleet buyers should check the ANCAP website regularly to make informed, safe purchasing decisions.”
The five-star ANCAP rating currently applies to 4×4 dual cab Tasman variants on sale, excluding the X-Line and X-Pro models. Rear-wheel-drive 4x2s, as well as upcoming single-cab and cab-chassis variants, remain unrated.
Despite the increasing presence of cutting-edge safety features in modern vehicles, one in five Australian drivers are choosing to turn them off, according to new findings from the 2025 AAMI Crash Index.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) – such as lane departure warnings, automatic emergency braking, and parking assist – are designed to prevent accidents and save lives. However, many drivers are finding them more frustrating than helpful. AAMI’s research reveals that 20 per cent of drivers have disabled at least some of these features.
The reasons? A significant 69 per cent cited that the systems were too “annoying”, “distracting”, or “too sensitive”. Others felt they simply didn’t need the assistance (23 per cent), while 13 per cent admitted to not trusting the technology.

The most commonly deactivated features include lane departure warnings and lane keeping assist (45 per cent), followed by adaptive cruise control and parking assist (both 17 per cent), automatic emergency braking (16 per cent) and forward collision warnings (11 per cent).
This trend of turning off safety systems runs counter to what the data suggests. AAMI analysed over 480,000 claims from February 2024 to February 2025 and found vehicles equipped with ADAS – especially those with autonomous braking – were less likely to be involved in accidents. Despite this, the data also confirmed nose-to-tail collisions remain the most frequent crash type, particularly during afternoon hours.
AAMI Motor Prevention Manager Mary Kennedy emphasised the critical role these technologies play in road safety. “In-car safety features aren’t just gadgets – they’re designed to help protect us and make our roads safer,” she said. “Many of the systems people are disabling are extremely effective in preventing common accidents like rear-end crashes or reversing into objects.”

Encouragingly, the majority (59 per cent) of Australians do recognise the value of these systems, acknowledging that they help reduce the severity and frequency of accidents. When buying a new or used vehicle, drivers prioritise features like reverse cameras, blind spot monitoring, parking assist, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.
AAMI says the Crash Index is designed to raise awareness and promote safer driving habits across Australia.
After seven years of planning and construction, Tesla has officially opened its first-ever Tesla Diner & Drive‑In on Santa Monica Boulevard in Hollywood.
The venue combines a retro‑futuristic 1950s-style diner, a drive‑in theater, and a full Supercharger station.
The two‑story, stainless steel-clad building features a 3,800 sq ft indoor dining space and a 5,500 sq ft outdoor terrace. It includes two giant 45‑foot LED screens designed for 30‑minute featurettes – the typical length of a Supercharger session – and houses 75 V4 Supercharger stalls.
The venue is open 24/7, serving up classic American comfort food including burgers, hot dogs, wings, and hand‑spun milkshakes – some served in Cybertruck-shaped boxes.

Tesla’s Optimus robot was spotted serving popcorn during the soft opening, underlining the brand’s push into hospitality robotics. The diner also features a cutting-edge “geofence” ordering system: drivers can order via their car’s interface, and meal prep begins just as they enter a 15–20‑minute arrival radius – promising fresh, ready-to-go meals on arrival.
Elon Musk took the occasion to praise the venue as “one of the coolest spots in LA” in a post on X, adding that more such locations may follow worldwide if the concept “turns out well”.

Designed by Stantec and originally proposed in 2018, the venue marries nostalgia and innovation. Highlights include spacecraft-style restroom windows, neon-lit booths, and solar-powered kitchen operations.
While early reactions have included long queues and high social media buzz, some questions remain around privacy due to location tracking used for ordering.
The new Jeep Gladiator is set to land in Australian dealerships this month, bringing with it a suite of updates designed to improve comfort and tech sophistication.
Available exclusively in the Rubicon variant, the MY25 Jeep Gladiator retains its iconic design while introducing upgrades across style, safety, comfort, and connectivity, priced from $82,990 MSRP.
Jeep has modernised the exterior with a redesigned seven-slot grille – featuring black textured slots and a body-colour surround – plus updated wheels and body-colour fender flares. A new trail-friendly stealth antenna, Gorilla® Glass windshield, and enhanced cooling through a wider grille complete the visual and functional exterior changes.

Inside, the new Gladiator is promising a more refined cabin experience, starting with its new 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment screen, now equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The redesigned dashboard features a sculpted, horizontal layout with soft-touch materials, contrast stitching, and practical enhancements like AMPS mounting brackets and streamlined air vents.
Add in new Nappa leather-trimmed seats and 12-way power adjustments for both driver and passenger, including lumbar support. The vehicle’s off-road cred is retained, with controls rigorously tested for water fording resilience.
The Gladiator Rubicon also features an electronic front sway-bar disconnect for improved articulation, Rock-Trac® full-time 4×4 with 32-inch off-road tyres, and underbody protection via three skid plates and steel rock rails. A reinforced steel bed with tie-downs, lighting, and external power adds utility, while Trail Rated credentials confirm excellence in traction, water fording, articulation, and ground clearance.

Safety updates include the addition of side curtain airbags, rear seat reminder, auto high beam headlamps, and a new selectable tyre fill alert system. Also now standard is the formerly optional ‘Lifestyle Adventure Group’, which includes under-seat storage, trail rail system, Bluetooth speaker, and a spray-in bedliner.
Under the hood, the Gladiator continues with its robust 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, delivering 209kW and 347Nm via an eight-speed automatic transmission. With a crawl ratio of 77:1, the Gladiator remains a a proper consideration for off-road fans.
Features
The Jeep Gladiator is available in the Rubicon variant. Updates compared to the previous model include:
- New front grille
- New design 17” wheels
- Antenna relocation to windshield
- Front Gorilla® glass windshield
- Side curtain airbags
- Rear seat reminder
- Front 12-way power seats (including 4-way lumbar adjustment)
- Nappa Leather-trimmed seats
- Hard seat back panel
- Lockable underseat storage
- 12.3-Inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay®/ Android AutoTM
- Wireless Bluetooth® speaker
- Urethane dash panel
- NVH Improvements
- Auto high beam headlamps
- 240 Amp alternator
- Auxiliary switch bank
- Selectable tyre fill alert
- Additional underbody skid plate
- Trail rail system
- Spray-in bedliner
- Body colour fender flares
Optional extras for the new Jeep Gladiator include premium paint for $1145 and a body-colour hard top priced at $1950 (MSRP).
Specs
| Model | Jeep Gladiator Rubicon |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.6L V6 |
| Max. power (kW @ rpm) | 209 @ 6400 |
| Max torque (Nm @ rpm) | 347 @ 4100 |
| Towing capacity (kg) | 2,721 |
| CO2 emissions (g/km) | 278 |
| Fuel efficiency (L/100km) | 12.4 |
Renault Australia has completed the refresh of its Koleos mid-size SUV range with the launch of the MY25 Koleos Techno – the new flagship model – arriving in Australian showrooms this month.
Replacing the previous Intens grade, the MY25 Koleos Techno is offered in both front-wheel-drive (4×2) and all-wheel-drive (4×4) formats and stands out with a sleek new 19-inch alloy wheel design.
Priced at $39,990 plus on-road costs for the 4×2 and $42,490 for the 4×4, the Techno slots above the entry-level Evolution, which is currently available at $36,990 drive-away for a limited time.
The Techno brings a premium specification list including leather-accented upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, an 8.7-inch portrait touchscreen with embedded navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a panoramic sunroof, LED headlights, and a hands-free key card with walk-away locking.

Under the bonnet is a familiar 2.5-litre petrol four-cylinder engine delivering 126kW and 226Nm, paired to a CVT automatic transmission. The official fuel use is 8.1L/100km for the 4×2 and 8.3L/100km for the 4×4.
Renault Australia General Manager Glen Sealey said the MY25 update ensures the Koleos remains competitive in a tightly contested segment. “This freshen-up means we can continue to offer a premium mid-size SUV at an attainable price point,” Sealey said. “The Koleos has been a mainstay of our range, with nearly 30,000 sold in Australia.”
All MY25 Koleos variants come with a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and 30,000km/12-month service intervals.
Features
- 19-inch alloy wheels (new design)
- LED headlights
- ‘Panoramic’ sunroof
- AM/FM/DAB radio
- Embedded navigation
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 3D sound by Arkamys with eight speakers
- 8.7-inch ‘portrait’ multimedia touchscreen
- 7-inch digital instrument cluster
- Tyre pressure monitoring
- Leather-accented seats
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Hands-free Renault ‘key card’ with walk-away door locking
Specs
| Engine | 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol |
|---|---|
| Power | 126kW @ 6000rpm |
| Torque | 226Nm @ 4400rpm |
| Transmission | Continuously variable automatic (CVT) |
| Driven wheels | Front (Evolution 4×2 and Techno 4×2), all-wheel-drive (Techno 4×4) |
| Fuel consumption average (rating label figure) | 8.1L/100km (4×2), 8.3L/100km (4×4) |
| Fuel type | Regular unleaded (91 octane) |
| Service intervals | 30,000km or 12 months (whichever occurs first) |
| Warranty | Seven years, unlimited kilometres |
China’s grip on the global automotive market is tightening – and fresh figures out of the UK suggest the momentum is only accelerating.
Sales data from the first half of 2025 reveals a dramatic shake-up in British car-buying behaviour, with Chinese brands rapidly displacing long-established players from Europe, Japan, Korea, and North America.
Once minor players in the UK, Chinese carmakers are now scaling the ranks at unprecedented speed. BYD’s local sales have risen quickly – up more than 560 per cent compared to the same period last year. Its growth has propelled it past a host of legacy marques, including Mazda.

Meanwhile, brands such as Jaecoo and Omoda, previously unheard of in the region, have leapt from zero sales to several thousand units in just six months. Leapmotor and XPeng are also on the march, both entering the market and already clocking sales in the hundreds, with much larger ambitions. Even newer arrivals, including Skywell, are joining the fray, and Geely and Chery are also confirmed to launch imminently.
Industry watchers say the question is no longer if Chinese manufacturers will top Britain’s new-car sales charts – but when.
A similar transformation is now playing out in Australia. A new report by the Centre for International Economics predicts Chinese car brands are on track to dominate the local market by 2035. Analysts point to a combination of advanced electric vehicle manufacturing, aggressive pricing, and increasing consumer acceptance.
Chinese automakers – including MG, BYD, Chery and GWM – already command a rising share of the Australian new car market and are expected to account for 20 per cent of sales as early as the end of 2025.

The shift is being fuelled by affordability, long warranties, and product diversity – from compact EVs to full-size SUVs – alongside a growing appetite for electrified and hybridised transport. With Australia having no domestic car production and federal and state policies encouraging EV adoption, Chinese brands are perfectly positioned to capitalise.
Bargain-aware consumers are clearly voting with their wallets – fuelling the rise of Chinese automakers.