Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles could be poised to make a return as automakers retreat from battery electric vehicles in some markets.

A report by Autoblog reveals that a number of brands have restarted their investment in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs) in the follow-up from cancelled or delayed battery electric vehicle (BEV) programs.

The move doesn’t come as a straight swap for passenger car BEV programs, however, with a focus on FCEV applications for commercial vehicles. The ability to build infrastructure at ‘return to base’ depots, and the fixed-route nature of commercial vehicle applications, make the adoption simpler than for regular consumer use.

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The latest round of investment sees Toyota and Isuzu partnering on a light-duty FCEV truck, which could avoid the weight penalties of a battery large enough to suit a trucking application, and deliver much lower recharge times than current battery tech allows.

Honda is about to end a collaborative program with General Motors in favour of its own independently developed FCEV system for commercial and passenger applications, set to launch in 2027. The move comes after Honda cancelled its new-generation BEV models earlier in 2026.

Honda’s history with FCEVs stretches back to 2008, when it launched the FCX Clarity in Japan and California. Currently, the brand sells a version of the CR-V SUV with a ‘plug-in fuel cell’ powertrain, combining a short-range electric vehicle battery with an onboard fuel cell to provide a combined driving range of 434km, and a battery-only range of 46km.

Away from commercial vehicle applications, Toyota and BMW (above) have a joint hydrogen program that will see BMW launch a new mass-market FCEV based on Toyota’s existing hydrogen fuel cell technology.

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In Australia, so far, only Toyota and Hyundai have made FCEV cars available in limited numbers at a consumer-facing level. The Toyota Mirai (above) and Hyundai Nexo (main) are mass-produced FCEVs sold in Australia, but largely as demonstration vehicles for the tech, hampered by limited refuelling infrastructure.

Despite the low-volume role, Hyundai has pledged to introduce an all-new Nexo to the Australian market in 2026. 

With smaller on-board batteries, FCEVs are seen as a way to cut costs on the large, expensive long-range batteries typically found in BEVs, but have faced criticism for poor energy efficiency, energy-intensive hydrogen production and storage, and resulting high fuel costs. 

While North American EV sales have dropped by over 25 per cent so far in 2026, markets in other parts of the world have seen BEV and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sales increase, particularly in the face of rising fuel costs triggered by the ongoing Iran war.

BYD’s Flash Charging system has gone from reveal to real-world implementation in just a matter of weeks.

The ultra-rapid charging system first shown in March 2026, and at the Beijing motor show in April, was available for customers to order on new BYD vehicles in China. Not to be outpaced by sales, BYD claims to have over 5000 Flash Charging locations already in operation.

As part of BYD’s marketing juggernaut, the latest demonstration of the Flash Charging system took it away from the infrastructure of China’s cities, setting up a charging station in a remote part of the Tengger Desert in Mongolia.

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The location was selected for its challenging conditions. High winds, loose sand, and no access to the kind of modern infrastructure normally seen in urban parts of China.

Where BYD’s Flash Charging system differs from existing electric vehicle chargers is in its power delivery. Capable of recharging at up to 1500kW, the power demands of the new system are almost four times greater than the fastest 400kW chargers available in Australia.

BYD claims this results in charge times as low as nine minutes from 10 to 97 per cent, with a small uncharged buffer remaining to enable cars to use regenerative braking to further boost the state of charge.

A quick top-up from 10-70 per cent takes a claimed five minutes, and cold weather testing at -30°C is claimed to extend charging time from 10-97 per cent by only three minutes.

The remote demonstration stands the BYD-built system in good stead for locations like Australia, with the often-harsh climate of remote parts of the country enduring high temperatures, and other extremes that can impact charge times.

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Despite this, the desert location chosen for the Mongolian demonstration typically experiences temperatures of between 10°C overnight and up to 27°C during the day around this time of year. A far cry from peak temperatures in places like Oodnadatta, which can exceed 50°C at their worst.

Allowing the system to operate to its full potential, Flash Charging uses a dedicated transformer to step up mains voltage and stores power in a BYD stationary battery (set-up pictured above), meaning that even in areas with interrupted power or aging infrastructure, the system should be able to operate at full power.

The battery reserve prevents overloading existing power grids, and also opens up the possibility of diesel and solar-supported backups in locations where suitable power supply infrastructure may not exist.

BYD has confirmed that its Flash Charging system will not remain confined to China, with plans to introduce compatible charging stations to Australia. Although existing BYD vehicles aren’t configured to work with the 1500kW charging system, new cars like the Denza Z9 GT will launch with Flash Charging capability.

In China, BYD will open its Flash Charging network to competitor vehicles with compatible 1000-volt electrical systems, though it has introduced 800-volt and 900-volt versions on its own cars already.

While electric vehicles are currently grabbing all the headlines, it’s hybrids that are still selling in significantly higher numbers – in April 2026, EVs took 16.4 per cent of sales, but hybrids accounted for a 29.5 per cent market share, indicating Australians are still more than keen on this technology.

If you’re considering a hybrid for your next car, here’s an idea – consider waiting until later in 2026 when some even more impressive hybrids will hit the market, saving you money on fuel costs with greater range and efficiency.

Here’s the WhichCar by Wheels guide to the best hybrids launching in the rest of 2026:

1) BYD Shark Performance

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When it’s due: Imminently
Drivetrain: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol plug-in hybrid, 350kW/700Nm, one-speed hybrid transmission, AWD
Price: From $62,900 plus on-road costs

BYD Australia recently announced the expansion of its popular Shark 6 ute range with new cab-chassis and uprated Performance variants, both of which are due on sale locally imminently. We think that it’s the Performance that will be of particular interest to ute buyers as not only does it upgrade the Shark 6’s drivetrain with a larger 2.0-litre engine making 350kW/700Nm outputs, but it also allows for an important upgrade to a 3500kg braked towing capacity, aligning it with diesel utes like the Ford Ranger for the first time. The Performance is priced from $62,900 plus on-road costs.

2) Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series Hybrid

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When it’s due: From July 2026
Drivetrain: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 hybrid, 341kW/790Nm, 10-speed auto, 4WD
Price: From $156,060 plus on-road costs

For the first time in its history, the Toyota LandCruiser is finally getting a proper hybrid drivetrain. Due locally from July, the LandCruiser Hybrid uses a strong twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 hybrid set-up, making 341kW of power and a particularly fiesty 790Nm of torque, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and the same four-wheel drive system as the regular V6 turbo-diesel LandCruiser. Pricing starts at $156,060 plus on-road costs and only the top-spec GR Sport and Sahara ZX models will be offered with the new drivetrain, at least initially.

3) Honda Prelude

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When it’s due: Imminently
Drivetrain: 2.0-litre four-cylinder hybrid, 135kW/315Nm, eCVT auto, FWD
Price: $65,900 driveaway

It’s about to launch in Australia priced from $65,900 driveaway, and uses a hybrid drivetrain for the first time in the storied history of the nameplate. It’s the Honda Prelude, a 2+2 coupe – a very rare concept nowadays, unfortunately – that promises to combine sporty handling, great fuel efficiency, excellent quality and handsome styling. A 135kW 2.0-litre hybrid drivetrain provides propulsion, while Civic Type R bits like the dual axis front suspension Brembo four-piston front brakes and adaptive suspension promise a great driving experience.

4) Kia Seltos

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When it’s due: Late 2026
Drivetrain: 1.6-litre four-cylinder hybrid, outputs TBC, six-speed dual-clutch, front- or all-wheel drive
Estimated price: $40,000

The current generation Kia Seltos is a popular small SUV thanks to its size, strong value equation, pleasant driving experience and roomy cabin, but in Australia it’s never had a fuel-saving hybrid drivetrain before. That will change in late 2026 when the second-generation model arrives, which will actually be powered solely by a 1.6-litre hybrid drivetrain with outputs and fuel economy yet to be announced. The new Seltos is sharper to look at than the current model, and promises even more interior space thanks to larger dimensions and better packaging.

5) Jaecoo J8 SHS

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When it’s due: Third quarter 2026
Drivetrain: 1.5-litre turbocharged plug-in hybrid, 395kW/650Nm, 34kWh battery, one-speed hybrid transmission, AWD
Estimated price: $60,000

The Jaecoo J8 has already been on sale in Australia for almost 12 months with a five-seat layout and 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, but that will change in the third quarter of 2026 as its maker is adding a new SHS model with seven seats and the same 395kW/650Nm plug-in hybrid drivetrain that’s found in the Chery Tiggo 9. Both changes will address prior potential issues with the J8, as it will likely sell better once the SHS has arrived. Pricing is yet to be announced, but we estimate it to start at around $60,000 before on-road costs, which is around $5000 more than the five-seat petrol models.

6) Hyundai Staria and Staria Load Hybrid

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When it’s due: Second quarter of 2026
Drivetrain: 1.6-litre turbo-hybrid petrol, 180kW/370Nm, six-speed auto, FWD
Price: $53,490 plus on-road costs (Load), $73,740 +ORC (Lounge)

Hyundai’s futuristic and cavernous Staria people carrier has just received a mid-life facelift with new styling features, new interior tech and a new model lineup. Most importantly in this context, however, is that it will finally add a hybrid drivetrain for the Australian line-up, a 180kW 1.6-litre turbocharged set-up that’s also found in cars like the Kia Carnival and Hyundai Santa Fe. Hybrid pricing for the Staria Load van kicks off from $53,490 plus on-road costs and $73,740 +ORC for the Lounge people mover, with both expected to land locally in the second quarter.

7) Toyota RAV4 PHEV

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When it’s due: From October 2026
Drivetrain: 2.5-litre four-cylinder plug-in hybrid, 200kW or 227kW, 22.7kWh battery, e-CVT, FWD or AWD
Price: $58,840 plus on-road costs (XSE 2WD), $66,340 +ORC (GR Sport)

The sixth-generation Toyota RAV4 has only just launched in Australia and it was already the best-selling car in the country in April 2026. That popularity is set to grow as the year goes on and deliveries come on stream, but also because Toyota Australia is yet to launch the plug-in hybrid model, which will be the first RAV4 PHEV offered locally. It’s due to arrive in October with an electric driving range of around 100km (exact figures are yet to be announced), and it’ll only be available on the upper-spec XSE and sporty new GR Sport. Pricing kicks off from $58,840 plus on-road costs for the XSE and $66,340 +ORC for the GR Sport.

8) Chery ‘KP31’

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When it’s due: Late 2026
Drivetrain: 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel plug-in hybrid, stats TBC
Estimated price: Around $55,000

It’s still at least six months away from being launched locally, and we don’t even know what it will be called yet, but Chery‘s new ‘KP31’ (its codename) ute is shaping up to cause a commotion in the ute segment. It’s set to be the only diesel plug-in hybrid offered locally once it goes on sale, but it will also be capable of towing 3500kg and doing other things many ute buyers expect from their vehicle. A petrol PHEV drivetrain will also be launched later on, likely in 2027.

9) Nissan Qashqai e-Power

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When it’s due: Imminently
Drivetrain: 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder hybrid, 140kW/330Nm, e-CVT, FWD
Price: From $45,640 plus on-road costs

Nissan’s ‘e-Power’ hybrid system is fairly unique in the market as the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol acts as a generator for the electric motor, and its maker continues to refine it to be more efficient. A case in point is the updated Qashqai small SUV, which is about to launch locally with the latest e-Power system that’s been made more efficient (4.1L/100km versus 5.2L/100km of the pre-updated model). The previously available petrol engine has been shelved so it’s now hybrid-only.

10) Mercedes-Benz CLA

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When it’s due: Second quarter of 2026
Drivetrain: 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder mild-hybrid, 100kW/200Nm (CLA 180), 120kW/250Nm (CLA 200) or 140kW/300Nm (CLA 220 4Matic), eight-speed dual-clutch, FWD or AWD
Price: From $66,500 plus on-road costs

Revealed last year, the new third-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA is about to launch locally and for the first time in its history, will offer both hybrid and fully electric drivetrains. On the hybrid side is a new 1.5-litre hybrid set up mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission making from 100kW/200Nm to 140kW/300Nm outputs and capable of as little as 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle. The new CLA is also based on a new platform, offers significantly more technology like the company’s new ‘MB.OS’ infotainment system and pricing starts from $66,500 plus on-road costs.

Mercedes-Benz will introduce a broader line-up for the next-generation CLA in Australia, with the compact sedan set to arrive in both hybrid and fully electric forms for the first time.

The new CLA range will comprise five variants, including three 48-volt hybrid models – the CLA 180, CLA 200 and CLA 220 4MATIC – alongside two battery-electric versions, the CLA 200 electric and CLA 350 4MATIC electric.

Built on a new modular platform designed to support both combustion and electric drivetrains, the latest CLA also becomes the first Mercedes-Benz model to fully adopt the company’s new MB.OS operating system. The software architecture enables over-the-air updates for vehicle systems and integrates AI-based voice assistance drawing on ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Bing technologies.

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Inside, the CLA adopts a heavily digitalised cabin layout centred around the optional MBUX Superscreen setup, which combines a 10.25-inch driver display with a 14-inch central touchscreen and optional passenger display behind a single glass panel. Heated front seats, ambient lighting, wireless phone charging and a panoramic glass roof are standard across the range.

Mercedes-Benz says aerodynamic efficiency was a major focus during development, with the CLA achieving a drag coefficient of 0.21Cd. Suspension hardware includes a new three-link front axle and multi-link rear setup aimed at improving ride quality and steering response.

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The electric variants use an 800-volt electrical architecture supporting DC fast charging at up to 320kW. The rear-drive CLA 200 electric produces 165kW and claims a WLTP driving range of 470km, while the dual-motor CLA 350 4MATIC electric delivers 260kW and up to 663km of claimed range.

Hybrid models pair a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 48-volt lithium-ion battery and integrated electric motor housed within an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Mercedes-Benz says the system allows limited electric-only driving in low-load urban conditions.

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Safety equipment includes a centre airbag between the front occupants, while the electric CLA achieved a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating in 2025 testing.

Australian pricing starts at $66,500 before on-road costs for the CLA 180 and extends to $91,300 for the CLA 350 4MATIC electric. Orders are expected to open in the coming weeks.

ANCAP Safety has released its latest new vehicle safety ratings, including some impressive scores from some new models. Five-star safety ratings tested using ANCAP’s 2023-2025 criteria have been awarded for the new BYD Seal 6 mid-size sedan and wagon (main), the MG4 EV Urban small hatchback and new six-seater Tesla Model Y L. In addition to that, the Skoda Octavia has kept its previous five-star rating in its latest round of safety ratings.

According to ANCAP, the BYD Seal 6 is the leading performer in the latest round of testing, earning the highest Adult Occupant Protection score of 92 per cent, as well as 90 per cent in Child Occupancy Protection, 84 per cent for Vulnerable Road User Protection and 84 per cent for Safety Assist. Available as a sedan and a wagon, the large plug-in hybrid earned strong marks across all four pillars of assessment. In crash tests, protection was good across nearly all critical body regions for both driver and passengers.

The MG4 EV Urban earned five stars with solid results across all pillars, including an 87 per cent score in Adult Occupancy Protection, 85 per cent in Child Occupancy Protection, 85 per cent for Vulnerable Road User Protection and 82 per cent for Safety Assist. Crash protection performance was strong, with good protection across key body regions in both frontal and side impact tests. Its autonomous emergency braking performed well in forward pedestrian and cyclist scenarios.

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The six-seat, three-row Tesla Model Y L has also been awarded five stars, carrying through strong results in Safety Assist (92 per cent) and Adult Occupant Protection (91 per cent). Based on testing of the related five-seat Model Y, additional testing and assessments were undertaken to make sure results were applicable to the longer-wheelbase variant.

According to ANCAP, difficulties were identified with the Model Y L’s child restraint installation in second row seating positions, where many restraints could not be correctly installed due to limitations with top tether routing. In the third row, rearward-facing and forward-facing convertible child restraints could not be easily installed using the ISOFIX anchorages.

Finally, the Skoda Octavia retained its five-star rating following a reassessment of vehicles built from July 2025. It scored 85 per cent for Adult Occupancy Protection, 81 per cent for Child Occupancy Protection and Vulnerable Road User Protection and 82 per cent for Safety Assist.

“These results highlight clear strengths across these models. The BYD SEAL 6 leads the group on Adult Occupant Protection, the Tesla Model Y L tops it on Safety Assist, and the MG4 EV Urban holds its own against both as a small electric car,” said Carla Hoorweg, Chief Executive Officer of ANCAP Safety.

“Buyers now have more choice than ever before. ANCAP star ratings provide independent, rigorous assessments of how well vehicles prevent crashes and protect occupants and other road users in serious crashes – meaning consumers can make an informed choice when it comes to safety. Safety information should always be non-negotiable in any vehicle purchase.”

The Middle East fuel shock is set to make life harder for Australians, already dealing with cost-of-living pressures. But for any car manufacturers selling SUVs that are both a) cheap and b) fuel efficient, it’s a great time as many new car shoppers seek out the cheapest ways to save money on transportation.

Chery fits this bill, sales increasing by 93.8 per cent so far in 2026 thanks to its cheap hybrid SUVs. How does its cheapest hybrid model on sale in Australia fare against its competition? Let’s take a look…

How much does the Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid cost to buy? 

The Chery Tiggo 4 is known as one of the best value small SUVs available, though the hybrid versions require opening the wallet a little wider. Pricing for the hybrid starts at $29,990 driveaway for the base model Urban and $34,990 driveaway for the top-spec Ultimate – Chery has the latter on special for $32,990 driveaway until June 30, however. 

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Those familiar with the Tiggo 4 will note that pricing is a $6000 rise on the petrol models, which will buy you a lot of fuel. Most hybrids on the market are priced from around $3000 more than their ICE equivalents so it’s arguable the cost difference could be lessened.

2026 Chery Tiggo 4 pricing (driveaway):

Comparatively, however, it still represents good value, as full hybrid SUVs don’t come cheaper than the Tiggo 4. That’s not to say that there aren’t plenty of rivals for the Chery. The MG ZS Hybrid+ is priced similarly to the Tiggo 4, while the Toyota Yaris Cross is priced from $31,790 plus on-road costs, the Hyundai Kona Hybrid $36,950 +ORC and the Honda HR-V e:HEV from $39,900 driveaway.

As we’ve come to expect from Chery, the Tiggo 4 Hybrid Ultimate is loaded with standard features. A full list lies at the bottom of the page, but highlights include 17-inch alloy wheels, LED exterior lighting, synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, electric driver’s seat adjustment, dual 10.25-inch displays, a wireless phone charger and safety features like autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera. 

How fuel efficient is the Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid?

The Tiggo 4 Hybrid uses a 1.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid drivetrain that makes a healthy 150kW of power and 310Nm of torque, which are similar figures to the MG ZS Hybrid+, and almost double the power of the 85kW Toyota Yaris Cross. Both the petrol engine and electric motor can drive the front wheels through a one-speed ‘dedicated hybrid transmission’, which sounds complicated but all you really need to know is it feels mostly like a CVT in the real world. 

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Chery claims combined fuel consumption of 5.4L/100km, which is more than both the ZS Hybrid+ (4.7L/100km) and Yaris Cross (3.8L/100km), but we found that figure relatively easy to beat and scored 5.1L/100km in our week with the car in both urban and highway driving. The Tiggo 4 Hybrid uses 91RON regular unleaded fuel to fill its large 51-litre tank and emits 123g/km of CO2. 

How does the Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid drive?

The petrol Tiggo 4 is pleasant enough to drive, though a sports car it is not. A Kona and Yaris Cross are both superior in the driving stakes thanks to their more fun driving experience and far more settled ride quality.

The Tiggo 4 Hybrid is comfortable enough in everyday driving, but the steering is too light and gives minimal feedback, making it difficult to place on the road, especially at highway speeds when a little change in steering can make an alarmingly big difference.

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On the plus side, the 1.5-litre hybrid drivetrain in the Tiggo 4 Hybrid is smooth, easily switching between petrol and electric propulsion, and it feels quicker than the petrol version because the torque from the electric motor is instant and it weighs under 1500kg.

Performance in the Tiggo 4 Hybrid is fine, even at highway speeds, though the engine can be loud when more performance is called for. Aside from the sensitive lane keeping assistance, the Tiggo 4 Hybrid’s active safety features are generally tuned well and are far better than they used to be, though still not quite as polished as Japanese rivals.

How practical is the Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid? 

The cabin of the Chery Tiggo 4 is modern, good quality and filled with useable tech that we think will appeal to small SUV shoppers. Unlike the scratchy plastics of some rivals, the Tiggo 4’s front cabin is loaded with soft touch materials, including on the dashboard and door tops, though the liberal use of piano black trim will need effort to keep unscratched. The cloth in the lower-spec Urban feels nicer to sit on and will be cooler in hot weather. 

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A 10.25-inch touchscreen handles infotainment duties in all Tiggo 4 models with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring and DAB+ digital radio featuring, though no satellite navigation or live services. It’s an easy system to use and thankfully, Chery hasn’t tried to fit every function of the car into it, though screen quality and fastness could be improved.

The climate control is controlled with separate buttons below the screen, and there is also a line of physical buttons underneath the touchscreen to aid usability by giving shortcuts to the volume, 360-degree camera, home for the screen and so on, which many new cars frustratingly do without.

Front cabin storage is excellent in the Tiggo 4 thanks to its large door bins, huge under-console tray that can hold handbags and large box underneath the central armrest. Seat comfort is generally good as well, though under thigh-angle adjustment would be great, as would a lower set driver’s seat as you feel like you’re sitting on the seat, rather than in it.

Rear seat space in the Tiggo 4 Hybrid is great for the segment thanks to good legroom, a relatively flat floor and ample headroom from its tall body. Amenities include map pockets, door pockets, an air vent on the rear of the centre console and a singular USB-A charging port so occupants will have to fight over who uses it. ISOFIX points are located on the outboard seats, while the doors open wide too. We also quite like the warning light in the rear door, which alerts those seated in the rear to oncoming traffic. 

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Behind the rear seats lies 470 litres of space, which is curiously 90 litres larger than the petrol Tiggo 4 and 63 litres larger than a Kona Hybrid. There are further curiosities too, such as the small hump in the boot floor to cover the 12V that doesn’t fit under the bonnet. There are also no hooks, nets or tie-down points, and a noticeable jump from the boot floor to the rear seats with them folded. 

What warranty covers the Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid? 

The Tiggo 4 Hybrid is covered by Chery’s seven-year/unlimited km warranty with up to seven years of roadside assistance (if serviced through a Chery dealership). A separate eight-year/unlimited km warranty covers the hybrid battery.

Five years/75,000km of servicing the Tiggo 4 Hybrid costs just $1495 ($299 per service), which is quite low in 2026.  

Should I buy a Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid?

Those seeking a cheap, efficient, well equipped and practical small SUV that costs little to run will be quite pleased by the Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid. It’s well priced against its main rivals and even the entry-level model offers good equipment levels. Plus, the regular Tiggo 4’s comfortable and good quality cabin continues largely unchanged, and like the petrol models, the Hybrid is quite inexpensive to service.

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There’s no doubt that the hybrid drivetrain is much more efficient than the petrol Tiggo 4, and it’s also smoother and more refined too. But the hybrid variant doesn’t as yet improve the driving experience, which is a little soft with steering that is too light – and the $6000 premium against the petrol model is a consideration to be weighed up against the likely fuel savings.

Tiggo 4 Hybrid Specifications:

Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid Ultimate standard features:

• 17-inch alloy wheels with a space saver spare wheel
• Dusk-sensing automatic LED exterior lighting with scrolling front indicators
• Rain-sensing automatic wipers
• Sunroof
• Silver roof rails
• Heated and auto-folding mirrors
• Keyless entry with push button start and remote start
• Synthetic leather upholstery (seats and steering wheel)
• Heated front seats
• Eight-way electric driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment
• Dual-zone automatic climate control with a rear air vent
• 10.25-inch digital driver’s display
• 10.25-inch touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto 
• AM/FM/DAB+ digital radio
• Bluetooth calling and audio streaming
• Six-speaker sound system
• 4x USB ports
• Wireless phone charger
• Anti-theft alarm
• 7x airbags
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Lane keeping assistance with adaptive lane guidance
• Adaptive cruise control
• Traffic jam assist
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert (with braking)
• Door open warning
• Driver attention monitoring
• Auto high beam
• Front and rear parking sensors
• 360-degree camera

As competitive pressures for Chinese brands grow in their domestic market, a focused effort to increase lucrative export sales is underway.

Chinese automakers began their push into markets like Europe, the UK, and Australia with lightly modified versions of Chinese market vehicles. The focus is now shifting to cars specifically designed to appeal to Western-market buyers.

Reuters reports that a new generation of products from Chinese car companies is on its way, designed specifically for markets like Europe, rather than adaptations of existing Chinese-market products.

In their domestic market, Chinese brands are locked into price wars, chasing volume to make up for small profit margins. Outside of China, brands can often retail cars at twice the price they sell for in China, and still manage to undercut competitors.

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The move is not a subtle one either. At the recent Beijing motor show, numerous brands revealed large, three-row crossovers and SUVs with export aspirations. A far cry from the high-end people movers that previously defined the Chinese market, but often failed to lure Western buyers.

The trend is not dissimilar to the way Japanese brands made headway into the North American market with cars like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. Those two models quickly evolved into larger, more powerful cars targeted at American consumers, away from their more compact origins.

BYD’s export model plans are among the most obvious, with vehicles like the Shark 6 ute (above) developed to crack the Australian and South American markets. In 2025, BYD revealed plans for a kei car designed specifically for Japan, the first of its kind from a non-Japanese brand.

The next product to emerge will be the BYD Dolphin G, a Golf-sized plug-in hybrid hatch developed for Europe, where small hatchbacks still account for up to 40 per cent of the Southern European market. It will join the Leapmotor B05 as another market-specific Chinese take on the European hatchback.

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Pedro Pacheco, an automotive specialist at data analytics firm Gartner, described it as China’s “Yaris moment”. Mimicking Toyota’s moves in 1999 with the Yaris and later the Auris, a version of the Corolla, to specifically target the European market. 

Rather than a single market segment, though, China’s export-first approach sees BYD preparing to launch high-end sports cars (Denza Z convertible, above and main) and sedans to tackle traditional luxury brands, and GAC revealed an off-road-capable four-wheel-drive aimed at adventure buyers.

Chery has a ute and a related SUV to slot into the Australian market, plus a new Freelander brand, built in China but designed by Land Rover, to appeal to European buyers familiar with the British brand.

The move comes as Chinese brands look to better utilise production capacity, and as a means of delivering stronger profits through higher margins on vehicles sold in established markets.

Geely is set to launch a seven-seat rival to the Toyota Kluger in 2027. According to the company, the as-yet unnamed large SUV will be quite similar to the existing Galaxy M9 that was shown at last month’s Melbourne Motor Show, but add an extra seat for a total of seven as used by its biggest rivals like the aforementioned Kluger, Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento.

Revealed to local media at last month’s Beijing Motor Show and confirmed by WhichCar by Wheels, the new SUV will launch with hybrid and plug-in hybrid drivetrains, with the latter reportedly capable of up to 230km of electric-only driving.

In China, the M9 is currently available with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain combining a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with either one or three electric motors, with the latter making up to 649kW of power and 1165Nm of torque.

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The M9 offers either 18.49kWh or 41.46kWh LFP battery options for electric driving range of up to 230km in China, and over 1300km of total range. According to Geely, its 3C charging capability allows for a 30 to 80 per cent charge time of as little as 15 minutes.

Measuring 5205mm long, 1999mm wide, 1800mm tall and 3030mm between the wheels, the M9 is even larger than the one-size-up Hyundai Palisade (it measures up to 5065mm in length) and offers plenty of interior space.

In China, it’s only available as a six-seater – something that won’t translate to Australian models as we’ll get seven seats – and features include a huge 30-inch touchscreen with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P processor, heated/ventilated/massaging seats, 27-speaker audio and even a 17.3-inch ceiling-mounted screen for rear passengers.

In China, the M9 is priced from between 200,000 and 300,000 yuan (A$41,000 – $61,500), likely translating into much lower pricing than equivalent Kluger models, which ask over $90,000 once on-road costs are included in the price.

Geely will announce more information about its new seven-seat SUV closer to its 2027 local launch.

Chery has narrowed down a shortlist of names for its upcoming dual-cab ute after receiving more than 20,000 submissions from the public.

The naming competition, first reported earlier this year, was launched as part of the brand’s push to engage Australian buyers ahead of the arrival of its first ute – set to be a plug-in hybrid diesel model.

Nine names have made the final cut, reflecting a mix of traditional Australian themes and more contemporary ideas. Among them are Outrider, Orca, Ironbark, Bushwalker, Stockman, Longreach, Ridgeback, Terra and Mate.

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Many of the shortlisted entries draw on imagery associated with durability, rural life and off-road capability – long-standing attributes linked to the ute segment in Australia. Others lean into broader themes such as adaptability and everyday usability.

Chery said the volume of entries highlighted strong local interest in the new model, which is expected to combine diesel power with plug-in hybrid technology – an unusual pairing in the ute market.

The competition now moves into its next phase, with a public vote to determine the final name. Voting opens on May 5 and runs until May 19, with the winner to be announced ahead of the vehicle’s launch later this year.

The person who submitted the successful name will receive the first example of the new ute in Australia.

While most submissions followed predictable themes, some entries reflected a more humorous take on the task, including names such as “Dropbear” and “B-ute”.

The campaign is part of a broader effort by Chery to build awareness of its expanding line-up in Australia, with the new ute expected to play a key role in the brand’s next phase of growth.

McLaren has unveiled its new MCL-HY Hypercar, confirming its return to the top class of endurance racing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2027 and the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).

The reveal marks a significant step in the British marque’s long-term motorsport ambitions, with the new car forming part of a broader push to compete across Formula 1, IndyCar and endurance racing simultaneously.

Developed to LMDh regulations, the MCL-HY combines a lightweight carbon-fibre chassis with a hybrid powertrain built around a twin-turbocharged V6 engine. Total output is capped at around 520kW, in line with class regulations, with power delivered to the rear wheels.

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The car will undergo an extensive testing programme throughout 2026 ahead of homologation, with McLaren drawing on both its racing division and automotive arm to shape the final design and performance package.

McLaren’s return to Le Mans’ top category is its first since its famous outright victory in 1995 with the F1 GTR. The move also completes its presence across motorsport’s three most prominent arenas, aligning with its long-held ambition to compete for the so-called Triple Crown – wins at Monaco, Indianapolis and Le Mans.

Alongside the race car, McLaren has also revealed a track-only derivative, the MCL-HY GTR, aimed at a small number of private buyers. Unlike the race version, it drops the hybrid system and relies solely on a twin-turbo V6 producing around 730PS, while also benefiting from a lower weight.

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The GTR forms part of a broader customer programme dubbed Project: Endurance, which includes access to McLaren’s race team operations and a two-year track driving schedule across international circuits.

McLaren says deliveries of the track car will begin in late 2027, coinciding with its competitive debut in the WEC.