Articles by James Cleary

It feels like 2021 all over again with strong demand comprehensively out-stripping supply for a popular Toyota model. And this time it’s the 70 Series GXL Wagon automatic.But rather than global supply chain disruptions or customs-related shenanigans, this time around it’s simply a matter of short-term supply exceeding current demand for the tough 4WD five-seater.Toyota Australia has confirmed “strong customer demand and relatively low production levels” have forced it to pause customer orders for the LandCruiser 70 Series GXL Wagon automatic variant as of July 17, 2025.But the brand said the sales pause only affects this single model, adding it has good supply of all other LandCruiser 70 Series variants with some models in stock ready for immediate sale and others open to order for delivery within two to four months.Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the decision to pause availability of the auto GXL Wagon “would provide customers with more certainty around delivery times for existing orders”.“We know in the past, particularly through the COVID-19 pandemic and during the global semi-conductor supply shortage, vehicle supply challenges caused a degree of frustration with our customers with wait times for delivery of new vehicles being extended significantly.“We never want to be the cause of that frustration again so together with our dealer network, we are committed to carefully managing any supply issues to provide complete transparency for customers when issues outside our control arise.“We continue to work with our parent company in Japan to optimise production and supply levels of all Toyota vehicles to ensure we can deliver and satisfy Australian customer demands,” Hanley said.Offered in Wagon, Troop Carrier and Double Cab Chassis form in GXL trim, as well as a Troop Carrier and Double Cab Chassis in the WorkMate grade, all LandCruiser 70 Series models are now powered by the same 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine used in its HiLux ute sibling.The WorkMate Wagon and all Single Cab Chassis models are offered with six-speed automatic transmission only, while others in the line-up offer a choice of five-speed manual or the auto.The launch of an updated four-cylinder LandCruiser 70 Series in late 2023 signalled the beginning of the end of the rugged body-on-frame off-roader’s previous 4.5-litre turbo-diesel V8 engine.But despite the recent departure of that long-serving powerplant Toyota says it has seen the appeal of the 70 Series grow across the range, although according to industry statistician, VFacts, registrations of the ‘Landcruiser PU/CC’ are down just over 15 per cent year-on-year for the first six months of 2025.

Despite a seemingly huge appetite for the ultra-cool Ford Bronco SUV and its mini-me Bronco Sport sibling, Aussie new car buyers have so far been denied access to the super-successful retro-futurist Ford models.Since its launch in 2021 the prospect of right-hand drive production has taken a back seat as the focus remains on satisfying strong US domestic demand.And that’s despite Ford’s global CEO Jim Farley telling CarsGuide way back in 2022 that, “(Ford) can do Bronco and Bronco Sport for the globe, for sure. But we have, like, a year or two order bank so we have a lot of work to do on our capacity before we can even consider something like that.”And so it is that close to three years later there are still Bronco and Bronco Sport-shaped holes on Ford’s local showroom floors. But news coming out of China overnight could fast-track new EV and range-extender hybrid versions of the Bronco for Australian consumption.Developed by the Ford/Jiangling Motor Chinese joint venture operation, the Bronco New Energy is a larger, re-powered version of the charismatic off-roader.To be produced at Ford/JMC’s Nanchang plant in South-East China, the new car’s arrival opens up the possibility of a fresh source for potential Australian market supply.CarsGuide contacted Ford Australia for comment on that possibility and a spokesperson said, "We have no news to share on any plans to offer the Ford Bronco in Australia”. But hey, that's not a no.The Ford/JMC JV already produces a version of the existing Bronco. To reduce cost it’s powered by a 205kW 2.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (supplied by a second Ford/Changan joint-venture business) rather than the 235kW 2.7-litre V6 petrol engine deployed in the USA.Documents published overnight by the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), and referenced by multiple Chinese sources, describe the new pure-electric and plug-in hybrid Bronco variants.Measuring 5025mm end-to-end the new models are just over 200mm longer than the existing four-door combustion Bronco, while retaining a similar width, height and identical wheelbase.The pure-electric version features a 105kWh battery delivering a CLTC-rated range of 650km and supports high-voltage fast charging. The plug-in hybrid version has a solid 44kWh battery with a 220km EV-only range, rising to around 1220km in concert with the 110kW 1.5-litre, four-cylinder range-extender petrol engine/generator.Motor and driveline specs are unknown at this point but the EV’s kerb weight is listed at a reasonably trim (for a BEV) 2630kg, while the hybrid weighs in at 2511kg.Like all Chinese versions of the car the new five-seat Bronco models wear an additional ‘Ford’ inscription on the grille, as Bronco isn’t a well-known model name in that market, and a Jiangling-Ford badge on the rear.In terms of exterior design, the leading edge of the bonnet has been made more prominent and the headlight treatment, while instantly recognisable, has also been tweaked.The Bronco New Energy sports a Lidar sensor at the front of the roof with over 30 additional “high-precision sensors/cameras” also onboard.

Model Y gets a battery boost.

Subaru has teased what is potentially its most significant new model introduction of the year with a preview shot of its upcoming compact EV SUV, the Uncharted.

Mercedes-Benz has kicked off the new financial year with value-add special edition versions of its key small and medium hatch, sedan and SUV models claimed to add up to $4800 worth of extra features at no additional cost.

The Lexus RZ has maintained a low profile since it's local launch in early 2023 and the large, five-seat, dual-motor, pure-electric SUV has captured only modest sales so far. But Lexus is banking on this significantly upgraded version, with more power, greater efficiency and a tweaked AWD system, not to mention tricky steer-by-wire and 'manual' shift tech, to give it a solid boost.

Nissan Australia is looking to boost sales and has drawn on the Japanese translation of the numbers two (Ni) and three (San) to generate a revised pricing structure for its X-Trail SUV, as the long-serving mid-size ‘Ni San’ model turns, you guessed it, 23 years old.Currently the sixth-placed player in the white-hot medium SUV segment behind family favourites such as the all-conquering Toyota RAV4, Mitsubishi Outlander, Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, the current fourth-generation Nissan X-Trail has been in market here since early 2022.As recently arrived challengers like the BYD Sealion 6, Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, Geely EX5 and MG HS add extra pressure to this already hyper-competitive segment, price adjustments from established players are almost inevitable.And so it is, that with zero change to model specification the X-Trail’s Australian pricing has been reduced by between $1000 to $3000, depending on model.With a starting price now less than $37K, before on-road costs, the X-Trail throws down the gauntlet to the now hybrid-only RAV4 (from $42,260), Mitsubishi Outlander (from $37,740) and Mazda CX-5 (from $36,740) as well as newcomers like the BYD Sealion 6 (from $48,990) and Geely EX5 (from $40,990).But it’s still some distance away from the budget-focused MG HS (from $33,990 drive-away) and sharply-priced Chery Tiggo 7 Pro (from $29,990 drive-away). The current ‘T33’ X-Trail is offered across five model grades, with the entry-level ST’s standard features list including LED head and tail-lights, six-speaker audio (including digital radio) managed through an 8.0-inch multimedia display, 17-inch alloy rims, adaptive cruise control and more.Safety tech incorporates AEB (with pedestrian and cyclist detection), lane departure warning/prevention, blind-spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition and airbag coverage including a front centre ‘far side’ bag.The top-shelf Ti-L adds 10-speaker Bose audio, bigger alloys, a heated steering wheel, electric front seats (with memory), heated rear seats, Nappa leather-accented trim, ambient lighting, a hands-free tailgate and more.Earlier this year Nissan Australia also introduced a (dealer-servicing activated) 10-year/300,000km warranty operating in concert with a five-year ‘Flat Price Servicing Program’.Is this the first shot fired in a full-scale price war as more and more new brands enter what is a mature Australian new car market? Feels like the battle has only just begun.

Currently ranked as the world’s sixth-largest carmaker (by unit volume) and biggest EV producer, it appears BYD is suffering demand headwinds, particularly in its Chinese home market, leading to a significant production slowdown.According to sources “with knowledge of the matter” quoted by global news agency Reuters, production at some factories has been “cut by at least a third”, leading to reduced shifts and a rethink on plans to add new manufacturing capacity.Said to be grappling with rising inventory, even after sharpening the pricing pencil in China's cut-throat new vehicle market, BYD has allegedly cancelled night shifts at “at least four factories”.BYD sold 4.27 million cars in 2025, the majority in China, and has publicly targeted a close to 30 per cent rise in sales to 5.5 million this year.It’s important to note Reuters was unable to quantify the precise scope of the production slowdown or confirm how long these measures will last.One of its sources pinned the primary cause on cost saving measures, while the other highlighted failure to meet sales targets.But the report quotes data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers showing growth of BYD’s output had slowed to 13 per cent and 0.2 per cent (year-on-year) in April and May, respectively. The data show that’s the slowest rate of growth since February 2024 when production was briefly disrupted by a week-long Lunar New Year holiday.At the same time, the report references a survey conducted by the China Automotive Dealer Association in May finding domestic BYD dealers were holding average inventory of 3.21 months, the highest among all brands in China (against an industry-wide average of 1.38 months).It also points to a ‘government-owned’ media report stating that, “a large BYD dealer in the eastern province of Shandong has gone out of business with at least 20 of its stores found to be deserted or shut.”Reuters said the Chinese car industry’s virtual exclusion from the US market, thanks to 100 per cent import tariffs, in part led the China Auto Dealers Chamber of Commerce's call on carmakers in early June to “stop offloading too many cars on domestic dealerships” and to set “reasonable” production targets based on sales performance. In the first five months of this year, BYD sold 1.76 million vehicles, of which around 20 per cent were exported, with even greater focus on global markets likely in future.In Australia, BYD sales continue to skyrocket with year-to-date registrations up no less than 95 per cent year-on-year, thanks in no small part to the recent introduction of the Shark 6 ute as well as the Sealion 6 and Sealion 7 SUVs, with more new model arrivals coming soon.When contacted for comment a BYD Australia spokesperson told CarsGuide, "BYD continues to enjoy strong growth in Australia with sales up significantly year-on-year."With so much exciting new product in the pipeline for the back half of this year, we expect that to continue," they said.

Just when you thought competition in the Australian mid-size SUV market couldn’t get any hotter, Geely Auto Australia comes swooping out of the clouds with a new five-seat plug-in hybrid, the Starray EM-i, now confirmed for local launch in the fourth quarter of this year.Joining the pure-electric EX5 SUV, which became the first Geely model to hit local showrooms earlier this year, the Starray is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 73kW/125Nm, working in concert with a single electric motor tipping in 160kW/262Nm (for a combined 193kW) all sent to the front wheels via a single-speed ‘hybrid’ transmission. Geely says its ‘EM-i’ (E-Motive Intelligence) hybrid system leans toward electric power, “offering the instant torque and smooth take-off of a pure electric powertrain while retaining the range and flexibility afforded by a petrol hybrid”.It incorporates three power modes - ‘Pure’ (EV-only), ‘Hybrid’ (switching between electric and petrol power) and ‘Power’ (electric and combustion combined for max performance). Marketed in impressive Buck Rogers style as the Starship 7 in the Chinese domestic market (where it launched late last year), the Starray packs an 18.4kWh Lithium-Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery for pure EV driving “on shorter commutes”.Although Geely isn’t quoting a pure-electric range at this point, expect around 100km between charges and a combined petrol-electric range of around 1400km based on Chinese market data. DC charging at up to 36kW is available and vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability is also on-board with a maximum output of 3.3kW. Riding on the same “new-energy focused” platform as its EX5 stablemate, the newcomer measures just over 4.7m long, 1.9m wide and close to 1.7m high with a 2755mm wheelbase.The interior is dominated by a 14.6-inch multimedia screen standing proud of the centre of the dash and a 10.2-inch instrument and car data panel in front of the driver.Local specification is yet to be confirmed but inclusions like a panoramic glass roof, high-end multi-speaker audio, multi-zone climate control, a head-up display, sat nav and aero-styled alloy rims are included in China.In confirming the Starray EM-i for Australian sale Geely Auto Australia CEO Mr Lei Li said, “Geely is dedicated to meeting the needs of the Australian market, from our vehicle line-up through to our aftersales experience; we understand that there is a need for vehicles to provide more included features and more cost efficiency in this time of increasing financial pressure. “We’re confident the Starray EM-i’s combination of accessible innovation and flexible efficiency is a great step in that direction,” he said. Final specification and pricing will be detailed closer to the model’s official launch in the fourth quarter, but clearly a sharp entry-price, well under the $50K mark will be required to make a market share dent against established players and other recently arrived contenders in a white hot part of the new car market. Watch this space.

Ripples from Toyota Australia’s mid-2024 decision to move all of its hybrid-available model lines to pure hybrid continue to radiate with a price rise applied to the three-row, seven-seat Kluger hybrid as pure combustion models are officially deleted from the price list.