Hybrid

Porsche’s move into hybrid technology for its most iconic model is paying dividends, according to a key executive.

A new hybrid competitor could crack the 4WD market.

According to a new report from Autocar, which quotes industry insiders, Mercedes won’t be discontinuing its affordable range of A-Class hatchbacks when the current model ends production.As part of a wider reversal of electric-only plans by Europe’s automakers, a new A-Class hatch will be built on the same new MMA platform, which underpins the upcoming CLA sedan that was revealed in March of 2025, and is due in Australia in 2026.It was previously thought the A-Class hatch would be discontinued purely in favour of a GLA replacement based on the CLA, as the brand had aspirations to head more upmarket, chasing profitability over its more mainstream range of cars.However, these plans appear to have been reversed as Mercedes (among other European automakers) face multiple challenges both when it comes to electrification, and the threat of new China-based manufacturers challenging them on their own home turf and abroad.The MMA platform, which is said to be electric-first, will also be key to the model, as it offers both electric and hybrid drivetrain options (as opposed to a dedicated EV platform), which will broaden the model’s appeal.Locally, the A-Class is Mercedes’ most attainable model starting at $57,500 (A200) and remains a reasonable seller for the brand, moving 1329 units so far and only outranked by its GLA small, GLC mid-size and GLE large SUVs.The hatchback is down 12 per cent in an environment where Mercedes is up 14 per cent year-on-year.The brand’s expansive range of electric offerings in Australia only count for a few hundred units each, which may be of concern for the brand which is facing stiff competition not just from BMW and its well executed EV strategy and an almost entirely new line-up from Audi, but also new challengers in the form of Zeekr and Denza, the latter from BYD is due before the end of the year.While nothing is known about the A-Class replacement so far, don’t expect it to stray too far from the comparatively conservative design of the recently-revealed CLA sedan, as Mercedes seemingly doubles down on its current design direction. The CLA is slightly larger in every dimension than its predecessor, so expect that to continue, while larger screens adorn the interior.The fully electric CLA features an 800-volt architecture with a long driving range (up to 792km) from an 85kWh battery, with a 200kW/335Nm rear-mounted motor in the RWD version, with an additional 80kW on the front axle for total outputs of 260kW/515Nm in the all-wheel drive version.Meanwhile the hybrid version features a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic, driving either the front or all four wheels.Stay tuned for more on Mercedes MMA-based roll-out plans in the near future.

Geely's rapid expansion into Australia continues with its first plug-in hybrid. The memorably-named Starray EM-i will compete head-to-head with the likes of the BYD Sealion 6, Chery Tiggo 7, MG HS Super Hybrid and Jaecoo J7. But does it have what it takes to leave an impression on the crowded mid-size SUV market?

Cupra is adding plug-in hybrid power to its family SUV.The Terramar VZe is due to arrive in November with a starting price of $77,990 before on-road costs.This puts it at about a $10,000 premium over the purely petrol-powered Terramar VZ, snd slighly more expensive than the fully electric mid-size Tavascan SUV-Coupe.The Terramar VZe brings potent performance with the combo of a feisty turbo-petrol engine and electric motor, but with fuel sipping hybrid credentials and a long electric-only driving range.It is packed full of standard equipment with next to no optional extras.The Terramar VZe is a PHEV that combines a petrol engine combined with an electric motor.20-inch Hadron black and copper alloy wheelsLED headlights10.25-inch driver displayHead-up display12.9-inch media screenSat nav12-speaker Sennheiser stereoThree-zone climate controlHeated front seatsPower front seatsLeather upholstery in Deep BurgundyMultifunction steering wheelProximity unlockingWireless Apple CarPlay and Android AutoWireless phone chargingDigital radioPower tailgate with kick sensorPanoramic sunroof: $2000Auto emergency brakingBlind spot warningFront cross traffic alertRear cross traffic alertAdaptive cruise controlLane keeping assistanceTraffic sign recognition360 degree cameraFront and rear parking sensorsSeven airbagsGlacier WhiteTimanfaya GreyFiord BlueMidnight blackDark VoidGraphene GreyCupra covers the Terramar VZe with a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty

Jeep has cancelled the plug-in hybrid version of its Gladiator off-road pick-up truck before it even went on sale.

Zeekr has outlined its bold ambitions for Australia, confirming a string of new models and the launch of the Lynk & Co brand, the latter of which will likely be wrapped under the Zeekr umbrella.

Chery's latest offering ticks a lot of boxes, but here's why it might not be the brand's strongest offering.

Hyundai's Palisade is a three-row family SUV up against some heavy-hitters in the large SUV segment. It's second-generation model's party trick is a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain and we've had a brief preview drive of a pre-production version.

Toyota Australia has confirmed some initial details about the coming LandCruiser 300 Series Hybrid ahead of its arrival in March 2026.