Concept Cars

Volkswagen continues to expand its ID. battery-electric vehicle portfolio with an overnight reveal of the precursor to its upcoming small electric car weapon, the ID. 1.Dubbed ID. Every1, the small, five-door, four-seat concept hatch is pitched as a vision of “an electric 20,000-euro Volkswagen from Europe for Europe”.On current exchange rates a direct conversion of €20,000 equates to $34,000, which even with an import/distribution price bump, would put the newcomer in the same ball park as the mid-range BYD Dolphin Dynamic ($36,890) and GWM Ora (from $35,990), while dramatically undercutting the likes of the Fiat 500e, Merc EQA, Mini Aceman, Polestar 2, Smart #1, Tesla Model 3 and Volvo EX30, all of which live in the $55–$65K starting price band.The eventual ID. 1 production car is scheduled for a 2027 introduction and Volkswagen said it will be one of nine new models to arrive by then, including four electric cars based on its flexible ‘MEB’ electric platform. A production version of the brand’s ID. 2all concept from early 2023 is already on track for launch as the ID. 2 “in the 25,000-euro class” in 2026. And VW said it and the ID. 1 are part of its new ‘Electric Urban Car Family’ of MEB-based front-wheel drive offerings.Designed with the aim of capturing the essence of its VW up! city car predecessor, the ID. Every1 measures just under 3.9m long which puts it between the up! (3.6m) and the current Polo (4.1m) in terms of overall size.A new motor in its nose (with outputs yet to be confirmed) is powered by a small, low-cost lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and target driving range is 250km. A simple torsion beam rear suspension design also frees up space for a useful 305-litre boot capacity.The sparse interior design looks close to production-ready with digital displays neatly integrated into a striking wrap-around dash treatment.Despite the production car's ‘from Europe for Europe’ ambition there’s little doubt the ID. 1 will be on Volkswagen Australia’s wish list.And when asked if the car is a likely prospect for local sale a Volkswagen Group Australia spokesperson told CarsGuide, “Volkswagen is committed to electrification starting with the Touareg R PHEV, and the fully electric ID. 4, ID. 5 and ID. Buzz. "We will actively seek further product opportunities given Volkswagen’s significant investment in next generation electrified vehicles,” they said.

Things could be looking Up for Volkswagen.It’s been a long time coming, but VW is nearing the reveal of its new ID.1 concept, the car it says will be a $30,000 electric hatchback.It's Volkswagen's future answer to cut-price electric cars such as the BYD Dolphin, MG4, GWM Ora, Hyundai Inster and Kia EV2.While a shadowy teaser was released last week, showcasing the front-on silhouette of the little EV, there are now sketched images showing off more of what to expect from the spiritual successor to the likes of the VW Up!.Volkswagen’s official global Instagram account along with Head of Design Andreas Mindt posted the sketches along with the caption: “Bold confidence meets timeless simplicity!”“With its compact yet spacious design, our new entry-level electric car blends functionality and style effortlessly,” the Wolfsburg brand went on, “From the charismatic front to the smiling rear end, every detail creates a joyful connection.”While it’s only the concept for now, it previews a production model set to arrive in Europe in 2027 according to reports, though a future in Australia is uncertain.“An affordable, high-quality and profitable electric Volkswagen from Europe for Europe,” Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer has called it, though too few details exist as of yet to determine if the car could be viable Down Under.The brand’s local EV plans have finally started to take-off, with the ID.Buzz people mover and cargo van the first electric models to launch for VW here.The ID.4 mid-size electric SUV is next, though its launch has been pushed back numerous times.

Ford really is serious about redirecting its energy away from EVs and into even more hardcore combustion vehicles. The company’s global boss revealed plans for a high-performance, ultra off-road capable Raptor supercar. Yes, one that you can buy - from a dealership.The revelation comes following a Top Gear interview with Ford CEO and president Jim Farley recently. “We’re in the middle of creating something, so we don’t have all the answers yet, but the question is should Ford make an off-road supercar?” he told Top Gear. “Not a version of a car, a standalone supercar,” Farley said.Ford’s intentions to pursue high-performance adventure vehicles came to light at the Detroit motor show early in 2025 when Farley told Automotive News he wanted the brand to be akin to Porsche but for off-road. “Ford wants to be the number one undisputed off-road brand in the world,” Farley said. “We want to be the Porsche of off-road.”Becoming the Porsche of off-road is ambitious and a tad confusing for consumers (and journalists), it’s clear Ford is serious about going hardcore at a high level.Ford recently finished on the podium of the Dakar Rally with its Raptor T1+. While this rally beast might have passing resemblance to a Ranger Raptor the Raptor T1+ is actually a ground-up build entirely designed for off-road racing. Powered by Ford’s 5.0-litre Coyote V8 with a dry-sump oil system, and featuring front and rear double wishbone suspension the Raptor T1+ uses a steel space frame and carbon fibre body panels.Could this the T1+ inspire a production vehicle people could buy? Surely it’s as hardcore and high performance as it gets?"Yes, the Raptor T1+ at Dakar represents the ultimate Raptor in many ways,” Farley told TopGear. “And we’re learning a lot from that both in terms of the competition but also in terms of feedback from customers, so all I can say is stay tuned…”The Ford Ranger has been the best-selling vehicle in Australia for the past two years. In 2024 Ford sold 62,953 Rangers and while the sales of Raptor versions aren’t reported by the car maker it’s clear the variant is also popular despite its entry price of $90,440.

Toyota has unveiled its latest electric car concept.

Chery teases the future of its electric vehicles, with a new solid-state-powered shooting brake.

Toyota has been busy at this year’s Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) show held in Las Vegas. 

Hyundai is continuing its “unwavering commitment to hydrogen” with a new concept car heralding a future production model.

“The MX-5 is here to stay,” said Mazda Australia Managing Director Vinesh Bhindi before jumping into the subject of the Iconic SP concept car.

Lotus has whipped the covers off its new Porsche smashing concept car.

Mazda’s electric car offensive seems to be gathering steam.  The brand applied to trademark the name ‘CX-6e’ with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) earlier this month, as discovered by Autoguide.