We’re a long way from the days of the Button plan and rampant model rebadging, but there are still some vehicles in Australia that appear to differ only in the logo on their grilles. Sure, the recently launched LDV Terron 9 and the even more recently launched MG U9look almost identical inside and out, but this isn’t just a redux of the old Ford Falcon and Nissan Ute twins as there are some key differences between these two Chinese-made dual-cab 4×4 utes beyond their badges. Launched last year, they’ve entered a hotly competitive segment that contains three of the top…

The Bugatti Veyron FKP Hommage is the second car from the company’s Solitare bespoke commission division, and is named after Ferdinand Karl Piëch, the former CEO of the Volkswagen Group, and the driving force behind the original Veyron project. While the Veyron FKP Hommage looks as though it uses the same body as the hypercar produced between 2005 and 2015, the FKP actually uses “the highest evolution” of the W16 platform, which means it is actually a Chiron that’s been extensively restyled to resemble the Veyron. According to Bugatti, the FKP’s exterior is a “subtle yet significant evolution” of the…

The theme of the past 12 months has been the never-ending onslaught of new electric vehicles (EVs) in Australia, but Polestar is confident it can cement a place in the local market despite its niche status. Polestar – owned by China’s Geely and therefore a sister brand to Volvo, Zeekr, and Lotus – has struggled to penetrate global markets since its 2017 launch. It’s by no means the only brand to have adopted an EV-only strategy globally, but it’s consistently and comprehensively outpaced by brands like Tesla, while also grappling with the rapid growth of China’s EV industry as a…

An updated GWM Haval H6 GT PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) SUV has been spotted in Australia, showing interior and powertrain changes ahead of its expected arrival in local showrooms in the coming months. A rival to the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and BYD Sealion 6, the Haval H6 GT PHEV spied at a Melbourne shopping centre carpark wears ‘PHEV Hi4’ badges, signifying the fitment of the brand’s upgraded PHEV all-wheel-drive system already offered locally on the regular Haval H6 PHEV. It also shows an updated interior, including a larger centre screen, simplified centre console and a new steering wheel —…

Toyota has confirmed it’s actively working on a mid-engined sports car, but says it’s still a ways off. Gazoo Racing president Tomoya Takahashi said the performance division was working with Toyota to develop a model with a mid-mounted version of its forthcoming 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder performance engine, but stopped short of naming it the MR2. Between 1984 and 2007, Toyota produced three generations of the MR2, with the transverse engine sitting ahead of the rear axle and driving the rear wheels. However, unlike earlier MR2 models, the next one appears as if it will have all-wheel drive. CarExpert can save…

Double demerit points are now in effect for the Australia Day long weekend across several Australian states and territories. The Monday, January 26 public holiday brings double demerits for New South Wales, Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory from and including Friday, January 23. “This long weekend, police will be out in force to keep people safe on our roads. Double demerits are in place, and enforcement will be highly visible,” said NSW Acting Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Paul Scully in a statement. “Speeding, drink or drug driving, using your phone or not wearing a seatbelt are choices…

The Cupra Born electric vehicle (EV) has been recalled for a battery issue that could lead to a vehicle fire. “Due to a manufacturing issue, the cell modules installed in the high voltage battery may be defective and could overheat,” the company says in its recall notice. “If this occurs, it could lead to a vehicle fire. The range of the vehicle may also be affected. “A vehicle fire could increase the risk of injury or death to vehicle occupants, other road users and bystanders, and/or damage to property.” Cupra Australia notes a warning light “may” illuminate in the instrument…

Many people think the days of affordable cars are over – but the MG ZS Essence Turbo begs to differ. MG seems to have arrived in the Australian market at the right time, just as several city cars were axed – reducing the number of affordable models available to buyers – and leaving the door wide open for the Chinese brand. And the numbers suggest Australians are often choosing the MG ZS over competitors in the segment, like the GWM Haval Jolion and Toyota Corolla Cross, while a close battle wages between the ZS and the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro.…