GWM has confirmed the Tank 300 Hi4-T plug-in hybrid for Australia, with limited-time driveaway prices starting at $55,990 for the Lux and $59,990 for the Ultra. Vehicles will reach dealerships from early March 2026, with the Ultra grade arriving first and the Lux grade following in April.
The Hi4-T pairs a 2.0‑litre turbo-petrol engine with a 120kW electric motor, delivering 300kW and 750Nm. Power feeds a mechanical 4WD system with low-range transfer case and front and rear locking differentials, retaining full off-road capability.
As with GWM’s other hybrid models, the Hi4-T can operate in EV, hybrid or petrol modes, switching automatically depending on terrain and load. This is designed to reduce fuel use around town while giving smoother torque control on sand, mud and technical climbs. GWM notes the Hi4-T is the only PHEV to tackle Beer O’Clock Hill, addressing concerns over hybrid off-road performance.
“With the Tank 300 Hi4-T PHEV, we’re continuing to expand our cutting-edge plug-in hybrid technology providing genuine off-road strength, all at a highly competitive price point,” said John Kett, GWM’s Chief Operating Officer.
“As demonstrated across our other PHEV variants, we remain committed to delivering vehicles where customers can benefit from strong EV-only range, fast charging, V2L and true mechanical 4×4 capability. As the New Vehicle Efficiency Standards (NVES) are likely to change the Australian automotive landscape like never before, GWM stands ready to deliver more technology for less.”
The Tank 300 Hi4-T offers up to 105km electric range (NEDC), combined fuel use of 1.9L/100 km, 3000kg braked towing, fast charging via 50 kW DC CCS2 (30 to 80 per cent in 24 minutes) and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability for external devices.
With the Hi4-T, GWM’s Australian Tank 300 range now spans petrol, diesel, hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants. Full specifications will be confirmed closer to launch.
The Kia Tasman was always going to be judged harshly in Australia, but the early conversation wasn’t centred on towing figures, low-range performance or payload. Instead, it was the front end – and whether Kia got it wrong – that dominated the noise.
In a dual-cab market where buyers are conservative and brand loyalty runs deep, slow early sales can apply real pressure. When a new ute struggles to gain traction, manufacturers start looking for answers. And the Tasman’s face has quickly become the most questioned part of the package – rightly or wrongly.
Bold or blunder?
From the moment it was revealed, the Tasman’s front end split opinion. Slim, wide-set headlights, squared panels and heavy plastic cladding pushed it well away from the established ute playbook. Just look at our social media pages whenever we post about it!
Some see it as refreshing. Plenty more see it as awkward – especially parked next to fan favourites like the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux. In a segment where looks matter because they signal strength, durability and aftermarket potential, the Tasman doesn’t immediately pass the pub-carpark test – at face value, at least.
The reaction hasn’t just been online noise either. Styling criticism has featured heavily in early reviews, often overshadowing what’s otherwise a highly capable ladder-frame ute. It’s third-place finish at our recent 4X4 Ute of the Year test highlighting this very point.
Kia’s brief was never to build a Ranger clone. The Tasman was designed to look functional and honest – flat panels, squared guards and materials chosen to cope with scratches rather than avoid them.
From a 4×4 perspective, some of that makes sense. Plastic cladding is cheaper to replace. Squared arches allow tyre clearance. Simple forms work better with bars, winches and recovery gear. The issue is that ute buyers still expect a certain visual appeal. The Tasman’s narrow lighting signature and unusual proportions don’t scream “touring rig” in a traditional sense – and perception matters when you’re asking buyers to switch brands.
Signs Kia is listening
Kia hasn’t publicly backtracked on the design, but subtle changes suggest it’s paying attention.
Colour-matched fenders have already been floated as a way to soften the look, and concept-style previews have shown the Tasman with a wider stance and more conventional front treatments. Even imagery tied to fleet or military-style applications shows alternative headlight and grille designs that look far closer to what ute buyers expect. None of that confirms a redesign – but it does suggest Kia isn’t married to the original look forever.
In the 4×4 world, redesigns are expensive and slow. Crash testing, ADR compliance and accessory integration all limit how quickly a front end can be changed. That said, slow sales change priorities. If the Tasman continues to underperform in a market as critical as Australia, Kia has every reason to bring forward visual updates – even if the mechanical package remains untouched.
Recent reports indicate a “major redesign is coming” but a mid-cycle facelift is unlikely to land until at least 2027 – even 2028. This would be the natural point for a more noticeable front-end revision, but smaller changes could appear earlier to improve showroom appeal.
- Very likely (within the model cycle): A facelift that tones down the divisive elements – lighting, grille proportions, guard treatments – feels inevitable. Kia won’t abandon the Tasman’s identity, but it may sand off the sharp edges.
- Unlikely to be immediate: There’s little chance of a rushed redesign. Kia will give the Tasman time to find its feet, supported by accessories and trim variations. Expect factory bars, skid plates, colour-matched panels and special editions to do much of the visual heavy lifting before any official facelift lands.
The Tasman’s fundamentals are sound, but in Australia’s dual-cab market, looks still matter – especially up front. If slow sales persist, styling will most likely be one of the first levers Kia pulls.
A redesigned front end won’t happen overnight, but the signs suggest Kia is already thinking about how to make the Tasman more palatable to a 4×4 audience that values toughness, familiarity and mod potential over design experimentation.
I bought our first Dual GPS around 20 years ago and it’s still going strong today. That original unit was the XGPS150A, which you can still buy – and it’s about $80 to $100 cheaper than the latest version, the XGPS160 which retails for $325.
About six months ago I picked up an XGPS160, but it didn’t get off to a great start. I used it once, left it in the vehicle with a flat battery, and when I went to charge it last month… nothing. After a few emails back and forth with the retailer – Mendelssohn Pilot Supplies in Victoria – I ran through some fault-finding steps, but no luck. I sent the unit back and had a brand-new replacement in my hands within days. So, the warranty is solid and the service was first class.
Why a standalone Bluetooth GPS still makes sense
So, who actually needs a standalone GPS when most phones now have dedicated GPS chips? For starters, the latest Wi-Fi-only iPad doesn’t come with one, and plenty of other tablets and devices are the same. And if you prefer to run a laptop or in-car computer for mapping and navigation, you’ll definitely need a separate GPS receiver. That’s where the Dual units earn their keep.
The latest XGPS160 offers 99 channels for satellite reception and can track both the long-established US GPS network and the newer Russian GLONASS system simultaneously. It can connect to up to five Bluetooth devices – Apple or Android – at once, and its internal rechargeable battery delivers up to 10 hours of use with a single device connected.
The in-built receiver is a high-sensitivity WAAS unit with fast satellite acquisition and 10Hz positioning updates (that’s up to 10 fixes per second). In practice, that means excellent accuracy and reliable tracking even in fast-moving environments such as an aircraft – or a very enthusiastic run in a quick 4×4. With a claimed operating limit of 1150mph, it’s safe to say it won’t be troubled in a Troopy.
Performance, app and day-to-day use
The XGPS160 also comes with a handy GPS Status Tool app, available free on the iTunes App Store. The app lets you toggle automatic route recording, export stored log files, and view detailed receiver data, including your current location, satellite count and signal strength, battery level and charging status, and confirmation that the GPS is connected to your Bluetooth devices.
The latest version of the Dual GPS is slightly bigger and a touch heavier than the old model – still only 71 grams – but it remains small enough to sit almost anywhere on your vehicle’s dash. It comes with a non-slip pad that holds the unit securely whether you’re in a 4×4, a boat or an aircraft, and the wrap-around cover adds a bit of extra protection from bumps and drops. The new model also switches to a USB-C charging port, replacing the older Mini-USB connection.
I’ve had this replacement unit for a few weeks now and it’s been faultless. Pairing it with my iPad was quick and simple, and it locked onto satellites in under 30 seconds. Thanks to the extra receiving channels over the older model, the XGPS160 has maintained constant positional updates without a single dropout.
The app works well too, giving a fast read on satellite count, signal accuracy and more. It’s covered by a one-year warranty and all up, I’m pretty impressed.
A ute driver heading from Caboolture to the Sunshine Coast on the Bruce Highway had an unwelcome passenger, when a large red‑bellied black snake climbed onto the vehicle’s bonnet.
As reported by 7NEWS, the reptile – which was close to two metres long – stayed there for several kilometres before disappearing, most likely into the engine bay.
Red‑bellied black snakes are widespread along eastern Australia, through Victoria, New South Wales, and up into Queensland – but it’s also found in parts of South Australia. They favour wetlands, creeks and bushland but are also found near urban waterways. They are venomous, though generally not aggressive – so bites are rare. These snakes are most active in warmer months and are strong swimmers, which explains why they often turn up in unexpected locations.
Similar incidents of hitchhiking snakes have been reported across Australia. Last year, a LandCruiser owner in Broome discovered an almost-two‑metre mulga snake tucked into the engine bay after a day at the beach; the reptile had climbed up via the front wheel while the vehicle was parked and was only removed after a professional snake catcher intervened.
How you respond to a snake encounter matters. Touring and off‑road guides advise keeping calm and backing away to give the snake space, because most will retreat if unthreatened. Never touch, capture or harm a snake; attempts to do so are illegal and are when most bites occur.
If you spot a snake near your vehicle or campsite, move people and pets away and, where available, call a licensed snake catcher rather than handling the animal yourself. A basic first‑aid kit with pressure bandages and proper training can also be invaluable if an incident does occur. These precautions are especially important in warmer months when snakes are most active.
Both roadside and bush encounters show snakes will take advantage of warm, sheltered spaces under bonnets and inside engine bays. Drivers exploring snake country should always inspect their vehicle before setting off – particularly if parked near scrub, watercourses or long grass – and, as mentioned, leave removal to trained professionals.
Image credit: 7NEWS
Australian buyers can now get the Ford F‑150 Lightning Pro at a significantly reduced price, as AusEV clears existing stock.
The trade-focused Lightning Pro, with a 98kWh battery, is currently available from $109,990 plus on-road costs, down from the usual $169,900. This follows Ford ending Lightning EV production in the US due to lower-than-expected demand.
Converted to right-hand drive by Advanced Manufacturing Queensland and distributed by AusEV, the Lightning Pro uses a dual-motor electric drivetrain producing 337kW and 1050Nm. Its 98kWh battery provides a claimed range of up to 436km (US EPA). The ute weighs just over 2700kg and has a 1000kg payload and 2500kg braked towing capacity, below that of popular turbo-diesel rivals.
The larger XLT variant, with a 131kWh battery, 433kW of power, and a range of approximately 582km, is not part of the current run-out deal, keeping the discount exclusive to the base Pro.
Reports earlier this month confirmed that the next-generation Ford F‑150 Lightning Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) is expected to arrive in Australia in 2027. Unlike the battery-only Lightning, the EREV pairs electric motors with a petrol engine that acts solely as a generator, extending total range to more than 1125km while retaining bi-directional charging and vehicle-to-load capability.
Imported in left-hand drive, all EREVs will be converted to right-hand drive locally in Brisbane, and current Lightning stock will remain available until the new model arrives.
Chevrolet has outsold its key RAM, Ford and Toyota rivals to solidify its place at the top of Australia’s full-size ute segment, according to official VFACTS data.
The Silverado 1500 and 2500 combined for a 44.1 per cent market share in 2025, marking a 7.7 percentage point jump from 36.4 per cent in 2024, cementing the Silverado as Australia’s best-selling full-size truck.
The Silverado line-up in Australia features the 1500 LTZ Premium and ZR2, and the 2500 HD LTZ Premium. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is powered by a 6.2‑litre EcoTec3 V8 petrol engine, producing 313kW and 624Nm; while the 2500 HD features a 6.6‑litre Duramax turbo-diesel V8, delivering 350kW and a monstrous 1322Nm, providing serious heavy-duty capability for towing and hauling. The Silverado 2500 HD, in particular, now dominates the heavy-duty space, capturing more than 74 per cent of the 2500 market.
“2025 was a landmark year for GMSV, and these results are a direct reflection of the trust our customers and Dealer Network place in the Chevrolet brand,“ said Jess Bala, Managing Director, GM Australia and New Zealand.
“Australian customers have made Silverado the number one choice for those who tow, tour and work hard – recognising its unmatched capability and performance. Having recently celebrated GMSV’s five-year anniversary in market, this milestone underpins the strength of the Chevrolet brand across Australia.”
“We’ve seen growing numbers of buyers moving into the full-size truck segment, and they’re telling us they want vehicles that can comfortably tow large caravans and boats, haul serious loads and still deliver the refinement and technology they expect from a modern premium truck. Silverado ticks all of those boxes, and this market share result shows just how strongly it’s resonating,” added Bala.
GMSV expects demand for full-size trucks to continue growing, as more Australians seek vehicles capable of towing, carrying, and touring – without compromising on comfort, refinement, or in-cabin technology.
“With a growing appetite for full-size pick-ups across Australia, and Silverado now firmly established as the country’s number one full-size truck, we are exceptionally well placed,” said Greg Rowe, Director, Sales and Operations, GM Australia and New Zealand.
“We’re focused on building on this leadership position in 2026 and beyond, ensuring that when Australians and New Zealanders think full-size trucks, they think Chevrolet first.”
Ineos Automotive has updated its 2026 Grenadier range by addressing key issues with the vehicle’s steering, introducing a Black Edition, and expanding the accessory lineup.
As part of the MY26 changes, the British marque has updated the steering in its Grenadier and Quartermaster off-roaders. This follows comments from many drivers about the feeling of the original tune which could be light on centre, while having little return to centre as you would expect in a modern vehicle.
Significantly, a new variable ratio steering box has been fitted to the 2026 models. With a lower ratio around the central steering position the new steering box is said to give a tighter, firmer feel with improved responsiveness on and off the road. The turning circle has also been reduced by extending the steering stops, with a claimed five per cent reduction in the radius.
The 2026 Grenadier will also benefit from an upgraded climate control system to improve the performance of the HVAC system. The original system was found to suffer in hot Australian outback conditions, particularly if the vehicle had the overhead ‘Safari’ skylights letting heat into the cabin.
Ineos adds Black Edition
Ineos has joined just about every other manufacturer by adding a Black Edition to its Australian model range.
The murdered-out Grenadier features exclusive all-black body and trim finishes, which complement the sole Inky Black paint option. Gloss black 18-inch alloys, a Dark Exterior Pack (black grille, dark skid plates), privacy glass and lockable spare wheel storage box complete the look from outside, while dark interior headlining and carpet flooring set the scene inside.
The Grenadier Black Edition will also come standard with BFGoodrich All Terrain tyres and starts from $122,000 AUD. While there is no limit to volume, the Black Edition will have a limited production run.
Bigger accessory range
INEOS has also expanded its range of accessories for the Grenadier and Quartermaster.
The line-up includes shorter roof racks for vehicles with Safari windows; ute cargo bay cover; roller tonneau cover; adjustable load bars; bike carriers; cargo boxes; drawer units; light bars; and mounts for skis, snowboard and kayaks
Accessories are supplied in partnership with brands like Rhino Rack and RED Winches to ensure proper fit. All INEOS accessories are crash-tested for safety and come with a three-year warranty.
To help combat rising vehicle theft, Toyota has reintroduced a classic security measure: The steering wheel lock.
Available from Toyota Australia as a genuine accessory, the lock is reportedly priced at around $200 AUD at some dealerships.
Made from automotive-grade steel for strength and durability, it features an internal spring system for smooth extension and four-point contact technology for a secure grip on the steering wheel. Anti-tampering features enhance security, while a soft resin coating protects the wheel from scratches. The bright red design improves visibility, acting as a clear deterrent to potential thieves.
Earlier this year, Queensland Police confirmed that detectives had disrupted an international crime syndicate accused of stealing dozens of Toyota vehicles across Brisbane before exporting them overseas.
Police allege the group, made up of foreign nationals, began operating in October last year, targeting specific models including LandCruisers and Prados. Between October 20 and December 1, 60 vehicles were allegedly stolen and concealed inside shipping containers bound for the United Arab Emirates.
Investigators moved in on 2 December after two stolen LandCruisers were seen entering a Rocklea wrecking yard, leading to the seizure of multiple shipping containers in Queensland and Victoria. In total, 15 vehicles have been recovered, and seven men have been charged with more than 300 offences.
In response, Toyota Australia said it is working closely with authorities to tackle the rising issue of vehicle theft. The company has identified sophisticated technologies used by organised criminal groups and introduced enhanced security measures across key models, including the HiLux, LandCruiser 300, and LandCruiser Prado.
“The company supports banning devices used for criminal activity while regulating legitimate tools for automotive professionals, and remains committed to protecting customers and helping reduce vehicle theft nationwide,” said Toyota Australia.
Toyota has dropped a mysterious teaser, with multiple reports suggesting a large, three-row electric SUV could be on the horizon.
Toyota USA released the single, dimly lit rear-view image under the tagline: “Something New is On the Horizon”. From the silhouette, it looks like a full-size SUV with a boxy, rugged stance that hints at LandCruiser vibes. Wide fenders, roof rails, a shark-fin antenna, and a wraparound LED tail-light bar give it a commanding presence, while a brief animation shows oversized head restraints and a blue-lit infotainment display inside.
Toyota has confirmed plans to build two three-row electric SUVs at its Georgetown, Kentucky plant. While the name isn’t official, speculation points to bZ5X, a potential six- to eight-seater roughly the size of a Kluger.
If this turns out to be one of those models, it could mark Toyota’s first full-size, high-riding EV with three rows, appealing to families and off-road enthusiasts alike. For now, all we have is a hint of what’s coming – but for those watching the EV 4×4 space, this could be a model worth keeping an eye on.
Late last year, Toyota appeared to signal an electric HiLux was in the works, after a leaked slide from the 2025 Japan Mobility Show revealed two new pickup silhouettes alongside the bZ4X EV, one labelled as a BEV.
For now, the electric HiLux for general sale remains unverified, though a mining-only electric prototype is currently being trialled.
The Rely R08 EV pickup has been launched in China, but whether it will be delivered to Australia has yet to be confirmed.
Priced from 127,800 to 158,800 yuan (approximately AU$26,700 to AU$33,000), the R08 EV will be offered in six variants and built on a body-on-frame chassis.
The R08 will be available in either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations. Rear-drive models will use a single electric motor producing 150kW and 350Nm, while all-wheel drive versions feature a dual-motor setup with a combined output of 300kW and 540Nm.
Two body styles are available. The standard model measures 5330mm long, 1,920mm wide and 1890mm high, while the long-box version extends overall length to 5610mm. The standard cargo bed is 1530mm long, with the long-box increasing to 1810mm. Both trays are 1620mm wide and 515mm deep.
Battery capacity depends on the drivetrain. Rear-wheel drive variants offer either a 66.54kWh or 88kWh battery, delivering claimed ranges of 405km and 510km respectively. The all-wheel drive model uses the 88kWh battery with a claimed range of 505km.
Inside, the Rely R08 EV features a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel and a floating centre display measuring either 12.3 inches or 15.6 inches, depending on variant. The infotainment system runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor and supports Level 2 driver-assistance functions.
Rely – a sub-brand of Chery – was revived in April 2025 after it was discontinued in 2013, bringing to the market a selection of internal combustion, battery‑electric, extended‑range and plug-in hybrid vehicles.