Waqas Afzal

Founder and Senior Automotive Editor at AussieMotor, covering automotive news, new car launches, vehicle pricing, buying guides, reviews, and market insights. I oversee editorial quality, fact-checking, SEO, and content strategy, with a focus on providing accurate, practical information that helps car buyers make better informed decisions.

Founder & Senior Automotive Editor

175

Articles

XPENG L03 Australian prices: EV and range-extender from $41,900 before on-road costs

Waqas Afzal5 Min Read

The XPENG L03 has been priced for Australia at $41,900 before on-road costs, with the battery-electric RWD Standard Range and petrol-assisted PowerX Long Range range-extender sharing that entry price. Four grades have been reported, rising to $53,900 before on-road costs. Pre-orders were due to open on 24 September 2026. XPENG has confirmed a fourth-quarter Australian launch, although its local L03 page does not yet display the full price and grade schedule.

GWM Cannon Alpha and Tank 500 gain 3.0-litre diesel: Australian prices and specs

Waqas Afzal4 Min Read

GWM has introduced a 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel in the Cannon Alpha dual-cab ute and seven-seat Tank 500 SUV. Both produce 170kW and 620Nm, use a nine-speed automatic and are rated to tow 3,500kg braked. Each model has Lux and Vanta diesel grades. Advertised prices start at $58,990 drive-away for private buyers in Victoria, with a separate conditional $2,000 offer

Best 7-Seat Family SUVs in Australia 2026

Waqas Afzal13 Min Read

The best seven-seat SUV depends on how your family will actually use the third row. For 2026, the Kia Sorento is one of the strongest all-round family choices; the Hyundai Santa Fe stands out for family-focused packaging; the Mitsubishi Outlander gives buyers a lower-cost seven-seat option; the Mazda CX-80 offers an excellent powertrain choice; the Toyota Kluger keeps hybrid ownership straightforward; the Ford Everest is the pick here for serious towing and touring, and the Hyundai IONIQ 9 is the fully electric alternative. This is a research-based Australian buying guide using current local pricing, specifications, safety information, and ownership coverage. AussieMotor has not road-tested every vehicle in this article.

BYD M9 plug-in hybrid priced from $61,990 in Australia

Waqas Afzal7 Min Read

The BYD M9 will be priced from $61,990 before on-road costs in Australia, giving the Chinese brand its first entrant in the local people-mover market. Two front-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid versions are planned, although the seven-seat M9 Premium at $72,990 will arrive before the cheaper eight-seat Dynamic.

2027 GWM Haval H7 Australia: Hybrid & PHEV Price, Specs & Launch

Waqas Afzal15 Min Read

The all new 2027 GWM Haval H7 is expected to launch in Australia in mid October 2026 with Hi4 all wheel drive hybrid and plug in hybrid powertrains. GWM has confirmed the PHEV will produce up to 320kW and 670Nm, accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds and provide up to 137km of electric driving range. Pricing will start below $50,000 drive away, with exact grades and prices still to be announced.

Zeekr 7GT electric sports wagon confirmed for Australia before end of 2026

Waqas Afzal8 Min Read

Zeekr has confirmed its 7GT electric sports wagon will launch in Australia during the fourth quarter of 2026, with first customer deliveries expected in early 2027. Three variants are planned, including a 500kW Performance AWD and a Long Range RWD offering up to 670km of claimed WLTP driving range, although Australian pricing has not yet been announced.

EV Home Charging Guide Australia 2026: Costs, Speeds and Installation

Waqas Afzal15 Min Read

Home charging is where electric-car ownership makes the most sense for many Australians, and you may not need an expensive high-powered wallbox to make it work. This guide explains standard power-point charging, 7kW and three-phase wallboxes, installation costs, electricity tariffs, solar charging, apartment considerations and how to choose the right setup for your EV.

Best Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid SUVs Under $50,000 in Australia 2026

Waqas Afzal13 Min Read

Australian buyers now have a much broader choice of hybrid and plug-in hybrid SUVs below $50,000, ranging from affordable BYD PHEVs to established Toyota hybrids and newer electrified options from Geely, Chery, GWM, Nissan and Jaecoo. This guide separates regular manufacturer prices before on-road costs from temporary drive-away campaigns, helping buyers compare like-for-like while considering electric range, fuel use, safety, warranty and charging needs.

On Road Costs Australia: Drive Away vs List Price

Waqas Afzal13 Min Read

Confused by list price, on-road costs and drive-away pricing? Learn how stamp duty, registration, CTP and dealer delivery affect car prices in Australia.

Cheapest Electric Cars in Australia 2026

Waqas Afzal13 Min Read

The BYD Atto 1 Essential is currently $19,990 promotional drive-away under BYD's national campaign (order by 15 December 2026, deliver by 31 December 2026; metallic paint extra), versus about $27,097 usual NSW drive-away. This guide ranks 15 cheap EVs in Australia by real drive-away price and shows what each costs to charge for a year.

Cheapest New Car in Australia 2026: Top 15 Drive-Away Prices

Waqas Afzal18 Min Read

The BYD Atto 1 and MG 3 start from $19,990 promotional drive-away, while this full guide ranks the Top 15 cheapest new cars in Australia, all under roughly $32,000 drive-away.

How Much Does a Car Service Cost in Australia (2026 Price Guide)

Waqas Afzal6 Min Read

How much does a car service cost in Australia in 2026? Average prices for minor, logbook and major services, capped-price servicing by brand, and ways to save.