BYD is gunning for the MG 4 XPower with a new hot hatch. The BYD Ocean-M concept, revealed at the Beijing motor show, is roughly the same size as a Volkswagen Golf GTI or Toyota GR Corolla. It’s unclear how much power and torque its electric motor (or motors) will make, but early teasers for the hot hatch claimed it will ride on a new all-electric platform. Under the skin is a version of BYD’s proprietary Blade battery pack, and the Ocean-M is rear-wheel drive. Along with the first-generation BMW 1 Series, that puts the Ocean-M, or whatever its production counterpart will be called, in line w ..read more

The V8-powered Ram 1500 TRX is dead, but out of its ashes rises the new inline-six-powered 1500 RHO. Ram has officially revealed the 1500 RHO in the USA, as a new flagship of the range. A Ram Trucks Australia spokesperson said there’s nothing to confirm at this stage in regard to a local introduction of the 1500 RHO. This new hardcore Ram 1500 RHO is powered by a version of the 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six Hurricane engine producing 402kW of power and 706Nm of torque. That’s 121kW and 176Nm less than the 6.2-litre supercharged V8 engine in the now-defunct 1500 TRX. Ram notes the 1500 RHO ..read more

Mazda has revealed a new SUV concept at this year’s Beijing motor show that previews the company’s second Chinese-centric electrified offering. The Mazda Arata concept was revealed alongside the EZ-6 sedan. Both will be built in China by the joint venture company Changan Mazda. Mazda has confirmed the production version of the Arata concept is scheduled for mass production by the end of 2025 and will be introduced to the Chinese market. At this stage it’s unclear if the production version of the Arata concept will be offered outside of China. “We can’t comment on any future model plans ..read more

Low-resolution imagery of Mazda‘s new electrified sedan has leaked on Chinese social media ahead of its imminent reveal at this year’s Beijing motor show. The Mazda EZ-6 is an electric sedan offered by Japanese carmaker’s joint venture company, Changan Mazda. At this stage it’s unclear if it previews a global replacement for the Mazda 6. It appears the EZ-6 is a restyled version of the existing SL03 electric sedan from Changan’s Deepal brand. There’s a faux grille up front with a litany of LED lighting elements, while the EZ-6 also has flush door handles, smooth body lines, and a full-width ..read more

The Volkswagen ID. Code concept unveiled at the 2024 Beijing motor show points the way to the brand’s new design philosophy, at least in China. Featuring flowing lines and rounded surfaces accompanied by crisply defined shoulders and wheel arches, the ID. Code is clear break from the blobby shapes and cab forward designs that have been a signature of Volkswagen’s ID. electric cars so far. While the exterior appears almost production ready, the interior features a lot more show car fantasy with its impossibly thin seats, aircraft-style steering wheel, and supposed support for Level 4 autonom ..read more

Smart has revealed a rugged off-road concept version of its forthcoming #5 mid-size crossover at this year’s Beijing motor show. The Geely and Mercedes-Benz co-owned carmaker has confirmed the series production version of this concept car will be revealed in the second half of this year. The Smart #5 will the brand’s largest vehicle ever and slot above the existing #1 and #3 crossovers. This particular concept is claimed to offer all-wheel drive and is fed by a battery pack with a nominal capacity over 100kWh. It has a claimed range of more than 550km according to WLTP testing. There’s an 8 ..read more

Mitsubishi has given its European take on the ASX SUV an overhaul. The new small SUV follows in the footsteps of the updated Renault Captur on which it’s based, but has a new look on the outside that better differentiates it. The grille in particular is unique to the ASX, with an angular motif that blends neatly with the Mitsubishi badge and plenty of gloss black. Inside, the European ASX has a 10.4-inch touchscreen lifted from the Captur, but subs its 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster for a 7.0-inch unit, at least according to the Dutch consumer site. Globally the updated Captur is avail ..read more

Sean and Scott are joined by marketplace journalist Josh Nevett on this week’s Podcast to discuss newly revealed details of the upcoming Kia Tasman ute and the downfall of Australian EV charger supplier Tritium. They also share their thoughts on the new Mitsubishi Triton. Where to find the CarExpert Podcast You can find the CarExpert Podcast on your favourite podcast platform. If in doubt, simply click on the RSS feed below, or follow the links to the Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts applications to subscribe. If you haven’t already, subscribe to get all the latest new car reviews. Car ..read more

Lamborghini has revealed a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of Urus super SUV as part of this year’s Beijing motor show. The Lamborghini Urus SE follows the Revuelto supercar, and is the second PHEV for the Italian carmaker. This electrified Urus variant is set to replace the existing petrol-only Urus S and Performante as the Italian carmaker moves further along its electrification plans. Lamborghini has confirmed the Urus SE will arrive in Australia in the second quarter of 2025 and is priced from $475,834 before on-roads, making it the most expensive Urus ever offered locally. Powering the U ..read more

BMW has revealed a minor update for the 4 Series Gran Coupe and i4 liftbacks ahead of production commencing in July. At this stage it’s unclear when the updated 2025 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe and i4 will arrive in Australia. We’ve reached out to BMW Australia and will update this story once we hear back. Both liftback models received subtle exterior revisions including new grille designs, different LED headlight signatures, new alloy wheel designs, as well as more paint colours. The 4 Series Gran Coupe and i4 now also receive the option of Laserlight rear lights in the style of the M4 CSL. In ..read more