Cupra Born VZ: EV hot hatch coming early 2026, more affordable options could follow
Speaking with CarExpert, head of product for Cupra Australia – Jeff Shafer – said the high-performance Born will arrive at the beginning of next year (despite being earmarked for late-2025 as recently as March), while lesser variants may arrive with an incoming mid-life facelift.
"We're in the process of planning the rest of the Born range beyond the VZ – even for the VZ we're still locking in a couple of final details," Mr Shafer said.
"There's a facelift coming soon, so we're looking at the timing in terms of whether it makes sense to bring [lower variants] back in the shorter term, or wait for the [mid-life update]."
CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal.
Asked about how the ever-changing EV market has impacted Cupra's approach, particularly with regards to re-introducing the Born, Mr Shafer said the Spanish brand will focus on driver enjoyment and value to stand out from increasing competition from the likes of emerging Chinese brands.
"Cupra doesn't aspire to be all things to all people… so we really want to make sure that we're bringing cars that are appealing to people's emotions, and are above all fun to drive," Mr Shafer said.
"With the Born, we got a lot of positive feedback on the ride and handling, and how there was a feeling of quality. I think these aspects take the VZ up to another level in terms of the responsiveness.
"Bringing Tavascan into the market, in the EV space just making sure you've got a product that doesn't follow the others [is important].
"[Pricing] is always a challenge, and we don't take anything for granted in the Australian market. It did move very quickly, so we're trying to make sure we're bringing a product that has the right positioning, offers value that customers can see.
"But also, making sure that the points of difference that we believe we have in design, ride and handling, and calibration of our assistance systems is also communicated so that people understand what they're getting for their money," Mr Shafer continued.
"It's important that people feel like they have value. So we're not always chasing the cheapest price point, I don't think that's ever our position, but you definitely have to have a value that people can see and appreciate."
The Cupra Born VZ features a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 240kW of power and 545Nm of torque, increases of 70kW and 235Nm over the standard 170kW Born that is now sold out in Australia.
As a result, the Born VZ can sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds, and reach a top speed of 200km/h. Other changes under the skin of the VZ include a slightly larger 79kWh battery pack and a new DCC Sport chassis setup that includes revised dampers, anti-roll bars and rear springs.
Exterior upgrades are limited to wider tyres and a choice of two 20-inch alloy wheel designs (globally): either forged or with 3D copper inserts. Two new colours join the palette: Midnight Black and Dark Forest green.
Inside the cabin, the VZ is ready for the racetrack with bucket seats finished in recycled materials. The tech has also been improved over the base car, with the fitment of an upsized 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen that features Cupra's latest operating system.
The early 2026 launch timing is yet another delay for the flagship Born, which was originally due in May 2025, then pushed back to late 2025 as recently as March. This means when it arrives, it will be almost a year late.
No doubt one reason for the delay is the Spanish brand's local strategy of giving each new model "the right time in the sun", as communicated by Cupra Australia's former director Ben Wilks earlier this year.
"It's important to really roll these out responsibly in terms of timing. Each of these models needs the right time in the sun," Mr Wilks told CarExpert in March.
"These are not necessarily delays from a factory perspective, but rather structure and order from our perspective."
However, since Mr Wilks' comments launch timings for several new models have changed again. The facelifted Formentor and hotter Born VZ electric hatch were both initially due on sale here before the end of 2025, and now both are coming early next year.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest Cupra Born updates
MORE: Explore the Cupra Born showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Cupra Australia will finally bring the 240kW Born VZ electric hot hatch early in 2026, though customers eager for less powerful variants will have to wait a little longer.
Speaking with CarExpert, head of product for Cupra Australia – Jeff Shafer – said the high-performance Born will arrive at the beginning of next year (despite being earmarked for late-2025 as recently as March), while lesser variants may arrive with an incoming mid-life facelift.
"We're in the process of planning the rest of the Born range beyond the VZ – even for the VZ we're still locking in a couple of final details," Mr Shafer said.
"There's a facelift coming soon, so we're looking at the timing in terms of whether it makes sense to bring [lower variants] back in the shorter term, or wait for the [mid-life update]."
CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal.
Asked about how the ever-changing EV market has impacted Cupra's approach, particularly with regards to re-introducing the Born, Mr Shafer said the Spanish brand will focus on driver enjoyment and value to stand out from increasing competition from the likes of emerging Chinese brands.
"Cupra doesn't aspire to be all things to all people… so we really want to make sure that we're bringing cars that are appealing to people's emotions, and are above all fun to drive," Mr Shafer said.
"With the Born, we got a lot of positive feedback on the ride and handling, and how there was a feeling of quality. I think these aspects take the VZ up to another level in terms of the responsiveness.
"Bringing Tavascan into the market, in the EV space just making sure you've got a product that doesn't follow the others [is important].
"[Pricing] is always a challenge, and we don't take anything for granted in the Australian market. It did move very quickly, so we're trying to make sure we're bringing a product that has the right positioning, offers value that customers can see.
"But also, making sure that the points of difference that we believe we have in design, ride and handling, and calibration of our assistance systems is also communicated so that people understand what they're getting for their money," Mr Shafer continued.
"It's important that people feel like they have value. So we're not always chasing the cheapest price point, I don't think that's ever our position, but you definitely have to have a value that people can see and appreciate."
The Cupra Born VZ features a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 240kW of power and 545Nm of torque, increases of 70kW and 235Nm over the standard 170kW Born that is now sold out in Australia.
As a result, the Born VZ can sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds, and reach a top speed of 200km/h. Other changes under the skin of the VZ include a slightly larger 79kWh battery pack and a new DCC Sport chassis setup that includes revised dampers, anti-roll bars and rear springs.
Exterior upgrades are limited to wider tyres and a choice of two 20-inch alloy wheel designs (globally): either forged or with 3D copper inserts. Two new colours join the palette: Midnight Black and Dark Forest green.
Inside the cabin, the VZ is ready for the racetrack with bucket seats finished in recycled materials. The tech has also been improved over the base car, with the fitment of an upsized 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen that features Cupra's latest operating system.
The early 2026 launch timing is yet another delay for the flagship Born, which was originally due in May 2025, then pushed back to late 2025 as recently as March. This means when it arrives, it will be almost a year late.
No doubt one reason for the delay is the Spanish brand's local strategy of giving each new model "the right time in the sun", as communicated by Cupra Australia's former director Ben Wilks earlier this year.
"It's important to really roll these out responsibly in terms of timing. Each of these models needs the right time in the sun," Mr Wilks told CarExpert in March.
"These are not necessarily delays from a factory perspective, but rather structure and order from our perspective."
However, since Mr Wilks' comments launch timings for several new models have changed again. The facelifted Formentor and hotter Born VZ electric hatch were both initially due on sale here before the end of 2025, and now both are coming early next year.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest Cupra Born updates
MORE: Explore the Cupra Born showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Cupra Australia will finally bring the 240kW Born VZ electric hot hatch early in 2026, though customers eager for less powerful variants will have to wait a little longer.
Speaking with CarExpert, head of product for Cupra Australia – Jeff Shafer – said the high-performance Born will arrive at the beginning of next year (despite being earmarked for late-2025 as recently as March), while lesser variants may arrive with an incoming mid-life facelift.
"We're in the process of planning the rest of the Born range beyond the VZ – even for the VZ we're still locking in a couple of final details," Mr Shafer said.
"There's a facelift coming soon, so we're looking at the timing in terms of whether it makes sense to bring [lower variants] back in the shorter term, or wait for the [mid-life update]."
CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal.
Asked about how the ever-changing EV market has impacted Cupra's approach, particularly with regards to re-introducing the Born, Mr Shafer said the Spanish brand will focus on driver enjoyment and value to stand out from increasing competition from the likes of emerging Chinese brands.
"Cupra doesn't aspire to be all things to all people… so we really want to make sure that we're bringing cars that are appealing to people's emotions, and are above all fun to drive," Mr Shafer said.
"With the Born, we got a lot of positive feedback on the ride and handling, and how there was a feeling of quality. I think these aspects take the VZ up to another level in terms of the responsiveness.
"Bringing Tavascan into the market, in the EV space just making sure you've got a product that doesn't follow the others [is important].
"[Pricing] is always a challenge, and we don't take anything for granted in the Australian market. It did move very quickly, so we're trying to make sure we're bringing a product that has the right positioning, offers value that customers can see.
"But also, making sure that the points of difference that we believe we have in design, ride and handling, and calibration of our assistance systems is also communicated so that people understand what they're getting for their money," Mr Shafer continued.
"It's important that people feel like they have value. So we're not always chasing the cheapest price point, I don't think that's ever our position, but you definitely have to have a value that people can see and appreciate."
The Cupra Born VZ features a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 240kW of power and 545Nm of torque, increases of 70kW and 235Nm over the standard 170kW Born that is now sold out in Australia.
As a result, the Born VZ can sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds, and reach a top speed of 200km/h. Other changes under the skin of the VZ include a slightly larger 79kWh battery pack and a new DCC Sport chassis setup that includes revised dampers, anti-roll bars and rear springs.
Exterior upgrades are limited to wider tyres and a choice of two 20-inch alloy wheel designs (globally): either forged or with 3D copper inserts. Two new colours join the palette: Midnight Black and Dark Forest green.
Inside the cabin, the VZ is ready for the racetrack with bucket seats finished in recycled materials. The tech has also been improved over the base car, with the fitment of an upsized 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen that features Cupra's latest operating system.
The early 2026 launch timing is yet another delay for the flagship Born, which was originally due in May 2025, then pushed back to late 2025 as recently as March. This means when it arrives, it will be almost a year late.
No doubt one reason for the delay is the Spanish brand's local strategy of giving each new model "the right time in the sun", as communicated by Cupra Australia's former director Ben Wilks earlier this year.
"It's important to really roll these out responsibly in terms of timing. Each of these models needs the right time in the sun," Mr Wilks told CarExpert in March.
"These are not necessarily delays from a factory perspective, but rather structure and order from our perspective."
However, since Mr Wilks' comments launch timings for several new models have changed again. The facelifted Formentor and hotter Born VZ electric hatch were both initially due on sale here before the end of 2025, and now both are coming early next year.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest Cupra Born updates
MORE: Explore the Cupra Born showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Cupra Australia will finally bring the 240kW Born VZ electric hot hatch early in 2026, though customers eager for less powerful variants will have to wait a little longer.
Speaking with CarExpert, head of product for Cupra Australia – Jeff Shafer – said the high-performance Born will arrive at the beginning of next year (despite being earmarked for late-2025 as recently as March), while lesser variants may arrive with an incoming mid-life facelift.
"We're in the process of planning the rest of the Born range beyond the VZ – even for the VZ we're still locking in a couple of final details," Mr Shafer said.
"There's a facelift coming soon, so we're looking at the timing in terms of whether it makes sense to bring [lower variants] back in the shorter term, or wait for the [mid-life update]."
CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal.
Asked about how the ever-changing EV market has impacted Cupra's approach, particularly with regards to re-introducing the Born, Mr Shafer said the Spanish brand will focus on driver enjoyment and value to stand out from increasing competition from the likes of emerging Chinese brands.
"Cupra doesn't aspire to be all things to all people… so we really want to make sure that we're bringing cars that are appealing to people's emotions, and are above all fun to drive," Mr Shafer said.
"With the Born, we got a lot of positive feedback on the ride and handling, and how there was a feeling of quality. I think these aspects take the VZ up to another level in terms of the responsiveness.
"Bringing Tavascan into the market, in the EV space just making sure you've got a product that doesn't follow the others [is important].
"[Pricing] is always a challenge, and we don't take anything for granted in the Australian market. It did move very quickly, so we're trying to make sure we're bringing a product that has the right positioning, offers value that customers can see.
"But also, making sure that the points of difference that we believe we have in design, ride and handling, and calibration of our assistance systems is also communicated so that people understand what they're getting for their money," Mr Shafer continued.
"It's important that people feel like they have value. So we're not always chasing the cheapest price point, I don't think that's ever our position, but you definitely have to have a value that people can see and appreciate."
The Cupra Born VZ features a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 240kW of power and 545Nm of torque, increases of 70kW and 235Nm over the standard 170kW Born that is now sold out in Australia.
As a result, the Born VZ can sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds, and reach a top speed of 200km/h. Other changes under the skin of the VZ include a slightly larger 79kWh battery pack and a new DCC Sport chassis setup that includes revised dampers, anti-roll bars and rear springs.
Exterior upgrades are limited to wider tyres and a choice of two 20-inch alloy wheel designs (globally): either forged or with 3D copper inserts. Two new colours join the palette: Midnight Black and Dark Forest green.
Inside the cabin, the VZ is ready for the racetrack with bucket seats finished in recycled materials. The tech has also been improved over the base car, with the fitment of an upsized 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen that features Cupra's latest operating system.
The early 2026 launch timing is yet another delay for the flagship Born, which was originally due in May 2025, then pushed back to late 2025 as recently as March. This means when it arrives, it will be almost a year late.
No doubt one reason for the delay is the Spanish brand's local strategy of giving each new model "the right time in the sun", as communicated by Cupra Australia's former director Ben Wilks earlier this year.
"It's important to really roll these out responsibly in terms of timing. Each of these models needs the right time in the sun," Mr Wilks told CarExpert in March.
"These are not necessarily delays from a factory perspective, but rather structure and order from our perspective."
However, since Mr Wilks' comments launch timings for several new models have changed again. The facelifted Formentor and hotter Born VZ electric hatch were both initially due on sale here before the end of 2025, and now both are coming early next year.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest Cupra Born updates
MORE: Explore the Cupra Born showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
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We're about to introduce a fully electric vehicle, which is our first fully electric vehicle, eVitara, and it doesn't end there," he told CarExpert. "So I definitely see that space growing. Hybrid's definitely a focus point for us." MORE: Australia isn't ready for EVs, says Suzuki distributor boss MORE: Suzuki Vitara electric, hybrid SUVs locked in for Australia MORE: Suzuki Jimny EV 'would ruin' pint-sized 4×4 – executive MORE: Everything Suzuki Content originally sourced from: As Suzuki Australia gears up to launch its first-ever electric vehicle (EV) in 2026, the brand's local boss says hybrids will continue to dominate over EVs in the coming years. The company's general manager, Michael Pachota, says Suzuki Australia's "electrification journey is starting", just as the federal government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) begins to fine auto brands which fail to meet tightening CO2 limits across their model ranges from July 1, 2025. "We accelerated that journey as well. So Suzuki Motor Corporation kindly gave us the opportunity to bring in an E-vehicle sooner rather than later based on, obviously, pressures around emissions controls and stuff like that," he told CarExpert. "I think as you can see with the current sales growth in all those areas where there's mild, strong, plug-in [hybrids] or even EVs, I think there's an opportunity for evolution in the Australian market. "I think hybrid itself is the shift. That's where it's going to go. I think in the next decade, you're going to see a complete shift from [internal combustion] engines to hybrid powertrains and a slightly larger percentage of EV sales." CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. The first model released by Suzuki Australia with hybrid badging was the Swift Hybrid launched in June 2024, which features a 12-volt mild-hybrid system. A similar 12V system now also features in the Fronx Hybrid light SUV launched last month. Unlike more traditional hybrids from brands like Toyota, these mild-hybrid models don't have an electric motor that can drive the vehicle's wheels alone. Suzuki Australia has also confirmed a Vitara Hybrid will launch here early in 2026 alongside the all-electric eVitara, though it hasn't confirmed whether the Vitara Hybrid bound for Australia is a mild-hybrid like its smaller siblings, or a more conventional hybrid. Both powertrain types are offered in the Vitara overseas. Perhaps wisely, the company's stance doesn't appear to dismiss the importance of EVs, nor the Australian appetite for them. Indeed, Mr Pachota suggests EV sales will grow, albeit more slowly than what he expects with hybrids. This is in contrast to recent comments made by Paul Dillon, the general manager of Suzuki's independent importer for Queensland and northern New South Wales, who asked: "whilst the government wants everybody to have them [EVs], does everybody want to have one?". "I just don't think the Australian market wants them [EVs]," Mr Dillon told CarExpert, arguing that EVs and emissions in general are "not a big concern for people in Australia, otherwise the number one selling car in Australia wouldn't be a three-tonne 4×4 pickup". Suzuki Queensland still intends to sell the eVitara, though it cites a lack of enthusiasm from dealers. Even so, the Suzuki brand as a whole has been slower to embrace EVs and hybrids than many other brands, evidenced by the long wait for its first EV. Globally, the company offers a handful of conventional hybrids including the aforementioned Vitara, the Europe-only Swace (a rebadged Toyota Corolla Touring Sports wagon), and the India-only Grand Vitara, which Toyota rebadges as the Urban Cruiser Hyryder. The brand also offers a PHEV in Europe, the Across, which is a rebadged Toyota RAV4. None of these models are expected to make their way to Australia, but Mr Pachota maintains that Suzuki's local electrification strategy will continue, especially in the context of NVES regulations. "We need to make sure that we establish ourselves in that area to be a sustainable business, and it doesn't end there. The product portfolio will grow and evolve as we go on to the next three to five years," he told CarExpert. ABOVE: Suzuki Swace Hybrid (left) and Suzuki Across PHEV "Our entire product platform going into 2026 will be a hybrid base. We've got Swift Hybrid, Fronx Hybrid, we'll have Vitara Hybrid outside of, for example, the outgoing products that we still may have for sale, like Ignis and Swift Sport, if we still have remaining stock of that, which our dealers will still sell. "Jimny at this stage is not a hybrid, and we don't know if it ever will be. But with that said, Jimny will continue in its current form, and then we'll start introducing more E-vehicles as well." Suzuki's lineup is in flux at the moment. Imports of the S-Cross, Vitara, and Jimny three-door ended earlier this year due to a new Australian Design Rule (ADR) outlining specific technical requirements for autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems. The Vitara will be reborn early next year with compliant AEB and electrification, as mentioned, while the Jimny is getting a safety update in early 2026 that will also see it meet the new regulations. Only the S-Cross and Ignis nameplates seem to have met their end locally, though the Fronx Hybrid is intended to at least partially fill the void left by the latter. No information has been revealed about future hybrids or EVs to bolster the brand's electrified lineup. It's worth noting that Suzuki's slow approach to EVs isn't new, and Suzuki president Toshihiro Suzuki has previously claimed that an EV version of the Jimny would "ruin the best part" of the car. The Jimny is Suzuki Australia's best-selling model by far, more than doubling the sales of the second-placed Swift so far this year. In any case, Mr Pachota says Suzuki Australia will be focusing on its rollout of hybrid vehicles, even if they are mild-hybrids. At the same time, he claims the brand is "very prepared" to "adapt and evolve" to the NVES. "I definitely see [hybrid] as a shift. In Japan, we already offer mild- and strong-hybrid vehicles. We're about to introduce a fully electric vehicle, which is our first fully electric vehicle, eVitara, and it doesn't end there," he told CarExpert. "So I definitely see that space growing. Hybrid's definitely a focus point for us." MORE: Australia isn't ready for EVs, says Suzuki distributor boss MORE: Suzuki Vitara electric, hybrid SUVs locked in for Australia MORE: Suzuki Jimny EV 'would ruin' pint-sized 4×4 – executive MORE: Everything Suzuki Content originally sourced from: As Suzuki Australia gears up to launch its first-ever electric vehicle (EV) in 2026, the brand's local boss says hybrids will continue to dominate over EVs in the coming years. The company's general manager, Michael Pachota, says Suzuki Australia's "electrification journey is starting", just as the federal government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) begins to fine auto brands which fail to meet tightening CO2 limits across their model ranges from July 1, 2025. "We accelerated that journey as well. So Suzuki Motor Corporation kindly gave us the opportunity to bring in an E-vehicle sooner rather than later based on, obviously, pressures around emissions controls and stuff like that," he told CarExpert. "I think as you can see with the current sales growth in all those areas where there's mild, strong, plug-in [hybrids] or even EVs, I think there's an opportunity for evolution in the Australian market. "I think hybrid itself is the shift. That's where it's going to go. I think in the next decade, you're going to see a complete shift from [internal combustion] engines to hybrid powertrains and a slightly larger percentage of EV sales." CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. The first model released by Suzuki Australia with hybrid badging was the Swift Hybrid launched in June 2024, which features a 12-volt mild-hybrid system. A similar 12V system now also features in the Fronx Hybrid light SUV launched last month. Unlike more traditional hybrids from brands like Toyota, these mild-hybrid models don't have an electric motor that can drive the vehicle's wheels alone. Suzuki Australia has also confirmed a Vitara Hybrid will launch here early in 2026 alongside the all-electric eVitara, though it hasn't confirmed whether the Vitara Hybrid bound for Australia is a mild-hybrid like its smaller siblings, or a more conventional hybrid. Both powertrain types are offered in the Vitara overseas. Perhaps wisely, the company's stance doesn't appear to dismiss the importance of EVs, nor the Australian appetite for them. Indeed, Mr Pachota suggests EV sales will grow, albeit more slowly than what he expects with hybrids. This is in contrast to recent comments made by Paul Dillon, the general manager of Suzuki's independent importer for Queensland and northern New South Wales, who asked: "whilst the government wants everybody to have them [EVs], does everybody want to have one?". "I just don't think the Australian market wants them [EVs]," Mr Dillon told CarExpert, arguing that EVs and emissions in general are "not a big concern for people in Australia, otherwise the number one selling car in Australia wouldn't be a three-tonne 4×4 pickup". Suzuki Queensland still intends to sell the eVitara, though it cites a lack of enthusiasm from dealers. Even so, the Suzuki brand as a whole has been slower to embrace EVs and hybrids than many other brands, evidenced by the long wait for its first EV. Globally, the company offers a handful of conventional hybrids including the aforementioned Vitara, the Europe-only Swace (a rebadged Toyota Corolla Touring Sports wagon), and the India-only Grand Vitara, which Toyota rebadges as the Urban Cruiser Hyryder. The brand also offers a PHEV in Europe, the Across, which is a rebadged Toyota RAV4. None of these models are expected to make their way to Australia, but Mr Pachota maintains that Suzuki's local electrification strategy will continue, especially in the context of NVES regulations. "We need to make sure that we establish ourselves in that area to be a sustainable business, and it doesn't end there. The product portfolio will grow and evolve as we go on to the next three to five years," he told CarExpert. ABOVE: Suzuki Swace Hybrid (left) and Suzuki Across PHEV "Our entire product platform going into 2026 will be a hybrid base. We've got Swift Hybrid, Fronx Hybrid, we'll have Vitara Hybrid outside of, for example, the outgoing products that we still may have for sale, like Ignis and Swift Sport, if we still have remaining stock of that, which our dealers will still sell. "Jimny at this stage is not a hybrid, and we don't know if it ever will be. But with that said, Jimny will continue in its current form, and then we'll start introducing more E-vehicles as well." Suzuki's lineup is in flux at the moment. Imports of the S-Cross, Vitara, and Jimny three-door ended earlier this year due to a new Australian Design Rule (ADR) outlining specific technical requirements for autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems. The Vitara will be reborn early next year with compliant AEB and electrification, as mentioned, while the Jimny is getting a safety update in early 2026 that will also see it meet the new regulations. Only the S-Cross and Ignis nameplates seem to have met their end locally, though the Fronx Hybrid is intended to at least partially fill the void left by the latter. No information has been revealed about future hybrids or EVs to bolster the brand's electrified lineup. It's worth noting that Suzuki's slow approach to EVs isn't new, and Suzuki president Toshihiro Suzuki has previously claimed that an EV version of the Jimny would "ruin the best part" of the car. The Jimny is Suzuki Australia's best-selling model by far, more than doubling the sales of the second-placed Swift so far this year. In any case, Mr Pachota says Suzuki Australia will be focusing on its rollout of hybrid vehicles, even if they are mild-hybrids. At the same time, he claims the brand is "very prepared" to "adapt and evolve" to the NVES. "I definitely see [hybrid] as a shift. In Japan, we already offer mild- and strong-hybrid vehicles. We're about to introduce a fully electric vehicle, which is our first fully electric vehicle, eVitara, and it doesn't end there," he told CarExpert. "So I definitely see that space growing. Hybrid's definitely a focus point for us." MORE: Australia isn't ready for EVs, says Suzuki distributor boss MORE: Suzuki Vitara electric, hybrid SUVs locked in for Australia MORE: Suzuki Jimny EV 'would ruin' pint-sized 4×4 – executive MORE: Everything Suzuki Content originally sourced from:
Sydney Morning Herald
3 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
How a $155 billion ‘eco-paradise' fell short of its promise
At 9am, the beachfront was empty, except for a Malaysian couple and their grandson playing near a white concrete staircase jutting out over the sand. Dubbed the 'stairway to heaven', it's intended to be an Instagrammable spot, but it's difficult to pass over its metaphor as a boondoggle leading nowhere. While waiting to check in, I wandered the grounds for five hours, encountering maybe 20 visitors or residents. This paucity contrasted with the number of groundskeepers, maintenance workers and security staff roaming the facility, ensuring every fallen leaf was swept, hedge trimmed and pool sparkling to maintain the vision of a safe and immaculate paradise. At the centre of the estate, an entire building has been dedicated to selling this dream. A large-scale model of the project spans the length of a salesroom floor, capturing the grandeur of the four-island plan spanning 14 square kilometres that seems destined to remain a fantasy. A promotional video playing in the background claims the city is home to 15,000 residents and 'gradually growing'. By midmorning, a few Chinese buyers were flipping through brochures, outnumbered by staff ready to lock in a sale. From the outset, Country Garden gambled the success of its venture on the burgeoning Chinese middle class' seemingly insatiable appetite for real estate. It pitched Forest City as a way for Chinese investors to diversify their assets offshore, while dangling visa incentives and the prospect of residency in Malaysia. It has proved a bad bet. In 2020, Chinese President Xi Jinping began cracking down on the credit binge that the country's heavily leveraged developers had gorged on, setting in train a property-bubble bust that has wiped out wealth and confidence. Across China, cities are now littered with the abandoned ambitions of its developers, many of them falling into ruin. Country Garden has more than 3000 unfinished projects and nearly 1 million outstanding homes to complete, according to Japanese investment bank Nomura. It did not respond to a request for comment. Forest City has also suffered from lingering resentment in Malaysia at the idea of a massive project being built for Chinese buyers. This was fuelled by then-prime minister Mahathir Mohamad, who in 2018 said foreigners would not be granted visas to live there, further dampening demand. Visa controls have since been eased under current Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Even with price decreases – a one-bedroom apartment starts at 500,000 Malaysian ringgit ($182,190) – Forest City is unaffordable for many locals and remains pitched at overseas buyers. Forest City may not be the total ghost town it's pegged as by the press, but it's far from the portrait of a vibrant, thriving community. At midday, many of the shops in the mall next to the hotel were still shuttered, some seemingly permanently. Those that were open had no customers, and bored shop assistants sat glued to their phones at vacant counters. At one coffee shop, the server was slumped across a table, asleep. A prime selling point for Forest City is its duty-free status. But a licensing issue meant none of the four duty-free shops in the mall were selling alcohol − one of the main drawcards for visitors, especially those from Singapore, where extortionate taxes make a tipple all but a luxury. One store was reduced to selling only chocolates, though upon entry its shelves were bare save for several boxes of wafer biscuits − a sales challenge that apparently required two shop assistants. One of them, a woman in her 40s, said she had lived in Forest City with her children for four years in an apartment tower behind the mall, having relocated from Kuala Lumpur. 'There are many people who live in my tower,' she says, explaining that most of them were Malaysian renters who commuted into Singapore daily for work. 'I like it here. It's very quiet.' By sundown, foot traffic has picked up. A modest number of people have filtered onto the beach and a volleyball game is under way. The hotel seems reasonably buzzy, due partly to the fact that a tech school, led by US cryptocurrency investor Balaji Srinivasan, has set up shop in the lobby. There are signs of life in towers, too, as lights begin flickering on in some of the apartments, though many remain dark. Country Garden isn't the only stakeholder banking on Forest City's future. Malaysian company Esplanade Danga 88, backed by the state's Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, has a 40 per cent stake. Recently, the Malaysian government has ramped up its incentives to lure wealthy investors to the project, including offering a 0 per cent tax rate for those who set up family offices in Forest City. For now, it's quite something to climb the 'staircase to heaven' and peer back at the shore and marvel at the sheer scale of Forest City − its unbridled ambition, unfulfilled promise and uncertain future.
