Honda Australia not worried about Chinese competition
While Honda is pitched – and priced – as a more premium brand than many Japanese rivals, it's facing increased competition from new brands from China.
Chinese automakers are aiming ever higher, expanding beyond the cheap and cheerful offerings they're known for to more premium products – witness the introduction of Geely's Zeekr marque, MG offering products from the IM Motors premium brand, GWM offering pricier Tank SUVs, and BYD readying its more luxurious Denza offshoot for Australia.
But while Chinese brands are aiming upmarket, Honda Australia says it will focus on its plan regardless of who enters the local scene, with managing director Rob Thorp confident the automaker is on track for growth in Australia.
CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal.
"It's a competitive landscape – so whether it is the Chinese competitors, or the Koreans or the Germans – or whatever it may be, that just becomes the competitive landscape we have to deal with," Mr Thorp told CarExpert.
"It's a free market, they've got the right opportunity to compete here, it is what it is.
"I think for us, we're very clear on our proposition in the markets and what our competitive strengths are. I think the challenge we have is to ensure that enough consumers know that."
What are those strengths the Honda boss believes will hold the brand in good shape in Australia over the next decade?
"I think of it from the quality of the product that you see, the quality of the customer care and service you receive, the longevity of the models and the relationship we have with you during the ownership period," he explained.
"So we're very comfortable we've got the ingredients to be successful in this market – but they're competitors, whatever and wherever they come from – that's just the environment we have to work in."
The Japanese brand is expanding its hybrid lineup, which will include the introduction of the hybrid-powered Prelude sports car here next year, and plans to launch its first electric vehicle (EV) before the end of 2026, too.
It has, however, ruled out bringing its luxury brand sold overseas, Acura, to local showrooms.
Honda posted its lowest sales on record in this country in 2022 and 2023, following the move to a fixed-price agency model, a reduction in the number of dealers in its network, and the discontinuation of more affordable products like the Jazz.
The number of brands in Australia has continue to increase, making our market – already saturated given the number of brands competing for sales of only 1.2 million vehicles each year – even more cut-throat.
It led chief operating officer of Chery-owned Omoda Jaecoo, Roy Muñoz, to recently declare more brands benefited new-car buyers and only improved showroom offerings through an ultra-competitive climate.
MORE: Honda Australia's first EV to launch in 2026, but what will it be?
MORE: Australia doesn't have too many car brands, says one of its newest arrivals
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Honda Australiasays it has what it takes to compete with the growing number of Chinese brands in our market, as it looks to rebuild after several tough sales years.
While Honda is pitched – and priced – as a more premium brand than many Japanese rivals, it's facing increased competition from new brands from China.
Chinese automakers are aiming ever higher, expanding beyond the cheap and cheerful offerings they're known for to more premium products – witness the introduction of Geely's Zeekr marque, MG offering products from the IM Motors premium brand, GWM offering pricier Tank SUVs, and BYD readying its more luxurious Denza offshoot for Australia.
But while Chinese brands are aiming upmarket, Honda Australia says it will focus on its plan regardless of who enters the local scene, with managing director Rob Thorp confident the automaker is on track for growth in Australia.
CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal.
"It's a competitive landscape – so whether it is the Chinese competitors, or the Koreans or the Germans – or whatever it may be, that just becomes the competitive landscape we have to deal with," Mr Thorp told CarExpert.
"It's a free market, they've got the right opportunity to compete here, it is what it is.
"I think for us, we're very clear on our proposition in the markets and what our competitive strengths are. I think the challenge we have is to ensure that enough consumers know that."
What are those strengths the Honda boss believes will hold the brand in good shape in Australia over the next decade?
"I think of it from the quality of the product that you see, the quality of the customer care and service you receive, the longevity of the models and the relationship we have with you during the ownership period," he explained.
"So we're very comfortable we've got the ingredients to be successful in this market – but they're competitors, whatever and wherever they come from – that's just the environment we have to work in."
The Japanese brand is expanding its hybrid lineup, which will include the introduction of the hybrid-powered Prelude sports car here next year, and plans to launch its first electric vehicle (EV) before the end of 2026, too.
It has, however, ruled out bringing its luxury brand sold overseas, Acura, to local showrooms.
Honda posted its lowest sales on record in this country in 2022 and 2023, following the move to a fixed-price agency model, a reduction in the number of dealers in its network, and the discontinuation of more affordable products like the Jazz.
The number of brands in Australia has continue to increase, making our market – already saturated given the number of brands competing for sales of only 1.2 million vehicles each year – even more cut-throat.
It led chief operating officer of Chery-owned Omoda Jaecoo, Roy Muñoz, to recently declare more brands benefited new-car buyers and only improved showroom offerings through an ultra-competitive climate.
MORE: Honda Australia's first EV to launch in 2026, but what will it be?
MORE: Australia doesn't have too many car brands, says one of its newest arrivals
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Honda Australiasays it has what it takes to compete with the growing number of Chinese brands in our market, as it looks to rebuild after several tough sales years.
While Honda is pitched – and priced – as a more premium brand than many Japanese rivals, it's facing increased competition from new brands from China.
Chinese automakers are aiming ever higher, expanding beyond the cheap and cheerful offerings they're known for to more premium products – witness the introduction of Geely's Zeekr marque, MG offering products from the IM Motors premium brand, GWM offering pricier Tank SUVs, and BYD readying its more luxurious Denza offshoot for Australia.
But while Chinese brands are aiming upmarket, Honda Australia says it will focus on its plan regardless of who enters the local scene, with managing director Rob Thorp confident the automaker is on track for growth in Australia.
CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal.
"It's a competitive landscape – so whether it is the Chinese competitors, or the Koreans or the Germans – or whatever it may be, that just becomes the competitive landscape we have to deal with," Mr Thorp told CarExpert.
"It's a free market, they've got the right opportunity to compete here, it is what it is.
"I think for us, we're very clear on our proposition in the markets and what our competitive strengths are. I think the challenge we have is to ensure that enough consumers know that."
What are those strengths the Honda boss believes will hold the brand in good shape in Australia over the next decade?
"I think of it from the quality of the product that you see, the quality of the customer care and service you receive, the longevity of the models and the relationship we have with you during the ownership period," he explained.
"So we're very comfortable we've got the ingredients to be successful in this market – but they're competitors, whatever and wherever they come from – that's just the environment we have to work in."
The Japanese brand is expanding its hybrid lineup, which will include the introduction of the hybrid-powered Prelude sports car here next year, and plans to launch its first electric vehicle (EV) before the end of 2026, too.
It has, however, ruled out bringing its luxury brand sold overseas, Acura, to local showrooms.
Honda posted its lowest sales on record in this country in 2022 and 2023, following the move to a fixed-price agency model, a reduction in the number of dealers in its network, and the discontinuation of more affordable products like the Jazz.
The number of brands in Australia has continue to increase, making our market – already saturated given the number of brands competing for sales of only 1.2 million vehicles each year – even more cut-throat.
It led chief operating officer of Chery-owned Omoda Jaecoo, Roy Muñoz, to recently declare more brands benefited new-car buyers and only improved showroom offerings through an ultra-competitive climate.
MORE: Honda Australia's first EV to launch in 2026, but what will it be?
MORE: Australia doesn't have too many car brands, says one of its newest arrivals
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Honda Australiasays it has what it takes to compete with the growing number of Chinese brands in our market, as it looks to rebuild after several tough sales years.
While Honda is pitched – and priced – as a more premium brand than many Japanese rivals, it's facing increased competition from new brands from China.
Chinese automakers are aiming ever higher, expanding beyond the cheap and cheerful offerings they're known for to more premium products – witness the introduction of Geely's Zeekr marque, MG offering products from the IM Motors premium brand, GWM offering pricier Tank SUVs, and BYD readying its more luxurious Denza offshoot for Australia.
But while Chinese brands are aiming upmarket, Honda Australia says it will focus on its plan regardless of who enters the local scene, with managing director Rob Thorp confident the automaker is on track for growth in Australia.
CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal.
"It's a competitive landscape – so whether it is the Chinese competitors, or the Koreans or the Germans – or whatever it may be, that just becomes the competitive landscape we have to deal with," Mr Thorp told CarExpert.
"It's a free market, they've got the right opportunity to compete here, it is what it is.
"I think for us, we're very clear on our proposition in the markets and what our competitive strengths are. I think the challenge we have is to ensure that enough consumers know that."
What are those strengths the Honda boss believes will hold the brand in good shape in Australia over the next decade?
"I think of it from the quality of the product that you see, the quality of the customer care and service you receive, the longevity of the models and the relationship we have with you during the ownership period," he explained.
"So we're very comfortable we've got the ingredients to be successful in this market – but they're competitors, whatever and wherever they come from – that's just the environment we have to work in."
The Japanese brand is expanding its hybrid lineup, which will include the introduction of the hybrid-powered Prelude sports car here next year, and plans to launch its first electric vehicle (EV) before the end of 2026, too.
It has, however, ruled out bringing its luxury brand sold overseas, Acura, to local showrooms.
Honda posted its lowest sales on record in this country in 2022 and 2023, following the move to a fixed-price agency model, a reduction in the number of dealers in its network, and the discontinuation of more affordable products like the Jazz.
The number of brands in Australia has continue to increase, making our market – already saturated given the number of brands competing for sales of only 1.2 million vehicles each year – even more cut-throat.
It led chief operating officer of Chery-owned Omoda Jaecoo, Roy Muñoz, to recently declare more brands benefited new-car buyers and only improved showroom offerings through an ultra-competitive climate.
MORE: Honda Australia's first EV to launch in 2026, but what will it be?
MORE: Australia doesn't have too many car brands, says one of its newest arrivals
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
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The Advertiser
15 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Honda Australia not worried about Chinese competition
Honda Australiasays it has what it takes to compete with the growing number of Chinese brands in our market, as it looks to rebuild after several tough sales years. While Honda is pitched – and priced – as a more premium brand than many Japanese rivals, it's facing increased competition from new brands from China. Chinese automakers are aiming ever higher, expanding beyond the cheap and cheerful offerings they're known for to more premium products – witness the introduction of Geely's Zeekr marque, MG offering products from the IM Motors premium brand, GWM offering pricier Tank SUVs, and BYD readying its more luxurious Denza offshoot for Australia. But while Chinese brands are aiming upmarket, Honda Australia says it will focus on its plan regardless of who enters the local scene, with managing director Rob Thorp confident the automaker is on track for growth in Australia. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. "It's a competitive landscape – so whether it is the Chinese competitors, or the Koreans or the Germans – or whatever it may be, that just becomes the competitive landscape we have to deal with," Mr Thorp told CarExpert. "It's a free market, they've got the right opportunity to compete here, it is what it is. "I think for us, we're very clear on our proposition in the markets and what our competitive strengths are. I think the challenge we have is to ensure that enough consumers know that." What are those strengths the Honda boss believes will hold the brand in good shape in Australia over the next decade? "I think of it from the quality of the product that you see, the quality of the customer care and service you receive, the longevity of the models and the relationship we have with you during the ownership period," he explained. "So we're very comfortable we've got the ingredients to be successful in this market – but they're competitors, whatever and wherever they come from – that's just the environment we have to work in." The Japanese brand is expanding its hybrid lineup, which will include the introduction of the hybrid-powered Prelude sports car here next year, and plans to launch its first electric vehicle (EV) before the end of 2026, too. It has, however, ruled out bringing its luxury brand sold overseas, Acura, to local showrooms. Honda posted its lowest sales on record in this country in 2022 and 2023, following the move to a fixed-price agency model, a reduction in the number of dealers in its network, and the discontinuation of more affordable products like the Jazz. The number of brands in Australia has continue to increase, making our market – already saturated given the number of brands competing for sales of only 1.2 million vehicles each year – even more cut-throat. It led chief operating officer of Chery-owned Omoda Jaecoo, Roy Muñoz, to recently declare more brands benefited new-car buyers and only improved showroom offerings through an ultra-competitive climate. MORE: Honda Australia's first EV to launch in 2026, but what will it be? MORE: Australia doesn't have too many car brands, says one of its newest arrivals Content originally sourced from: Honda Australiasays it has what it takes to compete with the growing number of Chinese brands in our market, as it looks to rebuild after several tough sales years. While Honda is pitched – and priced – as a more premium brand than many Japanese rivals, it's facing increased competition from new brands from China. Chinese automakers are aiming ever higher, expanding beyond the cheap and cheerful offerings they're known for to more premium products – witness the introduction of Geely's Zeekr marque, MG offering products from the IM Motors premium brand, GWM offering pricier Tank SUVs, and BYD readying its more luxurious Denza offshoot for Australia. But while Chinese brands are aiming upmarket, Honda Australia says it will focus on its plan regardless of who enters the local scene, with managing director Rob Thorp confident the automaker is on track for growth in Australia. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. "It's a competitive landscape – so whether it is the Chinese competitors, or the Koreans or the Germans – or whatever it may be, that just becomes the competitive landscape we have to deal with," Mr Thorp told CarExpert. "It's a free market, they've got the right opportunity to compete here, it is what it is. "I think for us, we're very clear on our proposition in the markets and what our competitive strengths are. I think the challenge we have is to ensure that enough consumers know that." What are those strengths the Honda boss believes will hold the brand in good shape in Australia over the next decade? "I think of it from the quality of the product that you see, the quality of the customer care and service you receive, the longevity of the models and the relationship we have with you during the ownership period," he explained. "So we're very comfortable we've got the ingredients to be successful in this market – but they're competitors, whatever and wherever they come from – that's just the environment we have to work in." The Japanese brand is expanding its hybrid lineup, which will include the introduction of the hybrid-powered Prelude sports car here next year, and plans to launch its first electric vehicle (EV) before the end of 2026, too. It has, however, ruled out bringing its luxury brand sold overseas, Acura, to local showrooms. Honda posted its lowest sales on record in this country in 2022 and 2023, following the move to a fixed-price agency model, a reduction in the number of dealers in its network, and the discontinuation of more affordable products like the Jazz. The number of brands in Australia has continue to increase, making our market – already saturated given the number of brands competing for sales of only 1.2 million vehicles each year – even more cut-throat. It led chief operating officer of Chery-owned Omoda Jaecoo, Roy Muñoz, to recently declare more brands benefited new-car buyers and only improved showroom offerings through an ultra-competitive climate. MORE: Honda Australia's first EV to launch in 2026, but what will it be? MORE: Australia doesn't have too many car brands, says one of its newest arrivals Content originally sourced from: Honda Australiasays it has what it takes to compete with the growing number of Chinese brands in our market, as it looks to rebuild after several tough sales years. While Honda is pitched – and priced – as a more premium brand than many Japanese rivals, it's facing increased competition from new brands from China. Chinese automakers are aiming ever higher, expanding beyond the cheap and cheerful offerings they're known for to more premium products – witness the introduction of Geely's Zeekr marque, MG offering products from the IM Motors premium brand, GWM offering pricier Tank SUVs, and BYD readying its more luxurious Denza offshoot for Australia. But while Chinese brands are aiming upmarket, Honda Australia says it will focus on its plan regardless of who enters the local scene, with managing director Rob Thorp confident the automaker is on track for growth in Australia. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. "It's a competitive landscape – so whether it is the Chinese competitors, or the Koreans or the Germans – or whatever it may be, that just becomes the competitive landscape we have to deal with," Mr Thorp told CarExpert. "It's a free market, they've got the right opportunity to compete here, it is what it is. "I think for us, we're very clear on our proposition in the markets and what our competitive strengths are. I think the challenge we have is to ensure that enough consumers know that." What are those strengths the Honda boss believes will hold the brand in good shape in Australia over the next decade? "I think of it from the quality of the product that you see, the quality of the customer care and service you receive, the longevity of the models and the relationship we have with you during the ownership period," he explained. "So we're very comfortable we've got the ingredients to be successful in this market – but they're competitors, whatever and wherever they come from – that's just the environment we have to work in." The Japanese brand is expanding its hybrid lineup, which will include the introduction of the hybrid-powered Prelude sports car here next year, and plans to launch its first electric vehicle (EV) before the end of 2026, too. It has, however, ruled out bringing its luxury brand sold overseas, Acura, to local showrooms. Honda posted its lowest sales on record in this country in 2022 and 2023, following the move to a fixed-price agency model, a reduction in the number of dealers in its network, and the discontinuation of more affordable products like the Jazz. The number of brands in Australia has continue to increase, making our market – already saturated given the number of brands competing for sales of only 1.2 million vehicles each year – even more cut-throat. It led chief operating officer of Chery-owned Omoda Jaecoo, Roy Muñoz, to recently declare more brands benefited new-car buyers and only improved showroom offerings through an ultra-competitive climate. MORE: Honda Australia's first EV to launch in 2026, but what will it be? MORE: Australia doesn't have too many car brands, says one of its newest arrivals Content originally sourced from: Honda Australiasays it has what it takes to compete with the growing number of Chinese brands in our market, as it looks to rebuild after several tough sales years. While Honda is pitched – and priced – as a more premium brand than many Japanese rivals, it's facing increased competition from new brands from China. 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The Advertiser
15 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Honda revives sporty name from the past for first model on new EV platform
The Acura RSX is the latest sporty nameplate from yesteryear that's been revived, and reimagined for the modern automotive landscape. Instead of being a sporting-ish three-door coupe, the new RSX is a high-riding five-door SUV with an "expressive coupe-like silhouette". Scheduled to make its in-the-flesh debut at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance this weekend, the RSX Prototype is in true Honda fashion a very thinly disguised version of the production vehicle, with the wing mirror design likely the only change. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. It will be the first production model based on Honda's new in-house EV platform, and will be manufactured in the company's Ohio factory. Sales of the new RSX will begin in the second half of 2026. According to Acura, the production RSX will have a dual-motor all-wheel drive system, double wishbone front suspension, and Brembo brakes as standard. 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Acura began mining its nameplate history in 2022 when it released the Integra liftback, basically a lightly restyled Honda Civic equipped with its most powerful engines. Sold for just one generation from 2002, the original RSX (above) was a rebranded fourth-generation Integra. Unlike the Integra, which was available in both three- and five-door liftback guises, the RSX only ever came with three doors. When it departed the scene in 2006, it became the last-ever non-NSX coupe from the brand, and ended the brand's opening era where it deliberately courted young enthusiasts. The shift from Integra to RSX came at the tail end of the marque's dumping of its original model names: Legend for RL, Vigor for TL, and Integra for RSX. The shift to letters was reportedly due to a desire to focus owners' affections on the overall marque rather than individual models. MORE: Everything Honda Content originally sourced from: The Acura RSX is the latest sporty nameplate from yesteryear that's been revived, and reimagined for the modern automotive landscape. Instead of being a sporting-ish three-door coupe, the new RSX is a high-riding five-door SUV with an "expressive coupe-like silhouette". Scheduled to make its in-the-flesh debut at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance this weekend, the RSX Prototype is in true Honda fashion a very thinly disguised version of the production vehicle, with the wing mirror design likely the only change. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. It will be the first production model based on Honda's new in-house EV platform, and will be manufactured in the company's Ohio factory. Sales of the new RSX will begin in the second half of 2026. According to Acura, the production RSX will have a dual-motor all-wheel drive system, double wishbone front suspension, and Brembo brakes as standard. No word yet on outputs, performance figures, battery capacities, or range. It will also feature the company's new Asimo OS that controls not only the infotainment system, but also driver assistance, autonomous driving, and basic hardware functions. Likened to a smartphone operating system — not to mention OSes in other brands, such as Tesla and Rivian — Asimo OS supports over-the-air updates, high levels of driver customisation, connected services, and machine learning to adapt to the driver's entertainment and driving preferences. The RSX is the second model name Acura has brought back from the dead for an electric SUV; the ZDX holds the honour of being the first. While the second-generation ZDX stayed true to the coupe SUV silhouette of the original, it and the closely related Honda Prologue are actually Honda designs on top of GM's BEV3 platform. Both not only use GM's EV technology, but are built by the General. Acura began mining its nameplate history in 2022 when it released the Integra liftback, basically a lightly restyled Honda Civic equipped with its most powerful engines. Sold for just one generation from 2002, the original RSX (above) was a rebranded fourth-generation Integra. Unlike the Integra, which was available in both three- and five-door liftback guises, the RSX only ever came with three doors. When it departed the scene in 2006, it became the last-ever non-NSX coupe from the brand, and ended the brand's opening era where it deliberately courted young enthusiasts. The shift from Integra to RSX came at the tail end of the marque's dumping of its original model names: Legend for RL, Vigor for TL, and Integra for RSX. The shift to letters was reportedly due to a desire to focus owners' affections on the overall marque rather than individual models. MORE: Everything Honda Content originally sourced from: The Acura RSX is the latest sporty nameplate from yesteryear that's been revived, and reimagined for the modern automotive landscape. Instead of being a sporting-ish three-door coupe, the new RSX is a high-riding five-door SUV with an "expressive coupe-like silhouette". Scheduled to make its in-the-flesh debut at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance this weekend, the RSX Prototype is in true Honda fashion a very thinly disguised version of the production vehicle, with the wing mirror design likely the only change. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. It will be the first production model based on Honda's new in-house EV platform, and will be manufactured in the company's Ohio factory. Sales of the new RSX will begin in the second half of 2026. According to Acura, the production RSX will have a dual-motor all-wheel drive system, double wishbone front suspension, and Brembo brakes as standard. No word yet on outputs, performance figures, battery capacities, or range. It will also feature the company's new Asimo OS that controls not only the infotainment system, but also driver assistance, autonomous driving, and basic hardware functions. Likened to a smartphone operating system — not to mention OSes in other brands, such as Tesla and Rivian — Asimo OS supports over-the-air updates, high levels of driver customisation, connected services, and machine learning to adapt to the driver's entertainment and driving preferences. The RSX is the second model name Acura has brought back from the dead for an electric SUV; the ZDX holds the honour of being the first. While the second-generation ZDX stayed true to the coupe SUV silhouette of the original, it and the closely related Honda Prologue are actually Honda designs on top of GM's BEV3 platform. Both not only use GM's EV technology, but are built by the General. Acura began mining its nameplate history in 2022 when it released the Integra liftback, basically a lightly restyled Honda Civic equipped with its most powerful engines. Sold for just one generation from 2002, the original RSX (above) was a rebranded fourth-generation Integra. Unlike the Integra, which was available in both three- and five-door liftback guises, the RSX only ever came with three doors. When it departed the scene in 2006, it became the last-ever non-NSX coupe from the brand, and ended the brand's opening era where it deliberately courted young enthusiasts. The shift from Integra to RSX came at the tail end of the marque's dumping of its original model names: Legend for RL, Vigor for TL, and Integra for RSX. The shift to letters was reportedly due to a desire to focus owners' affections on the overall marque rather than individual models. MORE: Everything Honda Content originally sourced from: The Acura RSX is the latest sporty nameplate from yesteryear that's been revived, and reimagined for the modern automotive landscape. Instead of being a sporting-ish three-door coupe, the new RSX is a high-riding five-door SUV with an "expressive coupe-like silhouette". Scheduled to make its in-the-flesh debut at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance this weekend, the RSX Prototype is in true Honda fashion a very thinly disguised version of the production vehicle, with the wing mirror design likely the only change. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. It will be the first production model based on Honda's new in-house EV platform, and will be manufactured in the company's Ohio factory. Sales of the new RSX will begin in the second half of 2026. According to Acura, the production RSX will have a dual-motor all-wheel drive system, double wishbone front suspension, and Brembo brakes as standard. No word yet on outputs, performance figures, battery capacities, or range. It will also feature the company's new Asimo OS that controls not only the infotainment system, but also driver assistance, autonomous driving, and basic hardware functions. Likened to a smartphone operating system — not to mention OSes in other brands, such as Tesla and Rivian — Asimo OS supports over-the-air updates, high levels of driver customisation, connected services, and machine learning to adapt to the driver's entertainment and driving preferences. The RSX is the second model name Acura has brought back from the dead for an electric SUV; the ZDX holds the honour of being the first. While the second-generation ZDX stayed true to the coupe SUV silhouette of the original, it and the closely related Honda Prologue are actually Honda designs on top of GM's BEV3 platform. Both not only use GM's EV technology, but are built by the General. Acura began mining its nameplate history in 2022 when it released the Integra liftback, basically a lightly restyled Honda Civic equipped with its most powerful engines. Sold for just one generation from 2002, the original RSX (above) was a rebranded fourth-generation Integra. Unlike the Integra, which was available in both three- and five-door liftback guises, the RSX only ever came with three doors. When it departed the scene in 2006, it became the last-ever non-NSX coupe from the brand, and ended the brand's opening era where it deliberately courted young enthusiasts. The shift from Integra to RSX came at the tail end of the marque's dumping of its original model names: Legend for RL, Vigor for TL, and Integra for RSX. The shift to letters was reportedly due to a desire to focus owners' affections on the overall marque rather than individual models. MORE: Everything Honda Content originally sourced from:
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2026 KGM Rexton price and specs: Former SsangYong SUV gets more kit for more money
The seven-seat KGM Rexton large SUV has finally received additional safety tech in Australia, years after these features were added in its home market. The move to electrically assisted power steering means the Korean Ford Everest rival now has lane-keep assist, and it's also picked up adaptive cruise control – something revealed for Korean-market models back in 2020. The base ELX gains leatherette upholstery and new-look LED daytime running lights, as well as sequential indicators front and rear. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. The Advance (formerly Adventure) picks up rear-seat sun blinds, the Ultimate gains a wireless phone charger, and the Sport Pack gains leather/suede upholstery and some minor trim revisions. Otherwise, the Rexton is unchanged, though prices have increased by upwards of $2500. The Rexton is a cut-price alternative to the likes of the Everest, but also has to contend with other challenger-brand models like the Mahindra Scorpio and LDV D90. Pricing Drivetrains and Efficiency All Rextons feature a part-time four-wheel drive system with an automatic locking rear differential. Dimensions The Rexton has 236 litres of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 641L with it dropped (measured to the seatbacks) and 1806L with both the second and third rows folded (measured to the roof). Servicing and Warranty The KGM Rexton is backed by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, with five years of roadside assistance. Servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. KGM Australia hasn't announced new capped-price servicing details for 2026. The outgoing 2025 Rexton has seven years of capped-price servicing, with prices as follows: Safety The KGM Rexton has never been tested by ANCAP. Standard safety equipment includes: Adaptive cruise control (NEW) Autonomous emergency braking Blind-spot monitoring Lane-keep assist (NEW) Lane departure warning Rear cross-traffic alert Reversing camera Front and rear parking sensors The Ultimate adds a surround-view camera. Standard Equipment There are four members of the 2026 Rexton lineup. The ELX comes standard with the following equipment: 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels Automatic LED headlights Automatic high-beam LED front fog lights Sequential indicators (NEW) Hill descent control Electric park brake Leather-wrapped steering wheel Tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Leatherette upholstery (NEW) Dual-zone climate control Power windows with auto up/down up front The Advance adds: Power tailgate Proximity entry with walk-away locking 8-way power-adjustable front seats Power driver's lumbar Heated and ventilated front seats Heated outboard second-row seats Heated steering wheel Rear door pull-up sun blinds (NEW) The Ultimate adds: Power sunroof Privacy glass Leather upholstery Quilted door and dashboard trim Wireless phone charger (NEW) Third-row climate controls Rear auto/up down power windows Ambient lighting Illuminated sill plates The Sport Pack adds: Shadow chrome 20-inch alloy wheels Shadow chrome exterior trim Black roof rails Metallic paint Leather and suede upholstery (NEW) Suede door and dash trim (NEW) Gloss black steering wheel bezel (NEW) Colours All KGM Rextons come with a black interior. Grand White is the standard exterior finish, with the following metallic paint options available for an extra $700: White Pearl Space Black Marble Grey The Sport Pack is offered only in White Pearl or Space Black, with neither attracting an extra charge. Atlantic Blue and Graphite finishes are no longer available.
