Latest news with #MY26
Auto Express
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Express
2026 Land Rover Defender updates look subtle, but they fix one huge annoyance for owners
Dig deep into the new model year 2026 Land Rover Defender configurator and you'll note one new option that answers a call Defender buyers have been making since the model was first revealed. Alongside the previous iconic set of 18-inch steel wheels, Land Rover has revealed a new set of 20-inch steel options that can be specified on cars with more powerful engines. Advertisement - Article continues below This addresses a key issue many customers complained about, because the 18-inch pressed steel wheels are not able to be fitted with more powerful powertrain options – such as the plug-in hybrid and top-spec diesel models – due to their larger brakes. However, the MY26 models are now available with a larger set of steel wheels that cover the larger optional brake package. This doesn't mean all models can now be fitted with a set of cool 'steelies', though, because top-spec X models and those with V8 engines still can't be specified with them. These new wheels are, of course, available alongside a range of changes to the whole range, including the commercial Hard Top model, which like the rest of the updated range is now available to order from £57,135 – reducing the entry point to the Defender range by £295. Other than the wheels, the rest of the changes are pretty subtle, with new LED headlights and foglights as standard, plus smoked lenses for the rear lights and new exterior colours – Woolstone Green and Borasco Grey. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Details such as the faux treadpattern are now gone, with the bonnet inserts and side vents featuring a more contemporary pattern along with fresh optional 22-inch seven-spoke alloys. Every model also now gets gloss black Defender-branded wheel caps, plus a gloss black grille bar with a dark Land Rover badge. Advertisement - Article continues below These changes will be introduced on the entire Defender line-up of three-door 90 and five-door 110 and 130 models, but the new range-topping OCTA super-SUV gets its own special tweaks. The ferocious 626bhp OCTA now comes with extra unique exterior paints, including Sargasso Blue and Patagonia White, with the latter mated to a matt protective wrap. A new 'chopped' carbon-fibre effect on exterior and interior accents can also be added on the OCTA. While previously entry-level Defenders were fitted with a 10-inch touchscreen, and higher-end X-Dynamic HSE and above versions got an 11.4-inch display, there's now a new 13.1-inch touchscreen taken from the Range Rover Sport that is said to provide a 'fast and intuitive interface'. We've found the screen in the Range Rover Sport to be a huge improvement over the previous unit, thanks to Land Rover's uprated infotainment system, boasting sharper graphics and quicker responses to inputs. The interior doesn't just feature a new screen, however; there's also a reshaped centre console design, and if you specify the 'Signature Suite' upgrade, you'll get removable side pockets. Some new technological updates have arrived, too, including the optional adaptive off-road cruise control. This is an evolution of Land Rover's 'All Terrain Progress Control' and should help reduce driver effort while off-roading – particularly in a convoy. A new driver-attention monitor has been added as well to provide audio-visual alerts to ensure drivers remain alert. Land Rover is keen to point out that this can be disabled using the driver-assistance menu. The company hasn't mentioned any powertrain changes for the updated Defender, so we can expect the same choice of mild-hybrid 3.0-litre straight-sixes in diesel or petrol form, a supercharged 5.0-litre V8, the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder plug-in hybrid and the breathtaking BMW M-derived 4.4-litre V8 in the OCTA. Latest Land Rover Defender deals Now check out for our list of the best 4x4s and off-road cars ... Find a car with the experts Electric car drivers won't ever go back to petrol or diesel Electric car drivers won't ever go back to petrol or diesel Editor Paul Barker thinks the EV transition is coming whether we like it or not It's only a matter of time before Jaguar Land Rover builds a factory in the USA It's only a matter of time before Jaguar Land Rover builds a factory in the USA Mike Rutherford thinks Jaguar's 'Reimagine' strategy will result in the company exploring further opportunities in the USA Car Deal of the Day: Bag the iconic Volkswagen Golf GTI for under £300 a month Car Deal of the Day: Bag the iconic Volkswagen Golf GTI for under £300 a month It's arguably been the daddy for 50 years, and can be snatched for a low price right now. The VW Golf GTI is our Deal of the Day for 27 May
7NEWS
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid now more than $20,000 cheaper
The 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid (HEV) lineup is now at least $20,000 more affordable than before, following the release of two cheaper new petrol-electric versions of the popular people mover. Just as it promised it would, Kia Australia has now added more affordable S and Sport+ versions of the Carnival HEV, which was released here exclusively in top-shelf GT-Line form as part of the facelifted people mover range launched in May 2024. While the flagship Kia Carnival GT-Line HEV costs $76,630 before on-road costs following a $270 price hike across the otherwise unchanged MY26 range, the new entry-level Carnival S HEV is now available for $56,100 before on-roads – $20,530 less than the hybrid GT-Line. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Meantime, the Carnival Sport+ HEV arrives at $68,330 plus on-roads, positioning it in the middle of Kia's now three-variant people mover range, and making petrol-electric power available in three of the Carnival's five equipment grades. Equipment levels are as per the existing S and Sport+ variants and, like the top-spec GT-Line HEV, both new hybrid variants are powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric powertrain producing 180kW of power and 366Nm of torque, with a claimed combined fuel consumption figure of 5.8L/100km. And like all Carnivals, they drive only their front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. The MY26 lineup now opens at $50,570 plus on-roads for the base Carnival S powered by a 216kW/355Nm 3.5-litre petrol V6, which is also available with Sport, Sport+, GT-Line Lite and GT-Line trims. The Carnival can also be had with a 148kW/440Nm 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, which is available across all five trim levels, starting with the S priced at $52,800 before on-roads. Kia's Carnival easily remains Australia's favourite people mover so far in 2025, with 3213 examples sold to April – up 36.5 per cent in the same period last year. Its closest competitors are lightyears behind, including the Hyundai Staria (328 sales year-to-date) and Ford Tourneo (229). In a move that will soon be replicated with the Sorento HEV large SUV, the arrival of more Carnival HEV variants follows freer supplies from the Korean factory ahead of looming emissions penalties under the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES).
Perth Now
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid now more than $20,000 cheaper
The 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid (HEV) lineup is now at least $20,000 more affordable than before, following the release of two cheaper new petrol-electric versions of the popular people mover. Just as it promised it would, Kia Australia has now added more affordable S and Sport+ versions of the Carnival HEV, which was released here exclusively in top-shelf GT-Line form as part of the facelifted people mover range launched in May 2024. While the flagship Kia Carnival GT-Line HEV costs $76,630 before on-road costs following a $270 price hike across the otherwise unchanged MY26 range, the new entry-level Carnival S HEV is now available for $56,100 before on-roads – $20,530 less than the hybrid GT-Line. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Kia Carnival GT-Line HEV Credit: CarExpert Meantime, the Carnival Sport+ HEV arrives at $68,330 plus on-roads, positioning it in the middle of Kia's now three-variant people mover range, and making petrol-electric power available in three of the Carnival's five equipment grades. Equipment levels are as per the existing S and Sport+ variants and, like the top-spec GT-Line HEV, both new hybrid variants are powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric powertrain producing 180kW of power and 366Nm of torque, with a claimed combined fuel consumption figure of 5.8L/100km. And like all Carnivals, they drive only their front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The MY26 lineup now opens at $50,570 plus on-roads for the base Carnival S powered by a 216kW/355Nm 3.5-litre petrol V6, which is also available with Sport, Sport+, GT-Line Lite and GT-Line trims. The Carnival can also be had with a 148kW/440Nm 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, which is available across all five trim levels, starting with the S priced at $52,800 before on-roads. Kia's Carnival easily remains Australia's favourite people mover so far in 2025, with 3213 examples sold to April – up 36.5 per cent in the same period last year. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Its closest competitors are lightyears behind, including the Hyundai Staria (328 sales year-to-date) and Ford Tourneo (229). In a move that will soon be replicated with the Sorento HEV large SUV, the arrival of more Carnival HEV variants follows freer supplies from the Korean factory ahead of looming emissions penalties under the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES). MORE: Everything Kia Carnival
