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The Advertiser
12 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Hybrids to dominate Suzuki Australia's electrification future
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: 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:
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Surprise gas guzzlers identified in vehicle road tests
Some of the most popular vehicles in Australia are consuming significantly more petrol than advertised, tests have shown, and hybrid cars rank amongst the most unexpectedly thirsty models. Twenty-five of 30 vehicles tested on Australian roads failed to meet their laboratory test results, and 11 of the cars consumed 10 per cent or more fuel than expected. The Australian Automobile Association revealed the findings in its latest round of on-road vehicle testing, which also found six models produced more noxious emissions than allowed in Australia. The results come amid a greater focus on vehicle emissions, following the introduction of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard in 2025 and after rising sales of hybrid cars. The association tested a wide range of vehicles in the latest round of its $14 million Real-World Testing Program, ranging from large SUVs and vans to small cars, a ute and people-mover. The vehicles are tested on a 93km route around Geelong in Victoria, with tailpipe emissions captured on urban streets, rural roads and motorways and compared to lab test results. Surprisingly, a small SUV registered the greatest gap in fuel consumption during recent tests, with the Hyundai Kona Hybrid using 33 per cent more fuel on the road than in the lab. Another small SUV, the Kia Stonic, used 26 per cent more fuel than expected, followed by the Hyundai i30 Hybrid (17 per cent), the Toyota Fortuner (16 per cent), and the Kia Sportage Hybrid (14 per cent). Findings that one-third of the vehicles consumed more fuel on the road than in the lab indicated a widespread issue in the automotive industry, association managing director Michael Bradley said. "It's becoming clear that carmakers continue to optimise their vehicles' performance for lab testing, meaning new cars are too often overstating their improvements in fuel use and environmental performance," he said. "Some vehicles perform as advertised but most do not, and our program is seeking to reward carmakers that deliver genuine financial and environmental savings." In addition to fuel consumption, six of the 30 vehicles tested produced more noxious emissions than allowed under the Australian standard, including the Ford Ranger ute, Toyota Hi-Ace, and Toyota Fortuner. Five vehicles did buck the trend and use less fuel than expected, however, such as the Ford Transit van (nine per cent less), Lexus NX350h SUV (seven per cent less), and Mercedes-Benz GLC250 SUV (three per cent less). The program, funded by the federal government, has examined emissions from 114 vehicles since 2023 and found 88 models failed to meet their promised fuel consumption. The association will expand its tests to electric vehicles shortly, Mr Bradley said, and compare their on-road range to what consumers are promised. "Range anxiety continues to be a significant barrier to EV uptake," he said. Some of the most popular vehicles in Australia are consuming significantly more petrol than advertised, tests have shown, and hybrid cars rank amongst the most unexpectedly thirsty models. Twenty-five of 30 vehicles tested on Australian roads failed to meet their laboratory test results, and 11 of the cars consumed 10 per cent or more fuel than expected. The Australian Automobile Association revealed the findings in its latest round of on-road vehicle testing, which also found six models produced more noxious emissions than allowed in Australia. The results come amid a greater focus on vehicle emissions, following the introduction of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard in 2025 and after rising sales of hybrid cars. The association tested a wide range of vehicles in the latest round of its $14 million Real-World Testing Program, ranging from large SUVs and vans to small cars, a ute and people-mover. The vehicles are tested on a 93km route around Geelong in Victoria, with tailpipe emissions captured on urban streets, rural roads and motorways and compared to lab test results. Surprisingly, a small SUV registered the greatest gap in fuel consumption during recent tests, with the Hyundai Kona Hybrid using 33 per cent more fuel on the road than in the lab. Another small SUV, the Kia Stonic, used 26 per cent more fuel than expected, followed by the Hyundai i30 Hybrid (17 per cent), the Toyota Fortuner (16 per cent), and the Kia Sportage Hybrid (14 per cent). Findings that one-third of the vehicles consumed more fuel on the road than in the lab indicated a widespread issue in the automotive industry, association managing director Michael Bradley said. "It's becoming clear that carmakers continue to optimise their vehicles' performance for lab testing, meaning new cars are too often overstating their improvements in fuel use and environmental performance," he said. "Some vehicles perform as advertised but most do not, and our program is seeking to reward carmakers that deliver genuine financial and environmental savings." In addition to fuel consumption, six of the 30 vehicles tested produced more noxious emissions than allowed under the Australian standard, including the Ford Ranger ute, Toyota Hi-Ace, and Toyota Fortuner. Five vehicles did buck the trend and use less fuel than expected, however, such as the Ford Transit van (nine per cent less), Lexus NX350h SUV (seven per cent less), and Mercedes-Benz GLC250 SUV (three per cent less). The program, funded by the federal government, has examined emissions from 114 vehicles since 2023 and found 88 models failed to meet their promised fuel consumption. The association will expand its tests to electric vehicles shortly, Mr Bradley said, and compare their on-road range to what consumers are promised. "Range anxiety continues to be a significant barrier to EV uptake," he said. Some of the most popular vehicles in Australia are consuming significantly more petrol than advertised, tests have shown, and hybrid cars rank amongst the most unexpectedly thirsty models. Twenty-five of 30 vehicles tested on Australian roads failed to meet their laboratory test results, and 11 of the cars consumed 10 per cent or more fuel than expected. The Australian Automobile Association revealed the findings in its latest round of on-road vehicle testing, which also found six models produced more noxious emissions than allowed in Australia. The results come amid a greater focus on vehicle emissions, following the introduction of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard in 2025 and after rising sales of hybrid cars. The association tested a wide range of vehicles in the latest round of its $14 million Real-World Testing Program, ranging from large SUVs and vans to small cars, a ute and people-mover. The vehicles are tested on a 93km route around Geelong in Victoria, with tailpipe emissions captured on urban streets, rural roads and motorways and compared to lab test results. Surprisingly, a small SUV registered the greatest gap in fuel consumption during recent tests, with the Hyundai Kona Hybrid using 33 per cent more fuel on the road than in the lab. Another small SUV, the Kia Stonic, used 26 per cent more fuel than expected, followed by the Hyundai i30 Hybrid (17 per cent), the Toyota Fortuner (16 per cent), and the Kia Sportage Hybrid (14 per cent). Findings that one-third of the vehicles consumed more fuel on the road than in the lab indicated a widespread issue in the automotive industry, association managing director Michael Bradley said. "It's becoming clear that carmakers continue to optimise their vehicles' performance for lab testing, meaning new cars are too often overstating their improvements in fuel use and environmental performance," he said. "Some vehicles perform as advertised but most do not, and our program is seeking to reward carmakers that deliver genuine financial and environmental savings." In addition to fuel consumption, six of the 30 vehicles tested produced more noxious emissions than allowed under the Australian standard, including the Ford Ranger ute, Toyota Hi-Ace, and Toyota Fortuner. Five vehicles did buck the trend and use less fuel than expected, however, such as the Ford Transit van (nine per cent less), Lexus NX350h SUV (seven per cent less), and Mercedes-Benz GLC250 SUV (three per cent less). The program, funded by the federal government, has examined emissions from 114 vehicles since 2023 and found 88 models failed to meet their promised fuel consumption. The association will expand its tests to electric vehicles shortly, Mr Bradley said, and compare their on-road range to what consumers are promised. "Range anxiety continues to be a significant barrier to EV uptake," he said. Some of the most popular vehicles in Australia are consuming significantly more petrol than advertised, tests have shown, and hybrid cars rank amongst the most unexpectedly thirsty models. Twenty-five of 30 vehicles tested on Australian roads failed to meet their laboratory test results, and 11 of the cars consumed 10 per cent or more fuel than expected. The Australian Automobile Association revealed the findings in its latest round of on-road vehicle testing, which also found six models produced more noxious emissions than allowed in Australia. The results come amid a greater focus on vehicle emissions, following the introduction of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard in 2025 and after rising sales of hybrid cars. The association tested a wide range of vehicles in the latest round of its $14 million Real-World Testing Program, ranging from large SUVs and vans to small cars, a ute and people-mover. The vehicles are tested on a 93km route around Geelong in Victoria, with tailpipe emissions captured on urban streets, rural roads and motorways and compared to lab test results. Surprisingly, a small SUV registered the greatest gap in fuel consumption during recent tests, with the Hyundai Kona Hybrid using 33 per cent more fuel on the road than in the lab. Another small SUV, the Kia Stonic, used 26 per cent more fuel than expected, followed by the Hyundai i30 Hybrid (17 per cent), the Toyota Fortuner (16 per cent), and the Kia Sportage Hybrid (14 per cent). Findings that one-third of the vehicles consumed more fuel on the road than in the lab indicated a widespread issue in the automotive industry, association managing director Michael Bradley said. "It's becoming clear that carmakers continue to optimise their vehicles' performance for lab testing, meaning new cars are too often overstating their improvements in fuel use and environmental performance," he said. "Some vehicles perform as advertised but most do not, and our program is seeking to reward carmakers that deliver genuine financial and environmental savings." In addition to fuel consumption, six of the 30 vehicles tested produced more noxious emissions than allowed under the Australian standard, including the Ford Ranger ute, Toyota Hi-Ace, and Toyota Fortuner. Five vehicles did buck the trend and use less fuel than expected, however, such as the Ford Transit van (nine per cent less), Lexus NX350h SUV (seven per cent less), and Mercedes-Benz GLC250 SUV (three per cent less). The program, funded by the federal government, has examined emissions from 114 vehicles since 2023 and found 88 models failed to meet their promised fuel consumption. The association will expand its tests to electric vehicles shortly, Mr Bradley said, and compare their on-road range to what consumers are promised. "Range anxiety continues to be a significant barrier to EV uptake," he said.
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Surprise gas guzzlers identified in vehicle road tests
Some of the most popular vehicles in Australia are consuming significantly more petrol than advertised, tests have shown, and hybrid cars rank amongst the most unexpectedly thirsty models. Twenty-five of 30 vehicles tested on Australian roads failed to meet their laboratory test results, and 11 of the cars consumed 10 per cent or more fuel than expected. The Australian Automobile Association revealed the findings in its latest round of on-road vehicle testing, which also found six models produced more noxious emissions than allowed in Australia. The results come amid a greater focus on vehicle emissions, following the introduction of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard in 2025 and after rising sales of hybrid cars. The association tested a wide range of vehicles in the latest round of its $14 million Real-World Testing Program, ranging from large SUVs and vans to small cars, a ute and people-mover. The vehicles are tested on a 93km route around Geelong in Victoria, with tailpipe emissions captured on urban streets, rural roads and motorways and compared to lab test results. Surprisingly, a small SUV registered the greatest gap in fuel consumption during recent tests, with the Hyundai Kona Hybrid using 33 per cent more fuel on the road than in the lab. Another small SUV, the Kia Stonic, used 26 per cent more fuel than expected, followed by the Hyundai i30 Hybrid (17 per cent), the Toyota Fortuner (16 per cent), and the Kia Sportage Hybrid (14 per cent). Findings that one-third of the vehicles consumed more fuel on the road than in the lab indicated a widespread issue in the automotive industry, association managing director Michael Bradley said. "It's becoming clear that carmakers continue to optimise their vehicles' performance for lab testing, meaning new cars are too often overstating their improvements in fuel use and environmental performance," he said. "Some vehicles perform as advertised but most do not, and our program is seeking to reward carmakers that deliver genuine financial and environmental savings." In addition to fuel consumption, six of the 30 vehicles tested produced more noxious emissions than allowed under the Australian standard, including the Ford Ranger ute, Toyota Hi-Ace, and Toyota Fortuner. Five vehicles did buck the trend and use less fuel than expected, however, such as the Ford Transit van (nine per cent less), Lexus NX350h SUV (seven per cent less), and Mercedes-Benz GLC250 SUV (three per cent less). The program, funded by the federal government, has examined emissions from 114 vehicles since 2023 and found 88 models failed to meet their promised fuel consumption. The association will expand its tests to electric vehicles shortly, Mr Bradley said, and compare their on-road range to what consumers are promised. "Range anxiety continues to be a significant barrier to EV uptake," he said.
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Get ready for price rises, warns Suzuki boss
Suzuki Queensland expects the Australian Government's new emissions regulations will force it to increase prices. 'I can't see there's anyway around it. I can't see anybody really having a way around it,' Suzuki Queensland general manager Paul Dillon told CarExpert. 'Tesla might be exempt, but the amount of demand for EVs versus a standard ICE [internal combustion-engined] vehicle or hybrid, I would say in 2026 most hybrid cars aren't going to achieve the emission target the government is setting currently. 'I don't know whether the government thinks businesses are printing money, but it's all got to be paid for somewhere.' CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Mr Dillon cited the example of the Reserve Bank's plan to remove credit and debit card surcharges, arguing this will just see businesses raise the price of products. He said the penalty set to be imposed on the new Suzuki Fronx – a light SUV with a mild-hybrid four-cylinder powertrain – under the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) is set to be 'north of $500' next year. It emits 113g/km of CO2, and the limit for Type 1 vehicles – which includes passenger cars, and all SUVs bar 'heavy off-road passenger' models – next year will be 117g/km. Supplied Credit: CarExpert But Suzuki won't be alone in raising prices, predicts Mr Dillon. 'Whilst our cars will most likely increase in price with penalties, so will the whole market increase in price with penalties,' he said. 'I heard that Ford… increased the price of the Mustang. I would think $5000 is probably the tip of the iceberg of what the penalties might be on that car. 'But if you do some rough numbers on the formula that the government's handing out, $100 a gram… it extrapolates out to a lot of money very quickly.' Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert ABOVE: Vitara Hybrid, eVitara Suzuki Queensland will pay its own penalties for exceeding CO2 targets, instead of being lumped in with Suzuki Australia which manages vehicle distribution for all of Australia bar the Sunshine State and Northern Rivers region of New South Wales. And unlike many rival brands, it won't have a deep pool of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles to help it offset the emissions of its other vehicles and therefore prevent it from exceeding CO2 targets. Suzuki Queensland has ruled out offering a full hybrid version of its Vitara in the Sunshine State, despite this vehicle being locked in for a first-quarter 2026 launch by Suzuki Australia. It also stopped short of locking in the electric eVitara, though Mr Dillon said 'it's certainly our intention [to release it] assuming the numbers from Japan stack up'. MORE: Everything Suzuki
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Australia's new emissions regulations are poorly thought out, says local car brand boss
The boss of Suzuki Queensland has argued the Australian Government's new vehicle emissions regulations will boost Chinese brands, raise prices, punish makers of small cars, and end up forcing many buyers to shop for less efficient used cars. The New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) came into effect on January 1, 2025, with monetary penalties following from July 1. If automakers exceed an average carbon emissions target for the vehicles they sell each year, they will be penalised $100 per g/km of CO2 for every vehicle which exceeds the target. And that target will get more stringent every year until 2029. In effect, automakers need to bring in more efficient vehicles – including electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) – to help offset the emissions of their less efficient vehicles. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Supplied Credit: CarExpert 'I would say, 'Would you consider a Suzuki to be a reasonably efficient car?' And to consider that next year there will be penalties on cars like Fronx, for a 1.5-litre hybrid vehicle with [an integrated starter generator], there are still penalties on that car next year,' Suzuki Queensland general manager Paul Dillon told CarExpert. Suzuki Queensland is a separate distributor covering the Sunshine State and the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales; Suzuki Australia covers the rest of the country. 'What happens to the consumer that wants to buy a car at that price at the end of the market? Do they go, 'I can't afford a new car, I'm going to buy a five-year-old something which is less efficient'? he continued. 'And then you've defeated the whole purpose of supposedly having an efficiency standard.' Supplied Credit: CarExpert Suzuki will introduce its first EV to Australia in the first quarter of 2026, the small eVitara SUV. This has been confirmed for launch by Suzuki Australia, though Suzuki Queensland says it's 'certainly our intention [to offer it] assuming the numbers from Japan stack up'. When asked whether this vehicle would be sufficient to offset its other models, Mr Dillon said: 'As in any business, you've got to weigh that up and go, 'If we lose this much money on those, can we recoup enough from that to offset that?'. 'I've got to say, I think there will be a small market for EVs. Unfortunately, I don't think the government fully considered that. 'I think there's issues with the NVES they haven't fully considered, unless they specifically are out to raise more tax from the consumers.' Supplied Credit: CarExpert And the Suzuki Queensland boss says he'll be forced to raise the prices of vehicles should the company cop NVES fines. 'What is the cost to bring in those [more efficient vehicles]? Somebody's got to pay for it at some point, so are they going to pay the penalty for having something like a Fronx? Or are they going to pay more for something like an EV? Do they have the more? 'It might be alright in Canberra, sitting there thinking people have got plenty of money. Are they really in touch with what the average man does have to spend?' Mr Dillion argued his company won't be alone in increasing prices, making Chinese brands even more tempting to buyers. 'The legislation's almost leaning towards [Chinese brands], isn't it?' he mused. Supplied Credit: CarExpert All vehicles imported to Australia are entered on the Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV), and their Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) are uploaded with their weights and emissions. Suzuki Queensland will pay its own penalties for exceeding NVES targets on the vehicles it imports, with Suzuki Australia paying penalties for the vehicles it imports. Despite being a specialist in small, generally economical vehicles – its largest vehicle is the 4.3m-long S-Cross – Suzuki Queensland says it's unfairly penalised by the NVES. While there are separate CO2 targets for Type 1 (passenger cars) and Type 2 vehicles (light commercials and 'heavy off-road passenger vehicles' like the Nissan Patrol), the legislation also includes breakpoints. Supplied Credit: CarExpert The lower breakpoint is 1500kg for Type 1 and Type 2 vehicles, while the upper breakpoint is 2200kg for Type 1 and 2400kg for Type 2 vehicles. But what does that mean? In short, the mass figure entered on the RAV is still the lower breakpoint figure, even if the vehicle weighs less than this. And Suzuki has some of the lightest vehicles on the market, with its base Swift having a kerb weight of just 919kg. Vehicles between the lower and upper breakpoints have their mass recorded as is, while vehicles with a mass greater than or equal to the upper breakpoint are capped out at the upper breakpoint figure. 'Whilst next year the headline target is 117g/km… they have a slope on the NVES, so if your car is lighter then your target is lower,' said Mr Dillon. Supplied Credit: CarExpert 'If the car's lighter, your target's different so your penalty is different. 'If we added 300kg to the car, we might be better off from an emission's target point of view. The car would be less responsive, but at least then your 114g would still be in line or under target. 'It seems counter to what the whole NVES is trying to achieve. If you've got a lighter car and it's meeting the headline target, then you've got to get better than that because your car is lighter – it doesn't seem to make sense. I think that might be part of their 2026 review.' In short, Mr Dillon thinks the NVES hasn't been thought through, and it's legacy automakers in Australia that will suffer along with buyers who'll pay more. 'They haven't put enough thought into it,' he said. Supplied Credit: CarExpert 'How many people does the industry in Australia employ, and have for a long period of time? Not just us, take us out of the equation, how long has Ford been in Australia? Mitsubishi? 'Those sorts of companies generally aren't likely to go, 'Oh, this isn't working out for us. Let's jump out like let's say some other brands might have previously.' Mr Dillion argues that automakers already have to contend with Australian Design Rules that are among the strictest vehicle standards in the world, and now the NVES is making this country an even less appealing market – at least for automakers that specialise in combustion-powered vehicles. But while he said automakers like Suzuki look ahead when planning vehicles for our market, the NVES has still unexpectedly upset the apple cart. 'It's all coming maybe a bit more quickly than the industry can react to, I think,' he said. MORE: Everything Suzuki
