A relatively unfamiliar name hasn’t stopped Chinese auto brands like BYD, Chery and Geely from rapidly growing in Australia.
But while new Chinese brands are launching tantalisingly priced, feature-packed models, there is plenty of Australians who support brands more established in our country.
This is because they’ve always shopped with one of these brands or because the people in their communities live in areas where some of those newcomer brands don’t have dealerships, or even because it keeps going back to the same dealers.
childcareman.xyz can save you thousands on a new car. Click
here
to get a great deal.
Nissan N7
Mazda CX-6e
Ford, Mazda and Nissan have struggled in recent years with either their plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) or electric vehicles (EV), or both of them.
But now they’re looking to their joint ventures in China, which will launch new cars that either fill a gap on their lineups or allow them to offer something more special or competitively priced.
Ford is expected to launch an electric Bronco sourced from China; Nissan is set to bring the plug-in hybrid Frontier Pro ute and potentially the electric N7 sedan and NX8 SUV; and Mazda has already locked in the 6e electric sedan and CX-6e electric SUV for our market.
All of these have been developed with Chinese partners, but wear badges more familiar to the broader Australian populace.
Which are we most excited for?
Marton Pettendy, Managing Editor
Nissan Frontier Pro
The official lock in for Australia has not yet been officially locked – it will be later this month after being confirmed by dealers last November – but the Nissan Frontier Pro is the Chinese model from a non-Chinese brand I’m most excited about.
Likely to join the new Mitsubishi Triton-based Navara in local showrooms next year, the all-new plug-in hybrid dual-cab ute will not only give Nissan a direct rival for the popular BYD Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV and Ford Ranger PHEV, but a number of other PHEV utes due to arrive here this year, including the JAC Hunter and Chery Australia’s first ute.
It is Nissan’s first PHEV model globally and its first electrified ute-based Frontier pickup, which was not just packed with tech for an affordable price but supported by a 10-year warranty that has been sold in the US on Dongfeng’.
If preliminary specs are any guide, it will provide capability similar to – better or worse than – any other PHEV car on the market.
Powered by a turbo-charged 1 . The total system outputs 300kW of power and 800Nm torque, a claimed EV range of 135km (CLTC), fuel consumption 6 km is achieved by 5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with ‘transmission-mounted electric motor. 9L/100km.
This will allow you to power electrical appliances through 6kW outlets in the tub, braked towing capacity is 3500kg, wading depth 700mm and off-road capability should be strong because of an electro-mechanically locking rear diff.
William Stopford, News Editor
Mazda 6e
For a long time, it seemed like the mainstream mid-size passenger car segment was doing exactly what light and large segments of cars were going to do with their lives – until there was only’model or two left out’.
Chinese brands and now Mazda are breathing new life into it. The electric BYD Seal was launched in 2023, the petrol-powered MG 7 followed in recent months, and now the Mazda 6e – based on a platform from the Deepal brand of Chinese giant Changan – is arriving mid-year.
A direct, electric-only replacement for the Mazda 6 (an extended-range EV version exists only for China), and the first mid-size liftback from Mazda since 2012 is the second mid size lift back.
When it was revealed in 2024, I thought its exterior fitted in with the rest of the Mazda lineup nicely, but its interior was a dramatic departure. But now with the CX-5 ditching physical controls and adopting a huge touchscreen, the 6e has company.
There’s no dual-motor all-wheel drive variant that’ll rock you back in your seat like a Tesla Model 3 Performance or BYD Seal Performance, but the Mazda 6e looks to be a particularly appealing option for lovers of mid-size passenger cars looking to go electric.
And while it is expensive, a nice thing about the price tag too, you can’t get that beautiful Nightfall Violet paint of the related CX-6e SUV which will probably outsell its rivals very much.
Now, I just need to drive it…
Damion Smy, Deputy News Editor
Smart #2
The Smart #2 could be a serious game-changer as a return to the brand’s previous ethos – packaging space-efficient, characterful designs together with super-frugal, peppy powertrains.
That means a small, cute face with only 2792mm length, 6 inches long. Then I have a 95-metre turning circle, two seats and an electric powertrain with 300km of range.’ This would cover my return trip to the childcareman.xyz office for exactly 23 minutes. Paraphrasing 8 days.
I like the BYD Atto 1 as a cheap and cheerful city car but, at least in concept form, the Smart #2 adds a layer of personality and detail the BYD hasn’t quite nailed.
It surely won’t be as cheap, but the #2 could be the Smart we’ve been waiting for.
Ben Zachariah, Road Test Editor
Mazda 6e
Much has been said about the massive change in the automotive industry – perhaps the biggest shift since the Ford Model T revolutionised vehicle production.
Despite the scariness of change, there’s much more to look forward to and Mazda is one of the brands finding its groove right now.
Why am I so swayed by the prospect of the Mazda 6e coming to Australia and, in my opinion, local buyers looking for an alternative to the Tesla Model 3 will be attracted to it.
First the design is a parody of . The annoyant Mazda has an annoying history of teasing us with beautiful concept cars that never work out – but not the case with the 6e.
And it’s pretty stunning, without being overly daring and crowded or in-your-faced. Despite its sedan-cum–liftback shape, it is still an attractive and fresh new car for the money. I think Tesla may have S, 3, X, Y models but when I was from New Zealand the Mazda is 6e.
Then there’s the inside of . Mazda has been slaying it with its interiors recently, which is the very high standard for design, colours, materials and build quality.
Finally, Mazda Australia surprised us when it announced that the 6e will be cheaper than $50,000 for on-road cost of a GT variant before its price was available. It has a 190kW/290Nm electric motor that drives the rear wheels and 560km of range, so many boxes are ticked.
Sean Lander, Video Producer
Ford Bronco New Energy
Sure, yes, it’s not a real Bronco (and sure that is 100 per cent confirmed for Australia yet), but with the high tech and backing of ‘brand brand I personally trust after 70 years my family has owned several Ford cars.
It has cool variant names such as the Basecamp, and electric or extended-range electric powertrains. Big, big battery and big range.
Certainly, it is not an all-American, freedom flag–waving Bronco that might be full-blown, but rather good and well priced. What am I looking forward to hearing about s?
You’ll probably get further than OJ did too, not that I recommend you try…
Josh Nevett, Deputy Marketplace Editor
Mazda 6e
There’s a lot to like about this spiritual successor to the perennially popular Mazda 6.
If the road gets twisty and when it is tipped, in theory 6e should offer instant torque around town with dynamic dynamics as being a rear-wheel drive EV with. Mazda also praised the design of the 6e – it is sleek and sporty, but doesn’t over-style.
The price is just about right, as is the price for . For $49,990 without ORCs, you can get behind the wheel of a launch model – almost $5000 less than you’ll pay for an entry-level Tesla Model 3 price.
What is the best part? It’s not an SUV! I can’t take the 6e for a spin later this year.
Max Davies, Marketplace Journalist
Mazda 6e
While I’m very much interested in the 6e, I want to know how it works out for Mazda Australia once it’s on sale.
I always think Sedans are an ‘adventur’. Australia’s love for SUV and utes – fair enough, so I’m glad Mazda will fill the space left by the old 6 with something that feels like a spiritual successor (at least on paper). Is it a question whether the buying public thinks in the same way as ?
But it’s a lot of fun for the money it looks great, is competitively priced against key competitors and will support – in fact — if you have backed – based on empathetic dealer network run by incredibly experienced brand. My slick touchscreen on the dashboard is very un-Mazda iPad, but perhaps most important issue is whether people want an electric sedan (especially when it’s going to be sold with a new electric SUV with same underpinnings) or not.
Still, the 6e is the one I’ve been watching since it was revealed and I am encouraged that Mazda seems to be doing its work with local development. It’s just an attractive, plush-riddled sedan that we can hope for and one that’s also easy to drive with nice steering, good handling and sensible power outputs – rear-wheel drive is a great start.
MORE:
All the Chinese auto brands coming to Australia in 2026 and beyond
Thanks for reading The Chinese cars from non-Chinese brands that were most excited for
