The Chinese cars from non-Chinese brands that we're most excited for

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 releasing tantalisingly priced, feature-packed models, there are plenty of Australians who are loyal to brands more established in our country.

That could be because they’ve always shopped with one of these brands, or because they live in regions where some of these newcomer brands don’t have dealerships, or even because they keep heading back to the same dealers.

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Ford, Mazda and Nissan have struggled in recent years with either their plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) or electric vehicles (EVs), or both.

Now, they’re looking to their Chinese joint ventures to introduce new vehicles that either fill a gap in their lineups or allow them to offer something more unique 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

It hasn’t been officially locked in for Australia yet – that’s expected to happen later this month, following confirmation to dealers last November – but the Nissan Frontier Pro is the Chinese model from a non-Chinese brand I’m most excited for.

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.

Based on Dongfeng’s Z9 ute rather than the outgoing D40 Navara-derived Frontier pickup sold in the US, the Frontier Pro is Nissan’s first PHEV model globally and its first electrified ute, so it should not only come packed with tech for a reasonable price, but backed by a 10-year warranty.

And if preliminary specs are any guide, it will bring capability that’s comparable to – if not better than – any other PHEV ute currently available.

Powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a transmission-mounted electric motor, it delivers total system outputs of 300kW of power and 800Nm of torque, a claimed EV range of 135km (CLTC), and fuel consumption of 6.9L/100km.

Vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability will allow you to power electrical appliances via 6kW outlets in the tub, braked towing capacity is 3500kg, wading depth is 700mm, and off-road capability should be strong thanks to an electro-mechanically locking rear diff.

William Stopford, News Editor

Mazda 6e

For a while, it seemed like the mainstream mid-size passenger car segment was going the same way as the light and large car segments – evaporating until there was only a model or two left.

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.

It’s an indirect, electric-only replacement for the Mazda 6 (an extended-range EV version exists for China only), and the first mid-size liftback from Mazda since 2012.

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.

It carries a sharp price tag too, though it’s a pity you can’t get that gorgeous Nightfall Violet paint of the related CX-6e SUV that’ll probably vastly outsell it.

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 exterior measuring only 2792mm long, a 6.95-metre turning circle, just two seats, and an electric powertrain offering 300km of range – which would cover my return trip to the CarExpert office for precisely 23.8 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

A lot has been said about the massive transformation taking place in the automotive industry – arguably the greatest change since the Ford Model T revolutionised vehicle production.

But while change can be scary, there’s a lot to look forward to, and Mazda seems to be one of the brands finding its groove right now.

Which makes me quietly excited about the prospect of the Mazda 6e coming to Australia, and I suspect local buyers looking for an alternative to the Tesla Model 3 will be drawn to it.

Firstly, the design. Mazda has an annoying track record of teasing us with beautiful concept cars that never come to fruition – but that’s not the case with the 6e.

It’s quite stunning, without being overly daring, busy, or in-your-face. It has a classic sedan-cum-liftback shape, but still offers something fresh and attractive. Tesla may have models named S, 3, X, Y, but if I were from New Zealand, I’d think the Mazda is rather 6e.

Then there’s the interior. Mazda has been killing it with its interiors recently, with design, colours, materials, and build quality all being of a very high standard.

Finally, Mazda Australia surprised us when it announced the 6e would be priced from less than $50,000 before on-road costs for the GT variant. With a 190kW/290Nm electric motor driving the rear wheels and 560km of range, it ticks a lot of boxes.

Sean Lander, Video Producer

Ford Bronco New Energy

Sure, it’s not a real Bronco per se, and sure it’s not 100 per cent confirmed for Australia yet, but it’s packed with great tech and has the backing of a brand I personally trust given the 70-odd years my family has owned various Ford vehicles.

It has cool variant names like the Basecamp, and electric or extended-range electric powertrains. It’s big, and it has a big battery, big range and big power figures.

So while it may not be a full-blown, all-American, freedom flag-waving Bronco, it will likely be rather good, and rather well-priced. Which has me excited.

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.

Being a rear-wheel drive EV with a Mazda badge, the 6e should in theory offer instant torque around town and engaging dynamics when the road gets twisty. Mazda has also nailed the design of the 6e – it looks sleek and sporty, but isn’t over-styled.

The price is just about right, too. You can get behind the wheel of a launch model for $49,990 excluding ORCs – nearly $5000 less than you’ll pay for an entry-level Tesla Model 3.

The best part? It’s not an SUV! As such, I can’t wait to take the 6e for a spin later this year.

Max Davies, Marketplace Journalist

Mazda 6e

While I’m keen on the 6e, I’m also interested to see how it pans out for Mazda Australia once it’s on sale.

Sedans always feel like an afterthought – fair enough given Australia’s love for SUVs and utes – and so I’m glad Mazda will be filling the space left by the old 6 with something that feels like a spiritual successor, at least on paper. The question is whether the buying public thinks the same way.

It has a lot going for it: it looks brilliant, it’s competitively priced against key rivals, and it’ll have the backing of a well-established dealer network run by a very experienced brand. I’m less convinced by the very un-Mazda iPad-style touchscreen on the dashboard, but perhaps the most significant issue is whether people want a larger electric sedan, especially when it’ll be sold alongside a new electric SUV with the same underpinnings.

Still, the 6e is the one I’ve had my eye on since it was revealed, and I’m encouraged that Mazda seems to be taking its time with local development. All we can hope for is a comfortable sedan with a plush ride, and one that’s also easy to drive with nice steering, decent handling and sensible power outputs – rear-wheel drive is an excellent start.

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