Isuzu has revealed facelifted D-Max ute and MU-X SUV models, along with a new twin-turbo diesel engine option for high-specification versions. The updated vehicles debuted in Thailand, where they are built for local and international markets. The new engine produces 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque, compared with 120kW and 400Nm from the current single-turbo version. Visual changes include revised front fascias, grille inserts and, on the MU-X RS, lime green accents. Thai showrooms are expected to receive the updated range from the end of October.
An industry expert has warned that official fuel reserve figures may overstate the fuel immediately available for use in Australia. Argus Media data shows diesel delivered to the east coast rose about 130 per cent between January 2 and October 21. Energy Minister Chris Bowen reported stocks of 28 days of jet fuel, 33 days of diesel and 41 days of petrol as at October 17. Argus Media senior reporter Tom Woodlock said a structural concern exists over reliance on imports, but an immediate jet fuel shortage is unlikely.
Chery's chief product manager, Mark Qi, has said the Stockman ute platform could be used for a three-row SUV rival to the Ford Everest. He stopped short of confirming that an SUV is in development. Mr Qi said the platform can support petrol and diesel plug-in hybrid systems as well as conventional diesel engines. The Stockman ute is still scheduled to reach Australian buyers in February 2027, Mr Qi said.
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Perth motorists are getting some relief at the petrol pump as average unleaded prices trend downwards. Fuelwatch says the average cost of unleaded will fall a further 4c on Thursday to $2.31 a litre. Last Wednesday, unleaded hit a new weekly high of $2.45 a litre. Diesel is steady at about $2.67 a litre. The cheapest unleaded is likely to be found at Vibe service stations, averaging $2.24 a litre.
Chery's incoming iCaur brand has no diesel engine or ute in its current plans, its chief executive has said. Ronna Luo said there was definitely no diesel engine plan and that a pickup or truck was not planned. Chery is preparing the Stockman dual-cab ute for Australia, with deliveries due from February 1, 2027. iCaur's design vice president, Su Jun, said future models did not need to share the boxy styling of its current SUVs. The iCaur V25 is set to launch in Australia in early 2027.
Polestar Australia managing director Scott Maynard says a planned road-user charge should apply to all drivers, not only electric vehicle owners. He says the charge should be fair and even across users. The federal government is designing the charge to offset falling fuel excise as electric car sales rise. Federal Minister Chris Bowen has said the charge should be carefully planned and not rushed. The NSW Government plans its own charge for electric cars and plug-in hybrids from July 2027, after the High Court struck down a Victorian version.
Audi Australia has confirmed the fifth-generation 2027 A6 allroad for the Australian market, with a plug-in hybrid option offered for the first time. Prices start from $127,900 before on-road costs, and the car is due to arrive during the first half of 2027. The base e-hybrid quattro model pairs a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with an electric motor, while the diesel TDI quattro costs $10,000 more. Standard equipment includes adaptive air suspension, all-wheel steering and a 14.5-inch touch infotainment display. Optional packages add $9900 for the Premium pack and $500 for customised contour seats.
Australian biofuel producers say millions of litres of domestic biofuel were shipped overseas during the first half of the year, while the country was short of fuel. The Biofuel Producers Alliance wants the federal government to require fuel importers and refiners to buy Australian biofuels. Its chief executive, Matt Hobbs, said the industry could add about three days of supply and ease petrol prices during shocks. The federal government is consulting on a mandate that would begin in 2029. Fuel company groups say the current supply chains have kept fuel flowing despite the Middle East crisis.
Perth motorists are paying the highest monthly average for unleaded petrol on record, according to Fuel Watch data. The October average reached $2.37 a litre, up from $1.68 in January. Diesel prices dropped to $2.76 a litre in October after peaking at $2.93 in April. WA Transport Industry Association chief executive Cam Dumesny said diesel prices are expected to remain high into next year, adding to supermarket and inflation pressures. He also warned that flooding could cut Western Australia's single rail line and main road link to the east coast, which could raise costs for businesses and consumers.
The cheapest unleaded 91 petrol prices for the week ending 9 October 2026 were recorded at OTR Rouse Hill in Rouse Hill and BP Hornsby in Hornsby, both at 240.9 cents per litre. The lowest premium 95 prices were at OTR Rouse Hill at 256.4 cents per litre, while the cheapest premium 98 was at Ampol Kenthurst in Kenthurst at 267.9 cents per litre. For diesel, the lowest price was at Pearl Energy Annangrove in Annangrove at 278.5 cents per litre.
Regional Queenslanders face widely varying fuel prices, according to RACQ's latest quarterly report. Beaudesert had the cheapest regular unleaded over the September quarter, at 193.5 cents per litre, while Longreach was the most expensive at 229.2 cents. Tully had the lowest diesel prices, and Longreach again the highest. RACQ spokesperson Tristan Vorias said refinery margins for unleaded jumped from 1.2 cents last year to 29 cents in the September quarter, while service station margins on petrol fell.
Brisbane drivers pay the highest petrol prices of the country's five biggest capital cities, according to a RACQ report. The average price for unleaded is 199.2 cents per litre, 10.6 cents more than the previous quarter. Diesel eased slightly to an average of 242 cents per litre, but remains higher than other capitals. RACQ price specialist Ian Jeffreys said Brisbane has fewer independent stations, which reduces competition. He urged state governments to consider reducing reliance on imported fuel, saying electrification and biofuels could improve fuel security.
A man has been sentenced to 12 months' jail for breaking into a broadcast transmitter site in Eden, on the NSW Far South Coast, to siphon diesel from a backup generator. Alec Harvey, 32, pleaded guilty to three charges, including entering land with intent to commit an indictable offence and dealing with property proceeds of crime relating to 500 litres of diesel. Court documents show the offence took place in August, with CCTV recording Harvey and a passenger at the site. Judge Doug Dick described the offence as very concerning.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen has ruled out Australia taking Russian diesel, saying the country does not need or want it. His comments follow reports that US President Donald Trump struck a deal with Moscow to supply diesel, which Mr Trump says will deliver 300,000 tonnes immediately. Mr Bowen said Australia has arrangements with trading partners to stop Russian fuel reaching the country, and that policy will not change. He said Russia should not be rewarded for its invasion of Ukraine. Mr Bowen also said Australia has enough fuel supply for the current period.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen has ruled out buying Russian fuel as the Middle East conflict continues. Asked about a fuel trade deal between Russia and the United States, he said Australia does not need or want Russian fuel. He said Vladimir Putin should not benefit from the war and that Russia should not be rewarded for its invasion of Ukraine. Bowen also said Australia has 43 days of petrol, 31 days of diesel and 30 days of jet fuel, with 51 ships on the way.
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Mahindra has cut prices on its Scorpio seven-seat diesel SUV, which was already one of Australia's most affordable options in its class. The Z8+ is now listed at $43,990 drive-away, a $4000 saving, while the top-spec Z8L+ has dropped by $3000 to $45,990 drive-away. The offer applies only to 2025-built stock and runs until December 31, 2026. Both variants share a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine with four-wheel drive. The model year 2026 update also added active safety features, including adaptive cruise control and autonomous emergency braking.
Toyota Australia says diesel still plays a strong role in the country, even as hybrid and electric vehicle sales grow. Diesel sales have slumped 25.5 per cent year-on-year to the end of September 2026, and diesel's market share has fallen to 24.3 per cent. Toyota Australia sales vice-president John Pappas said many customers in regional and rural areas still need diesel vehicles as a tool of trade or for long distances and towing. Toyota said nearly 54 per cent of its combined HiLux and LandCruiser family is bought and used outside major metropolitan cities.
The cheapest unleaded 91 petrol prices for the week ending 9 October 2026 were recorded at OTR Rouse Hill in Rouse Hill and BP Hornsby in Hornsby, both at 240.9 cents per litre. The lowest premium 95 prices were at OTR Rouse Hill at 256.4 cents per litre, while the cheapest premium 98 was at Ampol Kenthurst in Kenthurst at 267.9 cents per litre. For diesel, the lowest price was at Pearl Energy Annangrove in Annangrove at 278.5 cents per litre.
