All the Chinese car brands sold in Australia

China is now the third biggest exporter of cars to Australia and these are the brands winning over Aussie drivers in rapidly increasing numbers.

It’s taken more than a decade but Chinese brands are now a popular choice for new-car buyers.

Sharply priced and packed with features, they have filled the void left by mainstream makers, who have increased prices and dropped cheaper models from their ranges.

In the first three months of this year, Australians bought more cars from China than South Korea.

Here are the Chinese brands making an impact on the Australian market.

The GWM Cannon ute is popular with tradies on a budget.

GWM

Formerly known as Great Wall Motors, GWM incorporates a number of different brands under the one umbrella, including Haval, which specialises in SUVs. The Tank off-roader and Ora electric vehicle also come under the GWM banner.

Haval’s Jolion compact SUV starts from $28,490 drive-away and comes fully loaded, although some will be put off by the overeager safety tech that tends to intervene and sound warnings when not required.

It’s a similar story with the H6 mid-sized SUV, which has lots of features and classy cabin finishes, spoiled by nannying driver assistance tech.

The auto transmission can also be a bit hit and miss, while navigating the infotainment screen can be an exercise in frustration.

GWM’s SUV brand, Haval, is also proving popular with Aussie car buyers.

Hybrid versions improve driveability but come with an associated premium.

GWM’s Ute undercuts the big brands on price, starting at $42,490 for the 4WD version most will buy. Its diesel lacks the oomph of rivals and the ride can be clumsy but there’s a lot of metal for the money.

The Tank 300 Hybrid, which costs $55,990, is aimed at those looking for butch off-road looks and capability without the price tag.

GWM recently branched out into electric vehicles with the Ora hatchback, which is among the cheapest EVs on the market at about $47,000. It’s zippy to drive, too, with a deceptively spacious cabin.

Coming soon: The EV family grows soon with the arrival of the Ora Sport. Available as a dual-motor all-wheel drive, it should become the fastest accelerating vehicle sold here by a Chinese brand.

A more affordable non-hybrid version of the Tank 300 will arrive soon, while the Toyota Prado-sized Tank 500 is expected late in the year.

The MG ZS has been the best selling small SUV for some time.

MG

Once a quaint British brand known for two-seat sports cars, MG is now part of the SAIC Motor group that includes Roewe, Wuling and LDV.

The modern MG plays at the budget end of the market, with the MG 3 hatch leading the charge. The ageing five-door hatchback has a less-than-enthusiastic 1.5-litre four-cylinder, but at $19,490 drive-away it appeals to those on a budget who are willing to forgo the active safety features now common on most new cars.

It’s a similar story for the budget-priced ZS compact SUV. The ZST SUV is more expensive but has a more modern look, a perkier 1.3-litre three-cylinder turbo and safety tech including auto emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot warning. The ZS EV also picks up that safety tech and swifter acceleration.

MG’s biggest vehicle is the HS mid-sized SUV. The five-seater, which has the same safety tech as the ZST, is priced from $32,990.

Coming soon: The MG 4 electric hatchback is available to order now and should arrive within months. The long-range version is $47,990 plus on-roads but a cheaper, shorter range option should arrive later. There will also be an MG 5 hatchback later, along with a plug-in hybrid.

LDV

Known as Maxus overseas, LDV is part of SAIC and has a stable of larger vehicles, including SUVs and vans.

LDV is the only car maker to sell an electric ute in Australia.

Despite its age and lack of active safety kit the T60 ute tempts buyers with its circa-$40,000 starting price and hearty four-cylinder diesel engine.

It’s let down by less than ideal vehicle dynamics, though.

There’s also the eT60 EV version, which is a basic two-wheel drive ute for an eye-watering $93,000. Those wanting a large SUV may be tempted by the $38,990 drive-away price tag on the D90. It rides on a basic ladder frame typically chosen for towing or off-roading. By the time you get four-wheel drive and diesel, the D90 is $51,990.

The newest in the LDV range is the Mifa, a Kia Carnival-rivalling people mover with a tech-laden cabin and plush finishes. With prices from $53,990 it sits above the budgets of many families.

There’s also an EV version known as Mifa 9, although pricing is well into six figures.

Coming soon: The D90 SUV is due for an update within months, bringing a much bolder nose and tweaks elsewhere.

The ageing G10 delivery van will also be replaced by a more modern-looking vehicle that may be called V70.

Chery

Chery has relaunched in Australia with the Omoda 5 small SUV.

Chery only relaunched in Australia last month and plans to be a major player within years.

Those plans start with the Omoda 5 compact SUV, currently the only model in dealerships. It’s a classy-looking five-seater that comes with a tempting circa-$32,500 drive-away price.

There’s no shortage of standard gear, either, including dual digital displays inside and wireless phone charging.

It’s another few grand for the EX with a sunroof, powered tailgate and 360-degree parking camera.

As with other Chinese cars, the hyperactive driver assistance systems can make it painful to live with.

Coming soon: Chery plans to import larger SUVs including the Tiggo 7 Pro and Tiggo 8 Pro.

The BYD Atto 3 electric hatchback has been a hit with local car buyers. Picture: Thomas Wielecki

BYD

Despite arriving here only late last year, BYD has established itself as the third best-selling electric car brand here – emulating its EV success in its homeland.

There’s only one BYD model for now, the Atto 3 compact electric SUV, which is priced from about $50,000 drive-away.

It set a new benchmark at the entry point of the EV market for being fun to drive, although it occasionally struggles to get its power to the road.

Coming soon: The small hatchback Dolphin EV is earmarked for the local market, as is the Seal, a larger and more expensive Tesla Model 3 rival.

Originally published as All the Chinese car brands sold in Australia