2026 Geely Riddara RD6 to be PHEV only for Australia

Australians will never see the current Geely Riddara RD6 on local roads.

Instead, it will be a next-generation version of the electrified ute – known as the Radar in China – that will make its way Down Under, possibly as early as 2026.

Plus, the Riddara RD6 will pick up a petrol engine as part of a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system designed to take advantage of booming demand for the tech in the ute space.

Geely gave a hint of what to expect with the Radar PHEV it showcased at the recent Shanghai motor show.

It paired an 82kW/136Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 160kW/262Nm electric motor to not only provide all-wheel drive but also the extended range afforded by a fuel tank.

A battery of up to 19.09kWh in capacity provides up to 120km of range on the optimistic CLTC test cycle.

Speaking in China at a drive day for Geely-owned Zeekr and Lynk & Co was product planner Jackie Lian, who confirmed Australia would not be getting the EV version of the Riddara RD6, at least not initially.

Instead, it’s the plug-in hybrid that has been prioritised to take advantage of growing demand for PHEVs.

“It will be PHEV … just a PHEV,” said Lian, confirming that the 2026 Riddara would be an all-new model.

As with the current car, new underpinnings are expected to also utilise a skateboard-like set-up that houses the battery pack and incorporates independent suspension front and rear.

While the battery-electric version is the main game with the current Radar/Riddara, he said there were currently no plans for a full EV of the new model.

“That one for now is no EV … it depends on if the market needs [an EV].”

Lian also confirmed the current Riddara RD6 that has sparked plenty of interest is not the car Australia will receive.

“It will be a brand new one, it is under development,” said Lian. “We call it the next generation.”

He also confirmed that new-gen car would place a higher priority on safety to ensure it achieves a five-star ANCAP safety rating that is important for many buyers, especially fleets.

“This one will pass ANCAP five star,” he said.

As for carrying capacity, the current EV Radar/Riddara is rated to tow 3000kg and has a payload of 1030kg.

He said the payload may increase slightly and the tow capacity may increase to match the likes of the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger.

“Of course. 3.5 tonnes – the new one will be 3.5 [tonnes],” he said.

In line with other models from Geely – a Chinese auto giant that also owns Volvo, Polestar, Lotus and Zeekr – there’s also expected to be a big tech focus.

Geely Australia said it was “constantly monitoring market trends and consumer behaviours, and recognises there is local appetite for a ute”.

However, a Geely Auto Australia spokesperson said there was nothing to announce yet.

“We currently have no market introduction plans confirmed. However, we are continuously looking at ways to best cater our model range for the Australian market. Any future plans will be announced in due course.”

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