Cars news - NewsLocker

BMW sends off current M3 with ultra-limited CS manual Australia can’t have

24-05-2026 04:47

The sixth-generation BMW M3 will depart international showrooms with a six-speed manual version of the track-focused CS, but it’s sad news for anyone not in the US.
BMW will farewell the current M3 sports sedan with a driver-focused, limited-edition CS Handschalter that pairs the lightweight grade with a six-speed manual for the first time.The manual-only, rear-wheel-drive, specially-tuned version of the M3 is expected to be the last new addition to the line-up before the next-generation m

Hyundai offers drive-away deals on petrol and hybrid models

24-05-2026 01:48

Close to $6000 can be saved from the drive-away price of select Hyundai models until the end of the month, with some of the brand’s most popular models included.
Hyundai is currently offering a number of deals on its petrol and hybrid models, offering drive-away pricing across the Kona, Santa Fe, and Tucson SUVs, as well as the i30 Sedan and i30 hatch.All deals are available until 31 May, unless changed or extended, and while stocks last.Discounts also vary model by model, state by state,

2026 Mercedes-Benz E200 review

24-05-2026 00:00

Full-size dimensions on the outside, but with a pared-back engine under the bonnet. Does the Mercedes-Benz E200 compromise on luxury expectations?
Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps
2026 Mercedes-Benz E200How low can you go within the range of a premium automaker before the product stops feeling premium?The harsh reality is, every car has a base model. In the case o

Japanese car brands are losing ground to the Chinese marques like BYD, MG, and Chery

23-05-2026 22:50

All but one of the Japanese car brands have decreased their sales share so far this year, while Chinese cars continue to rise in popularity.
China has become a dominate force in the new-car market with brands like BYD, Chery, MG, and GWM solidifying their presence in Australia this year.But, with a market cap of around 1.1-1.2 million new vehicles sold per year, the growth of Chinese brands means they are stealing share away from existing players.And it is becoming clear exactly who is losing ou

Ford F-150 Lightning reappears for sale after conversion firm goes under

23-05-2026 07:47

After the local Australian remanufacturer of the Ford F-150 Lightning went under, some of its electric utes are now for sale.The final fate of excess right-hand drive converted F-150 lightnings from AusEV has been revealed, as they appear for sale online from a major car dealer.AusEV, which had been converting the US-built electric F-150 Lightnings to right-hand drive (RHD), went into administration in March, alongside other related businesses under its parent company, BOSSCAP Group Pty Ltd.&nbs

Volkswagen Tiguan and Tayron eHybrids get discounted EOFY launch pricing

23-05-2026 05:10

Volkswagen Tiguan and Tayron mid-size and large SUVs spearhead the German brand’s long-awaited plug-in hybrid push with sharp EOFY pricing.Volkswagen has launched its long-awaited play for the mainstream plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) market in Australia with the local launch of its new Tiguan and Tayron eHybrid SUVs.Spearheading the German brand’s electrified push is a set of End of Financial Year (EOFY) drive-away offers valid until 30 June 2026.The medium Tiguan 150TSI eHy

Audi says performance models are still a priority for Australia

23-05-2026 02:10

Following the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) coming into effect, Audi says it’s still keen to continue supplying performance options to Australia.Despite the implementation of stringent New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) rules, Audi Australia says it’s still committed to supplying performance versions of its popular models.“We’re very much enthusiasts. We have our finger on the pulse in terms of the market. From what we can see and the feedback we’re get

Hyundai tested new, larger i30 N engine at this year’s Nurburgring 24 Hour

22-05-2026 22:52

The next-gen i30 N engine is nearing production, with prototype versions undergoing heavy stress testing at the Nurburgring 24-Hour race.Hyundai Elantra N1 RPHyundai’s next-generation i30 N powertrain, although not yet revealed, has just completed a gruelling endurance test at the Nurburgring 24-Hour race.Speaking to Drive at the finish line, Hyundai N boss Joon Woo Park said the team had pushed hard to get the new engines ready for the world-famous race.“This attempt, right here, we

Can you get fined for blasting music from your car?

22-05-2026 22:00

Many Aussies have no doubt cranked the tunes while driving – but how loud is too loud, and can you get fined for it?
Picture this: it’s a sunny day – not too hot, about 22 degrees – and you’re driving down a tree-lined, picturesque street, when an epic song comes on the radio. You can’t help it, before you know it, the volume is at 11 and you even consider winding the windows down so others can partake in your unbridled joy.RELATED: Are regular drivers al

Best EOFY car sales in 2026

22-05-2026 08:42

With so much market uncertainty this year, major car brands are willing to discount tens of thousands of dollars in 2026 end-of-financial-year sales.The Australian new-car market landscape is shifting quickly thanks to the rise of Chinese brands, fluctuating fuel prices, and rising cost of living pressures.Put another way: car brands are working harder than ever for a sale, but that also means buyers can secure a great deal on a new set of wheels – especially in the lead up to the 2026 end

Charging desert: Why these Aussie cities are failing EV owners

22-05-2026 08:00

As EVs become a permanent fixture in Australia, new data has revealed which cities are falling behind on infrastructure support.It’s safe to say electric cars have become a common fixture on Australian roads in the past few years.Australia’s EV adoption accelerated in 2026, particularly during the Middle Eastern conflict, when petrol prices skyrocketed and highlighted the benefits of owning battery-powered cars.
RELATED: ‘My car will have paid itself off’: How these Aussi

Revealed: The car parts Australian police target roadside

22-05-2026 04:00

As various road authorities crack down on hoons in Australia, state police are targeting these specific car parts during roadside patrols.
When you’re driving on Aussie roads, there are few things more stress-inducing than seeing Highway Patrol creep up in your rear mirror. In 2026, numerous state police have already ramped up their road surveillance duties by enforcing safety blitzes tackling hoon drivers.The NSW Highway Patrol unit conducted a two-day operation between 15 and 16 May 2026

Nismo dealership to open in Australia, offering Skyline GT-R restoration support

22-05-2026 03:20

Nismo has expanded its services outside of Japan to Australia as a means of factory support for restoration of historic Nissan Skyline GT-R models.Victoria will become home to one of the first Nismo Performance Centres outside of Japan with the Nissan-backed plan to open a dealership off the back of Nissan Ferntree Gully.Following in the footsteps and backed by the Omri Factory in Yokohama, Japan, the Ferntree Gully centre will focus solely on the restoration, restomod, and part supply of R32, R

Renault Captur return to Australia ‘doesn’t make sense’

22-05-2026 02:14

There is only space for so many small SUVs in one showroom, according to Renault – and Mitsubishi selling a rebadged version of its Captur is not a reason for its Australian exit.
A facelifted Renault Captur brought to Australia for testing.
The arrival of the budget-focused Renault Duster and hybridised Symbioz has squeezed out a return of the city-sized Captur in Australia, according to the French car brand.Australian stock of the Captur sold out in late 2024, as part of what was intende

Volkswagen Polo GTI hot hatch axed in Australia

22-05-2026 00:57

The smallest Volkswagen GTI hot hatch is being discontinued as the brand moves further into the field of electrification, including with an ID. Polo GTI for Europe.After 21 years, the Volkswagen Polo GTI hot hatch will finish its long and successful run in Australia.The German car maker has confirmed the high-performance petrol hot hatch is being discontinued locally, with the 2026 model year marking the end of its production run.While the standard Polo line-up will survive, the GTI badge will b

Kia GT petrol performance car revival under consideration

21-05-2026 23:52

Kia is considering a return to performance cars that burn petrol – such as a K4 hot hatch or Seltos sports SUV – but a reborn Stinger with V6 power is less likely.A return to petrol-powered performance cars from Kia is under consideration to complement its growing range of sporty electric vehicles with GT badges.Kia has moved away from petrol hero models such as the Stinger GT performance sedan and Cerato GT sports hatch in favour of only fitting its GT badge to electric cars, led by

Zeekr 7X Black Special Edition could return after high demand

21-05-2026 23:18

The most expensive Zeekr 7X sold in Australia could become a permanent member of the line-up, if the brand can secure enough stock.A return of Zeekr’s blacked-out flagship 7X is under consideration after the original batch of 600 cars sold out “near-instantly”.Zeekr Australia head of digital, Andrew Stamatakis, told Drive another run of Black Special Edition variants is under discussion as a permanent addition to the model line-up.“We’re listening to feedback. We&rs

2026 Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid long-term review: Part one

21-05-2026 23:00

In a time when saving on petrol matters more than ever, on paper, Chery’s ‘super hybrid’ medium SUV is a quiet hero, though not without its flaws.2026 Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid UltimateThe Drive garage is now home to the Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid Ultimate. For the next few months, we’ll be living with this top-of-the-range long-termer, which packs a whole lot of value into its $38,990 drive-away price tag (before premium paint and options).On paper, it’s pitched a

Ranger and Everest put Ford in a vulnerable spot as BYD poised to overtake

21-05-2026 22:08

The heavy reliance on the Ranger and Everest has served Ford well to this point, but sliding sales puts it at risk of losing its position.Ford Australia continues to lean heavily into the Ranger ute and Everest SUV to maintain its sales position this year, but with both models in decline it leaves the Blue Oval brand vulnerable.According to the latest VFACTS sales data, Ford has sold 15,841 examples of its Ranger (split 818 4x2s and 15,023 4x4s) and 7081 Everests to the end of April.This means j

Toyota RAV4 engineer on Chinese cars: ‘Very advanced’

21-05-2026 20:50

The engineer in charge of Toyota’s new RAV4 has secretly driven a Chinese car – and there’s plenty he liked.The engineer in charge of the new RAV4 has complimented the technology in Chinese cars after a secret test drive as part of developing the brand’s latest family SUV.While the executive liked what he saw, Toyota is not about to copy the likes of BYD, Geely and more, if it believes it is compromising on its reputation for quality and reliability.Toyota RAV4 chief engi

BYD Atto 5 ‘unlikely’ for Australia due to breadth of existing line-up

21-05-2026 16:01

The latest BYD medium-SUV destined for New Zealand will likely not be offered in Australia due to concerns it would overlap with existing models.A potential successor to the BYD Atto 3, which will be offered in New Zealand as the Atto 5, may be squeezed out of the line-up in Australia due to fears it would cannibalise existing models from the brand.Revealed earlier this year at the 2026 Beijing motor show, the new generation of the electric vehicle (EV) known as the Yuan Plus in China has tradit

BMW Alpina V8 concept revealed to preview brand’s in-house future

21-05-2026 06:59

BMW has revealed a concept vehicle to showcase its plans for the Alpina luxury brand, but the car it will inspire won’t be a coupe.BMW has previewed the future of its newly in-house Alpina division with a new concept that skips electric power for a petrol V8.The Vision BMW Alpina is the first concept to be shown since Alpina, formerly an independent tuning company specialising in high-performance luxury BMWs, was brought entirely in-house by the German car giant at the start of 2026.While

Hyundai ‘very proud’ its pioneering fake EV shifter is being adopted by brands like Porsche, BMW

21-05-2026 06:22

Soon the Honda Super-One, BMW M3 Electric, and Porsche EVs will follow a trend started by Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N.Hyundai’s simulated shifter stirred controversy when it first debuted in 2023 with the Ioniq 5 N, but now the South Korean brand is “proud” to see more brands recognise the potential for fun in the technology.Emulating an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission in the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 N models, the ‘fake’ shift feature comes complete with art

2027 BYD Seal 7 plug-in hybrid sedan approved for Australia

21-05-2026 04:29

BYD is looking to add yet another sedan to its model line-up in Australia, a larger offering with plug-in hybrid power.BYD appears set to launch its third sedan in Australia in three years with the Seal 7, a plug-in hybrid larger than a Toyota Camry, which could be in Australian showrooms by the end of this year.Australian approval documents show BYD has received the green light to sell the Seal 7, a larger and more powerful turbocharged sibling to the mid-size Seal 6 due in Australia in the com

The fine print: Does a missed service automatically void a car’s warranty?

21-05-2026 04:00

A scheduled car service is essential for keeping your car running, so could skipping it lead to a voided warranty? Yes and no.
Photo: Carla Gottgens/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Let’s face it. In 2026, it’s expensive to own a car. Amid the cost-of-living crisis, many Australians are feeling the financial pressure from unavoidable expenses like insurance and petrol costs.New data has revealed that the majority of Australians are looking to save money where they can, and car servicing is

2027 Skoda Epiq electric small SUV revealed, expected in Australia next year

21-05-2026 03:32

The Skoda Epiq has debuted as a cut-price European small electric SUV – but it’s unlikely to be as affordable when it arrives in Australia.Skoda’s smallest electric SUV yet – the Kamiq-sized Epiq – has debuted in Europe ahead of Australian showroom arrivals expected next year.The 2027 Skoda Epiq electric small SUV promises price parity with the current, petrol-engined Kamiq in some European countries, starting from around 25,000 euros (AU$40,800).However, the Epiq i

Denza B5 and B8 add suspension that can drive on three wheels

21-05-2026 02:16

The latest upgrade to Denza’s luxury off-roaders adds updated hydraulic suspension that allows each wheel to be individually raised or lowered, and makes changing a tyre a breeze.2026 Fangchengbao Bao 8BYD’s luxury arm, Denza, has revealed upgraded versions of its B5 and B8 plug-in hybrid four-wheel drives with a much more advanced hydraulic suspension system.The top-spec version of the B5, called the Leopard, and the B8 range are already fitted with a hydraulically-controlled adapti

Bathurst 1000 campsites sell out in unprecedented time

21-05-2026 00:56

Thousands of campsites for the Great Race in October were snapped up in record time – just 90 minutes after being released to the public.
Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images
Campsites at Mount Panorama for this year’s Bathurst 1000 sold out less than 90 minutes after going on sale to the public on Monday.More than 7000 were made available, which will cater for over 25,000 avid racegoers when V8 Supercars return to the Mountain on 8-11 October.A reported 90 per cent of campsites book

Ford teases five all-new vehicles in upcoming European revival

21-05-2026 00:04

Ford has pledged its commitment to the European market and teased five all-new, specially developed vehicles that will spearhead the brand’s revival there.Ford of Europe has issued an official teaser and a statement of intent for its plans to launch five new models in Europe before the end of 2029, with implications that could see changes in other markets around the world.After culling passenger cars like the Fiesta, Focus, and Mondeo in the European market, Ford’s global CEO, Jim Fa

2026 Mazda 3 G25 Astina hatch review

21-05-2026 00:00

After years on sale in Australia, the Mazda 3 hatch is a common sight on Aussie roads. While only little has changed over the years, the sophisticated 3 maintains its appeal against competitors.
Skip ahead:SummaryDesignValueInteriorFuel efficiencyInfotainmentOwnership CostsDrive ComfortSafetyVerdict
2026 Mazda 3 G25 AstinaThe 2026 Mazda 3 hatch is something of an outlier.While the popularity of hybrids and EVs continues to expand, this simple, traditional small hatchback manages to hold its own.

Holden test track at Lang Lang loses $15 million in value in six years

20-05-2026 23:39

The Vietnamese former owner of the iconic ex-Holden proving ground has copped a seven-figure loss in offloading it to a defence contractor after years on the market.The former Holden proving ground south-east of Melbourne has dropped about half of its market value in six years, with its $20.35 million sale to a defence contractor that is set to limit access to car companies.The home of most Holdens ever built was sold by General Motors to Vietnamese car maker VinFast in 2020 for $36.3 million, a

The small SUVs that aren’t blocking cancerous UV rays

20-05-2026 21:00

Drive has looked into how well Australia’s top 10 best-selling light and small SUVs are protecting you from cancer-causing UV rays… and the results aren’t good.Small SUVs are a favourite with first-time buyers, young families and seniors downsizing, looking for style and space on a budget, but are they safe?Most new vehicles entering Australia are crash-tested by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) or its partner, Euro NCAP, and are given a star rating based on

2027 Volvo EX60 price and specs: New electric SUV coming with long range

20-05-2026 09:00

The Volvo EX60 electric medium SUV is due in Australia later this year, with a competitive price to entice buyers away from the new BMW iX3.
2027 Volvo EX60 pricing and specificationsMid-size electric SUV is brand’s longest-range EVTwo model grades at launchPriced from $86,990 plus on-road costs
The 2027 Volvo EX60 mid-size electric SUV has opened for orders in Australia, priced from $86,990 plus on-road costs – with the potential for a more affordable version to arrive later.The EX6

2026 Volvo EX60 review: International first drive

20-05-2026 09:00

The luxury electric medium SUV space will be shaken up this year with key new arrivals, but is the Volvo EX60 EV quietly the one you should be considering?2026 Volvo EX60This is a big year for Volvo. It sits on the precipice of its 100th anniversary in 2027, and its all-electric goal is only three years away.So far, electric sales have been slower than first thought. Just a few years ago, its local arm declared its petrol models would be gone as soon as 2026 – a target that was quickl

2026 Cupra Leon Ve price: Updated PHEV hatch due in Australia next month

20-05-2026 08:39

The second member of the Cupra Leon plug-in hybrid family is due next month, with the new, more-affordable Ve hatch joining the VZe wagon.
2026 Cupra Leon Ve pricing and specificationsLeon Hatch gets a new-generation PHEV system, with less power than beforeWLTP-rated 123km electric-only driving range, nearly double its predecessorPriced from $62,990 before on-road costs
The Cupra Leon plug-in hybrid hatchback is set to return to Australia next month with a new engine, a larger battery and an ele

2027 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe revealed as monster EV super sedan

20-05-2026 05:30

Mercedes-AMG has replaced the petrol GT 4-Door Coupe with a bespoke electric car offering up to 860kW, active aerodynamics, and simulated V8 engine sounds and gear shifts.Mercedes-AMG has taken the wraps off a high-tech, high-power, electric four-door ‘coupe’ that reboots its V8 flagship liftback with “sprint performance over marathon distances”, via F1-derived 800-volt battery technology.The new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe has a near-identical footprint to its six-cylin

BYD eyes taking down Ford, Mazda as 5000 vehicle-capacity ship departs China

20-05-2026 04:04

About one month’s worth of regular shipments on board an Australia-bound vessel owned by the Chinese car giant will help BYD rocket up the sales charts after a surge in orders.BYD is one step closer to overtaking the likes of Mazda and Ford on the sales charts in Australia after a shipping vessel owned by the Chinese car giant – loaded with close to 5000 vehicles – set sail for local ports for the first time this week.It is intended to fill a surge in orders for hybrid and elec

2027 Volkswagen T-Roc confirmed for Australia as mild-hybrid, with R, more hybrids to follow

20-05-2026 02:12

One mild-hybrid engine will lead the Australian rollout of the second-generation T-Roc, with a hotter R model to follow, and full hybrids on the cards.The second-generation 2027 Volkswagen T-Roc is due to be introduced to Australia at the end of this year with mild-hybrid technology, ahead of a high-performance R version to follow, plus additional electrification.As Volkswagen’s second-biggest-selling vehicle locally – even as stock of the outgoing model has begun to dry up – t

BYD sales in China slow as overseas deliveries skyrocket

20-05-2026 01:06

BYD continues to suffer losses in its home market, but has hopes that rising sales in export markets such as Australia could benefit the brand in the long run.Despite selling 314,100 cars worldwide in April, BYD sales dropped 15.7 per cent compared to this time last year, its eighth consecutive month of decline since sales started sliding in September last year.It is a result of a decline in BYD sales in its home market of China, with export regions like Australia continuing to grow at a rapid r

2026 Cadillac Vistiq review: Quick drive

20-05-2026 01:00

The Cadillac Vistiq makes a solid case among luxury three-row electric SUVs. Thinking of a Kia EV9 or a Hyundai Ioniq 9? Add this one to your shortlist. Here’s why.2026 Cadillac VistiqThere are five things the Cadillac Vistiq has that make me extremely happy on my morning freeway commute.It has a high and commanding driving position. You pass the likes of Volkswagen Touaregs and BMW X5s and look down from your lofty vantage point. This is a seriously big seven-seat SUV. It feels strong; un

Lada Niva successor exposed in patent images

19-05-2026 23:51

Once thought to have been cancelled, images of the new Lada Niva have appeared in recent patent filings in Russia.
The original Lada has been in production in Russia since 1977.
The modern successor to the Lada Niva – Russia’s home-grown equivalent of the Suzuki Jimny 4WD, which has been on sale since 1977 – finally looks to be nearing production.A new generation of the small four-wheel-drive was in development until 2022, when parent company Renault sold the Niva’s maker

BMW M cars to gain new ignition tech to keep petrol power alive

19-05-2026 22:37

Technology from motorsport will be used to give BMW performance engines a lifeline, and a path through the next wave of tough European emissions regulations.BMW has revealed clever F1-style engine technology to keep its inline six-cylinder M2, M3, and M4 performance cars alive towards the end of this decade.From the middle of this year, BMW will begin production of a new pre-chamber ignition system, known as BMW M Ignite, which is intended to help its 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six engine meet

Are regular drivers allowed to park in a loading zone?

19-05-2026 21:00

Can you park in a loading zone to collect takeaway food or put furniture in the car? It turns out the answer depends on where you live…Trying to find a parking space in the CBD at peak-hour, or on a busy suburban shopping street on the weekend, can leave you circling the block, frustrated and fed up.That is, until you spy a conveniently located ‘loading zone’ that will allow you to park right out front of your destination for 15 to 30 minutes – just enough time to get yo

Ford Falcon factory site in Broadmeadows set to become a data centre – report

19-05-2026 20:53

The home of the Falcon and Territory, Ford’s Broadmeadows Assembly Plant, has had its future pencilled in as a $1.1 billion data centre.After almost 10 years in limbo, the former Ford Australia factory in Campbellfield, Victoria – which built models such as the Falcon, Fairlane, Capri and Territory – has reportedly had its future set.Around one-third of the 60-hectare site formerly occupied by Ford’s Broadmeadows Assembly Plant is set to be transformed into a data centre

Kia admits Tasman ‘disappointment’, vows to change styling, add engines

19-05-2026 15:00

Changes are coming to the Kia Tasman ute much sooner than you might think – and it is not just the styling that is planned for an update.A top Kia executive has revealed plans for “countermeasures” to address the struggling Tasman ute’s styling and engine line-up, after being outsold 11 to one by the Ford Ranger in Australia last month.And Kia will not wait for the Tasman’s first ‘facelift’ – expected in 2028 – to start making changes, as the

Toyota HiLux adds genuine GVM upgrade to counter Ranger Super Duty

19-05-2026 07:32

The Toyota HiLux will offer an optional GVM upgrade on select model grades, fitted on the production line rather than at the dealer – or through an independent supplier.Toyota is set to add a factory-fitted Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) upgrade option to the HiLux four-wheel-drive ute to help it fend off pressure from the Ford Ranger Super Duty.The optional upgrade will raise the maximum payload on applicable HiLux grades by 372kg to 435kg, depending on the variant, taking the maximum payload a

2026 Toyota GR Yaris update due in Australia next month, no price rise

19-05-2026 06:48

A revised GR Yaris hot hatch with tweaked steering and stickier tyres is coming to local showrooms, without a price increase.
2025 GR Yaris pictured.
Toyota has confirmed an update for the GR Yaris hot hatch is weeks away from Australian showrooms with a series of mechanical changes said to have been developed through motorsport.Prices are unchanged from the current GR Yaris, which is currently listed at $54,990 to $62,990 plus on-road costs.Previewed in Japan earlier this year, all Toyota GR Ya

2026 Toyota GR Yaris update due in Australia next month

19-05-2026 06:48

A revised GR Yaris hot hatch with tweaked steering and stickier tyres is coming to local showrooms, but it’s unclear if there will be a price increase.
2025 GR Yaris pictured.
Toyota has confirmed an update for the GR Yaris hot hatch is weeks away from Australian showrooms with a series of mechanical changes said to have been developed through motorsport.Prices are yet to be announced, but the extent of the upgrades suggests the GR Yaris will remain close to the $54,990 to $62,990 plus on-

Why Baby Boomers are divided over this simple road rule

19-05-2026 06:30

Do you think speed limits need to be raised? You’re not alone. The deeply contested topic continues to divide drivers, particularly those in this generation.In the past couple of years, Australia’s speed limits have been under scrutiny by road safety experts and private drivers alike.And with our country’s road fatality rate currently rising – with the latest data revealing that road deaths have increased 3.5 per cent year on year – dangerous driving habits such as

Toyota small ute one big step closer, with RAV4 DNA

19-05-2026 03:38

Plans for a smaller ute from Toyota appear much more likely for showrooms after comments out of North America.
Illustration by Theottle.
Toyota has admitted “we have demand” for a smaller ute to rival the popular Ford Maverick sold in the US, using the platform of the latest RAV4 family SUV.The Japanese car giant has long been linked to a compact pick-up on a car-derived ‘monocoque’ platform, aimed at the US market, where the Maverick and, to a lesser extent, the Hyundai