<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"><channel><title><![CDATA[Cars - Newslocker]]></title><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/</link><atom:link rel="self" href="https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/rss/1000/" /><atom:link rel="hub" href="http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com" /><description><![CDATA[Find your latest Cars news with just one click. Don't miss out on anything happening!]]></description><language>en-au</language><copyright>Copyright (C) 2026 newslocker.com</copyright><lastBuildDate>Sun, 24 May 2026 04:47:00 +0200</lastBuildDate><item><title><![CDATA[BMW sends off current M3 with ultra-limited CS manual Australia can’t have]]></title><description><![CDATA[The sixth-generation BMW M3 will depart international showrooms with a six-speed manual version of the track-focused CS, but it&rsquo;s sad news for anyone not in the US.<br />
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]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bmw-sends-off-current-m3-with-ultra-limited-cs-manual-australia-cant-have/</link><pubDate>Sun, 24 May 2026 04:47:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bmw-sends-off-current-m3-with-ultra-limited-cs-manual-australia-cant-have/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyundai offers drive-away deals on petrol and hybrid models]]></title><description><![CDATA[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&rsquo;s most popular models included.<br />
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,]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-offers-drive-away-deals-on-petrol-and-hybrid-models/</link><pubDate>Sun, 24 May 2026 01:48:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-offers-drive-away-deals-on-petrol-and-hybrid-models/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Mercedes-Benz E200 review]]></title><description><![CDATA[Full-size dimensions on the outside, but with a pared-back engine under the bonnet. Does the Mercedes-Benz E200 compromise on luxury expectations?<br />
Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps<br />
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]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mercedes-benz-e200-review/</link><pubDate>Sun, 24 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mercedes-benz-e200-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Japanese car brands are losing ground to the Chinese marques like BYD, MG, and Chery]]></title><description><![CDATA[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.<br />
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]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/japanese-car-brands-are-losing-ground-to-the-chinese-marques-like-byd-mg-and-chery/</link><pubDate>Sat, 23 May 2026 22:50:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/japanese-car-brands-are-losing-ground-to-the-chinese-marques-like-byd-mg-and-chery/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ford F-150 Lightning reappears for sale after conversion firm goes under]]></title><description><![CDATA[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]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-f-150-lightning-reappears-for-sale-after-conversion-firm-goes-under/</link><pubDate>Sat, 23 May 2026 07:47:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-f-150-lightning-reappears-for-sale-after-conversion-firm-goes-under/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Volkswagen Tiguan and Tayron eHybrids get discounted EOFY launch pricing]]></title><description><![CDATA[Volkswagen Tiguan and Tayron mid-size and large SUVs spearhead the German brand&rsquo;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&rsquo;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]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/volkswagen-tiguan-and-tayron-ehybrids-get-discounted-eofy-launch-pricing/</link><pubDate>Sat, 23 May 2026 05:10:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/volkswagen-tiguan-and-tayron-ehybrids-get-discounted-eofy-launch-pricing/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Audi says performance models are still a priority for Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[Following the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) coming into effect, Audi says it&rsquo;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&rsquo;s still committed to supplying performance versions of its popular models.&ldquo;We&rsquo;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&rsquo;re get]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/audi-says-performance-models-are-still-a-priority-for-australia/</link><pubDate>Sat, 23 May 2026 02:10:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/audi-says-performance-models-are-still-a-priority-for-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyundai tested new, larger i30 N engine at this year’s Nurburgring 24 Hour]]></title><description><![CDATA[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&rsquo;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.&ldquo;This attempt, right here, we]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-tested-new-larger-i30-n-engine-at-this-years-nurburgring-24-hour/</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2026 22:52:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-tested-new-larger-i30-n-engine-at-this-years-nurburgring-24-hour/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Can you get fined for blasting music from your car?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Many Aussies have no doubt cranked the tunes while driving &ndash; but how loud is too loud, and can you get fined for it?<br />
Picture this: it&rsquo;s a sunny day &ndash; not too hot, about 22 degrees &ndash; and you&rsquo;re driving down a tree-lined, picturesque street, when an epic song comes on the radio.&nbsp;You can&rsquo;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]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/can-you-get-fined-for-blasting-music-from-your-car/</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2026 22:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/can-you-get-fined-for-blasting-music-from-your-car/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Best EOFY car sales in 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[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 &ndash; especially in the lead up to the 2026 end]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/best-eofy-car-sales-in-2026/</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2026 08:42:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/best-eofy-car-sales-in-2026/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Charging desert: Why these Aussie cities are failing EV owners]]></title><description><![CDATA[As EVs become a permanent fixture in Australia, new data has revealed which cities are falling behind on infrastructure support.It&rsquo;s safe to say electric cars have become a common fixture on Australian roads in the past few years.Australia&rsquo;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.<br />
RELATED: &lsquo;My car will have paid itself off&rsquo;: How these Aussi]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/charging-desert-why-these-aussie-cities-are-failing-ev-owners/</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2026 08:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/charging-desert-why-these-aussie-cities-are-failing-ev-owners/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Revealed: The car parts Australian police target roadside]]></title><description><![CDATA[As various road authorities crack down on hoons in Australia, state police are targeting these specific car parts during roadside patrols.<br />
When you&rsquo;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]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/revealed-the-car-parts-australian-police-target-roadside/</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2026 04:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/revealed-the-car-parts-australian-police-target-roadside/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Nismo dealership to open in Australia, offering Skyline GT-R restoration support]]></title><description><![CDATA[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]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/nismo-dealership-to-open-in-australia-offering-skyline-gt-r-restoration-support/</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2026 03:20:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/nismo-dealership-to-open-in-australia-offering-skyline-gt-r-restoration-support/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Renault Captur return to Australia ‘doesn’t make sense’]]></title><description><![CDATA[There is only space for so many small SUVs in one showroom, according to Renault &ndash; and Mitsubishi selling a rebadged version of its Captur is not a reason for its Australian exit.<br />
A facelifted Renault Captur brought to Australia for testing.<br />
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]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/renault-captur-return-to-australia-doesnt-make-sense/</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2026 02:14:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/renault-captur-return-to-australia-doesnt-make-sense/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Volkswagen Polo GTI hot hatch axed in Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[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]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/volkswagen-polo-gti-hot-hatch-axed-in-australia/</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2026 00:57:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/volkswagen-polo-gti-hot-hatch-axed-in-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Kia GT petrol performance car revival under consideration]]></title><description><![CDATA[Kia is considering a return to performance cars that burn petrol &ndash; such as a K4 hot hatch or Seltos sports SUV &ndash; 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]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/kia-gt-petrol-performance-car-revival-under-consideration/</link><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 23:52:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/kia-gt-petrol-performance-car-revival-under-consideration/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Zeekr 7X Black Special Edition could return after high demand]]></title><description><![CDATA[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&rsquo;s blacked-out flagship 7X is under consideration after the original batch of 600 cars sold out &ldquo;near-instantly&rdquo;.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.&ldquo;We&rsquo;re listening to feedback. We&rs]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/zeekr-7x-black-special-edition-could-return-after-high-demand/</link><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 23:18:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/zeekr-7x-black-special-edition-could-return-after-high-demand/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid long-term review: Part one]]></title><description><![CDATA[In a time when saving on petrol matters more than ever, on paper, Chery&rsquo;s &lsquo;super hybrid&rsquo; 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&rsquo;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&rsquo;s pitched a]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-chery-tiggo-7-super-hybrid-long-term-review-part-one/</link><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 23:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-chery-tiggo-7-super-hybrid-long-term-review-part-one/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ranger and Everest put Ford in a vulnerable spot as BYD poised to overtake]]></title><description><![CDATA[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]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ranger-and-everest-put-ford-in-a-vulnerable-spot-as-byd-poised-to-overtake/</link><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 22:08:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ranger-and-everest-put-ford-in-a-vulnerable-spot-as-byd-poised-to-overtake/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Toyota RAV4 engineer on Chinese cars: ‘Very advanced’]]></title><description><![CDATA[The engineer in charge of Toyota&rsquo;s new RAV4 has secretly driven a Chinese car &ndash; and there&rsquo;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&rsquo;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]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-rav4-engineer-on-chinese-cars-very-advanced/</link><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 20:50:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-rav4-engineer-on-chinese-cars-very-advanced/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BYD Atto 5 ‘unlikely’ for Australia due to breadth of existing line-up]]></title><description><![CDATA[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]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-atto-5-unlikely-for-australia-due-to-breadth-of-existing-line-up/</link><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 16:01:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-atto-5-unlikely-for-australia-due-to-breadth-of-existing-line-up/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BMW Alpina V8 concept revealed to preview brand’s in-house future]]></title><description><![CDATA[BMW has revealed a concept vehicle to showcase its plans for the Alpina luxury brand, but the car it will inspire won&rsquo;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]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bmw-alpina-v8-concept-revealed-to-preview-brands-in-house-future/</link><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 06:59:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bmw-alpina-v8-concept-revealed-to-preview-brands-in-house-future/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyundai ‘very proud’ its pioneering fake EV shifter is being adopted by brands like Porsche, BMW]]></title><description><![CDATA[Soon the Honda Super-One, BMW M3 Electric, and Porsche EVs will follow a trend started by Hyundai&rsquo;s Ioniq 5 N.Hyundai&rsquo;s simulated shifter stirred controversy when it first debuted in 2023 with the Ioniq 5 N, but now the South Korean brand is &ldquo;proud&rdquo; 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 &lsquo;fake&rsquo; shift feature comes complete with art]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-very-proud-its-pioneering-fake-ev-shifter-is-being-adopted-by-brands-like-porsche-bmw/</link><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 06:22:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-very-proud-its-pioneering-fake-ev-shifter-is-being-adopted-by-brands-like-porsche-bmw/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 BYD Seal 7 plug-in hybrid sedan approved for Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[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]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-byd-seal-7-plug-in-hybrid-sedan-approved-for-australia/</link><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 04:29:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-byd-seal-7-plug-in-hybrid-sedan-approved-for-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[The fine print: Does a missed service automatically void a car’s warranty?]]></title><description><![CDATA[A scheduled car service is essential for keeping your car running, so could skipping it lead to a voided warranty? Yes and no.<br />
Photo: Carla Gottgens/Bloomberg via Getty Images<br />
Let&rsquo;s face it. In 2026, it&rsquo;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]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-fine-print-does-a-missed-service-automatically-void-a-cars-warranty/</link><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 04:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-fine-print-does-a-missed-service-automatically-void-a-cars-warranty/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 Skoda Epiq electric small SUV revealed, expected in Australia next year]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Skoda Epiq has debuted as a cut-price European small electric SUV &ndash; but it&rsquo;s unlikely to be as affordable when it arrives in Australia.Skoda&rsquo;s smallest electric SUV yet &ndash; the Kamiq-sized Epiq &ndash; 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]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-skoda-epiq-electric-small-suv-revealed-expected-in-australia-next-year/</link><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 03:32:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-skoda-epiq-electric-small-suv-revealed-expected-in-australia-next-year/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Denza B5 and B8 add suspension that can drive on three wheels]]></title><description><![CDATA[The latest upgrade to Denza&rsquo;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&rsquo;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]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/denza-b5-and-b8-add-suspension-that-can-drive-on-three-wheels/</link><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 02:16:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/denza-b5-and-b8-add-suspension-that-can-drive-on-three-wheels/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Bathurst 1000 campsites sell out in unprecedented time]]></title><description><![CDATA[Thousands of campsites for the Great Race in October were snapped up in record time &ndash; just 90 minutes after being released to the public.<br />
Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images<br />
Campsites at Mount Panorama for this year&rsquo;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]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bathurst-1000-campsites-sell-out-in-unprecedented-time/</link><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 00:56:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bathurst-1000-campsites-sell-out-in-unprecedented-time/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ford teases five all-new vehicles in upcoming European revival]]></title><description><![CDATA[Ford has pledged its commitment to the European market and teased five all-new, specially developed vehicles that will spearhead the brand&rsquo;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&rsquo;s global CEO, Jim Fa]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-teases-five-all-new-vehicles-in-upcoming-european-revival/</link><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 00:04:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-teases-five-all-new-vehicles-in-upcoming-european-revival/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Mazda 3 G25 Astina hatch review]]></title><description><![CDATA[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.<br />
Skip ahead:SummaryDesignValueInteriorFuel efficiencyInfotainmentOwnership CostsDrive ComfortSafetyVerdict<br />
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.]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mazda-3-g25-astina-hatch-review/</link><pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mazda-3-g25-astina-hatch-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Holden test track at Lang Lang loses $15 million in value in six years]]></title><description><![CDATA[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]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/holden-test-track-at-lang-lang-loses-15-million-in-value-in-six-years/</link><pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2026 23:39:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/holden-test-track-at-lang-lang-loses-15-million-in-value-in-six-years/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[The small SUVs that aren’t blocking cancerous UV rays]]></title><description><![CDATA[Drive has looked into how well Australia&rsquo;s top 10 best-selling light and small SUVs are protecting you from cancer-causing UV rays&hellip; and the results aren&rsquo;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]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-small-suvs-that-arent-blocking-cancerous-uv-rays/</link><pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2026 21:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-small-suvs-that-arent-blocking-cancerous-uv-rays/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 Volvo EX60 price and specs: New electric SUV coming with long range]]></title><description><![CDATA[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.<br />
2027 Volvo EX60 pricing and specificationsMid-size electric SUV is brand&rsquo;s longest-range EVTwo model grades at launchPriced from $86,990 plus on-road costs<br />
The 2027 Volvo EX60 mid-size electric SUV has opened for orders in Australia, priced from $86,990 plus on-road costs &ndash; with the potential for a more affordable version to arrive later.The EX6]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-volvo-ex60-price-and-specs-new-electric-suv-coming-with-long-range/</link><pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2026 09:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-volvo-ex60-price-and-specs-new-electric-suv-coming-with-long-range/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Volvo EX60 review: International first drive]]></title><description><![CDATA[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.&nbsp;Just a few years ago, its local arm declared its petrol models would be gone as soon as 2026 &ndash; a target that was quickl]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-volvo-ex60-review-international-first-drive/</link><pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2026 09:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-volvo-ex60-review-international-first-drive/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Cupra Leon Ve price: Updated PHEV hatch due in Australia next month]]></title><description><![CDATA[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.<br />
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<br />
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]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-cupra-leon-ve-price-updated-phev-hatch-due-in-australia-next-month/</link><pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2026 08:39:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-cupra-leon-ve-price-updated-phev-hatch-due-in-australia-next-month/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe revealed as monster EV super sedan]]></title><description><![CDATA[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 &lsquo;coupe&rsquo; that reboots its V8 flagship liftback with &ldquo;sprint performance over marathon distances&rdquo;, via F1-derived 800-volt battery technology.The new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe has a near-identical footprint to its six-cylin]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-mercedes-amg-gt-4-door-coupe-revealed-as-monster-ev-super-sedan/</link><pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2026 05:30:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-mercedes-amg-gt-4-door-coupe-revealed-as-monster-ev-super-sedan/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BYD eyes taking down Ford, Mazda as 5000 vehicle-capacity ship departs China]]></title><description><![CDATA[About one month&rsquo;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 &ndash; loaded with close to 5000 vehicles &ndash; set sail for local ports for the first time this week.It is intended to fill a surge in orders for hybrid and elec]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-eyes-taking-down-ford-mazda-as-5000-vehicle-capacity-ship-departs-china/</link><pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2026 04:04:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-eyes-taking-down-ford-mazda-as-5000-vehicle-capacity-ship-departs-china/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 Volkswagen T-Roc confirmed for Australia as mild-hybrid, with R, more hybrids to follow]]></title><description><![CDATA[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&rsquo;s second-biggest-selling vehicle locally &ndash; even as stock of the outgoing model has begun to dry up &ndash; t]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-volkswagen-t-roc-confirmed-for-australia-as-mild-hybrid-with-r-more-hybrids-to-follow/</link><pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2026 02:12:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-volkswagen-t-roc-confirmed-for-australia-as-mild-hybrid-with-r-more-hybrids-to-follow/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BYD sales in China slow as overseas deliveries skyrocket]]></title><description><![CDATA[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]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-sales-in-china-slow-as-overseas-deliveries-skyrocket/</link><pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2026 01:06:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-sales-in-china-slow-as-overseas-deliveries-skyrocket/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Cadillac Vistiq review: Quick drive]]></title><description><![CDATA[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&rsquo;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]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-cadillac-vistiq-review-quick-drive/</link><pubDate>Wed, 20 May 2026 01:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-cadillac-vistiq-review-quick-drive/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Lada Niva successor exposed in patent images]]></title><description><![CDATA[Once thought to have been cancelled, images of the new Lada Niva have appeared in recent patent filings in Russia.<br />
The original Lada has been in production in Russia since 1977.<br />
The modern successor to the Lada Niva &ndash; Russia&rsquo;s home-grown equivalent of the Suzuki Jimny 4WD, which has been on sale since 1977 &ndash; 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&rsquo;s maker]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/lada-niva-successor-exposed-in-patent-images/</link><pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2026 23:51:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/lada-niva-successor-exposed-in-patent-images/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BMW M cars to gain new ignition tech to keep petrol power alive]]></title><description><![CDATA[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]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bmw-m-cars-to-gain-new-ignition-tech-to-keep-petrol-power-alive/</link><pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2026 22:37:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bmw-m-cars-to-gain-new-ignition-tech-to-keep-petrol-power-alive/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Are regular drivers allowed to park in a loading zone?]]></title><description><![CDATA[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&hellip;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 &lsquo;loading zone&rsquo; that will allow you to park right out front of your destination for 15 to 30 minutes &ndash; just enough time to get yo]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/are-regular-drivers-allowed-to-park-in-a-loading-zone/</link><pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2026 21:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/are-regular-drivers-allowed-to-park-in-a-loading-zone/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ford Falcon factory site in Broadmeadows set to become a data centre – report]]></title><description><![CDATA[The home of the Falcon and Territory, Ford&rsquo;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 &ndash; which built models such as the Falcon, Fairlane, Capri and Territory &ndash; has reportedly had its future set.Around one-third of the 60-hectare site formerly occupied by Ford&rsquo;s Broadmeadows Assembly Plant is set to be transformed into a data centre]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-falcon-factory-site-in-broadmeadows-set-to-become-a-data-centre-report/</link><pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2026 20:53:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-falcon-factory-site-in-broadmeadows-set-to-become-a-data-centre-report/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Kia admits Tasman ‘disappointment’, vows to change styling, add engines]]></title><description><![CDATA[Changes are coming to the Kia Tasman ute much sooner than you might think &ndash; and it is not just the styling that is planned for an update.A top Kia executive has revealed plans for &ldquo;countermeasures&rdquo; to address the struggling Tasman ute&rsquo;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&rsquo;s first &lsquo;facelift&rsquo; &ndash; expected in 2028 &ndash; to start making changes, as the]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/kia-admits-tasman-disappointment-vows-to-change-styling-add-engines/</link><pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2026 15:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/kia-admits-tasman-disappointment-vows-to-change-styling-add-engines/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Toyota HiLux adds genuine GVM upgrade to counter Ranger Super Duty]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Toyota HiLux will offer an optional GVM upgrade on select model grades, fitted on the production line rather than at the dealer &ndash; 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]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-hilux-adds-genuine-gvm-upgrade-to-counter-ranger-super-duty/</link><pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2026 07:32:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-hilux-adds-genuine-gvm-upgrade-to-counter-ranger-super-duty/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Toyota GR Yaris update due in Australia next month, no price rise]]></title><description><![CDATA[A revised GR Yaris hot hatch with tweaked steering and stickier tyres is coming to local showrooms, without a price increase.<br />
2025 GR Yaris pictured.<br />
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]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-gr-yaris-update-due-in-australia-next-month-no-price-rise/</link><pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2026 06:48:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-gr-yaris-update-due-in-australia-next-month-no-price-rise/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Toyota GR Yaris update due in Australia next month]]></title><description><![CDATA[A revised GR Yaris hot hatch with tweaked steering and stickier tyres is coming to local showrooms, but it&rsquo;s unclear if there will be a price increase.<br />
2025 GR Yaris pictured.<br />
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-]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-gr-yaris-update-due-in-australia-next-month/</link><pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2026 06:48:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-gr-yaris-update-due-in-australia-next-month/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Baby Boomers are divided over this simple road rule]]></title><description><![CDATA[Do you think speed limits need to be raised? You&rsquo;re not alone. The deeply contested topic continues to divide drivers, particularly those in this generation.In the past couple of years, Australia&rsquo;s speed limits have been under scrutiny by road safety experts and private drivers alike.And with our country&rsquo;s road fatality rate currently rising &ndash; with the latest data revealing that road deaths have increased 3.5 per cent year on year &ndash; dangerous driving habits such as]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/why-baby-boomers-are-divided-over-this-simple-road-rule/</link><pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2026 06:30:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/why-baby-boomers-are-divided-over-this-simple-road-rule/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Toyota small ute one big step closer, with RAV4 DNA]]></title><description><![CDATA[Plans for a smaller ute from Toyota appear much more likely for showrooms after comments out of North America.<br />
Illustration by Theottle.<br />
Toyota has admitted &ldquo;we have demand&rdquo; 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 &lsquo;monocoque&rsquo; platform, aimed at the US market, where the Maverick and, to a lesser extent, the Hyundai]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-small-ute-one-big-step-closer-with-rav4-dna/</link><pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2026 03:38:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-small-ute-one-big-step-closer-with-rav4-dna/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 Geely Starray EM-i price and specs: Extended Range battery coming]]></title><description><![CDATA[A larger battery with faster charging and a longer EV range, plus additional features, are new for the Geely Starray EM-i after less than a year on Australian roads.<br />
2027 Geely Starray EM-i pricing and specifications29.8kWh Extended Range battery addedLonger 136km EV range for Inspire gradePriced from $37,490 plus on-road costs<br />
Geely has announced an Extended Range version of the Starray EM-i plug-in hybrid SUV with a longer electric driving range, faster charging and lower claimed fuel consumpt]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-geely-starray-em-i-price-and-specs-extended-range-battery-coming/</link><pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2026 02:13:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-geely-starray-em-i-price-and-specs-extended-range-battery-coming/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Victorian Government announces $28.3 million spend on new speed camera technology]]></title><description><![CDATA[A $28.3 million dollar spend will bring a new &ldquo;all-in-one&rdquo; speed and distracted-driver detecting camera, and more, to Victoria.<br />
Acusensus camera operating in New South Wales last year.<br />
A swathe of new speed camera technologies are coming to Victoria as part of a new $28.3 million dollar announcement from the Government, including a new all-in-one camera.The new &ldquo;all-in-one&rdquo; road safety camera coming to Victoria can detect speeding, mobile phone use and seatbelt offenses.&]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/victorian-government-announces-283-million-spend-on-new-speed-camera-technology/</link><pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2026 01:09:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/victorian-government-announces-283-million-spend-on-new-speed-camera-technology/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed AWD review]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Mitsubishi Outlander nameplate is one of the oldest in the segment, but can a non-hybrid medium SUV still survive in a stacked field of new and distinguished models?Skip ahead:SummaryDesignValueInteriorFuel EfficiencyInfotainmentOwnership CostsDrive ComfortSafetyVerdict<br />
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed AWDThere are very few family SUVs that have the acclaim of the Mitsubishi Outlander, as is evident from its 23 years of being sold as an affordable family option Down Under.The current generat]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mitsubishi-outlander-exceed-awd-review/</link><pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mitsubishi-outlander-exceed-awd-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Volvo pledges EX60 won’t have software flaws that hurt EX30 and EX90]]></title><description><![CDATA[Volvo admits the EX30 and EX90, the first in its new range of electric cars, were not up to scratch on technology when they reached showrooms &ndash; but it promises the new EX60 won&rsquo;t be the same.Volvo has vowed to bounce back from the software glitches that plagued the rollout of its recent range of EX30 and EX90 electric cars, and has its sights set on rebuilding trust with customers.The Chinese-owned Swedish car maker claims the new, mid-size EX60 electric SUV, due in Australia later t]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/volvo-pledges-ex60-wont-have-software-flaws-that-hurt-ex30-and-ex90/</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2026 23:21:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/volvo-pledges-ex60-wont-have-software-flaws-that-hurt-ex30-and-ex90/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Prime Minister Albanese calls for Australian car manufacturing revival]]></title><description><![CDATA[There is &ldquo;no reason&rdquo; why Australia can&rsquo;t build electric cars, or else leave a &ldquo;vulnerability&rdquo; open to China and the rest of Asia, the Prime Minister has reportedly said.Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed a desire for car manufacturing to return to Australia &ndash; with an electric twist &ndash; lamenting the end of locally-made Holdens as &ldquo;a pity&rdquo;.It follows a call from Chinese car maker Chery for the Federal Government &ldquo;modify &hellip;]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/prime-minister-albanese-calls-for-australian-car-manufacturing-revival/</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2026 22:28:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/prime-minister-albanese-calls-for-australian-car-manufacturing-revival/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[The 12 secret things smart people do when test-driving a new car]]></title><description><![CDATA[Emerging tech and innovative design have made the difference between car brands, makes and models arguably as diverse as it&rsquo;s ever been &ndash; so how do you test-drive to make sure you&rsquo;ve found the right one? Read on to find out.<br />
Infotainment, advanced driver assistance systems, cameras all around, self-starting, self-parking &ndash; heck &ndash; self-driving. The list of possible car features in new models these days is truly impressive. But I don&rsquo;t blame you if you also find]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-12-secret-things-smart-people-do-when-test-driving-a-new-car/</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2026 21:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-12-secret-things-smart-people-do-when-test-driving-a-new-car/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Australia’s Carbon Revolution collapsed owing nearly $300 million]]></title><description><![CDATA[This cutting-edge wheel maker supplied the biggest brands, but new documents show how this Aussie manufacturing dream came crashing down.A new document has revealed how Australian firm Carbon Revolution has gone from building lightweight carbon-fibre wheels for major car brands such as Ferrari, Ford, and Chevrolet, to entering administration with hundreds of millions of dollars in debt.The Geelong-based manufacturer, founded in 2007 and employing over 300 people, has become the leading supplier]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/how-australias-carbon-revolution-collapsed-owing-nearly-300-million/</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2026 20:58:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/how-australias-carbon-revolution-collapsed-owing-nearly-300-million/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyundai EV drive-away deals slash up to $14,500]]></title><description><![CDATA[Up to $14,500 can be saved on a range of electric Hyundai models, from the small Inster to the mid-size Elexio, as the brand offers limited-time drive-away pricing.Hyundai has introduced drive-away prices across four of its electric-car models &ndash; the Elexio, Inster, Kona Electric, and Ioniq 5 &ndash; purchased and delivered by the end of May.The entry-level Kona Electric Standard Range has received the most significant savings, now between $10,792 and $14,567 cheaper at an indicated $45,990]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-ev-drive-away-deals-slash-up-to-14500/</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2026 08:45:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-ev-drive-away-deals-slash-up-to-14500/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[The coolest new wagons in Australia (and they’re affordable!)]]></title><description><![CDATA[The humble wagon is back (did it ever leave?), and for the first time in a while, there are cheap and even electric options coming to Australia.<br />
The Subaru Trailseeker (left) and BYD Seal 6 Touring.After decades of SUV dominance, is the renaissance of the wagon finally upon us?The nostalgic body style has fallen out of favour in recent years, with Australia experiencing a mass exodus of wagons as buyer tastes favoured taller, boxier models with more ground clearance, but (in this writer&rsquo;s]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-coolest-new-wagons-in-australia-and-theyre-affordable/</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2026 08:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-coolest-new-wagons-in-australia-and-theyre-affordable/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 MG 07 revealed as sleek electric and hybrid sedan]]></title><description><![CDATA[A new flagship sedan from MG in China offers Porsche styling and a choice of electric and plug-in hybrid power, but it is yet to be confirmed for Australia.MG has revealed a new flagship electric and hybrid sedan with Porsche Taycan look-alike styling, the 07, expected in Chinese showrooms by the end of this year.Plans for Australia are yet to be confirmed, though if other MG electric cars are a guide, it may be at least 12 to 18 months from local showrooms.Overseas reports speculate the MG 07 w]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mg-07-revealed-as-sleek-electric-and-hybrid-sedan/</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2026 07:20:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mg-07-revealed-as-sleek-electric-and-hybrid-sedan/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 Volkswagen ID. Polo GTI revealed as electric hot hatch]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Volkswagen GTI hot hatch has gone electric with a high-performance version of the pint-sized ID. Polo city car.Volkswagen has revealed its first GTI hot hatch with electric power, the ID. Polo GTI, ahead of its European launch from the second half of this year.The German car giant has previously sold high-performance versions of its electric cars &ndash; including a &lsquo;GTX&rsquo; version of the rear-wheel-drive ID.3 hatch &ndash; but it has never before combined battery power with the ha]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-volkswagen-id-polo-gti-revealed-as-electric-hot-hatch/</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2026 05:23:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-volkswagen-id-polo-gti-revealed-as-electric-hot-hatch/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Renault Koleos soldiers on in Australia with no confirmed replacement]]></title><description><![CDATA[There are no plans for the oldest model in the Toyota RAV4&rsquo;s SUV size category to leave Australian showrooms anytime soon.The Renault Koleos family SUV will remain in Australian showrooms for the &ldquo;foreseeable future&rdquo;, with no news on a successor to what remains the brand&rsquo;s second-best seller.Australia is one of the last places where Renault sells the current-generation Koleos, soon set to celebrate its 10th birthday globally &ndash; and nine in local showrooms.It is soon]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/renault-koleos-soldiers-on-in-australia-with-no-confirmed-replacement/</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2026 04:53:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/renault-koleos-soldiers-on-in-australia-with-no-confirmed-replacement/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 Hyundai Tucson interior spied with controversial feature]]></title><description><![CDATA[The next-gen Hyundai Tucson will introduce a controversial feature common in Chinese and European cars as part of a tech-heavy overhaul due next year.<br />
Image credit: Korean Car Blog.<br />
The interior of the next-generation 2027 Hyundai Tucson has been spied for the first time, ahead of the family SUV&rsquo;s global debut later this year.New spy images, shared by Korean Car Blog, confirm the 2027 Tucson will become the next Hyundai model to feature the new Pleos Connect infotainment software, integrat]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-hyundai-tucson-interior-spied-with-controversial-feature/</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2026 02:34:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-hyundai-tucson-interior-spied-with-controversial-feature/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Melbourne Airport car theft hits record highs, new data reveals]]></title><description><![CDATA[New data shows car theft at Melbourne Airport has hit record levels, surpassing the previous high set eight years ago.New data confirms car theft at Melbourne Airport is a growing issue, with 2025 recording the highest volumes from the Melbourne Airport postcode on record.Stolen motor vehicle data for the postcode of 3045 (Melbourne Airport) recorded 252 offences in 2025, an increase of 42 per cent from 2024.<br />
This data, supplied to Drive by Victoria&rsquo;s Crime Statistics Agency (CSA), confirm]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/melbourne-airport-car-theft-hits-record-highs-new-data-reveals/</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2026 00:57:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/melbourne-airport-car-theft-hits-record-highs-new-data-reveals/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 GWM Haval Jolion Max review: International first drive]]></title><description><![CDATA[GWM&rsquo;s line-up is set to expand in Australia with the electric and hybrid Haval Jolion Max, as an alternative to Geely&rsquo;s EX5 EV and BYD&rsquo;s Sealion 5 PHEV, but more work needs to be done before it arrives in local showrooms.<br />
2027 GWM Haval Jolion MaxGWM&rsquo;s first electric vehicle from its familiar Haval SUV product line, rather than its dedicated Ora EV brand, has been confirmed to arrive in Australia later this year.Set to be joined by a plug-in hybrid version, the 2027 Haval]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-gwm-haval-jolion-max-review-international-first-drive/</link><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-gwm-haval-jolion-max-review-international-first-drive/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Lotus to bring back V8s with new supercar, as it parks electric expansion]]></title><description><![CDATA[The next step in the British sports-car specialist&rsquo;s backflip on electric cars will be a V8 hybrid supercar producing more than 735kW.Lotus has teased its first V8-powered car in more than two decades, a new supercar due in 2028 with hybrid power and more than 1000 metric horsepower (735kW).The Chinese-owned British brand has previously scrapped plans to go electric by 2028, in favour of a new range of plug-in hybrids to lower its emissions while retaining petrol power.It will pave the way]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/lotus-to-bring-back-v8s-with-new-supercar-as-it-parks-electric-expansion/</link><pubDate>Sun, 17 May 2026 23:57:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/lotus-to-bring-back-v8s-with-new-supercar-as-it-parks-electric-expansion/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Honda Accord set for SUV-inspired reboot as sedan sales slide]]></title><description><![CDATA[High-riding styling is destined for the next generation of the Honda Accord sedan, a new prototype suggests, as part of a wave of new hybrid cars.Honda is poised to turn the long-running Accord sedan into a higher-riding, SUV-inspired &lsquo;fastback&rsquo; to help stem a slow decline in demand for traditional four-door cars.The Japanese car giant has revealed the Hybrid Sedan Prototype, a production-ready concept previewing an unspecified, next-generation Honda hybrid due to &ldquo;go on sale w]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/honda-accord-set-for-suv-inspired-reboot-as-sedan-sales-slide/</link><pubDate>Sun, 17 May 2026 22:25:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/honda-accord-set-for-suv-inspired-reboot-as-sedan-sales-slide/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[The new Chinese car brands gaining ground on Toyota]]></title><description><![CDATA[Toyota has been Australia&rsquo;s top-selling car brand for more than two decades, but these new Chinese brands are posing a major challenge to its long-running dominance.<br />
For decades, Toyota has been the car brand to beat in Australia, with several upstarts trying &ndash; and failing &ndash; to properly usurp the Japanese giant.<br />
That could be set to change, as the onslaught of new Chinese car brands causes what is arguably the first notable and significant shift in Australia&rsquo;s car-buying]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-new-chinese-car-brands-gaining-ground-on-toyota/</link><pubDate>Sun, 17 May 2026 21:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-new-chinese-car-brands-gaining-ground-on-toyota/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BYD’s 1500kW Flash charging to expand in Australia beyond Denza Z9 GT]]></title><description><![CDATA[Regular BYD family electric SUVs sold in Australia will one day be capable of recharging as quickly as filling with petrol.Electric-car fast-charging technology capable of replenishing a battery from 10 to 97 per cent full in nine minutes will not remain the preserve of the six-figure Z9 GT super wagon from its Denza luxury brand.That is according to Denza Australia chief operating officer Mark Harland, who told Drive an expansion of the &lsquo;Flash&rsquo; charging technology to cheaper models]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byds-1500kw-flash-charging-to-expand-in-australia-beyond-denza-z9-gt/</link><pubDate>Sun, 17 May 2026 20:46:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byds-1500kw-flash-charging-to-expand-in-australia-beyond-denza-z9-gt/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 KGM Musso EV FWD review]]></title><description><![CDATA[The KGM Musso EV tries to blend the comfort of a family SUV, the smooth drive of an electric car, and the flexibility of a ute. In practice, it misses the mark on all three.<br />
Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps<br />
2026 KGM Musso EV 2WDDual-cab utes are expected to do more than any other type of vehicle: tow heavy loads, carry a tonne, cover long distances and tackle off-]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-kgm-musso-ev-fwd-review/</link><pubDate>Sun, 17 May 2026 08:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-kgm-musso-ev-fwd-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[MG’s IM5 is one model keeping the premium large sedan segment alive]]></title><description><![CDATA[Once the domain of the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, MG&rsquo;s IM5 all-electric sedan is now dominating the premium passenger car space.It is no secret that new-car buyer preference has shifted heavily away from what once-popular passenger cars to SUVs, but interest in large luxury sedans in particular has drastically dwindled in all but one model.According to VFACTS sales data to the end of April this year, only 469 premium large sedans over $70,000 have sold, a drastic 33.9 per cent]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mgs-im5-is-one-model-keeping-the-premium-large-sedan-segment-alive/</link><pubDate>Sun, 17 May 2026 05:10:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mgs-im5-is-one-model-keeping-the-premium-large-sedan-segment-alive/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Euro NCAP says some car brands are not aiming to be safest]]></title><description><![CDATA[Achieving a maximum five-star safety rating is something some car manufacturers decide not to chase, according to Euro NCAP.<br />
Certain car brands are sacrificing safety to keep prices low, according to Euro NCAP, but homologation rules will keep all vehicles at a bare minimum safety level believes the organisation.Speaking to Australian and New Zealand media, Euro NCAP technical director Richard Schram said there are car brands willing to accept a sub-five-star safety score.&ldquo;I can&rsquo;t sp]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/euro-ncap-says-some-car-brands-are-not-aiming-to-be-safest/</link><pubDate>Sun, 17 May 2026 03:06:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/euro-ncap-says-some-car-brands-are-not-aiming-to-be-safest/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Chinese car brands in Australia: The winners and losers so far in 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[Not all Chinese car brands are having a good time in Australia this year, with some struggling to make an impact in the competitive market.China is now officially the largest source of new cars in Australia, but some brands are doing it tougher than others when it comes to capturing local market share.With BYD, GWM, MG, and Chery now firmly entrenched in the Top 10 list and paving the way to success, it has highlighted that not every Chinese marque might not be able to follow in their wake.Yes,]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/chinese-car-brands-in-australia-the-winners-and-losers-so-far-in-2026/</link><pubDate>Sun, 17 May 2026 01:03:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/chinese-car-brands-in-australia-the-winners-and-losers-so-far-in-2026/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Federal Budget: Winners and losers on the road]]></title><description><![CDATA[The 2026 Federal Budget has been presented, with plenty of commitments, but just a few surprises for motorists.The 2026 Federal Budget offers a theme of &lsquo;resilience and reform&rsquo; with initiatives that weave their way through an ocean of acronyms and numerical data.<br />
Among the small-business support packages, tax offsets and healthcare programs though, are a number of items that impact motorists around the country, albeit with significant focus on low and zero-emission cars.Here are the]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-federal-budget-winners-and-losers-on-the-road/</link><pubDate>Sat, 16 May 2026 22:58:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-federal-budget-winners-and-losers-on-the-road/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Peugeot concepts signal massive revival in partnership with China’s Dongfeng]]></title><description><![CDATA[Stellantis has turned to the help of Dongfeng to reboot the Peugeot brand in the lucrative Chinese market.Peugeot has hit the reset button on its operations in China with two new concept cars at the Beijing motor show.The rather unimaginatively titled Peugeot 6 estate and Peugeot 8 SUV concepts point towards a more upmarket push for the Peugeot brand in China, and a relaunch of the marque that, like many other European brands, has struggled of late in the market dominated by BYD.Stellantis-owned]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/peugeot-concepts-signal-massive-revival-in-partnership-with-chinas-dongfeng/</link><pubDate>Sat, 16 May 2026 08:04:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/peugeot-concepts-signal-massive-revival-in-partnership-with-chinas-dongfeng/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Renault Duster 4×4 manual demand outstripping supply for left-of-field Jimny rival]]></title><description><![CDATA[The boxy Duster small SUV may not be setting the sales charts alight, but Renault says it is battling to lock in enough production to meet the orders it has for the all-wheel-drive manual version.Renault cannot source enough stock to meet current demand for the all-wheel-drive manual version of its Duster small SUV, uptake for which it admits are a &ldquo;slow burn&rdquo;.Australia was introduced last year to the Renault-branded version of the SUV sold in Europe under the budget Dacia brand, off]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/renault-duster-44-manual-demand-outstripping-supply-for-left-of-field-jimny-rival/</link><pubDate>Sat, 16 May 2026 05:06:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/renault-duster-44-manual-demand-outstripping-supply-for-left-of-field-jimny-rival/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Police operation to curb Victorian pedestrian deaths begins]]></title><description><![CDATA[There&rsquo;s a new police operation hitting Victorian roads to keep pedestrians safe, but it alone won&rsquo;t solve the problem of rising deaths.Victoria Police have launched an operation in response to high pedestrian deaths in April, but more needs to be done to curb rising pedestrian deaths, says one road safety expert.Road Policing Acting Assistant Commissioner, Justin Goldsmith said while May traditionally has Victoria&rsquo;s highest numbers of pedestrian deaths, the six pedestrian death]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/police-operation-to-curb-victorian-pedestrian-deaths-begins/</link><pubDate>Sat, 16 May 2026 03:03:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/police-operation-to-curb-victorian-pedestrian-deaths-begins/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Zeekr 7X EV’s most popular variant, colours revealed]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Tesla Model Y and Zeekr 7X are direct rivals, but the model grades buyers choose most couldn&rsquo;t be any more different.More customers choose the top-of-the-range Zeekr 7X Performance than both rear-wheel-drive variants combined, as sales of the electric SUV reach new heights in Australia.A record 973 Zeekr 7Xs were reported as sold in Australia last month, placing it as the country&rsquo;s third-best-selling vehicle, and ahead of the 822 Tesla Model Y sales published over the same period]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/zeekr-7x-evs-most-popular-variant-colours-revealed/</link><pubDate>Sat, 16 May 2026 01:03:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/zeekr-7x-evs-most-popular-variant-colours-revealed/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Can demerit points affect your car insurance?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Think demerit points are just a police matter? They&rsquo;re not, and some car insurers in Australia are watching driver records to assess premiums.It&rsquo;s no secret that in 2026, car ownership costs are some of the most expensive necessities most Aussies have no choice but to pay.And while some state governments, like Victoria, have introduced travel relief &ndash; such as free public transport and 20 per cent rebates on registration &ndash; insurance costs are usually among the most expensi]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/can-demerit-points-affect-your-car-insurance/</link><pubDate>Sat, 16 May 2026 01:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/can-demerit-points-affect-your-car-insurance/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Kia Tasman prices cut by up to $14,000 in significant discounts]]></title><description><![CDATA[Massive discounts have dropped thousands of dollars from prices of Kia&rsquo;s struggling Tasman ute, bringing the flagship variant down to the price of a tradie-spec Ford Ranger V6.Kia has slashed prices across top-selling versions of the Tasman by up to $14,000, in the most significant savings for its dual-cab ute since it arrived in Australia nearly 12 months ago.The drive-away discounts apply to 2025-built Tasman dual-cab pick-ups &ndash; understood to cover a considerable portion of the Kia]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/kia-tasman-prices-cut-by-up-to-14000-in-significant-discounts/</link><pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2026 22:57:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/kia-tasman-prices-cut-by-up-to-14000-in-significant-discounts/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Kia Tasman prices cut by up to $13,000 in significant discounts]]></title><description><![CDATA[Massive discounts have dropped thousands of dollars from prices of Kia&rsquo;s struggling Tasman ute, bringing the flagship variant down to the price of a tradie-spec Ford Ranger V6.Kia has slashed prices across top-selling versions of the Tasman by up to $13,000, in the most significant savings for its dual-cab ute since it arrived in Australia nearly 12 months ago.The drive-away discounts apply to 2025-built Tasman dual-cab pick-ups &ndash; understood to cover a considerable portion of the Kia]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/kia-tasman-prices-cut-by-up-to-13000-in-significant-discounts/</link><pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2026 22:57:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/kia-tasman-prices-cut-by-up-to-13000-in-significant-discounts/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Chinese Jeep-style 212 T01 off-roader updated for 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[You may not have heard of Chinese brand 212, but the off-road specialist has a military backstory just like Jeep&rsquo;s &ndash; and Jeep-like styling that could be considered uncomfortably close.Off-road vehicle specialist 212 &ndash; an Australia-bound brand born from the Beijing Automobile Works &lsquo;BJ212&rsquo; military off-roader in China &ndash; has unveiled an updated version of its T01 SUV.The 212 T01 is a five-door off-roader built on a ladder-frame chassis with more than a passing r]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/chinese-jeep-style-212-t01-off-roader-updated-for-2026/</link><pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2026 07:02:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/chinese-jeep-style-212-t01-off-roader-updated-for-2026/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Ford Ranger PHEV price: Updated ute adds features, reshuffles range]]></title><description><![CDATA[An updated Ford Ranger PHEV arrives in Australia later this year, with drive-away deals cutting up to $20,000 off its launch price from day one.<br />
2026 Ford Ranger PHEV Wildtrak.<br />
The Ford Ranger Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) is set to receive a revised line-up, styling changes and drive-away deals saving up to $20,000 in Australia later this year.Australian pricing and initial specifications for the 2026 Ford Ranger PHEV have been confirmed ahead of local showroom arrivals due between Jul]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-ford-ranger-phev-price-updated-ute-adds-features-reshuffles-range/</link><pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2026 05:05:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-ford-ranger-phev-price-updated-ute-adds-features-reshuffles-range/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Forza Horizon 6 review: Why this racing series might be back at its best]]></title><description><![CDATA[A move to Japan aims to right the wrongs of its popular predecessor&rsquo;s open Mexico setting &ndash; and there is a lot more to love and enjoy in the latest Xbox and PC racing game.Expectation is the enemy of success.It is an apt description of the wildly popular Forza Horizon racing game franchise&rsquo;s relationship with Japan as a place to stage its open world.For the past 14 years, Microsoft has bounced its acclaimed Xbox, PC and, more recently, PlayStation series between Colorado in the]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/forza-horizon-6-review-why-this-racing-series-might-be-back-at-its-best/</link><pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2026 03:30:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/forza-horizon-6-review-why-this-racing-series-might-be-back-at-its-best/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Mitsubishi Triton Raider price: Locally-modified ute cheaper than D-Max Blade]]></title><description><![CDATA[Mitsubishi has confirmed pricing for its Australian-modified Triton Raider ute, which costs less than its Isuzu rival &ndash; but is the most expensive Triton ever.The Australian-modified Mitsubishi Triton Raider ute has been confirmed to undercut the Isuzu D-Max Blade, and cost similar to factory-built rivals from Toyota and Ford.Priced from $74,990 before on-road costs, the Triton Raider is $9400 dearer than the GSR dual-cab pick-up it is based on, with modifications by Premcar &ndash; the for]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mitsubishi-triton-raider-price-locally-modified-ute-cheaper-than-d-max-blade/</link><pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2026 03:29:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mitsubishi-triton-raider-price-locally-modified-ute-cheaper-than-d-max-blade/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 BYD M9 people mover all but confirmed for Australia to take on Kia Carnival]]></title><description><![CDATA[BYD has received the green light to sell a plug-in hybrid competitor to Australia&rsquo;s favourite people mover, and it&rsquo;s slated for showrooms by year&rsquo;s end.The BYD M9 people mover is poised to reach Australian showrooms by the end of this year as a plug-in hybrid competitor to the Kia Carnival.The Chinese car giant has expanded its line-up from four models to 11 in two years &ndash; across SUVs, utes, hatchbacks, sedans and even wagons &ndash; as part of ambitions to climb the sale]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-byd-m9-people-mover-all-but-confirmed-for-australia-to-take-on-kia-carnival/</link><pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2026 02:37:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-byd-m9-people-mover-all-but-confirmed-for-australia-to-take-on-kia-carnival/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Lexus LX700h review: Australian first drive]]></title><description><![CDATA[Hybrid power has come to the Lexus LX four-wheel-drive, but it asks buyers to pay a hefty chunk extra for a minor power boost and modest fuel savings.<br />
Skip ahead:SummaryDesignValueInteriorFuel efficiencyInfotainmentOwnership CostsDrive ComfortSafetyVerdict<br />
2026 Lexus LX700hIf you&rsquo;d told someone at the October 2001 launch of the first Toyota Prius in Australia that the technology would one day end up in the Lexus version of the LandCruiser 4WD, you would&rsquo;ve been labelled crazy.The Lex]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-lexus-lx700h-review-australian-first-drive/</link><pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2026 02:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-lexus-lx700h-review-australian-first-drive/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Ram 1500 Express Black Edition price confirmed: Australia’s cheapest US pick-up]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Ram 1500 Express entry grade has returned, allowing the US pick-up to again slot under the F-150 and Silverado following recent price increases.The title of Australia&rsquo;s most-affordable US pick-up has returned to the Ram 1500, with a new base grade due next month, cutting $32,000 from its entry price.Priced from $109,950 before on-road costs, the 2026 Ram 1500 Express Black Edition slots under the recommended retail price of the Ford F-150 (from $114,950) and Chevrolet Silverado (from $]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-ram-1500-express-black-edition-price-confirmed-australias-cheapest-us-pick-up/</link><pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2026 01:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-ram-1500-express-black-edition-price-confirmed-australias-cheapest-us-pick-up/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Denza Z9 GT won’t be a top seller, and the brand says that’s fine]]></title><description><![CDATA[BYD&rsquo;s emerging luxury spin-off sees its new electric super wagon &ndash; which, in Europe, starts from the equivalent of $160,000 &ndash; as a way of showing what it can do, not setting the sales charts alight.The Denza Z9 GT large electric wagon is likely to be one of the most expensive Chinese-made cars when it goes on sale in Australia later this year with an anticipated price tag above $100,000.Demand for extra-large luxury cars &ndash; especially wagons &ndash; is slim in Australia, w]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/denza-z9-gt-wont-be-a-top-seller-and-the-brand-says-thats-fine/</link><pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2026 23:48:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/denza-z9-gt-wont-be-a-top-seller-and-the-brand-says-thats-fine/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Nissan reports $4.6 billion loss after closing seven factories]]></title><description><![CDATA[Nissan anticipates a profit next year after closing more than half a dozen factories and sacking tens of thousands of workers.Nissan has reported a 533 billion Japanese yen loss (AUD$4.6 billion) for the last financial year, but the iconic Japanese brand predicts its books will return to the black by this time next year.The anticipated net income of &yen;20 billion (AUD$175 million) in 2026 comes at great cost, as the brand shuttered seven manufacturing sites across the world last year, and anti]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/nissan-reports-46-billion-loss-after-closing-seven-factories/</link><pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2026 21:51:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/nissan-reports-46-billion-loss-after-closing-seven-factories/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mazda CX-5 vs Toyota RAV4: The battle for family SUV favourite heats up]]></title><description><![CDATA[New-generations of both the CX-5 and RAV4 will be available in Australian showrooms this year, but which will be more popular?Mazda could regain the best-selling SUV crown this year as its runout CX-5 continues to sell strongly despite a new-generation model soon to launch.However, to do so, it will need to fend off its long-running arch-rival Toyota RAV4, which has also just been updated with a new-generation model.To the end of April this year, Mazda has reported 7477 CX-5s as sold, a modest 4]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mazda-cx-5-vs-toyota-rav4-the-battle-for-family-suv-favourite-heats-up/</link><pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2026 20:47:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mazda-cx-5-vs-toyota-rav4-the-battle-for-family-suv-favourite-heats-up/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Subaru Uncharted price and specs: Electric small SUV detailed for Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Subaru Uncharted is the brand&rsquo;s most affordable electric vehicle yet in Australia, rivalling the Kia EV3 and Zeekr X small SUVs.<br />
2026 Subaru Uncharted pricing and specificationsKia EV3 and Zeekr X rival becomes Subaru&rsquo;s cheapest EV in AustraliaElectric small SUV offered in a single dual-motor AWD gradePriced from $59,990 before on-road costs<br />
Subaru&rsquo;s most affordable electric vehicle yet has launched in Australia as a rival to the Kia EV3 and Zeekr X small SUVs.&nbsp;The 202]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-subaru-uncharted-price-and-specs-electric-small-suv-detailed-for-australia/</link><pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2026 05:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-subaru-uncharted-price-and-specs-electric-small-suv-detailed-for-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Subaru Solterra, Trailseeker prices dropped for second EV cut in six months]]></title><description><![CDATA[Subaru electric-car prices have been reduced by up to $4000 after the brand&rsquo;s Model Y competitors were undercut by their Toyota siblings.Subaru has cut prices across its Solterra and Trailseeker electric-car range by up to $4000 to match the RRPs of its Toyota siblings.It is the second Subaru EV price cut in six months, after the facelifted Solterra arrived late last year with prices up to $7000 lower than the model it replaced.Effective today, 14 May 2026, the Solterra range is now $2000]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-subaru-solterra-trailseeker-prices-dropped-for-second-ev-cut-in-six-months/</link><pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2026 05:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-subaru-solterra-trailseeker-prices-dropped-for-second-ev-cut-in-six-months/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Australia Post to expand electric fleet with $40 million investment]]></title><description><![CDATA[As part of the Federal Government&rsquo;s Net Zero plan, funding has been committed to accelerate Australia Post&rsquo;s electrified delivery fleet.Your mail and parcel deliveries are set to become cleaner and more silent as the 2026 Federal Budget has committed $40.5 million to fast track the electrification of Australia Post&rsquo;s delivery fleet.Currently, Australia Post employs delivery vehicles of various sizes, from electric tricycles, small and large vans, through to semi-trailers&hellip]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/australia-post-to-expand-electric-fleet-with-40-million-investment/</link><pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2026 02:33:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/australia-post-to-expand-electric-fleet-with-40-million-investment/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[The common Aussie driving habit more dangerous than a phone]]></title><description><![CDATA[This seemingly common driving habit is now a greater distraction threat to Aussie road users than mobile phones, according to one safety body.Is it just me, or is driving one of the most ritualistic things humans can do? Admittedly, I&rsquo;m guilty of delaying the start of my journey until I find the right song, and I am privy to a slightly delayed reaction at the lights when said song has me in a chokehold.Many drivers occasionally break road rules, but new survey data has revealed the bad dri]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-common-aussie-driving-habit-more-dangerous-than-a-phone/</link><pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2026 02:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-common-aussie-driving-habit-more-dangerous-than-a-phone/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Audi Q9 ‘most likely’ coming to Australia, following interior reveal]]></title><description><![CDATA[Following a first look at the interior, Audi Australia has shown interest in the brand&rsquo;s latest large SUV, the Q9, making its way Down Under.Following the reveal of the new Audi Q9 large SUV&rsquo;s interior within a camo-covered body, Audi Australia has told Drive the all-new Q9 will &ldquo;most likely&rdquo; come to Australia.&ldquo;We would certainly be looking at a product like [the Q9]. Given the consumer trends with SUVs, having an upper large segment SUV would obviously speak to the]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/audi-q9-most-likely-coming-to-australia-following-interior-reveal/</link><pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2026 01:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/audi-q9-most-likely-coming-to-australia-following-interior-reveal/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Renault Master price and specs: Diesel and electric power for Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[A new-generation version of Renault&rsquo;s best-selling model in Australia, the Master van, arrives next month with diesel or electric power.<br />
2026 Renault Master pricing and specificationsNew-generation large commercial van offered with diesel or electric powerAustralian showroom arrivals due next monthPriced from $55,990 before on-road costs<br />
Pricing and specification details for the next-generation version of Renault&rsquo;s best-selling model in Australia, the Master van, have been confirmed]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-renault-master-price-and-specs-diesel-and-electric-power-for-australia/</link><pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2026 01:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-renault-master-price-and-specs-diesel-and-electric-power-for-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Audi Q3 review: Australian first drive]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Audi Q3 is the brand&rsquo;s big seller in Australia, so does it have the new generation right, or is it the end of this small SUV&rsquo;s rule?<br />
2026 Audi Q3The Q3 has long been an important car for the Audi brand in Australia, and now more so than ever. Similar to the rule of thumb to pick the second-cheapest wine on the menu to impress the waiter, the Q3 is the brand&rsquo;s second-most affordable SUV.That makes it the brand&rsquo;s bread and butter, comprising nearly 40 per cent of all Au]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-audi-q3-review-australian-first-drive/</link><pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2026 01:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-audi-q3-review-australian-first-drive/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[MG’s IM eyeing faster sales growth with new models and premium play]]></title><description><![CDATA[A modest start in Australia will not perturb MG&rsquo;s IM premium brand as it gears up for new products and a fresh marketing push.MG&rsquo;s IM premium sub-brand believes it can succeed where the likes of Denza and Zeekr are playing, but it will need more products and more marketing to get there.Having launched in Australia in August 2025 with the IM5 sedan and IM6 SUV &ndash; both all-electric models &ndash; MG has sold 754 combined IM models so far in Australia.Speaking to Drive, IM Motors r]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mgs-im-eyeing-faster-sales-growth-with-new-models-and-premium-play/</link><pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 22:37:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mgs-im-eyeing-faster-sales-growth-with-new-models-and-premium-play/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Toyota predicts third year of declining profits, blaming tariffs and Middle East conflict]]></title><description><![CDATA[Despite forecasting increased car sales, Toyota is expecting global profits to continue declining as tariffs and the Middle East conflict take a toll.Toyota is expecting its continually declining global profits will receive a further AUD $5.8 billion hit due to conflict in the Middle East &mdash; despite selling more cars.While still expected to generate profits of 3.0 trillion yen (AUD$26.2 billion), this marks the third consecutive year of forecast declining profits for what is the world&rsquo]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-predicts-third-year-of-declining-profits-blaming-tariffs-and-middle-east-conflict/</link><pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 20:52:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-predicts-third-year-of-declining-profits-blaming-tariffs-and-middle-east-conflict/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Enter your own car to become a real Hot Wheels die-cast – here’s how]]></title><description><![CDATA[Hot Wheels Legends Tour entries close at the end of May, so here&rsquo;s how to enter to potentially see your own car immortalised as a 1:64-scale die-cast.The Hot Wheels Legends Tour is back for 2026, and for the first time has an Australian live event on the calendar to announce the regional winners.But, as they say in the classics, you have to be in it to win it!The Legends Tour sees one lucky car from around the world created as an official Hot Wheels die-cast. The competition was launched i]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/enter-your-own-car-to-become-a-real-hot-wheels-die-cast-heres-how/</link><pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 06:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/enter-your-own-car-to-become-a-real-hot-wheels-die-cast-heres-how/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Lamborghini Fenomeno Roadster revealed as brand’s fastest open-top supercar]]></title><description><![CDATA[Only available in a small batch, the near-800kW roadster is reserved for the wealthiest of wealthy Lamborghini customers.Lamborghini has revealed the limited-run Fenomeno Roadster, a circa-$8 million open-top supercar limited to 15 examples, all with a V12 hybrid drivetrain producing close to 800kW.It will be the most powerful open-top model built by Lamborghini &ndash; with or without an electric folding roof, something the Roadster is not confirmed to feature &ndash; and is based on the Fenome]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/lamborghini-fenomeno-roadster-revealed-as-brands-fastest-open-top-supercar/</link><pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 04:44:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/lamborghini-fenomeno-roadster-revealed-as-brands-fastest-open-top-supercar/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[The big digital U-turn: Why car brands are suddenly ditching touch controls]]></title><description><![CDATA[Tired of constantly filtering through menus on your digital infotainment screen just to change your lights? Some car makers are listening to you.Despite its prominence, some car makers are reverting back to old school car buttons for essential driving features.Call me hyperbolic, but it seems as though Australia&rsquo;s car market is showing symptoms of digital sickness.While large touchscreen infotainment systems have become a necessity for navigation and sound systems, the move to house essent]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-big-digital-u-turn-why-car-brands-are-suddenly-ditching-touch-controls/</link><pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 04:30:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-big-digital-u-turn-why-car-brands-are-suddenly-ditching-touch-controls/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Next-generation 2027 Mazda CX-3 confirmed]]></title><description><![CDATA[The current Mazda CX-3 will finally bow out after 12 years, with a new-generation model locked in for 2027, likely with hybrid power.A successor to the 11-year-old Mazda CX-3 city SUV will launch next year, the brand has confirmed.Mazda has announced it will &ldquo;introduce the next-generation CX-3 (compact SUV)&hellip; next year to capture the volume segment,&rdquo; with the second-generation model to remain manufactured in Thailand.The company had previously confirmed it would manufacture a n]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/next-generation-2027-mazda-cx-3-confirmed/</link><pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 03:44:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/next-generation-2027-mazda-cx-3-confirmed/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Fuel excise to return in full, but a road user charge is still on the way]]></title><description><![CDATA[Three months of relief at the pump is enough, according to the Federal Government, which wants its $2.9 billion back.The Federal Government is on track to end reductions in the fuel excise and heavy vehicle road user charge from 1 July, as scheduled, as work continues on a road user charge to instead tax motorists for each kilometre they drive.Since 1 April, the fuel excise charged to importers on every litre of petrol and diesel on arrival into Australia has been halved from 52.6 to 26.3 cents,]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/fuel-excise-to-return-in-full-but-a-road-user-charge-is-still-on-the-way/</link><pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 00:48:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/fuel-excise-to-return-in-full-but-a-road-user-charge-is-still-on-the-way/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[F1 reveals 2027 changes, only four races into controversial new rules]]></title><description><![CDATA[A controversial 50:50 split between petrol and electric power in Formula One cars will be altered next year after criticism of the new generation of hybrid cars introduced this year.<br />
Photo by Joe Portlock/Getty Images<br />
Changes to Formula One cars&rsquo; hybrid power units will be fast-tracked to 2027 to address new rules introduced this year that four-time champion Max Verstappen has called &ldquo;anti-racing&rdquo; and the electric Formula E series &ldquo;on steroids&rdquo;.<br />
The 50:50 power spli]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/f1-reveals-2027-changes-only-four-races-into-controversial-new-rules/</link><pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 00:04:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/f1-reveals-2027-changes-only-four-races-into-controversial-new-rules/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Mitsubishi Triton GLX 4×4 automatic review]]></title><description><![CDATA[Want a basic and affordable work ute? The GLX is certainly the one to cast your eyes over when it comes to the Mitsubishi Triton range.<br />
Skip ahead:SummaryDesignValueInteriorFuel EfficiencyInfotainmentOwnership CostsDrive ComfortSafetyVerdict<br />
2026 Mitsubishi Triton GLX 4&times;4Base-model utes have always been held in high regard in my book. They have a lot more to answer for without being hidden behind over-the-top specifications of pavement princesses, because they need to be rough, tough and r]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mitsubishi-triton-glx-44-automatic-review/</link><pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mitsubishi-triton-glx-44-automatic-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Chinese car safety systems to be refined due to global NCAP alignment]]></title><description><![CDATA[Euro NCAP has reached out to Chinese brands to consult on upcoming safety standard changes, allowing them to better harmonise their systems.The active safety systems across many Chinese brands, which have been criticised for being overzealous and rudimentary, are set for an overhaul as they come to the table with Euro NCAP guidelines.Speaking to with global media, Euro NCAP secretary general Dr Michiel van Ratingen said Chinese marques had not yet been given the opportunity in the consultation p]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/chinese-car-safety-systems-to-be-refined-due-to-global-ncap-alignment/</link><pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2026 22:33:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/chinese-car-safety-systems-to-be-refined-due-to-global-ncap-alignment/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[FBT exemption wind-back for electric cars to rake in $1.9 billion over four years]]></title><description><![CDATA[A throttle-down of the popular FBT exemption for electric cars will earn Canberra billions of dollars in the coming years &ndash; while reducing benefits for EV buyers.A wind-back of lucrative tax incentives for electric-car buyers is set to earn the Australian Government $1.94 billion over the next four years.That money will indirectly go towards funding an ongoing three-month halving of the fuel excise charged on every litre of petrol and diesel sold, which is estimated to chop $2.9 billion fr]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/fbt-exemption-wind-back-for-electric-cars-to-rake-in-19-billion-over-four-years/</link><pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2026 20:57:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/fbt-exemption-wind-back-for-electric-cars-to-rake-in-19-billion-over-four-years/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Kerbside, regional EV chargers score $40 million in new Australian funding over four years]]></title><description><![CDATA[Charging your electric vehicle will soon be easier thanks to a four-year, $40 million commitment in the 2026 Federal Budget.The Federal Budget has committed a $40 million investment over the next four years to fast-track the rollout of new regional and kerbside EV chargers to support the growing number of electric cars on local roads.Sales of electric vehicles climbed to over 16 per cent of total new vehicle deliveries in April this year, or 26.7 per cent when combined with plug-in hybrid sales.]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/kerbside-regional-ev-chargers-score-40-million-in-new-australian-funding-over-four-years/</link><pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2026 12:26:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/kerbside-regional-ev-chargers-score-40-million-in-new-australian-funding-over-four-years/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Kerbside, regional EV chargers score $40 million in Australian funding over four years]]></title><description><![CDATA[Charging your electric vehicle will soon be easier thanks to a four-year, $40 million commitment in the 2026 Federal Budget.The Federal Budget has committed a $40 million investment over the next four years to fast-track the rollout of new regional and kerbside EV chargers to support the growing number of electric cars on local roads.Sales of electric vehicles climbed to over 16 per cent of total new vehicle deliveries in April this year, or 26.7 per cent when combined with plug-in hybrid sales.]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/kerbside-regional-ev-chargers-score-40-million-in-australian-funding-over-four-years/</link><pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2026 12:26:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/kerbside-regional-ev-chargers-score-40-million-in-australian-funding-over-four-years/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2020 Land Rover Defender D300SE owner review]]></title><description><![CDATA[From the Dakar dunes to the outback dirt Down Under&hellip; Defender does it all.<br />
Owner: Andrew Chesterman is the CEO of Endeavour Foundation, an Australian disability charity for people with intellectual disability.&nbsp;Endeavour Foundation serves over 6500 people to thrive at home, at work and in the community.I signed the final purchase contract for my Defender D300SE at 30,000 feet in 2021 using Qantas onboard WiFi&nbsp;and an iPad in the early days of Covid.&nbsp;Sitting next to another La]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2020-land-rover-defender-d300se-owner-review/</link><pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2026 07:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2020-land-rover-defender-d300se-owner-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘Bulk order to Australia’: The BMW with the spirit of a Holden ute]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Holden Maloo is reborn in the most unlikely way &ndash; as a chopped, custom-built BMW M4 with a high-performance European heart.It&rsquo;s hard to talk about the spirit of Australian motoring without mentioning the ute as one of the first things that comes to your mind.The humble pick-up that once remained exclusively at work sites across the country has now become a mainstay for school pick-ups, grocery runs, and any sporting event.RELATED: I drove a 1996 Holden Commodore V8 and was shocke]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bulk-order-to-australia-the-bmw-with-the-spirit-of-a-holden-ute/</link><pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2026 06:30:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bulk-order-to-australia-the-bmw-with-the-spirit-of-a-holden-ute/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Omoda Jaecoo EOFY deals cut up to $5000 from Jaecoo J7 and J8 SUVs]]></title><description><![CDATA[Price cuts of up to $5000 apply across the Jaecoo J7 and J8 SUV range as part of an end-of-financial-year offer.<br />
The Jaecoo J7 medium SUV and J8 large SUV are being offered with up to $5000 on drive-away prices as part of an end-of-financial-year promotion.The J7 is available as either a petrol model with a 137kW/275Nm 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine or as an SHS (Super Hybrid System) plug-in hybrid.In the hybrid, a 105kW/215Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine is paired with an 1]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/omoda-jaecoo-eofy-deals-cut-up-to-5000-from-jaecoo-j7-and-j8-suvs/</link><pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2026 06:09:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/omoda-jaecoo-eofy-deals-cut-up-to-5000-from-jaecoo-j7-and-j8-suvs/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mitsubishi Outlander Sport hybrid confirmed for NZ, but still off limits for Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[Mitsubishi&rsquo;s own Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid rival has been locked in for NZ, but stricter regulations continue to prevent it from reaching Australia.The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport hybrid small SUV, also known as the Xforce, has moved closer to Australia &ndash; but it remains out of bounds for local showrooms.Mitsubishi New Zealand has confirmed the Outlander Sport hybrid small SUV &ndash; a value-focused rival to the Toyota Corolla Cross and Hyundai Kona, first introduced in South-East A]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mitsubishi-outlander-sport-hybrid-confirmed-for-nz-but-still-off-limits-for-australia/</link><pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2026 05:01:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mitsubishi-outlander-sport-hybrid-confirmed-for-nz-but-still-off-limits-for-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Volvo EX30 discount drops electric-car price further]]></title><description><![CDATA[Nearly $6500 can be saved from the drive-away price of the Volvo XC60 special edition, while over $1000 can be saved from the entry-level Volvo EX30 EV, and some owners can qualify for a lower finance rate.Volvo has introduced nationwide drive-away prices on the EX30 electric SUV and XC60 family SUV, delivering discounts of over $1000, depending on the state and territory of registration.The Volvo EX30 Plus Single Motor Extended Range is now listed at $54,990 drive-away, a saving of $1061.46 whe]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/volvo-ex30-discount-drops-electric-car-price-further/</link><pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2026 04:03:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/volvo-ex30-discount-drops-electric-car-price-further/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Nissan Qashqai drives around whole Australian state on a single tank]]></title><description><![CDATA[Nissan drove the Qashqai SUV over 1200km around Australia&rsquo;s southernmost state, never refuelling once and using just 50 litres of fuel.Nissan has used a drive around Tasmania on a single tank &ndash; more than 1303km, using 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres &ndash; to demonstrate the improved fuel consumption of its updated 2026 Qashqai hybrid SUV.The updated Qashqai debuts a new-generation e-Power hybrid drivetrain, claimed to lower fuel consumption to better compete with rivals from Hyundai]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-nissan-qashqai-drives-around-whole-australian-state-on-a-single-tank/</link><pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2026 03:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-nissan-qashqai-drives-around-whole-australian-state-on-a-single-tank/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Leapmotor B03X review: International first drive]]></title><description><![CDATA[While this car didn&rsquo;t leave as favourable an impression as some of Leapmotor&rsquo;s other new models, the B03X could be great value if it arrives in Australia at the right price.2026 Leapmotor B03XLeapmotor already sells two models in Australia, the B10 and C10 SUVs, with the B05 electric hatchback confirmed to arrive locally by the end of this year.But there are a few more models being considered, but not confirmed, by the brand for introduction to Australia, namely the D19 large SUV, an]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-leapmotor-b03x-review-international-first-drive/</link><pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2026 02:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-leapmotor-b03x-review-international-first-drive/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 Mazda 3 revealed: Hatch and sedan to enter eighth year without a facelift]]></title><description><![CDATA[An updated 2027 Mazda 3 is now on sale in Europe ahead of Australian arrivals expected later this year, with no major design changes from its late 2018 debut.<br />
2027 Mazda 3 hatch in Aero Grey Metallic.The 2027 Mazda 3 hatch and sedan have been announced for Europe, hinting at changes likely to reach Australia this year &ndash; but revisions to its nearly eight-year-old design are not among the differences.On sale now in Europe ahead of potential Australian showroom arrivals in late 2026, the Mazd]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-mazda-3-revealed-hatch-and-sedan-to-enter-eighth-year-without-a-facelift/</link><pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2026 01:41:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-mazda-3-revealed-hatch-and-sedan-to-enter-eighth-year-without-a-facelift/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Audi A6 Allroad comeback confirmed for the world in Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[Australian data has let slip to the world a global return of Audi&rsquo;s large, higher-riding luxury wagon after a switch to a new model.<br />
Audi A6 Allroad spy photos.<br />
The high-riding Audi A6 Allroad wagon will return for another generation after the success of its predecessor in Australia and Europe as an alternative to the brand&rsquo;s Q-series SUV line-up.And confirmation has not come from a media release published by Audi HQ in Europe, but the documents car companies submit to the Australian]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/audi-a6-allroad-comeback-confirmed-for-the-world-in-australia/</link><pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2026 23:47:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/audi-a6-allroad-comeback-confirmed-for-the-world-in-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 BYD Atto 3 Evo confirmed for Australia later this year]]></title><description><![CDATA[A technical overhaul and styling update for BYD&rsquo;s popular small SUV is coming to Australia soon, but an all-new model shown in China looks to be some time away.A significant upgrade to BYD&rsquo;s first high-volume car in Australia, the Atto 3 small electric SUV, is on track for Australian showrooms by the end of the year.An all-new version of the BYD SUV sold in Australia as the Atto 3, the Yuan Plus, was revealed in China last month with a significantly larger body, longer range, and ult]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-byd-atto-3-evo-confirmed-for-australia-later-this-year/</link><pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2026 23:06:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-byd-atto-3-evo-confirmed-for-australia-later-this-year/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Denza mid-size SUV to rival Zeekr 7X on Australian wishlist]]></title><description><![CDATA[The next SUV to join the line-up of BYD&rsquo;s emerging luxury division in Australia could be a smaller, car-derived model aimed at urban buyers, not off-road tracks.A smaller and more affordable Denza SUV to join the off-road-capable B5 and B8 is at the top of the wishlist for Australia.Denza last month previewed plans to sell the Tai 3, a mid-size electric SUV from its Fangchengbao brand in China &ndash; the source of the Denza B5 and B8 four-wheel-drives &ndash; in export markets as the B3.I]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/denza-mid-size-suv-to-rival-zeekr-7x-on-australian-wishlist/</link><pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2026 21:02:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/denza-mid-size-suv-to-rival-zeekr-7x-on-australian-wishlist/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[The illegal driving act Aussie drivers aren’t confessing to]]></title><description><![CDATA[Hit-and-run incidents are, of course, illegal in Australia, but a new survey has revealed a minority of at-fault drivers actually do the right thing.<br />
New survey data from an Australian dashcam company revealed that more than 1 in 10 motorists said they were a victim of a hit-and-run.<br />
If your daily commute involves driving on a regular basis, you&rsquo;ve probably had some close encounters with some bad drivers.And while dangerous motorists are increasingly called out on social media, with pages]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-illegal-driving-act-aussie-drivers-arent-confessing-to/</link><pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2026 21:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-illegal-driving-act-aussie-drivers-arent-confessing-to/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mitsubishi ASX gets price cut for EOFY, plus Outlander and Triton deals]]></title><description><![CDATA[An EOFY deal for the Mitsubishi ASX cuts $5000 amid slow sales, while special offers are now available for the Outlander and Triton.Mitsubishi has cut $5000 from its cheapest model in Australia &ndash; the European-sourced ASX city SUV &ndash; amid declining sales.The 2026 Mitsubishi ASX LS entry grade is currently being offered for $34,990 drive-away in Australia, down from its previous $39,990 drive-away offer &ndash; and less than its $37,740 before on-road costs RRP.The offer, currently vali]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mitsubishi-asx-gets-price-cut-for-eofy-plus-outlander-and-triton-deals/</link><pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2026 06:51:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mitsubishi-asx-gets-price-cut-for-eofy-plus-outlander-and-triton-deals/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Dead Vikings and horse manure: Why we still use these eight common car terms]]></title><description><![CDATA[The automotive world is a cutting-edge industry, but some names hark back to the Vikings and the Roman Empire. Here&rsquo;s a list of vehicular vernacular that suggests we&rsquo;re all just driving updated buggies.We live in an age of silent electric motors, autonomous sensors and cars that can practically park themselves. We&rsquo;ve spent billions of dollars engineering the future, but we&rsquo;re apparently too sentimental to come up with new names for many of the car&rsquo;s parts.RELATED: W]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/dead-vikings-and-horse-manure-why-we-still-use-these-eight-common-car-terms/</link><pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2026 06:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/dead-vikings-and-horse-manure-why-we-still-use-these-eight-common-car-terms/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[GWM offers end of financial year runout deals on multiple models]]></title><description><![CDATA[Savings of up to $4000 off drive-away prices on a large selection of GWM models are available from now up until the end of the month, unless extended or changed.<br />
Seven out of the nine GWM models currently on sale in Australia have now been incentivised with end of financial year deals, however, only this offer only applies to 2025-built cars.As part of its runout MY25 offering, all vehicles must be ordered and delivered by the 31 May, unless extended, or while stocks last.Most of the GWM models]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/gwm-offers-end-of-financial-year-runout-deals-on-multiple-models/</link><pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2026 04:30:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/gwm-offers-end-of-financial-year-runout-deals-on-multiple-models/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ford patents tech that enables parked cars to move to avoid collisions]]></title><description><![CDATA[Ford patent claims that external sensors will monitor your car&rsquo;s surroundings at all times, ready for it to dodge a smashFord aims to make returning to your car to find someone has damaged it in a car park far less commonplace, with a patent that aims to give your parked car the ability to move autonomously to avoid an impact.Ford originally filed U.S. patent number US-12617393-B2, titled &ldquo;System for Detecting Moving Objects&rdquo;, in December 2023, but only published the details on]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-patents-tech-that-enables-parked-cars-to-move-to-avoid-collisions/</link><pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2026 02:40:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-patents-tech-that-enables-parked-cars-to-move-to-avoid-collisions/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mitsubishi ASX set to go hybrid in 2028 with all-new model – report]]></title><description><![CDATA[After the better part of two decades, an all-new Mitsubishi ASX developed in-house finally looks to be coming, adding hybrid tech to rival Toyota.<br />
Renault-based Mitsubishi ASX.<br />
An all-new Mitsubishi ASX small SUV &ndash; developed in-house by the Japanese giant, not a rebadged Renault Captur &ndash; finally appears to be on the way for the 18th birthday of the original.It is reportedly set to offer hybrid power on its 2028 arrival &ndash; alongside what may be a next-generation Outlander family]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mitsubishi-asx-set-to-go-hybrid-in-2028-with-all-new-model-report/</link><pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2026 01:01:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mitsubishi-asx-set-to-go-hybrid-in-2028-with-all-new-model-report/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 Lepas L6 review: International first drive]]></title><description><![CDATA[Lepas is yet another brand launching in Australia from Chery. Is it different enough to the car giant&rsquo;s other marques to warrant your consideration? Drive has had a first taste of the mid-size L6 in China to find out.<br />
Skip ahead:SummaryDesignValueInteriorFuel EfficiencyInfotainmentOwnership CostsDrive ComfortSafetyVerdict<br />
2027 Lepas L6How many car sub-brands is too many?Chery will find out the answer to that question in the second half of 2026 with yet another new marque it is launching in]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-lepas-l6-review-international-first-drive/</link><pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-lepas-l6-review-international-first-drive/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Denza 1500kW ‘Flash’ electric car chargers set for Australian expansion]]></title><description><![CDATA[Australia&rsquo;s fastest EV chargers are poised to expand beyond a handful of brand showrooms &ndash; and BYD&rsquo;s luxury division has a plan to avoid melting the power grid.A national network of Australia&rsquo;s fastest electric-car chargers &ndash; designed and built by BYD&rsquo;s luxury division Denza &ndash; is under consideration to follow a limited rollout later this year.Five &lsquo;Flash&rsquo; chargers will be installed at Denza showrooms in major Australian capitals by the end of]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/denza-1500kw-flash-electric-car-chargers-set-for-australian-expansion/</link><pubDate>Sun, 10 May 2026 23:33:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/denza-1500kw-flash-electric-car-chargers-set-for-australian-expansion/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Zeekr confirms 8X and 9X EV variants, alongside plug-in hybrid SUVs]]></title><description><![CDATA[Chinese luxury brand Zeekr will spin fully electric variants off the 8X and 9X, which are currently plug-in hybrid. But those who want a hybrid 7X will be disappointed.Zeekr is developing fully electric variants of the 8X and 9X large SUVs, which will carry the same styling as their plug-in hybrid stablemates.Speaking to Australian media at a recent group interview, Vice President of Zeekr Mars Chen said both the 8X and 9X would get their own fully electric powertrain.While exact timing and spec]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/zeekr-confirms-8x-and-9x-ev-variants-alongside-plug-in-hybrid-suvs/</link><pubDate>Sun, 10 May 2026 21:55:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/zeekr-confirms-8x-and-9x-ev-variants-alongside-plug-in-hybrid-suvs/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Victorian Government is not working on RFID stickers, despite recommendation by study]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Victorian Government will not be implementing Radio Frequency Identification stickers on windscreens to combat number plate theft.<br />
Image (bottom left): 2011 Victorian car registration sticker via Reddit. Image (top right): Mockup of a third number plate sticker by Drive.<br />
The Victorian Government has backtracked on previous comments about RFID stickers on windscreens as a solution to number plate theft &ndash; leaving questions unanswered as to what new solutions might be on the table as thef]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/victorian-government-is-not-working-on-rfid-stickers-despite-recommendation-by-study/</link><pubDate>Sun, 10 May 2026 21:05:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/victorian-government-is-not-working-on-rfid-stickers-despite-recommendation-by-study/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[How long does it take to repair a Tesla?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Are you stuck in service limbo? This is how your choice of a mechanic determines your Tesla&rsquo;s repair timeline. Here&rsquo;s why.<br />
Photo: Anna Barclay/Getty Images)<br />
In 2026, it&rsquo;s almost impossible to drive on Australian roads without seeing numerous Tesla models.There&rsquo;s no denying the US electric pioneer has had a monopoly on the domestic EV market. While Teslas are inevitably becoming more ubiquitous, the marque&rsquo;s extended repair wait times have been cited by early adopter]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/how-long-does-it-take-to-repair-a-tesla/</link><pubDate>Sun, 10 May 2026 13:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/how-long-does-it-take-to-repair-a-tesla/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2025 Renault Koleos Techno 4×2 owner review]]></title><description><![CDATA[I&rsquo;m more than very surprised that there aren&rsquo;t more people driving them compared to what else is out there.<br />
Owner: GarthHi all, here&rsquo;s my brand-new 2025 Renault Koleos 4&times;2 Techno with extras, including a factory-fitted towbar.&nbsp;So far, just over 4400km on the clock, and of course there are no issues. I love the cooling nappa leather seats, which are very comfortable and they are also electric, and cool in all the right places. The interior of the cabin is well laid ou]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2025-renault-koleos-techno-42-owner-review/</link><pubDate>Sun, 10 May 2026 10:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2025-renault-koleos-techno-42-owner-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Firefly electric car due in Australia in 2026, as launch details firm]]></title><description><![CDATA[China&rsquo;s answer to the Mini has been locked in for Australian showrooms as soon as this year, but it has set its sights much higher than budget BYDs and Geelys.The pint-sized Firefly electric car from Chinese manufacturer Nio is slated for Australian showrooms by the end of 2026, with retro-inspired looks and rated for up to 330km of driving range.But it will not be a bargain-priced $30,000 rival to BYD, Geely and MG, and instead has set its sights on Mini and Volvo with a price likely to s]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/firefly-electric-car-due-in-australia-in-2026-as-launch-details-firm/</link><pubDate>Sun, 10 May 2026 08:06:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/firefly-electric-car-due-in-australia-in-2026-as-launch-details-firm/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing special edition revealed as F1 celebration]]></title><description><![CDATA[A limited edition of Cadillac&rsquo;s V8 Blackwing sedan has been unveiled to mark the US car brand&rsquo;s entry into Formula One.Cadillac is marking its entry into Formula One with its most powerful V8 production car ever, the CT5-V Blackwing Formula 1 Collectors Series.Just 26 units will be produced, a number chosen to signify 2026 as the last year of production of the CT5-V Blackwing, with a direct successor for the 6.2-litre supercharged V8-powered sedan yet to be confirmed.It is claimed to]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-cadillac-ct5-v-blackwing-special-edition-revealed-as-f1-celebration/</link><pubDate>Sun, 10 May 2026 04:46:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-cadillac-ct5-v-blackwing-special-edition-revealed-as-f1-celebration/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BMW M3 EV to be similar price to petrol version]]></title><description><![CDATA[Electric and petrol-powered versions of the BMW M3 are due to coexist alongside each other when the new model is due in 2027.The first-ever electric BMW M3, due in 2027, will be a similar price to the new-generation, twin-turbo six-cylinder petrol version it will be sold alongside.BMW M head of sales, Sylvia Neubauer, told Autocar that the electric models will differ in powertrain, platform and performance, but not major styling changes or pricing.&ldquo;The good news is that from a pricing pers]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bmw-m3-ev-to-be-similar-price-to-petrol-version/</link><pubDate>Sun, 10 May 2026 02:14:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bmw-m3-ev-to-be-similar-price-to-petrol-version/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Toyota Tundra prices cut by about $20,000 in Australia to clear year-old stock]]></title><description><![CDATA[A rare EOFY deal from Toyota Australia sees about $20,000 slashed from the Tundra full-size pick-up to clear stock built 12 months ago.Toyota Australia has slashed about $20,000 from its Tundra full-size pick-up to clear 12-month-old dealer stock.In a rare end-of-financial-year deal from Toyota, the company is offering complimentary on-road costs, including registration, compulsory third-party insurance, stamp duty and dealer delivery fees, along with a $10,000 cash bonus.Available from 1 May 20]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-tundra-prices-cut-by-about-20000-in-australia-to-clear-year-old-stock/</link><pubDate>Sat, 09 May 2026 23:04:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-tundra-prices-cut-by-about-20000-in-australia-to-clear-year-old-stock/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Leapmotor’s ‘long journey’ before overtaking other Stellantis brands]]></title><description><![CDATA[Jeep, Peugeot, Alfa Romeo, and other Stellantis brands won&rsquo;t be overtaken by Leapmotor just yet, says its global head of brand strategy.Leapmotor International&rsquo;s global head of brand strategy, product and marketing, Francesco Giacalone, said there was a &ldquo;long&rdquo; way to go and more markets to break into before Leapmotor could topple Stellantis&rsquo; other brands.&ldquo;There is long journey because there are brands in Stellantis that are extremely strong. There are markets]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/leapmotors-long-journey-before-overtaking-other-stellantis-brands/</link><pubDate>Sat, 09 May 2026 07:57:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/leapmotors-long-journey-before-overtaking-other-stellantis-brands/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Toyota LandCruiser 76 Series and Prado modified concepts break cover in Japan]]></title><description><![CDATA[A division within Toyota has built two Urban Style LandCruiser models for an upcoming auto show, but sadly, no one will be able to buy them.<br />
Two one-off LandCruiser concepts have been unveiled ahead of Field Style Tokyo 2026, giving the popular Toyota Prado and 76 Series slight visual tweaks rather than previewing upcoming model updates.Toyota&rsquo;s LandCruiser Base division is responsible for the builds, but has not shared any technical specifications yet, simply showing cosmetic changes to t]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-landcruiser-76-series-and-prado-modified-concepts-break-cover-in-japan/</link><pubDate>Sat, 09 May 2026 05:02:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-landcruiser-76-series-and-prado-modified-concepts-break-cover-in-japan/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[MG IM5 and IM6 owners set for upgrade before updated cars arrive]]></title><description><![CDATA[Software updates will add expanded self-parking and more smartphone control to 2025 MG IM5 and IM6 ahead of a facelift due later this year.Buyers of MG&rsquo;s IM premium brand, which launched last year with the IM5 sedan and IM6 SUV, will receive a host of upgrades to their vehicles ahead of a more significant model update due later this year.While the IM5 and IM6 only arrived in Australia in August, 2025, the models known as the L6 and LS6 respectively in China have been on the market overseas]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mg-im5-and-im6-owners-set-for-upgrade-before-updated-cars-arrive/</link><pubDate>Sat, 09 May 2026 02:01:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mg-im5-and-im6-owners-set-for-upgrade-before-updated-cars-arrive/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Zeekr explains pivot to include plug-in hybrids alongside EVs]]></title><description><![CDATA[Once proudly electric-only, Zeekr is now looking to make a big splash in the hybrid space.<br />
Once upon a time, Zeekr pledged to be an EV-only premium brand for the global market.That was only in 2021, when this luxury sub-brand from Geely first launched. But that promise has already changed.Zeekr recently confirmed plans to introduce plug-in hybrid technology&nbsp;for a range of large SUVs in Australia, after their launch in its home market of China.MORE: Zeekr high-performance &lsquo;FR&rsquo; su]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/zeekr-explains-pivot-to-include-plug-in-hybrids-alongside-evs/</link><pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 23:07:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/zeekr-explains-pivot-to-include-plug-in-hybrids-alongside-evs/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Opinion: Driving like a cyclist is the ultimate traffic hack]]></title><description><![CDATA[As main roads become more and more congested, I find myself taking to the back roads almost daily &ndash;&nbsp;even following suggested bike routes.&nbsp;I don&rsquo;t know many people who like sitting in traffic. Actually, scrap that, I don&rsquo;t think I know anyone.&nbsp;But I do know people who will put up with traffic in order to take a simple route, usually on main roads and freeways, even if it means crawling along, sitting at lights or even spending chunks of the trip at a standstill.&n]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/opinion-driving-like-a-cyclist-is-the-ultimate-traffic-hack/</link><pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 21:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/opinion-driving-like-a-cyclist-is-the-ultimate-traffic-hack/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Which car rusts the worst? The data is in and it’s eye-popping.]]></title><description><![CDATA[The UK is the world expert on rusty cars. One company has crunched 3.1 million UK roadworthy tests and come up with the answer. It might well surprise you.Gone are the days when a new car would start oxidising before your eyes as soon as it left a dealer forecourt, but if you&rsquo;re shopping for a used car, it helps to know which will rust quickest.<br />
We&rsquo;ve had plenty of anecdotal evidence down the years of cars that bought cheap Russian steel or which skimped on rustproofing, or even whic]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/which-car-rusts-the-worst-the-data-is-in-and-its-eye-popping/</link><pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 09:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/which-car-rusts-the-worst-the-data-is-in-and-its-eye-popping/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Honda won’t retest CR-V to achieve five-star ANCAP safety, stating lack of customer concern]]></title><description><![CDATA[Honda says it won&rsquo;t get the CR-V retested by ANCAP to increase its safety rating from four to five because customers are not concerned.Honda has no plans to put its top-selling CR-V medium SUV through a second round of ANCAP testing, despite having made safety improvements, stating that customers don&rsquo;t consider it an issue.The current-generation Honda CR-V carries a&nbsp;four-star ANCAP rating,&nbsp;awarded in 2024. It missed out on five stars, in part, because the range did not have]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/honda-wont-retest-cr-v-to-achieve-five-star-ancap-safety-stating-lack-of-customer-concern/</link><pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 05:04:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/honda-wont-retest-cr-v-to-achieve-five-star-ancap-safety-stating-lack-of-customer-concern/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Honda CR-V won’t be upgraded to five-star ANCAP safety in Australia, stating lack of customer concern]]></title><description><![CDATA[Honda says it does not see the need to add extra safety technology to boost the CR-V&rsquo;s safety rating from four to five &ndash; in line with high-grade European models &ndash; because customers are not concerned.Honda has no plans to upgrade its top-selling CR-V medium SUV to a five-star safety rating in Australia, stating that customers don&rsquo;t consider it an issue.The current-generation Honda CR-V carries a&nbsp;four-star ANCAP rating,&nbsp;awarded in 2024.It missed out on five stars,]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/honda-cr-v-wont-be-upgraded-to-five-star-ancap-safety-in-australia-stating-lack-of-customer-concern/</link><pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 05:04:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/honda-cr-v-wont-be-upgraded-to-five-star-ancap-safety-in-australia-stating-lack-of-customer-concern/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Porsche 911 GT3 vs Chevrolet Corvette Z06 comparison: Ultimate track showdown]]></title><description><![CDATA[One car to rule both the racetrack and the road, does the Corvette Z06 hold a candle to Porsche&rsquo;s 911 GT3? Here&rsquo;s the story with all the answers. And some of them will surprise you.Ever since Porsche first launched the 911 GT3 in 1999, it&rsquo;s been the default choice if you&rsquo;re serious about taking your road car onto a track.&nbsp;There&rsquo;s a reason for that. Porsche developed the GT3 to take a thrashing. The earlier 996 and 997-generation cars were built around the bombp]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/porsche-911-gt3-vs-chevrolet-corvette-z06-comparison-ultimate-track-showdown/</link><pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 04:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/porsche-911-gt3-vs-chevrolet-corvette-z06-comparison-ultimate-track-showdown/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Raise your hands – today is National Thank You Wave Day]]></title><description><![CDATA[It&rsquo;s time to bring a bit of courtesy back to our roads, so make sure you offer a wave to your fellow drivers on National Thank You Wave Day.We are often struck by stories of anger and frustration on our roads, but what about a bit of positivity? Why not some encouragement to act with courtesy and friendliness on the roads? To that end, today is National Thank You Wave Day.Conceived by radio personality Luke Bona on his Bonafide Podcast, the concept resonated with his audience, who felt we]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/raise-your-handstoday-is-national-thank-you-wave-day/</link><pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 03:34:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/raise-your-handstoday-is-national-thank-you-wave-day/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Raise your hands – Today is National Thank You Wave Day]]></title><description><![CDATA[It&rsquo;s time to bring a bit of courtesy back to our roads, so make sure you offer a wave to your fellow drivers on National Thank You Wave DayWe are often struck by stories of anger and frustration on our roads, but what about a bit of positivity? Why not some encouragement to act with courtesy and friendliness on the roads. To that end, today is National Thank You Wave Day.Conceived by radio personality Luke Bona on his Bonafide Podcast, the concept resonated with his audience, who felt we n]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/raise-your-hands-today-is-national-thank-you-wave-day/</link><pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 03:34:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/raise-your-hands-today-is-national-thank-you-wave-day/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BYD could soon compete against Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz in F1 – Report]]></title><description><![CDATA[BYD could one day join the Formula One grid, the first Chinese brand to do so, and the prospect now appears a step closer to reality.Automotive giant BYD has confirmed talks about a potential Formula One involvement amid rumours it will be become the first Chinese marque to be involved in the international sport.As reported by SportMediaset, BYD vice-president Stella Li confirmed the brand is currently exploring its options in regards to the Formula One, where it could be competing on the world]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-could-soon-compete-against-ferrari-mercedes-benz-in-f1-report/</link><pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 03:21:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-could-soon-compete-against-ferrari-mercedes-benz-in-f1-report/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 Audi Q4 e-tron confirmed for Australia, but timing unclear]]></title><description><![CDATA[The electric SUV has been updated overseas with a June launch, but when the new Audi Q4 e-tron arrives in Australia is still unknown.<br />
Audi has updated the Q4 e-tron electric SUV with a new interior, updated infotainment, and an improved driving range less than 18 months after arriving in Australia.The Q4 e-tron launched in Australia in February last year, but it has now been facelifted in Europe, where it has been on sale for close to five years, and is the oldest electric car left in the Audi r]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-audi-q4-e-tron-confirmed-for-australia-but-timing-unclear/</link><pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 03:05:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-audi-q4-e-tron-confirmed-for-australia-but-timing-unclear/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[F1 returning to V8 engines within five years – report]]></title><description><![CDATA[V8s with less hybrid assistance could reach F1 from the end of this decade to address criticism of the current, electric-heavy V6 racers.Formula One could return to high-revving V8 engines with modest hybrid assistance as soon as 2030, in a reversal of a move to highly-electrified cars for 2026 that have been subject to backlash from drivers and fans.FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has confirmed a move away from today&rsquo;s 1.6-litre turbo V6 hybrid engines &ldquo;will happen&rdquo; in 2030]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/f1-returning-to-v8-engines-within-five-years-report/</link><pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 01:32:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/f1-returning-to-v8-engines-within-five-years-report/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 JAC Hunter PHEV ute review: Australian first drive]]></title><description><![CDATA[You&rsquo;re looking at what is now Australia&rsquo;s cheapest plug-in hybrid ute, which arrives in Australia while diesel prices are still volatile. Does it stack up as a solid option?2026 JAC HunterIt&rsquo;s fair to say that hybrid utes have arrived in Australia with their fair share of compromises.The BYD Shark 6 &ndash; which has shot the lights out with rampant sales in Australia &ndash; isn&rsquo;t much chop from a towing or off-road point of view.<br />
The GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV is better in t]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-jac-hunter-phev-ute-review-australian-first-drive/</link><pubDate>Fri, 08 May 2026 01:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-jac-hunter-phev-ute-review-australian-first-drive/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ford Ranger PHEV undercuts BYD Shark 6 in select states with drive-away offers]]></title><description><![CDATA[Prices for Ford&rsquo;s offering to the plug-in hybrid ute segment have dropped below the best-selling BYD Shark 6, depending on where you live, in the lead-up to the new financial year.Ford is offering promotional price cuts on its Ranger plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) by as much as $10,000 as part of end-of-financial year deals.As part of the promotion, XLT, Sport, and Stormtrak versions of the Ranger PHEV can be had from $62,000, $66,000, and $73,000 drive-away, respectively.These com]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-ranger-phev-undercuts-byd-shark-6-in-select-states-with-drive-away-offers/</link><pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 23:51:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-ranger-phev-undercuts-byd-shark-6-in-select-states-with-drive-away-offers/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Latest mobile phone and seatbelt detection camera locations for Melbourne and Victoria: May 2026 mapped]]></title><description><![CDATA[This map shows the 357 locations Victoria Police can place their mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras in May 2026.While mobile phone and seatbelt detection camera positions can vary month to month in Victoria, police are obliged to publish the potential locations for public transparency.Mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras are mounted high up on portable trailers and photograph drivers from above as they pass.The cameras detect if the driver is using a mobile device illegally, or f]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/latest-mobile-phone-and-seatbelt-detection-camera-locations-for-melbourne-and-victoria-may-2026-mapped/</link><pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 22:35:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/latest-mobile-phone-and-seatbelt-detection-camera-locations-for-melbourne-and-victoria-may-2026-mapped/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Chery says myriad sub-brands help customers, not confuse them]]></title><description><![CDATA[Chery is on track to operate six SUV brands in Australia by the end of next year &ndash; and it thinks you will understand the differences between all of them.A top Chery executive has claimed its array of sub-brands &ndash; set to number six in Australia by the end of next year &ndash; is an asset that helps it stand out against the likes of Toyota, rather than a source of confusion.The Chinese car giant is due to complement its current Chery, Omoda and Jaecoo marques locally &ndash; the latter]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/chery-says-myriad-sub-brands-help-customers-not-confuse-them/</link><pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 20:52:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/chery-says-myriad-sub-brands-help-customers-not-confuse-them/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 N review: Australian first drive]]></title><description><![CDATA[Niche, polarising and undeniably fast, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N is a high-tech track weapon that proves electric performance cars can also have a soul.2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 NA decade ago, immersion was a technical hurdle for car racing and gaming enthusiasts, not a full-blown and very real sensation.<br />
If you wanted to experience a world-class circuit from your living room, you strapped a plastic brick like the Oculus Rift to your face, loaded up a game like Assetto Corsa, and prayed your brain or sto]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-hyundai-ioniq-6-n-review-australian-first-drive/</link><pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 09:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-hyundai-ioniq-6-n-review-australian-first-drive/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 Hyundai Tucson and i30 Sedan set for major overhauls next year]]></title><description><![CDATA[New generations of the Hyundai Tucson SUV and i30 Sedan are due to be revealed in the next 12 months, but they are further away from Australia.Hyundai is expected to reveal new generations of two of its most popular models, the Tucson SUV and i30 Sedan small car, in the next 12 months.In the meantime, the current Tucson and i30 Sedan &ndash; in showrooms since 2021 and 2020, respectively &ndash; are in a holding pattern, with no more updates anticipated ahead of the new models&rsquo; arrivals.Th]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-hyundai-tucson-and-i30-sedan-set-for-major-overhauls-next-year/</link><pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 05:42:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-hyundai-tucson-and-i30-sedan-set-for-major-overhauls-next-year/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 Lexus TZ electric SUV revealed, under consideration for Australia as Volvo EX90 rival]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Lexus TZ is the brand&rsquo;s largest electric SUV yet &ndash; and first with three rows of seats &ndash; as a luxury sibling to the Toyota Kluger&rsquo;s electric successor, and it is a chance for Australia.The next electric vehicle from Lexus has debuted, and it is currently under assessment for an Australian launch.Slotting above the RZ, the 2027 Lexus TZ six-seater is a luxury sibling to the Toyota Highlander EV (Kluger) and Subaru Getaway &ndash; but it will be built in Japan rather tha]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-lexus-tz-electric-suv-revealed-under-consideration-for-australia-as-volvo-ex90-rival/</link><pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 05:13:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-lexus-tz-electric-suv-revealed-under-consideration-for-australia-as-volvo-ex90-rival/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Mitsubishi Outlander price and specs: Black Edition costs less, but loses AWD]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Mitsubishi Outlander Black Edition has switched from AWD to FWD and gained larger wheels for 2026, while the Exceed Tourer flagship is now offered in red.<br />
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander pricing and specificationsBlack Edition gets a price cut and larger wheels, but loses AWDExceed Tourer now offered in red, with a black roofPriced from $39,990 before on-road costs2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Black Edition FWD.<br />
An updated 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander has been detailed for Australia, nearly 12 months aft]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mitsubishi-outlander-price-and-specs-black-edition-costs-less-but-loses-awd/</link><pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 02:14:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mitsubishi-outlander-price-and-specs-black-edition-costs-less-but-loses-awd/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Leapmotor D19 review: International first drive]]></title><description><![CDATA[Leapmotor&rsquo;s flagship luxury SUV might be a winner among a tide of similar models coming out of China, if it can get a few things right.2026 Leapmotor D19Leapmotor already has two SUVs in Australia, but the Chinese brand&rsquo;s flagship model, the Leapmotor D19, with its luxurious interior and Range Rover-esque exterior, offers something new from the marque.The D19, offered as a full battery-electric vehicle (BEV) or with a range-extender hybrid powertrain, is not yet confirmed for Austral]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-leapmotor-d19-review-international-first-drive/</link><pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 02:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-leapmotor-d19-review-international-first-drive/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series hybrid price announced]]></title><description><![CDATA[The first hybrid LandCruiser is the most expensive and most powerful ever sold in Australia, at close to $170,000 drive-away.Hybrid versions of the 2026 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series are due to arrive in Australia from the middle of the year, producing 341kW and 790Nm as the most powerful LandCruiser ever sold.The &lsquo;Performance Hybrid&lsquo; will be priced from $156,060 for the GR Sport and $156,810 for the top-of-the-range Sahara ZX, both before on-road costs.These RRPs represent a premium]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-landcruiser-300-series-hybrid-price-announced/</link><pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2026 00:53:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-landcruiser-300-series-hybrid-price-announced/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Euro NCAP explains its safety scale: ‘There are no unsafe cars’]]></title><description><![CDATA[All cars for sale are generally safe, according to Euro NCAP, but its grading system allows buyers to determine what is best for them.Euro NCAP has gone on record to dispel the notion that customers should only buy cars with five-star safety ratings, stating local homologation rules are enough to ensure vehicles are fit for the road.When asked by Drive to explain its rating system, which is also shared by ANCAP, Euro NCAP secretary general Dr Michiel van Ratingen said every car that comes to mar]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/euro-ncap-explains-its-safety-scale-there-are-no-unsafe-cars/</link><pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2026 23:39:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/euro-ncap-explains-its-safety-scale-there-are-no-unsafe-cars/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Geely is taking the slow road to success in Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[While other Chinese brands are outmuscling Geely for variety on the showroom floor, the brand says a rush of new models does not equal instant success.Geely says it is content with its steady model rollout into the Australian market, and sees the more gradual introduction of models as a strength for long-term growth in our competitive market.While rival Chinese brands have rolled out a much wider line-up of models and power sources &ndash; including utes &ndash; Geely currently fields only two c]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/geely-is-taking-the-slow-road-to-success-in-australia/</link><pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2026 21:53:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/geely-is-taking-the-slow-road-to-success-in-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘Not good enough’: Aussie safety body takes shot at American utes]]></title><description><![CDATA[Large American utes are becoming a mainstay on Australian roads. But a road safety body is ringing the alarm bells. Here&rsquo;s why.If you drive most days in Australia, you&rsquo;ve probably seen that oversized American utes are becoming a permanent mainstay in the country, with numerous brands such as Chevrolet, Ram, Ford and Toyota offering large pick-up trucks in their domestic line-ups.Though these cars comply with Australian design and safety standards, one road safety body is calling on a]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/not-good-enough-aussie-safety-body-takes-shot-at-american-utes/</link><pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2026 21:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/not-good-enough-aussie-safety-body-takes-shot-at-american-utes/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Chery ute poised to use one of these nine shortlisted model names]]></title><description><![CDATA[The name of Chery&rsquo;s upcoming plug-in hybrid ute will be decided in the coming weeks from nine shortlisted options, whittled down from 20,000 public-submitted entries.Nine names are in contention for Chery&rsquo;s upcoming diesel plug-in hybrid ute, currently known by its KP31 codename, ahead of its Australian arrival later this year.Chery has confirmed nine public submissions that have made its shortlist: Outrider, Orca, Ironbark, Bushwalker, Stockman, Longreach, Ridgeback, Terra, and Mate]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/chery-ute-poised-to-use-one-of-these-nine-shortlisted-model-names/</link><pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2026 20:53:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/chery-ute-poised-to-use-one-of-these-nine-shortlisted-model-names/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA price and specs: Hybrid and electric sedan cheaper than before]]></title><description><![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz has dropped the price of its compact sedan for the new-generation model, now available as a hybrid or electric car with a more advanced cabin.<br />
2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA pricing and specificationsElectric and hybrid range in five variantsNew three-screen interior in more expensive gradesPriced from $66,500 before on-road costs<br />
The price of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA has dropped by close to $7000 with the arrival of a new model, despite the addition of hybrid technology, all-new underpi]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mercedes-benz-cla-price-and-specs-hybrid-and-electric-sedan-cheaper-than-before/</link><pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2026 08:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mercedes-benz-cla-price-and-specs-hybrid-and-electric-sedan-cheaper-than-before/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Australia’s fuel reserves to increase as part of $10 billion Federal Budget package]]></title><description><![CDATA[The announcement ahead of the Federal Budget next week will see Australia&rsquo;s reserves increase across petrol, diesel, and jet fuel.The Federal Government has announced new measures to increase reserves of diesel and aviation fuel to 50 days of supply &ndash; and petrol to an estimated 40 days &ndash; an increase from the current 27 to 32 days of imports across all types.The increase will form part of a $10.7 billion spend to shore up Australia&rsquo;s fuel and fertiliser security in the Fed]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/australias-fuel-reserves-to-increase-as-part-of-10-billion-federal-budget-package/</link><pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2026 07:42:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/australias-fuel-reserves-to-increase-as-part-of-10-billion-federal-budget-package/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Opinion: Motorcycles should be banned from car parks]]></title><description><![CDATA[What&rsquo;s more frustrating than circling a car park for an eternity? Finally finding a seemingly free one, only to find a motorcycle parked there.Picture: iStockPicture this. You&rsquo;ve spent 15 minutes circling a car park trying to find the next available spot. Your blood pressure is rising, there&rsquo;s sweat on your palms, you&rsquo;ve turned the music down, and when you&rsquo;re on the verge of rage, you finally find that coveted, car-free spot.Without hesitation, you turn in, only to]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/opinion-motorcycles-should-be-banned-from-car-parks/</link><pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2026 06:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/opinion-motorcycles-should-be-banned-from-car-parks/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Leapmotor is keen to learn from other Chinese brands in Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[Leapmotor has killed off a controversial feature and has no intention to spawn multiple sub-brands, unlike other Chinese rivals.Leapmotor is intent on learning from the experiences of other Chinese brands, saying its controversial key card is &ldquo;dead&rdquo; and that it won&rsquo;t be creating multiple confusing sub-brands&nbsp;&ndash;&nbsp;unlike other marques.Leapmotor International&rsquo;s global head of brand strategy, product and marketing, Francesco Giacalone, said the brand has listene]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/leapmotor-is-keen-to-learn-from-other-chinese-brands-in-australia/</link><pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2026 04:51:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/leapmotor-is-keen-to-learn-from-other-chinese-brands-in-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Hyundai Elexio v Hyundai Tucson comparison: EV vs hybrid medium SUVs compared]]></title><description><![CDATA[Avant-garde versus the old guard: should you choose Hyundai&rsquo;s new mid-sized Elexio SUV, or forego electric and stick with the hybrid Tucson status quo?Hyundai finally has an EV for Australia&rsquo;s hotly contested mid-sized SUV market, and given the current fuel price war, it could not come at a better time.The Elexio is arguably the most significant launch for the Korean car maker in years. It sits right next to its cousin, the acclaimed Tucson, but the vibe couldn&rsquo;t be more differ]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-hyundai-elexio-v-hyundai-tucson-comparison-ev-vs-hybrid-medium-suvs-compared/</link><pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2026 04:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-hyundai-elexio-v-hyundai-tucson-comparison-ev-vs-hybrid-medium-suvs-compared/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[GWM confirms diesel hybrids and plug-in hybrids]]></title><description><![CDATA[GWM will follow Chery and Mercedes-Benz in launching diesel hybrid vehicles, with an Australian launch possible by the end of next year.GWM has confirmed it will launch diesel hybrid technology, with Australian customer deliveries a chance to start by the end of next year.Following rival Chery &ndash; along with Mercedes-Benz and, formerly, Audi &ndash; GWM will introduce diesel plug-in hybrid vehicles, as well as &lsquo;plug-less&rsquo; hybrid versions.The first GWM vehicles with diesel hybrid]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/gwm-confirms-diesel-hybrids-and-plug-in-hybrids/</link><pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2026 01:41:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/gwm-confirms-diesel-hybrids-and-plug-in-hybrids/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 MG IM8 large SUV tailored to Australia with range-extender EV powertrain]]></title><description><![CDATA[With a range rated for up to 1600km, the 2027 MG IM8 could be well suited for unique Australian driving conditions, according to the brand.MG&rsquo;s incoming IM LS8 &ndash; or IM8 as it might be known &ndash; is geared specifically for Australia&rsquo;s unique requirements, according to a brand executive.Speaking to Drive, IM Motor regional general manager for Asia Pacific Steven Xu said the large SUV, due to launch in the first half of 2027 with its extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) power]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-mg-im8-large-suv-tailored-to-australia-with-range-extender-ev-powertrain/</link><pubDate>Wed, 06 May 2026 00:40:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-mg-im8-large-suv-tailored-to-australia-with-range-extender-ev-powertrain/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 JAC Hunter hybrid ute to undercut BYD Shark 6 at less than $50,000 RRP]]></title><description><![CDATA[Move aside, BYD and GWM. This is Australia&rsquo;s cheapest plug-in hybrid ute, which has a 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity and 915kg payload.The 2026 JAC Hunter &ndash; the plug-in hybrid version of the T9 diesel ute &ndash; will undercut the BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV to become what is likely to be the cheapest model in its category, when it arrives in showrooms in the coming weeks.JAC has confirmed a starting price of &ldquo;under $50,000&rdquo; before on-road costs, under the $55]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-jac-hunter-hybrid-ute-to-undercut-byd-shark-6-at-less-than-50000-rrp/</link><pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2026 23:02:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-jac-hunter-hybrid-ute-to-undercut-byd-shark-6-at-less-than-50000-rrp/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[This state is spending $1 billion to fix potholes – critics say it’s a ‘band-aid’ fix]]></title><description><![CDATA[Despite the billion-dollar investment to fix this state&rsquo;s crumbling roads, regional authorities say the funding is only a temporary fix and insufficient to repair local roads properly.The Victorian Government will invest $1.04 billion to fix state roads. Picture: iStockAs motorists across the country grapple with driving on pothole-filled roads, one state government has announced it will commence a road repair blitz from next year.<br />
As part of its 2026/2027 budget, the Victorian Government]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/this-state-is-spending-1-billion-to-fix-potholes-critics-say-its-a-band-aid-fix/</link><pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2026 21:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/this-state-is-spending-1-billion-to-fix-potholes-critics-say-its-a-band-aid-fix/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Zeekr high-performance ‘FR’ sub-brand set for reboot]]></title><description><![CDATA[Growing Chinese car brand Zeekr wants to beat Porsche at its own game, with a rebooted range of high-performance FR models.Zeekr&rsquo;s high-performance FR sub-brand &ndash; its equivalent to BMW M or Mercedes-AMG &ndash; will make a comeback with a new range of models.And it has the German sports-car icon Porsche in its crosshairs.Mars Chen, Zeekr vice president, told Australian motoring media, including Drive, that high-performance models are key to the development and future plans of the fle]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/zeekr-high-performance-fr-sub-brand-set-for-reboot/</link><pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2026 20:56:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/zeekr-high-performance-fr-sub-brand-set-for-reboot/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Holden’s former proving ground at Lang Lang sold, but not to GWM]]></title><description><![CDATA[The test facility once home to six decades of Australian-developed Holdens &ndash; and more recently, Chinese and Vietnamese cars &ndash; has been sold after five years on the market.<br />
Holdens at Lang Lang proving ground.<br />
The former Holden test track in Victoria has been sold to its third owner five years after its current custodian &ndash; which purchased the property from General Motors in 2020 for $36.3 million &ndash; looked to move the facility on.The buyer of the Lang Lang proving ground 90]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/holdens-former-proving-ground-at-lang-lang-sold-but-not-to-gwm/</link><pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2026 08:50:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/holdens-former-proving-ground-at-lang-lang-sold-but-not-to-gwm/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[The controversial car insurance quirk causing thousands to complain]]></title><description><![CDATA[Determining the &lsquo;market value&rsquo; of a car during an insurance claim is becoming increasingly complex &ndash; and controversial.<br />
How car insurance companies determine the &lsquo;market&rsquo; value of a car is an increasingly disputed topic, with the insurance industry watchdog receiving thousands of complaints about the matter in a single year.RELATED: The EV insurance &lsquo;sting&rsquo; facing Aussie drivers fleeing the fuel crisisThe Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA)]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-controversial-car-insurance-quirk-causing-thousands-to-complain/</link><pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2026 06:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-controversial-car-insurance-quirk-causing-thousands-to-complain/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Australian new-car sales in April 2026: EV sales share breaks another VFACTS record]]></title><description><![CDATA[Nearly one in six new cars sold last month was electric, as demand for battery-powered vehicles continues to grow.Electric vehicles have accounted for a record share of Australian new-car sales for the second consecutive month &ndash; up 157 per cent year-on-year &ndash; as buyers continue to embrace zero-emissions vehicles amid high fuel prices.Battery-electric cars accounted for 16.4 per cent of new cars, SUVs, utes, vans, and trucks reported as sold in April 2026, improving even further on th]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/australian-new-car-sales-in-april-2026-ev-sales-share-breaks-another-vfacts-record/</link><pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2026 04:08:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/australian-new-car-sales-in-april-2026-ev-sales-share-breaks-another-vfacts-record/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 Geely seven-seat SUV confirmed for Australia, with more large family cars to come]]></title><description><![CDATA[Expect one of Australia&rsquo;s newest Chinese car brands to go toe-to-toe with Toyota, Kia, Hyundai and BYD with its own plug-in hybrid seven-seat SUV.Geely is due to bring a large SUV to Australia next year, according to the brand&rsquo;s local boss, as its entry into the seven-seater market.Update: While this story originally identified the Geely M9 large SUV as being confirmed for Australia, Geely Australia has since clarified after the interview that the M9 is not locked in for Australia. I]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-geely-seven-seat-suv-confirmed-for-australia-with-more-large-family-cars-to-come/</link><pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2026 02:28:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-geely-seven-seat-suv-confirmed-for-australia-with-more-large-family-cars-to-come/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 Geely M9 seven-seat SUV confirmed for Australia, with more large family cars to come]]></title><description><![CDATA[Expect one of Australia&rsquo;s newest Chinese car brands to go toe-to-toe with Toyota, Kia, Hyundai and BYD with its own plug-in hybrid seven-seat SUV.Geely is due to bring the M9 large plug-in hybrid SUV to Australia next year, according to the brand&rsquo;s local boss, as its entry into the seven-seater market.The M9 is sold as a six-seater in China &ndash; with two &lsquo;captain&rsquo;s chairs&rsquo; in the second row &ndash; but will be switched to a three-seat second-row bench for Austral]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-geely-m9-seven-seat-suv-confirmed-for-australia-with-more-large-family-cars-to-come/</link><pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2026 02:28:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-geely-m9-seven-seat-suv-confirmed-for-australia-with-more-large-family-cars-to-come/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Zeekr 8X review: this luxury large SUV could change the game]]></title><description><![CDATA[Why this new luxury hybrid SUV from China should have the luxury establishment worried.2026 Zeekr 8XWhile Zeekr has been making hay out of its success with the fully electric 7X in recent months, there&rsquo;s another wave of impressive offerings coming from the Chinese brand.And while the Zeekr 8X has many of the same hallmarks that made the Zeekr 7X medium SUV great, this new large SUV also has some important differences.Firstly, this is a plug-in hybrid vehicle. This is a new direction for th]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-zeekr-8x-review-this-luxury-large-suv-could-change-the-game/</link><pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2026 02:01:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-zeekr-8x-review-this-luxury-large-suv-could-change-the-game/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Leapmotor B05 review: International first drive]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Leapmotor B05 Ultra is fast, fully electric, and looks good. But does it have what it takes to topple the likes of the Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Golf?2026 Leapmotor B05Leapmotor is set to double down on its release of the B10 SUV this year by introducing the B05 fully electric hatchback to Australia before the end of 2026.Leapmotor entered the Australian market only last year with the release of the C10 SUV, but the B05 shows the brand is moving quickly to diversify its line-up Down Unde]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-leapmotor-b05-review-international-first-drive/</link><pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2026 02:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-leapmotor-b05-review-international-first-drive/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[FBT exemption for electric cars to be wound back after billion-dollar cost blowout]]></title><description><![CDATA[A popular tax exemption on electric cars that has cost 18 times more than forecast will be cut back from 2027 to return $1.7 billion to the budget.The Federal Government will scale back the exemption on Fringe Benefits Tax for electric cars purchased through novated leases after it was found to have cost 18 times more in lost tax revenue than first forecast.The tax break will not be scrapped entirely &ndash; instead wound back to a 25 per cent discount, rather than a full exemption &ndash; and c]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/fbt-exemption-for-electric-cars-to-be-wound-back-after-billion-dollar-cost-blowout/</link><pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2026 01:48:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/fbt-exemption-for-electric-cars-to-be-wound-back-after-billion-dollar-cost-blowout/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[GWM Haval H6 GT petrol, Tank 500 hybrid discontinued in Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[The GWM Haval H6 GT petrol and Tank 500 hybrid have been replaced by newly introduced PHEVs, and in the Tank 500, a soon-to-arrive diesel.GWM Australia has cut the petrol-only H6 GT and the Tank 500 &lsquo;plug-less&rsquo; hybrid from its range following the recent launch of plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) versions.The Haval H6 GT petrol will cease production in China this month, GWM Australia product planning manager Tim Leong told Drive, while the Tank 500 hybrid has entered run-out, ah]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/gwm-haval-h6-gt-petrol-tank-500-hybrid-discontinued-in-australia/</link><pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2026 01:07:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/gwm-haval-h6-gt-petrol-tank-500-hybrid-discontinued-in-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Leapmotor B05 receives ‘totally different’ international suspension tune from Chinese version]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Leapmotor B05 electric hatchback, landing in Australia later this year, is &lsquo;totally different&rsquo; to drive compared to its Chinese version.The Leapmotor B05 fully electric hatch is confirmed for launch in Australia, and the brand says it has gone further than usual in re-tuning the car for international roads.Leapmotor&nbsp;International&rsquo;s global head of brand strategy, product and marketing Francesco Giacalone said the Australian version of the B05 could receive even further]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/leapmotor-b05-receives-totally-different-international-suspension-tune-from-chinese-version/</link><pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2026 23:34:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/leapmotor-b05-receives-totally-different-international-suspension-tune-from-chinese-version/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyundai Ioniq 3 N performance EV on Australian wishlist]]></title><description><![CDATA[Hyundai Australia is hoping an Ioniq 3 N hot hatch will be the next to join its growing electric performance stable.Hyundai Australia has hinted at its desire for an electric hot hatch to line up next to its newly-launched Ioniq 6 N performance sedan and the Ioniq 5 N hot hatch-styled SUV.The Ioniq 3, revealed last month at Milan Design Week and due in Australia in 2027, has only been confirmed in N Line guise for now, it is highly speculated to be among the next EVs to receive the full N perfor]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-ioniq-3-n-performance-ev-on-australian-wishlist/</link><pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2026 21:52:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-ioniq-3-n-performance-ev-on-australian-wishlist/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘Unreliable’: AI road camera case thrown out by Aussie court]]></title><description><![CDATA[AI-equipped road cameras are becoming the new normal, but some drivers have challenged their accuracy &ndash; and succeeded.While numerous states have introduced new AI road cameras, some experts and drivers are calling out the accuracy of this new technology. Picture: Supplied.Despite various state road authorities deploying a range of new AI-powered cameras to detect offending drivers, one local court has dismissed an AI-detected case after determining no offence was committed.<br />
According to As]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/unreliable-ai-road-camera-case-thrown-out-by-aussie-court/</link><pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2026 21:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/unreliable-ai-road-camera-case-thrown-out-by-aussie-court/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Allan Moffat Mustang up for auction, but not that one]]></title><description><![CDATA[Bathurst-winning Moffat Ford tribute goes under the hammer. But those of you who know your history will know there&rsquo;s a catch&hellip;If you&rsquo;re fed up with looking at yet more dull SUVs and want to live a bit larger, you could consider this 1973 Ford Mustang Fastback up for auction, finished in Allan Moffat&rsquo;s Bathurst-winning livery.Available on Grays auctions, there is more to this car then first meets the eye though.&ldquo;Wait , what?&rdquo; says everybody who knows their judo]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/allan-moffat-mustang-up-for-auction-but-not-that-one/</link><pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2026 20:54:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/allan-moffat-mustang-up-for-auction-but-not-that-one/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Could this sneaky car-park shortcut be illegal?]]></title><description><![CDATA[We&rsquo;ve all been tempted to do it at least once, cutting across empty spaces as a little shortcut to exit the parking area, but is this trick actually illegal?Parking lots can be a bit of a maze with arrows pointing every which way and often needing to go the long way around rows of spaces.RELATED: Unmarked police cars now even less noticeable with this changeBut if you&rsquo;re an early morning/late-night shopper, you may be presented with the opportunity to cut across allotted spots to sha]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/could-this-sneaky-car-park-shortcut-be-illegal/</link><pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2026 07:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/could-this-sneaky-car-park-shortcut-be-illegal/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 N price and specs: Performance EV sedan arrives with 478kW]]></title><description><![CDATA[The $115,000 sibling to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N electric hot hatch has arrived in Australia with up to 478kW/770Nm, a 3.2-second 0-100km/h time, and synthesised gear shifts and engine sounds.<br />
2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 N pricing and specifications478kW/770Nm dual-motor electric drivetrain with 487km claimed rangeSynthesised gear shifts, &lsquo;engine&rsquo; sounds among high-performance softwarePriced from $115,000 before on-road costs<br />
The 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 6 N has arrived in Australia as the second el]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-hyundai-ioniq-6-n-price-and-specs-performance-ev-sedan-arrives-with-478kw/</link><pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2026 07:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-hyundai-ioniq-6-n-price-and-specs-performance-ev-sedan-arrives-with-478kw/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Suzuki eVitara price and specs: Brand’s first EV arrives in Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[The first electric vehicle from Suzuki in Australia is close in price to its petrol equivalent, but more expensive than rivals from China.<br />
2026 Suzuki eVitara pricing and specificationsTwo to three model grades, including all-wheel drive optionBrand&rsquo;s first electric car in AustraliaPriced from $46,990 drive-away for first 100 customers<br />
The cheapest 2026 Suzuki eVitara electric SUV will be about $7200 to $8400 more expensive than a top-of-the-range BYD Atto 2 when the first examples arrive]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-suzuki-evitara-price-and-specs-brands-first-ev-arrives-in-australia/</link><pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2026 03:15:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-suzuki-evitara-price-and-specs-brands-first-ev-arrives-in-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Geely ute coming to Australia in ‘two to three years’, V6 power possible]]></title><description><![CDATA[A Geely four-wheel-drive ute is all but locked in for Australia as a more heavy-duty proposition than the car-derived Riddara ute available overseas.Geely is working on a four-wheel-drive ute for Australia, which could be in showrooms in 2028 or 2029 with plug-in hybrid power to rival the BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha.It is according to Geely Australia CEO Alex Gu, who told Australian motoring media about the brand&rsquo;s intentions in the off-road space.And while the Chinese automotive gian]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/geely-ute-coming-to-australia-in-two-to-three-years-v6-power-possible/</link><pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2026 02:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/geely-ute-coming-to-australia-in-two-to-three-years-v6-power-possible/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Geely EX2 review: International first drive]]></title><description><![CDATA[The cheap electric vehicle race is set to heat up, with the Geely EX2 locked in to arrive in Australia soon. We get a first taste in China to see if it has potential.2026 Geely EX2The electric car race is moving fast in Australia, and it&rsquo;s not just the more premium models over $50,000 that are getting the attention.Joining the likes of the GAC Aion UT and BYD Atto 2 is the Geely EX2. This is the third Australian-bound model from this relative newcomer.On a recent trip to China for the 2026]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-geely-ex2-review-international-first-drive/</link><pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2026 02:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-geely-ex2-review-international-first-drive/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 Chery Q electric car confirmed for Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[Chery is in the running to sell one of Australia&rsquo;s cheapest electric cars when its rival to the Geely EX2 and BYD Atto 1 arrives in showrooms next year.The Chery Q electric hatch will become the brand&rsquo;s first new electric car for Australia in about three years when it arrives in showrooms sometime in 2027.And it is in with a strong chance of becoming one of the country&rsquo;s most affordable electric cars, if sharp prices in China translate to local showrooms.Sold in China as the Ch]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-chery-q-electric-car-confirmed-for-australia/</link><pubDate>Sun, 03 May 2026 23:23:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-chery-q-electric-car-confirmed-for-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyundai, Kia and Genesis extend charging unit warranty in Australia for some EVs]]></title><description><![CDATA[Following customer reports of failures, Hyundai, Kia and Genesis have extended the ICCU warranty of some EVs in Australia to 15 years.Hyundai, Kia and Genesis have introduced an extended 15-year warranty in Australia for the Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) in some electric vehicles, following customer reports of component failures.The extended warranty applies to early versions of Hyundai, Kia and Genesis electric vehicles underpinned by the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), incl]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-kia-and-genesis-extend-charging-unit-warranty-in-australia-for-some-evs/</link><pubDate>Sun, 03 May 2026 22:07:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-kia-and-genesis-extend-charging-unit-warranty-in-australia-for-some-evs/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Honda Civic Type R sales throttled by Australian government emissions rules]]></title><description><![CDATA[Honda is keeping shipments of the Civic Type R hot hatch tight to ensure it does not go too far in the red on government fines for not meeting strict Australian new-car emissions targets.<br />
Tough CO2 emission rules on new cars in Australia &ndash; not the $85,500 drive-away price &ndash; are holding the brakes on sales of the Honda Civic Type R hot hatch.Production of the Civic Type R in Japan is already limited, but Australian regulations penalising car makers for selling too many vehicles that d]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/honda-civic-type-r-sales-throttled-by-australian-government-emissions-rules/</link><pubDate>Sun, 03 May 2026 20:46:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/honda-civic-type-r-sales-throttled-by-australian-government-emissions-rules/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘My car will have paid itself off’: How these Aussies save $10,000 a year driving an EV]]></title><description><![CDATA[With the cost of living increasing, many Aussies are using electric vehicles to save thousands of dollars every year. Here&rsquo;s how you could, too.Niklas Hemstrom is saving $10,000 a year driving an electric vehicle compared to his previous petrol hatchback.Monday to Friday, the Victorian 57-year-old does about 200km a day in his job as a ride-share driver. When he owned a petrol Hyundai i30, he was spending $200 a week on petrol &ndash;&nbsp;long before petrol prices hit $2.20 a litre.RELATE]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/my-car-will-have-paid-itself-off-how-these-aussies-save-10000-a-year-driving-an-ev/</link><pubDate>Sun, 03 May 2026 15:59:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/my-car-will-have-paid-itself-off-how-these-aussies-save-10000-a-year-driving-an-ev/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2020 Toyota RAV4 GXL Hybrid owner review]]></title><description><![CDATA[As much as some might think it&rsquo;s mad to spend $30,000 on a seven-year-old car, you&rsquo;re buying a proven, reliable, safe and well-equipped car with exceptional fuel economy, and a huge servicing network.<br />
Owner: JoshAs petrol prices skyrocket and we see an uptick in interest with EVs, it leaves many with a dilemma. Should they stick with their petrol car and potentially save on depreciation costs down the line? Or, should they pick up an EV and ditch the bowser altogether?&nbsp;What if I]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2020-toyota-rav4-gxl-hybrid-owner-review/</link><pubDate>Sun, 03 May 2026 07:30:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2020-toyota-rav4-gxl-hybrid-owner-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz commits to bringing back physical buttons]]></title><description><![CDATA[Another brand backflips and admits that touch-sensitive buttons for frequently used controls were a mistake, but only after the nudge from customers.<br />
Mercedes-Benz joins the growing list of manufacturers listening to customers and admitting that touch-sensitive controls and burying controls in menus were mistakes.The German brand remains committed to offering large screens in its models, but has listened to its customers and will offer physical buttons for key functions in future.This is partly]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mercedes-benz-commits-to-bringing-back-physical-buttons/</link><pubDate>Sun, 03 May 2026 04:49:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mercedes-benz-commits-to-bringing-back-physical-buttons/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz commits to bringing back phycial buttons]]></title><description><![CDATA[Another brand backflips and admits that touch-sensitive buttons for frequently used controls were a mistake, but only after the nudge from customers.<br />
Mercedes-Benz joins the growing list of manufacturers listening to customers and admitting that touch-sensitive controls and burying controls in menus were mistakes.The German brand remains committed to offering large screens in its models, but has listened to its customers and will offer physical buttons for key functions in future.This is partly]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mercedes-benz-commits-to-bringing-back-phycial-buttons/</link><pubDate>Sun, 03 May 2026 04:49:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mercedes-benz-commits-to-bringing-back-phycial-buttons/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2021-2026 Ford F-150 recalled, again, in Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[The latest fault could cause the Trailer Module to lose communication with the vehicle, according to the recall notice.Ford Australia has recalled&nbsp;6832&nbsp;examples of its&nbsp;2021-2026 F-150 pick-ups, citing a potential fault with&nbsp;the Trailer Module (TRM).This is the ninth time the F-150 has been recalled by Ford Australia since launching the model in 2023, which is a right-hand-drive remanufactured model produced in conjunction with RMA Automotive.The recall notice, lodged with the]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2021-2026-ford-f-150-recalled-again-in-australia/</link><pubDate>Sun, 03 May 2026 03:03:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2021-2026-ford-f-150-recalled-again-in-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Honda says syncing car standards with Europe and Japan is ‘unrealistic’]]></title><description><![CDATA[The new boss of Honda Australia says harmonising ADRs with leading markets is not going to happen, because no-one can agree which rules are best.Australia&rsquo;s national road rules for safety and emissions will never fully be harmonised with international standards, because the countries involved &ldquo;won&rsquo;t compromise&rdquo;, the new boss of Honda claims.Australian Design Rules (ADRs) are our national standards for road vehicle safety, anti-theft measures, and emissions that apply to a]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/honda-says-syncing-car-standards-with-europe-and-japan-is-unrealistic/</link><pubDate>Sun, 03 May 2026 01:02:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/honda-says-syncing-car-standards-with-europe-and-japan-is-unrealistic/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Toyota GR RAV4 turbo could happen, here’s how]]></title><description><![CDATA[A 2.4-litre turbocharged engine fits under the bonnet of the new Toyota RAV4, an engineer has revealed, so if customers want it, a GR RAV4 could come to fruition.A turbocharged, high-performance GR version of the 2026 Toyota RAV4 could become a reality, if potential customers shout loud enough.Chief engineer Yoshinori Futonagane told Drive that the new 227kW RAV4 GR Sport, the most powerful iteration in the nameplate&rsquo;s history, is already &ldquo;powerful enough&rdquo; and &ldquo;very fast&]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-gr-rav4-turbo-could-happen-heres-how/</link><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 22:56:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-gr-rav4-turbo-could-happen-heres-how/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BYD Atto 5 on the way for New Zealand, could be on track for Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[BYD is planning to bring the larger Atto 5 to New Zealand, but it&rsquo;s unsure if or when it will make its journey across the Tasman.<br />
The third-generation BYD Yuan Plus revealed at the 2026 Beijing motor show has been confirmed to go on sale in New Zealand as the Atto 5, but it is not yet known when or if it will come to Australia.This is according to AutoTrader NZ, who also reports the model will go on sale in 2027.The Yuan Plus has previously been renamed to the BYD Atto 3, but the new model]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-atto-5-on-the-way-for-new-zealand-could-be-on-track-for-australia/</link><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 05:02:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-atto-5-on-the-way-for-new-zealand-could-be-on-track-for-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 Kia Carnival and Picanto ranges to shrink in Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[Kia Australia has axed two diesel Carnival grades, and the Picanto GT-Line manual, citing low customer uptake.Kia Australia has swung an axe at some versions of its popular Carnival and Picanto models, citing low customer uptake for the deleted grades.Sport and GT-Line Lite diesel-only grades have been deleted from the 2027 Kia Carnival range, leaving S, Sport+ and GT-Line versions across diesel and hybrid.The latest change is further reduction of the Carnival line-up in Australia, after its lon]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-kia-carnival-and-picanto-ranges-to-shrink-in-australia/</link><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 03:13:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-kia-carnival-and-picanto-ranges-to-shrink-in-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Unmarked police cars now even less noticeable with this change]]></title><description><![CDATA[Unmarked police cars have long been easy to spot if you look hard enough, but this change makes them blend in much more with regular traffic.Unmarked police cars have been used as a sneaky means to catch people breaking traffic laws since the dawn of the Highway Patrol in Australia.Often mistakenly called &lsquo;undercover&rsquo; cars, unmarked cars differ from that term in the way they are used for traffic enforcement with equipment such as radar/LiDAR speed detection, pursuit performance abili]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/unmarked-police-cars-now-even-less-noticeable-with-this-change/</link><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 01:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/unmarked-police-cars-now-even-less-noticeable-with-this-change/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Cars from big brands you probably didn’t know were built in China]]></title><description><![CDATA[While the rush of Chinese brands onto the Australian market are, unsurprisingly, mostly Chinese-sourced, some more traditional brands have also turned to China as a production hub.While it comes as no surprise that the overwhelming majority of Chinese brands source their cars from China, you may not know that established brands are also bringing Chinese-built cars into the country.The following is a list of cars you may not know as Chinese, despite being manufactured there.Cupra TavascanCupra is]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/cars-from-big-brands-you-probably-didnt-know-were-built-in-china/</link><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 00:46:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/cars-from-big-brands-you-probably-didnt-know-were-built-in-china/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2024-2025 Ford Transit Custom recalled over owner’s manual error]]></title><description><![CDATA[A potential error in the digital owner&rsquo;s manual of the 2024-2025 Ford Transit Custom has been found, but the fix is easy.Ford Australia&nbsp;has recalled 2246&nbsp;examples of its&nbsp;2024-2025 Ford Transit Custom van, citing a potential fault with&nbsp;the digital owner&rsquo;s manual.The recall notice, lodged with the Department of Infrastructure, says: &ldquo;The vehicle&rsquo;s digital owner&rsquo;s manual may contain incorrect information regarding the location of the child seat anch]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2024-2025-ford-transit-custom-recalled-over-owners-manual-error/</link><pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 22:54:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2024-2025-ford-transit-custom-recalled-over-owners-manual-error/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 Kia Seltos going hybrid only in Australia, due later this year]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Kia Seltos small SUV will follow the Toyota Corolla Cross and Nissan Qashqai in going hybrid-only in Australia.The first new-generation Kia model to completely ditch petrol-only engines in Australia has been confirmed, amid tightening regulations and increased customer demand for hybrids.Due in local Kia showrooms between October and December this year, the 2027 Kia Seltos will introduce a petrol-electric hybrid system to the small SUV &ndash; and it will be the only powertrain on offer, sim]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-kia-seltos-going-hybrid-only-in-australia-due-later-this-year/</link><pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 09:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-kia-seltos-going-hybrid-only-in-australia-due-later-this-year/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Toyota LandCruiser Prado VX review]]></title><description><![CDATA[Toyota&rsquo;s second-tier large off-roader has been with us over a year now. Has it been an easy addition to the Big T&rsquo;s showroom, or has it been shoehorned in?<br />
Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps<br />
2026 Toyota LandCruiser Prado VXMuch like its V6-powered LandCruiser 300 Series stablemate, the LandCruiser Prado is very popular with Australians. It&rsquo;s big, w]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-landcruiser-prado-vx-review/</link><pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 07:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-landcruiser-prado-vx-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Can using ‘dirty fuel’ affect your car’s warranty?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Worried about how the reintroduced &lsquo;dirty fuel&rsquo; in Australia could affect your car&rsquo;s warranty? We spoke to car brands about the risks.The Australian Government has reintroduced so-called &lsquo;dirty fuel&rsquo; into the country to manage supply concerns, but the flow-on effects for engine function and vehicle warranties are causing consumer concern.&lsquo;Dirty fuel&rsquo; refers to fuel that has a higher sulphur content, which in turn leads to higher levels of pollution and c]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/can-using-dirty-fuel-affect-your-cars-warranty/</link><pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 06:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/can-using-dirty-fuel-affect-your-cars-warranty/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Honda ZR-V price and specs: Expanded hybrid line-up now undercuts big-name rivals]]></title><description><![CDATA[Cheaper versions of the Honda ZR-V hybrid highlight the family SUV&rsquo;s 2026 updates, with three grades now available with petrol-electric power.<br />
2026 Honda ZR-V pricing and specificationsHybrid now offered for a cheaper priceNow more competitive against Chinese rivalsPriced from $39,900 drive-away2026 Honda ZR-V.Honda has launched its refreshed ZR-V in Australia, flipping the script on hybrid powertrain availability when compared with petrol, and making the fuel-sipping engine more affordabl]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-honda-zr-v-price-and-specs-expanded-hybrid-line-up-now-undercuts-big-name-rivals/</link><pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 05:07:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-honda-zr-v-price-and-specs-expanded-hybrid-line-up-now-undercuts-big-name-rivals/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[MG’s premium IM brand set for major model expansion]]></title><description><![CDATA[IM5 and IM6 electric vehicles to be joined by more models like LS8, LS9, and a people mover that will be offered with hybrid power.IM, MG&rsquo;s premium sub-brand, is set for a major overhaul in the next 12 months that will better position it to take advantage of Australia&rsquo;s growing electric vehicle appetite.Presenting in Shanghai, IM Motors co-CEO and overseas business general manager Liu Tao acknowledged the growing appetite for EVs locally.&ldquo;Geopolitics problems have made oil pric]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mgs-premium-im-brand-set-for-major-model-expansion/</link><pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 03:11:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mgs-premium-im-brand-set-for-major-model-expansion/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Jaecoo says fuel crisis won’t end petrol-only cars]]></title><description><![CDATA[Jaecoo has defied convention by launching an electric vehicle first and a petrol version second, but says there is still interest in both.Chinese car brand Jaecoo says the fuel crisis is not a concern amid the launch of the purely petrol-powered version of its popular J5 electric SUV.&ldquo;Not every customer is ready to make the switch to EV [electric] today,&rdquo; said Omoda Jaecoo Australia chief commercial officer Roy Munoz.&ldquo;[Even though] EV demand is growing, petrol is still the larg]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/jaecoo-says-fuel-crisis-wont-end-petrol-only-cars/</link><pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 01:55:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/jaecoo-says-fuel-crisis-wont-end-petrol-only-cars/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Mercedes-AMG C43 Edition R+ brings down sports sedan point of entry]]></title><description><![CDATA[Slightly revised styling, but more affordable price tag, for new Mercedes-AMG C43 Edition R+ that is now available for $121,000 BOCs.Mercedes-Benz Australia has launched a more affordable version of the AMG C43 with the Edition R+ hitting showrooms next month priced at $121,200 before on-road costs.This puts it $2600 downstream of the standard Mercedes-AMG C43, despite adding small cosmetic changes.To differentiate itself, the Mercedes-AMG C43 Edition R+ adds the AMG Styling Package that feature]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mercedes-amg-c43-edition-r-brings-down-sports-sedan-point-of-entry/</link><pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 01:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mercedes-amg-c43-edition-r-brings-down-sports-sedan-point-of-entry/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Volkswagen confirms Golf and T-Roc Hybrids, but key details still unknown]]></title><description><![CDATA[The fight could be brought to Toyota as Volkswagen prepares to launch plug-less hybrid versions of its popular hatchback and small SUVs.Volkswagen has confirmed it will offer regular hybrid version of both the Golf hatchback and T-Roc small SUV, but it remains unclear if these Toyota-fighting models will make it to Australia.The upcoming models will be closed-loop &lsquo;plug-less&rsquo; hybrids with two electric motors mounted on the front axle, one as the drive motor and one as the generator.F]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/volkswagen-confirms-golf-and-t-roc-hybrids-but-key-details-still-unknown/</link><pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 23:26:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/volkswagen-confirms-golf-and-t-roc-hybrids-but-key-details-still-unknown/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 GWM Haval H6 and H7 SUVs set for overhauls in Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Haval H6 will be replaced by a larger, newer SUV, while a new-generation H7 could become GWM&rsquo;s next seven-seater in Australia.GWM&rsquo;s family SUV range is set for a major shake-up in the next 12 to 18 months, with the current H6 and H7 both expected to be replaced by new-generation models in Australia, plus the addition of the value-focused Jolion Max.The fourth-generation 2027 GWM Haval H6 has been confirmed as the global-market version of the Haval Xiaolong Max, which went on sale]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-gwm-haval-h6-and-h7-suvs-set-for-overhauls-in-australia/</link><pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 20:59:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-gwm-haval-h6-and-h7-suvs-set-for-overhauls-in-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Opinion: I drove a Tesla and it made me feel like a P-plater]]></title><description><![CDATA[I used to think 25 years of driving meant I could jump into any car and easily navigate it. Turns out, I was wrong.I learned to drive in 2001 and got my licence in 2002. To many, that won&rsquo;t seem like that long ago. To others, I may as well be a dinosaur. For me, it almost feels like the other day &ndash; or it did &ndash; until I jumped behind the wheel of a Tesla for the first time.As many of you will no doubt relate to, when I learned to drive &ndash; and basically up until a decade ago]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/opinion-i-drove-a-tesla-and-it-made-me-feel-like-a-p-plater/</link><pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:23:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/opinion-i-drove-a-tesla-and-it-made-me-feel-like-a-p-plater/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[What F1 drivers get up to when their races are cancelled]]></title><description><![CDATA[With Bahrain and Saudi Arabia cancelled at the last minute, Formula One&rsquo;s biggest stars were left navigating an unexpected pause just three races into the season &ndash; here&rsquo;s how the drivers made the most of a rare chance to reset before racing resumes.The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix were both cancelled at the last minute, with speculation briefly swirling over potential replacements &ndash; from Melbourne stepping in to a reshuffle towards Europe &ndash; before Formula O]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/what-f1-drivers-get-up-to-when-their-races-are-cancelled/</link><pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 08:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/what-f1-drivers-get-up-to-when-their-races-are-cancelled/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[What it takes to make a Hot Wheels car]]></title><description><![CDATA[Hot Wheels cars are everywhere across the world. In fact, there are now more than eight billion in existence. But what does it take to make one?<br />
On the list of coolest jobs in the world, &lsquo;Hot Wheels designer&rsquo; has to be right up there.Unencumbered by the constraints of whether or not it will get a five-star ANCAP rating or even Australian Design Rules, makers of these miniature motors have (almost) free rein to create whatever they want.Indeed, some of my son&rsquo;s favourite Hot Whe]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/what-it-takes-to-make-a-hot-wheels-car/</link><pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/what-it-takes-to-make-a-hot-wheels-car/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Jaecoo to rival Toyota Kluger with new large family SUV]]></title><description><![CDATA[Chery&rsquo;s increasingly popular spin-off will branch into territory its master brand is yet to enter in Australia: a large, near-five-metre-long SUV to challenge Toyota and Hyundai.Chery is likely to launch its largest family car yet in Australia, if a new J9 confirmed for its Jaecoo offshoot comes to local showrooms.Plans presented at the Beijing motor show indicate a J9 is coming to sit at the top of the Jaecoo range, measuring 4950mm long &ndash; similar to a Toyota Kluger or slightly shor]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/jaecoo-to-rival-toyota-kluger-with-new-large-family-suv/</link><pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:03:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/jaecoo-to-rival-toyota-kluger-with-new-large-family-suv/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 GWM Tank 300 Ultra PHEV review: Australian first drive]]></title><description><![CDATA[Is it time to ditch diesel and embrace electrification? The GWM Tank 300 plug-in hybrid is here to convince you that it is.2026 GWM Tank 300 Ultra PHEVThe GWM Tank 300 has gone on a wild journey of growth in the three short years since it arrived in Australia in 2023.First there was petrol power, then hybrid, most recently diesel and now this, the Hi4-T plug-in hybrid.The Chinese brand&rsquo;s small off-road warrior has just taken on Beer O&rsquo;Clock Hill and won, so is it time to say goodbye]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-gwm-tank-300-ultra-phev-review-australian-first-drive/</link><pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-gwm-tank-300-ultra-phev-review-australian-first-drive/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 Volkswagen ID. Polo electric car revealed as brand’s big EV reset]]></title><description><![CDATA[This is Volkswagen&rsquo;s challenge to affordable electric cars from China and the rest of Europe, wearing more conventional styling, and returning to buttons inside the cabin.Volkswagen has finally revealed its pint-sized rival to a wave of new small electric cars from Europe and China, the ID. Polo, with Australian sales under consideration to follow its 2026 European launch.The ID. Polo is something of a reset for the Volkswagen electric-car range, returning more conventional styling, a new]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-volkswagen-id-polo-electric-car-revealed-as-brands-big-ev-reset/</link><pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 02:50:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-volkswagen-id-polo-electric-car-revealed-as-brands-big-ev-reset/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Leapmotor Ultra performance models a chance for Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[Leapmotor is &ldquo;seriously considering&rdquo; the sportier variant of its new electric hatch for Australia, and even more Ultra variants might be on the cards.Leapmotor&rsquo;s new B05 electric hatchback is hitting Australian shores later this year, and its sportier &lsquo;Ultra&rsquo; variant could follow ahead of potentially more performance-orientated variants of other models.Leapmotor International&rsquo;s global head of brand strategy, product and marketing Francesco Giacalone said the b]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/leapmotor-ultra-performance-models-a-chance-for-australia/</link><pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 02:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/leapmotor-ultra-performance-models-a-chance-for-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyundai recalls almost 3500 cars in Australia over instrument cluster fault]]></title><description><![CDATA[The fault could cause the instrument cluster to fail to show critical safety information, according to the recall notice.Hyundai Australia&nbsp;has recalled&nbsp;3445&nbsp;cars across the 2025 Kona, Tucson, Sonata, Santa Fe, Ioniq 9, and Palisade models, citing a potential software issue with the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC).The recall, lodged with the Department of Infrastructure, says: &ldquo;Due to a software issue, the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) may fail to illuminate the visual vehicl]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-recalls-almost-3500-cars-in-australia-over-instrument-cluster-fault/</link><pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 01:09:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-recalls-almost-3500-cars-in-australia-over-instrument-cluster-fault/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ferrari Luce EV likely to be more expensive than expected – report]]></title><description><![CDATA[The first EV from Ferrari will reportedly be one of its most expensive models to buy, but pricing will not be official until next month.Ferrari has set a preliminary price for the Luce electric vehicle (EV) of approximately &euro;550,000 ($AUD900,000), making it potentially more expensive than exotic supercars like the SF90 Stradale.This is according to a Bloomberg story, which reports a &euro;50,000 ($AUD81,000) increase over the price reported by Reuters in June of 2024.When the car premieres]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ferrari-luce-ev-likely-to-be-more-expensive-than-expected-report/</link><pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 23:39:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ferrari-luce-ev-likely-to-be-more-expensive-than-expected-report/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Lynk &amp; Co GT concept with 2.0sec 0-100km/h claim is Chinese brand&rsquo;s &lsquo;Time to Shine&rsquo;]]></title><description><![CDATA[As a 10th anniversary present to itself, Geely-owned Lynk &amp; Co unveiled a stunning GT car with performance credentials to shake established rivals.Chinese brand Lynk &amp; Co has celebrated its 10th anniversary by revealing a stunning high-performance coupe at the Beijing motor show.The official name for the concept is, awkwardly, &lsquo;Time to Shine&rsquo; but it&rsquo;ll be referred to herein as the Lynk &amp; Co GT concept.Lynk &amp; Co refers to the coupe as &ldquo;both a tribute and a]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/lynk-amp-co-gt-concept-with-20sec-0-100kmh-claim-is-chinese-brandrsquos-lsquotime-to-shinersquo/</link><pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 21:54:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/lynk-amp-co-gt-concept-with-20sec-0-100kmh-claim-is-chinese-brandrsquos-lsquotime-to-shinersquo/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Lynk &amp; Co GT concept with 2.0s 0-100km/h claim is Chinese brand&rsquo;s &lsquo;Time to Shine&rsquo;]]></title><description><![CDATA[As a 10th anniversary present to itself, Geely-owned Lynk &amp; Co unveiled a stunning GT car with performance credentials to shake established rivals.Chinese brand Lynk &amp; Co has celebrated its 10th anniversary by revealing a stunning high-performance coupe at the Beijing motor show.The official name for the concept is, awkwardly, &lsquo;Time to Shine&rsquo; but it&rsquo;ll be referred to herein as the Lynk &amp; Co GT concept.Lynk &amp; Co refers to the coupe as &ldquo;both a tribute and a]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/lynk-amp-co-gt-concept-with-20s-0-100kmh-claim-is-chinese-brandrsquos-lsquotime-to-shinersquo/</link><pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 21:54:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/lynk-amp-co-gt-concept-with-20s-0-100kmh-claim-is-chinese-brandrsquos-lsquotime-to-shinersquo/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[I drove a 1996 Holden Commodore V8 and was shocked at the fuel bills]]></title><description><![CDATA[Here&rsquo;s how our Melbourne Motor Show-bound Holden Commodore SS performed at the pumps. You might well be shocked.Okay, so &lsquo;man drives 5.0-litre V8 and goes broke at the bowsers&rsquo; is a very 2026 sort of story. So far, so predictable. But what amazed us was how much fuel &lsquo;our&rsquo; Commodore VS SSthat we took to the show stand at the Melbourne Motor Show drank even when we were feather-footing it.Of course, if you were to drive it like you stole it, you&rsquo;d expect a crip]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/i-drove-a-1996-holden-commodore-v8-and-was-shocked-at-the-fuel-bills/</link><pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 21:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/i-drove-a-1996-holden-commodore-v8-and-was-shocked-at-the-fuel-bills/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Car washes, roof racks, electricity: Surprising car costs to claim on tax]]></title><description><![CDATA[Preparing to file your tax return in 2026? Here are some common car expenses you didn&rsquo;t know were deductible.<br />
As tax time fast approaches, plenty of Australians are hoping to reduce their taxable income &ndash; with a strong focus on car expenses amid a fuel crisis and cost-of-living crunch.<br />
Knowing which of your car expenses are claimable and which aren&rsquo;t will save you plenty of admin work.RELATED: Consumer watchdog to crack down on car brandsAs a starting point, Mark Chapman, Direc]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/car-washes-roof-racks-electricity-surprising-car-costs-to-claim-on-tax/</link><pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 21:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/car-washes-roof-racks-electricity-surprising-car-costs-to-claim-on-tax/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[F1 Australian Grand Prix to lose season-opening spot for 2027 – report]]></title><description><![CDATA[A potential shake-up to the F1 calendar could see the Australian Grand Prix lose its coveted position as the season-opening race for 2027.<br />
Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images<br />
Australia will reportedly be skipped as the first Grand Prix weekend of the F1 season for the first time in three years, with Bahrain tipped to take its opening spot on the 2027 calendar.According to PlanetF1, the earlier conclusion of Ramadan in 2027 &ndash; finishing in the first week of March &ndash; opens the door for Ba]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/f1-australian-grand-prix-to-lose-season-opening-spot-for-2027-report/</link><pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 20:48:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/f1-australian-grand-prix-to-lose-season-opening-spot-for-2027-report/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Honda CR-V review: Australian first drive]]></title><description><![CDATA[More hybrids. Cheaper hybrids. A top-spec all-wheel-drive hybrid packed out with more features. Is the updated Honda CR-V the new perfect family SUV?2026 Honda CR-VYou have spoken, and Honda has listened.Its biggest seller, the Honda CR-V medium SUV, has just come in for a midlife update following the new model&rsquo;s launch in 2023, and Honda has made some big changes to show everyone it means business.Though universally regarded as a great choice for families, it had a key flaw: hybrid power]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-honda-cr-v-review-australian-first-drive/</link><pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:01:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-honda-cr-v-review-australian-first-drive/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[A love letter to the Holden Commodore 30 years in the making]]></title><description><![CDATA[We celebrate three decades of Drive with a taste of motoring in 1996. It&rsquo;s time to wind back the clock in a V8 Holden Commodore.There&rsquo;s something both special and somehow correct about a car on home turf. Whether it&rsquo;s a Mustang rolling through Big Sur, an AMG bending the speedo needle on the autobahn at dawn or a Skyline GT-R on the Okutama Lake road, great cars excel on the roads they call home.Today we&rsquo;re doing nothing quite so iconic. Picking up a Holden VS Commodore i]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/a-love-letter-to-the-holden-commodore-30-years-in-the-making/</link><pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/a-love-letter-to-the-holden-commodore-30-years-in-the-making/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[GWM’s luxury arm unveils flagship plug-in SUV]]></title><description><![CDATA[Huge dimensions and huge electric-only range stamp GWM&rsquo;s authority in the fast-growing Chinese executive SUV market.Another Chinese brand has joined the battle for status, with GWM unveiling the 2026 Wey V9X SUV, among the hoards of similar new vehicles vying for attention.Already available to order in China, the top-spec version of the V9X boasts an electric-only driving range of 363km based on WLTC testing, or 470km according to lenient Chinese CLTC test conditions.The shortest-range mod]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/gwms-luxury-arm-unveils-flagship-plug-in-suv/</link><pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 05:58:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/gwms-luxury-arm-unveils-flagship-plug-in-suv/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Avatr 06T from China wants to make wagons cool again with 712kW]]></title><description><![CDATA[Once on the critically endangered list, station wagons are making a big comeback in China, and the Avatr 06T was just one of many on show in Beijing.You may not be familiar with Chinese brand, Avatr (pronounced like avatar), but the design-led luxury brand is working hard to make a name for itself.At the 2026 Beijing motor show, the Avatr 06T made its public debut, with a sporty wagon shape to catch attention, and a choice of electric or range-extender powertrains to capture sales in the new ene]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/avatr-06t-from-china-wants-to-make-wagons-cool-again-with-712kw/</link><pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 05:50:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/avatr-06t-from-china-wants-to-make-wagons-cool-again-with-712kw/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Car Buying]]></title><description><![CDATA[Better drivers are safer driversWorking together to make driver training more accessible for all Australian drivers<br />
Young Australian drivers are the most over-represented group in the nation&rsquo;s road trauma statistics, and over the past five years, the percentage of young driver fatalities has been increasing. So what can we do about it?Drive and nine.com.au are calling for Safe Driving Courses to be made more accessible for all drivers going for their P Plates. Money and location/availabili]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/car-buying/</link><pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 05:43:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/car-buying/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Honda to go all out on hybrid in next two years, with one exception]]></title><description><![CDATA[Japanese car brand Honda is set to ditch non-hybrid power entirely within two years, with only one of its models to keep it for a bit longer.Honda&rsquo;s Australian line-up will be hybrid-only by 2027-28 &ndash; except for its Civic Type R performance model.The car maker told media at the launch of the updated 2026 Honda CR-V this week that it still believes hybrid is the &ldquo;right path for now&rdquo; despite the current boom in sales of fully-electric vehicles arising from the fuel crisis.R]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/honda-to-go-all-out-on-hybrid-in-next-two-years-with-one-exception/</link><pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 04:46:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/honda-to-go-all-out-on-hybrid-in-next-two-years-with-one-exception/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BYD Sealion 08 EV debuts with 900km range]]></title><description><![CDATA[BYD has introduced a three-row SUV with luxury equipment to rival BMW and Mercedes-Benz, and rated with a staggering 900km EV driving range.BYD has pulled out all the stops with the 2026 BYD Sealion 08 SUV.At over 5.1 metres long, and rated with a 900km driving range based on Chinese testing, the Sealion 08 sets new benchmarks for BYD.Rather than a straightforward replacement for the existing Sealion 8 PHEV that&rsquo;s currently on sale in Australia, the Sealion 08 moves the brand upmarket and]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-sealion-08-ev-debuts-with-900km-range/</link><pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 02:50:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-sealion-08-ev-debuts-with-900km-range/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Your car is watching – here’s how to shield your personal in-car data]]></title><description><![CDATA[Modern cars can collect and share private driver data through connected services, but it&rsquo;s not essential. Here&rsquo;s how to opt out.In an internet-driven world, modern connected cars are under scrutiny from regulators and industry bodies largely due to their ability to collect and share private driver information.<br />
While car makers generally use anonymised driver data for a range of purposes, such as maintenance, automatic SOS notification and real-time traffic conditions, some regulators]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/your-car-is-watching-heres-how-to-shield-your-personal-in-car-data/</link><pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 02:30:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/your-car-is-watching-heres-how-to-shield-your-personal-in-car-data/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 MG HS Super Hybrid Essence review]]></title><description><![CDATA[The plug-in hybrid MG HS Super Hybrid hits a sweet spot between cheap and cheerful dual-fuel SUVs and top-end luxury. Should it be your next family car?<br />
Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps<br />
2026 MG HS Super HybridOnly a few years ago, buying a plug-in hybrid medium SUV was out of reach for most Australian families.It was something you could do only if you were prepare]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mg-hs-super-hybrid-essence-review/</link><pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 02:30:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mg-hs-super-hybrid-essence-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Australian feedback to dictate whether IM LS9 launches Down Under]]></title><description><![CDATA[IM&rsquo;s largest and most luxurious model to date, the LS9, could be sold in Australia, but only if there is enough interest in the big SUV.MG&rsquo;s premium sub-brand IM is looking to launch the massive LS9, or IM9 as it might be known, but needs Australia&rsquo;s help to do so.Making its local debut at the 2026 Melbourne motor show in April, the IM9 is the brand&rsquo;s biggest model to date, measuring 5279mm long, 2000mm wide, 1806mm tall, and with a 3160mm wheelbase.This makes its length]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/australian-feedback-to-dictate-whether-im-ls9-launches-down-under/</link><pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 02:28:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/australian-feedback-to-dictate-whether-im-ls9-launches-down-under/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[iCaur off-road brand from Chery due in Australia next year]]></title><description><![CDATA[A line of tough-looking soft-roaders from Chery&rsquo;s new iCaur brand &ndash; with Land Rover look-alike styling, and electric or hybrid power &ndash; is coming to Australia.<br />
iCaur V27 (right) and V23 (left).<br />
Chery is due to launch a new range of Land Rover Defender-inspired SUVs in Australia next year under the iCaur badge, offering electric and range-extender hybrid power.Sold in China as iCar, but renamed for export markets due to a trademark clash, iCaur specialises in SUVs with the boxy s]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/icaur-off-road-brand-from-chery-due-in-australia-next-year/</link><pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 01:47:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/icaur-off-road-brand-from-chery-due-in-australia-next-year/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Nissan counts China a very important part of future plans, including for Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[Nissan is looking to leverage its partnerships in China more, which paves the way for models like the Frontier Pro and Terrano in Australia.<br />
2026 Nissan Terrano PHEV conceptNissan has taken to the 2026 Beijing motor show to underscore the importance of its ties with China, especially for Australia, as it looks to realigns its business strategy for sustained growth .This opens the doors for Chinese joint venture models like the Frontier Pro plug-in hybrid ute and just-revealed Terrano, but Nissan]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/nissan-counts-china-a-very-important-part-of-future-plans-including-for-australia/</link><pubDate>Wed, 29 Apr 2026 01:13:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/nissan-counts-china-a-very-important-part-of-future-plans-including-for-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Toyota defends RAV4 price rises up to $6000]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Japanese giant has argued new-generation technology and safety features make up for the new RAV4&rsquo;s price hikes up to $5930.<br />
RAV4 Cruiser.<br />
Toyota has pointed to the &ldquo;value proposition&rdquo; offered by the new RAV4 after prices surged by up to $5930 with the switch to the new-generation model in showrooms now.The entry-level RAV4 GX now starts from $45,990 plus on-road costs &ndash; up $3730 &ndash; or about $50,000 drive-away, and climbs to about $65,000 drive-away for the top-of]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-defends-rav4-price-rises-up-to-6000/</link><pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 23:38:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-defends-rav4-price-rises-up-to-6000/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Geely reveals new hybrid tech claimed to be significantly more efficient and powerful than Toyota]]></title><description><![CDATA[While Toyota has been a dominant player in the hybrid space for decades, Chinese car giant Geely wants to take the technological lead.Geely has unveiled a new-generation hybrid powertrain technology at the 2026 Beijing motor show, which the car maker claims will set a new benchmark for efficiency.Separate to the electric and plug-in hybrid powertrain offerings already seen in Geely vehicles, this new &lsquo;i-HEV&rsquo; closed-loop hybrid system (similar to Toyota&rsquo;s layout) utilises a high]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/geely-reveals-new-hybrid-tech-claimed-to-be-significantly-more-efficient-and-powerful-than-toyota/</link><pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 21:49:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/geely-reveals-new-hybrid-tech-claimed-to-be-significantly-more-efficient-and-powerful-than-toyota/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Australia to block thousands of hybrid car imports with one small rule change]]></title><description><![CDATA[Last year around 10,000 fuel-efficient vehicles entered Australia via the private import process, but a new rule affecting Japanese cars means the future of new arrivals is under threat.Thousands of private import vehicles from Japan will run afoul of new Australian vehicle rules, leaving local buyers less options for affordable fuel-efficient models, Drive can exclusively reveal.The legal change was made quietly by the Federal Government late last year as part of a move to Euro 6d tailpipe emis]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/australia-to-block-thousands-of-hybrid-car-imports-with-one-small-rule-change/</link><pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 21:02:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/australia-to-block-thousands-of-hybrid-car-imports-with-one-small-rule-change/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[The secret sticker inside your car that can save petrol]]></title><description><![CDATA[Did you know your car has a sticker inside it with information that can help you save fuel? Here&rsquo;s how to find it and why it&rsquo;s important.Fuel is expensive right now. But you already knew that.<br />
Did you know, however, that having under-inflated tyres can make your car less fuel-efficient?<br />
RELATED: How a simple car tweak dramatically changed my fuel consumptionAccording to the RACV, when your tyres are under-inflated, they create more &lsquo;rolling resistance&rsquo;, meaning you need t]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-secret-sticker-inside-your-car-that-can-save-petrol/</link><pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 21:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-secret-sticker-inside-your-car-that-can-save-petrol/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[GWM Cannon Alpha, Tank 500 four-cylinder diesel to have more torque than a Ranger V6]]></title><description><![CDATA[The upcoming Cannon Alpha and Tank 500 will have more torque than a Ford Ranger V6 thanks to GWM&rsquo;s new 3.0-litre four-cylinder diesel.GWM&rsquo;s upcoming 3.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine for the Cannon Alpha and Tank 500 will make them the most powerful four-cylinder diesel models in their respective segments.Set to make a world-first debut in Australia in the middle of 2026, GWM confirmed at a technical conference in China this week the 3.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder will devel]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/gwm-cannon-alpha-tank-500-four-cylinder-diesel-to-have-more-torque-than-a-ranger-v6/</link><pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 05:29:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/gwm-cannon-alpha-tank-500-four-cylinder-diesel-to-have-more-torque-than-a-ranger-v6/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[GAC reveals first Prado-style off-road luxury PHEV SUV in China]]></title><description><![CDATA[The GAC Yue 7 combines rugged off-road capability with a luxurious interior and a high-tech plug-in hybrid powertrain.Despite being a relative newcomer to the Australian market, China&rsquo;s GAC has a portfolio of over 25 models across multiple brands in its home market.At the 2026 Beijing motor show, GAC unveiled its first off-road-capable SUV, joining a slew of similar models from brands like Denza, Geely, and others as Chinese brands race to capture the upmarket four-wheel-drive segment.The]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/gac-reveals-first-prado-style-off-road-luxury-phev-suv-in-china/</link><pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 02:46:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/gac-reveals-first-prado-style-off-road-luxury-phev-suv-in-china/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Chery says Australia should restart car manufacturing]]></title><description><![CDATA[A top Chery executive says more robots on production lines &ndash; and help from the government &ndash; could make producing cars in Australia viable again.Chery has proposed a return of Australian car manufacturing to support what it says are &ldquo;too many&rdquo; manufacturers operating in one of the busiest markets in the world.The Chinese car giant has admitted a return to the era of Holden, Ford and Toyota-esque operations will be &ldquo;difficult&rdquo; as it is still expensive to build a]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/chery-says-australia-should-restart-car-manufacturing/</link><pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 01:58:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/chery-says-australia-should-restart-car-manufacturing/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Geely reveals floating, 1000hp ‘King of AI All-Terrain Architectures’]]></title><description><![CDATA[Radical technology and massive tri-motor outputs could make for a crazy BYD Shark 6 competitor.Geely is going BYD Shark 6 hunting, with a new-generation of off-road vehicle architecture revealed at the 2026 Beijing motor show, which is destined to underpin future off-road capable models from the Chinese car maker.The Geely line-up in Australia currently comprises two mid-size SUVs, the electric EX5 and plug-in hybrid Starray EM-i, with the EX2 small electric car due later this year.This new off-]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/geely-reveals-floating-1000hp-king-of-ai-all-terrain-architectures/</link><pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:58:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/geely-reveals-floating-1000hp-king-of-ai-all-terrain-architectures/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Lepas L4 EV and L6 EV revealed by Chery’s newest brand]]></title><description><![CDATA[Chery is working on another new car brand for Australia, and it is poised to field electric cars alongside its plug-in hybrids.<br />
Lepas L4 EV. Images: Drive<br />
Lepas, the latest offshoot of Chinese car giant Chery, has revealed its first two electric vehicles ahead of the brand&rsquo;s Australian debut by the end of this year.The Lepas marque is due in local showrooms in the second half of 2026, claimed to be more &ldquo;elegant&rdquo; than the regular Chery, sleeker Omoda and Range Rover-lookalike J]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-lepas-l4-ev-and-l6-ev-revealed-by-cherys-newest-brand/</link><pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:03:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-lepas-l4-ev-and-l6-ev-revealed-by-cherys-newest-brand/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[GWM Tank 700 V8 confirmed, likely for Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[GWM&rsquo;s flagship off-road SUV, the Tank 700, has been confirmed to receive a V8 petrol engine, with Australia likely to be one of the key markets for the new powertrain.<br />
GWM has confirmed its Tank 700 flagship off-road SUV will lead the roll-out of a newly-developed V8 petrol engine, alongside a high-performance supercar.At the 2026 Beijing motor show, GWM chairman Jack Wei told Australian media, including Drive, a future version of the Tank 700 &ldquo;will also use a V8 engine&rdquo;.&ldquo]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/gwm-tank-700-v8-confirmed-likely-for-australia/</link><pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 23:02:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/gwm-tank-700-v8-confirmed-likely-for-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Freelander 8 revealed as Chinese-made electrified reboot of Land Rover SUV]]></title><description><![CDATA[A storied Land Rover badge is coming back on a Chinese car co-developed with Chery, powered by electric and range-extender hybrid drivetrains.The Land Rover Freelander has returned 25 years after the launch of the original on a new SUV brand half-owned by Chinese car giant Chery, due in Australian showrooms in 2027.After the debut of a concept in recent weeks, the revived Freelander marque has revealed a &ldquo;production-intent model&rdquo; of its first road car, the seven-seat Freelander 8, at]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/freelander-8-revealed-as-chinese-made-electrified-reboot-of-land-rover-suv/</link><pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 21:50:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/freelander-8-revealed-as-chinese-made-electrified-reboot-of-land-rover-suv/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[The EVs P-platers are banned from driving]]></title><description><![CDATA[Many Australian families are likely considering buying an EV &ndash; if they haven&rsquo;t already &ndash; spurred on by pricy petrol. But are all EVs suitable for families, particularly those with P-plate drivers?<br />
Buying an EV. It seems to be the new hot topic &ndash; in the office, at the school gate, at the pub &ndash; even (if only temporarily) knocking talk of exorbitant property prices off its perch.<br />
It&rsquo;s not just anecdotal. More EVs were sold in Australia in March 2026 than in any m]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-evs-p-platers-are-banned-from-driving/</link><pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 21:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-evs-p-platers-are-banned-from-driving/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[The most stolen cars in each suburb of Victoria revealed by this tool]]></title><description><![CDATA[This interactive tool shows the most commonly stolen vehicles in every part of Victoria during 2025, based on latest data.A new crime statistics tool shows the most commonly stolen vehicles in every part of Victoria based on 2025 data.<br />
But a mismatch between police intelligence figures and official crime statistics means the picture is incomplete.This tool, created by Drive, gives only an indication of the most stolen cars in each area of Victoria, and the totals provided should be considered an]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-most-stolen-cars-in-each-suburb-of-victoria-revealed-by-this-tool/</link><pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 20:57:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-most-stolen-cars-in-each-suburb-of-victoria-revealed-by-this-tool/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Toyota RAV4 v Hyundai Tucson v Subaru Forester comparison: Best hybrid family SUVs]]></title><description><![CDATA[Hybrid power meets peak practicality in this definitive head-to-head battle. We pit the highly anticipated Toyota RAV4 against the Hyundai Tucson and Subaru Forester to reveal the king of the hybrid SUV segment.This is the most important new-car comparison of 2026.After seven years of its wildly popular predecessor, Toyota has treated the RAV4 &ndash; now Australia&rsquo;s top-selling SUV &ndash; to a new generation, using familiar underpinnings but all-new styling, a more modern cabin, upgraded]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-rav4-v-hyundai-tucson-v-subaru-forester-comparison-best-hybrid-family-suvs/</link><pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 08:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-rav4-v-hyundai-tucson-v-subaru-forester-comparison-best-hybrid-family-suvs/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[The used EVs with the longest real-world driving range]]></title><description><![CDATA[Electric cars are surging in popularity once again, and these used EVs have recorded the longest real-world driving ranges.Electric vehicles are experiencing another surge in Australia&rsquo;s used car market, largely due to the soaring petrol costs as a result of the ongoing war in the Middle East.According to the latest data from the Australian Automotive Dealers Association, used EV sales more than doubled between February and March 2026, increasing from 3176 to 7557.RELATED: &lsquo;Economica]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-used-evs-with-the-longest-real-world-driving-range/</link><pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 07:30:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-used-evs-with-the-longest-real-world-driving-range/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[World’s fastest production car sold to Australian businessman as one-of-30 customers]]></title><description><![CDATA[Australian businessman Nick Politis has custom-ordered one of 30 Yangwang U9 Xtremes, with the world&rsquo;s fastest production car set to arrive next year.The chairman of the Sydney Roosters NRL team and board member of Eagers Automotive &ndash; the majority owner of BYD&rsquo;s largest dealer network in Australia &ndash; has become one-of-30 customers to order the world&rsquo;s fastest production car.At the 2026 Beijing motor show, a Yangwang U9 Xtreme &ndash; which surpassed the Bugatti Chiro]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/worlds-fastest-production-car-sold-to-australian-businessman-as-one-of-30-customers/</link><pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 07:14:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/worlds-fastest-production-car-sold-to-australian-businessman-as-one-of-30-customers/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Jaecoo confirms near-400kW seven-seat plug-in hybrid for Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[The latest SUV offering from the Chinese manufacturer Jaecoo will sport three rows, plug-in hybrid power, and nearly 400kW.Jaecoo Australia will now offer a seven-seater option to its existing J8 nameplate with the announcement of the J8 Super Hybrid System (SHS) to head Down Under in the coming months.The vehicle is confirmed to go on sale here in Q3 of 2026. While local specifications have not been announced, international specifications boast 395kW/650Nm from the 1.5-litre turbo three-motor p]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/jaecoo-confirms-near-400kw-seven-seat-plug-in-hybrid-for-australia/</link><pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 05:27:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/jaecoo-confirms-near-400kw-seven-seat-plug-in-hybrid-for-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Discounted vehicle registration available in Victoria]]></title><description><![CDATA[Up to $186 off each vehicle registration available for the 2025-2026 year to combat increasing cost-of-living issues.Eligible Victorians will soon be able to apply for a 20 per cent discount on their vehicle registration from June 1, saving up to $186 per vehicle.Announced over the weekend by the Allan Labor government, the rebate will be open to all light vehicles registered for personal use as a one-off relief from rising cost-of-living pressures, according to the release.&ldquo;I&rsquo;m dete]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/discounted-vehicle-registration-available-in-victoria/</link><pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 05:16:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/discounted-vehicle-registration-available-in-victoria/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyundai Ioniq V electric sedan reveals new styling direction in Chinese market push]]></title><description><![CDATA[Hyundai has taken the covers off the Ioniq V sedan as the first step in its commitment towards a range of specialised products for China.Hyundai has used the Beijing motor show to reaffirm its commitment to the Chinese market with the reveal of the angular Ioniq V sedan.Alongside the new car, the South Korean brand announced it would extend its joint venture partnership with China&rsquo;s BAIC, and launch 20 new China-specific models over the next five years.The Ioniq V is the first of those, an]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-ioniq-v-electric-sedan-reveals-new-styling-direction-in-chinese-market-push/</link><pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 04:14:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-ioniq-v-electric-sedan-reveals-new-styling-direction-in-chinese-market-push/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Electric Hyundai Ioniq V sedan reveals new styling direction in Chinese market push]]></title><description><![CDATA[Hyundai has taken the covers off the Ioniq V sedan as the first step in its commitment towards a range of specialised products for China.Hyundai has used the Beijing motor show to reaffirm its commitment to the Chinese market with the reveal of the angular Ioniq V sedan.Alongside the new car, the South Korean brand announced it would extend its joint venture partnership with China&rsquo;s BAIC, and launch 20 new China-specific models over the next five years.The Ioniq V is the first of those, an]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/electric-hyundai-ioniq-v-sedan-reveals-new-styling-direction-in-chinese-market-push/</link><pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 04:14:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/electric-hyundai-ioniq-v-sedan-reveals-new-styling-direction-in-chinese-market-push/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 Chery Tiggo V revealed, possible for Australia as SUV that becomes ute]]></title><description><![CDATA[Chery&rsquo;s new family SUV can convert into a ute on demand, and it could come to local showrooms as the brand&rsquo;s second dual-cab.Chery has unveiled the 2027 Tiggo V, a three-row family SUV with a removable canopy that can convert into a dual-cab ute.The Tiggo V is based on the same car-derived &lsquo;monocoque&rsquo; underpinnings as Chery&rsquo;s family SUV range, rather than the off-road-focused, heavy-duty ladder frame of the brand&rsquo;s upcoming &lsquo;KP31&rsquo; plug-in hybrid ut]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-chery-tiggo-v-revealed-possible-for-australia-as-suv-that-becomes-ute/</link><pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 03:56:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-chery-tiggo-v-revealed-possible-for-australia-as-suv-that-becomes-ute/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[New BYD Atto 3 successor with better battery technology makes Chinese debut]]></title><description><![CDATA[A new generation of the SUV sold in Australia as the BYD Atto 3 has been revealed in China, with Tesla Model Y-encroaching range and performance.BYD has debuted an all-new version of the electric SUV sold in Australia as the BYD Atto 3, but its local arrival might be some years away yet.The Atto 3 successor adopts a much more chiselled look, new super-fast &lsquo;flash charging&rsquo; capability, more power, and longer driving range.In China, the new model will be called the BYD Yuan Plus, and a]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/new-byd-atto-3-successor-with-better-battery-technology-makes-chinese-debut/</link><pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 03:47:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/new-byd-atto-3-successor-with-better-battery-technology-makes-chinese-debut/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[All-new BYD Atto 3 with better battery technology makes Chinese debut]]></title><description><![CDATA[A new-generation BYD Atto 3 has been revealed in China, with Tesla Model Y-encroaching range and performance.BYD has debuted an all-new 2026 BYD Atto 3 electric SUV at the Beijing motor show, but its Australian arrival might be some years away yet.The new Atto 3 adopts a much more chiselled look, new super-fast &lsquo;flash charging&rsquo; capability, more power, and longer driving range.In China, the new model will be called the BYD Yuan Plus, and arrives just four years after the first-generat]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/all-new-byd-atto-3-with-better-battery-technology-makes-chinese-debut/</link><pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 03:47:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/all-new-byd-atto-3-with-better-battery-technology-makes-chinese-debut/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 MG IM8 locked in for Australia, will be most expensive model yet]]></title><description><![CDATA[MG is pushing further upmarket with its IM8 large SUV confirmed for a Australia next year, taking on big players in the segment.IM, MG&rsquo;s premium sub-brand, will field its largest and most expensive model yet in early 2027 with the introduction of the IM8 SUV &ndash; known as the LS8 in overseas markets.Revealed to the public at the 2026 Beijing motor show, the IM8 measures 5085mm long, 2000mm wide, 1807mm tall, and with a 3060mm wheelbase, and crucially differs from the already-on sale IM5]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-mg-im8-locked-in-for-australia-will-be-most-expensive-model-yet/</link><pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 02:46:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-mg-im8-locked-in-for-australia-will-be-most-expensive-model-yet/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 MG IM8 locked in for Australia, will be most expensive IM model yet]]></title><description><![CDATA[MG is pushing further upmarket with its IM8 large SUV confirmed for Australia next year, taking on big players in the segment.IM, MG&rsquo;s premium sub-brand, will field its largest and most expensive model yet in early 2027 with the introduction of the IM8 SUV &ndash; known as the LS8 in overseas markets.Revealed to the public at the 2026 Beijing motor show, the IM8 measures 5085mm long, 2000mm wide, 1807mm tall, and with a 3060mm wheelbase, and crucially differs from the already-on sale IM5 s]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-mg-im8-locked-in-for-australia-will-be-most-expensive-im-model-yet/</link><pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 02:46:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-mg-im8-locked-in-for-australia-will-be-most-expensive-im-model-yet/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Kia EV2 electric car still on the cards for Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[The smallest and most affordable Kia EV for European showrooms is still being considered for Australia, but it&rsquo;s no certainty.The door to Australian deliveries of the 2026 Kia EV2 electric car remains open, provided it can be imported and sold at a compelling price.A pint-sized SUV-styled vehicle between a BYD Atto 1 and Atto 2 in size, the EV2 has proven tricky to launch locally as it is made in Slovakia, rather than South Korea and China.It means a much longer journey to Australian ports]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/kia-ev2-electric-car-still-on-the-cards-for-australia/</link><pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 01:41:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/kia-ev2-electric-car-still-on-the-cards-for-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[GWM Tank 300 update to skip Australia, for now, over feature locals consider less than ideal]]></title><description><![CDATA[GWM says we won&rsquo;t be getting the updated Tank 300, at least not in the short-term, because local customer feedback suggests the new interior layout is less than ideal for off-road use.Australia will not get the updated version of the GWM Tank 300 available overseas &ndash; because the column-mounted gear shifter is not practical for off-roading, the brand claims.GWM first launched the Tank 300 off-road SUV in 2023, first with petrol power only, then as a hybrid, followed by diesel last yea]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/gwm-tank-300-update-to-skip-australia-for-now-over-feature-locals-consider-less-than-ideal/</link><pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:24:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/gwm-tank-300-update-to-skip-australia-for-now-over-feature-locals-consider-less-than-ideal/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Kia Sportage S diesel AWD review]]></title><description><![CDATA[There are a few cars where the base model could be considered the gem of the line-up, but with rumours that Kia is going to be narrowing powertrain options, the diesel Sportage S could be the one to buy before it&rsquo;s too late.<br />
Skip ahead:SummaryDesignValueInteriorFuel efficiencyInfotainmentOwnership CostsDrive ComfortSafetyVerdict<br />
2026 Kia Sportage S diesel<br />
The medium SUV segment is one of the most contested in Australia, accounting for nearly a quarter of the market in 2025.Unlike the ute s]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-kia-sportage-s-diesel-awd-review/</link><pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-kia-sportage-s-diesel-awd-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Geely reveals EVA Cab autonomous robotaxi to rival Tesla, launching 2027]]></title><description><![CDATA[Watch out, Cybercab. Geely has unveiled its own autonomous taxi, with high-level self-driving capability.Geely has lifted the covers off a new autonomous electric car, dubbed the EVA Cab, at the 2026 Beijing motor show.The EVA Cab is a driverless car that can provide autonomous &lsquo;robotaxi&rsquo; services through LiDAR sensors and satellite connectivity, and is already being tested in &lsquo;pilot operations&rsquo; in cities such as Hangzhou and Suzhou.The Geely EVA Cab is a rival to the two]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/geely-reveals-eva-cab-autonomous-robotaxi-to-rival-tesla-launching-2027/</link><pubDate>Sun, 26 Apr 2026 23:02:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/geely-reveals-eva-cab-autonomous-robotaxi-to-rival-tesla-launching-2027/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[The 20 used cars experts warn to avoid]]></title><description><![CDATA[About to buy a second-hand car? Whether prone to breaking down or just being a plain deathtrap in an accident, make sure it&rsquo;s not on this list.If you know nothing about cars &ndash; and don&rsquo;t have a family member or mate to be your automotive guardian angel &ndash;&nbsp;buying a second-hand car without a warranty can be fraught. If you buy the wrong one, you could be on the bus and thousands of dollars out-of-pocket.Even if you do know about cars, there&rsquo;s still plenty that can]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-20-used-cars-experts-warn-to-avoid/</link><pubDate>Sun, 26 Apr 2026 21:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-20-used-cars-experts-warn-to-avoid/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Victoria working on RFID vehicle stickers as a third number plate for cars]]></title><description><![CDATA[RFID stickers could be coming to car windscreens, as the Victorian Government confirms it is considering them to combat number plate theft.<br />
Image (left): 2011 Victorian car registration sticker via Reddit. Image (right): Mockup of a third number plate sticker by Drive.<br />
The Victorian Government has confirmed it is working on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) stickers as a solution to number plate theft and cloning. RFID stickers trialled in Victoria in 2019 resembled a high-tech version of, t]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/victoria-working-on-rfid-vehicle-stickers-as-a-third-number-plate-for-cars/</link><pubDate>Sun, 26 Apr 2026 20:47:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/victoria-working-on-rfid-vehicle-stickers-as-a-third-number-plate-for-cars/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Toyota bZ4X Touring vs Subaru Trailseeker: EV wagon pricing, specs, warranty and servicing compared]]></title><description><![CDATA[The next electric vehicles from Toyota and Subaru in Australia remain closely related, with the wagon-styled bZ4X Touring and Trailseeker due next month.<br />
2026 Toyota bZ4X Touring AWD and 2026 Subaru Trailseeker AWD Touring.<br />
Toyota and Subaru are set to launch their next electric vehicles in Australia by the middle of this year &ndash; and, matching their inaugural bZ4X and Solterra models, they remain closely related.Australian pricing and specification details have been confirmed for the 2026 T]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-bz4x-touring-vs-subaru-trailseeker-ev-wagon-pricing-specs-warranty-and-servicing-compared/</link><pubDate>Sun, 26 Apr 2026 06:03:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-bz4x-touring-vs-subaru-trailseeker-ev-wagon-pricing-specs-warranty-and-servicing-compared/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Kia-themed crime spree in Victoria involves one police car among seven thefts]]></title><description><![CDATA[Over a 22-day period, one man allegedly stole seven cars in Victoria, including an unmarked Kia Sorento police car stolen from a dealership.An alleged thief with no licence and a penchant for Kias appears to have stolen one police car and six other vehicles across a 22 day spree.The vehicles, stolen in Victoria, included an unmarked police Kia Sorento, two Kia Stingers, a Toyota HiLux, a Chevrolet ute, a Holden Calais, and a Ford Falcon.Timeline of alleged car thefts<br />
22 March &ndash; Kia Stinger]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/kia-themed-crime-spree-in-victoria-involves-one-police-car-among-seven-thefts/</link><pubDate>Sun, 26 Apr 2026 03:03:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/kia-themed-crime-spree-in-victoria-involves-one-police-car-among-seven-thefts/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BYD Atto 1 not cutting Dolphin’s lunch as sales ramp up]]></title><description><![CDATA[Australia&rsquo;s cheapest electric car is off to a strong start on the sales charts, but it&rsquo;s not the most affordable version garnering the most deposits.Two in three buyers of the BYD Atto 1, Australia&rsquo;s cheapest electric car, don&rsquo;t actually opt for the version bearing the title of Australia&rsquo;s cheapest electric car.BYD reported 488 sales of the Atto 1 in March 2026, making it the brand&rsquo;s best seller that isn&rsquo;t an SUV or ute, despite being a city hatchback &n]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-atto-1-not-cutting-dolphins-lunch-as-sales-ramp-up/</link><pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2026 22:57:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-atto-1-not-cutting-dolphins-lunch-as-sales-ramp-up/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BYD Seal 6 Touring hoped to ‘make wagons cool again’ with bold sales targets]]></title><description><![CDATA[Ambitious targets, if achieved, would see BYD&rsquo;s first wagon in Australia outsell the next most popular example of the body style by more than five-to-one.BYD is hoping its new Seal 6 mid-size car will renew interest in the wagon body style, alongside offering a cheaper &ndash; yet plug-in hybrid &ndash; rival to the Toyota Camry sedan.It has set bold targets that, if achieved, would see a brand that didn&rsquo;t exist in Australia four years ago sell the country&rsquo;s most popular wagon.]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-seal-6-touring-hoped-to-make-wagons-cool-again-with-bold-sales-targets/</link><pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2026 21:53:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-seal-6-touring-hoped-to-make-wagons-cool-again-with-bold-sales-targets/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Honda’s CR-V premium play: Reliability and customer experience more important than flashy tech]]></title><description><![CDATA[Honda has been around for 77 years, but can it compete in the modern age? Honda argues that the new CR-V offers a premium car and experience.Honda says it&rsquo;s making a premium play with its new updated CR-V mid-sized SUV, but not in the way you might think.While premium usually means high-end, Honda says the CR-V represents a different definition of the term, focusing on factors like customer experience and reliability.Honda&rsquo;s best-seller has just been treated to a mid-life update that]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hondas-cr-v-premium-play-reliability-and-customer-experience-more-important-than-flashy-tech/</link><pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2026 21:48:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hondas-cr-v-premium-play-reliability-and-customer-experience-more-important-than-flashy-tech/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[GAC says it’s different to other Chinese brands because of Toyota and Honda partnerships]]></title><description><![CDATA[GAC executives say Australian buyers can have more confidence in it than other Chinese car companies because it has decades of knowledge gained from trusted legacy brands.GAC will set itself apart from other Chinese brands bringing cars into the Australian market by leaning on what it has learnt through long-term partnerships with Toyota and Honda, its executives claim.GAC has almost 20 years of experience globally, having established joint ventures with Honda as far back as 1997 and with Toyota]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/gac-says-its-different-to-other-chinese-brands-because-of-toyota-and-honda-partnerships/</link><pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2026 20:56:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/gac-says-its-different-to-other-chinese-brands-because-of-toyota-and-honda-partnerships/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ford Mustang GTD coming to Australia, but not officially]]></title><description><![CDATA[An Australian has taken delivery of a Ford Mustang GTD and will import the limited edition supercar into the country, but it may not be registered for the road.The first example of the supercharged V8-powered Ford Mustang GTD supercar destined for Australia has been collected in the US ahead of its import later this year &ndash; but it may never hit local roads.The blue Mustang GTD has been purchased by the founder of Australian specialist shop Mustang Motorsport and left- to right-hand-drive co]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-mustang-gtd-coming-to-australia-but-not-officially/</link><pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2026 06:04:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-mustang-gtd-coming-to-australia-but-not-officially/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Victorian seven-character number plates now available, initial release limited to just 12 sets]]></title><description><![CDATA[An initial auction will include combinations including &lsquo;PORSCHE&rsquo; and &lsquo;1234567&rsquo;, as seven-character number plates arrive in Victoria.Seven-character number plates are now available in Victoria, but the first to get them will need to outbid all opponents.<br />
In addition to an initial auction of 11 &ldquo;prestige&rdquo; combinations, there is an option to bid for the opportunity to have first dibs on any available, and approvable, seven-character combination.Customisable seven]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/victorian-seven-character-number-plates-now-available-initial-release-limited-to-just-12-sets/</link><pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2026 00:48:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/victorian-seven-character-number-plates-now-available-initial-release-limited-to-just-12-sets/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Mazda 3 G20 Touring long-term review: Introduction]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Mazda 3 remains one of Australia&rsquo;s most popular small hatchbacks, even after all seven years of the current model. We&rsquo;re driving one long-term to see what it&rsquo;s like to live with over an extended period.2026 Mazda 3 G20 TouringThere is no shortage of new Chinese cars hitting our roads with unfamiliar badges and similar blob-like styling, but the Mazda 3 is not one of them.Most Australians will have a Mazda 3 story, whether you&rsquo;ve owned one, almost bought one, a friend]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mazda-3-g20-touring-long-term-review-introduction/</link><pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mazda-3-g20-touring-long-term-review-introduction/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Denza Z Convertible revealed by BYD’s luxury brand]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Denza Z sports car has spawned a drop-top, with its eyes firmly on the European market ahead of an official production debut.Denza, the upmarket arm of Chinese brand BYD, has revealed its first production convertible.Based on the Denza Z coupe, the Denza Z Convertible blends mid-engine sports car proportions with four-seater comfort and practicality.Rather than being mid-engined or even combustion-engined, the Denza Z is all-electric, allowing its designers to give it the low bonnet and rake]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/denza-z-convertible-revealed-by-byds-luxury-brand/</link><pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 23:06:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/denza-z-convertible-revealed-by-byds-luxury-brand/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘Essential safety feature’: Don’t press this button in your car during winter]]></title><description><![CDATA[Modern cars are full of different gadgets and features, but experts advise motorists to leave this one crucial button alone.<br />
Picture: Soeren Stache/picture alliance via Getty Images<br />
There is no denying that modern cars are chock-full of features that make your daily commute easier and safer.And while automotive diehards and enthusiasts can tell you what the different symbols on your dashboard and their functions mean, some general drivers might not understand exactly what they do, which is why m]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/essential-safety-feature-dont-press-this-button-in-your-car-during-winter/</link><pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 22:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/essential-safety-feature-dont-press-this-button-in-your-car-during-winter/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 GWM Cannon Hi4-T PHEV: Shark 6, Ranger rival debuts ahead of Australian launch]]></title><description><![CDATA[The GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV has gained a smaller sibling, with official details on plug-in Hi4-T tech for the standard Cannon confirmed.The 2026 GWM Cannon Hi4-T plug-in hybrid ute has debuted at the Beijing motor show, ahead of Australian showroom arrivals expected between July and September this year.Confirmed by GWM Australia in February 2026, the Cannon PHEV becomes the latest GWM model to introduce its Hi4-T technology, following the Cannon Alpha, Tank 500 and Tank 300.Australian pricing and]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-gwm-cannon-hi4-t-phev-shark-6-ranger-rival-debuts-ahead-of-australian-launch/</link><pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 20:51:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-gwm-cannon-hi4-t-phev-shark-6-ranger-rival-debuts-ahead-of-australian-launch/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Kia Tasman getting even harder to sell amid fuel crisis]]></title><description><![CDATA[Diesel priced above $3 per litre is the latest roadblock facing a promised surge in demand for the controversial Kia Tasman ute.Kia has acknowledged high fuel prices are &ldquo;making it harder&rdquo; to sell its diesel-powered Tasman ute &ndash; but it admits its biggest struggles to make inroads on the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux are not a result of conflict in the Middle East.The Tasman ute is already experiencing a slower-than-expected start to life, which has seen an initial target of 20,0]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/kia-tasman-getting-even-harder-to-sell-amid-fuel-crisis/</link><pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/kia-tasman-getting-even-harder-to-sell-amid-fuel-crisis/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Porsche Cayenne Coupe Electric revealed with even more 911-inspired styling]]></title><description><![CDATA[Porsche has lifted the lid on the 2026 Cayenne Coup&eacute; Electric, the brand&rsquo;s coupe-style large SUV, and this time the design carries a much stronger link to Porsche&rsquo;s iconic 911 sports car.The 2026 Porsche Cayenne Coup&eacute; Electric has been revealed, rounding out the fourth-generation Cayenne line-up.As the more style-focused variant of the Cayenne Electric range, the Cayenne Coup&eacute; now draws a much closer connection to the design of the 911, with a roofline said to be]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-porsche-cayenne-coupe-electric-revealed-with-even-more-911-inspired-styling/</link><pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 08:49:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-porsche-cayenne-coupe-electric-revealed-with-even-more-911-inspired-styling/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is low-range, and when do you need it?]]></title><description><![CDATA[It has become the must-have inclusion for every serious four-wheel-drive, but when and why do you need to use your differential lock?It&rsquo;s long been a benchmark of what makes a proper four-wheel-drive, but a low-range transfer case is still seen as one of the most important features.&nbsp;It&rsquo;s an old-school technology solution, essentially an additional two-speed gearbox within the driveline that is yet to be bettered by anything else software-based.RELATED: When do you need to use a]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/what-is-low-range-and-when-do-you-need-it/</link><pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 08:30:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/what-is-low-range-and-when-do-you-need-it/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Nissan Terrano set to return as off-road-ready PHEV]]></title><description><![CDATA[Nissan is about to reboot the Terrano as a rugged plug-in hybrid SUV with real off-road capability.Nissan used the Beijing Motor Show to announce a revival of the Terrano four-wheel drive, this time as a plug-in hybrid model.Last used in Australia in 1999, the Terrano nameplate has been used across a number of Nissan models in different markets.Nissan CEO, Ivan Espinosa, unveiled the Terrano PHEV Concept, calling it &ldquo;a true SUV, inheriting Nissan&rsquo;s traditional off-road DNA, while inc]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/nissan-terrano-set-to-return-as-off-road-ready-phev/</link><pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 08:07:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/nissan-terrano-set-to-return-as-off-road-ready-phev/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Toyota HiLux hybrid or PHEV ‘possible’, on Australian consideration list]]></title><description><![CDATA[Further electrification of the popular Toyota HiLux is on the cards, provided it &ldquo;meets the needs&rdquo; of buyers.A future hybrid or plug-in hybrid version of the Toyota HiLux ute will be considered for Australia if the technology delivers what its buyers expect, the brand says.Toyota has previously acknowledged the HiLux will eventually gain additional forms of electrification beyond the mild-hybrid diesel in showrooms now, and the battery-electric model due in May.A plug-in hybrid will]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-hilux-hybrid-or-phev-possible-on-australian-consideration-list/</link><pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 03:02:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-hilux-hybrid-or-phev-possible-on-australian-consideration-list/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Zeekr 7GT, 8X and 9X confirmed for Australia in major model expansion]]></title><description><![CDATA[The popular Zeekr 7X is set to be joined by a sleek station-wagon sibling, plus two large plug-in hybrid SUVs in a filling-out of Zeekr&rsquo;s Australian showrooms.Zeekr is due to launch three all-new models in Australia over the next 18 months, including a super-sized rival to luxury BMW and Mercedes-Benz SUVs &ndash; and a sleek station wagon half the price of a Porsche Taycan.The growing subsidiary of Chinese car giant Geely has only been in Australia for 18 months, but it has found early su]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/zeekr-7gt-8x-and-9x-confirmed-for-australia-in-major-model-expansion/</link><pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:48:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/zeekr-7gt-8x-and-9x-confirmed-for-australia-in-major-model-expansion/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Smart ForTwo city car to return as #2 EV, previewed by concept]]></title><description><![CDATA[A new generation of the &lsquo;original&rsquo; Smart car &ndash; the two-door hatchback &ndash; is due from October this year, as a new concept teases what&rsquo;s to come for the return of the city-focused two-seater.Smart will return to its roots with a new pint-sized, two-door city hatchback in the spirit of the old ForTwo &ndash; now named #2 &ndash; previewed by a concept, ahead of the production model&rsquo;s reveal in Paris in October.The Concept #2 is a near-production look at the showro]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/smart-fortwo-city-car-to-return-as-2-ev-previewed-by-concept/</link><pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:07:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/smart-fortwo-city-car-to-return-as-2-ev-previewed-by-concept/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Honda Civic Type R review]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Honda Civic Type R is as close to perfection as new performance cars get, this side of a $500,000 Porsche. Here&rsquo;s why the $85,500 price tag makes sense.<br />
Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps<br />
2026 Honda Civic Type REnthusiasts are quick to call certain performance cars the last of their kind, the Honda Civic Type R included.However, the current-generation Civi]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-honda-civic-type-r-review/</link><pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-honda-civic-type-r-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 BMW 7 Series revealed with heavy i3 influence, due in Australia this year]]></title><description><![CDATA[Flagship models used to point the way for brands like BMW, but the latest 7 Series is instead following in the tech and design footsteps of cars like the i3 and iX3.The 2027 BMW 7 Series has been given a mid-life update, with a major interior overhaul, new technologies, and a less polarising but still imposing exterior, due in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2026 (October to December).The headline act for the new 7 Series is an interior redesign that uses a version of the multi-screen layout]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-bmw-7-series-revealed-with-heavy-i3-influence-due-in-australia-this-year/</link><pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 21:26:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-bmw-7-series-revealed-with-heavy-i3-influence-due-in-australia-this-year/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[How a simple car tweak dramatically changed my fuel use]]></title><description><![CDATA[Can tyre pressure affect your car&rsquo;s fuel consumption &ndash; and your bank balance? We put it to the test to find out.Though petrol prices have eased in the past week, Aussies are still forking out more than $2 a litre at the pump on average as of 19 April, according to the Australian Institute of Petroleum (AIP).<br />
Since fuel costs started to skyrocket, we have written about a number of ways people with ICE vehicles can save money, including using eco mode, easing off the accelerator as muc]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/how-a-simple-car-tweak-dramatically-changed-my-fuel-use/</link><pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 21:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/how-a-simple-car-tweak-dramatically-changed-my-fuel-use/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Chery SUV that turns into a ute to be revealed imminently]]></title><description><![CDATA[Likely for Australia, the Chery Tiggo V will solve a dilemma for customers unable to choose between a ute and a family SUV.<br />
Chery Tiggo V teaser<br />
Chery is due to formally present the production version of the T1TP concept &ndash; an SUV which can be converted into a ute &ndash; at the Beijing motor show tomorrow, under the Tiggo V badge.A teaser image of the Tiggo V released by Chery points to styling closely related to the T1TP show car, which used a removable rear roof section and interior pane]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/chery-suv-that-turns-into-a-ute-to-be-revealed-imminently/</link><pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 07:15:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/chery-suv-that-turns-into-a-ute-to-be-revealed-imminently/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BMW M continues to count Australia as one of its biggest markets]]></title><description><![CDATA[Australia still sits in the global top three for the share of BMW sales that M vehicles account for, with the performance badge making up nearly a quarter of the brand&rsquo;s local deliveries.Australia has been marked as one of the top customers of M-badged vehicles in the world &ndash; rubbing shoulders with Canada and Switzerland &ndash; after 22.3 per cent of BMWs sold locally last year were a hotter M model of some form.While the United States takes the cake on overall volume of M vehicles,]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bmw-m-continues-to-count-australia-as-one-of-its-biggest-markets/</link><pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 04:45:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bmw-m-continues-to-count-australia-as-one-of-its-biggest-markets/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Is cheap public transport enough to ditch your car? Aussies say no]]></title><description><![CDATA[While some Australian states are offering free and discounted public transport, a majority of Aussies say it&rsquo;s not enough to make the switch amid the petrol crisis.While some states are offering discounted public transport fares, a new survey has revealed it&rsquo;s not enough to get Aussie drivers off the road amid the current petrol crisis.As the war in the Middle East continues, various Australian states have introduced lower public transport fares to alleviate travel cost pressures for]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/is-cheap-public-transport-enough-to-ditch-your-car-aussies-say-no/</link><pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 02:30:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/is-cheap-public-transport-enough-to-ditch-your-car-aussies-say-no/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Audi RS3 could be thrown hybrid lifeline – report]]></title><description><![CDATA[Audi had planned to end production of its famous five-cylinder engine for Europe, but electric assistance is under consideration to prolong its life.Unable to meet Euro 7 emissions regulations in its current form, Audi&rsquo;s five-cylinder petrol engine had been tipped to be discontinued in Europe.Now reports claim the 2.5-litre turbocharged engine &ndash; and the RS3 hot hatch it&rsquo;s associated with &ndash; could be thrown a lifeline in the form of hybrid technology.&ldquo;We are open to e]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/audi-rs3-could-be-thrown-hybrid-lifeline-report/</link><pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 02:07:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/audi-rs3-could-be-thrown-hybrid-lifeline-report/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[GWM boosts production of Tank 300 plug-in hybrid as diesel popularity dwindles]]></title><description><![CDATA[GWM initially expected the Tank 300 PHEV would make up around 30 per cent of sales, but due to the war in the Middle East it&rsquo;s now likely to be on par with diesel and petrol.GWM has doubled the production volume of its plug-in hybrid Tank 300 for Australia, claiming it will split sales around equally with petrol-only and diesel versions as interest in electrified vehicles booms locally.Currently the second-biggest seller of plug-in hybrid vehicles in Australia, GWM just launched the Tank 3]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/gwm-boosts-production-of-tank-300-plug-in-hybrid-as-diesel-popularity-dwindles/</link><pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:18:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/gwm-boosts-production-of-tank-300-plug-in-hybrid-as-diesel-popularity-dwindles/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Hyundai Kona Electric N Line review]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Hyundai Kona is entering the realm of a &lsquo;long-standing&rsquo; nameplate with a tried-and-tested platform, but how does its electric variant stack up against a now-bustling market?Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps<br />
2026 Hyundai Kona Electric N LineThe Hyundai Kona was first introduced to the Australian market in 2017 with the rapidly increasing demand for s]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-hyundai-kona-electric-n-line-review/</link><pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-hyundai-kona-electric-n-line-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ford beats its Nurburgring lap time by more than 10 seconds with faster Mustang GTD]]></title><description><![CDATA[A faster Competition version of the Ford Mustang GTD beats its own record by over 10 seconds, and smashes the fastest Corvette&rsquo;s attempt by nine seconds.<br />
Mustang GTD Competition.<br />
Ford has broken its own N&uuml;rburgring record with the Mustang GTD Competition, a more hardcore version of its track-focused supercar, lapping the iconic 20.832km-long race track in six minutes and 40.835 seconds.It is more than 11 seconds faster than the &lsquo;regular&rsquo; Mustang GTD&rsquo;s 6min 52.072sec]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-beats-its-nurburgring-lap-time-by-more-than-10-seconds-with-faster-mustang-gtd/</link><pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 22:27:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-beats-its-nurburgring-lap-time-by-more-than-10-seconds-with-faster-mustang-gtd/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Zeekr X sales to triple after price slash up to $13,000]]></title><description><![CDATA[A substantial price cut and feature upgrade are hoped to supercharge interest in Zeekr&rsquo;s smallest car, which has slipped into the shadow of the popular 7X.Demand for the Zeekr X electric car is forecast to triple after the price was dropped between about $5500 and $13,000 as part of a styling, technology and equipment update.The Zeekr X (665) was last year outsold nearly two-to-one by its latter 7X (1206) sibling, even though deliveries of the latter didn&rsquo;t commence until October &nd]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/zeekr-x-sales-to-triple-after-price-slash-up-to-13000/</link><pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 20:47:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/zeekr-x-sales-to-triple-after-price-slash-up-to-13000/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BYD Sealion 7, GWM Haval Jolion among cars found to be less efficient in latest real-world testing]]></title><description><![CDATA[Discrepancies between real-world driving range and the figures advertised by car brands have varied significantly in the latest testing.Results have been released for 17 more electric, petrol, and diesel vehicles &ndash; from the BYD Sealion 7 to the Toyota LandCruiser &ndash; put through their paces in government-funded real-world efficiency testing to see how they match up to advertised figures.The GWM Haval Jolion Hybrid recorded the biggest variance from manufacturers&rsquo; quoted efficienc]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-sealion-7-gwm-haval-jolion-among-cars-found-to-be-less-efficient-in-latest-real-world-testing/</link><pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-sealion-7-gwm-haval-jolion-among-cars-found-to-be-less-efficient-in-latest-real-world-testing/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Toyota RAV4 review: Australian first drive]]></title><description><![CDATA[The new Toyota RAV4 is finally on Australian roads, with a bolder look, new technology and updated hybrid performance. But, is it worth up to $6000 more than before?<br />
Skip ahead:SummaryDesignValueInteriorFuel efficiencyInfotainmentOwnership CostsDrive ComfortSafetyVerdict<br />
2026 Toyota RAV4As Australia&rsquo;s most popular SUV and the world&rsquo;s best-selling new car, Toyota can&rsquo;t afford to stuff up the new RAV4.Spoiler alert: it hasn&rsquo;t. This is a great family SUV, and one you should]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-rav4-review-australian-first-drive/</link><pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:16:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-rav4-review-australian-first-drive/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘Five minutes of filth’: Brothel truck angers Melbourne drivers]]></title><description><![CDATA[A truck bearing adult-themed advertising is still navigating Melbourne peak-hour despite widespread complaints from road users.Recent photos of the Gotham City truck in the Melbourne suburb of Carlton in 2026.A truck with raunchy visual displays advertising a Melbourne brothel is still generating controversy on the roads roughly four years after it first became the subject of public outrage.<br />
The truck, which promotes South Melbourne-based brothel Gotham City, can typically be spotted driving thr]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/five-minutes-of-filth-brothel-truck-angers-melbourne-drivers/</link><pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 08:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/five-minutes-of-filth-brothel-truck-angers-melbourne-drivers/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Ford Everest Wildtrak price: Limited-edition returns to Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[Order books for the limited-edition Ford Everest Wildtrak have reopened in Australia, with design and technology revisions for 2026.<br />
2026 Ford Everest Wildtrak pricing and specificationsLimited-edition four-wheel-drive SUV returns to AustraliaOrange-themed design tweaks for 2026, plus standard matrix LED headlightsPriced from $79,990 before on-road costs<br />
The Ford Everest Wildtrak limited-edition has returned to Australia, with a revised design and more standard features, including matrix headlig]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-ford-everest-wildtrak-price-limited-edition-returns-to-australia/</link><pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-ford-everest-wildtrak-price-limited-edition-returns-to-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[How these cars can help cut this crucial house bill]]></title><description><![CDATA[Electric cars may reduce your car costs, but new data has revealed how they can also lower this essential household bill.There&rsquo;s no denying the current petrol crisis has compounded the cost-of-living pressures felt by most Australians.And while authorities have implemented temporary travel relief, including free or reduced public transport and a halving of the fuel excise tax, some drivers are switching to fully electric cars to reduce their ownership costs.RELATED: Which cars have vehicle]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/how-these-cars-can-help-cut-this-crucial-house-bill/</link><pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 03:30:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/how-these-cars-can-help-cut-this-crucial-house-bill/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Volkswagen ID.3 Neo showcases the brand’s future interiors]]></title><description><![CDATA[Volkswagen&rsquo;s backflip on touch-sensitive interior buttons is evident in its updated electric model, the ID.3 Neo.<br />
A switch back to physical buttons for Volkswagen&rsquo;s interiors has been previewed by the recently-revealed Volkswagen ID.3 Neo for Europe.It is expected the ID.3 Neo will heavily influence the next-generation electric Gold due around 2028, expected to indirectly succeed the current electric hatch.The ID.3 Neo is the second model to implement a new interior design seen in th]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-volkswagen-id3-neo-showcases-the-brands-future-interiors/</link><pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 03:02:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-volkswagen-id3-neo-showcases-the-brands-future-interiors/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[GAC Aion UT electric hatch price increases as first 600 discounted cars sell out in weeks]]></title><description><![CDATA[The GAC Aion UT went on sale in March for $30,990 drive-away, but the conflict in the Middle East has helped to shift cars quickly, raising the entry price higher.All 600 examples of GAC&rsquo;s new electric hatchback have sold out in just a few weeks, with the brand attributing the boom in EV interest to both demand and a sharp starting price.The GAC Aion UT was launched in March with an introductory price of $30,990 for the base Premium grade and $35,990 for the Luxury, drive-away.The first ba]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/gac-aion-ut-electric-hatch-price-increases-as-first-600-discounted-cars-sell-out-in-weeks/</link><pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 01:34:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/gac-aion-ut-electric-hatch-price-increases-as-first-600-discounted-cars-sell-out-in-weeks/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Lexus ES months away from Australia with electric, hybrid options]]></title><description><![CDATA[Australia is due to receive the first electric Lexus sedan by the end of September, alongside a hybrid.Lexus is due to launch the new-generation ES luxury sedan in Australia in the third quarter of this year (July to September) with a choice of hybrid and electric power.The Lexus ES is already on sale in the US in a choice of ES350e front-wheel-drive and ES500e all-wheel-drive electric variants, alongside an ES350h hybrid, with a less powerful petrol-electric ES300h available elsewhere.Prices ar]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-lexus-es-months-away-from-australia-with-electric-hybrid-options/</link><pubDate>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:03:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-lexus-es-months-away-from-australia-with-electric-hybrid-options/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Federal Government’s $107 million Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program allocation: Mapped]]></title><description><![CDATA[A total of $107 million has been handed out for road infrastructure projects around the country, in the latest wave of federal funding.New South Wales is the biggest recipient in the latest round of funding from the Federal Government&rsquo;s Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program, receiving $43.97 million out of $107 million allocated to 42 road projects around the country.The Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program is an application-based program where state, territory, or local gov]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/federal-governments-107-million-safer-local-roads-and-infrastructure-program-allocation-mapped/</link><pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 22:28:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/federal-governments-107-million-safer-local-roads-and-infrastructure-program-allocation-mapped/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Toyota HiLux BEV attracting orders from more than your local council]]></title><description><![CDATA[It costs $17,000 more than a diesel version, and is rated for just 240km of WLTP driving range, but regular Australians are showing interest in the first electric HiLux.Family and tradie customers have placed orders for the Toyota HiLux battery-electric (BEV) ute &ndash; beyond mining companies and governments, its intended audience &ndash; ahead of deliveries commencing in May.Toyota has developed the first-ever mass-produced electric HiLux with large fleets in mind, which can charge their vehi]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-hilux-bev-attracting-orders-from-more-than-your-local-council/</link><pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 21:02:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-hilux-bev-attracting-orders-from-more-than-your-local-council/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ford Mustang Dark Horse limited-edition returns, with Australian-built T8-Spec Pack]]></title><description><![CDATA[Ford has launched an Australia-exclusive Mustang Dark Horse T8-Spec Pack, headlining the limited edition&rsquo;s return to local showrooms.<br />
2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse T8-Spec Pack.<br />
The Ford Mustang Dark Horse limited-edition has returned to Australia, headlined by a new T8-Spec Pack fitted to the V8 sports car at Ford&rsquo;s Broadmeadows, Victoria facility.Returning to Australia nearly two years after the first run of Mustang Dark Horses sold out, the new 2026 model includes the exclusive T8-]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-mustang-dark-horse-limited-edition-returns-with-australian-built-t8-spec-pack/</link><pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-mustang-dark-horse-limited-edition-returns-with-australian-built-t8-spec-pack/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘Airbnb for EV chargers’: The Aussie app monetising your driveway]]></title><description><![CDATA[This app is hoping to democratise Australia&rsquo;s EV charging network, benefitting electric car owners and homeowners alike.<br />
A new Australian start-up is seeking to expand Australia&rsquo;s electric vehicle (EV) charging network by serving as an intermediary between electric car owners and people who want to monetise their at-home charging points.<br />
Melbourne-based company Chargeaway is still in its infancy, but bills itself as an &ldquo;Airbnb for electric car charging&rdquo;, allowing homeowne]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/airbnb-for-ev-chargers-the-aussie-app-monetising-your-driveway/</link><pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/airbnb-for-ev-chargers-the-aussie-app-monetising-your-driveway/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 Hyundai Ioniq 3 electric hatch revealed, Australian launch due next year]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Hyundai Ioniq 3 electric hatchback is due in Australia early next year as an indirect successor to the long-running i30.The smallest model in Hyundai&rsquo;s dedicated Ioniq electric-vehicle range has debuted &ndash; and it has been confirmed for Australia.Set to launch in Australia early next year, the 2027 Hyundai Ioniq 3 electric hatchback is similar in size to the i30 petrol hatchback, which is no longer offered in standard guise in local showrooms.The Ioniq 3 will rival electric hatchba]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-hyundai-ioniq-3-electric-hatch-revealed-australian-launch-due-next-year/</link><pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 05:37:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-hyundai-ioniq-3-electric-hatch-revealed-australian-launch-due-next-year/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 Polestar 2 price and specs: Confirmed ahead of mid-year arrival]]></title><description><![CDATA[Pricing remains unchanged for Polestar&rsquo;s entry-level electric car, but the Polestar 2 line-up will now be Long Range only with the discontinuation of Standard Range models.<br />
Polestar has announced pricing for the 2027 Polestar 2 ahead of its launch, expected in the middle of the year.The Swedish brand has opted to remove the standard-range model from the Australian line-up, and now the range includes the&nbsp;Polestar 2&nbsp;Long Range Single Motor priced from $66,400&nbsp;before on-road co]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-polestar-2-price-and-specs-confirmed-ahead-of-mid-year-arrival/</link><pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 04:13:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-polestar-2-price-and-specs-confirmed-ahead-of-mid-year-arrival/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Victorian number plates can now be customised in every way by businesses and organisations, for a price]]></title><description><![CDATA[Customers are only limited by their imagination and the law when designing plates for a business or organisation, says VicRoads CEO.Businesses and organisations in Victoria can now order specialised plates with custom colours, text, logo, and tagline. But they don&rsquo;t come cheap.The first customer of the new plates was the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC), placing an order for 300. Most MCC plates were divvied out to members via random ballot, with a select few &ldquo;special&rdquo; numbers goin]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/victorian-number-plates-can-now-be-customised-in-every-way-by-businesses-and-organisations-for-a-price/</link><pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 02:02:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/victorian-number-plates-can-now-be-customised-in-every-way-by-businesses-and-organisations-for-a-price/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Kia Sportage non-hybrid petrol and entry diesel grades ‘under review’ in Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[Non-hybrid petrol versions of the Kia Sportage are currently &ldquo;being reviewed&rdquo; in Australia, along with the most affordable turbo-diesel grades.The Kia Sportage family SUV could ditch its petrol-only engines in Australia, with the brand confirming they are currently &ldquo;being reviewed&rdquo; &ndash; along with its most-affordable diesel grades.Details on the Model Year 2027 (MY27) Kia Sportage, published by industry database Redbook, currently exclude the 2.0-litre naturally-aspira]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/kia-sportage-non-hybrid-petrol-and-entry-diesel-grades-under-review-in-australia/</link><pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:25:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/kia-sportage-non-hybrid-petrol-and-entry-diesel-grades-under-review-in-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Ford Ranger Raptor review]]></title><description><![CDATA[The second-gen Ford Ranger Raptor is now more than four years old. It was a winning idea in 2022, but does it still make sense in 2026?2026 Ford Ranger RaptorYou can&rsquo;t get enough of the Ford Ranger Raptor.<br />
According to data from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), in 2025 nearly one in eight of all Ford Ranger utes sold in Australia wasthe high-performance Raptor.Interestingly, while the Raptor claimed 12 per cent of all Ranger sales, the more environmentally responsible R]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-ford-ranger-raptor-review/</link><pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-ford-ranger-raptor-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Toyota Kluger hybrid living on in Australia for now as electric successor looms in US]]></title><description><![CDATA[The popular Toyota Kluger hybrid is about to exit US showrooms in favour of an electric car, but Australia will soldier on &ndash; for now &ndash; with today&rsquo;s version that doesn&rsquo;t need charging.<br />
Toyota Kluger hybrid.<br />
The electric replacement for the Toyota Kluger&rsquo;s US counterpart will not spell the end for the popular hybrid version in Australian showrooms today.The Kluger hybrid sold in Australia is marketed as the Highlander in the US, where it is about to be replaced by an]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-kluger-hybrid-living-on-in-australia-for-now-as-electric-successor-looms-in-us/</link><pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 23:04:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-kluger-hybrid-living-on-in-australia-for-now-as-electric-successor-looms-in-us/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Jaecoo ‘flattered’ by Range Rover design comparisons]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Jaecoo J5 has gained recognition for its visual similarities to Range Rover design, with an Indonesian company even developing an aftermarket body kit to further lean into it.Chinese car brand Jaecoo has called comparisons between the styling of its J5 and J7 SUVs, and luxury off-roaders from Range Rover &ldquo;flattering&rdquo;.The Range Rover Sport-esque design cues on the Jaecoo J5 have been seen so widely that an Indonesian company has developed a body kit to further lean into the Britis]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/jaecoo-flattered-by-range-rover-design-comparisons/</link><pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 22:03:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/jaecoo-flattered-by-range-rover-design-comparisons/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘Manipulate’: The growing car safety risk no one’s talking about]]></title><description><![CDATA[While modern cars offer unparalleled convenience, some experts warn that they can be used to facilitate serious crimes.Modern internet-connected cars have undoubtedly revolutionised transport, largely in part due to the convenience of advanced technological features such as live GPS tracking and external cameras.<br />
And while these tools can make driving easier for owners, some experts have raised concerns about the car&rsquo;s ability to harvest and store private information.There is also a growin]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/manipulate-the-growing-car-safety-risk-no-ones-talking-about/</link><pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 21:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/manipulate-the-growing-car-safety-risk-no-ones-talking-about/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Safety body hits back at car brands claiming driving aids increase costs]]></title><description><![CDATA[Euro NCAP believes car brands should not be raising prices with the inclusion of more advanced safety features to ace crash testing.Euro NCAP has hit back at critics, often car brands, using advanced safety as an excuse to increase vehicle prices, stating it has always had cost in mind when laying out star-rating criteria.When asked by Drive if it agreed with manufacturers using Euro NCAP as an excuse to raise pricing, secretary-general Michiel van Ratingen said: &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t really know]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/safety-body-hits-back-at-car-brands-claiming-driving-aids-increase-costs/</link><pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 20:49:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/safety-body-hits-back-at-car-brands-claiming-driving-aids-increase-costs/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class EV revealed, due in Australia early next year]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has gone electric, arriving here early next year as a 360kW dual-motor flagship ahead of 800km extended range and AMG variants.Mercedes-Benz has revealed the first-ever electric C-Class with EQ Technology, which will be sold alongside the current petrol-powered C-Class but promises to sit near the top of the sedan&rsquo;s hierarchy.It is due in Australia early next year in an all-wheel-drive C400 4Matic variant, producing 360kW and 800Nm from dual electric motors, with]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-mercedes-benz-c-class-ev-revealed-due-in-australia-early-next-year/</link><pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-mercedes-benz-c-class-ev-revealed-due-in-australia-early-next-year/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Almost half of Aussie drivers would convert a classic to an EV]]></title><description><![CDATA[Would you spend $200,000 or more to convert a classic Mini Cooper, Land Rover or Porsche 911 to an electric vehicle? Nearly half of Drive&lsquo;s readers who voted said &ldquo;yes&rdquo;.<br />
As Australians grapple with rising fuel prices, drivers have begun to seriously consider switching to an EV &ndash; if they haven&rsquo;t done so already.<br />
New electric car sales surged in March &ndash; representing a 14.6 per cent share of all new cars registered in the month &ndash; nearly double the share of]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/almost-half-of-aussie-drivers-would-convert-a-classic-to-an-ev/</link><pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 08:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/almost-half-of-aussie-drivers-would-convert-a-classic-to-an-ev/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Jaecoo J5 price and specs: Petrol small SUV joins EV at $25,990]]></title><description><![CDATA[A non-electrified Jaecoo J5 is heading to Australian showrooms in June, sporting a new petrol engine and an entry-level trim grade.The 2026 Jaecoo J5 will add two entry-level petrol variants to the current electric line-up from June, priced from $25,990 drive away.The Chery spin-off will fit Jaecoo&rsquo;s sibling to the Chery Tiggo 4 with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, paired with a continuously-variable automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.Unlike the electric ver]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-jaecoo-j5-price-and-specs-petrol-small-suv-joins-ev-at-25990/</link><pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-jaecoo-j5-price-and-specs-petrol-small-suv-joins-ev-at-25990/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Cupra Formentor price and specs: Update arriving next month after two-year wait]]></title><description><![CDATA[Updated versions of the Cupra Formentor SUV will arrive in Australia next month, two years after debuting in Europe, with a new mild-hybrid entry grade, improved PHEV technology, and revised styling.<br />
2026 Cupra Formentor pricing and specificationsNew front-wheel-drive mild-hybrid grade reduces cost-of-entryLarger battery, new engine, more electric range for VZe PHEVPriced from $49,990 before on-road costs<br />
The updated 2026 Cupra Formentor will arrive in Australian showrooms next month, about 12 m]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-cupra-formentor-price-and-specs-update-arriving-next-month-after-two-year-wait/</link><pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 02:58:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-cupra-formentor-price-and-specs-update-arriving-next-month-after-two-year-wait/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Polestar’s naming system makes sense, and no changes are planned, says Australian boss]]></title><description><![CDATA[Polestar&rsquo;s Australia boss is open to changes to brand&rsquo;s naming system if models reach into the 20s, but for now the system &ldquo;makes sense&rdquo;.The Australian boss of the electric vehicle brand behind the Polestar 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, says Polestar will stick with a number-based naming system for Australia.Scott Maynard, the Managing Director of Polestar Australia, said if any changes for the local market were made, they would have to be spearheaded by the company&rsquo;s he]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/polestars-naming-system-makes-sense-and-no-changes-are-planned-says-australian-boss/</link><pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 01:53:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/polestars-naming-system-makes-sense-and-no-changes-are-planned-says-australian-boss/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mazda CX-60, CX-70, CX-80, CX-90 hitting their stride, according to brand]]></title><description><![CDATA[Combined sales for the CX-60, CX-70, CX-80, and CX-90 are reaching the same levels of popularity as the older CX-8 and CX-9.Mazda Australia believes its Large Platform products &ndash; the CX-60, CX-70, CX-80, and CX-90 &ndash; are resonating with the right customers, but sales are still far behind initial projections from the brand.Last year, the combined sales total of the four platform- and powertrain-sharing Mazda models totalled 10,355 units &ndash; led by the CX-60 (5410 sales) and CX-80 (]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mazda-cx-60-cx-70-cx-80-cx-90-hitting-their-stride-according-to-brand/</link><pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:49:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mazda-cx-60-cx-70-cx-80-cx-90-hitting-their-stride-according-to-brand/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Nissan Ariya Advance+ review]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Ariya finally enters Nissan into the competitive mid-size electric SUV market. Here&rsquo;s why the longest-range model grade is the pick of the line-up, but won&rsquo;t see Tesla and BYD lose sleep.2026 Nissan Ariya Advance+Five years passed between the Nissan Ariya&rsquo;s global debut and its Australian launch, but it is finally here, ready to challenge the Tesla Model Y and myriad competitors from China, South Korea, Japan and Europe.Having waited as long as it has, Nissan has waded into]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-nissan-ariya-advance-review/</link><pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-nissan-ariya-advance-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 GWM Haval HX: New Prado and Defender rival as brand flagship]]></title><description><![CDATA[GWM&rsquo;s flagship large SUV is expected to compete with some of the segment&rsquo;s heavy hitters if it makes its way to Australia.<br />
Images of GWM Haval&rsquo;s Newest flagship full-size SUV have been released ahead of its first public appearance at the upcoming Beijing motor show.The GWM Haval HX, as it&rsquo;s known for now, still awaits an official name, but is a step up from the brand&rsquo;s existing models and is expected to run a plug-in hybrid powertrain with a 2.0-litre turbo engine a]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-gwm-haval-hx-new-prado-and-defender-rival-as-brand-flagship/</link><pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 23:34:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-gwm-haval-hx-new-prado-and-defender-rival-as-brand-flagship/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyundai recalls nearly 5000 electric cars in Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[A fault could cause the battery management system to short-circuit, leading to a potential vehicle fire, according to the recall notice.Hyundai Motor Company Australia has recalled a total of 4888 examples of its&nbsp;2018-2023 Kona and 2018-2022 Ioniq electric vehicles (EVs) citing a potential fault with&nbsp;the software within the Battery Management System (BMS).Between the two models, there are 3478 Konas and 1402 Ioniqs affected.The recall notices for both models, lodged with the Department]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-recalls-nearly-5000-electric-cars-in-australia/</link><pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 21:59:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-recalls-nearly-5000-electric-cars-in-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Toyota RAV4 EV is possible, but don’t hold your breath for bZ4X showroom-mate]]></title><description><![CDATA[An electric version of Toyota&rsquo;s new RAV4 is possible, but the company says competing with the high-tech Tesla Model Y is what the bZ4X is for.Toyota says the electric-car market is better served by the bZ4X than a battery-powered version of the new RAV4 &ndash; and that it is moving too quickly to justify converting its top seller to EV technology.The latest RAV4 is the first to offer plug-in hybrid technology in Australia, alongside conventional hybrid technology &ndash; but not electric.]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-rav4-ev-is-possible-but-dont-hold-your-breath-for-bz4x-showroom-mate/</link><pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 20:51:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-rav4-ev-is-possible-but-dont-hold-your-breath-for-bz4x-showroom-mate/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘Economically viable’: Are all damaged EVs a write-off?]]></title><description><![CDATA[New data has revealed that more consumers are considering buying repairable electric cars amid the petrol crisis. But is it worth the money? It depends on who you ask.Photo: Anna Barclay/Getty Images)<br />
By now, you&rsquo;ve probably seen more electric cars on the roads as petrol prices remain high because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.And while EV sales have risen sharply across Australia&rsquo;s new and used car markets, some budget-conscious drivers are turning to repairable EVs to]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/economically-viable-are-all-damaged-evs-a-write-off/</link><pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/economically-viable-are-all-damaged-evs-a-write-off/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Toyota GR GT3 race car is available as a McDonald’s Happy Meal toy]]></title><description><![CDATA[McDonald&rsquo;s is offering a Toyota GR GT3 race car as a Happy Meal toy, but it might be hard to get your hands on one if you&rsquo;re not in Japan.<br />
McDonald&rsquo;s and Toyota have partnered with Japanese die-cast toy maker Tomica to produce the GR GT3 alongside other models for upcoming Happy Meals.The GR GT3 race car is available now at all McDonald&rsquo;s Japan locations, and will carry a joint livery between the car maker and the fast food giant in a yellow or black colour scheme.As part]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-gr-gt3-race-car-is-available-as-a-mcdonalds-happy-meal-toy/</link><pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 07:48:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-gr-gt3-race-car-is-available-as-a-mcdonalds-happy-meal-toy/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[GAC pledges to learn from BYD mistakes, with early customer focus]]></title><description><![CDATA[GAC is one of the 16 Chinese brands now operating in Australia, but it says it will put the customer experience first and not make the same mistakes as BYD when it first launched.GAC is &ldquo;not going to have the problems&rdquo; that fellow Chinese car maker BYD had when it first entered the Australian market by focusing on the customer experience over &ldquo;sales, sales, sales&rdquo;, an executive claims.The brand, which arrived in Australia late last year and has already launched four model]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/gac-pledges-to-learn-from-byd-mistakes-with-early-customer-focus/</link><pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 06:08:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/gac-pledges-to-learn-from-byd-mistakes-with-early-customer-focus/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Toyota Prius back off the cards for Australian return]]></title><description><![CDATA[Australia lost the hero of the green car revolution before it was given a glow-up &ndash; and hopes for its revival have been dashed.The door to a return of the Toyota Prius to Australia has slammed shut, months after chances of the hybrid pioneer&rsquo;s re-introduction to local showrooms surfaced.Last year, then-sales and marketing boss of Toyota Australia, Sean Hanley, told Drive the brand would &ldquo;re-study Prius&rdquo; for Australia after passing on launching the latest, sleeker and more]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-prius-back-off-the-cards-for-australian-return/</link><pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 04:05:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-prius-back-off-the-cards-for-australian-return/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Polestar considers itself well positioned if Australia is at an EV tipping point]]></title><description><![CDATA[As rising fuel prices push interest in electric vehicles to record levels, this EV company hopes for a silver lining.As electric vehicle sales rise to record levels, Polestar is hoping current uncertainties around fuel supply mark the beginning of a new era for EV uptake in Australia &ndash; and believes its brand is in a great position.A record 14.6 per cent of new cars sold last month were electric, up 42.3 per cent compared to the month prior. Sales of used electric vehicles also rose, report]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/polestar-considers-itself-well-positioned-if-australia-is-at-an-ev-tipping-point/</link><pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 01:46:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/polestar-considers-itself-well-positioned-if-australia-is-at-an-ev-tipping-point/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BYD Shark 6 rival to Ford Ranger Raptor: ‘Never say never’]]></title><description><![CDATA[A more capable version of BYD&rsquo;s popular ute is still under consideration, now with 2.0-litre Performance bones.A high-performance, off-road-capable version of the BYD Shark 6 is under consideration as a future addition to the popular plug-in hybrid ute line-up.If a desert-ready Ranger Raptor competitor is green-lit, it is more likely to be developed by BYD engineers in China and Australia than with an independent firm such as Navara Warrior creators Premcar or Amarok W-Series partner Walki]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-shark-6-rival-to-ford-ranger-raptor-never-say-never/</link><pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 00:14:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-shark-6-rival-to-ford-ranger-raptor-never-say-never/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 MG HS Hybrid+ Essence review]]></title><description><![CDATA[MG&rsquo;s HS Hybrid+ in Essence trim touts a cabin that baits the premium SUV players and a warranty that scares them, but screen-heavy tech and heavy-handed safety systems get in the way of a good drive.<br />
Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps<br />
2026 MG HS Hybrid+ EssenceYou may be forgiven for thinking MG stands for more goodies in the Hybrid+ Essence. There are more so]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mg-hs-hybrid-essence-review/</link><pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mg-hs-hybrid-essence-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Farizon V7E electric van priced competitively for tradies]]></title><description><![CDATA[The small electric commercial van, which is due to compete with urban-focused models such as the VW Caddy, is available from under $50,000 drive-away.Jameel Motors has announced pricing for the all-new Farizon V7E electric commercial van, priced from $49,990 drive-away for the standard-range 50kWh grade.Buyers can also opt for the longer-range 66kWh variant, which is positioned at $53,990.The Farizon V7E is due to compete with smaller commercial vans such as the Kia PV5, Volkswagen Caddy and Peu]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-farizon-v7e-electric-van-priced-competitively-for-tradies/</link><pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 08:05:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-farizon-v7e-electric-van-priced-competitively-for-tradies/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 JAC Hunter PHEV reservations open from May]]></title><description><![CDATA[JAC will soon open orders for the Hunter PHEV ute with a complimentary charger deal for the first batch of customers.<br />
JAC will open reservations for its anticipated Hunter plug-in hybrid electric ute on May 5, ahead of its expected showroom arrival in the middle of the year.<br />
The model is set to take on the popular BYD Shark 6 with its claimed 360kW combined power output &ndash; making it the most powerful in its class.The first 1000 customers to order the JAC Hunter PHEV before launch will recei]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-jac-hunter-phev-reservations-open-from-may/</link><pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 05:57:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-jac-hunter-phev-reservations-open-from-may/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Chery Tiggo 9 plug-in hybrid adds entry front-wheel-drive variant for $7000 less]]></title><description><![CDATA[Chery adds an entry front-wheel-drive grade to the Tiggo 9 line-up, which is $7000 cheaper than its all-wheel-drive counterpart.<br />
Tiggo 9 Elite.<br />
Chery has expanded its large plug-in hybrid SUV offering, the Tiggo 9, with the Elite front-wheel drive (FWD), which will act as an entry to the brand&rsquo;s flagship model.The Tiggo 9 Elite FWD is due in showrooms from May, and will be priced from $52,990 before on-road costs, making it $7000 more affordable than the existing Ultimate all-wheel-drive m]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-chery-tiggo-9-plug-in-hybrid-adds-entry-front-wheel-drive-variant-for-7000-less/</link><pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 05:03:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-chery-tiggo-9-plug-in-hybrid-adds-entry-front-wheel-drive-variant-for-7000-less/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Polestar says privacy and reliability issues with public electric vehicle chargers need to be addressed]]></title><description><![CDATA[With Australians buying electric cars in record numbers, better standards for EV chargers are needed to ensure reliability and privacy, says the EV brand.Privacy and reliability issues with public electric vehicle chargers need to be addressed as more people turn to EVs, says the boss of Polestar Australia.The Australian Managing Director of all-electric car brand Polestar, Scott Maynard, said he is pleased with how charging infrastructure has grown in Australia, but believes more regulation is]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/polestar-says-privacy-and-reliability-issues-with-public-electric-vehicle-chargers-need-to-be-addressed/</link><pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 04:01:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/polestar-says-privacy-and-reliability-issues-with-public-electric-vehicle-chargers-need-to-be-addressed/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mazda welcomes more competition from Chinese brands]]></title><description><![CDATA[A strong 2026 product line-up and established network should keep Mazda towards the top of the charts despite Chinese brand surge.Mazda Australia is unperturbed by the rise of Chinese brands that are now firmly entrenched in Top 10, but it remains to be seen if the Japanese marque can maintain its Top 3 positioning this year.Of the Chinese brands in the Top 10, which includes BYD, MG, and GWM, all undercut mainstream rivals with their products and have made their way up the sales charts by steal]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mazda-welcomes-more-competition-from-chinese-brands/</link><pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 01:52:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mazda-welcomes-more-competition-from-chinese-brands/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Toyota Corolla ZR hatch long-term review: Introduction]]></title><description><![CDATA[Does the ageing Toyota Corolla still keep pace with a vastly more competitive, and sometimes more affordable, small-car market?2026 Toyota Corolla ZR HatchbackAfter 12 generations across 60 years, the Toyota Corolla has easily cemented itself as a stalwart staple in the automotive landscape, popular with young new-car buyers and empty-nesters alike.But the latest version of Toyota&rsquo;s small car, launched in 2018, arrived in Australia at a time when shifting buyer preferences started to move]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-corolla-zr-hatch-long-term-review-introduction/</link><pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-corolla-zr-hatch-long-term-review-introduction/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Oscar Piastri scores new one-of-a-kind McLaren 750S]]></title><description><![CDATA[Australian F1 gun Oscar Piastri has taken delivery of a McLaren 750S, featuring a range of bespoke touches and distinctive papaya accents.<br />
Oscar Piastri has taken delivery of a McLaren 750S&ndash;&nbsp;the lightest and most powerful series-production model the brand has ever built.In convertible form, Piastri&rsquo;s spec is finished in Casino Black &ndash; a bespoke paint developed by McLaren Special Operations (MSO).Papaya accents &ndash; a nod to McLaren&rsquo;s racing heritage &ndash; appear]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/oscar-piastri-scores-new-one-of-a-kind-mclaren-750s/</link><pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 23:48:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/oscar-piastri-scores-new-one-of-a-kind-mclaren-750s/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Australia and China keep gifting cars to other countries – here’s why]]></title><description><![CDATA[As Beijing and Canberra race for influence in the Pacific, a new wave of car diplomacy is hitting the shores of some countries.<br />
China and Australia are racing to gift cars to Pacific Island nations to strengthen strategic geopolitical alliances. Picture: Fiji Government/FacebookForeign diplomacy often sees countries exchanging lavish gifts to strengthen strategic alliances and trade relationships, and luxury cars have become popular fodder for politicians looking to curry favour.<br />
While various g]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/australia-and-china-keep-gifting-cars-to-other-countries-heres-why/</link><pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 21:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/australia-and-china-keep-gifting-cars-to-other-countries-heres-why/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 Genesis GV60 price and specs: Luxury EV now more affordable than ever]]></title><description><![CDATA[Now sneaking under the Luxury Car Tax threshold, the 2027 Genesis GV60 is eligible for a Fringe Benefits Tax exemption for eligible customers.<br />
2027 Genesis GV60 pricing and specificationsLarger battery for more driving rangeReduced pricing, but changed equipment listPriced from $88,300 before on-road costs<br />
The long-awaited 2026 Genesis GV60 electric SUV will finally arrive in Australian showrooms this June, equipped with revised styling, a bigger battery, and a significant price cut.Only one var]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-genesis-gv60-price-and-specs-luxury-ev-now-more-affordable-than-ever/</link><pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 08:05:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-genesis-gv60-price-and-specs-luxury-ev-now-more-affordable-than-ever/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 Hyundai Ioniq 3 confirmed for Australia before full reveal]]></title><description><![CDATA[The South Korean brand will field a competitor to the MG 4 and BYD Dolphin from early next year with the Ioniq 3 confirmed for Australia.Hyundai Australia has committed to bringing the Ioniq 3 electric vehicle (EV) to showrooms in early 2027, but the new model is yet to be officially unveiled.In a statement to media, Hyundai Motor Company Australia director of sales David Rodda said the small electric hatchback would form part of the brand&rsquo;s plans for broader all-electric market coverage.&]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-hyundai-ioniq-3-confirmed-for-australia-before-full-reveal/</link><pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 05:34:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-hyundai-ioniq-3-confirmed-for-australia-before-full-reveal/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Toyota Yaris Cross update revealed with RAV4 inspiration, Australia yet to be confirmed]]></title><description><![CDATA[The European-market Toyota Yaris Cross &ndash; built separately from Australian models &ndash; has received another facelift, with styling traits from the new RAV4.<br />
2026 Toyota Yaris Cross facelift (Europe).<br />
The Toyota Yaris Cross hybrid city SUV &ndash; dating back to 2020 &ndash; has received another facelift in Europe, but it has yet to be confirmed for Australia, as our version is built in a different factory.Set to go on sale in Europe later this year, the 2026 Toyota Yaris Cross introduces]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-yaris-cross-update-revealed-with-rav4-inspiration-australia-yet-to-be-confirmed/</link><pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 04:12:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-yaris-cross-update-revealed-with-rav4-inspiration-australia-yet-to-be-confirmed/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[The servicing struggles facing new car brands and owners]]></title><description><![CDATA[Have customers of new car brands jumped on the bandwagon too soon? According to maintenance and servicing experts, the answer is no. Here&rsquo;s why.Picture: Getty Images/iStock<br />
Australia&rsquo;s new-car market has never been more competitive, with 67 brands fighting for an economic foothold. And it&rsquo;s only getting bigger.Recent data from the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) revealed that by 2031, the country will be home to 75 car companies.While price parity between electr]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-servicing-struggles-facing-new-car-brands-and-owners/</link><pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 03:45:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-servicing-struggles-facing-new-car-brands-and-owners/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Nissan eyes Tesla Model 3, Zeekr 7X competitors for Australia via Chinese partner]]></title><description><![CDATA[Nissan is set to turn to China to fill its Australian showrooms with rivals for the Tesla Model 3, Zeekr 7X and hot-selling BYD Shark 6.Nissan is one step closer to revealing plans for a wave of Chinese-made hybrid and electric cars for Australia to compete against Tesla, BYD and Zeekr.An alliance between Nissan and its Chinese joint-venture partner, Dongfeng, has seen the door open to three models that could be in Australian showrooms in the next 12 to 18 months.It was already known that the Fr]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/nissan-eyes-tesla-model-3-zeekr-7x-competitors-for-australia-via-chinese-partner/</link><pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 03:02:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/nissan-eyes-tesla-model-3-zeekr-7x-competitors-for-australia-via-chinese-partner/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 GWM Haval H6 GT PHEV price and specs: Longer electric range, quicker acceleration]]></title><description><![CDATA[The GWM Haval H6 GT PHEV has gained slightly more electric-only driving range with a comprehensive specification update for 2026.<br />
2026 GWM Haval H6 GT PHEV pricing and specificationsNew all-wheel-drive hybrid system has less torque, yet faster accelerationMore electric-only driving rangePriced from $52,990 drive-away<br />
The plug-in hybrid with Australia&rsquo;s longest electric-only driving range is now capable of travelling even further before a recharge, following a comprehensive specification up]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-gwm-haval-h6-gt-phev-price-and-specs-longer-electric-range-quicker-acceleration/</link><pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 02:25:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-gwm-haval-h6-gt-phev-price-and-specs-longer-electric-range-quicker-acceleration/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Oil refinery operator dismisses suggestions yesterday’s fire a result of delayed maintenance]]></title><description><![CDATA[Delayed maintenance not linked to dramatic blaze at the oil refinery in Geelong &lsquo;at this stage&rsquo;, as more details are released about the fire.<br />
Image: Viva Energy. Insert: Facebook<br />
Maintenance deferred around a month ago was unrelated to the outbreak of a fire at Geelong&rsquo;s oil refinery late on Wednesday night, which took around 12 hours to extinguish, Viva Energy&rsquo;s Geelong refinery manager Bill Patterson told media on Thursday afternoon.&ldquo;That change related to a decis]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/oil-refinery-operator-dismisses-suggestions-yesterdays-fire-a-result-of-delayed-maintenance/</link><pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 02:17:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/oil-refinery-operator-dismisses-suggestions-yesterdays-fire-a-result-of-delayed-maintenance/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BYD Sealion 7 more popular than expected, as cheaper model ruled out]]></title><description><![CDATA[A cheaper version of the BYD Sealion 7 electric SUV isn&rsquo;t in the plan, as current Premium and Performance versions knock on the door of Tesla&rsquo;s Model Y in sales.Demand for the BYD Sealion 7 electric SUV has surpassed the company&rsquo;s expectations, such that there are no plans for a more affordable version to expand its appeal.The Sealion 7 has risen to comfortably become Australia&rsquo;s second-best-selling electric vehicle, reporting 4468 registrations so far this year &ndash; b]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-sealion-7-more-popular-than-expected-as-cheaper-model-ruled-out/</link><pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 01:45:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-sealion-7-more-popular-than-expected-as-cheaper-model-ruled-out/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Toyota RAV4 clocks up 10,000 orders, targets top sales spot in line-up]]></title><description><![CDATA[More than 10,000 Aussies ordered a new RAV4 before few had seen it in the metal or taken a test drive &ndash; and Toyota expects at least 30,000 more to follow by the end of this year.Toyota is hoping to deliver 40,000 RAV4s to customers by the end of this year &ndash; more than 90 per cent will be the new model &ndash; as it looks to retain its title of Australia&rsquo;s best-selling SUV.It is gearing up to sell more than 50,000 next year, and become Toyota&rsquo;s most popular model &ndash; a]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-rav4-clocks-up-10000-orders-targets-top-sales-spot-in-line-up/</link><pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:46:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-rav4-clocks-up-10000-orders-targets-top-sales-spot-in-line-up/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Subaru WRX tS Spec B review: Long-term finale – saving the best till last]]></title><description><![CDATA[It&rsquo;s time to hand back the keys to our long-term Subaru WRX tS Spec B. But, not without one final open-road blast.I&rsquo;ve been driving this Subaru WRX tS Spec B over the last four months on some of the best driving roads I can find. It&rsquo;s taken me all over Victoria as I&rsquo;ve tried to scope out the ultimate string of corners.Long story short &ndash;&nbsp;it&rsquo;s been a ball.At Drive, we&rsquo;re incredibly lucky to have access to all kinds of new cars, from SUVs to passenger]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-subaru-wrx-ts-spec-b-review-long-term-finale-saving-the-best-till-last/</link><pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-subaru-wrx-ts-spec-b-review-long-term-finale-saving-the-best-till-last/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 MG U9 Black edition could be just weeks away]]></title><description><![CDATA[A blacked-out edition of the MG U9 diesel ute is likely weeks away from showrooms following the information released at the Melbourne motor show.The 2026 MG U9 Black Edition could enter Australian showrooms very soon, following its debut at the Melbourne motor show, with the Chinese brand opening expressions of interest on its website.While the new model features exterior changes such as darkening of chrome accents, it is yet to be confirmed how much of a premium the Black Edition will add over]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mg-u9-black-edition-could-be-just-weeks-away/</link><pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 23:33:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mg-u9-black-edition-could-be-just-weeks-away/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mitsubishi Australia open to expanding Raider off-road sub-brand beyond Triton]]></title><description><![CDATA[Mitsubishi Australia&rsquo;s new Raider sub-brand could eventually expand into its SUV models, such as the Outlander and the upcoming Pajero.<br />
2026 Mitsubishi Triton Raider.<br />
Mitsubishi Australia&rsquo;s new Raider off-road sub-brand could eventually expand beyond its Triton ute to include its SUV models, such as the Outlander and the new-generation Pajero, due later this year.Speaking to Drive at the reveal of the 2026 Triton Raider, Mitsubishi Australia product strategy manager Bruce Hampel said]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mitsubishi-australia-open-to-expanding-raider-off-road-sub-brand-beyond-triton/</link><pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 21:47:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mitsubishi-australia-open-to-expanding-raider-off-road-sub-brand-beyond-triton/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tesla Cyber SUV one step closer as Musk teases family car ‘cooler than a minivan’]]></title><description><![CDATA[Tesla CEO Elon Musk may have just hinted at the company&rsquo;s next product move: a Cybertruck-inspired family SUV.<br />
Tesla Cyber SUV design models.<br />
Outspoken Tesla CEO and active social media poster, Elon Musk, has given his biggest hint yet at a future SUV based on the Tesla Cybertruck pick-up.In a post on social media platform X, which he also owns, Musk responded to a user&rsquo;s plea for a minivan by saying, &ldquo;Something way cooler than a minivan is coming&rdquo;.Musk had originally pos]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/tesla-cyber-suv-one-step-closer-as-musk-teases-family-car-cooler-than-a-minivan/</link><pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 20:56:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/tesla-cyber-suv-one-step-closer-as-musk-teases-family-car-cooler-than-a-minivan/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tesla Cyber SUV one step closer as Musk teases family car ‘cooler tha a minivan’]]></title><description><![CDATA[Tesla CEO Elon Musk may have just hinted at the company&rsquo;s next product move: a Cybertruck-inspired family SUV.<br />
Tesla Cyber SUV design models.<br />
Outspoken Tesla CEO and active social media poster, Elon Musk, has given his biggest hint yet at a future SUV based on the Tesla Cybertruck pick-up.In a post on social media platform X, which he also owns, Musk responded to a user&rsquo;s plea for a minivan by saying, &ldquo;Something way cooler than a minivan is coming&rdquo;.Musk had originally pos]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/tesla-cyber-suv-one-step-closer-as-musk-teases-family-car-cooler-tha-a-minivan/</link><pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 20:56:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/tesla-cyber-suv-one-step-closer-as-musk-teases-family-car-cooler-tha-a-minivan/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Can your car horn run out of honk?]]></title><description><![CDATA[The car horn is beloved by many who wield its power, but can the little toot run out of honk? Or will the hills forever echo with a hooter?Some drivers can go years without even touching their car horn, while others employ its &lsquo;beep-beep&rsquo; daily.<br />
RELATED: Why you&rsquo;re probably ruining your car with every washIf you&rsquo;re the latter, have you ever had the thought that it could honk its last honk from overuse?The weird thing about a car horn is that it&rsquo;s not serviced like y]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/can-your-car-horn-run-out-of-honk/</link><pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/can-your-car-horn-run-out-of-honk/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Toyota RAV4 to skip ANCAP safety rating until critical upgrades later this year]]></title><description><![CDATA[Quality delays that caught the world&rsquo;s largest car maker off guard will force safety upgrades to be applied to the new RAV4 before it is independently crash tested.Toyota will be forced to roll out crucial safety upgrades to the just-launched new RAV4 to ensure it earns top marks in ANCAP testing, after quality control delays saw it caught out by a switch to tougher criteria for 2026.The car giant says it expects upgraded RAV4s due in the second half of 2026 to earn five stars once indepen]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-rav4-to-skip-ancap-safety-rating-until-critical-upgrades-later-this-year/</link><pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-rav4-to-skip-ancap-safety-rating-until-critical-upgrades-later-this-year/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Changan to Mazda 6e: Changes made to the Chinese EV to earn the Japanese badge]]></title><description><![CDATA[The differences between the Mazda 6e and its Chinese donor car are more than just surface-level styling changes.<br />
Mazda 6e<br />
Mazda has made no secret of the fact its new 6e is built in China by a Chinese partner, but this is far from a simple badge-engineering exercise, according to the Japanese brand.Speaking to Drive, Mazda Australia boss Vinesh Bhindi detailed exactly what the changes entail, starting with the suspension tuning the brand is so keen to spruik.&nbsp;&ldquo;It [the suspension tune]]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/changan-to-mazda-6e-changes-made-to-the-chinese-ev-to-earn-the-japanese-badge/</link><pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 03:06:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/changan-to-mazda-6e-changes-made-to-the-chinese-ev-to-earn-the-japanese-badge/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ford: How a huge car company stays agile, according to Bill Ford]]></title><description><![CDATA[How do car manufacturers react to ever-changing legislation? We asked Bill Ford, the boss of one of the biggest in the business.<br />
Ford Mustang Mach-E reflects Ford&rsquo;s shift towards electric vehicles.<br />
Bill Ford is passionate about reacting to demand rather than command. The Blue Oval&rsquo;s executive chairman is certain that customers should steer future products and not politicians.&ldquo;If they tighten too much, they really get out of sync with what the customer demand is,&rdquo; he expla]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-how-a-huge-car-company-stays-agile-according-to-bill-ford/</link><pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 01:58:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-how-a-huge-car-company-stays-agile-according-to-bill-ford/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Road user charge should be based on the weight of vehicles, says Polestar boss]]></title><description><![CDATA[The government has tempered suggestions that a road user tax will be applied to EVs anytime soon, amid speculation on how it should work.The federal Minister for Infrastructure, Catherine King, has poured cold water on suggestions a road user tax for electric vehicles will be implemented anytime soon as electric vehicle sales rise amid record high fuel prices.<br />
Meanwhile, Polestar&rsquo;s Australian boss has offered his take on how it should work.King told the ABC&rsquo;s Insiders television prog]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/road-user-charge-should-be-based-on-the-weight-of-vehicles-says-polestar-boss/</link><pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 01:07:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/road-user-charge-should-be-based-on-the-weight-of-vehicles-says-polestar-boss/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Lexus UX300h Luxury review]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Lexus UX is not the newest kid on the small-SUV block, but fuel-efficient hybrid power and a trusted badge on the bonnet ensure it retains plenty of appeal in 2026.<br />
Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps<br />
2026 Lexus UX300h LuxuryLexus has gone all-in on hybrid power with its &lsquo;original&rsquo; small SUV, the UX.Updates to the UX line-up in recent years have cut t]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-lexus-ux300h-luxury-review/</link><pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-lexus-ux300h-luxury-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Honda Prelude targets 500 sales in first year from loyalists and the hybrid-curious]]></title><description><![CDATA[A broad range of customers are hoped to be attracted to Honda&rsquo;s reborn sports car, now a hybrid based on the Civic hatch.Honda has set targets for its reborn Prelude sports car in its first year that would see it match or outsell the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ.The Prelude is back in Australian showrooms after a 25-year absence as a 2.0-litre hybrid priced from $65,000 drive-away, close to $10,000 dearer than the five-door Civic hatchback on which it is based.The price &ndash; about $5000 t]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/honda-prelude-targets-500-sales-in-first-year-from-loyalists-and-the-hybrid-curious/</link><pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 23:18:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/honda-prelude-targets-500-sales-in-first-year-from-loyalists-and-the-hybrid-curious/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Plug-in hybrids ‘fast becoming irrelevant’, says Polestar Australia boss]]></title><description><![CDATA[Plug-in hybrid vehicles are often considered &lsquo;the best of both worlds&rsquo;, but electric-car specialist Polestar is &ndash; unsurprisingly &ndash; a big critic.Electric-car maker Polestar has claimed plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) are fast becoming irrelevant as the capabilities of electric vehicles increase.While PHEVs are often touted as a &lsquo;best of both worlds&rsquo; stepping stone from petrol to electric &ndash; and suit buyers who are after an electric-car experience but not c]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/plug-in-hybrids-fast-becoming-irrelevant-says-polestar-australia-boss/</link><pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 21:53:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/plug-in-hybrids-fast-becoming-irrelevant-says-polestar-australia-boss/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘Didn’t know it was there’: Why young drivers are suddenly obsessed with this old SUV]]></title><description><![CDATA[Young drivers are thirsting for an old Honda CR-V because of this unexpected hidden feature.If you ask any young driver what dream car they would own, you&rsquo;d generally get answers ranging from luxury models like the Lamborghini Aventador, classic performance models like the Nissan Skyline or traditional muscle cars like the Ford Mustang, to name a few.<br />
And while it&rsquo;s common to dream of acquiring exotic and expensive models, some young motorists are falling in love with the first- and]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/didnt-know-it-was-there-why-young-drivers-are-suddenly-obsessed-with-this-old-suv/</link><pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 21:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/didnt-know-it-was-there-why-young-drivers-are-suddenly-obsessed-with-this-old-suv/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BYD delivers 100,000th vehicle in Australia, more than half in the last 12 months]]></title><description><![CDATA[After celebrating 40,000 sales in Australia last March, BYD Australia has announced it has now hit 100,000 customer deliveries.Australia&rsquo;s current largest Chinese carmaker has hit 100,000 cumulative sales, three-and-a-half years after it delivered its first vehicle.BYD Australia has announced its 100,000 new-vehicle delivery, a Shark 6 ute, which occurred in Brisbane, Queensland, this month, just over 12 months after it celebrated its 40,000th sale in March 2025.Since it launched in Austra]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-delivers-100000th-vehicle-in-australia-more-than-half-in-the-last-12-months/</link><pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 20:52:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-delivers-100000th-vehicle-in-australia-more-than-half-in-the-last-12-months/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Freelander joins Jaecoo, Omoda, and Lepas under Chery Australia umbrella]]></title><description><![CDATA[The return of the Freelander SUV will come to Australia in 2027, but it won&rsquo;t be sold or made by Land Rover.The new Freelander off-road SUV will return to Australian shores in 2027, but will be built and sold by Chinese car maker Chery as yet another new-car brand.Though the Freelander was originally a Land Rover model, the British brand greenlit development and production of a new version from Chery in 2024.Chery Australia has confirmed the Freelander &ndash; now a separate brand &ndash;]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/freelander-joins-jaecoo-omoda-and-lepas-under-chery-australia-umbrella/</link><pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 05:11:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/freelander-joins-jaecoo-omoda-and-lepas-under-chery-australia-umbrella/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Geely EX2 electric hatchback takes aim at BYD Atto 1]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Geely EX2 is expected to be among Australia&rsquo;s cheapest electric cars when it arrives between July and September, with dedicated battery cooling &ndash; unlike the BYD Atto 1.The 2026 Geely EX2 &ndash; the best-selling vehicle in China last year &ndash; has moved one step closer to its Australian launch, with new details confirmed.<br />
At the 2026 Melbourne motor show, where a pre-production version of the EX2 electric hatchback was shown, Geely Australia confirmed it will arrive in local s]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-geely-ex2-electric-hatchback-takes-aim-at-byd-atto-1/</link><pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 03:44:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-geely-ex2-electric-hatchback-takes-aim-at-byd-atto-1/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Toyota bZ4X Touring price and specs: Stretched Model Y rival cheaper than Subaru twin]]></title><description><![CDATA[The longer, more practical version of Toyota&rsquo;s updated electric SUV is the same price as its Subaru sibling despite more equipment.<br />
2026 Toyota bZ4X Touring pricing and specificationsExtended-length family EV opens for orders488km range rating with all-wheel drive, dual motorsPriced from $69,990 before on-road costs<br />
Toyota will charge half as much for the new 2026 Toyota bZ4X Touring electric car over the regular version compared to its twins from Subaru, when it arrives in showrooms next]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-bz4x-touring-price-and-specs-stretched-model-y-rival-cheaper-than-subaru-twin/</link><pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 02:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-bz4x-touring-price-and-specs-stretched-model-y-rival-cheaper-than-subaru-twin/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 MG S6 EV: Model Y, Sealion 7 rival officially confirmed for Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[The MG S6 EV debuted in Australia last weekend, ahead of first customer deliveries soon, as a Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7 and Zeekr 7X rival.MG&rsquo;s rival to mainstream electric family SUVs &ndash; including the Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7 and Zeekr 7X &ndash; has been officially confirmed for Australia, at last.The local confirmation of the 2026 MG S6 EV has been a long time coming, as patent images of the new electric SUV emerged in May 2025, followed by Australian government approval and]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mg-s6-ev-model-y-sealion-7-rival-officially-confirmed-for-australia/</link><pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 01:16:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mg-s6-ev-model-y-sealion-7-rival-officially-confirmed-for-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 Porsche 911 GT3 S/C revealed as open-top race car for the road, coming to Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[Shopping for a 9000rpm-capable Porsche 911 GT3, but don&rsquo;t want to feel so claustrophobic? It is now available as a convertible.Porsche has revealed its first-ever 911 GT3 sports car with a fully-electric folding convertible roof &ndash; reviving the iconic S/C designation in the process &ndash; due in Australian showrooms in the coming months.Adding an electric soft-top roof comes at a cost: $139,400 more than a regular 911 GT3 coupe, bringing its drive-away price close to $650,000, even b]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-porsche-911-gt3-sc-revealed-as-open-top-race-car-for-the-road-coming-to-australia/</link><pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:31:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-porsche-911-gt3-sc-revealed-as-open-top-race-car-for-the-road-coming-to-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Audi Q5 TFSI 150kW Sportback review]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Audi Q5 has entered a new generation after nearly 10 years, but has it been a step forward or back for this now long-standing SUV model?<br />
Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps<br />
2026 Audi Q5 TFSI 150kW SportbackAudi has always been one of the big three luxury European brands in Australia, alongside Mercedes-Benz and BMW. At least in my eyes, when I was a child, you ha]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-audi-q5-tfsi-150kw-sportback-review/</link><pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-audi-q5-tfsi-150kw-sportback-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Australian used electric-car sales more than doubled in March 2026 amid fuel crisis: AADA]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Australian Automotive Dealer Association says second-hand electric-car sales more than doubled last month, amid high fuel prices.Second-hand electric-car sales more than doubled in Australia in March compared with the previous five months, according to the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA).Used car sales data supplied by the AADA reveals 7557 second-hand electric vehicles were delivered across Australia in March, from a monthly average of 3339 between October 2025 and February]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/australian-used-electric-car-sales-more-than-doubled-in-march-2026-amid-fuel-crisis-aada/</link><pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:47:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/australian-used-electric-car-sales-more-than-doubled-in-march-2026-amid-fuel-crisis-aada/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BYD Shark 6 cab-chassis has Australia to thank]]></title><description><![CDATA[The tub-less version of BYD&rsquo;s popular Shark 6 ute wouldn&rsquo;t exist without Australia, a top executive has revealed.Australian demand for a cab-chassis version of the BYD Shark 6 has prompted its development and launch less than 18 months after the arrival of the pick-up.The Shark 6 range was &ldquo;designed specifically&rdquo; for Australia, according to BYD Asia Pacific managing director Liu Xueliang, and feedback from customers and fleets locally is fed back into global development o]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-shark-6-cab-chassis-has-australia-to-thank/</link><pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 22:18:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-shark-6-cab-chassis-has-australia-to-thank/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Australia’s most popular new cars that didn’t exist a year ago]]></title><description><![CDATA[Some of Australia&rsquo;s most popular new cars were mere strangers to us in early 2025&hellip; now they&rsquo;re fast becoming household names.A stroll through any carpark in Australia will tell you what plenty of new-car buyers already know &ndash; there&rsquo;s been an astronomical increase in the number of automotive brands available in our country in the past 12 months.<br />
Familiar faces like Mazda, Toyota and Subaru are increasingly outnumbered by unidentifiable new badges and sleek new brand]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/australias-most-popular-new-cars-that-didnt-exist-a-year-ago/</link><pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 21:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/australias-most-popular-new-cars-that-didnt-exist-a-year-ago/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Nissan Skyline to be rebooted, hinting at GT-R revival]]></title><description><![CDATA[As part of a reset of its high-performance line-up, the iconic Skyline nameplate is being overhauled in a new-generation model.Nissan has confirmed a new generation of the Skyline sports sedan &ndash; most recently the Japanese version of the Infiniti Q50 &ndash; as part of a high-performance resurgence poised to eventually revive the GT-R badge.While most car enthusiasts will associate the Skyline badge with inline-six, all-wheel-drive heroes of the 1980s and 1990s, Nissan applies the name to t]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/nissan-skyline-to-be-rebooted-hinting-at-gt-r-revival/</link><pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:54:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/nissan-skyline-to-be-rebooted-hinting-at-gt-r-revival/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 Nissan X-Trail hybrid and Juke EV revealed, Skyline and Xterra return confirmed]]></title><description><![CDATA[The next-generation 2027 Nissan X-Trail family SUV and the new Juke EV have been revealed, while the Skyline sedan and Xterra off-road SUV will return later this decade.<br />
The covers have been pulled off the next-generation 2027 Nissan X-Trail hybrid family SUV during a global market strategy conference at the brand&rsquo;s Yokohama, Japan headquarters today.<br />
It debuted alongside the all-new 2027 Nissan Juke EV &ndash; not expected to reach Australia following the recent discontinuation of the pet]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-nissan-x-trail-hybrid-and-juke-ev-revealed-skyline-and-xterra-return-confirmed/</link><pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 06:01:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-nissan-x-trail-hybrid-and-juke-ev-revealed-skyline-and-xterra-return-confirmed/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Audi RS5 price and specs: V6 plug-in hybrid sedan and wagon cheaper than M3, C63]]></title><description><![CDATA[The V6 plug-in hybrid Audi RS5 Sedan and Avant will undercut all-wheel-drive versions of the BMW M3 and Mercedes-AMG C63 S when it arrives in Australia later this year.<br />
2026 Audi RS5 pricing and specificationsTwin-turbocharged plug-in hybrid V6 boosts outputs to 470kW and 825NmMore-affordable than all-wheel-drive BMW M3 and Mercedes-AMG C63 SPriced from $179,900 before on-road costs<br />
Audi&rsquo;s new plug-in hybrid RS5 sedan and wagon will cost up to $17,885 more than their direct predecessors &n]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-audi-rs5-price-and-specs-v6-plug-in-hybrid-sedan-and-wagon-cheaper-than-m3-c63/</link><pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 03:08:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-audi-rs5-price-and-specs-v6-plug-in-hybrid-sedan-and-wagon-cheaper-than-m3-c63/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Renault Megane E-Tech electric car cuts price by up to $12,000]]></title><description><![CDATA[A drive-away deal on the Renault Megane EV until the end of June can save customers up to about $12,000.The Renault Megane E-Tech electric vehicle will be offered with discounts of up to $12,000 as part of an end-of-financial year deal.Until 30 June, the Megane E-Tech Techno EV60 is priced from $49,990 drive-away, an estimated saving of about $8000 to $12,000 over the regular price of $54,990 plus on-road costs.The limited-time drive-away price applies to in-stock examples with Solid White paint]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/renault-megane-e-tech-electric-car-cuts-price-by-up-to-12000/</link><pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 02:32:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/renault-megane-e-tech-electric-car-cuts-price-by-up-to-12000/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Chevrolet Camaro to return, but it may be a sedan – report]]></title><description><![CDATA[A surprise change in style is on the cards for the return of the Chevrolet Camaro, which has reportedly been given the green light.The Chevrolet Camaro muscle car is poised to return in 2028 after a four-year hiatus, a new report has claimed, with petrol power and rear-wheel drive.However, reports claim the reborn Camaro may be a four-door sedan, not a two-door coupe &ndash; a first in the 59-year history of the nameplate.Company insiders cited by specialist website GM Authority claim the Camaro]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/chevrolet-camaro-to-return-but-it-may-be-a-sedan-report/</link><pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:51:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/chevrolet-camaro-to-return-but-it-may-be-a-sedan-report/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Mercedes-Benz EQS revealed with 925km EV range claim]]></title><description><![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz has fired back at BMW in the battle to sell the longest-range electric car, its new EQS flagship claiming enough for Sydney to Melbourne &ndash; with, on paper at least, distance to spare.The 2026 Mercedes-Benz EQS will claim up to 925km of electric driving range when it goes on sale in Europe later this year.The 925km headline figure on Europe&rsquo;s WLTP test cycle beats the 900km quoted by the BMW i3 electric sedan, and is the highest range claimed by an electric car under the]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mercedes-benz-eqs-revealed-with-925km-ev-range-claim/</link><pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:01:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mercedes-benz-eqs-revealed-with-925km-ev-range-claim/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Ford Everest Trend review]]></title><description><![CDATA[Is it worth grabbing a mid-spec Ford Everest Trend with the bi-turbo diesel engine before it&rsquo;s axed from the line-up this year? We&rsquo;ve taken it for one last hurrah to find out.<br />
Skip ahead:IntroductionTechnologyValueExteriorFuel efficiencyCompetitorsCostVerdictInterior<br />
2026 Ford Everest TrendAll-new in 2022, the third-generation Ford Everest arrived in Australia to great fanfare, hot on the heels of the related Ranger ute.Locally designed and engineered, the new Everest felt truly Aust]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-ford-everest-trend-review/</link><pubDate>Tue, 14 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-ford-everest-trend-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tesla small SUV to rival BYD Atto 2 back in development – report]]></title><description><![CDATA[Tesla appears to have backflipped on its plans to scrap a smaller, more affordable model with human controls, a new report suggests.On-again, off-again plans for a smaller Tesla electric car to rival BYD and Kia are back on the cards, a new report has claimed.News agency Reuters cites Tesla insiders as claiming work is underway on a smaller and cheaper electric SUV measuring 4.28 metres long, placing it in the same category as the Kia EV3, BYD Atto 2 and Jaecoo J5.Work is at an &ldquo;early deve]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/tesla-small-suv-to-rival-byd-atto-2-back-in-development-report/</link><pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 22:25:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/tesla-small-suv-to-rival-byd-atto-2-back-in-development-report/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why you’re probably ruining your car with every wash]]></title><description><![CDATA[Are you accidentally destroying your car&rsquo;s paintwork every time you wash it? We reveal the common mistakes that could damage your vehicle.There&rsquo;s no question that modern paints look fantastic. The depth of colour, the fleck finishes, the clear coverage deep enough to dive into. It&rsquo;s a far cry from your dad&rsquo;s VB Commodore that came from the factory looking like the paint was a tin of cold-gal that was applied with a broom.But with this modernisation of paint, a more modern]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/why-youre-probably-ruining-your-car-with-every-wash/</link><pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 21:06:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/why-youre-probably-ruining-your-car-with-every-wash/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BYD on upstart Chinese rivals: ‘We trust Australians in making the right choices’]]></title><description><![CDATA[More than 20 Chinese car brands could operate in Australia by the end of this year, and BYD has subtly cautioned that not all are worth spending your money on.BYD has issued a subtle warning to Australians considering the purchase of a car from one of the newest Chinese upstart brands to reach local roads, over a more established &ndash; but still fresh &ndash; entrant like itself.It follows comments from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, warning car brands new to the market that are looking to s]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-on-upstart-chinese-rivals-we-trust-australians-in-making-the-right-choices/</link><pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 20:56:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-on-upstart-chinese-rivals-we-trust-australians-in-making-the-right-choices/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BYD Shark 6 EV, larger Ram-sized pick-up on the way – eventually]]></title><description><![CDATA[Battery-electric and super-sized versions of the popular BYD Shark 6 appear to be in the plan, but they may be some time away.BYD says it is &ldquo;on our way&rdquo; to launching an electric sibling to the Shark 6 ute, alongside a full-size US-style pick-up to challenge Ram, Chevrolet and Ford.Plans for major expansions to the Shark ute brand beyond today&rsquo;s Toyota HiLux-sized Shark 6 plug-in hybrid appear to be some time away, as BYD focuses on new cab-chassis and 2.0-litre versions of its]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-shark-6-ev-larger-ram-sized-pick-up-on-the-way-eventually/</link><pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 06:46:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-shark-6-ev-larger-ram-sized-pick-up-on-the-way-eventually/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Aussie car maker trolling Tesla with electric 1960s Minis]]></title><description><![CDATA[Despite a high cost of entry, Melbourne bespoke car maker Jaunt Motors has now converted 20 classics to electric &ndash; with 17 more under way.At a public electric vehicle charging station in 2026, you can typically expect to see Teslas tussling with Chinese-made SUVs, people getting wires crossed about payment apps, and more than a few plugs losing their sockets at the Nissan Leaf owner who&rsquo;s ducked off for a pub lunch while their fully replenished car takes up a charger.What you&rsquo;d]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-aussie-car-maker-trolling-tesla-with-electric-1960s-minis/</link><pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-aussie-car-maker-trolling-tesla-with-electric-1960s-minis/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Lexus RZ price and specs: Up to $42,000 slashed from electric SUV]]></title><description><![CDATA[Lexus has chopped up to $42,000 from prices of its slow-selling RZ electric SUV, as part of an update adding F Sport grades and an aircraft-style &lsquo;yoke&rsquo; steering control.<br />
2026 Lexus RZ pricing and specificationsPrice cuts of up to $42,059 for upgraded electric SUVF Sport grades add Australia&rsquo;s first steering wheel yokePriced from $84,500 before on-road costs2026 Lexus RZ550e F Sport.<br />
The 2026 Lexus RZ electric SUV will arrive in Australia next month with massive price cuts of u]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-lexus-rz-price-and-specs-up-to-42000-slashed-from-electric-suv/</link><pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 05:59:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-lexus-rz-price-and-specs-up-to-42000-slashed-from-electric-suv/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Subaru Trailseeker price and specs: 280kW high-riding electric wagon on sale]]></title><description><![CDATA[The longer version of the Subaru Solterra electric SUV, and EV counterpart to the Outback, is priced in line with a Tesla Model Y Long Range.<br />
2026 Subaru Trailseeker pricing and specificationsDual electric motors produce 280kWBrand&rsquo;s third electric car in Australia, alongside Solterra and UnchartedPriced from $67,990 before on-road costsThe 2026 Subaru Trailseeker electric SUV has opened for orders in Australia, priced from $67,990 before on-road costs, $8000 more than the Solterra on whic]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-subaru-trailseeker-price-and-specs-280kw-high-riding-electric-wagon-on-sale/</link><pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 04:19:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-subaru-trailseeker-price-and-specs-280kw-high-riding-electric-wagon-on-sale/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Zeekr X price confirmed, even lower than expected]]></title><description><![CDATA[Orders are now open for the updated Zeekr X small SUV, which is up to $13,000 cheaper with more features and power.The updated 2026 Zeekr X electric SUV is even cheaper than the previous model than anticipated, with final prices confirmed at the Melbourne motor show in recent days.The Zeekr X rear-wheel drive (RWD) is priced from $48,900 drive-away nationwide, down $5565 to $8113 compared to the outgoing model, and lower than an earlier forecast of &ldquo;under $50,000&rdquo; supplied by Zeekr.T]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-zeekr-x-price-confirmed-even-lower-than-expected/</link><pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 02:29:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-zeekr-x-price-confirmed-even-lower-than-expected/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 Hyundai Staria Load price and specs: Hybrid power for popular commercial van]]></title><description><![CDATA[Hybrid power is on the way for one of the country&rsquo;s top-selling commercial vans, with an electric version due later in the year.The Hyundai Staria Load commercial van will add the options of hybrid and electric power as part of a styling and technology update due later this year.The Staria Load mirrors the passenger Staria with revised exterior styling, including an updated horizontal front grille insert, as well as an upgraded interior with a larger 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, key]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-hyundai-staria-load-price-and-specs-hybrid-power-for-popular-commercial-van/</link><pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 02:13:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-hyundai-staria-load-price-and-specs-hybrid-power-for-popular-commercial-van/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Toyota C-HR hybrid safe for Australia amid slow sales, electric model still due next year]]></title><description><![CDATA[Toyota Australia will continue to sell the C-HR hybrid amid modest sales and a continuing import tariff &ndash; while increased EV demand won&rsquo;t see the C-HR BEV fast-tracked for local showrooms.<br />
Toyota C-HR GR Sport hybrid.<br />
Toyota Australia says it remains happy with its alternative C-HR hybrid small SUV despite slow sales and an ongoing import tariff, as its European rivals benefit from a new free-trade agreement.Australian new-car sales data shows 406 examples of the Turkish-built Toyota]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-c-hr-hybrid-safe-for-australia-amid-slow-sales-electric-model-still-due-next-year/</link><pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:03:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-c-hr-hybrid-safe-for-australia-amid-slow-sales-electric-model-still-due-next-year/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Toyota bZ4X FWD review]]></title><description><![CDATA[A massive boost to driving range &ndash; and a $10,000 saving &ndash; gives Toyota&rsquo;s first electric car in Australia appeal beyond the assurance of a trusted badge. Here&rsquo;s why.<br />
Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps<br />
2026 Toyota bZ4XThe world&rsquo;s largest car maker wading into the global electric-car market should&rsquo;ve been a big moment, but the Toyota]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-bz4x-fwd-review/</link><pubDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-bz4x-fwd-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ford F-150 Lightning Australian owners thrown a lifeline with recall deadlock]]></title><description><![CDATA[A rival business has offered to fix 146 Ford F-150 Lightning EVs with faulty charging systems limited to slow overnight charges, after the company responsible for importing them to Australia collapsed.<br />
Image: AUSEV via Facebook.<br />
A rival right-hand-drive conversion firm will rescue owners of recalled Ford F-150 Lightning electric pick-ups sold in Australia by a company that went bust last month.However, customers may be left out of pocket for the repairs, as it has been cautioned that the company]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-f-150-lightning-australian-owners-thrown-a-lifeline-with-recall-deadlock/</link><pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 22:26:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-f-150-lightning-australian-owners-thrown-a-lifeline-with-recall-deadlock/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Latest mobile speed camera locations for Melbourne and Victoria: April 2026 mapped]]></title><description><![CDATA[Mobile speed cameras can be deployed in Victoria across more than 2250 locations this month. Here&rsquo;s where they could be.There are 2256 approved locations where mobile speed cameras can be deployed in Victoria in April 2026.The Victorian Government publishes a list of approved locations online on the first day of each month. The approved mobile speed camera locations for April 2026 have changed slightly from those of March 2026, with the addition of 23 new locations and the removal of 13.A]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/latest-mobile-speed-camera-locations-for-melbourne-and-victoria-april-2026-mapped/</link><pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 21:01:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/latest-mobile-speed-camera-locations-for-melbourne-and-victoria-april-2026-mapped/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Opinion: Speeding is bad, but breaking this road rule can be worse]]></title><description><![CDATA[It&rsquo;s the rule that sparks ultimate road rage, but a tiny detail in the law means you&rsquo;re probably doing it all wrong.<br />
While everyone knows to keep left unless overtaking, many Aussie drivers are confused about how to adhere to it.Every time there&rsquo;s a road accident bad enough to make the news, it&rsquo;s usually stated that &ldquo;speed was a factor&rdquo;.RELATED: When does the &ldquo;keep left unless overtaking&rdquo; rule apply?While excessive speeding and general dangerous dr]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/opinion-speeding-is-bad-but-breaking-this-road-rule-can-be-worse/</link><pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/opinion-speeding-is-bad-but-breaking-this-road-rule-can-be-worse/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 JAC T9 Tradepro price and specs: Cab-chassis ute arrives with special offer]]></title><description><![CDATA[A new entry-level version of the JAC T9 is now available, launching with more than $5000 off in some states.<br />
2026 JAC T9 Tradepro pricing and specificationsFree fitted alloy tray included in drive-away pricing<br />
Eligible ABN holders only until 30 April 2026Priced from $40,990 (or $41,990 in WA) drive-away<br />
The 2026 JAC T9 Tradepro cab-chassis is now on sale in Australia from $38,990 plus on-road costs, as the entry-level version of the Chinese ute.It will launch with a special offer for eligible AB]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-jac-t9-tradepro-price-and-specs-cab-chassis-ute-arrives-with-special-offer/</link><pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 06:11:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-jac-t9-tradepro-price-and-specs-cab-chassis-ute-arrives-with-special-offer/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Toyota RAV4 GR Sport upgrades that help justify Gazoo Racing badge]]></title><description><![CDATA[Genuine performance upgrades, including wind tunnel-tested front and rear spoilers, are coming to Toyota&rsquo;s most popular SUV.Toyota Australia will soon launch its first-ever RAV4 plug-in hybrid, topped by a Gazoo Racing (GR) Sport variant of the SUV that adds sportier styling and handling changes.While the RAV4 GR Sport will only be available with a 2.5-litre petrol engine and plug-in hybrid system, the same powertrain is also offered on the penultimate XSE grade for Australia.So what diffe]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-rav4-gr-sport-upgrades-that-help-justify-gazoo-racing-badge/</link><pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 04:02:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-rav4-gr-sport-upgrades-that-help-justify-gazoo-racing-badge/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Subaru Impreza chased down with four stolen cars recovered in Victoria Police operation]]></title><description><![CDATA[Dramatic footage shows the arrest of a pair of alleged car thieves while recovering a vehicle police say is proving popular among thieves.Dramatic footage showing the apprehension of a pair of alleged Subaru Impreza thieves has been released by Victoria Police as part of an operation in Ballarat earlier this month.Police punctured the tyres of the Impreza before the alleged thieves abandoned the car to flee on foot. The pair were quickly apprehended by officers.<br />
The vulnerability of the Impreza]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/subaru-impreza-chased-down-with-four-stolen-cars-recovered-in-victoria-police-operation/</link><pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 01:55:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/subaru-impreza-chased-down-with-four-stolen-cars-recovered-in-victoria-police-operation/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Denza offering pre-paid servicing, guaranteed future value to reassure buyers it’s here to stay]]></title><description><![CDATA[Luxury Chinese brand Denza used the Melbourne Motor Show to announce it&rsquo;s bolstering its ownership proposition as it quickly grows its local footprint.BYD&rsquo;s luxury sub-brand Denza will soon introduce a five-year pre-paid servicing package, as well as a Guaranteed Future Value for all vehicles in its growing line-up.Chief Operating Officer for Denza Australia, Mark Harland, told media at this weekend&rsquo;s Melbourne motor show that the brand would offer the option of pre-paid servic]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/denza-offering-pre-paid-servicing-guaranteed-future-value-to-reassure-buyers-its-here-to-stay/</link><pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:02:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/denza-offering-pre-paid-servicing-guaranteed-future-value-to-reassure-buyers-its-here-to-stay/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Mazda CX-60 G25 Touring review]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Mazda CX-60 scores a lower-cost version in the form of the four-cylinder G25. Given the CX-60&rsquo;s trend-opposing six-cylinder was kind of the point, is this much more than a bigger CX-5?<br />
Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps<br />
2026 Mazda CX-60 G25 TouringThe Mazda CX-60 is something of a mystery. While just about everyone has downsized engines even in big SUVs, M]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mazda-cx-60-g25-touring-review/</link><pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mazda-cx-60-g25-touring-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Kia confirms hybrid ute, but it’s not a Tasman]]></title><description><![CDATA[Hybrid power has been confirmed for Kia utes &ndash; but, for now, not the one sold in Australia.Kia has confirmed plans to launch a new body-on-frame dual-cab ute with the choice of regular petrol-electric hybrid and futuristic range-extender hybrid power.For Australians, however, there is a catch: it is not a Tasman, and it may never be sold by Kia in Australia.However, the technology that will power it &ndash; promising the performance of an electric ute with the range of a petrol or diesel o]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/kia-confirms-hybrid-ute-but-its-not-a-tasman/</link><pubDate>Sat, 11 Apr 2026 21:51:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/kia-confirms-hybrid-ute-but-its-not-a-tasman/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 Hyundai Staria price and specs: Hybrid added with tech, styling update]]></title><description><![CDATA[A hybrid powertrain will be added to the popular Staria people mover, among numerous other detail tweaks from June this year.Hyundai has confirmed Australian details for the facelifted Staria people mover for Model Year 2027, with a hybrid option and a new flagship seven-seat Lounge grade.The updated Staria gains mild styling changes and new interior technology for 2027, including a digital key function, updated infotainment software, and new luxury features in top-grade models.Prices start from]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-hyundai-staria-price-and-specs-hybrid-added-with-tech-styling-update/</link><pubDate>Sat, 11 Apr 2026 06:09:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-hyundai-staria-price-and-specs-hybrid-added-with-tech-styling-update/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BYD fast-tracking shipments to Australia amid surge in EV, hybrid demand]]></title><description><![CDATA[Shipments of BYD cars to Australia will triple &ndash; to as many as 30,000 plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles in May and June &ndash; to meet increased demand amid high fuel prices.A record 30,000 BYDs will reach Australian shores in May and June &ndash; triple the usual amount &ndash; to meet a surge in demand amid the Middle East conflict&rsquo;s impact on fuel prices.The same interest boost in hybrid and electric cars pushed BYD to third place on the new-car sales charts last month, behind]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-fast-tracking-shipments-to-australia-amid-surge-in-ev-hybrid-demand/</link><pubDate>Sat, 11 Apr 2026 03:58:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-fast-tracking-shipments-to-australia-amid-surge-in-ev-hybrid-demand/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hot Wheels could turn your car into its next model, with the latest Hot Wheels Legends Tour]]></title><description><![CDATA[Enthusiast car owners in Australia and New Zealand are being invited to submit their vehicle for the chance for it to be reproduced and distributed around the world in Hot Wheels miniature form. The return of the Hot Wheels Legends Tour competition will offer one car owner the chance to have their car turned into a 1:64 Hot Wheels model for sale globally.The 2026 Hot Wheels Legends Tour is now open for entry in Australia and New Zealand, and allows &ldquo;passionate car builders&rdquo; to submit]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hot-wheels-could-turn-your-car-into-its-next-model-with-the-latest-hot-wheels-legends-tour/</link><pubDate>Sat, 11 Apr 2026 02:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hot-wheels-could-turn-your-car-into-its-next-model-with-the-latest-hot-wheels-legends-tour/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Geely considering six-seat family SUV, hybrid sedan in Australian expansion]]></title><description><![CDATA[Although neither model is yet confirmed for our market, Geely wants to know if Australians are interested in the two plug-in hybrids it is showing at this weekend&rsquo;s Melbourne motor show.Geely has showcased two new plug-in hybrid models at the Melbourne motor show to gauge appetite for future additions to its Australian line-up.The duo, a mid-size sedan dubbed the Emgrand EM-i and a large six-seat SUV branded M9, are available in the car maker&rsquo;s home country of China already, albeit u]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/geely-considering-six-seat-family-suv-hybrid-sedan-in-australian-expansion/</link><pubDate>Sat, 11 Apr 2026 00:03:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/geely-considering-six-seat-family-suv-hybrid-sedan-in-australian-expansion/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Cupra Terramar V long-term review part two: V good on a rally road]]></title><description><![CDATA[Taking an SUV up a rally stage is usually a recipe for car sickness, but the Terramar V might just be a family hauler that you can race to a mountain summit without losing your lunch.The road up to Mt Buller&rsquo;s summit wasn&rsquo;t built for racing, but then again, neither was Pikes Peak. Yet both are hallowed ground for rally drivers and enthusiasts alike. One is the best international event of its kind; the other is arguably the best hill climb Australia has to offer.Stretching 16 kilometr]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-cupra-terramar-v-long-term-review-part-two-v-good-on-a-rally-road/</link><pubDate>Sat, 11 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-cupra-terramar-v-long-term-review-part-two-v-good-on-a-rally-road/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz to debut steer-by-wire tech in updated EQS]]></title><description><![CDATA[Steer-by-wire technology that deletes the physical connection between the steering wheel and the tyres &ndash; as used in Tesla and Lexus vehicles &ndash; is coming to Mercedes-Benz&rsquo;s new luxury limousine.Mercedes-Benz will become the first German car manufacturer to offer a production vehicle with steer-by-wire technology, when it is introduced with the updated EQS electric sedan due to be revealed within days.Steer-by-wire replaces the traditional mechanical steering column with a digita]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mercedes-benz-to-debut-steer-by-wire-tech-in-updated-eqs/</link><pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 21:52:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mercedes-benz-to-debut-steer-by-wire-tech-in-updated-eqs/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to properly test-drive an electric car]]></title><description><![CDATA[Electric vehicles are finding more homes amid Australia&rsquo;s current petrol crisis. If you&rsquo;re in the market, here are some things you should look for.Let&rsquo;s be honest, there are a lot of great reasons to buy an electric vehicle. The big one, especially now that fuel prices have had a rather astounding mental breakdown, is the whole not relying on petrol or diesel thing, which may come with a side-effect of pure smugness and sense of superiority over your fellow motorists.Then there]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/how-to-properly-test-drive-an-electric-car/</link><pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 21:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/how-to-properly-test-drive-an-electric-car/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 MG 4 price and specs: RWD and AWD electric hatch gets interior upgrade, lives on alongside cheaper MG 4 Urban]]></title><description><![CDATA[The rear- and all-wheel-drive MG 4 will continue in Australia &ndash; joined by the more-affordable, front-wheel drive MG 4 Urban &ndash; gaining an upgraded interior for 2026, but fewer grades than before.<br />
2026 MG 4 EV pricing and specificationsElectric hatchback now limited to Essence RWD and XPower AWD grades, with 64kWh batteriesInterior upgrade with larger touchscreen, new infotainment software, and more.<br />
Priced from $39,990 drive-away<br />
An updated 2026 MG 4 rear- and all-wheel-drive electric]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mg-4-price-and-specs-rwd-and-awd-electric-hatch-gets-interior-upgrade-lives-on-alongside-cheaper-mg-4-urban/</link><pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 04:36:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mg-4-price-and-specs-rwd-and-awd-electric-hatch-gets-interior-upgrade-lives-on-alongside-cheaper-mg-4-urban/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘Behavioural fingerprint’: Privacy watchdog targets car makers]]></title><description><![CDATA[The OAIC is seeking answers after claims that two Asia-based car makers are harvesting private driver data from connected cars.<br />
The OAIC has announced it is investigating two Asian car makers over alleged privacy breaches involving the collection of private driver data.Australia&rsquo;s privacy watchdog is currently in the middle of an investigation into two car makers based in Asia, claiming they collected personal driver information through internet-connected cars.In February 2026, Australia&r]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/behavioural-fingerprint-privacy-watchdog-targets-car-makers/</link><pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 04:33:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/behavioural-fingerprint-privacy-watchdog-targets-car-makers/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Renault Symbioz confirmed for Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[A new small SUV will be the first true hybrid from French brand Renault in Australia, joining its growing electric-car range.Renault appears set to skip plans to launch the updated Captur in Australia in favour of the Symbioz, a longer and more practical version closer in size to a Toyota Corolla Cross.It will be the first hybrid Renault sold in Australia capable of driving on electric power alone &ndash; akin to Toyota, Hyundai and Kia hybrids &ndash; alongside an entry-level mild-hybrid, which]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-renault-symbioz-confirmed-for-australia/</link><pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-renault-symbioz-confirmed-for-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 MG U9 EV electric ute confirmed for Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[MG&rsquo;s first Australian dual-cab ute will soon gain a battery-powered sibling with a 3500kg braked tow rating and 430km claimed range &ndash; but not at the same time.An electric version of the MG U9 dual-cab ute is coming to Australian showrooms with nearly double the driving range of the latest Toyota HiLux BEV.Revealed at the Melbourne motor show today, the U9 EV will be the first electric ute sold in Australia by a major manufacturer that is capable of towing the same 3500kg as its diese]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mg-u9-ev-electric-ute-confirmed-for-australia/</link><pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mg-u9-ev-electric-ute-confirmed-for-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 GWM Ora 5 price and specs: Australia’s cheapest electric SUV, mostly]]></title><description><![CDATA[GWM will undercut BYD in all bar one Australian territory to sell a budget-priced electric SUV, planned to turn the departing Ora hatch into an EV sub-brand.<br />
2026 GWM Ora 5 pricing and specificationsNew small electric SUV competes with Atto 2430km range rating from 58.3kWh batteryPriced from $33,990 drive-away<br />
The BYD Atto 2 has been dethroned as the cheapest electric SUV in all regions of Australia bar the Northern Territory by the 2026 GWM Ora 5, due in showrooms in June.The Ora 5 &ndash; a sm]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-gwm-ora-5-price-and-specs-australias-cheapest-electric-suv-mostly/</link><pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 02:15:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-gwm-ora-5-price-and-specs-australias-cheapest-electric-suv-mostly/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Renault Master van to offer diesel and electric power in Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[Renault&rsquo;s top seller in Australia is the Master full-size van &ndash; and there&rsquo;s an all-new model around the corner, with or without liquid fuel power.The next generation of Renault&rsquo;s top-selling model in Australia, the Master van, is due in showrooms in June 2026 with a choice of diesel and electric power.Australia will receive the all-new Master two and a half years after it was revealed in Europe, as the first generational change for the LDV Deliver 9 competitor since 2010.]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-renault-master-van-to-offer-diesel-and-electric-power-in-australia/</link><pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 02:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-renault-master-van-to-offer-diesel-and-electric-power-in-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Honda Prelude price and specs: Sports coupe reborn as hybrid after 25 years]]></title><description><![CDATA[Honda&rsquo;s reborn sports car &ndash; now a hybrid with Type R DNA and synthesised gear-shift tech &ndash; will be dearer than every new Toyota GR86, Subaru BRZ and Mazda MX-5.<br />
2026 Honda Prelude pricing and specificationsNew hybrid coupe revives nameplate after 25 yearsCivic-derived 2.0-litre petrol-electric system with S+ Shift techPriced from $65,000 drive-away<br />
The reborn 2026 Honda Prelude sports coupe will start from $65,000 drive-away &ndash; dearer than a Mazda MX-5, Toyota GR86 and Sub]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-honda-prelude-price-and-specs-sports-coupe-reborn-as-hybrid-after-25-years/</link><pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 01:48:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-honda-prelude-price-and-specs-sports-coupe-reborn-as-hybrid-after-25-years/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Hyundai Tucson v Kia Sportage v Subaru Forester: Hybrid SUV comparison]]></title><description><![CDATA[Three hybrid family SUVs battle it out in a fight for fuel-sipping supremacy. Which one is worth your hard-earned money?There&rsquo;s a huge range of hybrid SUV competition in Australia coming from a wide variety of car brands and countries.The Toyota RAV4 kickstarted the &lsquo;plug-less&rsquo; hybrid family SUV revolution when the current model arrived in Australian showrooms in 2019.It almost immediately attracted a wait list &ndash; before waiting times on new cars became commonplace during]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-hyundai-tucson-v-kia-sportage-v-subaru-forester-hybrid-suv-comparison/</link><pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-hyundai-tucson-v-kia-sportage-v-subaru-forester-hybrid-suv-comparison/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 BYD Shark 6 cab-chassis revealed, price now official]]></title><description><![CDATA[BYD has dropped the tub from its popular Shark 6 &ndash; alongside luxury features such as a head-up display and 15.6-inch screen &ndash; for a $2000 price reduction.<br />
Shark 6 Dynamic cab-chassis.<br />
The 2026 BYD Shark 6 Dynamic cab-chassis has officially gone on sale in Australia, priced from $55,900 plus on-road costs &ndash; $2000 less than the pick-up grade above it.The price of the cab-chassis Shark 6 was already known, thanks to a leak on industry price guide Redbook, but BYD has today confirm]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-byd-shark-6-cab-chassis-revealed-price-now-official/</link><pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 23:26:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-byd-shark-6-cab-chassis-revealed-price-now-official/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 Audi RS3 to end production for Europe next year]]></title><description><![CDATA[The last Audi five-cylinder engine, and the car that keeps it alive, are set to be discontinued by mid-2027 for Europe &ndash; but plans for Australia are unclear.<br />
Production of the Audi RS3 hot-hatch is due to end in mid-2027, the brand has confirmed, as its turbocharged five-cylinder engine will not meet the next wave of European emissions standards.It is yet to be confirmed if it will live on in Australia, as it is planned to in the US and other countries with less stringent emissions laws.<br />
A]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-audi-rs3-to-end-production-for-europe-next-year/</link><pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 22:03:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-audi-rs3-to-end-production-for-europe-next-year/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Aussie states rolling out new road cameras in noise crackdown]]></title><description><![CDATA[Some state authorities are trialling new noise-activated cameras to combat illegal driving amid a rise in residential complaints.<br />
Victoria recently announced it will trial seven new noise-detection cameras across the state in a bid to crack down on hoons.<br />
Some Australian states have begun trialling new noise-detection cameras to target local hoon drivers.The Victorian state government announced on 7 April 2026 that it plans to trial seven new roadside acoustic cameras that will be triggered by v]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/aussie-states-rolling-out-new-road-cameras-in-noise-crackdown/</link><pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 21:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/aussie-states-rolling-out-new-road-cameras-in-noise-crackdown/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Can Australia run out of fuel? Yes – here’s how]]></title><description><![CDATA[According to experts, it is possible for Australia to run out of fuel, even if a ceasefire is reached. Here&rsquo;s how&hellip; and why.Australia&rsquo;s heavy reliance on other nations for our fuel supply has made us particularly vulnerable to geopolitical crises like the war in Iran, and the current petrol crisis should serve as a &ldquo;wake-up call&rdquo;, a leading resource expert has said.The United States&rsquo;s war with Iran has sent shockwaves through the international community, with]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/can-australia-run-out-of-fuel-yes-heres-how/</link><pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 08:45:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/can-australia-run-out-of-fuel-yes-heres-how/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Melbourne Motor Show: What to expect from the second year of the event’s comeback – UPDATE]]></title><description><![CDATA[New vehicles set to be displayed at the 2026 Melbourne Motor Show include the Honda Prelude and Super One, GWM Tank 300 PHEV, Kia EV9 GT and MG 4 Urban.<br />
UPDATED: 9 April 2026The reborn Melbourne Motor Show is returning for its second year with 20 new-car brands and more than 40 aftermarket exhibitors locked-in for the event.Held this weekend, Friday, 10 April to Sunday, 12 April, 2026, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, the biggest confirmed brands at this year&rsquo;s show inclu]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-melbourne-motor-show-what-to-expect-from-the-second-year-of-the-events-comeback-update/</link><pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 04:40:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-melbourne-motor-show-what-to-expect-from-the-second-year-of-the-events-comeback-update/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Mitsubishi Triton Raider revealed: Premcar-modified flagship ute due next month]]></title><description><![CDATA[Mitsubishi has turned to Premcar &ndash; the company behind the Nissan Navara and Patrol Warriors &ndash; to develop Australia&rsquo;s next locally-modified ute model, with the Triton Raider due next month.Mitsubishi has turned to the firm behind the Nissan Navara Warrior and Patrol Warrior models to develop Australia&rsquo;s next second-stage modified ute.The 2026 Mitsubishi Triton Raider is due to arrive in Australia in late May as a new flagship grade, with enhancements completed in Melbourne]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mitsubishi-triton-raider-revealed-premcar-modified-flagship-ute-due-next-month/</link><pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mitsubishi-triton-raider-revealed-premcar-modified-flagship-ute-due-next-month/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Porsche believes it can take advantage of Chinese car influx]]></title><description><![CDATA[While some Chinese brands are starting to encroach on Porsche&rsquo;s territory, the German brand believes it is unique enough to capitalise.<br />
Porsche Macan Electric<br />
Porsche believes having more Chinese brands in Australia is beneficial as it positions itself as the second- or third purchase down the line for aspiring buyers.Speaking to Australian media, Porsche Cars Australia CEO and managing director Daniel Schmollinger said he views the rise of Chinese brands as &ldquo;an opportunity&rdquo; ra]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/porsche-believes-it-can-take-advantage-of-chinese-car-influx/</link><pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 03:13:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/porsche-believes-it-can-take-advantage-of-chinese-car-influx/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Mazda CX-6e price and specs: Electric SUV undercuts Model Y, Sealion 7, Zeekr 7X]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Mazda CX-6e electric SUV has undercut Australia&rsquo;s best-seller, the Tesla Model Y, by nearly $5000, but customer deliveries aren&rsquo;t due until September.<br />
2026 Mazda CX-6e pricing and specificationsChinese-built family SUV joins related 6e sedan in Mazda EV line-upTesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7, Toyota bZ4X rival due in SeptemberPriced from $53,990 before on-road costs<br />
Mazda&rsquo;s first mainstream electric SUV has been confirmed to undercut Australia&rsquo;s best-sellers, the Tesla M]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mazda-cx-6e-price-and-specs-electric-suv-undercuts-model-y-sealion-7-zeekr-7x/</link><pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 02:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mazda-cx-6e-price-and-specs-electric-suv-undercuts-model-y-sealion-7-zeekr-7x/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 Denza Z9 GT confirmed for Australia with EV charging as fast as filling with petrol]]></title><description><![CDATA[Chinese giant BYD will soon launch an electric car claimed to be capable of adding 600km of lab-tested driving range in just five minutes.BYD is set to open ultra-fast charging stations in Australia later this year that are capable of recharging an electric car almost as fast as filling with petrol.The Chinese car giant will open the first &lsquo;Flash&rsquo; charging stations in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide by the end of this year, capable of supplying up to 1500kW &ndash; nearly four times m]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-denza-z9-gt-confirmed-for-australia-with-ev-charging-as-fast-as-filling-with-petrol/</link><pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 01:15:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-denza-z9-gt-confirmed-for-australia-with-ev-charging-as-fast-as-filling-with-petrol/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 BYD Shark 6 Performance price announced as upgraded 2.0-litre ute]]></title><description><![CDATA[BYD&rsquo;s most powerful and capable Shark 6 ute, now with 3500kg tow rating, will still be cheaper than a Toyota HiLux SR5 on arrival in May.<br />
Shark 6 Premium pictured.<br />
The powered-up 350kW 2.0-litre version of the 2026 BYD Shark 6 ute will cost $5000 more than the 1.5-litre version that has clocked up more than 21,000 deliveries in Australia to date.The Shark 6 Performance is due in showrooms in May, rated to be capable of 3500kg towing and priced from $62,900 plus on-road costs &ndash; up fro]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-byd-shark-6-performance-price-announced-as-upgraded-20-litre-ute/</link><pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 01:02:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-byd-shark-6-performance-price-announced-as-upgraded-20-litre-ute/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Volkswagen Tiguan 110TSI Elegance review]]></title><description><![CDATA[Once one of the sharpest medium-sized SUVs on the market, the VW Tiguan has fallen behind its peers with this latest version.2026 Volkswagen Tiguan 110TSI EleganceIt was a lot to live up to with the third-generation car, which landed in Australia approximately 12 months ago. It&rsquo;s no secret that it&rsquo;s on the back foot trying to recapture the success of preceding generations, particularly with a slew of new operators on the market.But with a wide range of powertrain options &ndash; incl]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-volkswagen-tiguan-110tsi-elegance-review/</link><pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-volkswagen-tiguan-110tsi-elegance-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Lewis Hamilton and Kim Kardashian drift Tokyo streets in a Ferrari F40]]></title><description><![CDATA[Ferrari F1 driver Lewis Hamilton has unleashed his hooligan side on the streets of Tokyo in one of the brand&rsquo;s most iconic road cars.Seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton has hit the streets of Tokyo in the iconic Ferrari F40 &ndash; drifting and doing burnouts &ndash; in a new social-media video.Hamilton shared snippets of the experience in a video across Instagram and TikTok earlier this week &ndash; days after the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka &ndash; following a teaser posted]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/lewis-hamilton-and-kim-kardashian-drift-tokyo-streets-in-a-ferrari-f40/</link><pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 22:25:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/lewis-hamilton-and-kim-kardashian-drift-tokyo-streets-in-a-ferrari-f40/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[The modern car feature that will jack up your repair bill]]></title><description><![CDATA[They&rsquo;re a crucial part of your daily driving experience, but LED headlights are costly to fix if they get damaged. Here&rsquo;s why.<br />
There&rsquo;s no doubt about it, in the last five to 10 years, the headlights in many modern cars have become nothing short of amazing.RELATED: &lsquo;There needs to be restrictions&rsquo;: Are LED headlights legal in Australia?That&rsquo;s in no small part due to the evolution and refinement of light-emitting diode (LED) technology, and how manufacturers are]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-modern-car-feature-that-will-jack-up-your-repair-bill/</link><pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 21:12:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-modern-car-feature-that-will-jack-up-your-repair-bill/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[EVs benefit from $100 million government injection across VW, Audi, Skoda, Cupra and Volvo]]></title><description><![CDATA[Electric vehicles from some European brands are now cheaper to finance as a federal government investment entity pitches in $100 million.Buyers could save thousands on electric vehicles from European brands, as the government invests a further $100 million to reduce the cost of financing an EV through Volkswagen Financial Services.Customers can access a discount of &ldquo;1 per cent&rdquo; off their interest rate when financing an electric vehicle priced under the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/evs-benefit-from-100-million-government-injection-across-vw-audi-skoda-cupra-and-volvo/</link><pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 21:04:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/evs-benefit-from-100-million-government-injection-across-vw-audi-skoda-cupra-and-volvo/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Kia PV5 electric van price announced as brand’s first HiAce rival in 20 years]]></title><description><![CDATA[Kia&rsquo;s first van in Australia in two decades is the country&rsquo;s cheapest electric van, slightly smaller than a diesel Toyota HiAce for similar money.The 2026 Kia PV5 will be Australia&rsquo;s cheapest electric van when it arrives in Australian showrooms in late May, priced from $55,990 plus on-road costs.The PV5 is slightly smaller than a Toyota HiAce, but larger than a Volkswagen Caddy or Peugeot Partner, and is based on a dedicated electric-car platform claimed to improve passenger an]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-kia-pv5-electric-van-price-announced-as-brands-first-hiace-rival-in-20-years/</link><pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 06:02:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-kia-pv5-electric-van-price-announced-as-brands-first-hiace-rival-in-20-years/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[GWM Tank 500, Cannon Alpha 3.0-litre diesel begins Australian testing ahead of global debut]]></title><description><![CDATA[GWM&rsquo;s new 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, coming to the Tank 500 and Cannon Alpha, has commenced testing in Australia ahead of its mid-year reveal.<br />
GWM&rsquo;s new 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine has commenced testing in Australia, ahead of a world-first debut on local soil in the Tank 500 and Cannon Alpha expected mid-year.After Drive spotted a pre-production, uncamouflaged Tank 500 diesel in Melbourne this week, GWM Australia subsequently confirmed it is the first &ndash; and]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/gwm-tank-500-cannon-alpha-30-litre-diesel-begins-australian-testing-ahead-of-global-debut/</link><pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 05:23:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/gwm-tank-500-cannon-alpha-30-litre-diesel-begins-australian-testing-ahead-of-global-debut/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Fuel price relief in Australia closing in as Strait of Hormuz set to reopen for two weeks]]></title><description><![CDATA[Oil prices have already tumbled on the news that Iran will reopen one of the world&rsquo;s most important shipping lanes &ndash; and petrol and diesel at local stations may be next.Lower petrol and diesel prices are inching closer, after the price of crude oil dropped following the news of a ceasefire between the US and Iran that is planned to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks.However, experts warn that major drops in oil prices won&rsquo;t appear at Australian bowsers immediately, and i]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/fuel-price-relief-in-australia-closing-in-as-strait-of-hormuz-set-to-reopen-for-two-weeks/</link><pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 03:24:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/fuel-price-relief-in-australia-closing-in-as-strait-of-hormuz-set-to-reopen-for-two-weeks/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLS revealed, due in Australia next year]]></title><description><![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz&rsquo;s largest &lsquo;soft-roader&rsquo; SUVs have been overhauled with bolder styling, an interior redesign, and updated engines.Mercedes-Benz GLE.<br />
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLS luxury SUVs have been facelifted with new styling and technology, ahead of Australian arrivals due sometime next year.The latest overhauls represent the second major update in the current GLE and GLS SUVs&rsquo; lifespans &ndash; following less significant 2023 facelifts &ndash; and brings the into l]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-mercedes-benz-gle-and-gls-revealed-due-in-australia-next-year/</link><pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 01:28:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-mercedes-benz-gle-and-gls-revealed-due-in-australia-next-year/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Mazda BT-50 XS 4×4 dual-cab chassis review]]></title><description><![CDATA[Is it the cheapest trim grade where the best Mazda BT-50 buying lies? We put an accessorised example to the test.2026 Mazda BT-50 XSThe current-generation Mazda BT-50 has been on sale for the last half-decade, but the model&rsquo;s arguably been through its biggest revisions in the last 12 months.It was first facelifted early in 2025 &ndash; a visual update that brought new equipment and tech to the ageing nameplate &ndash; but then later in the year, the model again underwent changes that saw t]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mazda-bt-50-xs-44-dual-cab-chassis-review/</link><pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mazda-bt-50-xs-44-dual-cab-chassis-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Forthing electric and hybrid cars from China confirmed for Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[Another new Chinese car brand is about to launch in Australia with a competitor to popular Geely and BYD SUVs.Electric and range-extender hybrid cars from Chinese brand Forthing are due in Australian showrooms in June 2026, starting with a family SUV similar in size to a Toyota RAV4.Forthing is a marque run by Dongfeng, one of China&rsquo;s largest automotive manufacturers, and will join the likes of Chery, GWM and BYD in selling cars in Australia, focused on part- or fully-electric vehicles.It]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/forthing-electric-and-hybrid-cars-from-china-confirmed-for-australia/</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 23:51:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/forthing-electric-and-hybrid-cars-from-china-confirmed-for-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Toyota bZ4X demand surges after price cut and range boost]]></title><description><![CDATA[Australian customer deliveries of the Toyota bZ4X electric SUV have been supercharged by the arrival of an updated model, with a &ldquo;further uptick&rdquo; last month amid high fuel prices.Demand for the 2026 Toyota bZ4X electric SUV has risen by &ldquo;almost&rdquo; three times after a major technical update last year boosted driving range and dropped the entry price by $10,010.Toyota Australia says the significant update to its first electric vehicle, the RAV4-sized bZ4X, has been &ldquo;rec]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-bz4x-demand-surges-after-price-cut-and-range-boost/</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 22:57:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-bz4x-demand-surges-after-price-cut-and-range-boost/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Latest mobile phone and seatbelt detection camera locations for Melbourne and Victoria: April 2026 mapped]]></title><description><![CDATA[This map shows the 350 locations Victoria Police can place their mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras in March 2026.While mobile phone and seatbelt detection camera positions can vary month to month in Victoria, police are obliged to publish the potential locations for public transparency.Mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras are mounted high up on portable trailers and photograph drivers from above as they pass.The cameras detect if the driver is using a mobile device illegally, or]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/latest-mobile-phone-and-seatbelt-detection-camera-locations-for-melbourne-and-victoria-april-2026-mapped/</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 21:32:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/latest-mobile-phone-and-seatbelt-detection-camera-locations-for-melbourne-and-victoria-april-2026-mapped/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Thieves are now targeting this unlikely car part]]></title><description><![CDATA[As car theft continues to surge in Australia, European crooks have found a way to steal from car owners without even needing to be inside the vehicle.By now, you&rsquo;re probably aware that car theft remains a big problem in Australia, with experts pointing the blame at key cloning devices used by thieves to gain entry into a car without the need for the legitimate key.<br />
According to the latest Census data, the Australian Bureau of Statistics estimated 64,400 households had reported their cars s]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/thieves-are-now-targeting-this-unlikely-car-part/</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 21:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/thieves-are-now-targeting-this-unlikely-car-part/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘Dirty fuel’ can affect your car – here’s what to look for]]></title><description><![CDATA[High-sulphur petrol has been reintroduced in Australia amid fuel shortages. However, experts warn that this &lsquo;dirty fuel&rsquo; can affect your car in the long term.<br />
Despite being labelled as &lsquo;dirty fuel&rsquo;, experts said high-sulphur petrol has been used in Australia as recently as December 2025. Picture: Getty Images<br />
While Australians continue to battle rising fuel costs across the country, federal authorities have lowered sulphur standards in petrol to accommodate supply constra]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/dirty-fuel-can-affect-your-car-heres-what-to-look-for/</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/dirty-fuel-can-affect-your-car-heres-what-to-look-for/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 BMW 7 Series facelift imminent, here’s what we know]]></title><description><![CDATA[BMW&rsquo;s flagship sedan is due for a mid-life facelift, with bolder styling and an all-new interior inspired by the latest iX3.The 2027 BMW 7 Series large luxury sedan is set to receive an even more prominent front grille &ndash; and a new interior &ndash; as part of a mid-life facelift due to be revealed later this month.Images posted online in recent weeks &ndash; including by user @asatur.price on Instagram &ndash; have exposed the 7 Series sedan&rsquo;s updated styling without disguise, w]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-bmw-7-series-facelift-imminent-heres-what-we-know/</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 07:58:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-bmw-7-series-facelift-imminent-heres-what-we-know/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 BYD Seal 6 price: Plug-in hybrid sedan and wagon confirmed for Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[BYD has announced Australia&rsquo;s cheapest station wagon alongside a cut-price Toyota Camry Hybrid rival, due in showrooms later this year.BYD will undercut the Toyota Camry Hybrid with the Seal 6, a new plug-in hybrid sedan and wagon promising more than 1300km on a tank of fuel.Unrelated to the electric BYD Seal sedan &ndash; which remains on sale &ndash; the Seal 6 is similar in size to a Camry or Mazda 6, and is the fifth plug-in hybrid sold by BYD in Australia.Prices start from $34,990 plu]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-byd-seal-6-price-plug-in-hybrid-sedan-and-wagon-confirmed-for-australia/</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 06:35:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-byd-seal-6-price-plug-in-hybrid-sedan-and-wagon-confirmed-for-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[The crucial road rules Aussie drivers keep ignoring]]></title><description><![CDATA[Most driving instructors will teach you the basic Australian road rules, but some lesser-known laws often get missed.In a perfect world, every learner driver should have to ride a motorbike, drive a small car, drive a big car and drive a truck before they can get their licence.<br />
It&rsquo;d make everyone more aware and empathetic to other road users, and allow folks to experience firsthand the difficulties associated with each broad vehicle category.&nbsp;RELATED: The worrying blind spots your car]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-crucial-road-rules-aussie-drivers-keep-ignoring/</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 04:45:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-crucial-road-rules-aussie-drivers-keep-ignoring/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[MG 4 Urban unlikely to get into a price war with BYD]]></title><description><![CDATA[The MG 4 Urban undercuts the Dolphin in most of Australia, but if BYD drops its prices, MG has indicated it may not see the need to follow.MG has shown little interest in engaging in a price war with its new MG 4 Urban electric car, should rival BYD cut the price of its similarly-sized Dolphin hatch.The MG 4 Urban has arrived in showrooms priced from $31,990 drive-away, undercutting the Dolphin in all states and territories besides the Northern Territory, where its $29,990 plus on-road costs RRP]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mg-4-urban-unlikely-to-get-into-a-price-war-with-byd/</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 03:31:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mg-4-urban-unlikely-to-get-into-a-price-war-with-byd/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 MG 4 Urban review: Australian first drive]]></title><description><![CDATA[The fresh 2026 MG 4 Urban hits the nail on the head succinctly as a fully electric runabout for the city and suburban streets.2026 MG 4 UrbanThe 2026 MG 4 Urban could not have timed its entry to the Australian market any better. Fuel prices are going through the roof and Australian car buyers are considering electric now more than ever. Second-hand EV prices are spiking, and a reasonably priced new offering on the showroom floor would likely do quite well.The price is kept relatively low because]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mg-4-urban-review-australian-first-drive/</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 02:39:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mg-4-urban-review-australian-first-drive/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Australian new-car sales in March 2026: Electric car sales surge amid fuel crisis]]></title><description><![CDATA[Electric cars now account for a record share of new-vehicle sales in Australia, as demand for petrol and diesel models continues to slump amid conflict in the Middle East driving up fuel prices.One in seven new vehicles sold in Australia last month was electric for the first time in local motoring history, as surging petrol and diesel prices turn motorists towards cars that don&rsquo;t need liquid fuel.A record 14.6 per cent of new cars, SUVs, utes, vans and trucks reported as sold in March 2026]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/australian-new-car-sales-in-march-2026-electric-car-sales-surge-amid-fuel-crisis/</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 02:20:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/australian-new-car-sales-in-march-2026-electric-car-sales-surge-amid-fuel-crisis/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ford boss on why the company is playing the long game in F1]]></title><description><![CDATA[This is why Ford rejoined the top echelon of motorsport and what it means for its future hybrid cars.<br />
Ford has partnered with Red Bull Racing as part of its Formula 1 return<br />
&ldquo;We&rsquo;re here to stay.&rdquo; With that Bill Ford, the executive chairman of Ford Motor Company, underscores the company&rsquo;s long-term commitment to F1.Unless you&rsquo;ve been living under a rock the last few weeks, F1 fans will have found it hard to escape the controversy around the sport&rsquo;s latest regul]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-boss-on-why-the-company-is-playing-the-long-game-in-f1/</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:58:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-boss-on-why-the-company-is-playing-the-long-game-in-f1/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 Subaru Getaway seven-seat electric SUV revealed, not confirmed for Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[This is not the weekly Nine travel TV show, but the first seven-seat electric Subaru with links to the Toyota Kluger hybrid&rsquo;s US replacement.Subaru&rsquo;s fourth electric vehicle is its first with three rows of seats, the 2027 Getaway, due in US showrooms by the end of this year.The Getaway is the Subaru version of the new Toyota Highlander EV &ndash; the electric successor to the hybrid SUV sold as the Kluger in Australia &ndash; and is claimed to be the most powerful production Subaru a]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-subaru-getaway-seven-seat-electric-suv-revealed-not-confirmed-for-australia/</link><pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:33:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-subaru-getaway-seven-seat-electric-suv-revealed-not-confirmed-for-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 GWM Ora 5 confirmed for Australia mid-year]]></title><description><![CDATA[The first new model from GWM&rsquo;s Ora electric-car division in three years is months away &ndash; and it could offer a hybrid option.The 2026 GWM Ora 5 small SUV is due in Australia from the middle of this year, as the start of an expanded Ora sub-brand currently represented only by the Ora electric hatchback.The Ora 5 is available with a choice of hybrid and electric power in the right-hand-drive Thai market, but it is yet to be confirmed if both options &ndash; or just the EV &ndash; will b]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-gwm-ora-5confirmed-for-australia-mid-year/</link><pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 23:02:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-gwm-ora-5confirmed-for-australia-mid-year/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Number plate theft in Victoria mapped with this tool]]></title><description><![CDATA[With plate theft increasing by 20 per cent statewide, these maps and tools show where number plate theft actually rose and fell in 2025.Number plate theft in Victoria increased by 20 per cent last year, rising from 26,941 recorded offences in 2024 to 32,228 in 2025. But this increase isn&rsquo;t spread evenly across the state, with plate theft more than doubling in some parts of the state, while halving in others.Type your postcode into the box below to see how number plate theft has increased o]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/number-plate-theft-in-victoria-mapped-with-this-tool/</link><pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 21:03:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/number-plate-theft-in-victoria-mapped-with-this-tool/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Kia EV4 Earth review]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Kia EV4 Earth rides well, feels classy inside, and represents a viable alternative to a Tesla Model 3. However, there is a big but&hellip;<br />
Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps<br />
2026 Kia EV4 Earth&ldquo;Why does it look like that?&ldquo;Everyone kept asking me this question whenever I showed them the Kia EV4 Earth. Let&rsquo;s not ignore the elephant in the room her]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-kia-ev4-earth-review/</link><pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 16:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-kia-ev4-earth-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 BMW iX1, iX2 electric car prices cut, just after model update]]></title><description><![CDATA[Shortly after a model update, BMW has dropped the price of its two small electric SUVs by up to $8900.BMW has cut prices of the iX1 and iX2 by up to $8900, just weeks after announcing a technical update, amid hotter competition in the electric-car market.The iX1 xDrive30 is now priced from $77,900 plus on-road costs, down $8900, while the iX2 xDrive30 is $79,900 plus on-road costs, down $7700.Alongside the price cuts, BMW is introducing a Sport Collection version of the iX1 xDrive30, priced from]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-bmw-ix1-ix2-electric-car-prices-cut-just-after-model-update/</link><pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 07:04:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-bmw-ix1-ix2-electric-car-prices-cut-just-after-model-update/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mazda’s smaller models like Mazda 2 and CX-3 have a future in Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[New-generation versions of the Mazda 2 and CX-3 are on the cards, but still years away as Mazda prioritises other model lines.<br />
Mazda CX-3<br />
Mazda is committed to small and affordable models in Australia, confirming new-generation versions of the Mazda 2 and CX-3, but they likely will not materialise before 2027.This is despite markets around the world dropping the ageing models, including Japan recently discontinuing the CX-3 SUV and the UK dropping the in-house Mazda 2 but keeping the rebadged To]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mazdas-smaller-models-like-mazda-2-and-cx-3-have-a-future-in-australia/</link><pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 04:58:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mazdas-smaller-models-like-mazda-2-and-cx-3-have-a-future-in-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Corvette Grand Sport confirmed as last of C8 generation]]></title><description><![CDATA[The end is coming for the current-generation Chevrolet Corvette, with confirmation that the Grand Sport version will be the last variant joining the range.With the announcement of the 2027 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport comes confirmation that the current model is set to wind down.The news is hardly surprising, with the Grand Sport usually added as the last variant in the Corvette line-up.While the name extends back as far as 1963, the Grand Sport&rsquo;s last-edition status started with the C4]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/corvette-grand-sport-confirmed-as-last-of-c8-generation/</link><pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 03:02:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/corvette-grand-sport-confirmed-as-last-of-c8-generation/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Kia EV6 price and specs: Updated Model Y, Ioniq 5 electric car rival arrives after two-year wait]]></title><description><![CDATA[The updated Kia EV6 electric SUV has arrived in Australia two years after its debut, with design tweaks, a larger battery, and Kia Connect telematics.<br />
2026 Kia EV6 pricing and specificationsDelayed electric SUV now arriving in AustraliaLarger battery, Kia Connect and wireless phone mirroringPriced from $72,660 before on-road costs2026 Kia EV6 GT<br />
The 2026 Kia EV6 electric SUV has arrived in Australia &ndash; nearly two years after its debut in Korea &ndash; with design changes, a larger battery,]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-kia-ev6-price-and-specs-updated-model-y-ioniq-5-electric-car-rival-arrives-after-two-year-wait/</link><pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 01:03:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-kia-ev6-price-and-specs-updated-model-y-ioniq-5-electric-car-rival-arrives-after-two-year-wait/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Opinion: The quirky road rule in Japan confusing Aussie drivers]]></title><description><![CDATA[The tolerances of Japan&rsquo;s fixed speed cameras are so absurdly generous, they make Australia look like an over-policed driving dystopia.On a recent trip to Japan, I learned something about their speed cameras that made my jaw drop.In Japan, speed cameras have a 40km/h tolerance on motorways, and a 30km/h tolerance on urban roads. That means that if you do 119km/h past a speed camera on a Japanese motorway, in an indicated 80km/h speed zone, you can expect no mail from the local authorities.]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/opinion-the-quirky-road-rule-in-japan-confusing-aussie-drivers/</link><pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 21:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/opinion-the-quirky-road-rule-in-japan-confusing-aussie-drivers/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ferrari enlisted NASA to manage acceleration of Luce electric car]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Ferrari Luce, the brand&rsquo;s first fully-electric vehicle, accelerated so quickly that NASA was called upon to assist.Ferrari enlisted NASA&rsquo;s space experts to fine-tune the acceleration of its first fully-electric car, to ensure a smooth and comfortable driving experience.&nbsp;While it will be one of the most powerful offerings in its line-up, the Italian marque wants the Luce to remain inviting for its clientele.&nbsp;Ferrari CEO, Benedetto Vigna, told Autocar India that accelerat]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ferrari-enlisted-nasa-to-manage-acceleration-of-luce-electric-car/</link><pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 06:04:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ferrari-enlisted-nasa-to-manage-acceleration-of-luce-electric-car/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Aston Martin Valhalla almost did 140km/h in reverse, and it was a terrible idea]]></title><description><![CDATA[When it comes to top speeds in reverse, less is definitely more. Sometimes we need saving from ourselves.<br />
Aston Martin Valhalla plug-in hybrid hypercar<br />
The Aston Martin Valhalla is remarkable for a number of reasons. It sets a number of firsts for the company. It&rsquo;s also a car that presented the company with a bizarre problem. It was too fast in reverse.On the face of it, that doesn&rsquo;t sound too great an issue in the greater scheme of things. In reality, it could easily be a bit fright]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/aston-martin-valhalla-almost-did-140kmh-in-reverse-and-it-was-a-terrible-idea/</link><pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 04:02:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/aston-martin-valhalla-almost-did-140kmh-in-reverse-and-it-was-a-terrible-idea/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Chery Tiggo 9 Ultimate PHEV review]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Chery Tiggo 9 is the car maker&rsquo;s new premium flagship plug-in hybrid, with all the bells and whistles thrown in but still at a competitive price. Is it the real deal?<br />
Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps<br />
2026 Chery Tiggo 9Here&rsquo;s a scenario: You need a car with more than five seats, but you don&rsquo;t want to go all-out to a people-mover just yet, and]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-chery-tiggo-9-ultimate-phev-review/</link><pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-chery-tiggo-9-ultimate-phev-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BMW is dancing around China’s door handle ban with a region-specific solution]]></title><description><![CDATA[New regulations in China mean cars must have physical door handles to ensure ease of operation in an emergency, but BMW has opted for a region-specific solution.It appears BMW isn&rsquo;t prepared to abandon flush-fit electronically actuated door handles just yet.The trend towards flush-fit door handles that electronically present themselves, or require counter-intuitive steps to open, is about to be brought to an abrupt end, thanks to the introduction of regulations in China that require simple]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bmw-is-dancing-around-chinas-door-handle-ban-with-a-region-specific-solution/</link><pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 01:58:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bmw-is-dancing-around-chinas-door-handle-ban-with-a-region-specific-solution/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[GAC hopes to be a best-seller in Australia sooner than previously thought]]></title><description><![CDATA[Chinese car brand GAC previously claimed it could be a Top 10 selling brand in five years. Now it reckons it can hit its goal even sooner.<br />
GAC Aion UT<br />
GAC thinks it can crack the list of the Top 10 best-selling car brands in Australia in as little as three years, planning a rapid expansion even quicker than it previously targeted.The Chinese car brand, like many newcomers, is eyeing a top-10 place in the new-car sales charts, and has previously declared it wants to achieve its goal within five y]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/gac-hopes-to-be-a-best-seller-in-australia-sooner-than-previously-thought/</link><pubDate>Sun, 05 Apr 2026 00:05:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/gac-hopes-to-be-a-best-seller-in-australia-sooner-than-previously-thought/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[The EV insurance ‘sting’ facing Aussie drivers fleeing the fuel crisis]]></title><description><![CDATA[Despite more drivers making the electric transition, new data has revealed that EV insurance quotes have increased by 10 per cent in one year.<br />
While most drivers feel the soaring prices of petrol, recent data has revealed a large spike in Aussie motorists jumping into electric cars due to the Middle East conflict.By now, most drivers are feeling the financial pinch at the bowser amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. And while some drivers turn to stockpiling to get ahead of an uncertain]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-ev-insurance-sting-facing-aussie-drivers-fleeing-the-fuel-crisis/</link><pubDate>Sat, 04 Apr 2026 21:30:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-ev-insurance-sting-facing-aussie-drivers-fleeing-the-fuel-crisis/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ford Everest rival from China’s JAC on the cards for Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[Chinese brand JAC is considering a large off-road SUV for Australia based on the T9 diesel ute, as an expansion of its model line-up.<br />
JAC JS9. Image credit: AbizNewsNet<br />
An SUV sibling to the JAC T9 diesel ute is under consideration for Australia to compete with two-prong off-road line-ups from LDV, GWM, Ford and Isuzu.&ldquo;We&rsquo;re definitely looking to bring in more [models]. The SUV derivative is under investigation,&rdquo; JAC Australia managing director Ahmed Mahmoud told Drive.The exec]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-everest-rival-from-chinas-jac-on-the-cards-for-australia/</link><pubDate>Sat, 04 Apr 2026 06:58:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-everest-rival-from-chinas-jac-on-the-cards-for-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Toyota Supra A80 scores more reproduction parts from in-house heritage program]]></title><description><![CDATA[A new dashboard will be one of more than 300 parts across eight models that Toyota reproduces under its Heritage Parts Project.<br />
A80 Supra interior, with the reproduced parts.<br />
Toyota has added the dashboard of the 1993 to 2002 Mk4 Supra &lsquo;A80&rsquo; sports car to the range of 300-plus components it reproduces for older models under the GR Heritage Parts Project, from LandCruisers to the 2000GT.Production of the instrument panel will start in September, using modern materials and manufacturin]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-supra-a80-scores-more-reproduction-parts-from-in-house-heritage-program/</link><pubDate>Sat, 04 Apr 2026 04:03:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-supra-a80-scores-more-reproduction-parts-from-in-house-heritage-program/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[The forgotten Australian fuel half the price of petrol]]></title><description><![CDATA[Once widespread in taxis, the popularity of LPG has dropped sharply as Australian-made sedans were replaced by frugal hybrids. But here&rsquo;s why it&rsquo;s a sneaky way to beat the fuel crisis &ndash; if your car still uses it.Record fuel prices have sent many Australians searching for alternative options to lower their fuel bill, such as hybrids and PHEVs.Some have decided to skip the fuel bill altogether and make the jump to an electric vehicle.RELATED: The natural petrol not affected by pr]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-forgotten-australian-fuel-half-the-price-of-petrol/</link><pubDate>Sat, 04 Apr 2026 01:30:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-forgotten-australian-fuel-half-the-price-of-petrol/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mazda outlines hurdles facing EV adoption in Australia: ‘Options are not the issue’]]></title><description><![CDATA[Electric vehicle adoption in Australia needs to move beyond the NVES fines-based approach, according to this major car brand.Mazda Australia believes the Government should be doing more to incentivise the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs), and that the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) is the wrong way to go about it.Speaking to Drive, Mazda Australia boss Vinesh Bhindi said there is now enough choice in the EV market &ndash; spread across price point and size &ndash; so other hurdles to ad]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mazda-outlines-hurdles-facing-ev-adoption-in-australia-options-are-not-the-issue/</link><pubDate>Sat, 04 Apr 2026 01:02:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mazda-outlines-hurdles-facing-ev-adoption-in-australia-options-are-not-the-issue/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Wagon popularity has surprised BMW M boss]]></title><description><![CDATA[The success of long-roof versions of BMW M cars has surprised the division&rsquo;s CEO, as the body style fades in popularity across the broader car market.<br />
BMW M3 Touring<br />
The success of BMW&rsquo;s M3 and M5 Touring models has come from left field, admitted BMW M CEO Frank van Meel, as customer interest in traditional car-based wagons continues to wane in favour of SUVs.&ldquo;A little bit [surprised], yes,&rdquo; van Meel told Australian media when asked if he has been surprised by demand for]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/wagon-popularity-has-surprised-bmw-m-boss/</link><pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 23:01:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/wagon-popularity-has-surprised-bmw-m-boss/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Toyota Corolla price and specs: Hybrid hatch and sedan score various tweaks]]></title><description><![CDATA[The specification differences have grown for the Toyota Corolla, with the sedan gaining a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster across the range, but not the hatch.<br />
2026 Toyota Corolla pricing and specificationsCorolla hatch recently gained wireless Android Auto, black side mirror capsLarger digital instrument cluster added to all Corolla sedansPriced from $32,110 before on-road costs<br />
The Toyota Corolla remains Australia&rsquo;s best-selling small car going into 2026, with the brand recently appl]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-corolla-price-and-specs-hybrid-hatch-and-sedan-score-various-tweaks/</link><pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 05:07:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-corolla-price-and-specs-hybrid-hatch-and-sedan-score-various-tweaks/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ford Ranger, Everest now available with $4000 fuel card offer]]></title><description><![CDATA[About 15,000km worth of free fuel is being offered to Ford Ranger and Everest customers unfazed in their purchase by $3/litre diesel.Popular versions of the Ford Ranger and Everest will be offered with $4000 fuel cards, as part of a special offer softening the blow from diesel prices that have skyrocketed well above $3 per litre.The offer coincides with drive-away deals on the Ranger plug-in hybrid (PHEV) &ndash; now branded by Ford as the Ranger Hybrid &ndash; slashing $17,000 off the price of]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-ranger-everest-now-available-with-4000-fuel-card-offer/</link><pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 02:58:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-ranger-everest-now-available-with-4000-fuel-card-offer/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Toyota LandCruiser GXL 79 Series vs Ford Ranger Super Duty comparison]]></title><description><![CDATA[Two heavy-duty dual-cab utes face off &ndash; the newcomer against the icon &ndash; to see which is the best choice for loading up, towing and heading off-road.So many Australian ute buyers don&rsquo;t really need a ute. Critics of such buyers would accuse them of &lsquo;poncing&rsquo; around town, taking up too much space on the road and making car parks less comfortable than they ought to be.Of course, this is true. Like supercar owners daily-driving their pride and joy through the gridlock of]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-landcruiser-gxl-79-series-vs-ford-ranger-super-duty-comparison/</link><pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 02:30:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-landcruiser-gxl-79-series-vs-ford-ranger-super-duty-comparison/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Skoda Scala hatch’s fate in Australia is being decided]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Skoda hatchback outsold 76 to one by the Toyota Corolla could soon meet its end to clear the way for new electric vehicles.A decision on the future of the slow-selling Skoda Scala hatchback in Australia is &ldquo;slowly progressing&rdquo;, as sales slump to a new full-year low.The Scala was absent from a recent presentation to Australian media on Skoda&rsquo;s local model line-up, adding weight to earlier speculation that it will be dropped from the line-up.<br />
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s a subject of ou]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/skoda-scala-hatchs-fate-in-australia-is-being-decided/</link><pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 00:10:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/skoda-scala-hatchs-fate-in-australia-is-being-decided/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2025-2026 Toyota HiLux recalled due to bullbar fault]]></title><description><![CDATA[The fault with an incorrectly-installed light bar on genuine-accessory bullbars could cause a loss of power steering assistance, according to the recall notice.Toyota Australia&nbsp;has recalled&nbsp;13,390&nbsp;examples of the latest-generation 2025-2026 HiLux ute, citing a potential fault with the electric power steering module.The recall notice, published on Toyota Australia&rsquo;s website, reads: &ldquo;Affected HiLux vehicles have been fitted with a Toyota Genuine Accessory bull bar or nud]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2025-2026-toyota-hilux-recalled-due-to-bullbar-fault/</link><pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 22:09:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2025-2026-toyota-hilux-recalled-due-to-bullbar-fault/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Legal black hole: The dangerous petrol problem no one has answer to]]></title><description><![CDATA[As Aussies turn to stockpiling fuel amid the petrol crisis, a Drive investigation reveals backyard petrol storage is a mystery that authorities are seemingly unable to solve.<br />
As more drivers turn to stockpiling petrol amid the crisis, Drive can reveal the laws surrounding the regulation and enforcement of privately stored fuel remain a mystery. Picture: Getty Images<br />
As Australians continue to grapple with soaring petrol prices amid dwindling supplies, some drivers are filling jerry cans with pet]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/legal-black-hole-the-dangerous-petrol-problem-no-one-has-answer-to/</link><pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 20:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/legal-black-hole-the-dangerous-petrol-problem-no-one-has-answer-to/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Lexus LBX Morizo RR review]]></title><description><![CDATA[More than just a GR Yaris or Corolla in a suit, the Lexus LBX Morizo RR justifies its premium price by offering a rare, sophisticated blend of high-end luxury and raw character.<br />
Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps<br />
2026 Lexus LBX Morizo RRIn the Brothers Grimm tale of The Three Brothers, said siblings had to prove their mettle to their father in order to win his love]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-lexus-lbx-morizo-rr-review/</link><pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 06:59:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-lexus-lbx-morizo-rr-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyundai Boulder concept revealed to preview Toyota Prado, HiLux rivals]]></title><description><![CDATA[This is the first Hyundai SUV built on a new ladder-frame platform since the Terracan &ndash; and while you can&rsquo;t buy this concept, it will form the basis of future Ford Ranger and potentially Everest competitors.Hyundai has taken the wraps off a concept that shares its DNA with its upcoming dual-cab ute &ndash; and previews the styling of a mooted Toyota Prado competitor.The Boulder Concept was revealed at the New York motor show overnight as a five-door, ladder-frame, four-wheel-drive SU]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-boulder-concept-revealed-to-preview-toyota-prado-hilux-rivals/</link><pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 06:30:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-boulder-concept-revealed-to-preview-toyota-prado-hilux-rivals/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[When do double demerits start for Easter 2026?]]></title><description><![CDATA[As Australians gear up for the Easter long weekend, authorities will be out in force to catch those behaving badly on the roads. But when do double demerit points start, and where do they apply?Long weekends tend to mean more drivers on road trips, and even with the current fuel crisis, this Easter is likely to be no different.Even the Prime Minister has urged Aussies to &ldquo;go about your business and your life as normal&rdquo; during the long weekend in a national address on Wednesday night.]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/when-do-double-demerits-start-for-easter-2026/</link><pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 06:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/when-do-double-demerits-start-for-easter-2026/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Porsche acknowledges electric Macan’s role in Australian sales downturn]]></title><description><![CDATA[A period of slow EV uptake is to blame for Porsche Australia sales dip, but still within expectations for the premium German brand.Porsche Australia has chalked up its recent dip in sales as a return to normal after several record-breaking years, as well as its transition of its best-selling model to electric.For context, the premium German brand ended 2025 on 5133 new-vehicle sales, a notable 27 per cent decrease over 2024&rsquo;s record-setting 7029 figure.Last year&rsquo;s sales tally was the]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/porsche-acknowledges-electric-macans-role-in-australian-sales-downturn/</link><pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 02:30:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/porsche-acknowledges-electric-macans-role-in-australian-sales-downturn/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Chery reveals solid-state battery tech rated for beyond 1500km EV driving range]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Chinese car giant is the latest to develop solid-state battery technology, with the promise of driving ranges nearly double the most capable Teslas and BMWs currently available.Chery is working on next-generation electric cars with solid-state batteries theoretically capable of driving from Sydney to Adelaide on a single charge.The Chinese manufacturer is the latest global car giant to work on solid-state tech, which moves beyond the liquid element of existing batteries to make them lighter,]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/chery-reveals-solid-state-battery-tech-rated-for-beyond-1500km-ev-driving-range/</link><pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 01:04:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/chery-reveals-solid-state-battery-tech-rated-for-beyond-1500km-ev-driving-range/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Mitsubishi Triton price and specs: Suspension, tech and styling updates for Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[All Mitsubishi Triton utes gain revised suspension in Australia for 2026, plus new styling for high-grade models, and connected-car phone technology.<br />
2026 Mitsubishi Triton pricing and specificationsFront and rear suspension updates across the Triton rangeYamaha Performance Dampers, Mitsubishi Connect telematics added to GSR 4&times;4 pick-upPriced from $37,090 before on-road costs; fewer manual versions2026 Mitsubishi Triton GSR pick-up.Pricing and specification details for the updated 2026 Mit]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mitsubishi-triton-price-and-specs-suspension-tech-and-styling-updates-for-australia/</link><pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mitsubishi-triton-price-and-specs-suspension-tech-and-styling-updates-for-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mazda 6e might wear the name, but is ‘not a direct replacement’ for beloved Mazda 6 – brand]]></title><description><![CDATA[Similar pricing and sizing, but a different powertrain and production origin means the Mazda 6e might not appeal to Mazda 6 lovers.<br />
Mazda 6e<br />
The Mazda 6e is not designed to succeed the long line of Mazda 6 mid-size sedans that have found fans over the years, according to the brand.While both share a similar name, price and market position, and sit atop Mazda&rsquo;s passenger car offerings, the key difference between the two is the move to an all-electric model with the 6e.This powertrain differ]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mazda-6e-might-wear-the-name-but-is-not-a-direct-replacement-for-beloved-mazda-6-brand/</link><pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 22:34:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mazda-6e-might-wear-the-name-but-is-not-a-direct-replacement-for-beloved-mazda-6-brand/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[The most dangerous thing on Aussie roads this Easter]]></title><description><![CDATA[New data has revealed why Easter is one of the most dangerous times to be driving, and it&rsquo;s all due to this one avoidable bad habit.Driving in any holiday period in Australia is often one of the busiest and most dangerous times of the year, due to an influx of people heading to holiday destinations.And while the December to January holiday period is generally the busiest on the road, new data has revealed that Good Friday ranks among the most dangerous days because of one simple &ndash; an]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-most-dangerous-thing-on-aussie-roads-this-easter/</link><pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 20:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-most-dangerous-thing-on-aussie-roads-this-easter/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Hyundai Palisade delivery pause yet to be lifted in Australia, as software update begins rolling out]]></title><description><![CDATA[The first recall notice to address concerns about the Hyundai Palisade&rsquo;s power-folding rear seats has been issued, with an interim software update now available in Australia.An interim software update to address safety concerns about the power-folding rear seats in the 2026 Hyundai Palisade is now rolling out over-the-air in Australia &ndash; or alternatively at the dealership &ndash; ahead of a planned permanent fix, as customer deliveries remain on pause.<br />
Hyundai Australia has confirmed]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-hyundai-palisade-delivery-pause-yet-to-be-lifted-in-australia-as-software-update-begins-rolling-out/</link><pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 19:54:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-hyundai-palisade-delivery-pause-yet-to-be-lifted-in-australia-as-software-update-begins-rolling-out/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Zeekr X RWD review: Australian first drive]]></title><description><![CDATA[The popular Zeekr 7X&rsquo;s smaller sibling has been given an under-the-skin overhaul &ndash; here&rsquo;s what to expect from the 2026 Zeekr X.<br />
Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps<br />
2026 Zeekr X RWDWhile the 7X has stolen the spotlight for growing Chinese brand Zeekr in recent months, it also fields an offering in Australia&rsquo;s second-best-selling SUV category th]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-zeekr-x-rwd-review-australian-first-drive/</link><pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:01:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-zeekr-x-rwd-review-australian-first-drive/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Zeekr X price and specs: Up to $11,000 cheaper with tech, power upgrade]]></title><description><![CDATA[Zeekr has slashed the price of its smallest electric car &ndash; while updating the interior and adding features &ndash; to boost modest sales and take the fight to BYD, Kia and MG.<br />
2026 Zeekr X pricing and specificationsSmall electric SUV updated with more power, new base batteryLonger standard feature list, tweaked interiorPriced from less than $50,000 drive-awayPre-production Zeekr X RWD in the AWD&rsquo;s Onyx Black.<br />
The 2026 Zeekr X small electric SUV will receive price cuts of $11,000 &nda]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-zeekr-x-price-and-specs-up-to-11000-cheaper-with-tech-power-upgrade/</link><pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:01:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-zeekr-x-price-and-specs-up-to-11000-cheaper-with-tech-power-upgrade/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 GAC Aion UT review: Australian first drive]]></title><description><![CDATA[An electric hatch might not be everyone&rsquo;s first choice of new wheels, especially in a country like Australia, where utes and medium SUVs reign supreme. But here&rsquo;s why the new GAC Aion UT shouldn&rsquo;t be overlooked despite its small stature.2026 GAC Aion UTOnce upon a time, buying a first car probably meant a shopping list that looked something like this: Volkswagen Golf or Polo, Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla, maybe a Mazda 3.But GAC has entered the Australian market, and looks set to]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-gac-aion-ut-review-australian-first-drive/</link><pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 07:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-gac-aion-ut-review-australian-first-drive/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Volvo EX30, EX40 electric-car prices slashed by up to $11,300]]></title><description><![CDATA[Significant price cuts have been applied to Volvo&rsquo;s top-selling electric vehicles to make space for the mid-size EX60, which promises up to 810km of claimed driving range.<br />
Volvo has dropped prices on its smallest electric cars by up to $11,300 &ndash; now starting from about $55,000 drive-away &ndash; to clear the way for its BMW iX3 competitor, the EX60, due late this year.EX30 prices have been cut by $7000 to $11,300, to between $49,990 and $62,990 plus on-road costs, while both EX40 var]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/volvo-ex30-ex40-electric-car-prices-slashed-by-up-to-11300/</link><pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 06:57:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/volvo-ex30-ex40-electric-car-prices-slashed-by-up-to-11300/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[How much value does a parking space actually add to a property?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Data shows buying a property with an off-street car parking space is not just convenient, it&rsquo;s also a financial goldmine.<br />
Buying a property with at least one off-street parking space can have a dramatic impact on that home&rsquo;s future value, with the number of parking spaces often having a direct correlation to a higher median sale price.According to data from real estate company Domain, parking spaces are associated with higher median sale prices in most cities &ndash; and in most case]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/how-much-value-does-a-parking-space-actually-add-to-a-property/</link><pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 05:30:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/how-much-value-does-a-parking-space-actually-add-to-a-property/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[JAC believes its new plug-in hybrid ute will outsell diesel]]></title><description><![CDATA[The BYD Shark 6&rsquo;s newest rival could perform better than its diesel sibling, which was has told Drive that it believes the new Hunter plug-in hybrid will outsell its existing diesel T9 ute when the new model goes on sale mid-year in Australia.<br />
The JAC Hunter plug-in hybrid ute could mirror the GWM Cannon Alpha in outselling the existing diesel version of the dual-cab.&ldquo;From a spec, from a price, from a performance point of view, absolutely [it can outsell the T9],&rdquo; said Ahmed Ma]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/jac-believes-its-new-plug-in-hybrid-ute-will-outsell-diesel/</link><pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 04:57:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/jac-believes-its-new-plug-in-hybrid-ute-will-outsell-diesel/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Nissan Z Heritage Edition priced for Australia as limited-run special]]></title><description><![CDATA[One of Nissan&rsquo;s most iconic colours from the 1990s Skyline GT-R is back in Australia on a limited-edition Z coupe.Nissan has released the 2026 Z Heritage Edition in Australia, an ultra-limited variant intended to celebrate the history of the sports coupe with a special colour from the Skyline GT-R.Only 10 examples of the Heritage Edition will be available in Australia, priced from $77,410 before on-road costs, $1250 higher than the regular Nissan Z coupe.All will be painted in Nissan&rsquo]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-nissan-z-heritage-edition-priced-for-australia-as-limited-run-special/</link><pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 02:51:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-nissan-z-heritage-edition-priced-for-australia-as-limited-run-special/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ken Block’s Ford Escort is up for auction at eye-watering price]]></title><description><![CDATA[One of the most iconic Mk2 Ford Escorts, once owned by the legendary Ken Block, has hit the market, and the bids are already skyrocketing.Ken Block&rsquo;s 1978Mk2 Ford Escort is going under the hammer, and has already attracted bids of USD$215,000 (around AUD$312,822).The two-door saloon &ndash; bearing little resemblance to a standard road-going model &ndash; was acquired by the late, renowned stunt driver in 2008 and transformed into a purpose-built drift car for Gymkhana Grid competition.As]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ken-blocks-ford-escort-is-up-for-auction-at-eye-watering-price/</link><pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 01:29:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ken-blocks-ford-escort-is-up-for-auction-at-eye-watering-price/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[XPeng launches factory-backed operation in Australia, sidestepping TrueEV amid court battle]]></title><description><![CDATA[XPeng is set to take the lead on selling its cars in Australia, with full factory backing &ndash; but it appears it will coexist with third-party distributor TrueEV, which has taken the Chinese marque to court.XPeng will formally set up shop in Australia to import and sell its electric vehicles with full factory backing, through an &ldquo;entirely new&rdquo; network of in-house dealerships.However, it appears XPeng&rsquo;s current independent distributor, TrueEV, will not be replaced completely]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/xpeng-launches-factory-backed-operation-in-australia-sidestepping-trueev-amid-court-battle/</link><pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:14:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/xpeng-launches-factory-backed-operation-in-australia-sidestepping-trueev-amid-court-battle/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Car theft increased in Victoria in 2025, but only in these areas]]></title><description><![CDATA[New data shows certain areas bore the brunt of Victoria&rsquo;s car theft increase last year. Use this map to see if theft got better or worse in your area.Car theft increased by 61 per cent in some areas of Victoria last year, but plummeted in others.New data shows that despite a 10 per cent state-wide increase, some Local Government Areas (LGAs) were hit much harder than others in 2025.The map below shows how car theft changed from 2024 to 2025 across Victoria&rsquo;s LGAs.<br />
Where vehicle theft]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/car-theft-increased-in-victoria-in-2025-but-only-in-these-areas/</link><pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 23:46:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/car-theft-increased-in-victoria-in-2025-but-only-in-these-areas/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Ram 1500 Rebel on sale with finance offer]]></title><description><![CDATA[Not fazed by the fuel crisis, the off-road variant of Australia&rsquo;s top-selling US pick-up is now available with a limited-time finance offer.The 2026 Ram 1500 Rebel is now available with new paint options and a low-interest finance offer in the lead-up to the end of the financial year (EOFY).The 4.99 per cent interest rate applies to in-stock Ram 1500 Rebel pick-ups purchased by approved ABN holders through Ram Trucks Finance by the end of June.No deposit is required, and it will carry a 48]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-ram-1500-rebel-on-sale-with-finance-offer/</link><pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 22:50:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-ram-1500-rebel-on-sale-with-finance-offer/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Toyota’s ‘crisis’ warning about rising Chinese competition]]></title><description><![CDATA[The abolition of quality controls it sees as too stringent could form part of Toyota&rsquo;s answer to the threat from high-volume, low-cost competition from China.The outgoing CEO of Toyota has declared the impact of rising Chinese car brands a &ldquo;crisis&rdquo;, and has called for the axing of quality controls on tiny components hidden in vehicles that it believes are unnecessarily stringent.<br />
As reported by Automotive News, Koji Sato &ndash; who has vacated the CEO position as of today, Apr]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyotas-crisis-warning-about-rising-chinese-competition/</link><pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 20:48:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyotas-crisis-warning-about-rising-chinese-competition/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Chevrolet Silverado V8 class action launched in Australia over alleged engine defects]]></title><description><![CDATA[US car giant General Motors is being taken to court by lawyers representing owners of Chevrolet Silverado pick-ups with allegedly defective V8 engines.<br />
More than 10,000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pick-ups are the subject of a class-action lawsuit in the Federal Court of Australia for V8 engines with alleged defects as serious as &ldquo;complete engine failure&rdquo;.Australian owners can sign up for the class action here at no cost &ndash; and could receive compensation if the case is successful &]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/chevrolet-silverado-v8-class-action-launched-in-australia-over-alleged-engine-defects/</link><pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 19:54:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/chevrolet-silverado-v8-class-action-launched-in-australia-over-alleged-engine-defects/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[The most fuel-efficient cars you can buy in Australia right now]]></title><description><![CDATA[The EV consumer shift is real. But if you&rsquo;re not ready to plug in, these hybrid and petrol cars are leading the fuel-efficiency race in their class.While Australian drivers continue to grapple with the ongoing fuel crisis, some are considering switching to electric cars to stay afloat.<br />
As reported by Drive in March 2026, sales of used electric cars have more than doubled since mid-February, with EV listings dropping approximately 33 per cent between 28 February and 24 March.RELATED: &lsquo]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-most-fuel-efficient-cars-you-can-buy-in-australia-right-now/</link><pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:50:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-most-fuel-efficient-cars-you-can-buy-in-australia-right-now/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why the fuel-excise cut won’t even buy you a coffee]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Albanese government is set to halve the fuel excise, bringing petrol costs down by about 26 cents a litre, but how much will that save the average driver?<br />
Yesterday&rsquo;s announcement that the federal government will halve the fuel excise for three months has no doubt come as good news to many drivers around the country in light of ever-climbing petrol prices.<br />
RELATED: The exploding cost of used EVs as demand skyrocketsStarting 1 April, the tax will be cut from 56.2 cents a litre to 26.3c/]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/why-the-fuel-excise-cut-wont-even-buy-you-a-coffee/</link><pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/why-the-fuel-excise-cut-wont-even-buy-you-a-coffee/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Toyota Corolla Cross GXL FWD review]]></title><description><![CDATA[Toyota&rsquo;s very popular crossover had a recent facelift and the usual associated price rise. The mid-spec GXL has always been a winner, but is the front-wheel-drive version a bit underdone?<br />
Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps<br />
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross GXL FWDThe Toyota Corolla Cross arrived in the dark days of the pandemic with a hefty splash, immediately buildin]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-corolla-cross-gxl-fwd-review/</link><pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-corolla-cross-gxl-fwd-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2017-2022 Hyundai i30 N recalled in Australia for fuel pump fault]]></title><description><![CDATA[A problem with the fuel control valve could allow excess petrol inside the fuel pump and stall the engine, according to the recall notice.Hyundai&nbsp;has recalled&nbsp;7293&nbsp;examples of the 2017 to 2022 i30 N hot hatch, citing a potential fault with&nbsp;the fuel control valve in the high-pressure fuel pump.The recall notice, lodged with the Department of Infrastructure, says: &ldquo;Due to a manufacturing defect, the fuel control valve in the high-pressure fuel pump could allow excess fuel]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2017-2022-hyundai-i30-n-recalled-in-australia-for-fuel-pump-fault/</link><pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 07:28:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2017-2022-hyundai-i30-n-recalled-in-australia-for-fuel-pump-fault/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Toyota HiLux BEV price and specs: Electric ute is most expensive HiLux ever]]></title><description><![CDATA[The first factory-built electric Toyota HiLux for Australia is due by mid-year costing $17,000 more than a diesel equivalent, with a claimed NEDC driving range of 245km to 315km.<br />
2026 Toyota HiLux BEV pricing and specificationsAustralia&rsquo;s second-best-selling car gets electric option, joining dieselDriving range from 245km NEDC, towing down to 2000kgPriced from $74,990 before on-road costs, $17,000 more than diesel<br />
Toyota&rsquo;s best-selling model in Australia will gain electric power for]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-hilux-bev-price-and-specs-electric-ute-is-most-expensive-hilux-ever/</link><pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 06:01:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-hilux-bev-price-and-specs-electric-ute-is-most-expensive-hilux-ever/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tesla showroom in Sydney catches fire in ‘suspected arson attack’]]></title><description><![CDATA[Police are investigating a fire at a Tesla showroom in Sydney in the early hours of this morning, which destroyed three cars and damaged the building.<br />
Image: TikTok.<br />
A Tesla showroom in Sydney&rsquo;s west has erupted into flames overnight in what the manufacturer has called an &ldquo;arson attack&rdquo;, rather than one of its electric vehicles catching fire.Police were called to the Tesla showroom on Church Street in Parramatta shortly after 3:20am this morning following reports of &ldquo;mult]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/tesla-showroom-in-sydney-catches-fire-in-suspected-arson-attack/</link><pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 04:52:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/tesla-showroom-in-sydney-catches-fire-in-suspected-arson-attack/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Isuzu N Series Ready-to-Work range review]]></title><description><![CDATA[Any tradie knows that having the right tool for the job is paramount to getting the job done right, but when it comes to work rigs, a dual-cab ute may not be the right tool.2026 Isuzu N SeriesThe crossover between dual-cab utes and light-duty trucks seems obvious at first. The more you delve into it, the more you have to wonder if a lot of hard-working utes are really doing a truck&rsquo;s job.But one of the things that makes utes popular is how easy they are to buy. Dealers everywhere, stock on]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-isuzu-n-series-ready-to-work-range-review/</link><pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 03:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-isuzu-n-series-ready-to-work-range-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Mazda CX-6e: Digital side mirrors under consideration for Australia, as new details confirmed]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Mazda CX-6e electric SUV &ndash; set to arrive later this year &ndash; could follow Audi, Hyundai and Kia vehicles in adopting controversial digital side mirrors in Australia.Mazda&rsquo;s first mainstream electric SUV in Australia could introduce controversial side-mirror technology recently dumped from its Hyundai Ioniq 5 rival.Digital side mirrors with a live camera feed &ndash; first introduced by Audi eight years ago &ndash; are under consideration for the flagship version of the 2026 M]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mazda-cx-6e-digital-side-mirrors-under-consideration-for-australia-as-new-details-confirmed/</link><pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 01:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mazda-cx-6e-digital-side-mirrors-under-consideration-for-australia-as-new-details-confirmed/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Toyota HiLux Rogue review]]></title><description><![CDATA[The new&nbsp;Toyota HiLux has been greeted with an almost unanimous &ldquo;Is that it?&rdquo;. Is there more to this dual-cab ute in its top-spec Rogue trim grade?<br />
Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps<br />
2026 Toyota HiLux RogueThe HiLux is enormous business for Toyota, regularly finishing at (or near) the top of the sales charts every year.If you&rsquo;re Toyota, plannin]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-hilux-rogue-review/</link><pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-hilux-rogue-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Subaru Uncharted electric SUV confirmed for Australia this year]]></title><description><![CDATA[Not to be confused with the movie and video game of the same name, Subaru has announced its third &ndash; and potentially cheapest &ndash; electric car for Australia.Subaru has confirmed the Uncharted electric SUV for Australian showrooms in the middle of this year, as its smallest battery-powered model yet.It will be the third Subaru electric car sold in Australia, after the Solterra mid-size SUV and Trailseeker high-riding wagon, and is the sibling to the Toyota C-HR BEV due locally 12 months]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-subaru-uncharted-electric-suv-confirmed-for-australia-this-year/</link><pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 23:30:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-subaru-uncharted-electric-suv-confirmed-for-australia-this-year/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid becomes the most efficient so far]]></title><description><![CDATA[Leaked fuel consumption info reveals that the new Toyota RAV4 offers improved efficiency, making it the most fuel-frugal model so far &ndash; until the plug-in hybrid arrives.<br />
Toyot<br />
The new-generation 2026 Toyota RAV4 is set to be the most fuel-efficient model in the RAV4&rsquo;s history.According to data published by the Australian Government&rsquo;s Green Vehicle Guide, the new RAV4 Hybrid will use as little as 4.2 litres of petrol per 100km.That lowest figure for the two-wheel-drive RAV4 come]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-rav4-hybrid-becomes-the-most-efficient-so-far/</link><pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 21:46:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-rav4-hybrid-becomes-the-most-efficient-so-far/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Volkswagen admits touch controls were a trend-driven mistake]]></title><description><![CDATA[The CEO of Volkswagen has assured that the company has learnt from its foray into touch-sensitive interior controls, and will work hard to reverse the trend across new vehicles.<br />
Mk8 Golf interior.<br />
Volkswagen executives have blamed previous management for the rollout of touch-sensitive controls in its vehicles that have drawn criticism &ndash; and prompted a return to physical buttons.The German car giant says it is heading back to basics with intuitive driver operation, covering everything from]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/volkswagen-admits-touch-controls-were-a-trend-driven-mistake/</link><pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 20:56:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/volkswagen-admits-touch-controls-were-a-trend-driven-mistake/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Should you reverse into a parking space? Thousands of drivers vote]]></title><description><![CDATA[Is it safer to reverse into a parking space or reverse out? We asked, you voted &ndash; and one method was the clear winner.<br />
Despite recommendations from road safety experts, thousands of Australians refuse to reverse into a parking space, arguing that it is neither safer nor more convenient than driving nose-first, according to a survey conducted by Drive.In a 23 March article, we asked whether it was better for drivers to reverse into a parking space or reverse out.RELATED: Is it better to rev]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/should-you-reverse-into-a-parking-space-thousands-of-drivers-vote/</link><pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 20:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/should-you-reverse-into-a-parking-space-thousands-of-drivers-vote/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[The exploding cost of used EVs as demand skyrockets]]></title><description><![CDATA[Extreme demand for electric cars amid accelerating petrol prices has seen supply of used EVs plummet, causing sale prices to boom.<br />
As petrol and diesel prices continue to increase at exponential rates since the start of the Middle East conflict, Australians have started to switch to EVs at break-neck speeds.&nbsp;Recent data has revealed daily sales of used EVs has more than doubled since mid-February.&nbsp;When the Middle East conflict escalated in late February and petrol prices began to incre]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-exploding-cost-of-used-evs-as-demand-skyrockets/</link><pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-exploding-cost-of-used-evs-as-demand-skyrockets/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2024-2025 Ford Ranger and Mustang recalled in Australia over EGR fault]]></title><description><![CDATA[The fault could cause the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve to fail resulting in a loss of motive power, according to the recall notice.Ford has recalled&nbsp;134&nbsp;examples of its&nbsp;2024 to 2025 Ranger and Mustang models, citing a potential fault with&nbsp;Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve.The recall notice, lodged with the Department of Infrastructure, says:&nbsp;&ldquo;The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve may fail. If this occurs, it could lead to reduced acceleration, engi]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2024-2025-ford-ranger-and-mustang-recalled-in-australia-over-egr-fault/</link><pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 06:02:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2024-2025-ford-ranger-and-mustang-recalled-in-australia-over-egr-fault/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 Chevrolet Corvette with new 6.7-litre V8 no certainty for Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[A larger-displacement V8 will be shoehorned into the updated Chevrolet Corvette, but Australia might miss out on this 6.7-litre, mid-engine monster.Chevrolet has revealed updates to its 2027 Corvette range, including the return of the Grand Sport variant, and a Grand Sport X to replace the E-Ray hybrid, sharing a new 6.7-litre V8 engine.But it remains unclear if it will arrive in Australia, where it may have an even harder time meeting Australia&rsquo;s tough new-vehicle emissions rules, which s]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-chevrolet-corvette-with-new-67-litre-v8-no-certainty-for-australia/</link><pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 05:33:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-chevrolet-corvette-with-new-67-litre-v8-no-certainty-for-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Fuel excise cut for three months to lower petrol and diesel prices]]></title><description><![CDATA[The tax on each litre of petrol and diesel has been cut by 26 cents for three months &ndash; a reduction intended to be passed onto motorists &ndash; as the Federal Government announces a halving of the fuel excise.The tax on every litre of petrol and diesel will drop by 26.3 cents for three months from Wednesday in a bid to slow the surge in fuel prices amid prolonged conflict in the Middle East.It is up to retailers to pass the cut in the fuel excise &ndash; which has been halved from 52.6 cen]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/fuel-excise-cut-for-three-months-to-lower-petrol-and-diesel-prices/</link><pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 04:45:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/fuel-excise-cut-for-three-months-to-lower-petrol-and-diesel-prices/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[The 10 cheapest plug-in hybrids you can buy in Australia in 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[Plug-in hybrids have long been touted for their ability to combine weekday EV-style commuting, with extended range capabilities and as fuel prices soar, they start to make more sense than ever.In the matrix between rising fuel costs, questionable fuel supply stability, and sustainable transport solutions, you&rsquo;ve probably already considered how a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) could work for you.The idea of being able to refuel from a wall plug at home relatively cheaply, and get to and from work in]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-10-cheapest-plug-in-hybrids-you-can-buy-in-australia-in-2026/</link><pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 03:03:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-10-cheapest-plug-in-hybrids-you-can-buy-in-australia-in-2026/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Carbon Revolution, Australian supplier of carbon-fibre wheels, enters administration]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Victorian ingredient in some of the world&rsquo;s hottest supercars has called in administrators to sort its finances and keep its business alive.<br />
Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC fitted with Carbon Revolution carbon-fibre wheels<br />
The Australian company that builds carbon-fibre wheels for some of the world&rsquo;s fastest cars has entered administration after a move away from electric cars took a chunk out of its balance sheet.Carbon Revolution is a Geelong-based supplier of lightweight wheels for]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/carbon-revolution-australian-supplier-of-carbon-fibre-wheels-enters-administration/</link><pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 02:14:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/carbon-revolution-australian-supplier-of-carbon-fibre-wheels-enters-administration/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Deals on electric cars in Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[Here are some of the best discounts and special offers currently available on electric cars in Australia, from the top brands around the country.Mazda 6e<br />
Record petrol and diesel prices are turning a growing number of Australians towards cars that don&rsquo;t need liquid fuel: electric vehicles.Searches for electric vehicles have spiked in recent weeks, and for buyers ready to take the leap, there are plenty of discounts available on models from some of Australia&rsquo;s top-selling brands.This]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/deals-on-electric-cars-in-australia/</link><pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 01:39:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/deals-on-electric-cars-in-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Aston Martin Valhalla review: International first drive]]></title><description><![CDATA[Australia&rsquo;s current-most expensive production car might also be its most breathtaking. We drive the outrageous 794kW Aston Martin Valhalla and bring you a deep dive on all its technical genius.2026 Aston Martin ValhallaFlooring the throttle in an Aston Martin Valhalla is something you&rsquo;re going to want to work up to. It&rsquo;s not the work of a moment.It&rsquo;s also not like a fast electric car, where you&rsquo;re jolted back into your seat in silence. This is something in another]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-aston-martin-valhalla-review-international-first-drive/</link><pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 01:01:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-aston-martin-valhalla-review-international-first-drive/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[This fuel emergency plan hints about what might come next]]></title><description><![CDATA[A 2019 document released under freedom of information laws hints at what steps the government would take if fuel supply gets dicey.Documents reveal details of how &ldquo;light handed&rdquo; measures encouraging more economical driving, carpooling, and using public transport might be the next step in the government&rsquo;s plan if fuel supply to Australia is reduced.Currently the government maintains that there is still no significant impact upon supply of fuel into Australia, with shortages at s]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/this-fuel-emergency-plan-hints-about-what-might-come-next/</link><pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:06:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/this-fuel-emergency-plan-hints-about-what-might-come-next/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mazda CX-5 and CX-60 customers to be split by touchscreen control levels]]></title><description><![CDATA[The removal of Mazda&rsquo;s rotary dial in the CX-5 could push more customers who prefer physical controls to CX-60.Mazda Australia has admitted the new-generation CX-5&rsquo;s all-touchscreen controls for infotainment and climate will not be for everyone, but the Japanese brand has a solution.According to Mazda Australia boss Vinesh Bhindi, customers tossing up between the CX-60 and runout CX-5 would look at differences like sizing and price to determine a model best suited to them.However, wi]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mazda-cx-5-and-cx-60-customers-to-be-split-by-touchscreen-control-levels/</link><pubDate>Sun, 29 Mar 2026 23:04:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mazda-cx-5-and-cx-60-customers-to-be-split-by-touchscreen-control-levels/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[New car brands set to launch in Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[A wave of Chinese brands has already reshaped Australia&rsquo;s market, and it&rsquo;s only gaining momentum, driven by sharp pricing, high-spec features, and a strong push into electric and hybrid vehicles.<br />
Australia&rsquo;s automotive market has seen a sharp influx of new car brands, with 2026 shaping up as a particularly pivotal year.&nbsp;Many of these newcomers are Chinese brands, entering with competitive pricing, comprehensive kit, and a strong focus on electric and hybrid vehicles.&nbsp;]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/new-car-brands-set-to-launch-in-australia/</link><pubDate>Sun, 29 Mar 2026 20:50:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/new-car-brands-set-to-launch-in-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[What the numbers on the side of your tyres mean]]></title><description><![CDATA[Do those numbers on the side of your tyres actually mean anything, and if so, what?<br />
You could be forgiven for wondering if they make the numbers and letters on the side of your tyres deliberately confounding. Unless you know what you&rsquo;re looking at, it may as well be written in hieroglyphics.&nbsp;Nevertheless, the confusion around decoding what these mystery digits mean, deliberate or incidental, can&rsquo;t take away from the fact that modern tyres are pretty darn amazing.<br />
RELATED: The un]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/what-the-numbers-on-the-side-of-your-tyres-mean/</link><pubDate>Sun, 29 Mar 2026 20:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/what-the-numbers-on-the-side-of-your-tyres-mean/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tesla FSD has ‘a big danger’ according to Euro NCAP]]></title><description><![CDATA[Europe&rsquo;s peak car-safety body has issues with Tesla&rsquo;s Self-Driving technology, which could give owners a false sense of security.<br />
Hands-off driver in Model 3<br />
A representative for Euro NCAP, the European equivalent of the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), has called out Tesla&rsquo;s Full-Self Driving (FSD) technology as dangerous and irresponsible.Speaking to Australian and New Zealand media, Euro NCAP Technical Director Richard Schram said the much-vaunted Tesla techn]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/tesla-fsd-has-a-big-danger-according-to-euro-ncap/</link><pubDate>Sun, 29 Mar 2026 19:56:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/tesla-fsd-has-a-big-danger-according-to-euro-ncap/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Lexus GX550 Sports Luxury review]]></title><description><![CDATA[Lexus does things differently in the luxury SUV space, using off-road-compatible hardware in a segment populated with road-going, car-like SUVs.<br />
Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps<br />
2026 Lexus GX550 Sports LuxuryThe Lexus GX550 is a first for Lexus in Australia, but has a long history overseas.Based on the underpinnings of the Toyota LandCruiser Prado, the GX is to th]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-lexus-gx550-sports-luxury-review/</link><pubDate>Sun, 29 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-lexus-gx550-sports-luxury-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Buyer beware: What to know before buying a used electric car]]></title><description><![CDATA[Had your fill of $2.50 petrol prices? We ask an expert what to check when buying a used electric car &ndash;&nbsp;and bust the myth about battery replacements.If paying $200 for a single tank of petrol has you now looking at second-hand electric cars, you&rsquo;re not alone.Australian automotive auction house Pickles reported a 111 per cent uptick in searches for electric vehicles in the three weeks to March 21. Other online second-hand vehicle marketplaces, including Drive&rsquo;s own NUSED, ha]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/buyer-beware-what-to-know-before-buying-a-used-electric-car/</link><pubDate>Sun, 29 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/buyer-beware-what-to-know-before-buying-a-used-electric-car/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Bugatti reveals its slowest and cheapest model ever]]></title><description><![CDATA[This Bugatti-themed bicycle will cost you more than a Toyota Corolla Cross.<br />
Bugatti Factor One Road Bike.<br />
Bugatti has revealed a new vehicle for buyers without the budget or garage space for one of its multi-million-dollar hypercars.The catch: It&rsquo;s a bicycle, created in partnership with cycling brand Factor to create a Bugatti-themed version of the &lsquo;One&rsquo; road bike.It is not cheap for a bicycle, however, with only 250 examples to be produced, priced at $39,599 in Australia, almo]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bugatti-reveals-its-slowest-and-cheapest-model-ever/</link><pubDate>Sun, 29 Mar 2026 06:57:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bugatti-reveals-its-slowest-and-cheapest-model-ever/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Top 10 cheapest hybrids you can buy in Australia in 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[As Australians feel the pinch of rising fuel prices, changing your car over to a fuel-efficient hybrid may be on the radar. Here are the most budget-friendly new hybrids available in Australia right now.If you&rsquo;re thinking now could be the perfect time to trade in your current car for a fuel-efficient hybrid model, you&rsquo;re not alone.As the rising cost of petrol brings consumption sharply into the spotlight, and a growing range of hybrid models makes it easier than ever to get into a pe]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/top-10-cheapest-hybrids-you-can-buy-in-australia-in-2026/</link><pubDate>Sun, 29 Mar 2026 05:14:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/top-10-cheapest-hybrids-you-can-buy-in-australia-in-2026/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[New Toyota Celica details firm up: 2.0-litre turbo, AWD, ‘Celica Sport’ name]]></title><description><![CDATA[UK media were given some insight into Toyota&rsquo;s new coupe, including an unexpected name change to Celica Sport.<br />
Toyota GR camouflaged coupe prototype. Image: Marcio Pereira, via X.<br />
The revived Toyota Celica appears to be shaping up as a close match to previous rally-derived GT-Four versions.That&rsquo;s according to UK publication, Autocar, based on an interview with the head of marketing for Toyota&rsquo;s Gazoo Racing performance arm.Mikio Hayashi, the head of marketing for Gazoo Racing,]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/new-toyota-celica-details-firm-up-20-litre-turbo-awd-celica-sport-name/</link><pubDate>Sun, 29 Mar 2026 03:03:00 +0200</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/new-toyota-celica-details-firm-up-20-litre-turbo-awd-celica-sport-name/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mazda playing coy with chances of toppling Tesla with 6e and CX-6e EVs]]></title><description><![CDATA[Tesla-beating pricing might not mean Tesla-beating sales for 6e and CX-6e electric cars, according to Mazda Australia.<br />
Tesla Model 3 Versus Mazda 6e<br />
Mazda Australia is keeping its sales ambitions for its two new electric vehicles (EVs), the 6e and CX-6e, a secret for now, despite undercutting its most obvious rival on price.Speaking to Drive, Mazda Australia boss Vinesh Bhindi said, for now, the focus for the Japanese brand is run its own race.&ldquo;We&rsquo;re not focused on what other brands]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mazda-playing-coy-with-chances-of-toppling-tesla-with-6e-and-cx-6e-evs/</link><pubDate>Sun, 29 Mar 2026 00:07:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mazda-playing-coy-with-chances-of-toppling-tesla-with-6e-and-cx-6e-evs/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series return confirmed]]></title><description><![CDATA[A second generation of the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series supercar has been confirmed, as a road-legal sibling to the upcoming GT3 racing version.<br />
AMG GT Black Series (left) and GT3 (right).<br />
The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series will return for a second generation with even more aggressive styling, and a closer link to the replacement for today&rsquo;s Bathurst 12 Hour-dominating GT3 racer.The GT Black Series (shown with yellow accents) has been teased as the &ldquo;homologation&rdquo; road version of]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mercedes-amg-gt-black-series-return-confirmed/</link><pubDate>Sat, 28 Mar 2026 21:49:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mercedes-amg-gt-black-series-return-confirmed/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Toyota Probox becomes the basis for an unlikely 70 Series LandCruiser tribute]]></title><description><![CDATA[If something about this 70 Series LandCruiser looks a bit off to you, you&rsquo;re not alone.If what you&rsquo;re looking at here looks a bit awkward or warped out of shape, that&rsquo;s because this 70 Series isn&rsquo;t a LandCruiser at all.While the 70 Series has a reputation for being the workhorse of choice for tough jobs in Australia, hard graft in Japan is often handled by something very different.While it&rsquo;s possible to spot a LandCruiser on Japanese roads, you&rsquo;re far more lik]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-probox-becomes-the-basis-for-an-unlikely-70-series-landcruiser-tribute/</link><pubDate>Sat, 28 Mar 2026 18:48:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-probox-becomes-the-basis-for-an-unlikely-70-series-landcruiser-tribute/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Porsche is ‘constantly evaluating’ 718 electric strategy]]></title><description><![CDATA[With EV sales plateauing in recent months, Porsche has recognised the growing call from customers for another petrol-powered two-seat sports car.<br />
Porsche 718 Cayman EV spy shot<br />
Porsche has not ruled out the reported return of petrol power for its 718 successor, currently officially in line for electric-only propulsion, as it monitors the market and ready to pivot based on customer demand.Speaking to Australian media, Porsche Australia CEO and managing director Daniel Schmollinger confirmed the b]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/porsche-is-constantly-evaluating-718-electric-strategy/</link><pubDate>Sat, 28 Mar 2026 04:04:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/porsche-is-constantly-evaluating-718-electric-strategy/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Iran war could restart semiconductor shortage, as raw materials run low]]></title><description><![CDATA[Semiconductor supply for automakers could run low, as the materials needed to produce them are held up by the Iran war.Analysts have warned that a repeat of COVID-era semiconductor shortages could occur, as the materials vital to electronics production are held up in the Straight of Hormuz.A report by Automotive News Europe indicates that semiconductors and EV batteries could reach critical supply shortages if the current Iran conflict extends beyond two months.Based on data compiled by the Supp]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/iran-war-could-restart-semiconductor-shortage-as-raw-materials-run-low/</link><pubDate>Sat, 28 Mar 2026 02:09:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/iran-war-could-restart-semiconductor-shortage-as-raw-materials-run-low/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Jaecoo J5 EV gets Range Rover look-alike bodykit]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Jaecoo J5 borrows more than a few Range Rover design themes, but this new bodykit from Indonesia goes all-in on imitation.<br />
Jaecoo J5 body kit. Image credit: @bro_bodykit<br />
The design-led Jaecoo division of China&rsquo;s Chery Motors received plenty of attention for its very Range Rover-inspired styling.The Jaecoo J5 EV, one of Australia&rsquo;s cheapest small electric SUVs, does little to dispel those comparisons. However, the front of the J5 has enough detail differences that you probably wou]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/jaecoo-j5-ev-gets-range-rover-look-alike-bodykit/</link><pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2026 23:58:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/jaecoo-j5-ev-gets-range-rover-look-alike-bodykit/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Toyota C-HR Koba 2WD review]]></title><description><![CDATA[With the clock ticking down on the Toyota C-HR&rsquo;s final days with an internal combustion engine, is it still worth a look if you&rsquo;re after a small SUV with petrol power and a bit of stylistic flair?<br />
Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps<br />
2026 Toyota C-HR Koba 2WDToyota is good at making cars. We know this. It sells more in Australia and in the world (read that]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-c-hr-koba-2wd-review/</link><pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2026 22:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-c-hr-koba-2wd-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Deals on hybrid cars in Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[Here are some of the discounts and special offers on new hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars in Australia from the country&rsquo;s top-selling brands to help you save money at the pump.Australians are feeling the pinch of the current fuel crisis, with petrol getting closer to the $3 per litre mark, while diesel is already above that figure in most areas around the country.Searches for more fuel-efficient options, including hybrids and electric vehicles, have been on the rise, as consumers look for ch]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/deals-on-hybrid-cars-in-australia/</link><pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2026 21:58:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/deals-on-hybrid-cars-in-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[The worrying blind spots your car’s parking sensors can’t see]]></title><description><![CDATA[While parking cameras have become ubiquitous in modern cars, these highly advanced sensors still have blind spots.Despite the rapid evolution of camera technology, modern parking cameras still have unique blind spots.To those of us with a few miles on the odo&rsquo;, it really doesn&rsquo;t seem that long ago that parking sensors weren&rsquo;t around, and you had to rely on the analogue version.That is, your mirrors, your own spatial awareness, and the unmistakable sound of a bumper meeting some]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-worrying-blind-spots-your-cars-parking-sensors-cant-see/</link><pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2026 19:13:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-worrying-blind-spots-your-cars-parking-sensors-cant-see/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Aston Martin to Denza Z: A Chinese car could be James Bond actor’s next ride]]></title><description><![CDATA[This is a bit odd, but BYD&rsquo;s luxury arm, Denza, has started teasing its first sports car with Daniel Craig as the lure.<br />
Denza Z teased with Daniel Craig and Stella Li ahead of Goodwood debut<br />
BYD&rsquo;s upmarket arm, Denza, has begun a teaser campaign for its rival to cars like the Aston Martin Vantage and Porsche 911.And their choice of spokesperson couldn&rsquo;t be a clearer shot at those established sports car rivals.The Denza Z is set to make its official debut at the Goodwood Festiva]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/aston-martin-to-denza-z-a-chinese-car-could-be-james-bond-actors-next-ride/</link><pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2026 18:51:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/aston-martin-to-denza-z-a-chinese-car-could-be-james-bond-actors-next-ride/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWD review: Australian first drive]]></title><description><![CDATA[The facelifted Kia EV6 is finally in Australia after several delays, with big changes inside, outside, and under its skin for just an extra $70. But are they big enough to justify an extra $19K over a Tesla Model Y?Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps<br />
2026 Kia EV6 GT-Line AWDSince it launched in Australia four years ago, the Kia EV6 has been a well-regarded electric S]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-kia-ev6-gt-line-awd-review-australian-first-drive/</link><pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-kia-ev6-gt-line-awd-review-australian-first-drive/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[GAC ute and large SUV due in Australia by end of 2027, more models to come]]></title><description><![CDATA[Hitting all the most popular vehicle segments is key to its plans for massive expansion in Australia, GAC says, small SUVs and hatchbacks are just the beginning.Chinese car brand GAC is ramping up its plans to dominate the Australian new-car market, promising 10 all-new models will launch here over the next couple of years.Last year, GAC, which stands for Guangzhou Automobile Group, said it planned to bring eight new models in two years. However, it has now boosted that number to 10, targeting a]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/gac-ute-and-large-suv-due-in-australia-by-end-of-2027-more-models-to-come/</link><pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2026 06:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/gac-ute-and-large-suv-due-in-australia-by-end-of-2027-more-models-to-come/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 MG 4 Urban price announced, undercutting BYD Dolphin in most of Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[The new entry-level member of the MG 4 family will become the brand&rsquo;s cheapest electric car in Australia, competing head-on with BYD and GAC.The 2026 MG 4 Urban will become the brand&rsquo;s cheapest electric vehicle when it arrives in showrooms next month, priced from $31,990 drive-away.Despite sharing the same model name as the existing rear- and all-wheel-drive MG 4, the front-wheel-drive MG 4 Urban sits on a new platform, with a larger body, unique styling, and smaller battery packs.It]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mg-4-urban-price-announced-undercutting-byd-dolphin-in-most-of-australia/</link><pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mg-4-urban-price-announced-undercutting-byd-dolphin-in-most-of-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Subaru BRZ to gain turbo all-wheel-drive special, but you can’t buy it]]></title><description><![CDATA[A turbocharged all-wheel-drive version of the popular BRZ sports car is destined for Japan&rsquo;s rally stages, but there&rsquo;s no sign of a road version.<br />
Subaru BRZ Rally concept. Photo credit:&nbsp;Car Watch<br />
Subaru has teased a high-riding version of the BRZ sports car with a turbocharger and all-wheel drive, destined for Japanese rallying competition.There is no indication the turbo BRZ will be put into production, extending the wait for fans awaiting a high-performance STI variant for roa]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/subaru-brz-to-gain-turbo-all-wheel-drive-special-but-you-cant-buy-it/</link><pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2026 02:01:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/subaru-brz-to-gain-turbo-all-wheel-drive-special-but-you-cant-buy-it/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Electric-car interest growing amid rising fuel prices, says Skoda]]></title><description><![CDATA[Surging petrol prices now approaching $3 a litre in some parts of Australia are turning buyers of even small brands towards electric power.<br />
Skoda says Australians are showing more interest in EVs such as the Skoda Elroq amid rising fuel costs.<br />
The surge in fuel prices as a result of conflict in the Middle East is prompting increased interest in new electric cars, according to one of Australia&rsquo;s newest sellers of battery-powered vehicles.However, Skoda says convincing customers to move beyo]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/electric-car-interest-growing-amid-rising-fuel-prices-says-skoda/</link><pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2026 00:44:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/electric-car-interest-growing-amid-rising-fuel-prices-says-skoda/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Mazda 6e electric car positioned competitively to eliminate ‘barriers’]]></title><description><![CDATA[Super-competitive pricing for 6e means the cost excuse to go electric is no longer valid, according to Mazda.Mazda&rsquo;s newest electric vehicle (EV), the China-sourced 6e, is priced compelling so buyers could not use cost as a reason not to forgo tailpipe emissions-free propulsion, according to the brand&rsquo;s local boss.For context, Mazda Australia announced the 6e electric car will start from $49,990 before on-road costs &ndash; undercutting the popular Tesla Model 3 by around $5000.Speak]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mazda-6e-electric-car-positioned-competitively-to-eliminate-barriers/</link><pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 23:15:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mazda-6e-electric-car-positioned-competitively-to-eliminate-barriers/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BYD Shark 6-undercutting JAC Hunter PHEV pricing teased]]></title><description><![CDATA[The new plug-in hybrid JAC Hunter ute will likely enter the Australian market at a lower price point than the popular BYD Shark 6 when it arrives in June.The JAC Hunter plug-in hybrid ute from China could go on sale with a lower price than the $57,900 plus on-road costs BYD Shark 6 Premium.Asked if the new dual-cab could beat the Shark 6 on price, Ahmed Mahmoud, JAC Australia&rsquo;s Managing Director, told Drive: &ldquo;Could possibly&rdquo;.&ldquo;We look at competition, but we also have a loo]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-shark-6-undercutting-jac-hunter-phev-pricing-teased-2/</link><pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 22:11:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-shark-6-undercutting-jac-hunter-phev-pricing-teased-2/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BYD Shark 6 undercutting JAC Hunter PHEV pricing teased]]></title><description><![CDATA[The new plug-in hybrid JAC Hunter ute will likely enter the Australian market at a lower price point than the popular BYD Shark 6 when it arrives in June.Following the first look at the new plug-in hybrid ute from JAC, the Hunter, the Chinese marque has floated the prospect of entering the market under the $55,900 plus on-road costs price of the popular BYD Shark 6.When asked if the new dual-cab has the possibility to beat out the Shark 6 on price, Ahmed Mahmoud, JAC Australia&rsquo;s Managing D]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-shark-6-undercutting-jac-hunter-phev-pricing-teased/</link><pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 22:11:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-shark-6-undercutting-jac-hunter-phev-pricing-teased/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ford boss: How to fix a problem like Europe]]></title><description><![CDATA[Ford has a plan to recover from a sharp sales decline in Europe, says Bill Ford, and it involves help on electric cars from Renault.<br />
Ford dealership, Germany.<br />
Ford Motor Company has a problem in Europe, and it&rsquo;s clearly vexing Bill Ford.&ldquo;It&rsquo;s got to be profitable,&rdquo; he says when asked about what the Blue Oval&rsquo;s recovery pathway in Europe looks like. Sounds easy, but it&rsquo;s a hellishly difficult task in practice.In the space of just ten years, Ford has dropped fro]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-boss-how-to-fix-a-problem-like-europe/</link><pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 20:54:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-boss-how-to-fix-a-problem-like-europe/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[China is now the #1 source of new vehicles in Australia, here’s how that happened]]></title><description><![CDATA[Year-to-date sales figures reveal that Chinese-built vehicles outnumber any other source for new vehicle supply in Australia.<br />
Tesla Model Y, BYD Atto 3 and GWM Haval H6 Ultra PHEV<br />
China has become the biggest supplier of new cars in Australia&rsquo;s new car market.Year-to-date sales figures reveal 46,629 Chinese-built cars were sold in Australia during January and February, based on combined sales data from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) and the Electric Vehicle Council (EV]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/china-is-now-the-1-source-of-new-vehicles-in-australia-heres-how-that-happened/</link><pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 19:27:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/china-is-now-the-1-source-of-new-vehicles-in-australia-heres-how-that-happened/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘We’re still driving’: How far can a Tesla travel on zero battery?]]></title><description><![CDATA[While range anxiety remains a key barrier to electric car adoption, these radio hosts travelled a surprising distance in a depleted Tesla Model 3.<br />
Nova 100 radio hosts pushed a Tesla Model 3&rsquo;s battery to the limit and found that the car can travel 19km on a fully depleted battery. Image: Jase and Lauren/Instagram.<br />
Range anxiety is often the top concern for Australian drivers considering a switch to an electric car.While car makers like BMW are working on new models to address these concern]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/were-still-driving-how-far-can-a-tesla-travel-on-zero-battery/</link><pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 19:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/were-still-driving-how-far-can-a-tesla-travel-on-zero-battery/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Renault Scenic E-Tech: Australian first drive]]></title><description><![CDATA[Renault has finally brought a new model Down Under, but is this niche brand offering enough to compete in a tough new electric market?2026 Renault Scenic E-TechRenault has always been one of those brands that is grossly important in status and heritage, unofficially entering the Australian market in 1903 and officially in 1943.Yet, it&rsquo;s always been a bit of a niche brand in Australia. Like many French cars, you once had to be an enthusiast or go against the grain to sink your money into on]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-renault-scenic-e-tech-australian-first-drive/</link><pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-renault-scenic-e-tech-australian-first-drive/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 BMW M3 EV seemingly leaked]]></title><description><![CDATA[Leaked images of what appears to be the electric version of the next BMW M3 have emerged online, but the model is still 18 months away from launch.BMW M3 EV leaked. Credit: Bimmerpost<br />
Images of what has been claimed to be the first-ever electric BMW M3 have surfaced online ahead of its global reveal due early next year.Photos posted across social media show a much more aggressive look than the regular BMW i3 sedan, with a diamond-shaped design under the grille, and a large air intake split by a]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-bmw-m3-ev-seemingly-leaked/</link><pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 06:20:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-bmw-m3-ev-seemingly-leaked/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Porsche counts Australia as a crucial element of brand’s ethos: ‘A very special market’]]></title><description><![CDATA[Australia might be a minnow in terms of volume, but Porsche recognises the importance of the local market.<br />
Porsche Panamera and Porsche Taycan special edition 75th Anniversary cars on display<br />
The importance of Australia to Porsche is not volume, but passion, according to the brand&rsquo;s local boss as it celebrates 75 years selling cars Down Under.Speaking to local media, Porsche Cars Australia CEO and managing director Daniel Schmollinger said local customers are unlike anywhere else in the wo]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/porsche-counts-australia-as-a-crucial-element-of-brands-ethos-a-very-special-market/</link><pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 04:03:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/porsche-counts-australia-as-a-crucial-element-of-brands-ethos-a-very-special-market/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Ford F-150 review: Australian first drive]]></title><description><![CDATA[It&rsquo;s been a long time coming, but the facelifted 2026 Ford F-150 introduces incremental updates to an American icon.2026 Ford F-150Ford hasn&rsquo;t enjoyed the smoothest of sailing since it introduced its American icon, the Ford F-150, to the Australian market.It was plagued by several recalls spurred by quality issues, with the saga ending eventually in a stop-sale order, which remained in place for much of 2025.Meanwhile, Ford introduced an updated version in its home market in the Unit]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-ford-f-150-review-australian-first-drive/</link><pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-ford-f-150-review-australian-first-drive/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Cupra Born VZ: One-of-one electric hot hatch listed for sale in Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Cupra Born EV hot hatch is no closer to returning to Australia &ndash; but a road-registered VZ former evaluation vehicle has now been listed for sale.<br />
Cupra Born VZ EV. Image credit: Cupra Artarmon via CUPRA Club of Australia<br />
Australia&rsquo;s first &ndash; and currently only &ndash; example of the Cupra Born VZ electric hot hatch has officially been listed for sale.Listed at a Sydney Cupra dealership for $71,990 before on-road costs &ndash; $11,000 more than the standard Cupra Born last im]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-cupra-born-vz-one-of-one-electric-hot-hatch-listed-for-sale-in-australia/</link><pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 02:08:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-cupra-born-vz-one-of-one-electric-hot-hatch-listed-for-sale-in-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Skoda Kodiaq PHEV review: Australian first drive]]></title><description><![CDATA[Plug-in hybrid power has come to Skoda&rsquo;s most popular SUV, but it comes at a cost beyond just a higher price. Is it worth spending nearly $70,000?<br />
Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps<br />
2026 Skoda Kodiaq PHEVSkoda is finally playing in the hybrid game in Australia.The Volkswagen-owned Czech car brand has admitted it lost sales in recent years due to a lack of hybr]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-skoda-kodiaq-phev-review-australian-first-drive/</link><pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 02:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-skoda-kodiaq-phev-review-australian-first-drive/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Sony pulls the plug on electric car plans]]></title><description><![CDATA[The EVs Sony and Honda were working on together won&rsquo;t see the light of day, as the collaboration comes to a close.Sony has officially announced that development of its planned Afeela electric cars won&rsquo;t continue.The Afeela 1 EV, and a planned second Afeela model, being developed in conjunction with Honda, have met the same end as Honda&rsquo;s own future electric vehicles, which were confirmed as cancelled programs earlier this month.The joint-venture partnership, known as Sony Honda]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/sony-pulls-the-plug-on-electric-car-plans/</link><pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 01:54:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/sony-pulls-the-plug-on-electric-car-plans/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Aston Martin Valhalla design details insisted on by Lawrence Stroll]]></title><description><![CDATA[Billionaire owner of Aston Martin gets involved with vehicle design.Lawrence Stroll isn&rsquo;t your typical company boss.&nbsp;&ldquo;We do things differently here,&rdquo; he said recently, having moved design supremo Adrian Newey out of the team principal role at Aston Martin.&nbsp;He&rsquo;s also been doing things differently when it comes to the design of the company&rsquo;s road cars. Take the latest Valhalla as an example.On the face of it, it&rsquo;s a phenomenally racy looking thing, wit]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/aston-martin-valhalla-design-details-insisted-on-by-lawrence-stroll/</link><pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:41:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/aston-martin-valhalla-design-details-insisted-on-by-lawrence-stroll/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Lewis Hamilton takes Ferrari F40 to Daikoku car meet in Japan]]></title><description><![CDATA[Ahead of the Japanese F1 Grand Prix this weekend, Lewis Hamilton spent his Tuesday night at a popular car meet in Japan.<br />
Ahead of this weekend&rsquo;s Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka, Formula One&rsquo;s Lewis Hamilton has made an appearance at Tokyo&rsquo;s legendary Daikoku Parking Area in a Ferrari F40 supercar.The seven-time world champion, currently driving for the Scuderia Ferrari HP Formula 1 team, spent his Tuesday night at the famous car meet-up spot near Tokyo.Daikoku is known for drawin]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/lewis-hamilton-takes-ferrari-f40-to-daikoku-car-meet-in-japan/</link><pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 23:33:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/lewis-hamilton-takes-ferrari-f40-to-daikoku-car-meet-in-japan/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Leapmotor C10 AWD Sports+ Special Edition priced with supercar power]]></title><description><![CDATA[A new version of one of Australia&rsquo;s newest Chinese family SUVs offers more power than a BMW M3 for a third of the price.Leapmotor has launched an all-wheel-drive version of its C10 electric mid-size SUV with 600 horsepower &ndash; or 440kW &ndash; for a lower price than a Volkswagen Golf GTI hot hatch.The C10 AWD Sports+ Special Edition is due in showrooms in April, priced from $53,888 before on-road costs &ndash; $4000 more than the rear-wheel-drive Design variant below it.It uses dual mo]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-leapmotor-c10-awd-sports-special-edition-priced-with-supercar-power/</link><pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 21:56:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-leapmotor-c10-awd-sports-special-edition-priced-with-supercar-power/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Geely Battleship 700: Tri-motor SUV off-roader brings Galaxy Cruiser concept to life]]></title><description><![CDATA[Geely has officially revealed the production version and new name for its Battleship 700 off-roader.<br />
Geely Zhanjian 700<br />
Geely has unveiled its first genuine off-road SUV in official images released ahead of the new model&rsquo;s full reveal.The 2026 Geely Zhanjian 700, as it will be known in China, translates to Battleship 700 in English, and is the production version of 2025&rsquo;s Galaxy Cruiser concept.&nbsp;Geely has offered limited information about the Zhanjian 700, which Chinese media re]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/geely-battleship-700-tri-motor-suv-off-roader-brings-galaxy-cruiser-concept-to-life/</link><pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 21:04:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/geely-battleship-700-tri-motor-suv-off-roader-brings-galaxy-cruiser-concept-to-life/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Mazda CX-5: First Mazda Australia model in a decade without built-in satellite navigation]]></title><description><![CDATA[The 2026 Mazda CX-5 lacks Google built-in technology in Australia, resulting in the omission of native satellite navigation and advanced voice control.2026 Mazda CX-5 G25 Akera<br />
Native satellite navigation will be absent from the new-generation 2026 Mazda CX-5 range in Australia &ndash; a first in its nearly 15-year history &ndash; due to its lack of Google built-in technology.Mazda Australia has confirmed the 2026 CX-5 will not be offered with built-in satellite navigation across the range, with]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mazda-cx-5-first-mazda-australia-model-in-a-decade-without-built-in-satellite-navigation/</link><pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 20:03:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mazda-cx-5-first-mazda-australia-model-in-a-decade-without-built-in-satellite-navigation/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[What are the best electric cars for families? We ask Aussie parents]]></title><description><![CDATA[What are the best electric cars in Australia for family buyers? We asked real Aussie parents.<br />
Image credit (left to right): Supplied/Lara CooperWhen Brisbane mum Liz heard the news about petrol prices surging above $2 a litre in Australian capital cities, she felt a mixture of satisfaction and guilt.&ldquo;I feel extremely smug! My family is sick of hearing me talk about it,&rdquo; she tells Drive.RELATED: Meet Skoda&rsquo;s Tesla Model Y rival<br />
RELATED: The unexpected EV cost adding thousands to]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/what-are-the-best-electric-cars-for-families-we-ask-aussie-parents/</link><pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 19:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/what-are-the-best-electric-cars-for-families-we-ask-aussie-parents/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Opinion: The ticking time-bomb facing Australia’s diesel drivers]]></title><description><![CDATA[Concerned that diesel will hit $4/litre or more? If the oil crisis doesn&rsquo;t ease in three to four weeks, being unable to get diesel at all could be the greater worry.If you&rsquo;re stressing about petrol prices right now, spare a thought for the many Australians getting around in a diesel. I&rsquo;m one of them.Diesel has broken through $3/litre in many parts of Australia and could rise much more if a bunch of ships can&rsquo;t get through a passage of water half the world away, in what th]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/opinion-the-ticking-time-bomb-facing-australias-diesel-drivers/</link><pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 19:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/opinion-the-ticking-time-bomb-facing-australias-diesel-drivers/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Diesel supply into Australia expected to improve as standards are lowered]]></title><description><![CDATA[New changes will see &ldquo;additional diesel supply into Australia&rdquo; as Chris Bowen reveals over 550 service stations are out of at least one fuel type.The Federal Government has temporarily lowered quality standards for diesel fuel in a bid to unlock additional supply for Australian service stations grappling with shortages.It follows a similar rollback of petrol quality standards in recent weeks to match rules last in force in late 2025, also aimed to improve supply.The announcement come]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/diesel-supply-into-australia-expected-to-improve-as-standards-are-lowered/</link><pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 18:51:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/diesel-supply-into-australia-expected-to-improve-as-standards-are-lowered/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ram becomes the eighth car brand to sell the same European cargo van]]></title><description><![CDATA[Ram Trucks, known for its full-size utes in Australia, also sells commercial vans in the US, and its newest model has a French connection.A commercial van first introduced by France&rsquo;s Peugeot-Citroen group a decade ago has now been rebadged by eight different brands, with Ram Trucks unveiling the newest model for the US.The 2027 Ram ProMaster City is yet another version of Stellantis&lsquo; medium van body &ndash; similar in size to a Toyota HiAce &ndash; also sold by Peugeot, Citroen, Toy]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ram-becomes-the-eighth-car-brand-to-sell-the-same-european-cargo-van/</link><pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 04:51:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ram-becomes-the-eighth-car-brand-to-sell-the-same-european-cargo-van/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[New ANCAP safety rules expected to force major ute redesign]]></title><description><![CDATA[Forward visibility could soon become a major safety issue for ANCAP, which could put current utes under scrutiny.Popular utes such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux could soon be forced to redesign their big, bluff front ends in a bid to improve visibility and adhere to tightening Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) and Euro NCAP rules.Proposed changes to the next set of safety protocols from the peak safety bodies could penalise vehicles for poor forward visibility &ndash; as seen]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/new-ancap-safety-rules-expected-to-force-major-ute-redesign/</link><pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 03:07:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/new-ancap-safety-rules-expected-to-force-major-ute-redesign/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ferrari CEO admits touch-sensitive controls are about cost, not convenience]]></title><description><![CDATA[It could be one of the auto industry&rsquo;s worst-kept secrets, but Ferrari&rsquo;s CEO comes clean about the cost-driven push for touch controls.<br />
Touch controls on a Ferrari steering wheel.<br />
The move away from physical buttons to touchscreen and capacitive controls in car interiors has nothing to do with providing a better in-car experience.That revelation probably comes as no shock at all to most owners, as user interfaces for automotive interiors become harder to operate by muscle memory, int]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ferrari-ceo-admits-touch-sensitive-controls-are-about-cost-not-convenience/</link><pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 01:57:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ferrari-ceo-admits-touch-sensitive-controls-are-about-cost-not-convenience/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Nissan Navara review: Australian first drive]]></title><description><![CDATA[Now borrowing bones from another Japanese car brand, does the new 2026 Nissan Navara dual-cab ute deliver?2026 Nissan NavaraThere&rsquo;s a new Nissan Navara in town, and it&rsquo;s significantly different to the model that it replaces. The old &lsquo;D23&rsquo; generation has been put to pasture after more than a decade, and in its place is something completely new.Although, it&rsquo;s not all new to the Australian market. Instead of being its own proprietary design and platform, we now have a]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-nissan-navara-review-australian-first-drive/</link><pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 01:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-nissan-navara-review-australian-first-drive/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mazda open to Chinese-made electric ute for Australia – executive]]></title><description><![CDATA[Australian customers may like a Mazda electric car similar to the Deepal E07 SUV-ute &lsquo;multitruck&rsquo;, a company executive has claimed.<br />
Deepal E07 Multitruck<br />
A Mazda electric vehicle based on the Deepal E07 SUV-ute mashup from its Chinese joint-venture partner Changan could resonate with Australian customers, according to the executive leading the development of the 6e and CX-6e.The Deepal E07 &ndash; sold in its Chinese home market as the Changan Nevo E07 &ndash; is an electric large co]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mazda-open-to-chinese-made-electric-ute-for-australia-executive/</link><pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:02:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mazda-open-to-chinese-made-electric-ute-for-australia-executive/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[VicRoads to introduce ‘mullet’ number plates designed for Chinese vehicles]]></title><description><![CDATA[The continued growth of Chinese vehicle sales in Australia has led VicRoads to introduce a specialised solution to its number plate range.VicRoads has introduced a special number plate combination, specifically aimed at buyers of Chinese vehicles, and it&rsquo;s been unofficially called &lsquo;the mullet&rsquo;.The new Chinese plate style is a mash-up of existing VicRoads plate styles, with a &lsquo;standard&rsquo; sized front number plate designed for the front of the vehicles, and what&rsquo;s]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/vicroads-to-introduce-mullet-number-plates-designed-for-chinese-vehicles/</link><pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 23:08:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/vicroads-to-introduce-mullet-number-plates-designed-for-chinese-vehicles/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[New EU agreement to cut the cost of European cars in Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[A new free trade agreement trims the cost to import popular European cars, but there&rsquo;s no guarantee car brands will pass on the savings.<br />
Inset photograph: Hilary Wardhaugh/Bloomberg via Getty Images.<br />
Most European cars imported to Australia could get cheaper, as tariffs on European-built cars will be scrapped under a new newly signed free trade agreement between the European Union and Australia.As previously reported by Drive, this deal means the price of over 100 European-built cars sold]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/new-eu-agreement-to-cut-the-cost-of-european-cars-in-australia/</link><pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 21:52:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/new-eu-agreement-to-cut-the-cost-of-european-cars-in-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ford F-150 Lightning remanufacturer AusEV goes under]]></title><description><![CDATA[Ford&rsquo;s decision to drop the F-150 Lightning has been blamed for the collapse of AusEV, the company responsible for importing the electric pick-ups to right-hand drive for sale in Australia.<br />
Ford F-150 lightning<br />
The business responsible for importing the Ford F-150 Lightning electric pick-up into Australia and converting it to right-hand drive (RHD) has gone under, blaming Ford for its woes.BOSSCAP Group Pty Ltd was placed into administration on March 17, attributing its collapse to Ford en]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-f-150-lightning-remanufacturer-ausev-goes-under/</link><pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 20:24:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-f-150-lightning-remanufacturer-ausev-goes-under/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why cheaper fuel could damage your car]]></title><description><![CDATA[Fuel costs are skyrocketing at the pump, which might lead you to forgo the 98-octane fuel and reach for 91 or even E10. This act may cost you more in the long run and possibly damage your car.Rising fuel prices could not come at a worse time for most, hitting at the same time as climbing inflation and interest-rate hikes and adding pressure to already strapped households.<br />
This may lead some to make the difficult choice to leave the 98 and 95 high-octane fuel racked on the bowser and reach for 91]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/why-cheaper-fuel-could-damage-your-car/</link><pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 19:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/why-cheaper-fuel-could-damage-your-car/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Melbourne Motor Show: What to expect from the second year of the event’s comeback]]></title><description><![CDATA[New vehicles set to be displayed at the 2026 Melbourne Motor Show include the Honda Prelude and Super One, GWM Tank 300 PHEV, Kia EV9 GT and MG 4 Urban.<br />
The reborn Melbourne Motor Show is returning for its second year with 20 new-car brands and more than 40 aftermarket exhibitors locked-in for the event.Held between Friday, 10 April and Sunday, 12 April, 2026, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, the biggest confirmed brands at this year&rsquo;s show include BYD, GWM, Honda, Isuzu]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-melbourne-motor-show-what-to-expect-from-the-second-year-of-the-events-comeback/</link><pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 18:53:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-melbourne-motor-show-what-to-expect-from-the-second-year-of-the-events-comeback/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class revealed with even more luxury, same V12 power]]></title><description><![CDATA[Bigger, bolder and more luxurious, the new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class elevates the limousine experience for a new generation.Forget wanting a car with &lsquo;more&rsquo;, the 2027 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class delivers the &lsquo;most&rsquo; that Mercedes-Benz can bring to luxury-car buyers.Based on the recently-revealed significant update for the &lsquo;W223&rsquo; series S-Class sedan, the facelifted Maybach delivers a new level of presence, luxury and technology, along with near-infinite colour and]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-mercedes-maybach-s-class-revealed-with-even-more-luxury-same-v12-power/</link><pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:01:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-mercedes-maybach-s-class-revealed-with-even-more-luxury-same-v12-power/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Jaguar Land Rover design boss to leave company by month’s end]]></title><description><![CDATA[The designer behind decades of popular Land Rover SUVs and Jaguar&rsquo;s controversial electric future will leave the company after more than 20 years.The designer leading the styling of Jaguar Land Rover&rsquo;s most popular models, design boss Gerry McGovern, will leave the company by the end of the month to start his own design firm.The British car maker last year called reports claiming McGovern had been fired with immediate effect &ndash; and &ldquo;escorted out of the office&rdquo; &ndash]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/jaguar-land-rover-design-boss-to-leave-company-by-months-end/</link><pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 05:56:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/jaguar-land-rover-design-boss-to-leave-company-by-months-end/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[XPeng distributor in Australia takes car maker to court, enters receivership]]></title><description><![CDATA[A clean separation between distributor TrueEV and XPeng seems unlikely as the former serves court documents to the latter, and a receiver is appointed to recoup the value of older cars in stock.TrueEV, the Australian third-party distributor of XPeng electric vehicles (EVs), has entered receivership for old vehicle stock and taken the Chinese car maker to court amid rumours of a takeover.Documents filed with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission show TrueEV has appointed an externa]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/xpeng-distributor-in-australia-takes-car-maker-to-court-enters-receivership/</link><pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 04:32:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/xpeng-distributor-in-australia-takes-car-maker-to-court-enters-receivership/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[XPeng distributor in Australia enters administration, takes car maker to court]]></title><description><![CDATA[A clean separation between distributor TrueEV and XPeng seems unlikely as the former enters administration, and serves court documents to the Chinese car maker.TrueEV, the Australian third-party distributor of XPeng electric vehicles (EVs), has entered administration and taken the Chinese car maker to court amid rumours of a takeover.Documents filed with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission show TrueEV has appointed an external administrator to manage the company&rsquo;s finances]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/xpeng-distributor-in-australia-enters-administration-takes-car-maker-to-court/</link><pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 04:32:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/xpeng-distributor-in-australia-enters-administration-takes-car-maker-to-court/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘Scammers’: Why this servo rejected legitimate petrol discounts]]></title><description><![CDATA[As petrol prices surge in most parts of Australia, this one servo has been slammed online after allegedly denying valid petrol discounts.<br />
A petrol station in Brisbane has been slammed by local drivers online after allegedly refusing a legitimate fuel discount. Picture: Facebook/Ipswich Community<br />
As Australian drivers grapple with increased demand amid skyrocketing petrol prices and supply issues, this one servo has been slammed by locals after allegedly refusing to process valid fuel discounts.]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/scammers-why-this-servo-rejected-legitimate-petrol-discounts/</link><pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/scammers-why-this-servo-rejected-legitimate-petrol-discounts/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ford downplays decline in US pick-up sales, including F-150]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Blue Oval says it is confident in the future of the US pick-up category, positive that an updated F-150 will help boost interest in the market.Ford has dismissed doom and gloom predictions for the future of US pick-ups in Australia, as it hopes to grow its sales in the increasingly busy category with a heavily updated model.But it has acknowledged that rising fuel prices amid conflict in the Middle East threaten interest in the super-sized vehicles, powered by petrol V6 and V8 engines that c]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-downplays-decline-in-us-pick-up-sales-including-f-150/</link><pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-downplays-decline-in-us-pick-up-sales-including-f-150/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Luxury Car Tax to be wound back for electric cars, but not axed entirely]]></title><description><![CDATA[Australia has agreed to ease the Luxury Car Tax &ndash; which generates $1.1 billion for the government annually &ndash; to get a free-trade deal with Europe over the line, but only for electric cars.The controversial Luxury Car Tax has survived the signing of a Free Trade Agreement between Australia and the European Union long expected to spell its demise.However, the minimum price of electric cars hit by the 33 per cent tax will rise from $91,387 to $120,000, in a concession to retain much of]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/luxury-car-tax-to-be-wound-back-for-electric-cars-but-not-axed-entirely/</link><pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 03:36:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/luxury-car-tax-to-be-wound-back-for-electric-cars-but-not-axed-entirely/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2025-2026 Kia K4 hatch recalled due to seatbelt fault]]></title><description><![CDATA[A fault in the seatbelt could cause it to latch incorrectly and not operate as intended in a crash, according to the recall notice.<br />
Kia&nbsp;has recalled 4817&nbsp;examples of the Model Year 2026 (MY26) K4 hatch, citing a potential fault with&nbsp;the rear centre seat belt anchor buckle.The recall notice, lodged with the Department of Infrastructure, says: &ldquo;The rear centre seat belt anchor buckle may have been incorrectly assembled. As a result, the seat belt may not properly latch or oper]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2025-2026-kia-k4-hatch-recalled-due-to-seatbelt-fault/</link><pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 02:56:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2025-2026-kia-k4-hatch-recalled-due-to-seatbelt-fault/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Fuel pump audit to crack down on service stations ripping off customers]]></title><description><![CDATA[Fines of up to $222,000 per offence could be handed out to servos found to be overcharging customers for petrol and diesel.Petrol stations that underdeliver fuel to customers could be fined up to $222,000 per offence in a nationwide crackdown amid rising prices and short supply.The National Measurement Institute (NMI) &ndash; a government entity intended to ensure Australians get the quantity of a product they&rsquo;ve paid for &ndash; has already begun auditing up to 350 service stations around]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/fuel-pump-audit-to-crack-down-on-service-stations-ripping-off-customers/</link><pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 01:09:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/fuel-pump-audit-to-crack-down-on-service-stations-ripping-off-customers/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[The natural petrol not affected by price rises]]></title><description><![CDATA[As petrol prices near $3 a litre, it might be tempting to reach for the orange handle labelled &lsquo;E85&rsquo;. After all, it&rsquo;s much cheaper at about $2 a litre. But what is it? And can you fill your car with it?Petrol prices are out of control following the conflict in the Middle East and the subsequent Strait of Hormuz blockages, throttling a large portion of oil exports around the world.RELATED: What happens when you put diesel in a petrol car?Bowsers have reported prices exceeding $3]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-natural-petrol-not-affected-by-price-rises/</link><pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:28:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-natural-petrol-not-affected-by-price-rises/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Mazda CX-5 price and specs: First new model since 2017 due in Australia mid-year]]></title><description><![CDATA[The third-generation CX-5 will arrive in Australia mid-year with a sub-$40K entry price, a larger body, new tech and standard AWD &ndash; but no hybrid or turbo options.2026 Mazda CX-5 pricing and specificationsThird-generation SUV gets larger body, new technologyStandard all-wheel-drive 2.5-litre non-turbo petrol powerPriced from $39,990 before on-road costs2026 Mazda CX-5 G25 Akera<br />
Australian details for the next-generation 2026 Mazda CX-5 &ndash; replacing the current nine-year-old model &nda]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mazda-cx-5-price-and-specs-first-new-model-since-2017-due-in-australia-mid-year/</link><pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mazda-cx-5-price-and-specs-first-new-model-since-2017-due-in-australia-mid-year/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Vehicle safety in 2026 explained: What are ANCAP’s changes to its examination criteria]]></title><description><![CDATA[Cars with annoying safety systems and hard-to-open door handles will be penalised in ANCAP&rsquo;s new car-safety assessment rules.The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) and Euro NCAP have enacted a drastic change in its testing procedures that will better emphasis real-world usability of vehicles as well as crash-safety assessment.While the safety organisations will update their protocols every three years, and just introduced a new set of rules from 1 January, 2026, the latest ove]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/vehicle-safety-in-2026-explained-what-are-ancaps-changes-to-its-examination-criteria/</link><pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 22:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/vehicle-safety-in-2026-explained-what-are-ancaps-changes-to-its-examination-criteria/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Police say car brands ‘acutely aware’ of how to make vehicles harder to steal]]></title><description><![CDATA[Police say new cars should be harder to steal, but vehicle brands say thugs shouldn&rsquo;t have access to car-stealing tech in the first place.Police in Victoria have pointed a finger at global car giants &ldquo;acutely aware&rdquo; of how to prevent their vehicles being stolen, as new statistics show car theft crimes are at their highest level in decades.The car industry argues the government has work to do in cracking down on criminals&rsquo; easy access to electronic tools that allow popular]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/police-say-car-brands-acutely-aware-of-how-to-make-vehicles-harder-to-steal/</link><pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 19:52:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/police-say-car-brands-acutely-aware-of-how-to-make-vehicles-harder-to-steal/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[The unexpected EV cost adding thousands to your maintenance bill]]></title><description><![CDATA[Thinking about getting an electric car? There&rsquo;s one important cost you should know about before you make the leap.Petrol prices are going up due to the war in the Middle East, and people are panic-buying. The result? Interest in electric vehicles has rocketed.Between 28 February and 11 March, the Royal Automotive Club of Victoria (RACV) saw a 190 per cent spike in searches for EVs compared with the two weeks prior.According to James Pickering, National President of the Australian Electric]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-unexpected-ev-cost-adding-thousands-to-your-maintenance-bill/</link><pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 19:04:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-unexpected-ev-cost-adding-thousands-to-your-maintenance-bill/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC EQ electric SUV on track for Australia within 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[A dual-motor GLC400 will lead the global launch of Mercedes-Benz&rsquo;s most important electric car, ahead of a cheaper rear-wheel-drive variant next year.The electric version of one of Mercedes-Benz&rsquo;s biggest sellers, the GLC mid-sized SUV, is due in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2026 (October to December).First to arrive will be the electric GLC400 4Matic with EQ Technology, to use its full name, estimated to be priced from about $110,000 before on-road costs.It is due to be follow]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-mercedes-benz-glc-eq-electric-suv-on-track-for-australia-within-2026/</link><pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-mercedes-benz-glc-eq-electric-suv-on-track-for-australia-within-2026/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric review: International first drive]]></title><description><![CDATA[Stuttgart&rsquo;s new electric SUV is a powerhouse wrapped in a luxurious package, delivering a knockout blow to range anxiety &ndash; and potentially its own internal combustion siblings.2026 GLC400 4Matic with EQ TechnologyThe Mercedes-Benz GLC has long been the gold standard for the brand&rsquo;s global sales, but the arrival of this fresh electric-first architecture suggests the petrol versions might soon start feeling like a typewriter sitting next to a tablet.<br />
It also makes its ancestor, t]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mercedes-benz-glc-electric-review-international-first-drive/</link><pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mercedes-benz-glc-electric-review-international-first-drive/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Fuel rationing not yet needed in Australia, but here’s how it could happen – government]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Federal Government has downplayed the prospects of introducing fuel-buying limits, but the pathway to making it happen may not need national sign-off if one state&rsquo;s situation grows dire.The Federal Government has again poured cold water on the chances of rationing fuel in the near future, amid conflict in the Middle East that has placed pressure on petrol and diesel supplies.However, Energy Minister Chris Bowen says the state governments have the power to initiate rationing themselves]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/fuel-rationing-not-yet-needed-in-australia-but-heres-how-it-could-happen-government/</link><pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 05:24:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/fuel-rationing-not-yet-needed-in-australia-but-heres-how-it-could-happen-government/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport previewed, ahead of reported E-Ray replacement]]></title><description><![CDATA[A more powerful replacement for the hybrid Corvette E-Ray could be on the way for 2027, as a sibling to this new Grand Sport model, debuting a next-generation V8 engine.<br />
Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport<br />
The Chevrolet Corvette is set to revive an iconic badge &ndash; and upgrade the E-Ray hybrid with a new name and engine &ndash; with two new model variants due in 2027.Chevrolet has confirmed it will reveal the Corvette Grand Sport this Thursday, 26 March (US time), as a new &ldquo;high-volume&rdqu]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-chevrolet-corvette-grand-sport-previewed-ahead-of-reported-e-ray-replacement/</link><pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 02:49:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-chevrolet-corvette-grand-sport-previewed-ahead-of-reported-e-ray-replacement/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 Volkswagen Tiguan R spied testing]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Volkswagen Tiguan R will return for a second generation after the popularity of the original, but it may still be 18 months away.The most popular Volkswagen R SUV in Australia, the Tiguan R, has been caught on camera in its second generation ahead of a launch expected in 2027 or even 2028.Spy photographers have captured images of a Tiguan R-Line with four exhaust tips, a signature of Volkswagen R models from the Tiguan to the Golf and T-Roc.While the bumpers are unchanged on this early proto]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-volkswagen-tiguan-r-spied-testing/</link><pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 02:13:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-volkswagen-tiguan-r-spied-testing/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Skoda Enyaq 60 Select review: Australian first drive]]></title><description><![CDATA[Skoda has brought its Model Y rival down in price to undercut Tesla, BYD, Kia and more. But, it&rsquo;s at the cost of equipment and driving range.<br />
Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps<br />
2026 Skoda Enyaq 60 SelectAustralia&rsquo;s least expensive Tesla Model Y competitor, made somewhere that isn&rsquo;t China, doesn&rsquo;t hail from Japan or South Korea, but Europe.The]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-skoda-enyaq-60-select-review-australian-first-drive/</link><pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 02:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-skoda-enyaq-60-select-review-australian-first-drive/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Skoda Elroq 60 Select review: Australian first drive]]></title><description><![CDATA[This is the cheapest European electric family SUV on sale in Australia. Here&rsquo;s why you should consider one before buying a BYD, Kia, or any other rival.<br />
Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps<br />
2026 Skoda Elroq 60 SelectSkoda is finally ready to battle China and South Korea for its slice of the electric-car market.After a soft launch with well-equipped, high-grade m]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-skoda-elroq-60-select-review-australian-first-drive/</link><pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 02:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-skoda-elroq-60-select-review-australian-first-drive/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BMW i4 to end production next year as new i3 arrives]]></title><description><![CDATA[The electric counterpart to the 3 Series will be succeeded by an actual electric 3 Series next year, but could make a return at a later date.<br />
BMW i4 eDrive35<br />
One of BMW&rsquo;s most popular electric cars in Australia, the BMW i4 liftback, will end production early next year to make way for the similarly-sized and more high-tech i3 revealed this week, based on the next 3 Series.The new i3 &ndash; which, at 900km, has twice the driving range of the i4 eDrive35 sold in Australia &ndash; will initia]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bmw-i4-to-end-production-next-year-as-new-i3-arrives/</link><pubDate>Sun, 22 Mar 2026 23:05:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bmw-i4-to-end-production-next-year-as-new-i3-arrives/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Is it better to reverse into a parking space? Experts weigh in]]></title><description><![CDATA[A New York Times article about whether you should reverse into a parking space has divided Americans. Here&rsquo;s the definitive answer.Should you reverse into a parking space, or reverse out?This relatively innocent question, posed in an article published by The New York Times in February 2026, has sparked a surprisingly passionate debate in the United States. According to the Times, an increasing number of American drivers are backing into parking spaces rather than entering nose-first.<br />
RELAT]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/is-it-better-to-reverse-into-a-parking-space-experts-weigh-in/</link><pubDate>Sun, 22 Mar 2026 23:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/is-it-better-to-reverse-into-a-parking-space-experts-weigh-in/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mazda BT-50 won’t get Isuzu D-Max Blade-style off-road special in Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[Mazda Australia boss says an Australian-modified BT-50 off-road special was considered &ldquo;many years ago&rdquo;, but the brand decided against it.<br />
Isuzu D-Max Blade and Mazda BT-50 Thunder<br />
The Mazda BT-50 won&rsquo;t follow its Isuzu D-Max twin &ndash; or rival utes from Nissan and Volkswagen &ndash; in gaining an Australian-modified off-road special edition.Mazda Australia said it considered partnering with an external company such as Walkinshaw or Premcar for a modified BT-50 &ndash; simil]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mazda-bt-50-wont-get-isuzu-d-max-blade-style-off-road-special-in-australia/</link><pubDate>Sun, 22 Mar 2026 21:26:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mazda-bt-50-wont-get-isuzu-d-max-blade-style-off-road-special-in-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Renault says it can ‘survive’ on modest sales in Australia, after hitting 14-year low]]></title><description><![CDATA[Renault Australia says it&rsquo;s not going anywhere despite declining sales figures, with a series of important models on the way that are hoped to perk annual deliveries back to 6000 vehicles.<br />
Renault Duster.<br />
Renault says it can &ldquo;survive&rdquo; in Australia selling as many cars each year as Hyundai did last month, after reporting its lowest annual deliveries in nearly 15 years.The French car brand was Australia&rsquo;s 30th best-selling new-car brand last year, reporting 4569 new vehicle]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/renault-says-it-can-survive-on-modest-sales-in-australia-after-hitting-14-year-low/</link><pubDate>Sun, 22 Mar 2026 20:24:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/renault-says-it-can-survive-on-modest-sales-in-australia-after-hitting-14-year-low/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Nissan says ute buyers don’t know or care Navara and Triton are closely related]]></title><description><![CDATA[While some enthusiast ute buyers might disagree, Nissan Australia&rsquo;s local boss reckons most buyers have &lsquo;no idea&rsquo; about the platform-sharing relationship between Navara and Triton.<br />
2026 Nissan Navara ST-X<br />
The boss of Nissan Australia says the close relationship between the Nissan Navara and the Mitsubishi is not a challenge for most ute buyers, and believes many customers would have &ldquo;no idea&rdquo; which came first when parked side-by-side.The new-generation &lsquo;D27&rs]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/nissan-says-ute-buyers-dont-know-or-care-navara-and-triton-are-closely-related/</link><pubDate>Sun, 22 Mar 2026 18:51:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/nissan-says-ute-buyers-dont-know-or-care-navara-and-triton-are-closely-related/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Volkswagen Multivan people mover update appears]]></title><description><![CDATA[Revised styling, matte paint, and new alloy wheel designs lead the updates for Volkswagen&rsquo;s upmarket people mover.The 2026 Volkswagen Multivan is set to receive a mid-life update, just over four years after its European launch.A late introduction to the Australian market in 2025 means the T7-generation Multivan has barely been on sale locally for 12 months so far.Volkswagen has released the first official image of the updated Multivan, focusing heavily on the facelifted version&rsquo;s sty]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-volkswagen-multivan-people-mover-update-appears/</link><pubDate>Sun, 22 Mar 2026 05:55:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-volkswagen-multivan-people-mover-update-appears/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Porsche patents manual transmission based on an automatic]]></title><description><![CDATA[A new patent suggests Porsche is working to keep old-school manuals alive, with the benefits of an automatic transmission.<br />
Porsche 911 Carrera T Automatic Gear Leaver<br />
Porsche has filed a patent for a gear selector that can switch from automatic to manual at the touch of a button &ndash; and use clever sensors and springs to simulate the feel of shifting gears.It would represent a left-of-field way for the German brand to keep manual transmissions alive in its sports cars, which are increasingly]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/porsche-patents-manual-transmission-based-on-an-automatic/</link><pubDate>Sun, 22 Mar 2026 02:52:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/porsche-patents-manual-transmission-based-on-an-automatic/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Leapmotor A05 breaks cover in China as small electric hatch]]></title><description><![CDATA[Documents filed with a Chinese regulator detail LiDAR sensors and an extensive camera array in the new Leapmotor A05 electric hatchback.The new Leapmotor A05 electric hatchback has been revealed early through documents filed in China, with one variant of the new small electric car featuring an array of high-tech sensors.At 4200mm long, 1800mm wide and 1360mm high, the A05 sits between a Volkswagen Polo and Golf in size, and will rival other Chinese electric cars from the MG 4 Urban to the BYD Do]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/leapmotor-a05-breaks-cover-in-china-as-small-electric-hatch/</link><pubDate>Sun, 22 Mar 2026 00:45:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/leapmotor-a05-breaks-cover-in-china-as-small-electric-hatch/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mazda PHEV expansion makes no sense after FBT exemption shutdown – brand]]></title><description><![CDATA[CX-70 and CX-90 plug-in hybrids are no longer on the table for Mazda Australia after it saw interest drop after cessation of tax benefit.<br />
CX-90 PHEV<br />
Mazda Australia has ditched plans to introduce the most expensive versions of the CX-70 and CX-90 SUVs due to the significant decrease in plug-in hybrid buyer interest after the cessation of a tax exemption.The Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) was discontinued after 31 March 2025, but allowed novated l]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mazda-phev-expansion-makes-no-sense-after-fbt-exemption-shutdown-brand/</link><pubDate>Sat, 21 Mar 2026 22:03:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mazda-phev-expansion-makes-no-sense-after-fbt-exemption-shutdown-brand/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mazda PHEV expansion makes no sense after FBT exemption shutdown]]></title><description><![CDATA[CX-70 and CX-90 plug-in hybrids are no longer on the table for Mazda Australia after it saw interest drop after cessation of tax benefit.Mazda Australia has ditched plans to introduce the most expensive versions of the CX-70 and CX-90 SUVs due to the significant decrease in plug-in hybrid buyer interest after the cessation of a tax exemption.The Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) was discontinued in 31 March, 2025, but allowed novated lease customers]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mazda-phev-expansion-makes-no-sense-after-fbt-exemption-shutdown/</link><pubDate>Sat, 21 Mar 2026 22:03:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mazda-phev-expansion-makes-no-sense-after-fbt-exemption-shutdown/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Subaru Forester Touring review]]></title><description><![CDATA[Now in its sixth generation, the new Subaru Forester has been in Australia for a few months and is settling in. With much of the attention focused on hybrid variants, how does the regular petrol car fare?<br />
Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps<br />
2026 Subaru Forester AWD TouringI know I don&rsquo;t have fans, but those of you who have heard me on the radio berating cranky]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-subaru-forester-touring-review/</link><pubDate>Sat, 21 Mar 2026 22:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-subaru-forester-touring-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BYD Atto 3 new-gen set for China, unlike updated model for Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[An all-new BYD Atto 3 has been revealed for China, just weeks after an updated version of the existing model was revealed for international markets, including Australia.<br />
Updated BYD Atto 3 (Chinese Model). Image: MIIT via CarNewsChina<br />
The 2026 BYD Atto 3 is set to split into two distinct models.A trademark filing lodged with the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology reveals an all-new generation of the Yuan Plus, the Chinese market name for the Atto 3.The newest version of the]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-atto-3-new-gen-set-for-china-unlike-updated-model-for-australia/</link><pubDate>Sat, 21 Mar 2026 19:57:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-atto-3-new-gen-set-for-china-unlike-updated-model-for-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Jaecoo J7 gains a hybrid without a plug]]></title><description><![CDATA[The first details of the Jaecoo J7 &lsquo;full hybrid&rsquo; have been revealed in the UK, proving a strong hint at what to expect in Australia.Specification details for the Jaecoo J7 Hybrid have been revealed overseas, providing the strongest hint yet at what to expect for Australia, should it be given the green light for local sale.The J7 Hybrid will be a &lsquo;full-hybrid&rsquo; system, similar to those available in rivals like the GWM Haval H6, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-jaecoo-j7-gains-a-hybrid-without-a-plug/</link><pubDate>Sat, 21 Mar 2026 05:50:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-jaecoo-j7-gains-a-hybrid-without-a-plug/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Nissan’s BYD Shark 6 fighter: Frontier Pro PHEV ute news soon, as diesel’s life shortens]]></title><description><![CDATA[Nissan sees the future of the Australian market as being dominated by hybrids, which includes four-wheel drive utes.<br />
Nissan Frontier Pro PHEV (Overseas model)<br />
Nissan&rsquo;s local boss is &lsquo;passionate&rsquo; about the prospects of the Frontier Pro PHEV ute for the Australian market, as the brand plans for a market dominated by hybrid powertrains.And it could take on the BYD Shark 6 in the Australian market, along with the GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV and Ford Ranger PHEV.Andrew Humberstone, Nissan]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/nissans-byd-shark-6-fighter-frontier-pro-phev-ute-news-soon-as-diesels-life-shortens/</link><pubDate>Sat, 21 Mar 2026 03:06:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/nissans-byd-shark-6-fighter-frontier-pro-phev-ute-news-soon-as-diesels-life-shortens/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ford Australia needs to be nimble and reinvent itself: Bill Ford]]></title><description><![CDATA[Drive sat down with Ford&rsquo;s executive chairman recently to discuss the future of Ford Australia.<br />
2026 Ford Ranger Wildtrak<br />
Bill Ford is pulling no punches. If it wants to stay in business, Ford Australia needs to think hard about its next pivot.Just days prior to our interview with Ford&rsquo;s executive chairman, the company&rsquo;s CEO Jim Farley had mentioned that Australia was one of the most expensive places in the world to employ an engineer.&nbsp;I ask whether that puts Australia in]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-australia-needs-to-be-nimble-and-reinvent-itself-bill-ford/</link><pubDate>Sat, 21 Mar 2026 01:16:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-australia-needs-to-be-nimble-and-reinvent-itself-bill-ford/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Toyota HiAce LWB review]]></title><description><![CDATA[Toyota&rsquo;s venerable workhorse van continues to be Australia&rsquo;s favourite, so what makes it so good?<br />
Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps<br />
2026 Toyota HiAce LWBThe current-generation Toyota HiAce van went on sale in 2019, and soldiers on into 2026 with only minor changes compared to the van that first launched here almost seven years ago.Last year, Toyota adde]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-hiace-lwb-review/</link><pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2026 23:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-hiace-lwb-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Toyota RAV4 accessory answers the question no one has asked]]></title><description><![CDATA[Ever wanted a wardrobe in the back of your family SUV? The new Toyota RAV4 has you covered.Forget roof racks, mud flaps and carpet mats as the best new car accessories, the new-generation Toyota RAV4 offers something that we haven&rsquo;t seen before: a boot-mounted clothes rack.The &lsquo;Luggage Multi-Panel Bar&rsquo; features a metal hanging bar that connects to an ABS plastic mounting panel, designed to fit inside the RAV4&rsquo;s rear quarter windows.The panels are designed to be compatible]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-rav4-accessory-answers-the-question-no-one-has-asked/</link><pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2026 22:12:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-rav4-accessory-answers-the-question-no-one-has-asked/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tesla Roadster reveal reveal date pushed back, again]]></title><description><![CDATA[Setbacks and delays for Tesla&rsquo;s promised performance flagship are nothing new, but these latest pushbacks promise to keep fans waiting just a few more weeks&hellip; &lsquo;probably&rsquo;, according to Musk.<br />
Elon Musk with the Tesla Roadster at its 2017 reveal.<br />
The second-generation Tesla Roadster has added to its running list of delays and postponements, with news that the flagship electric sports car won&rsquo;t make its originally planned 1 April debut.Perhaps realising the risk of unve]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/tesla-roadster-reveal-reveal-date-pushed-back-again/</link><pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2026 19:53:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/tesla-roadster-reveal-reveal-date-pushed-back-again/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tesla Roadster reveal date pushed back, again]]></title><description><![CDATA[Setbacks and delays for Tesla&rsquo;s promised performance flagship are nothing new, but these latest pushbacks promise to keep fans waiting just a few more weeks&hellip; &lsquo;probably&rsquo;, according to Musk.<br />
Elon Musk with the Tesla Roadster at its 2017 reveal.<br />
The second-generation Tesla Roadster has added to its running list of delays and postponements, with news that the flagship electric sports car won&rsquo;t make its originally planned 1 April debut.Perhaps realising the risk of unve]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/tesla-roadster-reveal-date-pushed-back-again/</link><pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2026 19:53:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/tesla-roadster-reveal-date-pushed-back-again/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[This bad driving habit is costing you big at the petrol bowser]]></title><description><![CDATA[Small changes, big savings. These are the everyday driving mistakes that are costing you more at the petrol pump.<br />
With regular petrol prices surpassing $2 a litre in most parts of Australia, cutting these bad driving habits from your daily drive can save you fuel in the long run. Image: Getty Images<br />
In case you&rsquo;ve been away in the remote Outback, or have had a long-term blackout, or perhaps have taken up residence under a rock these past couple of weeks, things have got, ahem, spicy in Ira]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/this-bad-driving-habit-is-costing-you-big-at-the-petrol-bowser/</link><pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2026 19:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/this-bad-driving-habit-is-costing-you-big-at-the-petrol-bowser/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mazda 6e electric wagon not ruled out, but customers need to ask for it first]]></title><description><![CDATA[Mazda Australia won&rsquo;t say no to a 6e electric wagon, but admitted it is unlikely without strong customer demand &ndash; especially in Europe.<br />
Mazda 6e wagon render by Theophilus Chin<br />
A wagon version of the 2026 Mazda 6e electric car has not been ruled out, but it will only be considered for production if there is strong customer demand in Australia and Europe, according to brand executives.The 2026 Mazda 6e is a Tesla Model 3-rivalling electric liftback, and a successor to the petrol-engin]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mazda-6e-electric-wagon-not-ruled-out-but-customers-need-to-ask-for-it-first/</link><pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2026 07:47:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mazda-6e-electric-wagon-not-ruled-out-but-customers-need-to-ask-for-it-first/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Prepaid petrol payment on the cards in this one Aussie state]]></title><description><![CDATA[A police commissioner is calling on service stations to implement the payment system following a spike in fuel-theft drive-offs and dwindling police resources.South Australia&rsquo;s top police officer is calling on petrol stations to introduce a prepaid payment system following a spike in fuel thefts amid soaring petrol prices. Picture: Getty Images<br />
The South Australian Police Commissioner is calling on the state&rsquo;s petrol stations to introduce prepaid fuel bowsers amid a surge in petrol t]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/prepaid-petrol-payment-on-the-cards-in-this-one-aussie-state/</link><pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/prepaid-petrol-payment-on-the-cards-in-this-one-aussie-state/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BMW to add i3 Touring wagon to new 3 Series range]]></title><description><![CDATA[BMW&rsquo;s tradition of a more practical 3 Series won&rsquo;t come to an end with the new-generation model, with confirmation a station wagon is on the way.<br />
BMW previews its next-generation electric line-up, including the i3 sedan and iX3 SUV, under the Neue Klasse platform.<br />
BMW is set to add a second electric station wagon to its range in the form of the BMW i3 Touring.At the launch of the 2026 BMW i3 sedan range, the company teased what will go on to be know as the i3 Touring.During the unvei]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bmw-to-add-i3-touring-wagon-to-new-3-series-range/</link><pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2026 03:14:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bmw-to-add-i3-touring-wagon-to-new-3-series-range/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Toyota is working on an F-150 Raptor rival with a heavy-hitting name]]></title><description><![CDATA[Toyota wants to nail the competition with its off-road performance pick-up, aimed at rivals like the F-150 Raptor and Ram TRX.<br />
Toyota Tundra Platinum<br />
Performance pick-up trucks need a name with impact, and that&rsquo;s exactly what Toyota appears to have in store for the latest version of the Tundra.Set to become a rival to US pick-ups like the Ford F-150 Raptor and Ram 1500 TRX, the Toyota TRD Hammer could be the next race-truck-inspired heavy-hitter.The Toyota Tundra line-up in the USA already]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-is-working-on-an-f-150-raptor-rival-with-a-heavy-hitting-name/</link><pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2026 01:54:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-is-working-on-an-f-150-raptor-rival-with-a-heavy-hitting-name/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BYD Shark 6 cab-chassis ute arrives in Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[A shipment of BYD&rsquo;s plug-in hybrid cab-chassis ute has been spied in transit in Melbourne.The first addition to the BYD Shark 6 ute range since the model launched in late 2024 is ready to hit Australian dealerships.Details of a factory-prepared cab-chassis version of the BYD Shark 6 have started to filter through, with a car carrier loaded with three examples spotted by a Drive reader in Melbourne.The Shark 6 uses the same kind of ladder-frame chassis as other popular cab-chassis utes, but]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-shark-6-cab-chassis-ute-arrives-in-australia/</link><pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:39:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-shark-6-cab-chassis-ute-arrives-in-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Mitsubishi Triton Raider is an Australian-tuned flagship ute]]></title><description><![CDATA[An adventure-focused flagship for the 2026 Mitsubishi Triton line-up has been teased as the Australian-developed Raider dual-cab.<br />
Mitsubishi Triton Raider teaser image (first image brightened by Drive for clarity).<br />
Mitsubishi&rsquo;s adventure-ready 2026 Triton Raider will take the fight directly to high-spec versions of the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux when it launches later this year.Only teased for now, the Raider looks to build upon the Triton GSR, but appears to sport a new bumper in a sole]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mitsubishi-triton-raider-is-an-australian-tuned-flagship-ute/</link><pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 23:17:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mitsubishi-triton-raider-is-an-australian-tuned-flagship-ute/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Renault 5 may never come to Australia, despite brand’s desire to sell it]]></title><description><![CDATA[Motor vehicle design rules specific to Australia are holding back the launch of the retro-styled Renault 5 city hatch.The chances of the Renault 5 electric car launching in Australia look grim, as the French car brand is struggling to justify an investment in costly engineering upgrades to meet local regulations.Renault Australia has previously expressed interest in selling the retro-styled city car in Australia, which has launched to critical acclaim in Europe as a reboot of the 1970s and 1980s]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/renault-5-may-never-come-to-australia-despite-brands-desire-to-sell-it/</link><pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 22:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/renault-5-may-never-come-to-australia-despite-brands-desire-to-sell-it/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 BYD Shark 6 review]]></title><description><![CDATA[Sales of the BYD Shark 6 have boomed since it first hit the market in early 2025. Now there are other plug-in hybrid utes, and a more capable and powerful model on the way, is it still worth investing in the original?<br />
Skip ahead:IntroductionTechnologyValueExteriorFuel efficiencyCompetitorsCostVerdictInterior<br />
2026 BYD Shark 6A halfway house, the best of both worlds &ndash; however you want to put it, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), offering a blend of petrol or diesel and electrification, are a popular]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-byd-shark-6-review/</link><pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 22:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-byd-shark-6-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Great Western Highway to be closed for at least three months]]></title><description><![CDATA[The 12,000 vehicles using the Great Western Highway near Lithgow each day will need to use a bypass for at least three months, after cracks were found in a 200-year-old bridge.<br />
Great Western Highway closed. Image credit: Forbes Advocate.<br />
The busiest road link between Sydney and the central west region of New South Wales will be closed for at least three months after damage was found in a convict-era mountain pass used by a reported 12,000 vehicles per day.Traffic along Victoria Pass between Moun]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/great-western-highway-to-be-closed-for-at-least-three-months/</link><pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 20:52:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/great-western-highway-to-be-closed-for-at-least-three-months/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Opinion: The simple solution to Australia’s petrol panic]]></title><description><![CDATA[Anthony Albanese has announced a fuel supply task force, but there&rsquo;s a far simpler measure that would ease petrol prices and supply issues.Australia&rsquo;s fuel panic since the war in the Middle East began has become so bad that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese convened a national cabinet meeting to address skyrocketing prices across the country and dire shortages in regional areas.The outcome of that meeting was to appoint a national fuel supply task force, led by Anthea Harris &ndash; th]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/opinion-the-simple-solution-to-australias-petrol-panic/</link><pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 19:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/opinion-the-simple-solution-to-australias-petrol-panic/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Australia’s new fuel supply taskforce already up and running for days, says Albanese]]></title><description><![CDATA[Prime Minister Albanese says a new &lsquo;Fuel Supply Taskforce&rsquo; is already running, and flags that more fuel-security measures will be announced soon.Australia has established a new Fuel Supply Taskforce aimed at coordinating government action on fuel supplies across the country amid the conflict in the Middle East, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced.It will be chaired by Anthea Harris, the inaugural CEO of the Climate Change Authority in 2012, and most recently the CEO of the]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/australias-new-fuel-supply-taskforce-already-up-and-running-for-days-says-albanese/</link><pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 18:50:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/australias-new-fuel-supply-taskforce-already-up-and-running-for-days-says-albanese/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BMW M3 Touring April Fools joke becomes reality as Nurburgring racer]]></title><description><![CDATA[What started as an April 1 joke will see a BMW M3 Touring take to the track in this year&rsquo;s 24 Hours of Nurburgring endurance race.<br />
A bewinged BMW M3 Touring super wagon that began life as an April Fools&rsquo; Day joke will join the grid of the 2026 N&uuml;rburgring 24 Hours endurance race in May.An overwhelming reaction from fans to images of an M3 Touring imagined as a GT3-inspired race car, posted to BMW&rsquo;s social media pages on April 1, 2025, has prompted the creation of a real-li]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bmw-m3-touring-april-fools-joke-becomes-reality-as-nurburgring-racer/</link><pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 09:08:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bmw-m3-touring-april-fools-joke-becomes-reality-as-nurburgring-racer/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Lotus reveals first hybrid, in latest backflip on electric-only plan]]></title><description><![CDATA[After scrapping plans to only sell electric cars, the brand has revealed its first plug-in hybrid, promising up to 1200km of driving range.<br />
Lotus Eletre X<br />
British sports-car specialist Lotus has announced its first hybrid powertrain, known as X Hybrid, claimed to offer a 1200km combined range and 350km of all-electric driving range.X Hybrid technology will debut in Europe as the upcoming Lotus Eletre X large SUV &ndash; following its launch in China &ndash; due to open for orders in June, and co]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/lotus-reveals-first-hybrid-in-latest-backflip-on-electric-only-plan/</link><pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 06:24:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/lotus-reveals-first-hybrid-in-latest-backflip-on-electric-only-plan/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 BMW X5 leaked images reveal a bigger iX3 lookalike]]></title><description><![CDATA[The fifth-generation BMW X5 SUV is set to adopt a close family resemblance to the smaller iX3, leaked images reveal.An early preview of the 2027 BMW X5 has revealed a new styling direction for the large SUV.While the new look will be a pronounced change from the current X5, which first went into production in 2018, the styling closely follows the &lsquo;Neue Klasse&rsquo; design direction, first seen on the new BMW iX3.The leaked photos were taken during a confidential BMW presentation, seemingl]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-bmw-x5-leaked-images-reveal-a-bigger-ix3-lookalike/</link><pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 06:04:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-bmw-x5-leaked-images-reveal-a-bigger-ix3-lookalike/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[All-wheel-drive Leapmotor C10 on the horizon for Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[Following the launch of the second Leapmotor model in Australia, the B10, an all-wheel-drive version of the C10, could be on the horizon.Leapmotor, a Chinese brand backed by Stellantis that launched in Australia late 2024, has teased the prospect of an all-wheel-drive version of the C10 to be launched in Australia.The C10, which is currently only available as a rear-wheel drive in Australia, recently reached New Zealand shores with a larger 81.9kWh battery, more power, and an additional electric]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/all-wheel-drive-leapmotor-c10-on-the-horizon-for-australia/</link><pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 05:02:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/all-wheel-drive-leapmotor-c10-on-the-horizon-for-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘Back to the people’: Cyclists outraged after introduction of new car parks]]></title><description><![CDATA[Cyclists and other advocates &ndash; including one Greens MP &ndash; are fighting an inner-Melbourne council after it reduced the size of bike lanes to make room for more than 40 on-street parking spaces.Yarra Council in Melbourne&rsquo;s inner-city have found itself in a dispute with cyclists and other advocates after reducing the size of the bike lanes to accommodate 45 on-street parking spaces. Picture: Yarra City Council<br />
A local council in Melbourne has found itself in a dispute with residen]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/back-to-the-people-cyclists-outraged-after-introduction-of-new-car-parks/</link><pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/back-to-the-people-cyclists-outraged-after-introduction-of-new-car-parks/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Porsche still considering a new hypercar – report]]></title><description><![CDATA[A successor to the 918 Spyder is still on the cards for the German car giant, but cooling demand for electric hypercars may see it stick with petrol power.Porsche is considering building a new halo car &ndash; as well as adding a new &lsquo;GT&rsquo; luxury sports model &ndash; as the brand hopes to grow its presence in more expensive vehicle segments after suffering a 10 per cent decline in worldwide sales.Porsche CEO Michael Leiters confirmed the company is exploring options for new models set]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/porsche-still-considering-a-new-hypercar-report/</link><pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 02:51:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/porsche-still-considering-a-new-hypercar-report/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[ACCC launches ‘urgent’ investigation into major Australian fuel suppliers]]></title><description><![CDATA[Allegations of anti-competitive conduct have spurred an &ldquo;urgent&rdquo; investigation by the ACCC into all of Australia&rsquo;s major fuel suppliers.Australia&rsquo;s consumer watchdog has launched an &ldquo;urgent&rdquo; investigation into Australia&rsquo;s biggest fuel suppliers over allegations of &ldquo;anti-competitive&rdquo; conduct.The ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) named Ampol Ltd, BP Australia Pty Ltd, Mobil Oil Australia Pty Ltd, and Viva Energy Australia Pt]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/accc-launches-urgent-investigation-into-major-australian-fuel-suppliers/</link><pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 02:26:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/accc-launches-urgent-investigation-into-major-australian-fuel-suppliers/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BMW plans to keep its V8 and inline-six engines for the foreseeable future]]></title><description><![CDATA[Bringing both engines in line with Euro 7 regulations will allow BMW to keep its fire-breathing performance engines alive for longer.<br />
BMW M5<br />
The BMW V8 and inline-six cylinder engines will continue to be offered by BMW as the brand is currently in the process of bringing the internal combustion engines up to the latest Euro 7 standards to keep them compliant.Speaking to Australian media, BMW M CEO Frank van Meel said internal combustion, and specifically its performance engines, are integral to]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bmw-plans-to-keep-its-v8-and-inline-six-engines-for-the-foreseeable-future/</link><pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 01:56:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bmw-plans-to-keep-its-v8-and-inline-six-engines-for-the-foreseeable-future/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2025 Jaecoo J8 Ridge review]]></title><description><![CDATA[Jaecoo&rsquo;s absurdly sleek J8 SUV has arrived in a bit of a blaze. In top-spec all-wheel-drive Ridge form, it slots under $60k on the road, and is packed with gear.2025 Jaecoo J8 RidgeThe ongoing influx of new Chinese brands into Australia is made even more challenging to track when a brand like Chery introduces a new brand name to the mix, in the form of Omoda Jaecoo. The explanation is that the Omodas are swoopy, sporty things while the Jaecoos are more traditional-looking SUVs. While also]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2025-jaecoo-j8-ridge-review/</link><pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 01:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2025-jaecoo-j8-ridge-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Audi A2 to return as new entry-level electric car]]></title><description><![CDATA[The name of a radical, super-efficient hatchback sold by Audi 25 years ago will return on a new electric vehicle.<br />
Audi A2 e-tron teaser image<br />
The Audi A2 e-tron is due to be revealed in the second half of this year as a new entry-level electric vehicle for the brand, undercutting the Q4 e-tron.It revives the A2 name first used on a radical hatchback sold by Audi in the early 2000s, which was one of the most aerodynamically-efficient production cars at the time, but was a commercial failure with]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/audi-a2-to-return-as-new-entry-level-electric-car/</link><pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:06:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/audi-a2-to-return-as-new-entry-level-electric-car/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Audi A2 to return as as new entry-level electric car]]></title><description><![CDATA[The name of a radical, super-efficient hatchback sold by Audi 25 years ago will return on a new electric vehicle.<br />
Audi A2 e-tron teaser image<br />
The Audi A2 e-tron is due to be revealed in the second half of this year as a new entry-level electric vehicle for the brand, undercutting the Q4 e-tron.It revives the A2 name first used on a radical hatchback sold by Audi in the early 2000s, which was one of the most aerodynamically-efficient production cars at the time, but was a commercial failure with]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/audi-a2-to-return-as-as-new-entry-level-electric-car/</link><pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 00:06:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/audi-a2-to-return-as-as-new-entry-level-electric-car/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[GWM takes a jab at Denza in latest Beer O’Clock Hill climb]]></title><description><![CDATA[Five of the brand&rsquo;s off-road models have now completed the climb &ndash; one still on its standard road tyres &ndash; that challenges even modified four-wheel drives.<br />
GWM Tank 300<br />
GWM has returned to Queensland&rsquo;s Beer O&rsquo;Clock Hill to complete the off-road challenge with its two new plug-in hybrid SUVs, the Tank 300 and Tank 500 Hi4-T.The brand is keen to point out that the off-roaders did so &ldquo;without mechanical modifications, calibration changes, or software upgrades,&rdq]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/gwm-takes-a-jab-at-denza-in-latest-beer-oclock-hill-climb/</link><pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 21:38:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/gwm-takes-a-jab-at-denza-in-latest-beer-oclock-hill-climb/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Nissan pulls back on electric cars for Australia in favour of hybrids]]></title><description><![CDATA[If you were waiting for the next-generation Nissan Leaf to arrive in Australia, don&rsquo;t hold your breath.<br />
Nissan Leaf<br />
In a battle to secure the future of the brand, Nissan is betting on hybrid power being the most important and popular powertrain technology of the future.The Japanese brand is pulling back on it&rsquo;s plans to introduce the next-generation Leaf EV car in Australia, hitting pause &lsquo;indefinitely&rsquo; on the fully-electric SUV.And while the long-awaited Ariya electric S]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/nissan-pulls-back-on-electric-cars-for-australia-in-favour-of-hybrids/</link><pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 19:55:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/nissan-pulls-back-on-electric-cars-for-australia-in-favour-of-hybrids/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[How much petrol could you save using ECO mode?]]></title><description><![CDATA[As petrol prices continue to increase, just how much fuel could you save by making the switch to ECO mode? Here&rsquo;s what we found.If the prospect of further increases to petrol prices has you wracking your brain for creative ways to pinch a penny or two, you&rsquo;re not alone.With pump prices of more than $2.20 in some cases, another interest-rate hike on Tuesday and climbing costs for everything under the sun, it&rsquo;s no wonder many Aussies are trying to save where they can.<br />
RELATED: &l]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/how-much-petrol-could-you-save-using-eco-mode/</link><pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 19:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/how-much-petrol-could-you-save-using-eco-mode/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Holden Special Vehicles theft and dismantle racket busted in Victoria]]></title><description><![CDATA[An ongoing racket targeting Holden Special Vehicles has been busted, and an HSV Maloo recovered, says Victoria Police.<br />
HSV Maloo R8<br />
A stolen Maloo utility recovered in Melbourne&rsquo;s west was stolen as part of an ongoing racket targeting Gen-F Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) models, Victoria Police alleges, with a man and woman being charged in relation to the thefts.The stolen HSVs were allegedly stripped and sold for parts in Melton and surrounding areas.The Maloo recovered in Derimut was all]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/holden-special-vehicles-theft-and-dismantle-racket-busted-in-victoria/</link><pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:51:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/holden-special-vehicles-theft-and-dismantle-racket-busted-in-victoria/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Child’s play: US driver turns to creative solution amid surging petrol prices]]></title><description><![CDATA[Some Aussie drivers have turned to stockpiling amid surging petrol prices. But this US driver has come up with a clever DIY solution.As the conflict in the Middle East continues, petrol prices have surged in various countries such as Australia and the United States.And while some Aussie drivers have stockpiled litres of petrol to keep them afloat, this one US motorist has turned to an affordable and creative DIY solution.RELATED: &lsquo;So many discounts&rsquo;: How to save 20c per litre at petr]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/childs-play-us-driver-turns-to-creative-solution-amid-surging-petrol-prices/</link><pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/childs-play-us-driver-turns-to-creative-solution-amid-surging-petrol-prices/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 BMW i3 revealed as Australia’s new longest-range EV, with 900km range]]></title><description><![CDATA[The electric version of the next BMW 3 Series sedan will reset driving range benchmarks &ndash; and bring all-new styling &ndash; on its local arrival next year.BMW will reclaim the brand&rsquo;s title of longest-range electric car ever sold in Australia with the 2027 BMW i3, rated to be capable of 900km on a single charge in European lab testing.It will become the first electric car capable &ndash; on paper, at least &ndash; of driving between the city centres of Sydney and Melbourne on a singl]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-bmw-i3-revealed-as-australias-new-longest-range-ev-with-900km-range/</link><pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-bmw-i3-revealed-as-australias-new-longest-range-ev-with-900km-range/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mazda promises ‘very sharp value’ with 2026 CX-5, but price rise likely]]></title><description><![CDATA[The next-generation CX-5 family SUV could remain more affordable than big-name rivals like the Toyota RAV4.Mazda&rsquo;s new-generation CX-5 is expected to be priced competitively against Australia&rsquo;s growing family SUV set, but it will likely still be one of the more expensive offerings.For context, it is expected the 2026 CX-5 &ndash; due to launch around the middle of the year in Australia &ndash; will likely receive a price increase in line with newer technologies and a larger body, but]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mazda-promises-very-sharp-value-with-2026-cx-5-but-price-rise-likely/</link><pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mazda-promises-very-sharp-value-with-2026-cx-5-but-price-rise-likely/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Prime Minister Albanese’s warning to new car brands]]></title><description><![CDATA[Car companies that short-change dealers and customers with &ldquo;unfair&rdquo; practices and limited servicing have been placed on notice by the Prime Minister.<br />
Photo by Hilary Wardhaugh/Getty Images<br />
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has fired a warning shot towards new car brands in Australia &ndash; many of which are from China &ndash; looking to cut corners and short-change motorists.Albanese called out &ldquo;unfair practices&rdquo; by car companies towards showrooms and customers at a confer]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/prime-minister-albaneses-warning-to-new-car-brands/</link><pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 03:07:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/prime-minister-albaneses-warning-to-new-car-brands/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Nissan Pathfinder and Juke axed in Australia to focus on hybrids, 4WDs]]></title><description><![CDATA[Slow sales and no hybrid replacements in the wings have prompted the demise of the Nissan Pathfinder large family SUV and city-sized Juke in Australia.<br />
Nissan Pathfinder<br />
Nissan has removed the slow-selling Pathfinder and Juke SUVs from the Australian market, citing a lack of &ldquo;critical mass&rdquo; and the right powertrain technology in current and planned future models.The axing of these two models is immediate, and Drive understands there is no stock available in dealers.&ldquo;In terms of]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/nissan-pathfinder-and-juke-axed-in-australia-to-focus-on-hybrids-4wds/</link><pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 02:03:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/nissan-pathfinder-and-juke-axed-in-australia-to-focus-on-hybrids-4wds/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Zeekr 7X RWD review]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Zeekr 7X RWD entry-level SUV packs performance and tech into a capacious cabin, but can it compete in a crowded EV playground ruled by Tesla and BYD?<br />
Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps<br />
2026 Zeekr 7X RWDThe Zeekr 7X RWD enters the crowded electric SUV arena with its sights aimed squarely on the crown worn by the Tesla Model Y, even going so far as to cheekily und]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-zeekr-7x-rwd-review/</link><pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 01:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-zeekr-7x-rwd-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Dual-cab utes on notice as Iveco looks to cut into booming tradie market]]></title><description><![CDATA[Iveco could be the next player in a corner of the ute market after the Italian brand has shown interest in expanding its customer base.Iveco, an Italian brand best known for its light and medium trucks, has confirmed that it is keen to capture a portion of the popular dual-cab ute market, currently dominated by the Ford Ranger and Toytoa HiLux.Following the launch of its updated Daily truck and van range, National Manager of Iveco Australia national manager James Johnson said the brand would jum]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/dual-cab-utes-on-notice-as-iveco-looks-to-cut-into-booming-tradie-market/</link><pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:53:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/dual-cab-utes-on-notice-as-iveco-looks-to-cut-into-booming-tradie-market/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Farizon V7E electric city van coming to Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[The new Chinese brand behind a recent electric competitor to the Toyota HiAce and Ford Transit Custom vans is releasing a new model for 2026.The electric Farizon V7E is due in Australia in May as a battery-powered rival to the Volkswagen Caddy and Peugeot Partner compact vans.The V7E will be the second model sold in Australia from Farizon, a van brand owned by Chinese car giant Geely, following the HiAce-sized SuperVan launched last year.The new electric van is similar in width, but longer nose]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/farizon-v7e-electric-city-van-coming-to-australia/</link><pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:49:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/farizon-v7e-electric-city-van-coming-to-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Subaru Outback definitely still a ‘wagon’, brand claims, despite being more ‘SUV’ than ever]]></title><description><![CDATA[Subaru Australia says the Outback is still a wagon and not an SUV, hopping into a furious international debate about whether the seventh-generation model deserves the title.Despite major changes to its size, shape and style, Subaru Australia insists the new-generation Outback is still a wagon, not an SUV.The brand launched the 2026 Subaru Outback in recent weeks, with the new model more SUV-like than before, featuring a boxier, taller, and heavier design.&nbsp;There has been much debate internat]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-subaru-outback-definitely-still-a-wagon-brand-claims-despite-being-more-suv-than-ever/</link><pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 23:13:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-subaru-outback-definitely-still-a-wagon-brand-claims-despite-being-more-suv-than-ever/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Toyota GR Yaris updated in Japan]]></title><description><![CDATA[Performance-focused updates are on the way for the Toyota GR Yaris in Japan, but it&rsquo;s not yet known if Australia will follow suit.The 2026 Toyota GR Yaris has been updated in Japan with a new steering wheel and upgraded performance hardware, but it is yet to be confirmed for sale in Australia.The &lsquo;Type 26&rsquo; GR Yaris has gained a new steering wheel with GR branding and illuminated wheel-mounted motorsport-inspired switches, as seen in the GR Yaris Morizo RR special edition.Toyota]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-gr-yaris-updated-in-japan/</link><pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 23:08:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-gr-yaris-updated-in-japan/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Skoda Enyaq RS price and specs: Updated electric car $7500 cheaper]]></title><description><![CDATA[The flagship dual-motor version of Skoda&rsquo;s Zeekr 7X and Tesla Model Y competitor has been updated with revised styling and a much lower price.<br />
2026 Skoda Enyaq RS pricing and specificationsDual-motor sports SUV updated with new faceLarger battery and new interior featuresPriced from $75,490 before on-road costs<br />
The top-of-the-range 2026 Skoda Enyaq RS electric SUV will receive a $7500 price cut with the updated model, when showroom arrivals commence in the coming months.The dual-motor, all]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-skoda-enyaq-rs-price-and-specs-updated-electric-car-7500-cheaper/</link><pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 21:37:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-skoda-enyaq-rs-price-and-specs-updated-electric-car-7500-cheaper/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Victorian car thefts: Key cloning responsible for up to one-third of offences]]></title><description><![CDATA[New police intelligence estimates that up to one-in-three cars stolen involve key cloning, with 800 devices seized last year.Victoria Police seized more than 800 &ldquo;key cloning devices&rdquo; last year, as it says the devices are to blame for rising car thefts.Approximately one in three cars stolen in the state involve key cloning technology, according to Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner of Regional Operations, Bob Hill.&ldquo;Our intelligence estimates as many as 30 cars are being stolen]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/victorian-car-thefts-key-cloning-responsible-for-up-to-one-third-of-offences/</link><pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 19:52:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/victorian-car-thefts-key-cloning-responsible-for-up-to-one-third-of-offences/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Farmers call on drivers to use public transport amid petrol crisis]]></title><description><![CDATA[Some farmers are calling on local drivers to use public transport amid food supply concerns due to soaring petrol prices.<br />
Victorian farmers are calling on local drivers to catch public transport amid concerns about a fuel shortage.Picture credit: &nbsp;Darrian Traynor/Getty Images<br />
As local drivers grapple with soaring petrol prices&shy;&nbsp;&ndash; where regular unleaded has surged past $2 a litre in some servos across the country &ndash; some farmers are calling on drivers to catch public tran]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/farmers-call-on-drivers-to-use-public-transport-amid-petrol-crisis/</link><pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 19:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/farmers-call-on-drivers-to-use-public-transport-amid-petrol-crisis/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2021-2023 Toyota Kluger recalled: 34,000 vehicles affected]]></title><description><![CDATA[A fault in 34,377 Toyota Klugers could cause the second-row seats to not latch correctly when adjusted, and move in a crash, according to the recall notice.<br />
2021 Toyota Kluger<br />
Toyota Australia&nbsp;has recalled&nbsp;34,377&nbsp;Kluger SUVs built from 2021 to 2023, citing a fault in the second-row seat mechanism.The recall notice, published by Toyota Australia, says: &ldquo;The subject vehicles are equipped with second row seats that use recliner assemblies to unlock the seat backs, allow for sea]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2021-2023-toyota-kluger-recalled-34000-vehicles-affected/</link><pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 18:47:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2021-2023-toyota-kluger-recalled-34000-vehicles-affected/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘So many discounts’: How to save 20c per litre at petrol stations right now]]></title><description><![CDATA[As petrol prices exceed $2 a litre across Australia, experts are sharing advice on how to maximise fuel discounts at the pump. Here&rsquo;s how.If you&rsquo;ve visited a petrol station in the past couple of weeks, you&rsquo;re probably across the inflated pricing at some bowsers &ndash; with regular unleaded surpassing $2 a litre at some servos across the country.And while authorities said the high prices are reflective of people panic-buying rather than a supply issue, some experts are sharing]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/so-many-discounts-how-to-save-20c-per-litre-at-petrol-stations-right-now/</link><pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 06:30:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/so-many-discounts-how-to-save-20c-per-litre-at-petrol-stations-right-now/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[The popular SUV that’s susceptible to theft from this legal device]]></title><description><![CDATA[Toyota LandCruisers are being stolen in record numbers, and local authorities say it&rsquo;s all due to this surprisingly legal device.<br />
Recent Victoria Police data shows Toyota LandCruisers are being stolen in record numbers.<br />
Despite previous warnings, Victoria Police has released new data showing thefts of Toyota LandCruisers surged by a whopping 258 per cent year-on-year, from 241 in 2024 to a staggering 863 in 2025 &ndash; all due to a car key cloning device that&rsquo;s somehow legal in Aust]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-popular-suv-thats-susceptible-to-theft-from-this-legal-device/</link><pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-popular-suv-thats-susceptible-to-theft-from-this-legal-device/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[No fuel rationing yet, but not ruled out for the future, says Defence Minister]]></title><description><![CDATA[Australia running empty of fuel, or needing to ration it, has not been ruled out by the Federal Government &ndash; but that doesn&rsquo;t mean it will happen, either.The Australian Government has left the door ajar to rationing fuel should supplies drop to a critical level, amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.But, for now, it remains a distant possibility, as fuel is continuing to arrive in Australia at the &ldquo;same&rdquo; level as prior to the conflict, the Federal Government claims]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/no-fuel-rationing-yet-but-not-ruled-out-for-the-future-says-defence-minister/</link><pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 02:55:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/no-fuel-rationing-yet-but-not-ruled-out-for-the-future-says-defence-minister/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Rivian R2: First production details of Tesla Model Y rival  announced]]></title><description><![CDATA[The first version of the Rivian R2 medium SUV won&rsquo;t hit the budget-friendly target originally declared, but a wider range of models is still on the way.US electric-vehicle maker Rivian moves one step closer to having a US-market rival for the popular Tesla Model Y.After launching with the R1T full-sized pick-up truck and following with the R1S large SUV, Rivian is set to introduce a volume-selling medium SUV called the Rivan R2.From launch, the R2 will come in a high-spec Performance grade]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/rivian-r2-first-production-details-of-tesla-model-y-rival-announced/</link><pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 02:48:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/rivian-r2-first-production-details-of-tesla-model-y-rival-announced/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Volkswagen Amarok axes base models and four-cylinder diesel]]></title><description><![CDATA[Volkswagen has taken a hatchet to the Amarok range, dropping fleet-focused base models and shifting to a high-spec, V6-driven line-up.Volkswagen Amarok Dark Label<br />
The 2026 Volkswagen Amarok model line has been given a massive shake-up.The previously available Core and Life trim levels, and the single- and twin-turbo four-cylinder engines that powered them have been cut, with most variants now powered by the continuing 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel engine.Volkswagen has kept its high-spec model line]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-volkswagen-amarok-axes-base-models-and-four-cylinder-diesel/</link><pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 02:08:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-volkswagen-amarok-axes-base-models-and-four-cylinder-diesel/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Anger at Hollywood’s elite after Oscars car towing ‘frenzy’]]></title><description><![CDATA[Drivers and residents are frustrated after &ldquo;about 100&rdquo; cars were towed to make way for the 2026 Oscars red carpet.<br />
Los Angeles drivers were left stranded and out of pocket when their cars were towed to make way for the 2026 Oscars red carpet on Sunday, US time.<br />
RELATED: Outrage as council goes on parking-fine spree at community eventAccording to local media, dozens of cars parked in the streets surrounding the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood were removed by tow trucks on Sunday morning be]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/anger-at-hollywoods-elite-after-oscars-car-towing-frenzy/</link><pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 01:30:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/anger-at-hollywoods-elite-after-oscars-car-towing-frenzy/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[MG 4 Urban: New cut-price EV weeks away from Australian launch]]></title><description><![CDATA[MG 4 Urban is expected to be the brand&rsquo;s cheapest electric car when it arrives in showrooms in April.<br />
MG 4 Urban<br />
MG has announced an April arrival date for the upcoming MG 4 Urban electric vehicle, planned to offer two battery capacities and prices in the region of its main rival, the $29,990 BYD Dolphin.The front-wheel-drive MG 4 can be optioned with a 43kWh standard-range battery or a 54kWh extended-range offering.UK specifications indicate the standard-range battery version will be pair]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mg-4-urban-new-cut-price-ev-weeks-away-from-australian-launch/</link><pubDate>Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:52:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mg-4-urban-new-cut-price-ev-weeks-away-from-australian-launch/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Mazda BT-50 price and specs: Thunder, Boss return alongside tech update]]></title><description><![CDATA[Two new variants have been added to the Mazda BT-50 range, alongside new parking technology and a price rise.<br />
2026 Mazda BT-50 pricing and specificationsThunder flagship returns with accessoriesBoss special adds black styling to XT gradePriced from $38,400 plus on-road costsBT-50 Thunder.<br />
Mazda has returned the BT-50 Thunder to the top of its diesel ute line-up, alongside a revived Boss model grade and price rises of $500 to $1540, depending on the variant.The Thunder adds popular accessories to]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mazda-bt-50-price-and-specs-thunder-boss-return-alongside-tech-update/</link><pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 23:26:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mazda-bt-50-price-and-specs-thunder-boss-return-alongside-tech-update/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Suzuki Jimny review: Off-road quick drive]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Suzuki Jimny three-door is finally back on the market after its long hiatus. We jump behind the wheel for a short drive off-road and a poke around some of the new features.2026 Suzuki JimnyThe Suzuki Jimny is a car that consistently makes headlines, especially as one of the last cars to be plagued with stock availability following the COVID-19 pandemic.Just when things were looking steady for the car, the Australian Design Rules for autonomous emergency braking (AEB) came into effect, and th]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-suzuki-jimny-review-off-road-quick-drive/</link><pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 23:03:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-suzuki-jimny-review-off-road-quick-drive/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Suzuki Vitara Hybrid review: Australian first drive]]></title><description><![CDATA[The new 2026 Suzuki Vitara Hybrid is finally here after lengthy delays. Now with an electrified powertrain, but has it been worth the extended wait?2026 Suzuki VitaraSuzuki has never really recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic and the automotive stock issues that came with it. You had to treat buying a Jimny like getting tickets to a Taylor Swift concert &ndash; finger on the trigger, ready to hit &lsquo;buy&rsquo; on whatever comes up, or overpay for a secondhand one.While stock was spotty for]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-suzuki-vitara-hybrid-review-australian-first-drive/</link><pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 23:01:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-suzuki-vitara-hybrid-review-australian-first-drive/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Suzuki eVitara review: Australian first drive]]></title><description><![CDATA[Suzuki is about to hit the market with its first-ever electric vehicle. We slip behind the wheel for a quick drive on the road, as well as some off-road sections, to find out if Suzuki has got the formula right.2026 Suzuki eVitaraSuzuki is one of the last major Japanese brands to launch an electric vehicle, opting for mild-hybrid technology to keep emissions down in its range of small vehicles in the interim.However, the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) is making it incredibly difficult fo]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-suzuki-evitara-review-australian-first-drive/</link><pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 23:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-suzuki-evitara-review-australian-first-drive/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ford: V8s are ‘really important to us’]]></title><description><![CDATA[The great-grandson of founder Henry Ford has committed to V8 engines as long as emissions regulations permit.<br />
Ford Mustang GT<br />
Bill Ford is presiding over the biggest disruption in the Ford Motor Company&rsquo;s history. The rise of China, capricious government regulations and the switch to electrified powertrains keep the company&rsquo;s executive chairman busy.But right now, Henry Ford&rsquo;s great-grandson &ndash; and executive chair of Ford&rsquo;s board &ndash; just wants to talk V8s.&ldquo]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-v8s-are-really-important-to-us/</link><pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 22:20:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-v8s-are-really-important-to-us/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Renault to take on Suzuki Jimny, Skoda Octavia with new low-cost models]]></title><description><![CDATA[France&rsquo;s Renault has confirmed it will build a Suzuki Jimny rival, while Dacia has unveiled a low-cost wagon to fight the Skoda Octavia.<br />
Renault Bridger Concept<br />
The Renault Group has announced it will launch 32 new models globally in the next five years &ndash; including rivals to the Suzuki Jimny off-road SUV and the Skoda Octavia wagon.Due on sale in India next year, ahead of a &ldquo;gradual roll-out to other international markets&rdquo;, the squared-off Renault Bridger will measure und]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/renault-to-take-on-suzuki-jimny-skoda-octavia-with-new-low-cost-models/</link><pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 21:26:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/renault-to-take-on-suzuki-jimny-skoda-octavia-with-new-low-cost-models/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mazda delayed its first hybrid system to get it right]]></title><description><![CDATA[The brand&rsquo;s first in-house hybrid will arrive in the 2027 CX-5, but Mazda wanted it sooner to compete against Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and others.Mazda&rsquo;s first in-house full-hybrid system, planned to launch on the third-generation CX-5 in 2027, was delayed to ensure it would meet the brand&rsquo;s signature driving dynamics, according to the brand&rsquo;s Australian boss.Speaking to Drive, Mazda Australia boss Vinesh Bhindi said the desire was to introduce the Toyota-rivalling technology s]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mazda-delayed-its-first-hybrid-system-to-get-it-right/</link><pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 19:54:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mazda-delayed-its-first-hybrid-system-to-get-it-right/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Blind-spot warnings reduce lane change crashes by 15 per cent, new Australian study says]]></title><description><![CDATA[A new Australian study has found that blind-spot warning technology in cars reduces lane-change crashes by 15 per cent.According to estimates in a new Australian study, 15 per cent of lane change crashes are prevented by blind-spot warnings, with men benefiting the most from the technology.Lane change crashes reportedly account for 2.4 per cent of all Australasian crashes, and a 15 per cent reduction of these means 0.36 per cent of all crashes are prevented by blind-spot warnings.The study was u]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/blind-spot-warnings-reduce-lane-change-crashes-by-15-per-cent-new-australian-study-says/</link><pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 18:53:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/blind-spot-warnings-reduce-lane-change-crashes-by-15-per-cent-new-australian-study-says/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior: New off-road ute confirmed for 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[Expect the off-road hero to follow closely behind the rest of the new Navara range in the Australian market.Nissan will bring the next generation of the locally-developed Navara Pro-4X Warrior flagship off-road ute to the Australian market by the end of 2026.Speaking to Drive at the launch of the new-generation Nissan Navara in Canberra, a brand representative said the off-road hero to the range is &ldquo;coming this year&rdquo;.A concept version of the next Navara Warrior was revealed last year]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/nissan-navara-pro-4x-warrior-new-off-road-ute-confirmed-for-2026/</link><pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 10:12:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/nissan-navara-pro-4x-warrior-new-off-road-ute-confirmed-for-2026/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Every fuel discount in Australia right now]]></title><description><![CDATA[Petrol prices continue to climb as panic about a potential shortage grows. Still, discounts can be found if you know where to look. Drive finds out how you can fill up for a fraction of full price.<br />
Aussie drivers are feeling pain at the pump as petrol prices continue to rise in the wake of conflict in the Middle East. Though experts have advised drivers not to panic-buy petrol, it seems many have done just that, creating increased demand &ndash; despite supply so far being largely unaffected.REL]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/every-fuel-discount-in-australia-right-now/</link><pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 07:30:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/every-fuel-discount-in-australia-right-now/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Honda CR-V price and specs: RAV4 rival expands hybrid range in Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[An expanded Honda CR-V hybrid range has launched in Australia, reducing the cost of entry by $10,000 with three new variants and newly-standard all-wheel-drive on the carryover e:HEV RS.<br />
2026 Honda CR-V pricing and specificationse:HEV hybrid range grows from one to four variantsAll variants gain new features, including Google built-in appsPriced from $44,900 drive-away<br />
Petrol-electric hybrid power is now standard on all but two Honda CR-V variants in Australia for 2026.The 2026 Honda CR-V will a]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-honda-cr-v-price-and-specs-rav4-rival-expands-hybrid-range-in-australia/</link><pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 06:55:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-honda-cr-v-price-and-specs-rav4-rival-expands-hybrid-range-in-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Cupra Leon Sportstourer VZe PHEV wagon review]]></title><description><![CDATA[Australia&rsquo;s newest PHEV wagon comes from Cupra. Is the Leon Sportstourer VZe a good alternative to the Skoda Octavia RS and the Subaru WRX?<br />
Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps<br />
2026 Cupra Leon Sportstourer VZePlug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are growing in popularity in Australia, recording a 131 per cent sales increase in 2025 as more-affordable models]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-cupra-leon-sportstourer-vze-phev-wagon-review/</link><pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-cupra-leon-sportstourer-vze-phev-wagon-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2022-2025 BMW 5 Series, i5, 7 Series and i7 recalled in Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[The fault could damage the air-conditioning wiring harness, potentially resulting in a short circuit, according to the recall notice.BMW Australia has recalled 1032 examples of its 2022 to 2025 BMW 5 Series, i5, M5, 7 Series and i7, citing a potential fault with their air-conditioning wiring harness.The recall notice, lodged with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts, says: &ldquo;The air conditioning (A/C) wiring harness may become]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2022-2025-bmw-5-series-i5-7-series-and-i7-recalled-in-australia/</link><pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 03:02:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2022-2025-bmw-5-series-i5-7-series-and-i7-recalled-in-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 BMW i3 tipped to surpass Tesla Model 3 driving range]]></title><description><![CDATA[BMW has revealed further specifications for its new i3 electric sedan, as it continues testing before its reveal later this week.BMW&rsquo;s new electric sedan, the Tesla Model 3-rivalling i3, is set for an 18 March reveal as prototypes undergo final evaluation testing in Alpine conditions.This will be the first electric sedan under BMW&rsquo;s next-generation range of &lsquo;Neue Klasse&rsquo; vehicles, following the iX3 SUV.The 800-volt i3 is due to go into production in the second half of thi]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-bmw-i3-tipped-to-surpass-tesla-model-3-driving-range/</link><pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 01:47:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-bmw-i3-tipped-to-surpass-tesla-model-3-driving-range/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Hyundai Palisade sales paused, recall planned for Australia after US child death]]></title><description><![CDATA[Hyundai is planning a global recall for certain 2026 Palisade SUVs &ndash; including in Australia &ndash; because their rear power seats &ldquo;may not adequately detect contact with an occupant or object&rdquo;.Sales of certain 2026 Hyundai Palisade family SUVs have been paused globally &ndash; including in Australia &ndash; and a safety recall is being planned due to a reported fault with their second and third-row power seats, following the death of a child in the United States.<br />
According to]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-hyundai-palisade-sales-paused-recall-planned-for-australia-after-us-child-death/</link><pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 01:35:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-hyundai-palisade-sales-paused-recall-planned-for-australia-after-us-child-death/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Subaru Outback: Wilderness off-road edition expected to be most popular]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Subaru Outback XT has been replaced by two new Wilderness variants, which the local boss believes are going to be the biggest hit with customers.The two off-road-focused Wilderness grades are likely to be the most popular in the Subaru Outback range as the car maker launches its new sub-brand in Australia, its local boss has said.Subaru launched the Wilderness label for the Outback, Forester and Crosstrek models in the US in 2021, but it is only now arriving in Australia for the first time.T]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-subaru-outback-wilderness-off-road-edition-expected-to-be-most-popular/</link><pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 01:10:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-subaru-outback-wilderness-off-road-edition-expected-to-be-most-popular/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mitsubishi Pajero Sport sales increase, despite final stock built a year ago]]></title><description><![CDATA[Deliveries of the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport off-road SUV have increased by nearly 20 per cent year-on-year, more than 12 months after the final stock was built.The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has recorded a 19 per cent year-to-date sales increase, despite the remaining stock being at least 12 months old.Australian new-car sales data reveals 1047 examples of the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport were reported as sold in January and February 2026, up from 881 during the same time last year.It compares to 3691 For]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mitsubishi-pajero-sport-sales-increase-despite-final-stock-built-a-year-ago/</link><pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:08:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mitsubishi-pajero-sport-sales-increase-despite-final-stock-built-a-year-ago/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyundai keen to avoid comparison between Elexio and Kia EV5 electric SUVs]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Hyundai Elexio medium electric SUV and the Kia EV5 are mechanically-related, but Hyundai says there&rsquo;s plenty of differences between the two.<br />
Hyundai Elexio versus Kia EV5<br />
Hyundai is running its own race with its new Elexio electric medium SUV, saying it has a &ldquo;signature style&rdquo; that distinguishes it from the related Kia EV5.The Korean car brand has just launched the Elexio with one Elite grade in Australia, the second market to get the vehicle, after its home country, China.]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-keen-to-avoid-comparison-between-elexio-and-kia-ev5-electric-suvs/</link><pubDate>Sun, 15 Mar 2026 22:37:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-keen-to-avoid-comparison-between-elexio-and-kia-ev5-electric-suvs/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 GWM Tank 500 Ultra PHEV review]]></title><description><![CDATA[The big four-wheel-drive wagon from GWM borrows plug-in hybrid power from the Cannon Alpha, with a solid EV driving range and 300kW/750Nm worth of combined outputs. But the asking price has gone up, and it loses the third row of seats.Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps<br />
2026 GWM Tank 500 Ultra Hi4-T PHEVIt&rsquo;s something of a rare offering in the four-wheel-drive]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-gwm-tank-500-ultra-phev-review/</link><pubDate>Sun, 15 Mar 2026 22:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-gwm-tank-500-ultra-phev-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door interior revealed]]></title><description><![CDATA[Mercedes-AMG&rsquo;s first dedicated electric car has retained touch-sensitive buttons and on-screen controls &ndash; though not for all functions &ndash; as rivals move back to physical switches.Mercedes-AMG has unveiled the interior of the new 2026 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door electric sedan, which features a driver-oriented layout and up to three screens.The brand&rsquo;s upcoming electric sports sedan is based on the AMG GT XX concept, aimed to compete with the Porsche Taycan as the first model to]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mercedes-amg-gt-4-door-interior-revealed/</link><pubDate>Sun, 15 Mar 2026 20:25:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mercedes-amg-gt-4-door-interior-revealed/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[New traffic light signage calls out ‘annoying’ act causing congestion]]></title><description><![CDATA[Despite motorists consistently calling out this annoying trait online, this area has taken it upon itself to remind drivers how to drive properly.<br />
Photo: Reddit/Facebook<br />
Drivers &lsquo;short stopping&rsquo; at a set of traffic lights is easily one of the most annoying traits a motorist can have, especially when there&rsquo;s nothing you can do about it.RELATED: Motorists point out &lsquo;frustrating&rsquo; act that causes traffic congestionWhen we refer to the act of &lsquo;short stopping&rsquo;]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/new-traffic-light-signage-calls-out-annoying-act-causing-congestion/</link><pubDate>Sun, 15 Mar 2026 19:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/new-traffic-light-signage-calls-out-annoying-act-causing-congestion/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Toyota plug-in hybrid ute plans hinted in patent filings]]></title><description><![CDATA[Is Toyota planning a plug-in hybrid ute to rival the BYD Shark 6 and Ranger PHEV?Recently-filed patents suggest that Toyota may have plans for a plug-in hybrid ute to rival the likes of the BYD Shark 6, Ford Ranger PHEV and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV.Two separate filings with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) reveal a pair of battery-packaging options that Toyota could be considering for a future ute model.Although not entirely new, the patents secure Toyota&rsquo;s proposed desig]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-plug-in-hybrid-ute-plans-hinted-in-patent-filings/</link><pubDate>Sun, 15 Mar 2026 18:53:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-plug-in-hybrid-ute-plans-hinted-in-patent-filings/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘I’ll do the lot’: Lambo guy opens his own petrol station]]></title><description><![CDATA[Aussie billionaire Adrian Portelli is set to open the first LMCT+ petrol station in Melbourne, offering lower prices to its members.<br />
Melbourne billionaire Adrian Portelli&rsquo;s LMCT+ empire is set to grow with the addition of its first petrol station in Melbourne.Image: Instagram/LMCT+<br />
Australian billionaire Adrian Portelli is expanding his controversial LMCT+ rewards platform empire to include petrol stations, offering cheaper fuel prices for his business&rsquo;s subscribers.<br />
The property inv]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ill-do-the-lot-lambo-guy-opens-his-own-petrol-station/</link><pubDate>Sun, 15 Mar 2026 10:30:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ill-do-the-lot-lambo-guy-opens-his-own-petrol-station/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Chery wants you to name its new diesel-hybrid ute]]></title><description><![CDATA[Chery&rsquo;s first dual-cab ute is currently known only by its codename, but you can help change that.The name of the &lsquo;world&rsquo;s first&rsquo; diesel plug-in hybrid ute has been put to the Australian people, as Chery has launched a competition to name its upcoming dual-cab, currently codenamed KP31.The nation will decide what the Chery ute is called before it goes on sale with diesel power between October and December this year, with the competition winner to be gifted the first exampl]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/chery-wants-you-to-name-its-new-diesel-hybrid-ute/</link><pubDate>Sun, 15 Mar 2026 03:10:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/chery-wants-you-to-name-its-new-diesel-hybrid-ute/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Lexus RX500h F Sport Performance review]]></title><description><![CDATA[If you&rsquo;re hankering after the slickest and sleekest SUV Lexus has ever built, you&rsquo;ve come to exactly the right place. But in a fiercely fought market sector, is that enough?<br />
Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps<br />
2026 Lexus RX500h F Sport PerformanceYou know the Lexus RX. In 2025 it was the fourth-best-selling SUV in its class, trailing only the sales of the]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-lexus-rx500h-f-sport-performance-review/</link><pubDate>Sun, 15 Mar 2026 02:20:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-lexus-rx500h-f-sport-performance-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BMW M3 EV could be here within the next 18 months]]></title><description><![CDATA[BMW has hinted at the release date of its all-new BMW M3 EV, with the possibility of it landing in Australia in the next 18 months.BMW customers could have the choice between a 1000kW electric M3 and an internal combustion engine version within the next 18 months.In a recent round table with BMW M CEO, Frank van Meel, the German brand hinted at a release date for the new electric model while speaking about whether the new model will have the same driving feel as an internal combustion model.&ldq]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bmw-m3-ev-could-be-here-within-the-next-18-months/</link><pubDate>Sun, 15 Mar 2026 01:47:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bmw-m3-ev-could-be-here-within-the-next-18-months/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2025 Volkswagen Transporter recalled in Australia due to software issue]]></title><description><![CDATA[The software issue could result in its headlights causing excessive glare to other road users, according to the recall notice.Volkswagen Australia has recalled nine examples of its 2025 Volkswagen Transporter, citing a potential software fault with their low- and high-beam headlights.The recall notice, lodged with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts, says: &ldquo;Due to a software issue, the headlamp low/high beam may not have bee]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2025-volkswagen-transporter-recalled-in-australia-due-to-software-issue/</link><pubDate>Sun, 15 Mar 2026 01:13:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2025-volkswagen-transporter-recalled-in-australia-due-to-software-issue/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Honda Civic Type R: Five alternatives worth considering after price rise to $85K]]></title><description><![CDATA[The latest price rise to hit the Honda Civic Type R hot-hatch makes it an $85,000 proposition. What are the alternatives?The price of a Honda Civic Type R hot-hatch has been pushed to $85,500 drive-away, putting the small front-wheel drive hatchback in the crosshairs of a huge range of other cars for a similar outlay.While it&rsquo;s not the most expensive Honda model, thanks to clear air to the $420,000 price of the NSX from 2016 to 2020, it positions the Civic higher than the last full-size lu]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/honda-civic-type-r-five-alternatives-worth-considering-after-price-rise-to-85k/</link><pubDate>Sun, 15 Mar 2026 00:07:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/honda-civic-type-r-five-alternatives-worth-considering-after-price-rise-to-85k/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Affordable EVs you can buy in Australia in 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[Just a few years ago, the $40,000 benchmark was seen as a &lsquo;cheap&rsquo; entry point for electric vehicles, but now there&rsquo;s a wide selection of EVs available below $40K.With petrol prices on the rise, and no sign of that abating anytime soon, more and more Australians are turning to electric vehicles (EVs) as option to keep costs down.And where EVs once attracted a substantial premium over petrol-powered counterparts, the affordable choices of the former continue to grow in 2026.Here&]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/affordable-evs-you-can-buy-in-australia-in-2026/</link><pubDate>Sat, 14 Mar 2026 22:55:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/affordable-evs-you-can-buy-in-australia-in-2026/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Toyota RAV4 scheduled to arrive in Australia this month]]></title><description><![CDATA[Toyota announces the ETA for the new generation RAV4 as stocks run dry for the outgoing model.Toyota Australia has announced that its &lsquo;first&rsquo; shipment of the 2026 RAV4 has left Japan, bound for Australia.In February this year, Toyota recorded just 723 RAV4 sales as stocks of the outgoing generation ran low, an 83.6 per cent drop compared to February 2025.Toyota indicates that the shipment of dealer and customer vehicles is due &ldquo;by the end of March,&rdquo; meaning customers may]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-rav4-scheduled-to-arrive-in-australia-this-month/</link><pubDate>Sat, 14 Mar 2026 22:07:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-rav4-scheduled-to-arrive-in-australia-this-month/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Subaru WRX price and specs: Club Spec Evo sedan added, Sportswagon range slimmed]]></title><description><![CDATA[The limited-edition Club Spec has returned to the Subaru WRX range, with the 75-unit &lsquo;Evo&rsquo; celebrating 60,000 sales in Australia since the 1990s.<br />
2026 Subaru WRX pricing and specificationsLimited-edition Club Spec Evo sedan added to Australian rangeEntry-level WRX Sportswagon grade discontinuedPriced from $48,890 before on-road costs; $700 increase2026 Subaru WRX Club Spec Evo limited-edition<br />
Subaru Australia has launched another WRX Club Spec limited edition, two years after the las]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-subaru-wrx-price-and-specs-club-spec-evo-sedan-added-sportswagon-range-slimmed/</link><pubDate>Sat, 14 Mar 2026 03:04:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-subaru-wrx-price-and-specs-club-spec-evo-sedan-added-sportswagon-range-slimmed/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Suzuki shifts focus more to off-road rather than hot hatches]]></title><description><![CDATA[Amid the indefinite hiatus of the Swift Sport, Suzuki is instead looking to shift its focus toward SUVs and off-road vehicles.Following the news that the Suzuki Swift Sport has no clear next-generation, Suzuki is putting all of its eggs into the SUV and off-road vehicle basket.&ldquo;[Off-road] is definitely in our DNA. As you can see, we launched our first fully battery electric vehicle with an off-road capability, albeit not as great as what the Jimny can do, still, it definitely can do some t]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/suzuki-shifts-focus-more-to-off-road-rather-than-hot-hatches/</link><pubDate>Sat, 14 Mar 2026 02:07:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/suzuki-shifts-focus-more-to-off-road-rather-than-hot-hatches/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[F1 considering tweaks to 2026 rules]]></title><description><![CDATA[Amid increasing criticism, Formula One&rsquo;s new regulations will be reviewed after this weekend&rsquo;s Chinese Grand Prix.Image Credit: Joe PortlockFormula One could consider changes to its new regulations, with discussions set to take place after this weekend&rsquo;s race.&nbsp;The new 2026 rules have divided opinion across the paddock, with the new power units criticised for being too energy-limited and placing a heavier emphasis on battery management during races.&nbsp;McLaren&rsquo;s Lan]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/f1-considering-tweaks-to-2026-rules/</link><pubDate>Sat, 14 Mar 2026 00:52:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/f1-considering-tweaks-to-2026-rules/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 MG 4X electric SUV revealed as updated S5 EV]]></title><description><![CDATA[MG has updated the SUV version of the MG 4 electric hatch to look like a completely different MG 4 it has little in common with.MG&rsquo;s rival to the BYD Atto 3, the S5 EV, has been treated to a restyle &ndash; and a new name &ndash; in China, less than 18 months after going on sale.Now known as the MG 4X, the electric SUV adopts the styling of the new, front-wheel-drive MG 4 Urban due in Australia next month, with the rear-wheel-drive platform of the original MG 4.MG no longer offers the rear]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mg-4x-electric-suv-revealed-as-updated-s5-ev/</link><pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 23:48:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mg-4x-electric-suv-revealed-as-updated-s5-ev/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyundai Ioniq 6 sold out ahead of update, sales model may change in future]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Hyundai Ioniq 6 electric sedan is now sold out in Australia ahead of the updated version arriving in the coming weeks, but the way it is sold in Australia may be about to change.<br />
Hyundai Ioniq 6<br />
Hyundai has sold out its stock of the current Ioniq 6 sedan ahead of the facelifted model arriving soon.The car maker had slashed the price of the sporty sedan by as much as $35,000 late last year in an attempt to clear old stock amid declining sales since its launch in 2023.The entry-level Ioniq 6 R]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-ioniq-6-sold-out-ahead-of-update-sales-model-may-change-in-future/</link><pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 23:02:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-ioniq-6-sold-out-ahead-of-update-sales-model-may-change-in-future/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 BMW iX3 40 electric SUV details emerge, 12 months from Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[A smaller battery, less range, and 200kg in weight loss are coming to BMW&rsquo;s new electric iX3, as a new grade is released.<br />
2026 BMW iX3 model<br />
Details of the upcoming entry-level grade of the BMW iX3, known as the iX3 40, have been revealed by an insider.BimmerPost forum member and reputable BMW insider &lsquo;ynguldyn&rsquo; has shared details on an upcoming, entry-level rear-wheel-drive iX3 40, which will join the line-up alongside a dual-motor 40 xDrive variant to sit below the current 50]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-bmw-ix3-40-electric-suv-details-emerge-12-months-from-australia/</link><pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 21:53:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-bmw-ix3-40-electric-suv-details-emerge-12-months-from-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Petrol could hit $3 a litre in one month if price growth stays the same]]></title><description><![CDATA[Petrol prices have climbed to new heights since the Middle East conflict began, and concern fuel costs may hit $3 a litre has begun to loom. But what would it mean for your weekly driving costs? We crunched the numbers by state and car type.<br />
Petrol prices have skyrocketed in the past week, with the national average pump price increasing to $1.98 a litre in the week to Sunday, 8 March &ndash; almost 20 cents a litre more than the annual average.In some states, including NSW and Victoria, the aver]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/petrol-could-hit-3-a-litre-in-one-month-if-price-growth-stays-the-same/</link><pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 19:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/petrol-could-hit-3-a-litre-in-one-month-if-price-growth-stays-the-same/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘Am I liable?’: Confusing parking sign creates legal grey area]]></title><description><![CDATA[If you can&rsquo;t clearly read a parking sign, can you still get a ticket? We ask a local council about who&rsquo;s to blame for parking confusion.The number on the parking sign has been covered with white tape, meaning no time period has been specified. Photo: Supplied<br />
Australian parking signs are confusing enough as it is &ndash; bombarding drivers with time limits, restrictions and rules &ndash; but what happens if you can&rsquo;t read the sign in the first place?RELATED: Outrage as council]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/am-i-liable-confusing-parking-sign-creates-legal-grey-area/</link><pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 19:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/am-i-liable-confusing-parking-sign-creates-legal-grey-area/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘No need to stockpile or hoard fuel’: Regional petrol and diesel supply to be boosted by Australian reserves]]></title><description><![CDATA[Up to 762 million litres of petrol and diesel will be supplied to regional areas to combat high demand and short supply.The Federal Government will release &ldquo;up to&rdquo; 20 per cent of the nation&rsquo;s petrol and diesel reserves to help boost fuel supply for regional Australia, amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.Australia currently has 36 days&rsquo; worth of petrol and 32 days of diesel stored at facilities across the country, legally required to keep on hand at sites around t]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/no-need-to-stockpile-or-hoard-fuel-regional-petrol-and-diesel-supply-to-be-boosted-by-australian-reserves/</link><pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 07:11:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/no-need-to-stockpile-or-hoard-fuel-regional-petrol-and-diesel-supply-to-be-boosted-by-australian-reserves/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stolen Lamborghini that evaded police all day crashes into fence]]></title><description><![CDATA[Driver arrested after a stolen Lamborghini Urus went on a day-long joyride throughout Melbourne before crashing into a fence.<br />
Image: Victorian Stolen Cars Facebook Group.<br />
A stolen Lamborghini Urus crashed in Glen Waverley after evading police for 15 hours.The Urus was stolen from a home on The Esplanade in the inner-western Melbourne suburb of Maribyrnong in the early hours of Thursday March 12, before crashing into a fence on Myers Avenue in Glen Waverley that afternoon.Images shared online of]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/stolen-lamborghini-that-evaded-police-all-day-crashes-into-fence/</link><pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 04:19:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/stolen-lamborghini-that-evaded-police-all-day-crashes-into-fence/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 GAC Aion UT price and specs: BYD Dolphin and MG 4 rival detailed for Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[Australian pricing and specification details for the GAC Aion UT electric hatchback have been confirmed &ndash; including a special drive-away offer for the first 600 customer orders.<br />
2026 GAC Aion UT pricing and specificationsElectric hatchback rivals BYD Dolphin, MG 4 Urban and GWM OraPromotional drive-away pricing available for the first 600 ordersPriced from $31,990 before on-road costs<br />
Australia&rsquo;s newest car brand, GAC, has expanded its line-up with the Aion UT electric hatchback.Pric]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-gac-aion-ut-price-and-specs-byd-dolphin-and-mg-4-rival-detailed-for-australia/</link><pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 04:15:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-gac-aion-ut-price-and-specs-byd-dolphin-and-mg-4-rival-detailed-for-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Opinion: The big error that Formula 1 is making]]></title><description><![CDATA[The F1 teams should never be more important than the fans. That seems to be being overlooked right now.<br />
Formula 1 has developed a heavy reliance on big car manufacturers entering the sport. Photo: Getty<br />
&lsquo;Win on Sunday, sell on Monday&rsquo; is a well-worn motorsport clich&eacute;, but it&rsquo;s one that contains a kernel of truth.What&rsquo;s more, it&rsquo;s one that applies to the current state of Formula 1, with its heavy reliance on big car manufacturers entering the sport.Look at the]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/opinion-the-big-error-that-formula-1-is-making/</link><pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/opinion-the-big-error-that-formula-1-is-making/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mazda holding enough CX-5 stock to see it through to next-generation SUV]]></title><description><![CDATA[CX-5 is set to continue to light up the sales charts despite being in runout ahead of a new model due soon, according to Mazda.Mazda Australia is expecting its soon-to-be-outdated second-generation CX-5 to continue selling strongly until the new-gen model family SUVs arrives around mid-year.Despite having been on sale since 2017, the second-gen CX-5 continues to be one of the most popular cars in Australia, finishing last year in eighth position with 22,742 recorded sales.For the first two month]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mazda-holding-enough-cx-5-stock-to-see-it-through-to-next-generation-suv/</link><pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 03:55:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mazda-holding-enough-cx-5-stock-to-see-it-through-to-next-generation-suv/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Honda cancels EV plans citing ‘decline in competitiveness’ as a factor]]></title><description><![CDATA[Chinese EVs, US tariffs, and sliding sales in Asia are to blame for Honda cancelling its upcoming 0 Series electric cars months before entering production.<br />
Honda 0 Saloon, 2025 Tokyo Motor Show<br />
Honda has pulled the plug on three planned electric vehicles (EVs), copping around AU$22 billion in losses as it pivots its strategy.The cancelled cars are production versions of the 0 Series Saloon and SUV &ndash; both set for production this year in North America for a 2027 launch &ndash; and the Acura]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/honda-cancels-ev-plans-citing-decline-in-competitiveness-as-a-factor/</link><pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 03:54:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/honda-cancels-ev-plans-citing-decline-in-competitiveness-as-a-factor/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Skoda Octavia Select Hybrid price and specs: Lower fuel consumption comes with price premium]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Toyota Camry-rivalling Skoda Octavia Select is now available with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system which improves fuel efficiency.Skoda has launched the 2026 Octavia Select Hybrid at a nationwide drive-away price of $43,990 in sedan form and $45,990 for the wagon, which comes as the brand significantly expands its electrified offerings.Compared to the equivalent non-mild hybrid Octavia, the Select Hybrid version is $2500 and $2000 more expensive for the sedan and wagon respectively.Differentiati]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-skoda-octavia-select-hybrid-price-and-specs-lower-fuel-consumption-comes-with-price-premium/</link><pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 02:58:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-skoda-octavia-select-hybrid-price-and-specs-lower-fuel-consumption-comes-with-price-premium/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ford could use F1 tech to prevent breakdowns in Ranger utes, Transit vans]]></title><description><![CDATA[The global boss of Ford wants to use Formula One software to anticipate faults and failures in utes and vans before they happen.Clever software used by Formula One teams could one day prevent Ford Ranger and Transit drivers from being stranded on the side of the road.Ford CEO Jim Farley told Australian media it is one way the US car giant hopes to transfer technology from its Formula One return as an engine partner for Red Bull Racing into the road cars it sells.&ldquo;Racing, if you do it right]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-could-use-f1-tech-to-prevent-breakdowns-in-ranger-utes-transit-vans/</link><pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 02:04:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-could-use-f1-tech-to-prevent-breakdowns-in-ranger-utes-transit-vans/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Tesla Model Y L review: Australian first drive]]></title><description><![CDATA[Tesla has lengthened its most popular model to accommodate a six-seat cabin that promises more space and luxury for family buyers, beyond what a regular Model Y offers. Here&rsquo;s what it&rsquo;s like.<br />
Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps<br />
2026 Tesla Model Y LTesla customers shopping for a larger vehicle than a Model Y in Australia have been out of luck since the Mod]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-tesla-model-y-l-review-australian-first-drive/</link><pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 01:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-tesla-model-y-l-review-australian-first-drive/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Tesla Model Y L price and specs: Six-seat EV now on sale in Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[The stretched six-seat version of Tesla&rsquo;s top-selling model is now available in Australia, with additional features and luxury to justify its price premium over a five-seat equivalent.<br />
2026 Tesla Model Y L pricing and specificationsSix-seat family SUV brings more space, features681km range from bigger battery, vehicle-to-load (V2L) addedPriced from $74,900 before on-road costs<br />
The first Tesla delivered new in Australia with three rows of seating since 2020 will be priced from $74,900 plus]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-tesla-model-y-l-price-and-specs-six-seat-ev-now-on-sale-in-australia/</link><pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 01:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-tesla-model-y-l-price-and-specs-six-seat-ev-now-on-sale-in-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Suzuki believes it meets the ‘expectations of buyers’ despite poor ANCAP ratings]]></title><description><![CDATA[Following poor crash test results and subsequent low ratings from ANCAP, Suzuki Australia still believes its products meet the expectations of buyers.Despite the Suzuki Swift initially receiving a one-star safety rating in 2025 from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) and the Fronx following soon after, Michael Pachota, Suzuki Australia General Manager, believes that the products meet the expectations of its buyers.&ldquo;We produce a very good value proposition for the Australia]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/suzuki-believes-it-meets-the-expectations-of-buyers-despite-poor-ancap-ratings/</link><pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:48:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/suzuki-believes-it-meets-the-expectations-of-buyers-despite-poor-ancap-ratings/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BMW Z4 end of the road nears, with production ceasing for Australia imminently]]></title><description><![CDATA[The final purpose-built sports car in the BMW line-up &ndash; styled by an Australian &ndash; will depart the local range in the coming months.<br />
Pre-update 2019 Z4 M40i.<br />
BMW is calling last drinks on its Z4 roadster in Australia &ndash; the only standalone sports car left in its line-up &ndash; as production prepares to end in Europe this month.It will leave the German car giant with the 2 Series, 4 Series, and 8 Series as its sole remaining two-door cars &ndash; the latter pair available as conv]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bmw-z4-end-of-the-road-nears-with-production-ceasing-for-australia-imminently/</link><pubDate>Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:06:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bmw-z4-end-of-the-road-nears-with-production-ceasing-for-australia-imminently/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘Your time is up’: Hoon task force descends on Victorian town]]></title><description><![CDATA[After community outrage, Victoria Police is set to deploy a dedicated hoon task force in Ballarat, though not all locals approve.<br />
Victoria Police will implement a hoon-focused task force in Ballarat amid community outrage.Despite concentrated efforts from authorities to crack down on dangerous driving, some motorists still aren&rsquo;t taking the hint, with Victoria Police set to deploy a dedicated hoon team in Ballarat.Dubbed the &lsquo;Ballarat High Risk Driving Team&rsquo;, the task force&rsq]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/your-time-is-up-hoon-task-force-descends-on-victorian-town/</link><pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 23:46:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/your-time-is-up-hoon-task-force-descends-on-victorian-town/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Mercedes-Benz VLE: Electric V-Class replacement reboots van range]]></title><description><![CDATA[Out with the V-Class, in with the VLE as Mercedes-Benz reveals the first of its new Van Architecture models.Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the production version of its controversial Vision V electric people mover concept, first shown in 2025.The 2026 Mercedes-Benz VLE replaces the V-Class people-mover in the Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicle line-up.It&rsquo;s the first model to utilise a new flexible architecture for the Mercedes commercial vehicle range, called simply Van Architecture.The chassis]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mercedes-benz-vle-electric-v-class-replacement-reboots-van-range/</link><pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 22:50:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mercedes-benz-vle-electric-v-class-replacement-reboots-van-range/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyundai could build more cars for Australia in China, amid global reach]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Elexio is the brand&rsquo;s first passenger model made in China for Australia, and more cars could come from there in future, Hyundai says.<br />
Hyundai Elexio<br />
Hyundai now has the ability to &ldquo;search the world&rdquo; to find new models for the Australian market, but expects more to come from China, it says.In addition to the three plants it has on home turf in South Korea, Hyundai has eight around the globe, as well as R&amp;D centres in Namyang and Shanghai.While most Australia-bound models]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-could-build-more-cars-for-australia-in-china-amid-global-reach/</link><pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 21:28:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-could-build-more-cars-for-australia-in-china-amid-global-reach/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Audi mulling F1-themed RS performance editions]]></title><description><![CDATA[Audi&rsquo;s new F1 entry could serve as inspiration for a series of limited-edition RS road cars, but Formula One engineers may not be involved.Special-edition Audi performance cars inspired by Formula One are under consideration, to draw on its investment in the world&rsquo;s premier motorsport series.F1-themed versions of road cars are not new in the automotive world, offered by brands from Renault and Alfa Romeo to BMW, Aston Martin, and Mercedes-AMG.Audi could be next on the list, hints J&u]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/audi-mulling-f1-themed-rs-performance-editions/</link><pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 19:48:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/audi-mulling-f1-themed-rs-performance-editions/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why your next tank of fuel could trigger a serious debt spiral]]></title><description><![CDATA[While Afterpay has become a common payment method, experts are warning drivers of the dangers of using it to pay for petrol.<br />
While Afterpay&rsquo;s buy-now, pay-later scheme has changed consumer behaviour, experts are warning of the risks associated with using the system as payment for essential and recurring items like fuel.When Afterpay was first introduced to Australia over a decade ago, no one could have predicted how popular the buy-now, pay-later (BNPL) scheme would be.Initially marketed a]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/why-your-next-tank-of-fuel-could-trigger-a-serious-debt-spiral/</link><pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 19:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/why-your-next-tank-of-fuel-could-trigger-a-serious-debt-spiral/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Australian fuel quality standards relaxed for 60 days, three months after being tightened]]></title><description><![CDATA[Higher sulphur limits will be reintroduced into Australia&rsquo;s fuel supply for the next two months, after lower limits were enforced in December.Sulphur limits in Australia&rsquo;s unleaded petrol supply will be relaxed for the next two months, the Federal Government has confirmed, amid rising costs and supply concerns due to conflict in the Middle East.The change essentially rolls back tighter sulphur limits introduced in Australia on 15 December, 2025 for 95- and 98-octane unleaded petyrol,]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/australian-fuel-quality-standards-relaxed-for-60-days-three-months-after-being-tightened/</link><pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 18:53:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/australian-fuel-quality-standards-relaxed-for-60-days-three-months-after-being-tightened/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BYD considering F1 debut – report]]></title><description><![CDATA[Chinese electric-vehicle giant BYD is reportedly exploring an entry into Formula One, a historic move that could potentially expand the grid to 12 teams.BYD could be the first Chinese team to compete in Formula One, according to a new report, as the electric-vehicle giant has reportedly investigating entry into the top-tier sport.Bloomberg claims BYD &ndash; currently the world&rsquo;s largest electric-vehicle manufacturer &ndash; is evaluating motorsport as a way to accelerate brand recognition]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-considering-f1-debut-report/</link><pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 06:19:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-considering-f1-debut-report/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyundai features available overseas could reach Australia with Bluelink store]]></title><description><![CDATA[New features, including custom lighting patterns and themes featuring popular cartoon characters, could come to Hyundai models in Australia.<br />
Hyundai Bluelink app<br />
Eligible Hyundai models in Australia could gain access to new infotainment display themes, custom lighting patterns, and other features as part of a feature under consideration for the Australian market.Australians currently have access to Hyundai&rsquo;s connected-services features through the brand&rsquo;s Bluelink app. However the Bl]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-features-available-overseas-could-reach-australia-with-bluelink-store/</link><pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 05:51:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-features-available-overseas-could-reach-australia-with-bluelink-store/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BMW has no interest in returning to Formula One]]></title><description><![CDATA[With the addition of Audi and Cadillac joining the grid, BMW has signalled rejoining Formula One serves no purpose to the German brand.Image Credit: Top GearWith two new brands, Audi and Cadillac, joining the Formula One grid in 2026, BMW has told Australian media it has no plans to return to the top-level racing series.Speaking to journalists, BMW M CEO Frank van Meel said &ldquo;the answer is no&rdquo; when asked if F1 racing is back on the cards, as the German brands looks to focus on discipl]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bmw-has-no-interest-in-returning-to-formula-one/</link><pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 03:54:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bmw-has-no-interest-in-returning-to-formula-one/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Zeekr 7X Black Special Edition price announced, on sale now]]></title><description><![CDATA[Zeekr&rsquo;s popular 7X electric SUV has gained a new blacked-out special edition after arriving in showrooms only six months ago.<br />
Zeekr Australia has released the 7X Black&nbsp;Special&nbsp;Edition, a darkened special edition of the electric SUV with black wheels, accents, and paint.The special edition is based on the 7X Performance all-wheel drive, available now at Zeekr dealers nationwide priced from $75,900 plus on-road costs, $3000 more than the regular version.Changes for the Black Specia]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-zeekr-7x-black-special-edition-price-announced-on-sale-now/</link><pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 03:46:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-zeekr-7x-black-special-edition-price-announced-on-sale-now/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Cupra Formentor VZ5 price and specs: $100K barrier broken with Audi RS3 turbo five-cylinder]]></title><description><![CDATA[Cupra has borrowed the Audi RS3&rsquo;s five-cylinder turbo-petrol for the Formentor VZ5, its most-powerful &ndash; and dearest &ndash; model yet.<br />
2026 Cupra Formentor VZ5 pricing and specificationsMost-powerful Cupra with Audi RS3-derived turbo five-cylinder&nbsp;Initial Australian allocation limited to &ldquo;fewer than 100&rdquo; unitsPriced from $94,990 before on-road costs<br />
Cupra&rsquo;s most-powerful &ndash; and dearest &ndash; model yet has been detailed for Australia, as right-hand drive]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-cupra-formentor-vz5-price-and-specs-100k-barrier-broken-with-audi-rs3-turbo-five-cylinder/</link><pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 02:11:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-cupra-formentor-vz5-price-and-specs-100k-barrier-broken-with-audi-rs3-turbo-five-cylinder/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2025 Deepal E07 recalled in Australia to resolve child-seat compliance breach]]></title><description><![CDATA[The electric vehicles &ldquo;may not&rdquo; include a rear-centre child seat anchor point, as required by Australian motor vehicle regulations, according to the recall notice.Deepal Australia has recalled 218 examples of its 2025 Deepal E07 electric SUV-ute &lsquo;multitruck&rsquo; as the affected vehicles &ldquo;may not&rdquo; include a rear-centre child seat anchor point.Australian motor vehicle regulations, known as ADR 34/03, require a top-tether anchorage point in each rear seating position]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2025-deepal-e07-recalled-in-australia-to-resolve-child-seat-compliance-breach/</link><pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 23:31:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2025-deepal-e07-recalled-in-australia-to-resolve-child-seat-compliance-breach/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Toyota Yaris Cross GXL FWD review]]></title><description><![CDATA[The littlest Toyota SUV might appeal on price and practicality, but it&rsquo;s well and truly showing its age against newer competition.2026 Toyota Yaris Cross GXL FWDThe Toyota Yaris Cross entered the Australian market about five years ago as an all-new model and unlocked a new subset of Toyota buyer that was chasing practicality at a budget price.Relative to the Toyota Yaris hatchback on which it&rsquo;s based, the Yaris Cross is bigger inside and there&rsquo;s a taller driving position (that&]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-yaris-cross-gxl-fwd-review/</link><pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 23:03:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-yaris-cross-gxl-fwd-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV price and specs: Updated hybrid costs more]]></title><description><![CDATA[The updated Outlander plug-in hybrid has a longer electric range and new features, but it&rsquo;s more expensive than before, amid growing competition from budget-priced Chinese alternatives.<br />
2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV pricing and specificationsNew features, tweaked look for plug-in hybrid SUVUp to 103km of electric-only driving rangePriced from $58,990 before on-road costs<br />
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid (PHEV) has arrived in Australia with a longer electric-only driving range,]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mitsubishi-outlander-phev-price-and-specs-updated-hybrid-costs-more/</link><pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 23:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mitsubishi-outlander-phev-price-and-specs-updated-hybrid-costs-more/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Luxury Car Tax axing would be a ‘huge benefit’ to Australian car buyers: Audi]]></title><description><![CDATA[Audi Australia believes a free trade deal with Europe, which could see the Luxury Car Tax axed, would bring a &ldquo;huge benefit&rdquo; to its customers.<br />
Audi A5<br />
Audi Australia has said its customers would pay less for its cars &ndash; or get upgraded features at similar prices to today &ndash; if a European free trade agreement is finalised, bringing a &ldquo;huge benefit&rdquo;.Matthew Dale, national product manager at Audi Australia, told Drive the company is &ldquo;keeping a close eye&rdquo]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/luxury-car-tax-axing-would-be-a-huge-benefit-to-australian-car-buyers-audi/</link><pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 22:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/luxury-car-tax-axing-would-be-a-huge-benefit-to-australian-car-buyers-audi/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Suzuki Jimny Rhino Edition teased as Australia ‘exclusive’]]></title><description><![CDATA[Australian Suzuki Jimny customers could soon have more choice, as the Japanese company teases a new &lsquo;Rhino Edition&rsquo; for the three-door.<br />
Malaysian-market Jimny Rhino.<br />
Suzuki Australia has teased the release of a new &lsquo;Rhino&rsquo; special edition of the three-door Jimny four-wheel-drive, which is back on sale locally with safety upgrades to meet new regulations.A blurry video played to Australian media at a preview drive of the revised Jimny showed a neon green/yellow three-door]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/suzuki-jimny-rhino-edition-teased-as-australia-exclusive/</link><pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 20:47:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/suzuki-jimny-rhino-edition-teased-as-australia-exclusive/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ford Raptor V8 Dakar rally racer could spawn a production version]]></title><description><![CDATA[Ford has teased a petrol-electric hybrid &ldquo;super vehicle&rdquo; that is &ldquo;equally capable&rdquo; on-road as it is off-road, as it looks to become the &ldquo;Porsche of off-road&rdquo;.Ford has considered building a showroom-ready, road-legal version of its podium-finishing Dakar Rally racer, as part of plans to build a supercar that is as fast off-road as it is on tarmac.CEO Jim Farley told Australian media including Drive that the brand views motorsport as more than a marketing exerci]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-raptor-v8-dakar-rally-racer-could-spawn-a-production-version/</link><pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 19:26:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-raptor-v8-dakar-rally-racer-could-spawn-a-production-version/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘You can’t jam it in’: The car-seat mistake you’re probably making]]></title><description><![CDATA[If you&rsquo;ve installed your baby&rsquo;s car seat like this, you could be putting them at risk.Parents who are wedging their baby&rsquo;s car seat up against the seat in front could be placing their children at risk, a child safety expert has warned.Kathy Taylor, GM of Child Car Restraints at KidSafe Victoria, told Drive there is a common misconception about how rear-facing child car seats should be installed.RELATED: I install child seats for a living &ndash; these cars make my job easyCan a]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/you-cant-jam-it-in-the-car-seat-mistake-youre-probably-making/</link><pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 19:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/you-cant-jam-it-in-the-car-seat-mistake-youre-probably-making/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘Surely this isn’t real’: Servos in panic mode over fuel supply shortage]]></title><description><![CDATA[As drivers head to their local servo to stockpile petrol, some service stations across the country are reserving their fuel for emergency service vehicles only.Amid the Middle East conflict, petrol prices in Australia are rising due to supply concerns, with hundreds of drivers heading to local servos to stockpile fuel.And while motorists are fearing the worst, further compounding the pressure is the fact that some service stations are also restricting their sales in response to the global market]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/surely-this-isnt-real-servos-in-panic-mode-over-fuel-supply-shortage/</link><pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 19:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/surely-this-isnt-real-servos-in-panic-mode-over-fuel-supply-shortage/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Sydney wants to host a Grand Prix – but where would they do it?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Business leaders are calling on the NSW state government to host a Grand Prix in lieu of Bahrain or Saudi Arabia this year. But is it actually possible?<br />
While Melbourne is undoubtedly the home of theAustralian F1 Grand Prix, some Sydney business leaders are fighting for the chance to host a race in the city as a possible replacement for Bahrain or Saudi Arabia due to the current conflict in the Middle East.Though the logistics would make it unlikely for Sydney to host either race at its schedule]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/sydney-wants-to-host-a-grand-prix-but-where-would-they-do-it/</link><pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 06:30:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/sydney-wants-to-host-a-grand-prix-but-where-would-they-do-it/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Aspire AWD review]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Mitsubishi Outlander has long been among the most popular SUVs in Australia. But in 2026, will it still keep up with the times?SummaryThe word Outlander is a household name, and not just because of the popular TV show.Mitsubishi&rsquo;s mid-sized SUV has been on our roads for more than 20 years, and is now in its fourth generation.Despite this generation being on sale for four years, it remains one of our firm favourites for its class. What is it doing so right to hold its place in an ever-e]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mitsubishi-outlander-aspire-awd-review/</link><pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mitsubishi-outlander-aspire-awd-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Victoria’s fuel-finder app now active, but naming bungle confuses motorists]]></title><description><![CDATA[Service Victoria&rsquo;s Servo Saver fuel finder feature now has live fuel prices, but many motorists are confused and downloading the wrong app.From this week, fuel retailers must now abide by new rules to report live fuel prices, and tomorrow&rsquo;s maximum price, to the Victorian Government&rsquo;s new fuel-finder &lsquo;Servo Saver&rsquo; service.These new rules start as motorists&rsquo; concerns mount over rising fuel prices and supply issues, as conflict in the Middle East impacts global]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/victorias-fuel-finder-app-now-active-but-naming-bungle-confuses-motorists/</link><pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 04:29:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/victorias-fuel-finder-app-now-active-but-naming-bungle-confuses-motorists/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 GAC Aion UT price leaked: Another EV hatch aimed at MG 4 and BYD Dolphin]]></title><description><![CDATA[GAC&rsquo;s second electric car in Australia &ndash; the Corolla-sized Aion UT hatchback &ndash; will start from $31,990 BOCs, leaked pricing details show.The 2026 GAC Aion UT electric hatchback will start from $31,990 before on-road costs, according to leaked details on industry database Redbook.GAC &ndash; the newest Chinese entrant to the Australian new car market, with first deliveries in late 2025 &ndash; will announce official details on the Aion UT, including full specifications, imminent]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-gac-aion-ut-price-leaked-another-ev-hatch-aimed-at-mg-4-and-byd-dolphin/</link><pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 02:08:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-gac-aion-ut-price-leaked-another-ev-hatch-aimed-at-mg-4-and-byd-dolphin/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Deepal E07 deliveries paused in Australia due to child-seat compliance breach]]></title><description><![CDATA[Australian customer deliveries of the Deepal E07 have been paused &ndash; and a recall will be issued &ndash; after the electric &lsquo;multitruck&rsquo; was found to lack a middle-rear child-seat anchor required by law.The Deepal E07 electric SUV-ute &lsquo;multitruck&rsquo; has been &ldquo;temporarily&rdquo; pulled from sale in Australia to resolve a compliance breach that has previously affected Tesla and BYD vehicles.Deepal Australia has confirmed it has &ldquo;temporarily paused sales and d]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/deepal-e07-deliveries-paused-in-australia-due-to-child-seat-compliance-breach/</link><pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 01:11:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/deepal-e07-deliveries-paused-in-australia-due-to-child-seat-compliance-breach/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[GWM Haval H6 Hybrid buyers to receive a free $3500 drivetrain upgrade]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Chinese brand is offering all-wheel-drive variants of the Haval H6 at the same price as two-wheel-drive grades.All-wheel-drive variants of the GWM Haval H6 Hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) will now cost the same as two-wheel-drive grades for a limited time, a saving of up to $3500, as the brand releases new drive-away prices for 2025-built models until 31 March.Both Haval H6 Ultra AWD Hybrid and Haval H6 Ultra AWD PHEV models&nbsp;will be discounted to FWD prices at $39,990]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/gwm-haval-h6-hybrid-buyers-to-receive-a-free-3500-drivetrain-upgrade/</link><pubDate>Wed, 11 Mar 2026 00:24:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/gwm-haval-h6-hybrid-buyers-to-receive-a-free-3500-drivetrain-upgrade/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Toyota HiLux and Hyundai i30 thefts recovered with arrests in Melbourne’s east]]></title><description><![CDATA[A police operation in Melbourne&rsquo;s east has seen a Toyota HiLux and a Hyundai i30 recovered, with alleged thieves arrested.A two-day police operation in Melbourne&rsquo;s eastern suburbs in recent weeks led to the recovery of two allegedly stolen vehicles, four sets of allegedly stolen licence plates, and five arrests.The recovered vehicles were a Toyota HiLux and Hyundai i30.Police footage shows two men driving erratically in a HiLux that was allegedly stolen from the Narre Warren railway]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-hilux-and-hyundai-i30-thefts-recovered-with-arrests-in-melbournes-east/</link><pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 23:09:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-hilux-and-hyundai-i30-thefts-recovered-with-arrests-in-melbournes-east/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Renault Duster Techno FWD review]]></title><description><![CDATA[The rugged-looking Renault Duster stands out in a row of same-same small SUVs, but the Techno FWD variant does not represent it in the best light.<br />
Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps<br />
2026 Renault Duster Techno FWDGreat news! One of Europe&rsquo;s best-selling cars, the Dacia Duster, is now available in Australia.Offered for global consumption with Renault badges &nda]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-renault-duster-techno-fwd-review/</link><pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 22:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-renault-duster-techno-fwd-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Kia recalls 11,000 vehicles in Australia, including Tasman, Sportage and Carnival]]></title><description><![CDATA[The software fault could the instrument cluster to go blank or not operate &ldquo;as intended&rdquo;, causing the speed or warning light to not display, according to the recall notice.Kia Australia has recalled 11,567 vehicles manufactured in 2025, citing a potential fault with the digital instrument cluster displaying a blank screen or not operating &ldquo;as intended&rdquo;.The affected vehicles include the Carnival, EV3, EV5, EV6, EV9, Sorento, Sportage and Tasman, and were stamped 2025 model]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/kia-recalls-11000-vehicles-in-australia-including-tasman-sportage-and-carnival/</link><pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 21:36:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/kia-recalls-11000-vehicles-in-australia-including-tasman-sportage-and-carnival/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Toyota 4Runner spied testing in Australia – by Ford, not Toyota]]></title><description><![CDATA[Ford Australia engineers have been caught conducting evaluation testing of the left-hand-drive-only Toyota 4Runner off-road SUV on Melbourne roads.Image credit: Prado 250 Series Owners Page Australia<br />
The Toyota 4Runner off-road SUV has been spied undergoing evaluation testing in Melbourne &ndash; but the brand has confirmed it isn&rsquo;t involved with the car&rsquo;s surprise appearance in Australia.Instead, the spied 4Runner appears to be undergoing benchmarking by Ford Australia, which told D]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-4runner-spied-testing-in-australia-by-ford-not-toyota/</link><pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 19:50:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-4runner-spied-testing-in-australia-by-ford-not-toyota/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[The secret V8 SUV Holden nearly made to take on the Ford Territory]]></title><description><![CDATA[How Holden spent two years designing a Commodore-based, seven-seat SUV that would have been made in Australia with a 6.0-litre V8.Imagine this: the year is 2007, and you&rsquo;re in the market for an SUV. Holden has just launched the Nullarbor SS-V &ndash;&nbsp;a 6.0-litre V8 SUV with seven seats, pumped wheel arches and BMW X5-inspired proportions that make a Ford Territory look a bit&hellip; plain.At an estimated $65,000 (it&rsquo;s 2007, remember), it comes with all the bells and whistles, is]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-secret-v8-suv-holden-nearly-made-to-take-on-the-ford-territory/</link><pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 19:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-secret-v8-suv-holden-nearly-made-to-take-on-the-ford-territory/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Electric car sales in February were almost double that of 2025 results]]></title><description><![CDATA[EV sales are up, way up in fact, for February with a 95 per cent increase compared to last year.<br />
2026 Tesla Model Y<br />
Sales of electric vehicles in Australia during February this year almost doubled those of February 2025.Sales of electric vehicles were up a massive 95.9 per cent for February 2026, and year-to-date sales for the first two months of the year increased 94.9 per cent.With 11,134 EVs sold in February, compared to 5684 in 2025, and year-to-date sales of 18,543, versus 9516 last year, t]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/electric-car-sales-in-february-were-almost-double-that-of-2025-results/</link><pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 18:54:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/electric-car-sales-in-february-were-almost-double-that-of-2025-results/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Audi RS3 competition limited breaks cover with defiant five-cylinder petrol engine]]></title><description><![CDATA[This could be the last five-cylinder-powered RS3 special edition, as Audi faces tougher Euro 7 emissions compliance that threatens the iconic engine&rsquo;s future.Audi is celebrating 50 years of five-cylinder cars with the RS3 competition limited, a special edition of its hottest 2.5-litre turbo-petrol small hatch and sedan.The RS3 competition limited makes no more power and torque than the &lsquo;standard&rsquo; RS3, pegged at a claimed 294kW/500Nm &ndash; and, therefore, should emit the same]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-audi-rs3-competition-limited-breaks-cover-with-defiant-five-cylinder-petrol-engine/</link><pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-audi-rs3-competition-limited-breaks-cover-with-defiant-five-cylinder-petrol-engine/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Panic-buying blamed for farmers’ diesel shortages, according to Government]]></title><description><![CDATA[A huge surge in demand as people panic-buy fuel is causing shortages, despite supplies of petrol and diesel into Australia so far being unaffected.Australia&rsquo;s fuel supplies are secure and plentiful, says the Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen MP, but panic buying is causing some farmers&rsquo; fuel bowsers to run dry.&ldquo;I can say that our diesel and petrol supplies remain at this point secure. We have as much diesel in Australia today as we had before this cris]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/panic-buying-blamed-for-farmers-diesel-shortages-according-to-government/</link><pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 11:35:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/panic-buying-blamed-for-farmers-diesel-shortages-according-to-government/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Porsche Cayenne Electric line-up expands with S variant, priced for Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[Porsche&rsquo;s newest electric car has added another power level choice with an F1-inspired &lsquo;push-to-pass&rsquo; mode.Porsche has expanded the Cayenne Electric large SUV line-up with the S variant, positioned between the existing entry-level and Turbo electric models, due to commence deliveries later this year.The Cayenne S produces up to 490kW in its launch mode, or 400kW in normal driving, and is claimed to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds.It compares to 325kW in launch control]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-porsche-cayenne-electric-line-up-expands-with-s-variant-priced-for-australia/</link><pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 09:47:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-porsche-cayenne-electric-line-up-expands-with-s-variant-priced-for-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[This ‘completely legal traffic hack’ works – would you try it?]]></title><description><![CDATA[A Sydney man&rsquo;s roundabout traffic hack has amassed millions of views, but not everyone thinks it should have a place on our roads.An Australian man&rsquo;s simple yet effective &ldquo;traffic hack&rdquo; has received millions of views online, with comments divided between people already familiar with the trick and those who think it constitutes poor driving etiquette.<br />
RELATED: &lsquo;Worrying&rsquo;: The roundabout rule &lsquo;so many&rsquo; Aussie drivers get wrong<br />
RELATED: How many times]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/this-completely-legal-traffic-hack-works-would-you-try-it/</link><pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 04:30:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/this-completely-legal-traffic-hack-works-would-you-try-it/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Audi Q9 likely for Australia as BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLS, Range Rover rival]]></title><description><![CDATA[Audi Australia has expressed interest in its upcoming rival to the X7, GLS and Range Rover, ahead of the Q9&rsquo;s global reveal later this year.<br />
2027 Audi Q9 spied<br />
The 2027 Audi Q9 appears likely for Australia next year, with the brand&rsquo;s local product boss expressing strong interest in its largest SUV yet.Set to debut later this year &ndash; and reportedly share its bones with Porsche&rsquo;s upcoming seven-seat SUV &ndash; the Q9 will be Audi&rsquo;s rival to the established BMW X7, Mer]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/audi-q9-likely-for-australia-as-bmw-x7-mercedes-benz-gls-range-rover-rival/</link><pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 03:10:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/audi-q9-likely-for-australia-as-bmw-x7-mercedes-benz-gls-range-rover-rival/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Australian Government won’t cut fuel tax, despite rising fuel prices]]></title><description><![CDATA[Australia&rsquo;s Federal Treasurer has ruled out any reduction to the fuel excise, while calling on fuel retailers not to take advantage of Australians.<br />
Jim Chalmers, Treasurer of Australia. Getty Images.<br />
As concerns grow that conflict in the Middle East will cause fuel prices to rise further, Australia&rsquo;s Federal Treasurer has ruled out cutting the fuel excise tax to reduce petrol and diesel prices.Treasurer Jim Chalmers made the government&rsquo;s position clear in a recent press confere]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/australian-government-wont-cut-fuel-tax-despite-rising-fuel-prices/</link><pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 01:53:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/australian-government-wont-cut-fuel-tax-despite-rising-fuel-prices/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Subaru Crosstrek ‘Strong Hybrid’ and Uncharted EV on the radar for Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Subaru Crosstrek could gain a Strong Hybrid powertrain like the Forester, says the Australian arm&rsquo;s boss, and he&rsquo;s not ruling out a third EV either.A more powerful hybrid version of the small SUV Subaru Crosstrek, as well as a third electric model, are under consideration for Australia, the brand has confirmed.Currently, the Subaru Crosstrek is sold in Australia with the option of pure petrol or mild-hybrid power.&nbsp;All versions use Subaru&rsquo;s 2.0-litre naturally aspirated]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/subaru-crosstrek-strong-hybrid-and-uncharted-ev-on-the-radar-for-australia/</link><pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 01:12:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/subaru-crosstrek-strong-hybrid-and-uncharted-ev-on-the-radar-for-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 BMW iX3 price and specs: All-new electric car brings price rise, long range]]></title><description><![CDATA[BMW&rsquo;s all-new electric SUV costs $18,900 more than the base version of its predecessor, but it has received a massive uplift in technology, luxury, power, charging and range, now up to a claimed 805km.<br />
2026 BMW iX3 pricing and specificationsAll-new EV first in Neue Klasse model familyUp to 805km claimed range, with dual motorsPriced from $109,900 before on-road costs<br />
The 2026 BMW iX3 electric SUV will be priced from $109,900 plus on-road costs when it arrives in Australian showrooms from t]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-bmw-ix3-price-and-specs-all-new-electric-car-brings-price-rise-long-range/</link><pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:30:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-bmw-ix3-price-and-specs-all-new-electric-car-brings-price-rise-long-range/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Skoda Superb PHEV price and specs: Hybrid undercuts petrol, but removes features]]></title><description><![CDATA[The plug-in hybrid version of the Skoda Superb PHEV wagon will be $8000 cheaper than its petrol counterpart, but it is less powerful and omits a number of luxury features.<br />
European PHEV model pictured throughout.<br />
The 2026 Skoda Superb plug-in hybrid will be sold exclusively as a wagon in Australia, priced from $66,990 drive-away &ndash; significantly undercutting the petrol-only version.It comes at the cost of power &ndash; the plug-in hybrid Superb 45kW less potent than its regular sibling &nda]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-skoda-superb-phev-price-and-specs-hybrid-undercuts-petrol-but-removes-features/</link><pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 23:40:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-skoda-superb-phev-price-and-specs-hybrid-undercuts-petrol-but-removes-features/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 Cupra Born update brings revised handling, styling and steering wheel buttons]]></title><description><![CDATA[Cupra&rsquo;s first electric vehicle has been given a mid-life refresh with a new family look and revisions to how drivers interact with the vehicle.Cupra has unveiled the updated 2027 Cupra Born electric hatch, with a focus on how drivers interact with the vehicle.Rather than improvements to range or performance, the Born has been treated to new exterior styling in line with Cupra&rsquo;s latest models, and easier-to-use driver controls.The overhauled styling brings new matrix LED headlights wi]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-cupra-born-update-brings-revised-handling-styling-and-steering-wheel-buttons/</link><pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 22:27:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-cupra-born-update-brings-revised-handling-styling-and-steering-wheel-buttons/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Toyota Tundra Platinum review]]></title><description><![CDATA[Toyota&rsquo;s American pick-up joins the big truck class in Australia, but can a Japanese brand really match Americans at their own game?<br />
Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps<br />
2026 Toyota Tundra PlatinumThe Toyota Tundra comes as an interesting move from Toyota.&nbsp;The brand already has a massive hold on Australia&rsquo;s ute market with the HiLux and LandCruiser 70]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-tundra-platinum-review/</link><pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 22:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-tundra-platinum-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Honda to revive the Insight for the fourth time, as an electric SUV]]></title><description><![CDATA[From a pioneering hybrid coupe to a generic electric crossover EV, the Honda Insight has had more comebacks than The Rolling Stones over its four generations.The Honda Insight will return to Japanese showrooms, marking a new chapter for the nameplate.From its introduction in 1999 and across its first three generations, the Insight has been powered by a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain.Now, the fourth-generation Insight moves away from both its hybrid origins and its form factor as a traditional]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/honda-to-revive-the-insight-for-the-fourth-time-as-an-electric-suv/</link><pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 21:34:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/honda-to-revive-the-insight-for-the-fourth-time-as-an-electric-suv/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[F1 Australian Grand Prix crowds break Melbourne records – again]]></title><description><![CDATA[Close to half a million fans visited Albert Park over the four-day event in 2026, but the all-time Australian Grand Prix record &ndash; irrespective of city &ndash; remains in place after 31 years.<br />
Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images<br />
More than 480,000 fans walked through the gates of the 2026 Formula One Australian Grand Prix across four days, in the fifth consecutive record for the event in its Melbourne history.The &ldquo;estimated&rdquo; attendance of 483,934 reported for the 2026 event is sho]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/f1-australian-grand-prix-crowds-break-melbourne-records-again/</link><pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 19:56:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/f1-australian-grand-prix-crowds-break-melbourne-records-again/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Latest mobile phone and seatbelt detection camera locations for Melbourne and Victoria: March 2026 mapped]]></title><description><![CDATA[This map shows the 339 locations Victoria Police can place their mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras in March 2026.While mobile phone and seatbelt detection camera positions can vary month to month in Victoria, police are obliged to publish the potential locations for public transparency.Mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras are mounted high up on portable trailers and photograph drivers from above as they pass.The cameras detect if the driver is using a mobile device illegally, or]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/latest-mobile-phone-and-seatbelt-detection-camera-locations-for-melbourne-and-victoria-march-2026-mapped/</link><pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 18:49:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/latest-mobile-phone-and-seatbelt-detection-camera-locations-for-melbourne-and-victoria-march-2026-mapped/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Great Western Highway closed in both directions at Victoria Pass, ‘no timeline’ for re-opening]]></title><description><![CDATA[Cracks in the surface &ndash; and movement beneath &ndash; have forced a key regional mountain pass to be closed, without a date for re-opening.<br />
Credit: Facebook / Blackheath and District Chamber of Commerce<br />
The Great Western Highway in New South Wales is closed in both directions at Victoria Pass, due to defects in the road surface and the structure beneath it.The historic mountain pass &ndash; where the road drops down from Mount Victoria into Lithgow &ndash; is only two lanes wide, and built]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/great-western-highway-closed-in-both-directions-at-victoria-pass-no-timeline-for-re-opening/</link><pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 07:39:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/great-western-highway-closed-in-both-directions-at-victoria-pass-no-timeline-for-re-opening/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mercedes dismisses 911 comparison with AMG GT 63 Pro]]></title><description><![CDATA[Is the new AMG GT 63 Pro model a Porsche 911 Turbo or is it more of a 911 GT3 rival? Mercedes-AMG doesn&rsquo;t care and here&rsquo;s why.<br />
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Pro<br />
It stands to reason that were you Mercedes-AMG and selling a high-end performance 2+2 coupe that&rsquo;s equally at home on a road or a race track, the Porsche 911 might well be the target vehicle in your crosshairs.Mercedes-AMG clearly thinks differently.When asked at the local launch of the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Pro which Porsche 911 thi]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mercedes-dismisses-911-comparison-with-amg-gt-63-pro/</link><pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 05:07:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mercedes-dismisses-911-comparison-with-amg-gt-63-pro/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Polestar 5 makes halo brand statement ahead of Polestar 7 SUV volume play]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Swedish brand&rsquo;s hero GT puts performance, design and sustainability in the spotlight, but the brand&rsquo;s future focus is in an SUV, not coupes and roadsters.Polestar&rsquo;s high-performance flagship, the Polestar 5, made its first local appearance in Sydney earlier this month ahead of Australian deliveries in the third quarter of 2026.While local drives and delivery won&rsquo;t start until the early third quarter of this year, Polestar Australia is promising a true GT performer fol]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/polestar-5-makes-halo-brand-statement-ahead-of-polestar-7-suv-volume-play/</link><pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 03:57:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/polestar-5-makes-halo-brand-statement-ahead-of-polestar-7-suv-volume-play/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Chery rival to Toyota Prado, Denza B5: ‘Never say never’]]></title><description><![CDATA[An SUV sibling to Chery&rsquo;s maiden dual-cab ute in Australia is on the cards, but not before a successful launch for the pick-up.A four-wheel-drive SUV based on Chery&rsquo;s new off-road-capable, plug-in hybrid ute is on the wish list for Australian showrooms.However, the Chinese car giant says it is too early to discuss firm plans for a rival to the Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X and Toyota Prado, plus upstarts such as the GWM Tank 500 and Denza B5.&ldquo;Never say never,&rdquo; Chery Australia]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/chery-rival-to-toyota-prado-denza-b5-never-say-never/</link><pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 02:06:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/chery-rival-to-toyota-prado-denza-b5-never-say-never/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why isn’t Lamborghini involved in Formula 1?]]></title><description><![CDATA[The glamour of the F1 grid seems a match made in heaven for super-exotic Lamborghini. So where is it?Lamborghini is best known for its thunderously fast and charismatic supersports cars. It would seem, at first glance, to be an ideal fit for the F1 grid. So why isn&rsquo;t it present?The Sant&rsquo;Agata-based company has previously supplied engines to Formula 1 teams but has never entered a full factory racing team. The Lotus, Larrousse, Ligier and Minardi teams have all campaigned with Lamborg]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/why-isnt-lamborghini-involved-in-formula-1/</link><pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 01:59:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/why-isnt-lamborghini-involved-in-formula-1/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyundai Staria and Staria Load Hybrid move closer to Australian introduction]]></title><description><![CDATA[Approval documents issued by the Australian government reveal plans for a hybrid version of the Hyundai Staria people mover and Staria Load van Down Under.The petrol and diesel Hyundai Staria people-mover and commercial van line-ups look set to add a hybrid variant.Documents issued by the Department of Infrastructure and Transport reveal that two hybrid versions of the Staria have been given the green light for sale locally.Hyundai is yet to confirm the move, but approvals of this nature typical]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-staria-and-staria-load-hybrid-move-closer-to-australian-introduction/</link><pubDate>Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:09:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-staria-and-staria-load-hybrid-move-closer-to-australian-introduction/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyundai increases prices for petrol and diesel models – except i20 N, i30 N]]></title><description><![CDATA[Hyundai Australia has applied another price increase to its petrol and diesel cars, citing the NVES and &ldquo;global economic factors&rdquo; &ndash; except its N models.Petrol and diesel Hyundai models have been hit with another general price increase in Australia &ndash; except N Performance models.Effective from 1 February, 2026, all internal-combustion Hyundai models &ndash; excluding the i20 N, i30 N hatch and i30 Sedan N &ndash; received a $750 price increase, while hybrid and electric mod]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-increases-prices-for-petrol-and-diesel-models-except-i20-n-i30-n/</link><pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 23:06:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-increases-prices-for-petrol-and-diesel-models-except-i20-n-i30-n/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[The most Aussie thing about Valtteri Bottas isn’t his mullet]]></title><description><![CDATA[Beyond the iconic mullet and moustache, Valtteri Bottas said he&rsquo;s picked up a few local habits since visiting the country numerous times.Image: Peter Fox/Getty Images)<br />
Whether you&rsquo;re a casual or die-hard Formula One fan, chances are you would be aware of Valtteri Bottas and his love for Australia.And though Oscar Piastri is no doubt the hometown hero ahead of the 2026 season opener in Melbourne this weekend, Bottas has somewhat become a temporary Australian, donning the iconic mullet]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-most-aussie-thing-about-valtteri-bottas-isnt-his-mullet/</link><pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 22:58:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-most-aussie-thing-about-valtteri-bottas-isnt-his-mullet/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Mark Webber misses the most about Australia, and it’s not the coffee]]></title><description><![CDATA[Australia&rsquo;s Mark Webber is back Down Under, and reveals exactly what he appreciates most when coming home.Former Australian Formula One driver Mark Webber is once again in town for the 2026 Melbourne Grand Prix, but instead of sitting behind the wheel, he spectated from the sidelines.Still, as a Porsche brand ambassador and mentor to current McLaren driver Oscar Piastri, his involvement in Formula One still sees him jet-setting around the world on a frequent basis.But his favourite part of]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/what-mark-webber-misses-the-most-about-australia-and-its-not-the-coffee/</link><pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 22:54:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/what-mark-webber-misses-the-most-about-australia-and-its-not-the-coffee/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD review]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD has a huge 750km claimed driving range. Can it really do it, and is it a good family car? We find out.<br />
Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps<br />
2026 Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWDTesla is known for being bold. It was the first to prove that cars don&rsquo;t necessarily need physical controls for things like changing gear, indicating or turni]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-tesla-model-3-long-range-rwd-review/</link><pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 22:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-tesla-model-3-long-range-rwd-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mazda built a V6 MX-5, but canned the project]]></title><description><![CDATA[Mazda&rsquo;s ethos of a simple, lightweight sports car doesn&rsquo;t always hit the right notes with the &lsquo;more power&rsquo; crowd. A V6 could have fixed that.A version of the Mazda MX-5 with V6 power was considered and prototyped, but ultimately shelved.The exploration of a more powerful MX-5 was confirmed by Mazda&rsquo;s current European director of research and operations, Christian Schultze.The MX-5 has a strong enthusiast following, so aftermarket conversions to V6 or even V8 power a]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mazda-built-a-v6-mx-5-but-canned-the-project/</link><pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 21:27:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mazda-built-a-v6-mx-5-but-canned-the-project/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Subaru WRX may ditch turbo for hybrid power]]></title><description><![CDATA[Spy pics of the next-gen Subaru WRX Sportswagon suggest a major change could be on the way.<br />
Photo credit: @HEV_Sanpuri<br />
The 2027 Subaru WRX Sportswagon has been spied in Japan, with a significant exterior detail hinting at a major powertrain change.The iconic bonnet scoop, a feature of every WRX model so far, appears to be absent from the next-generation model, hinting at the adoption of hybrid-power.The WRX Sportswagon, which is sold as the Levorg in Japan, offers a more pedestrian 1.8-litre tur]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/subaru-wrx-may-ditch-turbo-for-hybrid-power/</link><pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 19:46:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/subaru-wrx-may-ditch-turbo-for-hybrid-power/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Car theft in Victoria is now double NSW, but could be declining]]></title><description><![CDATA[Victoria recorded more than double New South Wales&rsquo; volume of car thefts over the same period, the latest data shows.New South Wales is experiencing less than half the volume of car thefts as Victoria, the latest data shows.In the 12 months to September 2025, Victoria recorded 33,212 offences, while NSW recorded 14,873, according to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research and Victoria&rsquo;s Crime Statistics Agency.The counts of motor vehicle theft offences for both NSW and Victor]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/car-theft-in-victoria-is-now-double-nsw-but-could-be-declining/</link><pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 18:47:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/car-theft-in-victoria-is-now-double-nsw-but-could-be-declining/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 F1 Australian GP results: Piastri crashes before start, Mercedes-AMG one-two]]></title><description><![CDATA[The 2026 F1 season is underway with 58 laps of action-packed racing around Albert Park in Melbourne &ndash; but a shock crash meant Piastri didn&rsquo;t even make the start line.<br />
Oscar Piastri&rsquo;s McLaren. Photo by Mark Horsburgh/LAT Images<br />
Mercedes-AMG has claimed a one-two finish in the Australian Grand Prix to start the 2026 Formula One season &ndash; the racing debut of the sport&rsquo;s new technical regulations &ndash; in a thrilling showing at Albert Park.In contrast, hometown hero Os]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-f1-australian-gp-results-piastri-crashes-before-start-mercedes-amg-one-two/</link><pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 07:43:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-f1-australian-gp-results-piastri-crashes-before-start-mercedes-amg-one-two/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Renault CEO wants range extenders to be the future of EVs in Europe]]></title><description><![CDATA[With the European Union revising its target for zero-emissions vehicles by 2035, Renault&rsquo;s CEO has shared his thoughts on how that should look.The global CEO of Renault has come out against short-range plug-in hybrids, calling for extended-range EVs as a more sustainable future solution.The call comes as European regulators back away from a zero-emissions deadline for new vehicles, instead switching to a 90 per cent reduction in emissions by the same deadline.Fran&ccedil;ois Provost, the C]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/renault-ceo-wants-range-extenders-to-be-the-future-of-evs-in-europe/</link><pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 02:03:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/renault-ceo-wants-range-extenders-to-be-the-future-of-evs-in-europe/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Honda to sell Integra hot hatch and Passport SUV in Japan, no closer to Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Acura Integra Type S and Honda Passport will be reverse-imported from the US to Japan &ndash; but remain left-hand drive, ruling them out for Australia.<br />
Acura Integra Type S<br />
Honda has confirmed it will begin selling the US-built Acura Integra Type S and Honda Passport TrailSport in Japan &ndash; but they will remain left-hand drive.The Integra Type S, a twin to the Honda Civic Type R, will be the first vehicle wearing the badges of Honda&rsquo;s luxury Acura brand to be sold in Japan.It will]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/honda-to-sell-integra-hot-hatch-and-passport-suv-in-japan-no-closer-to-australia/</link><pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 00:47:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/honda-to-sell-integra-hot-hatch-and-passport-suv-in-japan-no-closer-to-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Toyota open to performance road-car partnership with Walkinshaw]]></title><description><![CDATA[The deal that delivered the Toyota Tundra pick-up to Australian showrooms &ndash; and V8 GR Supras to Supercars circuits &ndash; could expand to a Walkinshaw-tuned HiLux or GR performance car.<br />
Toyota HiLux.<br />
Toyota&rsquo;s landmark V8 Supercars debut with Walkinshaw could pave the way for tuned production cars fettled by the engineers formerly behind Holden Special Vehicles (HSV).The Japanese car giant has partnered with Walkinshaw to develop a V8-powered GR Supra for Supercars racing, as well as]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-open-to-performance-road-car-partnership-with-walkinshaw/</link><pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 00:05:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-open-to-performance-road-car-partnership-with-walkinshaw/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Has McLaren got another Prost and Senna-level rivalry on its hands?]]></title><description><![CDATA[If history is a guide, two alpha F1 drivers cannot co-exist peacefully on the same team. Just don&rsquo;t tell that to Oscar Piastri.<br />
Image: Clive Mason/Getty Images<br />
Among the most unusual things about Formula One is the relationship between the two driver teammates, where a thousandth of a second can mean the difference between immortal glory and a footnote in history.It&rsquo;s this fragile dance between driver expectations and following team orders that has plagued McLaren since ascending Aus]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/has-mclaren-got-another-prost-and-senna-level-rivalry-on-its-hands/</link><pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 23:37:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/has-mclaren-got-another-prost-and-senna-level-rivalry-on-its-hands/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Does McLaren have another Prost vs Senna rivalry on its hands?]]></title><description><![CDATA[If history is a guide, two alpha F1 drivers cannot co-exist peacefully on the same team. Just don&rsquo;t tell that to Oscar Piastri.<br />
Image: Clive Mason/Getty Images<br />
Among the most unusual things about Formula One is the relationship between the two driver teammates, where a thousandth of a second can mean the difference between immortal glory and a footnote in history.It&rsquo;s this fragile dance between driver expectations and following team orders that has plagued McLaren since ascending Aus]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/does-mclaren-have-another-prost-vs-senna-rivalry-on-its-hands/</link><pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 23:37:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/does-mclaren-have-another-prost-vs-senna-rivalry-on-its-hands/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ford global boss tests BYD Shark 6 in Australia, and he has thoughts]]></title><description><![CDATA[An Australian road trip has seen Ford CEO Jim Farley sample plug-in hybrid utes from BYD and GWM &ndash; and he says he can see the appeal.<br />
Jim Farley photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images.<br />
The global CEO of Ford, Jim Farley, has revealed he has driven the BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha plug-in hybrid utes on a flying visit to Australia this week.And he has come away impressed with the Chinese upstarts &ndash; provided you don&rsquo;t need to use them for &ldquo;real work&rdquo;.The Ford CEO has]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-global-boss-tests-byd-shark-6-in-australia-and-he-has-thoughts/</link><pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 22:58:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-global-boss-tests-byd-shark-6-in-australia-and-he-has-thoughts/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid Urban review]]></title><description><![CDATA[As one of the country&rsquo;s most affordable plug-in hybrid vehicles, the Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid already has a strong selling point. Is it backed up by good product, though?Skip ahead:IntroductionTechnologyValueExteriorFuel efficiencyCompetitorsCostVerdictInterior<br />
2026 Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid UrbanTalk about perfect timing: the Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid arrived at just the right time to capitalise on piqued consumer interest in plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).<br />
It also arrived m]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-chery-tiggo-7-super-hybrid-urban-review/</link><pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 22:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-chery-tiggo-7-super-hybrid-urban-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Chinese car brand battle for sales supremacy in 2025]]></title><description><![CDATA[China was the fastest-growing country of origin for new cars in Australia in 2025, but with so many new brands trying to outpace one another, how did they stack up comparatively?In 2025, Australians bought 221,699 cars built in China.Most of those, though not all, were from Chinese brands, and that figure represents a substantial 18.3 per cent of Australia&rsquo;s new car market.Sales growth for Chinese-sourced vehicles reached 25.9 per cent, with 45,540 more Chinese cars sold in 2025, compared]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-chinese-car-brand-battle-for-sales-supremacy-in-2025/</link><pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 21:46:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-chinese-car-brand-battle-for-sales-supremacy-in-2025/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘Every toilet on the eastern seaboard’: The staggering numbers behind the F1 event]]></title><description><![CDATA[What does it take to put on an event as big and bespoke as the F1? Drive spoke to the Australian Grand Prix chief events officer to get the numbers behind the spectacle.As the Australian Grand Prix celebrates 30 years in Melbourne this year, we asked Australian Grand Prix chief events officer Tom Mottram to give us an inside look at how the event has changed since 1996.RELATED: Why Oscar Piastri is scared to drive in MelbourneThe biggest change has been the sport&rsquo;s booming popularity in re]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/every-toilet-on-the-eastern-seaboard-the-staggering-numbers-behind-the-f1-event/</link><pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 19:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/every-toilet-on-the-eastern-seaboard-the-staggering-numbers-behind-the-f1-event/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Kia EV5 GT-Line review]]></title><description><![CDATA[Possibly one of the funkiest medium SUVs on the market at the moment, does the 2026 Kia EV5 GT-Line have the substance to back up its eye-catching design?<br />
Skip ahead:IntroductionTechnologyValueExteriorFuel efficiencyCompetitorsCostVerdictInterior<br />
2026 Kia EV5 GT-LineThe medium SUV segment isn&rsquo;t the most heart-throbbing car-buying category, and being the most popular shape of new car in Australia, a lot of the design that goes into most examples is conservative.But the Kia EV5 is one of tho]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-kia-ev5-gt-line-review/</link><pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 10:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-kia-ev5-gt-line-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mercedes-AMG tops F1 Australian Grand Prix qualifying, Piastri beats Norris]]></title><description><![CDATA[Predictions placing Mercedes-AMG as the favourites on the 2026 F1 grid have been realised, posting the two fastest lap times ahead of the Australian GP tomorrow.<br />
Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images<br />
George Russell will park on pole position in tomorrow&rsquo;s Formula One Australian Grand Prix, leading team-mate Kimi Antonelli in second for a dominant one-two start for the Mercedes-AMG team.Melbourne-born Oscar Piastri qualified fifth in his McLaren &ndash; ahead of team-mate and reigning World Dr]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mercedes-amg-tops-f1-australian-grand-prix-qualifying-piastri-beats-norris/</link><pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 08:15:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mercedes-amg-tops-f1-australian-grand-prix-qualifying-piastri-beats-norris/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘It became a scandal’: Toto Wolff reveals his daily driver]]></title><description><![CDATA[Toto Wolff&rsquo;s ride is faster than yours. He told us about the $4M road-legal rocket he treats as a daily driver in the heart of Monaco.<br />
Image: Instagram<br />
When you&rsquo;re backed by a legacy car maker like Mercedes-Benz, chances are you have access to some of the rarest and most sought-after models in existence.Though us mere mortals would jump at the chance of using any Mercedes model as our everyday cars, Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team principal Toto Wolff&rsquo;s daily driver is a lesson i]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/it-became-a-scandal-toto-wolff-reveals-his-daily-driver/</link><pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 05:05:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/it-became-a-scandal-toto-wolff-reveals-his-daily-driver/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Volvo EX30 EV updated with new interior styling, technology]]></title><description><![CDATA[A redesigned user interface and the unlocked ability to power external accessories have been added to Volvo&rsquo;s smallest electric vehicle.Volvo has revealed the 2026 EX30, with an updated user experience, two new interior colour choices, and vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality now unlocked through a software update.A modified infotainment system will be available to both new and current EX30 owners through an over-the-air software update.It introduces a redesigned settings and control system]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-volvo-ex30-ev-updated-with-new-interior-styling-technology/</link><pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 01:04:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-volvo-ex30-ev-updated-with-new-interior-styling-technology/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyundai reiterates substandard EV sales, but hybrid remains the focus]]></title><description><![CDATA[Hyundai sold just 1882 electric vehicles last year, but says the new Elexio mid-sized SUV, government incentives, and supporting the dealer model will change that.<br />
Hyundai Elexio<br />
Hyundai&rsquo;s electric vehicle sales aren&rsquo;t good enough, a company executive has said, but that&rsquo;s not going to change in the short term when buyer preferences are still for petrol and hybrid cars.In 2025, just 1882 out of 77,208 vehicles sold by Hyundai were fully-electric, resulting in the brand copping a]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-reiterates-substandard-ev-sales-but-hybrid-remains-the-focus/</link><pubDate>Sat, 07 Mar 2026 00:13:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-reiterates-substandard-ev-sales-but-hybrid-remains-the-focus/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Rays Volk Racing TE37: One of Japan’s most recognisable automotive icons turns 30]]></title><description><![CDATA[Automotive enthusiasts the world over are familiar with the iconic Volk Racing TE37 wheel. What you probably didn&rsquo;t know is that 2026 marks 30 years since the TE37 went into production.Fans of Japanese car culture need no introduction to Rays Wheels.The company is responsible for what might be one of the most iconic aftermarket alloy wheel designs, and this year that design turns 30.Under its Volk Racing brand, Rays released the TE37 wheel in 1996.To cement just how important the TE37 is o]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/rays-volk-racing-te37-one-of-japans-most-recognisable-automotive-icons-turns-30/</link><pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 23:01:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/rays-volk-racing-te37-one-of-japans-most-recognisable-automotive-icons-turns-30/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Piastri’s biggest hurdle to winning the 2026 F1 Championship, according to Webber]]></title><description><![CDATA[A strong team and competent driving ability won&rsquo;t hold Piastri back from glory, according to manager Mark Webber, but a strong competitive field could.Australia&rsquo;s Oscar Piastri is the big hopeful to take out the 2026 Formula One Championship, according to his manager, and former F1 driver, Mark Webber.Speaking to Drive on the upstart&rsquo;s chances this year to take top honours ahead of the inaugural race in Melbourne, Webber laid out the biggest hurdles Piastri will need to overcom]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/piastris-biggest-hurdle-to-winning-the-2026-f1-championship-according-to-webber/</link><pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 21:56:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/piastris-biggest-hurdle-to-winning-the-2026-f1-championship-according-to-webber/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[What is Splunk? The F1 sponsors no one knows]]></title><description><![CDATA[We take a dive into the murky world of F1 sponsorship, from names you probably know to some you&rsquo;ve likely never heard of.We&rsquo;ve been saturated in Splunk and we&rsquo;re still none the wiser.It&rsquo;s written down the side of the McLaren Formula 1 car that I spent hours watching last year and I have no clue what it is. Keen to find out more, I found a quote from Zak Brown, the McLaren Racing CEO.&ldquo;Splunk is very critical in both our on-track and off-track performance,&rdquo; he s]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/what-is-splunk-the-f1-sponsors-no-one-knows/</link><pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 19:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/what-is-splunk-the-f1-sponsors-no-one-knows/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why isn’t BMW competing in the F1?]]></title><description><![CDATA[In the &lsquo;Drive to Survive&rsquo; era, F1 is the hottest sporting ticket in town. So why doesn&rsquo;t motorsport legend BMW have an entry?Formula 1 is in rude commercial health. This year, the grid will contain entries from Mercedes-AMG, Audi, Ferrari, Cadillac, Alpine, McLaren and Aston Martin. Honda is supplying engines to Aston Martin, while Ford is adding its expertise to Red Bull&rsquo;s engine program and Toyota is a major sponsor of Haas.&nbsp;All of which makes you wonder, where the]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/why-isnt-bmw-competing-in-the-f1/</link><pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 18:50:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/why-isnt-bmw-competing-in-the-f1/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Oscar Piastri tops Friday practice at 2026 F1 Australian Grand Prix]]></title><description><![CDATA[Mercedes-AMG and Ferrari may be the 2026 F1 season favourites, but it didn&rsquo;t stop the local hero from topping the Friday timesheets at the Australian GP.<br />
Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images<br />
Melbourne-born Oscar Piastri has finished the first day of a Formula One Grand Prix weekend in 2026 as the fastest driver on track, ahead of his team-mate and rivals from championship favourites Mercedes-AMG and Ferrari.Piastri topped Free Practice Two at the Australian Grand Prix on Friday afternoon with a]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/oscar-piastri-tops-friday-practice-at-2026-f1-australian-grand-prix/</link><pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 09:23:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/oscar-piastri-tops-friday-practice-at-2026-f1-australian-grand-prix/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Tesla Model Y L six-seat SUV confirmed for Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[Tesla has locked in its largest Australian vehicle since the demise of the Model X, an extended-length version of the popular Model Y.Tesla will return to the three-row SUV market in Australia this year after a six-year absence with the Model Y L, an extended-length version of its top-selling model with six-position seating.A media release distributed by Tesla today says the Model Y L is &ldquo;coming to Australia and New Zealand in 2026&rdquo; with a longer wheelbase than a regular Model Y, to]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-tesla-model-y-l-six-seat-suv-confirmed-for-australia/</link><pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 06:38:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-tesla-model-y-l-six-seat-suv-confirmed-for-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[V8 Supercars to race alongside F1 in Australia until 2029]]></title><description><![CDATA[The contract extension will see Supercars continue as one of the main support categories of the Australian Grand Prix for the next three years.<br />
Lewis Hamilton in the No.44 Ferrari SF-26 during practice at Albert Park for the Australian Grand Prix. Getty Images.<br />
Supercars and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation have signed a contract that will see the V8 Supercars Championship as a key support category to the F1 race in Melbourne until at least 2029.The Supercars Championship has been racing at]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/v8-supercars-to-race-alongside-f1-in-australia-until-2029/</link><pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 05:38:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/v8-supercars-to-race-alongside-f1-in-australia-until-2029/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[FBT exemption for electric cars still under review, amid fresh claims of its demise]]></title><description><![CDATA[A popular tax exemption for electric vehicles is under review, with its &ldquo;efficacy&rdquo; and &ldquo;impact&rdquo; being mulled ahead of the next federal budget, amid reports Canberra is &ldquo;actively&rdquo; considering its demise.<br />
Jim Chalmers. Getty Images.<br />
The Federal Government is remaining coy on the future of the electric vehicle Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, and says no decision has been made on whether it will be dropped or retained.It comes amid a report from The Age claimi]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/fbt-exemption-for-electric-cars-still-under-review-amid-fresh-claims-of-its-demise/</link><pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 05:36:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/fbt-exemption-for-electric-cars-still-under-review-amid-fresh-claims-of-its-demise/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Lewis Hamilton desperately wants this country to have a Grand Prix]]></title><description><![CDATA[The seven-time world champion said he refuses to leave the F1 grid until he races a Grand Prix on this continent.<br />
As Lewis Hamilton enters his 20th season in Formula One, it would be reasonable for the seven-time world champion to be tired of the constant travel required in the sport.Not so for Hamilton, who has made it clear he desperately wants to race a Grand Prix in a country on one particular continent before he finally hangs up the helmet.RELATED: Lewis Hamilton confirms F1 movie sequel is]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/lewis-hamilton-desperately-wants-this-country-to-have-a-grand-prix/</link><pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 05:30:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/lewis-hamilton-desperately-wants-this-country-to-have-a-grand-prix/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Geely Battleship: New PHEV 4WD with Defender looks and off-road capability]]></title><description><![CDATA[Geely is getting ready to launch a large plug-in hybrid SUV as the brand&rsquo;s first tilt at the off-road market.Geely has released images of its first off-road-ready large SUV, based on last year&rsquo;s Galaxy Cruiser concept.The new model will be named the Geely Battleship and will be aimed at rivals like the Toyota Prado and Ford Everest, with styling that borrows heavily from the chunky looks of the Land Rover Defender.The official teaser campaign shows the preproduction version of the Ba]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/geely-battleship-new-phev-4wd-with-defender-looks-and-off-road-capability/</link><pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 03:57:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/geely-battleship-new-phev-4wd-with-defender-looks-and-off-road-capability/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ford threatens end of Australian engineering without government help]]></title><description><![CDATA[The global boss of Ford has warned its 1500 Australian engineers are at risk if the government does not make it cheaper to design cars here, and ease tough emissions rules tipped to increase car prices.Ford has threatened to shut its Australian design and engineering operations &ndash; and axe 1500 jobs &ndash; if the Federal Government does not make it cheaper and easier to develop and sell cars here.It includes an easing of tough emissions rules that threaten to hike the prices of popular new]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-threatens-end-of-australian-engineering-without-government-help/</link><pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 03:32:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-threatens-end-of-australian-engineering-without-government-help/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 BMW M2 gains track-ready aero kit]]></title><description><![CDATA[With track days in mind, BMW has released a hardcore track accessory kit &ndash; with a tall rear wing &ndash; and a performance exhaust for the CS edition.<br />
BMW has released an optional M Performance Track Kit for the M2 in Germany, claimed to increase downforce for customers looking to take their vehicle to the race trackThe German brand has also launched an M Performance exhaust system for the M2 CS, which is 8kg lighter and is claimed to produce an &ldquo;exhilarating, exceptionally sporty so]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-bmw-m2-gains-track-ready-aero-kit/</link><pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 02:46:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-bmw-m2-gains-track-ready-aero-kit/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Huawei takes a big leaf out of Porsche Taycan’s book with SAIC Z7 and Z7T]]></title><description><![CDATA[If imitation really is the sincerest form of flattery, the Porsche Taycan should feel honoured by Huawei and SAIC.<br />
Saic Z7T and Z7 side by side, from left to right<br />
Just as the Chinese auto industry was starting to shake its reputation for copy-cat designs, along comes the SAIC Z7 and Z7T.The newest models are a joint project between SAIC (the parent company of brands like LDV and MG) and tech giant Huawei.And the design? Not just a passing resemblance to the Porsche Taycan but an almost one-to-o]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/huawei-takes-a-big-leaf-out-of-porsche-taycans-book-with-saic-z7-and-z7t/</link><pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 02:07:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/huawei-takes-a-big-leaf-out-of-porsche-taycans-book-with-saic-z7-and-z7t/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Five things Max Verstappen hates about the new F1 cars]]></title><description><![CDATA[Max Verstappen is rarely short of an unvarnished opinion, but even by his standards he&rsquo;s been shockingly blunt about the all-new 2026 Formula 1 cars. In short, he hates them.<br />
Max Verstappen won the F1 grand prix in Abu Dhabi, but has doubts about new rules.&nbsp;Credit: Getty Images<br />
With a new powertrain that relies more on electric energy, narrower tyres, more complex aerodynamic rules and a requirement for the driver to carefully manage energy deployment, the cars are a long way from the]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/five-things-max-verstappen-hates-about-the-new-f1-cars/</link><pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 01:40:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/five-things-max-verstappen-hates-about-the-new-f1-cars/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Leapmotor ute could be heading to Australia on the back of BYD Shark 6 success]]></title><description><![CDATA[Australians could be set for even more choice for utes Down Under, with the possibility of a Leapmotor-badged commercial on the cards.Leapmotor has not ruled out the possibility of a ute from the new Chinese brand, and is well aware of the scale of the opprtunity for such a model in Australia due to the success of models like the BYD Shark 6.&ldquo;Leapmotor is aware that a ute would perform well here, as well as in a lot of other markets. I think it would suit the Australian market really well,]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/leapmotor-ute-could-be-heading-to-australia-on-the-back-of-byd-shark-6-success/</link><pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 00:51:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/leapmotor-ute-could-be-heading-to-australia-on-the-back-of-byd-shark-6-success/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL680 price: $500K drive-away for luxury roadster]]></title><description><![CDATA[Fashion meets fury &ndash; and a half-a-million-dollar price &ndash; with the twin-turbo V8-powered, luxury flagship, Mercedes-Maybach SL680.Mercedes-Benz is now allowing fans of open-air motoring to elevate their style game with the range-topping Mercedes-Maybach SL680 luxury roadster.Powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, the SL680 offers 430kW and 800Nm output through all four wheels, for a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.1 seconds &ndash; 0.5 seconds off the pace of the mechanically-identi]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mercedes-maybach-sl680-price-500k-drive-away-for-luxury-roadster/</link><pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 00:48:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mercedes-maybach-sl680-price-500k-drive-away-for-luxury-roadster/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Formula One Australian Grand Prix: On-track schedule – UPDATE]]></title><description><![CDATA[The F1 season once again begins in Melbourne, and if you&rsquo;re heading to the circuit this weekend, here&rsquo;s what you can expect on track each day at Albert Park.<br />
F1 cars on the grid for last year&rsquo;s race. Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images<br />
The 2026 Formula One Australian Grand Prix is set to be the biggest to date, with on-track events underway in Melbourne.With more activity around the track, including a Hot Wheels activation at Motorsport Straight for families, and the usual Porsche]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-formula-one-australian-grand-prix-on-track-schedule-update/</link><pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 00:46:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-formula-one-australian-grand-prix-on-track-schedule-update/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2024-2025 Ford Transit Custom recalled in Australia over top tether information]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Transit Custom owner&rsquo;s manual contains &ldquo;incorrect information&rdquo; about the location of its child-seat anchor point, according to the recall notice.Ford Australia has recalled 322 examples of its 2024 to 2025 Ford Transit Custom, citing an ADR compliance issue regarding its child-seat top-tether anchor point.The affected vehicles are stamped 2024 to 2025 models, but may have been sold at a later date.The recall notice, lodged with the Department of Infrastructure, says: &ldquo]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2024-2025-ford-transit-custom-recalled-in-australia-over-top-tether-information/</link><pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 23:53:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2024-2025-ford-transit-custom-recalled-in-australia-over-top-tether-information/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Denza B5 and B8 conquer Beer O’Clock Hill that stumped BYD]]></title><description><![CDATA[BYD&rsquo;s luxury LandCruiser competitors have completed an off-road challenge that was too much for its Shark 6 ute to handle.<br />
Denza B5The Denza B5 and B8 plug-in hybrids from BYD&rsquo;s luxury sub-brand have become the latest four-wheel-drives to complete one of Australia&rsquo;s toughest off-road challenges, Beer O&rsquo;Clock Hill in Queensland.However, they required &ldquo;adjustment&rdquo; to their traction control, torque and throttle software to climb the hill, changes which will not b]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-denza-b5-and-b8-conquer-beer-oclock-hill-that-stumped-byd/</link><pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 23:27:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-denza-b5-and-b8-conquer-beer-oclock-hill-that-stumped-byd/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Lexus NX350h AWD Sports Luxury review]]></title><description><![CDATA[The NX is the quiet achiever in Lexus&rsquo;s line-up. But does the NX350h Sports Luxury hit a sweet spot or stretch the formula a bit too far?Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps<br />
2026 Lexus NX350h AWD Sports LuxuryThink medium-range premium SUVs, and the Lexus NX probably isn&rsquo;t the first name that comes to mind.Audi Q5 maybe, BMW X3 almost certainly, Mercedes-B]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-lexus-nx350h-awd-sports-luxury-review/</link><pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 22:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-lexus-nx350h-awd-sports-luxury-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Audi Q3 gets five-star ANCAP score, A3 and Cupra Leon reset theirs]]></title><description><![CDATA[A five-star ANCAP score &ndash; under now-superseded criteria &ndash; has been confirmed for the new-generation 2026 Audi Q3, along with the latest Audi A3 and Cupra Leon.<br />
Audi Q3 ANCAP testing<br />
The 2026 Audi Q3 has received a five-star ANCAP safety rating, along with the updated Audi A3 and Cupra Leon small cars &ndash; but none of the vehicles were assessed under the latest 2026 criteria.ANCAP has this week confirmed the results for local examples of the 2026 Q3, A3 and Leon, based on testing c]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-audi-q3-gets-five-star-ancap-score-a3-and-cupra-leon-reset-theirs/</link><pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 21:34:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-audi-q3-gets-five-star-ancap-score-a3-and-cupra-leon-reset-theirs/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Police release details on car theft operation in west Melbourne]]></title><description><![CDATA[Victoria Police recovered four stolen vehicles and arrested 19 people during an operation last month, according to new details.<br />
Recovered Nissan Patrol is towed. Image: Victoria Police<br />
Victoria Police have released new details on an operation last month to tackle car theft in Melbourne&rsquo;s west that arrested 19 people over four nights.Between 11 and 14 February 2026 in Brimbank and Melton, Victoria Police claim to have checked over 860 cars, recovering four stolen vehicles as a result.The we]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/police-release-details-on-car-theft-operation-in-west-melbourne/</link><pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 19:51:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/police-release-details-on-car-theft-operation-in-west-melbourne/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mazda says Chinese partnership ‘absolutely helps’]]></title><description><![CDATA[Leveraging its relationship with a Chinese OEM helps rather than hurts Mazda, according to the Japanese brand&rsquo;s local boss.<br />
Mazda 6e<br />
Mazda believes its team up with China&rsquo;s Changan Automobile, which has born the 6e and CX-6e electric vehicles (EVs), is a boon for the Japanese brand as it navigates a more electrified future.Mazda Australia will be one of the only legacy brands to offer a Chinese-made model that shares the same platform and underpinnings as an existing Chinese product,]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mazda-says-chinese-partnership-absolutely-helps/</link><pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 18:47:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mazda-says-chinese-partnership-absolutely-helps/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Lewis Hamilton confirms F1 movie sequel is in the works]]></title><description><![CDATA[After the F1 movie grossed more than $600 million globally, Lewis Hamilton said a sequel to the 2025 film is coming, but it won&rsquo;t be for a while.<br />
After smashing the box office, Lewis Hamilton has confirmed the sequel to the F1 movie is currently in the works.Speaking to media &shy;&ndash; including Drive &ndash; ahead of the 2026 Australian Grand Prix, the seven-time world champion said the script is in development, though remain tight lipped on the estimated release date.RELATED: Tyre com]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/lewis-hamilton-confirms-f1-movie-sequel-is-in-the-works/</link><pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 06:04:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/lewis-hamilton-confirms-f1-movie-sequel-is-in-the-works/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘It’s perfect’: Why Hollywood star Terry Crews refuses to give up his favourite SUV]]></title><description><![CDATA[The cars closest to Hollywood star and F1 fan Terry Crews&rsquo;s heart are not flashy, but to him, they are perfect.For a man who&rsquo;s scaled the top of the entertainment pyramid, you&rsquo;d almost expect him to be rolling around in lavish and exotic cars.But for Terry Crews, the comedian and actor best known for his role in the TV show Brooklyn 99 and the movie White Chicks, it&rsquo;s these two cars that have space in his garage and heart.RELATED: Why Bad Bunny swapped his $4 million Buga]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/its-perfect-why-hollywood-star-terry-crews-refuses-to-give-up-his-favourite-suv/</link><pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:30:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/its-perfect-why-hollywood-star-terry-crews-refuses-to-give-up-his-favourite-suv/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Polestar 3 price and specs: Updated electric SUV gets price cut]]></title><description><![CDATA[The updated 2026 Polestar 3 has been detailed for Australia ahead of showroom arrivals mid-year, with significant changes under its skin.<br />
2026 Polestar 3 pricing and specificationsNew electric motors, batteries, 800-volt architectureRenamed grades, with price adjustmentsPriced from $116,700 before on-road costs<br />
The updated 2026 Polestar 3 has been detailed for Australia ahead of local showroom arrivals in the middle of this year.Priced from $116,700 before on-road costs, the Polestar 3 now costs]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-polestar-3-price-and-specs-updated-electric-suv-gets-price-cut/</link><pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:06:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-polestar-3-price-and-specs-updated-electric-suv-gets-price-cut/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 GWM Haval H6 Ultra PHEV review]]></title><description><![CDATA[The GWM Haval H6 PHEV&rsquo;s blend of practicality, efficiency, value and features is hard for its mainstream rivals to match.<br />
Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps<br />
2026 GWM Haval H6 Ultra PHEVIt was only a few years ago that plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains sat on the outer consideration set for Australian new-car buyers. Petrol, diesel, hybrid, and electric powertr]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-gwm-haval-h6-ultra-phev-review/</link><pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-gwm-haval-h6-ultra-phev-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Toyota won’t deny a Celica exists, but won’t confirm this is it]]></title><description><![CDATA[Japanese media reports that Toyota&rsquo;s new mystery rally car definitely isn&rsquo;t not a Celica.<br />
Image: Marcio Pereira, via X.<br />
The internet has come alive this week over speculation about what Toyota may have up its sleeve.A video of a new mystery model, shown in the camouflage wrap of Toyota&rsquo;s Gazoo Racing performance division, set the internet alight with rumours and informed guesses.Now, a report from Japan&rsquo;s Best Car, claims to have some clarity on the new model &ndash; and]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-wont-deny-a-celica-exists-but-wont-confirm-this-is-it/</link><pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 04:07:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-wont-deny-a-celica-exists-but-wont-confirm-this-is-it/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2024-2025 Skoda Kodiaq recalled in Australia over potential airbag issue]]></title><description><![CDATA[The fault could damage the side airbags during deployment, resulting in &ldquo;insufficient protection&rdquo;, according to the recall notice.Skoda Australia has recalled 696 examples of its 2024 to 2025 Skoda Kodiaq, citing a potential fault with the SUV&rsquo;s seat frame damaging the side airbags.The affected vehicles are stamped 2024 to 2025 models, but may have been sold at a later date.The recall notice, lodged with the Department of Infrastructure, says: &ldquo;Due to a manufacturing defe]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2024-2025-skoda-kodiaq-recalled-in-australia-over-potential-airbag-issue/</link><pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 03:07:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2024-2025-skoda-kodiaq-recalled-in-australia-over-potential-airbag-issue/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Chinese phone manufacturer Xiaomi is about to go car racing… virtually]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Chinese phone brand, turned electric car maker, has unveiled a near-2000hp hypercar, set to battle with Porsches and McLarens in video game form.<br />
Phone and electronics giant Xiaomi has become the first Chinese company to reveal a &lsquo;Vision&rsquo; hypercar concept for the PlayStation racing game Gran Turismo.Xiaomi&rsquo;s Vision GT was unveiled at the Mobile World Congress 2026 expo in Barcelona, Spain, and aims to give the world an idea of what a hypercar from the Chinese phone brand co]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/chinese-phone-manufacturer-xiaomi-is-about-to-go-car-racing-virtually/</link><pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 02:07:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/chinese-phone-manufacturer-xiaomi-is-about-to-go-car-racing-virtually/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BMW and Mini recall 24,000 cars due to fire risk]]></title><description><![CDATA[More than 24,000 BMW and Mini cars have been called back to fix a leak in their exhaust systems that could start a fire.2021 X4 (G02) diesel.<br />
BMW Group Australia&nbsp;has issued a recall for more than 24,000 BMW and Mini vehicles plated 2010 to 2022, due to a leak in the exhaust system that could cut engine power and start a fire.The recall notice covers a broad range of 2010 to 2022 BMW models, from the 3 Series sedan and X5 SUV to the Mini Cooper and Countryman range, as listed in the table be]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bmw-and-mini-recall-24000-cars-due-to-fire-risk/</link><pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 01:47:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bmw-and-mini-recall-24000-cars-due-to-fire-risk/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Porsche celebrates 75th birthday with Australian special editions]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Panamera, Macan, Taycan, and Cayenne have been modified to represent one Australian region each in Porsche&rsquo;s birthday festivities.<br />
Porsche Cayenne<br />
To mark 75 years in Australia, Porsche has released four Australian-themed models at the 2026 Melbourne Grand Prix.The four models include a Panamera, Macan, Taycan, and Cayenne, each &ldquo;styled and specified to echo a distinctly Australian natural environment&rdquo;, according to Porsche, and are dubbed North, South, East, and West.Repre]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/porsche-celebrates-75th-birthday-with-australian-special-editions/</link><pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 01:03:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/porsche-celebrates-75th-birthday-with-australian-special-editions/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Fuel prices already rising amid conflict in Middle East, as servos accused of price gouging]]></title><description><![CDATA[War in the Middle East has already sent the price of petrol up, but a top motoring body says it has risen too soon, and service stations are overcharging customers &ldquo;big time&rdquo;.Fuel prices are already on the rise across Australia, amid conflict across the Middle East that has closed a shipping lane used to transport 20 per cent of the world&rsquo;s oil supply.However, the NRMA motoring organisation says fuel prices in Australian capital cities have risen too sharply, too soon, and has]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/fuel-prices-already-rising-amid-conflict-in-middle-east-as-servos-accused-of-price-gouging/</link><pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 00:58:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/fuel-prices-already-rising-amid-conflict-in-middle-east-as-servos-accused-of-price-gouging/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Volkswagen Tayron 150TSI Elegance review]]></title><description><![CDATA[Goodbye Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, hello Volkswagen Tayron. Meet the new seven-seater the German brand hopes will win over families that occasionally need the extra space of a large SUV, without going full people-mover.<br />
Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps<br />
2026 Volkswagen Tayron 150TSI EleganceSeven years after debuting in Australia, the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace se]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-volkswagen-tayron-150tsi-elegance-review/</link><pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 23:35:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-volkswagen-tayron-150tsi-elegance-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Dodge Charger Hellcat supercharged V8 muscle car to return – report]]></title><description><![CDATA[Reports claim the fan-favourite Hellcat supercharged V8 is returning to the Dodge muscle-car range in the US, now consolidated into a once EV-only two- and four-door under the Charger badge.<br />
Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye<br />
The Dodge Charger Hellcat supercharged V8 muscle car will make a comeback, insiders have claimed, after backlash from loyal fans towards a controversial switch to electric and six-cylinder power.However, it will reportedly be a long wait, as the new Charger variants are not d]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/dodge-charger-hellcat-supercharged-v8-muscle-car-to-return-report/</link><pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 23:11:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/dodge-charger-hellcat-supercharged-v8-muscle-car-to-return-report/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyundai Ioniq electric models represent premium sub-brand]]></title><description><![CDATA[Buyers can expect premium standards from an Ioniq electric vehicle more so than Hyundai&rsquo;s more affordable EV models, it says.<br />
Hyundai Ioniq 5<br />
The Ioniq name is now a sub-brand, according to Hyundai, denoting cars with &ldquo;more premium&rdquo; features and capabilities compared to its other electric vehicles.The original Hyundai Ioniq electric car arrived in Australia in 2018 following its global debut two years earlier.However, the budget-focused EV, which was also available with hybrid]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-ioniq-electric-models-represent-premium-sub-brand/</link><pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 21:22:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-ioniq-electric-models-represent-premium-sub-brand/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BMW M is still a long way from a hydrogen performance car]]></title><description><![CDATA[BMW has been quietly developing hydrogen power for road cars, but the technology remains a long way away from reaching a performance model.Hydrogen power in a BMW M car remains a distant thought &ndash; if it ever becomes a reality &ndash; according to the performance division&rsquo;s boss, Frank van Meel, citing struggles with packaging the technology into compact race and road cars.&ldquo;It&rsquo;s not that easy right now. We need fuel stacks, and that&rsquo;s not the only thing,&rdquo; van M]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bmw-m-is-still-a-long-way-from-a-hydrogen-performance-car/</link><pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 20:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bmw-m-is-still-a-long-way-from-a-hydrogen-performance-car/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Oscar Piastri is scared to drive in Melbourne]]></title><description><![CDATA[Visitors to Melbourne are often caught out by this quirky local road rule &ndash; with even F1 star Oscar Piastri admitting it makes him nervous. So what exactly is a hook turn and how do you do it?As someone who did not grow up in Melbourne, I understand first-hand what it&rsquo;s like to adjust to the city&rsquo;s unique road rules. I still think I have some form of PTSD from my first experience driving on a road with trams &ndash; even though it was almost 20 years ago.Yes, due to the tram ne]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/why-oscar-piastri-is-scared-to-drive-in-melbourne/</link><pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 19:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/why-oscar-piastri-is-scared-to-drive-in-melbourne/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[How much do F1 drivers get paid?]]></title><description><![CDATA[As the 2026 season kicks off, we break down what every driver on the grid is earning &ndash; from record-breaking mega deals to rookie contracts that still dwarf the average Australian salary.Spend a minute on a Formula One driver&rsquo;s social media and the markers of success are everywhere &mdash; private jets, high-end car collections and off-season retreats far removed from the average reality.&nbsp;The lifestyle is glamorous. The job, however, demands extraordinary skill. Only 22 drivers a]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/how-much-do-f1-drivers-get-paid/</link><pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 19:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/how-much-do-f1-drivers-get-paid/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Formula One Australian Grand Prix: On-track schedule]]></title><description><![CDATA[The F1 season once again begins in Melbourne, and if you&rsquo;re heading to the circuit this weekend, here&rsquo;s what you can expect on track each day at Albert Park.<br />
F1 cars on the grid for last year&rsquo;s race. Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images<br />
The 2026 Formula One Australian Grand Prix is set to be the biggest to date, with on-track events kicking off today in Melbourne.With more activity around the track, including a Hot Wheels activation at Motorsport Straight for families, and the usua]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-formula-one-australian-grand-prix-on-track-schedule/</link><pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 19:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-formula-one-australian-grand-prix-on-track-schedule/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[What engine every F1 team is using in 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[Five top car manufacturers supply the engines for 2026&rsquo;s new generation of Formula One cars, which are radically redesigned with a greater focus on hybrid technology and sustainable fuels.Formula One enters a new era in 2026, with shorter and narrower cars as part of sweeping regulation changes that represent the biggest reset in more than a decade.The 1.6-litre turbocharged V6 hybrid power unit remains at the heart of the 2026 F1 cars, but the electric motor&rsquo;s output has been uprate]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/what-engine-every-f1-team-is-using-in-2026/</link><pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 06:51:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/what-engine-every-f1-team-is-using-in-2026/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Should drivers be legally responsible for their passenger’s actions?]]></title><description><![CDATA[A recent string of seatbelt offences has some Aussie drivers questioning whether they should cop the penalties for their passenger&rsquo;s actions. Do you agree?<br />
Should drivers take full road responsibility for their passenger&rsquo;s actions? It&rsquo;s one of the main questions that has arisen after some WA drivers have been issued fines from the state&rsquo;s new AI safety cameras.According to a recent report by the ABC, WA mother Lisa Taylor was handed a $500 fine and a further eight demerit]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/should-drivers-be-legally-responsible-for-their-passengers-actions/</link><pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/should-drivers-be-legally-responsible-for-their-passengers-actions/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Geely EX2: China’s best-selling new car of 2025, and it’s heading for Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[One single model in China sold over a third of Australia&rsquo;s whole new car volume. Could it turn the market on its head here?<br />
Geely Xingyuan<br />
The best-selling new car in China in 2025 was a model you probably haven&rsquo;t heard of. Yet.The Geely Xingyuan was confirmed as China&rsquo;s best-selling model, and it&rsquo;s bound for Australia.For local consumption, the compact EV will be renamed the Geely EX2 and will slot into Australia&rsquo;s light car class.In 2025, the EX2 sold 465,775 unit]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/geely-ex2-chinas-best-selling-new-car-of-2025-and-its-heading-for-australia/</link><pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 02:07:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/geely-ex2-chinas-best-selling-new-car-of-2025-and-its-heading-for-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Australian new-car sales in February 2026: Toyota RAV4 runout pulls down VFACTS market]]></title><description><![CDATA[The second consecutive slowdown in Australian new-car sales has the Toyota RAV4 &ndash; and a lack of stock ahead of the new model&rsquo;s imminent arrival &ndash; to blame.A shortage of Toyota RAV4 stock has led new-car sales in Australia to hit the brakes in February 2026 after five consecutive months of growth.Data published by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) and Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) reports 94,131 new vehicles as sold last month, down 2.7 per cent compared to th]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/australian-new-car-sales-in-february-2026-toyota-rav4-runout-pulls-down-vfacts-market/</link><pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 02:02:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/australian-new-car-sales-in-february-2026-toyota-rav4-runout-pulls-down-vfacts-market/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[GMSV expands to UK with much broader range than Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[General Motors has expanded its reach into previously abandoned markets with the official distribution of Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC in the UK.<br />
Cadillac EscaladeThe low-volume General Motors Specialty Vehicles (or GMSV) network is set to expand beyond Australia and New Zealand, with GM announcing expansion into the United Kingdom.Like Australia&rsquo;s version of GMSV, the UK iteration provides official GM-backed distribution, including warranty and after-sales support.The operation is a partn]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/gmsv-expands-to-uk-with-much-broader-range-than-australia/</link><pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 01:14:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/gmsv-expands-to-uk-with-much-broader-range-than-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mercedes-AMG special edition is one of the rarest cars in Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[Half-million-dollar ultra-rare AMG GT 63 Pro Motorsport Collectors Edition will have star-struck Australians clamouring for allocation.<br />
Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Pro 4MATIC+ Motorsport Collectors Edition<br />
The latest in a long line of limited-run Mercedes-AMG GT variants, the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Pro 4MATIC+ Motorsport Collectors Edition, will be one of the rarest models in Australia, with only around 20 set to make it Down Under.That figure is yet to be locked in, but Australia is one of AMG&rsquo;s key g]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mercedes-amg-special-edition-is-one-of-the-rarest-cars-in-australia/</link><pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 00:30:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mercedes-amg-special-edition-is-one-of-the-rarest-cars-in-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Chery supports tougher 2026 ANCAP safety criteria]]></title><description><![CDATA[Raising the bar for safety is important, according to Chery, suggesting its current driver-assist systems would meet new five-star standards.<br />
Chery Tiggo 7 ANCAP<br />
Chery Australia stands behind the new 2026 ANCAP safety protocols, and believes its current advanced driver assist systems (ADAS) calibration would pass the new tests designed to dock points for annoying technology.Introduced in this year, to be maintained for three years before another update, the latest protocols will see ANCAP assess]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/chery-supports-tougher-2026-ancap-safety-criteria/</link><pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 23:53:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/chery-supports-tougher-2026-ancap-safety-criteria/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Defender Sport: Smaller electric SUV to retain ‘go-anywhere’ performance – report]]></title><description><![CDATA[As Land Rover&rsquo;s compact sub-Defender SUV takes shape, the brand states that it will be as off-road-ready as the true Defender.Land Rover is preparing to add a smaller Defender Sport to its already very full array of SUVs.The move follows the likes of the Discovery Sport and Range Rover Sport, and will sit as a more compact version of the flagship Defender as Land Rover transforms its model lines into &lsquo;brands&rsquo;.While the Defender Sport name is yet to be confirmed, it&rsquo;s shap]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/defender-sport-smaller-electric-suv-to-retain-go-anywhere-performancereport/</link><pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 23:11:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/defender-sport-smaller-electric-suv-to-retain-go-anywhere-performancereport/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 BMW M2 xDrive among leaked models likely for Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[New electric models and an all-wheel-drive M2 are confirmed to be coming following a huge online leak.BMW M2<br />
BMW has accidentally published details of its next new product launches, including confirmation of the first-ever all-wheel-drive M2.Information published on BMW&rsquo;s US website has leaked a selection of the 40 new models it has planned to release by the end of 2027.Among the models listed is an M2 xDrive, an all-wheel drive version of the coupe, which will break tradition as the first]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-bmw-m2-xdrive-among-leaked-models-likely-for-australia/</link><pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 21:44:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-bmw-m2-xdrive-among-leaked-models-likely-for-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BMW M wants to keep the manual gearbox alive, but it may have no choice]]></title><description><![CDATA[The German car giant is keen to continue offering three-pedal transmissions in its M cars, but pressure on all forms of petrol-powered performance models threatens the manual&rsquo;s future.<br />
BMW M3 manual.<br />
The days of manual gearboxes being available in BMW M cars could be numbered &ndash; despite the company&rsquo;s interest in keeping it alive.&ldquo;You have to stick with the torque and the maximum power output that the manual gearbox can handle,&rdquo; BMW M CEO Frank van Meel told Australia]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bmw-m-wants-to-keep-the-manual-gearbox-alive-but-it-may-have-no-choice/</link><pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 19:54:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bmw-m-wants-to-keep-the-manual-gearbox-alive-but-it-may-have-no-choice/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Opinion: The roads are not a playground for your content creation]]></title><description><![CDATA[Trends come and go, but perhaps the most infuriating one is chucking a camera on your motorcycle or car for Instagram videos before you learn how to ride or drive properly.<br />
The idea of showing off for a camera is nothing new, but it really seems to have ramped up lately. Images: Facebook/Instagram.<br />
Road tolls and road-related injuries seem to rise every year, no matter how many speed cameras the government seems to employ on Australian roads, but I fear the issue is deeper than speeders &ndash;]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/opinion-the-roads-are-not-a-playground-for-your-content-creation/</link><pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 19:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/opinion-the-roads-are-not-a-playground-for-your-content-creation/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Latest mobile speed camera locations for Melbourne and Victoria: March 2026 mapped]]></title><description><![CDATA[Mobile speed cameras can be deployed in Victoria across more than 2240 locations this month. Here&rsquo;s where they could be.There are 2256 approved locations where mobile speed cameras can be deployed in Victoria in February 2026.The Victorian Government publishes a list of approved locations online on the first day of each month. The approved mobile speed camera locations for February 2026 have changed slightly from those of January 2026 with the addition of 11 new locations and the removal o]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/latest-mobile-speed-camera-locations-for-melbourne-and-victoria-march-2026-mapped/</link><pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 18:51:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/latest-mobile-speed-camera-locations-for-melbourne-and-victoria-march-2026-mapped/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Pro review: Australian preview drive]]></title><description><![CDATA[How does the track-focused Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Pro fare at Phillip Island GP Circuit? Is it a Porsche 911 GT3 rival or something subtly different?2026 Mercedes-AMG GT 63 ProThink of the $418,900 plus on-road costs Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Pro as the standard GT 63 that&rsquo;s hit the gym since the last time you saw it. At first glance, it looks as if it&rsquo;s been at a combo of cardio and weight training, because it&rsquo;s shed a few kilograms and also put on some extra muscle.In fact, AMG has tune]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mercedes-amg-gt-63-pro-review-australian-preview-drive/</link><pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 14:01:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mercedes-amg-gt-63-pro-review-australian-preview-drive/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Honda ZR-V updates for Australia previewed by Japan]]></title><description><![CDATA[New technology and an expanded hybrid line-up for the Japanese ZR-V are expected to come to Australia later this year.<br />
2026 Honda ZR-V Z<br />
Honda has revealed an updated ZR-V in Japan, with revised styling and updated technology, expected to reach Australia in the coming months.<br />
The ZR-V has gone hybrid only in Japan, but it is unclear if Honda Australia will follow when an updated range arrives in the coming weeks with an all-wheel-drive hybrid option for the first time.The Japanese model receives]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-honda-zr-v-updates-for-australia-previewed-by-japan/</link><pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 06:28:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-honda-zr-v-updates-for-australia-previewed-by-japan/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Subaru STI brand ‘not dead’ says local boss, but future could be electric]]></title><description><![CDATA[Subaru&rsquo;s STI sub-brand for its performance cars is still alive, the Australian boss says, and fans should look to recent concepts as proof the company hasn&rsquo;t abandoned it.<br />
Subaru Performance-E Concept<br />
Subaru&rsquo;s STI performance arm &ldquo;is not dead&rdquo;, its Australian boss claims, saying there is still plenty happening behind the scenes.At the Tokyo Auto Salon in January, Subaru revealed a new special edition of the Subaru WRX sports sedan &ndash; the WRX STI Sport# &ndash;]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/subaru-sti-brand-not-dead-says-local-boss-but-future-could-be-electric/</link><pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 05:18:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/subaru-sti-brand-not-dead-says-local-boss-but-future-could-be-electric/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘An expensive job’: Can you service a car yourself?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Drivers feeling the financial pinch of owning a car might be tempted to skip servicing or DIY it. But can you actually service a car by yourself at home? Yes and no.The cost-of-living crisis has placed pressure on a vast majority of Aussie drivers and many are looking to save wherever possible.And while most drivers can&rsquo;t delay or ignore essential ownership fees such as insurance or petrol, some motorists are skipping their car&rsquo;s annual servicing and maintenance schedules to save aro]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/an-expensive-job-can-you-service-a-car-yourself/</link><pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/an-expensive-job-can-you-service-a-car-yourself/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyundai Ioniq 5 spied with Tesla-style buttonless interior interface]]></title><description><![CDATA[Hyundai&rsquo;s new &lsquo;Pleos&rsquo; infotainment platform could mirror interfaces seen on products from Tesla, right down to a centre display used for major vehicle functions.A spy photo of what appears to be an updated version of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 has surfaced, showing a significant and controversial interior overhaul.A new, minimalist dash design eschews the dual-screen instrument and infotainment format of the current Ioniq 5, and numerous other Hyundai models, opting for a Tesla-style]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-ioniq-5-spied-with-tesla-style-buttonless-interior-interface/</link><pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 03:18:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-ioniq-5-spied-with-tesla-style-buttonless-interior-interface/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Porsche seven-seat SUV to offer V6 and V8 power, with Audi connection – report]]></title><description><![CDATA[Porsche&rsquo;s upcoming flagship seven-seat SUV will reportedly be related to the full-size Audi Q9, with V6, V8 pure-petrol and plug-in hybrid options.<br />
Porsche Cayenne Electric<br />
The upcoming Porsche seven-seat SUV &ndash; codenamed &lsquo;K1&rsquo; &ndash; will be related to Audi&rsquo;s full-size Q9, according to a new report.Set to launch approximately 12 months after the new Audi Q9, which is expected to debut later this year, the Porsche seven-seater will be based on the Volkswagen Group&rs]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/porsche-seven-seat-suv-to-offer-v6-and-v8-power-with-audi-connection-report/</link><pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 00:59:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/porsche-seven-seat-suv-to-offer-v6-and-v8-power-with-audi-connection-report/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[McLaren’s new Le Mans race car to spawn track-spec customer version]]></title><description><![CDATA[McLaren&rsquo;s return to the top class of Le Mans racing will spawn a simplified, non-hybrid version for its wealthiest customers to purchase.McLaren&rsquo;s most well-heeled customers will be able to purchase a pure-petrol version of its upcoming Le Mans hybrid race car to drive on race tracks around the world.The British car maker is due to return to Le Mans in 2027 as part of an FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) entry, 22 years after the iconic F1 LM won the famous 24-hour race in 1995.]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mclarens-new-le-mans-race-car-to-spawn-track-spec-customer-version/</link><pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 23:14:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mclarens-new-le-mans-race-car-to-spawn-track-spec-customer-version/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Audi SQ5 Sportback review]]></title><description><![CDATA[The 2026 Audi SQ5 is an impressive decathlete that brings strong power, panache and parsimony. Still looking for the catch? Read on.<br />
Skip ahead:IntroductionTechnologyValueExteriorFuel efficiencyCompetitorsCostVerdictInterior<br />
2026 Audi SQ5 SportbackAs much as we hate to admit it, life is often about managing compromises. It rarely deals in black and white. The same goes for choosing a car, and if you&rsquo;ve got a sneaky admiration for cars that can do a bit of everything, not a lot manages that]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-audi-sq5-sportback-review/</link><pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 22:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-audi-sq5-sportback-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Cadillac Vistiq price and specs: Range-topping three-row SUV price announced]]></title><description><![CDATA[Cadillac is getting ready to go after flagship three-row SUVs like the Audi Q7 and BMW X7 with a surprisingly value-led position.The 2026 Cadillac Vistiq is set to arrive in Australia from late 2026 with a starting price of $116,000.The flagship of Cadillac&rsquo;s Australian range, the 5.2-metre long Vistiq is aimed as a rival to SUVs like the Audi Q7, BMW X7, and Mercedes-Benz GLS.The $116,000 starting price has seen Cadillac reposition the smaller Lyriq to just $95,000 drive-away, down from i]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-cadillac-vistiq-price-and-specs-range-topping-three-row-suv-price-announced/</link><pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 21:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-cadillac-vistiq-price-and-specs-range-topping-three-row-suv-price-announced/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Cadillac Optiq price and specs: Medium SUV arrives priced like petrol rivals]]></title><description><![CDATA[Cadillac has introduced the Optiq medium SUV as a rival to the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Mercedes-Benz GLC, but priced higher than Chinese EV competitors.<br />
2026 Cadillac Optiq pricing and specifications224kW/480Nm dual-motor drivetrain425km driving range ratingPrice from $80,000 plus on-road costs<br />
The 2026 Cadillac Optiq is set to arrive in Australia as the American luxury brand&rsquo;s new entry-level model.Smaller than the Lyriq that&rsquo;s been on sale since 2024, the Optiq fits into Australia&rsq]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-cadillac-optiq-price-and-specs-medium-suv-arrives-priced-like-petrol-rivals/</link><pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 21:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-cadillac-optiq-price-and-specs-medium-suv-arrives-priced-like-petrol-rivals/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz introduces limited GLC SUV entry model: GLC200 Avantgarde Edition]]></title><description><![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz has dropped the price of the entry-level GLC200, with smaller wheels and price tag.Mercedes-Benz is adding a new price-leading model to its GLC SUV range.The new GLC200 Avantgarde Edition essentially strips the regular GLC200 of its 19-inch wheels to bring the price down.The new model is being introduced with a drive-away price of $89,490 nationally, for vehicles ordered before 30 April, 2026 and delivered before 31 May, 2026.Regular pricing after the promotional period puts the GL]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mercedes-benz-introduces-limited-glc-suv-entry-model-glc200-avantgarde-edition/</link><pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 19:51:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mercedes-benz-introduces-limited-glc-suv-entry-model-glc200-avantgarde-edition/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Genius or ridiculous? Council responds to DIY driveway]]></title><description><![CDATA[It might not be a driveway (technically), but this homeowner&rsquo;s innovative off-street parking fix is crazy enough that it just might work&hellip;Can you add a driveway to your house without council approval? One homeowner in Melbourne has discovered a clever way to get around the headache of planning permits &hellip; but the solution is not without its flaws.The house, located in the inner-city suburb of Richmond, features an off-street parking space, but has a driveway that abruptly ends a]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/genius-or-ridiculous-council-responds-to-diy-driveway/</link><pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 19:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/genius-or-ridiculous-council-responds-to-diy-driveway/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Controversial mobile phone and seatbelt detecting cameras to double in WA]]></title><description><![CDATA[Complaints over new mobile phone and seatbelt detecting cameras come just weeks after WA signed a contract to double their rollout.The Western Australian (WA) government has confirmed it has signed a contract for six more trailer-based &lsquo;multi-function&rsquo; cameras, along with multiple new fixed-camera sites.The six portable trailer-based cameras are capable of using AI to simultaneously detect mobile phone usage, seatbelt non-compliance, point speed and average speed, as well as unregist]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/controversial-mobile-phone-and-seatbelt-detecting-cameras-to-double-in-wa/</link><pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 18:49:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/controversial-mobile-phone-and-seatbelt-detecting-cameras-to-double-in-wa/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘Unnecessary’: These modern-car features are the worst]]></title><description><![CDATA[Modern cars are chock-full of fancy and expensive features, but some of these car technologies grind our gears.<br />
At Drive, we test hundreds of cars a year, ranging from pint-sized hatchbacks to full over-sized utes, seven-seat SUVs and everything in between.<br />
And while the best of the best have been put to the test at the annual Drive Car of the Year &ndash; with the Tesla Model Y electric SUV taking home the overall crown in 2026 &ndash; occasionally, there are some features that while trying to]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/unnecessary-these-modern-car-features-are-the-worst/</link><pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 13:30:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/unnecessary-these-modern-car-features-are-the-worst/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[F1 staff stuck in travel nightmare ahead of season kick-off]]></title><description><![CDATA[The 2026 Australian Grand Prix is still expected to run despite hundreds of workers stuck in Bahrain due to the ongoing conflict in Iran.If you&rsquo;ve kept your eye on social media and current affairs, you&rsquo;re probably across the conflict in the Middle East, with the United States and Israel launching a joint military operation in Iran on Saturday, 28 February 2026.And while Melbourne is gearing up for the season opener of the 2026 Formula One season, numerous reports have revealed some F]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/f1-staff-stuck-in-travel-nightmare-ahead-of-season-kick-off/</link><pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 07:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/f1-staff-stuck-in-travel-nightmare-ahead-of-season-kick-off/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Geely EX5 price and specs: Longer range for popular electric car]]></title><description><![CDATA[A larger battery and longer range have been confirmed for the Geely EX5 SUV, accompanied by a price rise.<br />
The 2026 Geely EX5 has been updated with a larger 68.39kWh battery that boosts claimed WLTP range in select grades to 475km, on sale now.Prices start from $41,990 before on-road costs for the Complete grade, rising to $45,990 for the Inspire, both up $1000.The 2026 Geely EX5 will introduce a larger battery in both model grades, now a 68.39kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) pack in place of th]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-geely-ex5-price-and-specs-longer-range-for-popular-electric-car/</link><pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 05:29:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-geely-ex5-price-and-specs-longer-range-for-popular-electric-car/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Australians urged not to panic about petrol prices]]></title><description><![CDATA[Petrol prices are unlikely to soar in Australia in the near future, despite the conflict in the Middle East, experts say.Any time conflict heats up in the Middle East, there is often talk of the potential impact on Australian fuel prices &ndash; with many fearing we will see price hikes or even a lack of supply.RELATED: The rude driving act angering Aussie motoristsWhile this could be a real possibility for many countries, the likelihood of oil exports from the Middle East being completely shut]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/australians-urged-not-to-panic-about-petrol-prices/</link><pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 05:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/australians-urged-not-to-panic-about-petrol-prices/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Mazda CX-6e SUV to be ‘value focused’ like 6e sedan]]></title><description><![CDATA[Mazda&rsquo;s Tesla Model Y rival, the CX-6e, is expected to undercut a number of key competitors such as the BYD Sealion 7 and Zeekr 7X.<br />
2026 Mazda CX-6e (German model)<br />
The incoming 2026 Mazda CX-6e electric SUV is expected to be well priced, and could undercut the rival Tesla Model Y, but the brand is not yet ready to reveal its positioning.Given the Mazda 6e &ndash; an all-electric liftback sedan &ndash; starts at $49,990 before on-road costs, or about $5000 less than a base Tesla Model 3, th]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mazda-cx-6e-suv-to-be-value-focused-like-6e-sedan/</link><pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 03:21:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mazda-cx-6e-suv-to-be-value-focused-like-6e-sedan/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Nissan Pathfinder to split into distinct on-road and ute-based off-road models – report]]></title><description><![CDATA[Nissan looks set to turn Pathfinder into a sub-brand of sorts, with an off-road-suitable ladder-frame model joining the existing road-friendly unibody version.Nissan is seeking to reverse the damage done to the Pathfinder&rsquo;s reputation by restoring it to an off-road capable four-wheel drive.At the same time, rather than risk losing customers of the current model, the new rugged Pathfinder will sell alongside a more car-like model.In a report by industry publication, Automotive News, an insi]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/nissan-pathfinder-to-split-into-distinct-on-road-and-ute-based-off-road-models-report/</link><pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 02:12:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/nissan-pathfinder-to-split-into-distinct-on-road-and-ute-based-off-road-models-report/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Zeekr 7X Long Range review]]></title><description><![CDATA[On paper, this is the car that ought to keep Elon up at night. But just how good is the Zeekr 7X Long Range in practice?<br />
2026 Zeekr 7X Long RangeBeing an innovator sucks. Case study after case study shows that, more often than not, being a follower is a far more profitable tactic.You take fewer risks, you let the trailblazers make all of the costly mistakes, pick off the early adopters, and then you swoop in with an optimised second-gen version of the pioneer product and scarf a big slice of tho]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-zeekr-7x-long-range-review/</link><pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 02:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-zeekr-7x-long-range-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Mini Cooper JCW special edition to celebrate anniversary of ‘iconic’ rally win]]></title><description><![CDATA[A new limited-edition Cooper JCW due in Australian showrooms from April celebrates the anniversary of an iconic rally, 61 years after Mini won it.Mini is belatedly marking 60 years since its 1965 Monte Carlo rally win with a new special-edition Cooper JCW hot hatch, limited to 30 cars for Australia.The 1965 Victory Edition is claimed to &ldquo;celebrate 60 years of Monte Carlo victory&rdquo; since it won the iconic rally event in 1965, a Mini Australia media release says, though it is not due in]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mini-cooper-jcw-special-edition-to-celebrate-anniversary-of-iconic-rally-win/</link><pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:49:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mini-cooper-jcw-special-edition-to-celebrate-anniversary-of-iconic-rally-win/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Stellantis posted a $37 billion loss for 2025, on the back of EV backflips]]></title><description><![CDATA[The parent company of brands like Jeep, Ram, and Peugeot has announced its first loss since forming in 2021.Multi-national carmaker, Stellantis, has published its 2025 full-year financial results.The company&rsquo;s strategic shift away from developing new electric products resulted in a writedown that shifted balance sheets into the red.Stellantis pinned the losses to &ldquo;a strategic shift to put customer preferences and freedom-of-choice back at the heart of the company&rsquo;s plans,&rdquo]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/stellantis-posted-a-37-billion-loss-for-2025-on-the-back-of-ev-backflips/</link><pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:07:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/stellantis-posted-a-37-billion-loss-for-2025-on-the-back-of-ev-backflips/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Denza D9 luxury people mover confirmed for Australia, price announced]]></title><description><![CDATA[The third new model from fledgling luxury brand Denza will be a fully-electric people mover with opulent second-row captain&rsquo;s chairs.Denza &ndash; a new luxury brand for the Australian market from BYD &ndash; has confirmed its third new model for the Australian market: the Denza D9 fully-electric people mover.The Denza D9 follows on from the B5 and B8, which are four-wheel drive SUVs with plug-in hybrid petrol-electric power.Pitched as a competitor to the Zeekr 009, Mercedes-Benz V-Class a]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/denza-d9-luxury-people-mover-confirmed-for-australia-price-announced/</link><pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 23:15:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/denza-d9-luxury-people-mover-confirmed-for-australia-price-announced/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyundai ute still years away from being ready]]></title><description><![CDATA[Hyundai Australia&rsquo;s COO is tight-lipped on details, but says the Hyundai ute is &ldquo;still a work in progress&rdquo; and confirmed the timeline hasn&rsquo;t changed.<br />
Speculative Hyundai ute render, based on the Kia Tasman<br />
Work is still very much underway on a Hyundai ute, local executives claim, confirming 2028 remains the target for its arrival.Last year, the Korean brand confirmed plans for a body-on-frame ute for our market, with Australian boss Don Romano saying he would not leave un]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-ute-still-years-away-from-being-ready/</link><pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 23:08:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-ute-still-years-away-from-being-ready/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Volvo EX30 Cross Country review]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Cross Country flagship of Volvo&rsquo;s smallest and fastest-ever production car is a strange and heady mix of off-road ruggedness, Swedish minimalism and unapologetic straight-line speed.<br />
Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps<br />
2026 Volvo EX30 Cross CountryVolvo&rsquo;s &lsquo;XC&rsquo; legacy began in the mid-&rsquo;90s with the V70 Cross Country, a rugged wagon fe]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-volvo-ex30-cross-country-review/</link><pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 22:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-volvo-ex30-cross-country-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Smart electric-car sales revealed in Australia for the first time]]></title><description><![CDATA[The reborn Smart car brand &ndash; which has swapped city cars for electric SUVs &ndash; in Australia has not revealed its sales figures. Until now.About 500 electric cars were reported as sold in Australia last year by Smart, the city-car brand reborn under partial Chinese ownership with battery-powered SUVs.However, the marque says it is &ldquo;comfortable&rdquo; with its performance &ndash; which makes it the country&rsquo;s 22nd-best-selling electric-car maker &ndash; given it sells just two]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/smart-electric-car-sales-revealed-in-australia-for-the-first-time/</link><pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 21:42:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/smart-electric-car-sales-revealed-in-australia-for-the-first-time/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BMW M to launch 30 new cars in 30 months]]></title><description><![CDATA[BMW is committed to its performance segment, with the German brand vowing to launch 30 new models in just two and a half years.<br />
BMW M3 EV.<br />
BMW is planning to launch 30 new M performance models in the next two and a half years, to coincide with a massive styling and technology overhaul of the German car giant&rsquo;s line-up.&ldquo;We&rsquo;re working on up to 30 new models that will come out in the next two and a half years. So, we&rsquo;re quite busy right now,&rdquo; BMW M CEO Frank van Meel t]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bmw-m-to-launch-30-new-cars-in-30-months/</link><pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 19:47:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bmw-m-to-launch-30-new-cars-in-30-months/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Australian road deaths are following dangerous USA trend, expert warns]]></title><description><![CDATA[A recent rise in Australia&rsquo;s road toll suggests we are following a USA precedent of rising pedestrian deaths that started long ago.Australia&rsquo;s historic overall decline in road deaths since the late 1970s is being undermined by following in the USA&rsquo;s footsteps, warns a road safety expert.Associate Professor Milad Haghani, a road safety expert from the University of Melbourne says that a recent rise in Australia&rsquo;s road toll actually reflects a pattern that emerged in the US]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/australian-road-deaths-are-following-dangerous-usa-trend-expert-warns/</link><pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 18:57:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/australian-road-deaths-are-following-dangerous-usa-trend-expert-warns/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘Doesn’t matter who you are’: The gruelling side of F1 the Netflix cameras never show you]]></title><description><![CDATA[Formula One is known for luxury and glamour, but the reality of making a living in the sport is harsher than you might believe.In a sport like Formula One where drivers literally risk their lives chasing immortal glory and break neck speeds, it&rsquo;s easy to overlook the people behind the scenes that make the sport a reality.And though the cutthroat nature of F1 has been covered from the perspectives of the drivers and team principal &ndash; &nbsp;and the political battles that inevitably cata]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/doesnt-matter-who-you-are-the-gruelling-side-of-f1-the-netflix-cameras-never-show-you/</link><pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/doesnt-matter-who-you-are-the-gruelling-side-of-f1-the-netflix-cameras-never-show-you/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘Doesn’t matter who you are’: The gruelling side of F1 the Netflix cameras never show]]></title><description><![CDATA[Formula One is known for luxury and glamour, but the reality of making a living in the sport is harsher than you might believe.In a sport like Formula One, where drivers literally risk their lives chasing immortal glory and breakneck speeds, it&rsquo;s easy to overlook the people behind the scenes who make the sport a reality.And though the cutthroat nature of F1 has been covered from the perspectives of the drivers and team principals &ndash; &nbsp;and the political battles that inevitably cata]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/doesnt-matter-who-you-are-the-gruelling-side-of-f1-the-netflix-cameras-never-show/</link><pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/doesnt-matter-who-you-are-the-gruelling-side-of-f1-the-netflix-cameras-never-show/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[GWM chairman describes ‘large gap’ between Chinese brands and established marques]]></title><description><![CDATA[Despite improved quality and a growing share of global sales, GWM&rsquo;s founder and chairman says Chinese automakers still trail established rivals.<br />
GWM dealership. iStock.<br />
In an unexpected moment of frankness, GWM chairman and founder Wei Jianjun has described the Chinese automotive industry as still trailing more experienced rivals.The remarks were made during a recent annual meeting and reported (and translated to English) by Chinese news site, Yiche.Wei, who founded Great Wall Motors in 19]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/gwm-chairman-describes-large-gap-between-chinese-brands-and-established-marques/</link><pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 02:03:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/gwm-chairman-describes-large-gap-between-chinese-brands-and-established-marques/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[GWM chairman describes ‘large gap’ between Chinese brands and established brands]]></title><description><![CDATA[Despite improved quality and a growing share of global sales, GWM&rsquo;s founder and chairman says Chinese automakers still trail behind established rivals.<br />
GWM dealership. iStock.<br />
In an unexpected moment of frankness, GWM chairman and founder Wei Jianjun has described the Chinese automotive industry as still trailing more experienced rivals.The remarks were made during a recent annual meeting and reported (and translated to English) by Chinese news site, Yiche.Wei, who founded Great Wall Motor]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/gwm-chairman-describes-large-gap-between-chinese-brands-and-established-brands/</link><pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 02:03:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/gwm-chairman-describes-large-gap-between-chinese-brands-and-established-brands/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[New Pokemon theme added to Hyundai infotainment]]></title><description><![CDATA[Pok&eacute;mon theming has come to Hyundai&rsquo;s infotainment and digital instrument clusters for owners in Korea, for a price.Pok&eacute;mon theming has come to Hyundai&rsquo;s infotainment and digital instrument clusters for owners of certain models in Korea.Two Pok&eacute;mon themes, &ldquo;Pikachu Lightning Theme&rdquo; and &ldquo;Ditto World Theme&rdquo;, are available for the 2026 Palisade, Ioniq 9, 2026 Nexo, 2026 Ioniq 6, 2026 Sonata, The Edge and 2026 Staria.As well as Pok&eacute;mon]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/new-pokemon-theme-added-to-hyundai-infotainment/</link><pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 01:07:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/new-pokemon-theme-added-to-hyundai-infotainment/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Leapmotor not interested in a price war with BYD]]></title><description><![CDATA[Despite being undercut on Australia&rsquo;s cheapest EV SUV, Leapmotor says that it will not go into a price war with fellow Chinese manufacturer BYD.Leapmotor, one of the many new Chinese car brands in Australia and whose international venture is majority owned by Stellantis, has said that it will not enter a price war with BYD.This comes after the Leapmotor B10 was poised to be Australia&rsquo;s cheapest electric SUV, before being massively undercut by the pricing announcement of the BYD Atto]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/leapmotor-not-interested-in-a-price-war-with-byd/</link><pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:15:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/leapmotor-not-interested-in-a-price-war-with-byd/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyundai considers its legacy cred enough to justify price premium over Chinese brands]]></title><description><![CDATA[Hyundai is part of the fabric of Australia now after 40 years in the market, a local exec has said, which gives it the edge over Chinese newcomers despite their lower prices.<br />
Hyundai Elexio<br />
New car buyers are prepared to pay more for &lsquo;legacy brands&rsquo; like Hyundai in the electric car era, the brand says, because its 40 years in Australia provides benefits the Chinese brands can&rsquo;t match.Speaking at the launch of the 2026 Hyundai Elexio, Gavin Donaldson, Chief Operating Officer at]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-considers-its-legacy-cred-enough-to-justify-price-premium-over-chinese-brands/</link><pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 23:12:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-considers-its-legacy-cred-enough-to-justify-price-premium-over-chinese-brands/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[MX-5 electric: Mazda drops strongest hint yet]]></title><description><![CDATA[Mazda&rsquo;s European design head has let slip that a version of the next MX-5 might be completely silent, suggesting a switch to electrification.<br />
Mazda MX-5 render by Theophilus Chin<br />
Details of the next-generation &lsquo;NE&rsquo; MX-5 have been revealed, with a senior Mazda staffer dropping a strong hint that an electrified version could be part of the line-up.Mazda&rsquo;s European design director, Jo Stenuit gave one of the most revealing hints yet at what may be in store for the next MX-5,]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mx-5-electric-mazda-drops-strongest-hint-yet/</link><pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 21:45:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mx-5-electric-mazda-drops-strongest-hint-yet/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Opinion: Technology is making us bad drivers]]></title><description><![CDATA[Recent studies have shown the negative impact of rapidly advancing technology on the development of our cognitive abilities, but is tech also eroding our driving skills?<br />
Many of you, particularly if you are parents, have probably seen a video doing the rounds on social media in the past month, showing Neuroscientist Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath addressing the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation about the effects of technology on younger generations.<br />
&ldquo;Gen Z is the firs]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/opinion-technology-is-making-us-bad-drivers/</link><pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 13:30:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/opinion-technology-is-making-us-bad-drivers/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Cupra Terramar V long-term review: Introduction]]></title><description><![CDATA[Are Aussies overlooking a nice (but pricey) medium SUV in this left-field Spanish option?With nearly 70 brands on sale in Australia, you&rsquo;d be forgiven for not knowing every single make and model currently on sale.&nbsp;It&rsquo;s a list that is constantly evolving as well, with a steady influx of new makes and models vying for attention and market share.&nbsp;SUVs are Australia&rsquo;s most popular new-car segment in terms of total volume. This modern-day family car accounts for approximat]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-cupra-terramar-v-long-term-review-introduction/</link><pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 12:30:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-cupra-terramar-v-long-term-review-introduction/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid Ultimate review]]></title><description><![CDATA[The hybrid version of Chery&rsquo;s smallest SUV delivers the same equipment highlights as the regular model, but the sharp pricing has been dulled.<br />
Skip ahead:IntroductionTechnologyValueExteriorFuel efficiencyCompetitorsCostVerdictInterior<br />
2026 Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid UltimateChery&rsquo;s Australian model expansion continues apace, but while many new brands have their sights set on more premium models, Chery has lobbed a new hybrid small SUV at an affordable price.With the Tiggo 4 small SUV alrea]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-chery-tiggo-4-hybrid-ultimate-review/</link><pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-chery-tiggo-4-hybrid-ultimate-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[All the new F1 terms you need to know before the Australian Grand Prix]]></title><description><![CDATA[The 2026 Formula One season is fast approaching, and with new regulations comes a fresh wave of terminology. Here are the key terms you need to know.The 2026 Formula One season marks the beginning of a new era, ushering in the most significant technical overhaul in the sport&rsquo;s history.Under the new regulations, the cars will be shorter, narrower and lighter &ndash; designed to be more agile, with the clear objective of producing more competitive racing.Whether you&rsquo;re a long-time foll]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/all-the-new-f1-terms-you-need-to-know-before-the-australian-grand-prix/</link><pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 04:30:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/all-the-new-f1-terms-you-need-to-know-before-the-australian-grand-prix/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[The cars no one is buying: Every single car brand’s most and least popular models]]></title><description><![CDATA[We reveal the best and worst-selling cars for each brand in Australia in January, with some taking 60 per cent or more of the brand&rsquo;s total sales and others clocking in at zero.<br />
With the growing number of car brands in Australia, it can be tricky to recognise them all, let alone to know which model is the most &ndash; and least &ndash; popular for each brand.An analysis of VFACTS January sales data released earlier this month has revealed the hottest models in each car brand &ndash; with a]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-cars-no-one-is-buying-every-single-car-brands-most-and-least-popular-models/</link><pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 03:04:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/the-cars-no-one-is-buying-every-single-car-brands-most-and-least-popular-models/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ferrari F40 remains unsold after hitting $3.4 million at auction]]></title><description><![CDATA[The car was billed as the headline act among a collection of available exotics, but failed to find a buyer.A rare 1990 Ferrari F40 in a sought-after collector specification has failed to sell at a recent Australian exotic car auction.The F40, one of only a handful converted to right-hand drive of the 1311 cars produced in total, was billed by auction house Retro Rides as the &ldquo;standout lot&rdquo; of its February auction.The car itself was built in what&rsquo;s known as &ldquo;non-cat, non-a]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ferrari-f40-remains-unsold-after-hitting-34-million-at-auction/</link><pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 02:11:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ferrari-f40-remains-unsold-after-hitting-34-million-at-auction/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Best used family cars under $50,000, according to Drive]]></title><description><![CDATA[On a budget when looking for a family car? These are the Drive Marketplace recommendations for less than $50k from the team.Choosing the next set of wheels to ferry the family can be a tough choice, but Drive has driven all the fresh metal available in Australia to make that selection a little easier.Some of us have children, some of us have cats, and some of us just need space for a partner and the things we buy online.Here are the Drive team&rsquo;s choices found on Drive Marketplace for less]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/best-used-family-cars-under-50000-according-to-drive/</link><pubDate>Sat, 28 Feb 2026 00:58:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/best-used-family-cars-under-50000-according-to-drive/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Toyota Yaris and Yaris Cross updated with new technology]]></title><description><![CDATA[Technology and safety upgrades are likely on the way for some of Toyota&rsquo;s smallest models.<br />
Toyota Yaris<br />
The 2026 Toyota Yaris and Yaris Cross are set to receive larger infotainment screens as part of interior upgrades announced for the city-focused models in Japan.Toyota has confirmed the Yaris and Yaris Cross will receive a 10.5-inch infotainment display in higher-grade models, up from the 8.0-inch screen previously offered, with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.Drive has conta]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-yaris-and-yaris-cross-updated-with-new-technology/</link><pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 23:54:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-yaris-and-yaris-cross-updated-with-new-technology/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mini Aceman EV to get a petrol-engined sibling – report]]></title><description><![CDATA[Mini&rsquo;s dedicated electric SUV line-up is set to expand with a petrol-powered version of the Aceman tipped to appear.As demand for electric vehicles starts to taper off in some markets, Mini is looking to expand the Aceman SUV line-up with a petrol-powered model.Initially launched as an electric-only model, with a dedicated EV platform co-developed with GWM, the Aceman is now set to broaden its appeal with petrol-engined models.The report is based on insider information, shared with Motorin]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mini-aceman-ev-to-get-a-petrol-engined-sibling-report/</link><pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 23:06:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mini-aceman-ev-to-get-a-petrol-engined-sibling-report/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Holden Commodore V8 Supercar that won Bathurst to go under the hammer]]></title><description><![CDATA[Nearly 30 years after it won the biggest race in Australian motorsport, Larry Perkins&rsquo; 1997 Bathurst-winning VS Commodore race car is up for auction.<br />
A Bathurst-winning 1997 Holden VS Commodore driven by Larry Perkins and Russell Ingall is listed for auction in its original livery with its winning trophies included.Listed on Collecting Cars, the Holden VS Commodore V8 supercar took Larry Perkins to his sixth and final Bathurst 1000 win and raced in the 1997 and 1998 seasons of the Australi]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/holden-commodore-v8-supercar-that-won-bathurst-to-go-under-the-hammer/</link><pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 21:56:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/holden-commodore-v8-supercar-that-won-bathurst-to-go-under-the-hammer/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Audi RS5 weighs more than a Ford Ranger ute]]></title><description><![CDATA[Audi wants you to know that the new RS5 is the quickest and most powerful ever, but the new model&rsquo;s almost-2.4-tonne weight is a touchy issue.The 2026 Audi RS5 launched with the fanfare typical of a new performance hero car.The new RS5, which takes the place of the previous RS4 sedan and wagon, is a 470kW monster that claims to be able to sprint from 0-100km/h in 3.6 seconds.To achieve that level of performance, Audi has augmented an uprated version of the RS4&rsquo;s 2.9-litre twin-turbo]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-audi-rs5-weighs-more-than-a-ford-ranger-ute/</link><pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 07:46:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-audi-rs5-weighs-more-than-a-ford-ranger-ute/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Budget Direct owner in court over alleged misleading insurance]]></title><description><![CDATA[Tens of thousands of Budget Direct car, home, and motorbike insurance customers were overcharged, according to ASIC.<br />
Photo: iStock<br />
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has taken Budget Direct to court for allegedly misrepresenting discounts and overcharging tens of thousands of customers.The case has been brought to Auto &amp; General, which underwrites Budget Direct insurance, with ASIC alleging around 39,000 customers were stung with higher costs for car, home, or motorb]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/budget-direct-owner-in-court-over-alleged-misleading-insurance/</link><pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 07:26:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/budget-direct-owner-in-court-over-alleged-misleading-insurance/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 Volkswagen T-Roc R getting closer, prototype reveals new details]]></title><description><![CDATA[While some small details are still obscured, this is the best look so far at the T-Roc R in its next generation.The next Volkswagen T-Roc R has been spotted testing ahead of its launch later this year, following the recent reveal of the regular, second-generation T-Roc in 2025.<br />
The new small performance SUV is set to include sportier styling, and a version of the engine and all-wheel-drive system used in the Golf R, expected to gain a 48-volt mild hybrid system for the first time.Design changes]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-volkswagen-t-roc-r-getting-closer-prototype-reveals-new-details/</link><pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 06:59:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-volkswagen-t-roc-r-getting-closer-prototype-reveals-new-details/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[New traffic camera technology starts enforcing in NSW this week]]></title><description><![CDATA[Bi-directional detection of mobile phone use coming into effect this week in New South Wales as a world first from Acusensus.New South Wales is the first location in the world to receive a new upgrade that allows for bi-directional enforcement by mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras.From this Sunday the bi-directional capability will be active, but initially only for a single-camera unit.&nbsp;Within six months, all 10 of&nbsp;the NSW Government&rsquo;s mobile phone and seatbelt detecting]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/new-traffic-camera-technology-starts-enforcing-in-nsw-this-week/</link><pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 05:30:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/new-traffic-camera-technology-starts-enforcing-in-nsw-this-week/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘Diabolical’: BYD Shark 6 owner slugged with ‘defect’ notice]]></title><description><![CDATA[A Perth car owner who thought his car had been issued with a defect notice, was pleasantly surprised to find the yellow sticker actually contained a complement.<br />
Image: Facebook/BYD Shark 6 Owners AustraliaFew things make a driver&rsquo;s heart sink like seeing that dreaded defect sticker on their car. And while most car owners do their best to abide by the rules, this BYD Shark 6 owner was caught off guard when he saw a yellow defect sticker after returning to his parked ute.<br />
According to the ow]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/diabolical-byd-shark-6-owner-slugged-with-defect-notice/</link><pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 04:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/diabolical-byd-shark-6-owner-slugged-with-defect-notice/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mini Countryman off-road special edition in the works – report]]></title><description><![CDATA[An off-road flavoured, lifted version of the Countryman SUV is on the way, aiming to expand the model&rsquo;s appeal.<br />
Mini Countryman Rugged Edition<br />
Mini is reportedly working on a new, off-road-focused version of its top-selling, latest-generation Countryman SUV.Specialist website MotoringFile claims the off-road variant of the current Countryman will add a suspension lift, new wheel design, all-terrain tyres, and tweaked exterior styling.Arrival timing is yet to be confirmed, as is the engine]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mini-countryman-off-road-special-edition-in-the-works-report/</link><pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 03:58:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mini-countryman-off-road-special-edition-in-the-works-report/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 GWM Cannon PHEV confirmed for Australia with 3500kg towing]]></title><description><![CDATA[Another Chinese plug-in hybrid ute is coming to Australia, with GWM lining up its Cannon as the next model for Hi4-T hybrid technology.<br />
GWM Cannon PHEV. Image credit: CarNewsChina<br />
GWM Australia will bring a plug-in hybrid version of its Cannon ute to local showrooms this year as it pushes its Hi4-T hybrid technology to the fore.Confirmed by GWM Australia boss John Kett to media, the Cannon PHEV will compete against the BYD Shark 6 and Ford Ranger PHEV, and has not been officially revealed, but p]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-gwm-cannon-phev-confirmed-for-australia-with-3500kg-towing/</link><pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 03:22:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-gwm-cannon-phev-confirmed-for-australia-with-3500kg-towing/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[There’s still life left in the Dolphin electric car, according to BYD]]></title><description><![CDATA[Despite launch of new Atto 1 and 2 small cars, BYD reckons the Dolphin is set to continue for Aussie buyers.<br />
BYD Dolphin<br />
BYD has been busy launching an avalanche of new models in Australia, but its evergreen Dolphin small hatch isn&rsquo;t on the chopping block anytime soon.In an interview with Drive, BYD Australia chief operating officer Stephen Collins was at pains to point out that demand was still relatively strong for the Dolphin.&ldquo;We were actively sort of looking at what happens with]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/theres-still-life-left-in-the-dolphin-electric-car-according-to-byd/</link><pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 03:04:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/theres-still-life-left-in-the-dolphin-electric-car-according-to-byd/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Leapmotor A10 small electric SUV under consideration for Australia as B03X]]></title><description><![CDATA[A potential BYD Atto 2 competitor could land on Australian shores with the newly unveiled small SUV from Leapmotor, the A10, renamed B03X for export.A new entry-level electric car from Leapmotor &ndash; part-owned by European-US automotive giant Stellantis &ndash; is on the cards for local showrooms as a rival for Australia&rsquo;a cheapest electric SUV, the BYD Atto 2.&ldquo;A10 is something that is being considered. What I can tell you, though, is that Leapmotor has renamed the A10 to B03X for]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/leapmotor-a10-small-electric-suv-under-consideration-for-australia-as-b03x/</link><pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 02:06:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/leapmotor-a10-small-electric-suv-under-consideration-for-australia-as-b03x/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 Toyota Celica caught on camera? Mystery rally coupe spotted testing]]></title><description><![CDATA[This camouflaged Toyota rally prototype may be our first glimpse at the styling of the reborn &ndash; now mid-engined &ndash; Celica sports car.<br />
Image: Marcio Pereira, via X.<br />
A mysterious two-door Toyota Gazoo Racing rally car spotted testing in Europe may be our first look at the long-mooted mid-engined revival of the Toyota Celica sports car.Reports out of Japan over the past 18 months have claimed Toyota is working on a mid-engined, all-wheel-drive performance car to wear the Celica badge for]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-toyota-celica-caught-on-camera-mystery-rally-coupe-spotted-testing/</link><pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 01:45:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-toyota-celica-caught-on-camera-mystery-rally-coupe-spotted-testing/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 GWM Tank 300 PHEV price and specs: 300kW plug-in 4WD arrives]]></title><description><![CDATA[GWM&rsquo;s four-wheel drive SUV mixes a 300kW plug-in hybrid powertrain with a mechanical transfer case and differential locks.<br />
The 2026 GWM Tank 300 Hi4-T plug-in hybrid is due in showrooms in early April, priced from $55,990 drive-away for the entry-level Lux grade.The Tank 300 PHEV uses the Chinese manufacturer&rsquo;s Hi4-T off-road hybrid system, also used in the Cannon Alpha PHEV ute, which brings the benefits of a mechanical four-wheel drive, low-range transfer case, and front and rear l]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-gwm-tank-300-phev-price-and-specs-300kw-plug-in-4wd-arrives/</link><pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 01:14:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-gwm-tank-300-phev-price-and-specs-300kw-plug-in-4wd-arrives/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Consumer watchdog to crack down on car brands]]></title><description><![CDATA[The ACCC, Australia&rsquo;s peak body for consumer rights, has announced that carmakers will be under its microscope in 2026.<br />
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has identified carmakers as a key focus for 2026, in a move that could see manufacturers face scrutiny for claims about cars&rsquo; towing capacity, electric range, fuel consumption and/or off-road capabilities.The consumer watchdog recently released its compliance and enforcement priorities for 2026-27, one of whi]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/consumer-watchdog-to-crack-down-on-car-brands/</link><pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:39:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/consumer-watchdog-to-crack-down-on-car-brands/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BMW to discontinue ‘eyes-off’ self-driving tech on flagship models]]></title><description><![CDATA[The BMW 7 Series is set to have its driver-assist tech dialled back a level as cost pressures force a strategic revision.<br />
BMW 7 Series<br />
The Level 3 self-driving capability of the BMW 7 Series is set to be dropped as the model comes in for a mid-life refresh.A report from Automotive News Europe reveals that BMW&rsquo;s flagship model will lose the option of Level 3 &lsquo;eyes-off&rsquo; driver-assist technology, reverting to a version of a less-advanced Level 2 support system.In overseas markets,]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bmw-to-discontinue-eyes-off-self-driving-tech-on-flagship-models/</link><pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 00:09:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bmw-to-discontinue-eyes-off-self-driving-tech-on-flagship-models/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Mazda CX-5 to buoy brand’s sales ambitions]]></title><description><![CDATA[Three new products, including a new-generation CX-5 and two EVs, will prop up Mazda Australia&rsquo;s 2026 sales plans.<br />
2026 Mazda CX-5<br />
Mazda Australia is hoping its three new models launching this year, led by the new-generation CX-5, will sustain its circa-100,000 annual sales target in a tough market.Speaking to Drive, Mazda Australia boss Vinesh Bhindi said the new product offensive will be led by its crucial new family SUV set to launch mid-year.&ldquo;2026 is a big year for us,&rdquo; Bhin]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mazda-cx-5-to-buoy-brands-sales-ambitions/</link><pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 23:52:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mazda-cx-5-to-buoy-brands-sales-ambitions/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tesla to add Grok AI tech in Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[The AI model used within the social media platform X will roll out in select Tesla models.Tesla Model 3 Performance infotainment screen<br />
Artificial intelligence system Grok will be rolled out on Tesla Model Y and Model 3 vehicles in Australia.The chatbot can &rdquo; deliver accurate and insightful responses to questions of a wide range&rdquo;, according to Tesla, helping drivers to set destinations, manage routes, and identify points of interest, through voice commands.Tesla has confirmed the rol]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/tesla-to-add-grok-ai-tech-in-australia/</link><pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 21:53:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/tesla-to-add-grok-ai-tech-in-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Chery says US pick-up bubble to burst in Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[Tough emissions rules will bring on the end of the road for new full-size, American-style utes in Australia, one of China&rsquo;s top car brands has hinted.Chery has predicted sales of full-size pick-ups will become &ldquo;awkward&rdquo; as the &ldquo;quite impractical&rdquo; vehicles become harder to produce under tougher government emissions rules.The Chinese manufacturer is not considering a rival to super-sized &lsquo;trucks&rsquo; from US giants Ford, Chevrolet, and Ram &ndash; as well as J]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/chery-says-us-pick-up-bubble-to-burst-in-australia/</link><pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 19:56:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/chery-says-us-pick-up-bubble-to-burst-in-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘Own your mistake’: The rude driving act angering Aussie motorists]]></title><description><![CDATA[A Reddit post has descended into chaos as drivers argue about what is proper traffic etiquette when it comes to being in the wrong lane.<br />
Photo: iStock/3dan3<br />
Being in the wrong lane and realising at the last minute is something that everyone has done at least once, but many are confused about what the etiquette is when it comes to correcting their mistake.RELATED: Motorists unite to block people pushing in traffic queuesYou have two options: potentially get lost and not have a chance to turn arou]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/own-your-mistake-the-rude-driving-act-angering-aussie-motorists/</link><pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 19:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/own-your-mistake-the-rude-driving-act-angering-aussie-motorists/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Hyundai Elexio review: Australian first drive]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Hyundai Elexio mid-sized electric SUV has a big job on its hands. Fighting off the competition and living up to the high standards set by its Tucson sibling will take some work.<br />
2026 Hyundai ElexioHyundai admits it is not selling as many electric vehicles as it should be.&nbsp;While the same can probably be said for many legacy brands, you need to be in it to win it, and until now, it hasn&rsquo;t quite had an EV that fits nicely into Australia&rsquo;s new-car buying heartland &ndash; mid-si]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-hyundai-elexio-review-australian-first-drive/</link><pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 07:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-hyundai-elexio-review-australian-first-drive/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Hyundai Palisade Elite price: Cheaper hybrid grade added with $13K saving]]></title><description><![CDATA[Hyundai Australia has added a cheaper Elite grade to its new-generation Palisade line-up, cutting the list price by $13,400.A more-affordable version of the new-generation Hyundai Palisade will arrive in Australia soon, nearly six months after it launched in a single high-specification Calligraphy grade.On sale now, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade Elite reduces the cost of the eight-seat hybrid SUV by $13,400, from $89,900 before on-road costs for the Calligraphy to $76,500 for the new grade.Compared]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-hyundai-palisade-elite-price-cheaper-hybrid-grade-added-with-13k-saving/</link><pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 05:11:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-hyundai-palisade-elite-price-cheaper-hybrid-grade-added-with-13k-saving/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘Absolutely blown up’: Drivers watch their car’s crash test in horror]]></title><description><![CDATA[Thousands of drivers are watching their car&rsquo;s crash-test safety videos and filming their shocked reactions. But does the new social media trend help educate young drivers?Image: 1993 Mitsubishi Magna tested by ANCAP (2023)Safety is likely at the top of most consumers&rsquo; minds when they&rsquo;re looking to buy a car &ndash; particularly if they&rsquo;re looking at a used model.<br />
And though new cars in Australia are undoubtedly getting safer due to rapid technological advancement &ndash;]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/absolutely-blown-up-drivers-watch-their-cars-crash-test-in-horror/</link><pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 04:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/absolutely-blown-up-drivers-watch-their-cars-crash-test-in-horror/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Mercedes-Benz C300 special edition slashes prices, trims tech]]></title><description><![CDATA[The latest Mercedes-Benz limited edition will be up to $15,750 cheaper than its standard sibling, but it trades some safety and convenience items for flashier looks.The 2026 Mercedes-Benz C300 AMG Line Plus Edition will gain sportier styling with a massive discount &ndash; at the cost of fewer advanced safety features &ndash; when the limited-run variant arrives in showrooms imminently.The limited-edition Mercedes-Benz is now on sale priced from $94,900 drive-away until 30 June 2026, a saving of]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mercedes-benz-c300-special-edition-slashes-prices-trims-tech/</link><pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 03:07:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-mercedes-benz-c300-special-edition-slashes-prices-trims-tech/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Suzuki Vitara Hybrid price and specs: Entry price up $9500 with mild-hybrid tech]]></title><description><![CDATA[An update for the ageing Suzuki Vitara has trimmed fuel economy and added safety features, yet has slashed power and increased prices by thousands of dollars.<br />
2026 Suzuki Vitara pricing and specificationsMild-hybrid tech trims claimed fuel consumptionAdded safety, but features deleted from FWD Turbo variant<br />
Priced from $39,990 drive-away<br />
The price of the cheapest automatic 2026 Suzuki Vitara has surged by $9500, with the arrival of an updated mild-hybrid turbo model intended to keep the SUV fres]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-suzuki-vitara-hybrid-price-and-specs-entry-price-up-9500-with-mild-hybrid-tech/</link><pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 02:22:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-suzuki-vitara-hybrid-price-and-specs-entry-price-up-9500-with-mild-hybrid-tech/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 LDV Deliver 9 Campervan price and specs: Turn-key camper up $15,000, adds features]]></title><description><![CDATA[The only factory-built offering in its class, LDV&rsquo;s campervan has been updated for 2026 &ndash; but prices have climbed by up to $15,000.The LDV Deliver 9 Campervan has been updated for 2026, with a reconfigured interior, a choice of two or four seats, more power, an eight-speed automatic transmission and expanded standard features.<br />
The turn-key camper is based on the updated LDV Deliver 9 long-wheelbase high-roof van, and launches in a new two-seater configuration priced from $102,990 dri]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-ldv-deliver-9-campervan-price-and-specs-turn-key-camper-up-15000-adds-features/</link><pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:43:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-ldv-deliver-9-campervan-price-and-specs-turn-key-camper-up-15000-adds-features/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyundai cops emissions fines to keep N performance cars alive]]></title><description><![CDATA[Hyundai N performance cars are worth it for the culture, a top executive has said, even if it means paying big emissions fines.Incurring a $4.2 million fine for missing its emissions targets is &ldquo;100 per cent worth it&rdquo; to keep its performance N brand alive, a Hyundai executive has said.Data released in recent days by the Federal Government has revealed that the Korean car brand is liable to pay $4.23m in fines for failing to meet strict targets under the New Vehicle Efficiency Standar]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-cops-emissions-fines-to-keep-n-performance-cars-alive/</link><pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:32:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-cops-emissions-fines-to-keep-n-performance-cars-alive/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Toyota GR GT under consideration for Australia, as right-hand drive all but confirmed]]></title><description><![CDATA[A right-hand-drive version of Toyota&rsquo;s monster hybrid V8 supercar looks to be coming &ndash; and it could command a $400,000-plus price if sold in Australia.The Toyota GR GT supercar is on the wishlist for Australian showrooms as a twin-turbo V8 hybrid flagship for the car giant&rsquo;s Gazoo Racing performance line-up.If green-lit for Australia, it would almost certainly be the most expensive Toyota ever sold new in Australia, possibly close to the $449,100 before on-road costs Porsche ch]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-gr-gt-under-consideration-for-australia-as-right-hand-drive-all-but-confirmed/</link><pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 23:10:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-gr-gt-under-consideration-for-australia-as-right-hand-drive-all-but-confirmed/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[NSW car theft hotspots mapped and ranked by popluation]]></title><description><![CDATA[New data shows which areas of New South Wales have experienced the most car thefts since 2019, both in total and accounting for population scale.The latest data from the New South Wales Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOSCAR) reveals which areas have the most cars stolen in NSW.The top five LGAs (local government areas) by total thefts were Blacktown (747 thefts), Newcastle (678 thefts), Canterbury-Bankstown (648 thefts),<br />
Central Coast (603 thefts), and Sydney (543 thefts).However, when]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/nsw-car-theft-hotspots-mapped-and-ranked-by-popluation/</link><pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 21:34:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/nsw-car-theft-hotspots-mapped-and-ranked-by-popluation/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Lamborghini pulled the plug on its EV project]]></title><description><![CDATA[CEO claims that there&rsquo;s &ldquo;close to zero&rdquo; interest in an electric Lamborghini; pivots to plug-in hybrid instead.<br />
Lamborghini Lanzador concept<br />
Lamborghini has announced that it&rsquo;s much-anticipated fourth model will no longer be an electric vehicle. Due to debut in 2029, the project, widely expected to carry the Lanzador badge, will now be powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain.Speaking at a media round table recently, Lamborghini CEO, Stefan Winkelmann confirmed that the new]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/why-lamborghini-pulled-the-plug-on-its-ev-project/</link><pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 20:20:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/why-lamborghini-pulled-the-plug-on-its-ev-project/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ford Mustang V8 and four cylinder more efficient in real world than expected]]></title><description><![CDATA[Of the most recent AAA real-world testing results, only the Ford Mustang and Mercedes-Benz GLE were found to better their rated fuel consumption.The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) has put another 12 vehicles through its paces with the intention of highlighting real-world efficiency compared to lab-tested &ndash; and advertised &ndash; results.Out of the 12 models, the Ford Mustang &ndash; both the V8-powered GT and four-cylinder EcoBoost &ndash; and Mercedes-Benz GLE 450d were found to]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-mustang-v8-and-four-cylinder-more-efficient-in-real-world-than-expected/</link><pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 19:04:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-mustang-v8-and-four-cylinder-more-efficient-in-real-world-than-expected/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘You can’t cross’: Aussies confused by double line rules]]></title><description><![CDATA[Is it ever legal to cross double, unbroken lines while driving? Well, it depends on where you live. Here&rsquo;s everything you need to know, state-by-state.Most drivers know that it&rsquo;s illegal to cross solid, double lines to overtake the car in front just because they&rsquo;re plodding along a bit too slowly.<br />
However, many are not across the other rules pertaining to this particular road marking &ndash; or that they differ from state to state.&nbsp;Case in point, a recent post on the Drivi]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/you-cant-cross-aussies-confused-by-double-line-rules/</link><pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 19:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/you-cant-cross-aussies-confused-by-double-line-rules/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Aussie drivers are mystified by these lines on the road]]></title><description><![CDATA[Is it ever legal to cross double, unbroken lines while driving? Well, it depends on where you live. Here&rsquo;s everything you need to know, state-by-state.Most drivers know that it&rsquo;s illegal to cross solid, double lines to overtake the car in front just because they&rsquo;re plodding along a bit too slowly.<br />
However, many are not across the other rules pertaining to this particular road marking &ndash; or that they differ from state to state.&nbsp;Case in point, a recent post on the Drivi]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/why-aussie-drivers-are-mystified-by-these-lines-on-the-road/</link><pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 19:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/why-aussie-drivers-are-mystified-by-these-lines-on-the-road/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Drivers shocked to learn what these road lines mean]]></title><description><![CDATA[Is it ever legal to cross double, unbroken lines while driving? Well, it depends on where you live. Here&rsquo;s everything you need to know, state-by-state.Most drivers know that it&rsquo;s illegal to cross solid, double lines to overtake the car in front just because they&rsquo;re plodding along a bit too slowly.<br />
However, many are not across the other rules pertaining to this particular road marking &ndash; or that they differ from state to state.&nbsp;Case in point, a recent post on the Drivi]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/drivers-shocked-to-learn-what-these-road-lines-mean/</link><pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 19:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/drivers-shocked-to-learn-what-these-road-lines-mean/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Drivers shocked to learn what these road lines actually mean]]></title><description><![CDATA[Is it ever legal to cross double, unbroken lines while driving? Well, it depends on where you live. Here&rsquo;s everything you need to know, state-by-state.Most drivers know that it&rsquo;s illegal to cross solid, double lines to overtake the car in front just because they&rsquo;re plodding along a bit too slowly.<br />
However, many are not across the other rules pertaining to this particular road marking &ndash; or that they differ from state to state.&nbsp;Case in point, a recent post on the Drivi]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/drivers-shocked-to-learn-what-these-road-lines-actually-mean/</link><pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 19:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/drivers-shocked-to-learn-what-these-road-lines-actually-mean/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘Nonsense’: Why thousands of Aussies want this P-plate rule axed]]></title><description><![CDATA[Speed limits are a hot topic among authorities and residents, and some Aussies are calling to axe this controversial P-plate rule.<br />
Image: iStockThere&rsquo;s no denying speeding remains one of the biggest killers on Australian roads, with authorities continuing to launch numerous safety campaigns and road safety blitzes in the hopes of curbing road deaths.And while speeding restrictions on young drivers on their learners or provisional licences have been a mandatory requirement in New South Wale]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/nonsense-why-thousands-of-aussies-want-this-p-plate-rule-axed/</link><pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 04:30:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/nonsense-why-thousands-of-aussies-want-this-p-plate-rule-axed/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Toyota Fortuner 4WD to live on beyond Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[The SUV sibling to the popular Toyota HiLux may be on the chopping block here, but there&rsquo;s a new-but-not-all-new model headed to overseas showrooms.<br />
&lsquo;New&rsquo; Toyota Fortuner spy photo. Image: Kurdistan Automotive Blog.<br />
The Toyota Fortuner four-wheel-drive will live on outside of Australia with a heavy facelift &ndash; akin to the related HiLux ute &ndash; later this year.The Japanese car giant will pull the pin on its Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X rival in Australia from mid-2026, a]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-fortuner-4wd-to-live-on-beyond-australia/</link><pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 01:04:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-fortuner-4wd-to-live-on-beyond-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Toyota Fortuner 4×4 to live on beyond Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[The SUV sibling to the popular Toyota HiLux may be on the chopping block here, but there&rsquo;s a new-but-not-all-new model headed to overseas showrooms.<br />
&lsquo;New&rsquo; Toyota Fortuner spy photo. Image: Kurdistan Automotive Blog.<br />
The Toyota Fortuner four-wheel-drive will live on outside of Australia with a heavy facelift &ndash; akin to the related HiLux ute &ndash; later this year.The Japanese car giant will pull the pin on its Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X rival in Australia from mid-2026, a]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-fortuner-44-to-live-on-beyond-australia/</link><pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 01:04:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-fortuner-44-to-live-on-beyond-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Geely EX5 electric SUV price leaked with bigger battery – UPDATE]]></title><description><![CDATA[Leaked information reveals the Geely EX5 electric SUV will soon receive a bigger battery in new Extended Range variants, accompanied by a price rise.UPDATE, 25 February 2026: The upgraded 2026 Geely EX5 electric SUV with an enlarged 68.4kWh battery pack will cost $1000 more than the regular model, leaked prices have revealed.Industry pricing guide Redbook lists Extended Range versions of the EX5&rsquo;s two model grades, Complete and Inspire, priced at $41,990 and $45,990 plus on-road costs, res]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-geely-ex5-electric-suv-price-leaked-with-bigger-battery-update/</link><pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:19:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-geely-ex5-electric-suv-price-leaked-with-bigger-battery-update/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos FWD review]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Corolla Cross has hit its midlife facelift, featuring updates for the first time since its launch in 2022. But, with the car sporting the same tech underneath, how&rsquo;s it holding up in 2026?<br />
Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps<br />
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos FWDThe Toyota Corolla Cross was born into an increasingly crowded market of small SUVs during an incre]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-corolla-cross-atmos-fwd-review/</link><pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 22:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-toyota-corolla-cross-atmos-fwd-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Petrol stations that don’t follow new price rules in Victoria will face big penalties]]></title><description><![CDATA[Big penalties are coming for service stations in Victoria that don&rsquo;t follow new rules aimed at making fuel more affordable.New rules that mandate live reporting and setting of a daily maximum cap on fuel prices come into force next month, along with significant fines for fuel retailers that fail to comply.A Victorian Government spokesperson told Drive: &ldquo;Under new laws set to come into effect next month, Consumer Affairs Victoria will be given greater powers to issue fines to retailer]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/petrol-stations-that-dont-follow-new-price-rules-in-victoria-will-face-big-penalties/</link><pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 19:07:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/petrol-stations-that-dont-follow-new-price-rules-in-victoria-will-face-big-penalties/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Thousands of parking fines were cancelled last year – here’s why]]></title><description><![CDATA[Councils across Australia have revealed it is possible to get out of a parking fine &hellip; you simply need the right reason.<br />
If you&rsquo;ve ever received a parking fine, you&rsquo;ll be familiar with the immediate and overwhelming urge to try to get out of it. The good news is that it might be more common than you&rsquo;d think.<br />
Councils across the country have given Drive a glimpse into how many parking fines were cancelled in 2025 &ndash; and the main reasons behind these cancellations.<br />
REL]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/thousands-of-parking-fines-were-cancelled-last-year-heres-why/</link><pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 19:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/thousands-of-parking-fines-were-cancelled-last-year-heres-why/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘Recipe for disaster’: Oscar Piastri’s dread at new F1 rules]]></title><description><![CDATA[Oscar Piastri and other F1 drivers have raised grave concerns about the safety of Melbourne&rsquo;s new F1 start procedure. Here&rsquo;s why.<br />
Formula 1 drivers are a brave bunch, but when Oscar Piastri recently voiced his concerns about the safety of the race start in Melbourne, a number of his colleagues also had their reservations.Why?This year&rsquo;s cars must adhere to the most radical upheaval of F1&rsquo;s rule set in the sport&rsquo;s history.One or two major elements are often revised o]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/recipe-for-disaster-oscar-piastris-dread-at-new-f1-rules/</link><pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:32:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/recipe-for-disaster-oscar-piastris-dread-at-new-f1-rules/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Skoda Kodiaq mild-hybrid price announced for Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[Skoda has traded power for fuel efficiency in a new entry-level version of its flagship Kodiaq SUV, dropping the price to 2020 levels.Mild-hybrid technology, a smaller engine and fewer luxuries will drop the price of the cheapest 2026 Skoda Kodiaq family SUV in Australia to its lowest level in years.Due in showrooms in March, the mild-hybrid Kodiaq will replace the current 2.0-litre all-wheel-drive base model with front-wheel drive and a 1.5-litre engine assisted by an electric motor.It will be]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-skoda-kodiaq-mild-hybrid-price-announced-for-australia/</link><pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 23:09:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-skoda-kodiaq-mild-hybrid-price-announced-for-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Isuzu MU-X X-Terrain review]]></title><description><![CDATA[While newer and glitzier competitors continue to arrive in the segment, there is still strong appeal for Isuzu&rsquo;s sturdy four-wheel-drive wagon in the Australian market. But it&rsquo;s not the same value it used to be.<br />
Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps<br />
2026 Isuzu MU-X X-TerrainIt&rsquo;s treading a fine line between pragmatism and appeal, in the face of increa]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-isuzu-mu-x-x-terrain-review/</link><pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 22:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-isuzu-mu-x-x-terrain-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Toyota to introduce Apple digital car key access]]></title><description><![CDATA[Toyota is starting to introduce Apple&rsquo;s secure digital car key tech to its range, starting with the US-spec 2026 RAV4.Photo Credit: iStockToyota has joined the likes of BMW, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo with support for &lsquo;digital key&rsquo; access.Tech site, MacRumours, reports that the keyless access system will be rolled out on the 2026 RAV4 in the United States.Digital key allows users to add a secure digital key to their Apple Wallet.By using a device&rsquo;s ultra-wideband (U]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-to-introduce-apple-digital-car-key-access/</link><pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 21:24:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-to-introduce-apple-digital-car-key-access/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Geely EX5 electric SUV with bigger battery approved for sale]]></title><description><![CDATA[Australian documents reveal Geely EX5 electric SUV with a bigger battery could be close to a local showroom arrival.An updated version of the Geely EX5 with a bigger battery seems poised to enter Australian showrooms, as revealed by local certification documents.The original EX5 launched only in March 2025, fitted with a 60.22kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery that is rated for a 430km driving range on the WLTP standard in base Complete trim, decreasing to 410km for the top-spec Inspire.Ho]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-geely-ex5-electric-suv-with-bigger-battery-approved-for-sale/</link><pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 20:16:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-geely-ex5-electric-suv-with-bigger-battery-approved-for-sale/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Victorian car theft bust recovers 21 stolen vehicles]]></title><description><![CDATA[Victorian police have busted an alleged car theft syndicate, charging four people and recovering 21 vehicles.<br />
Image: Victoria Police<br />
Victorian police have recovered 21 vehicles during a bust of an alleged car theft syndicate, with four people being charged.Police seized two &lsquo;third party electronic key reprogramming devices&rsquo; that were allegedly used as the &ldquo;predominant&rdquo; method to steal the cars. Police also recovered multiple false and stolen registration plates as part of]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/victorian-car-theft-bust-recovers-21-stolen-vehicles/</link><pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 19:03:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/victorian-car-theft-bust-recovers-21-stolen-vehicles/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘Send me the location’: Rare Porsche dumped on suburban street]]></title><description><![CDATA[Only two examples of this Porsche 911 were ever produced, and one of them is seemingly up for grabs on a random side street.<br />
Image: Instagram<br />
When you&rsquo;re in the financial position to buy a new Porsche &ndash; where its point of entry starts from at least $130,000 before on-road costs &ndash; it&rsquo;s almost normal to show off the car when you&rsquo;re cruising to your destination.<br />
But while owning any car from a prestige brand like Porsche &ndash; where its rich automotive history has ca]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/send-me-the-location-rare-porsche-dumped-on-suburban-street/</link><pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 19:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/send-me-the-location-rare-porsche-dumped-on-suburban-street/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘Insane’: Rare Porsche left to rot on the street]]></title><description><![CDATA[As far as exotic goes, this Porsche 911 &ndash; of which only two were made &ndash; might be the rarest, and it was just left in a random side street.<br />
Image: Instagram<br />
When you&rsquo;re in the financial position to buy a new Porsche &ndash; where its point of entry starts from at least $130,000 before on-road costs &ndash; it&rsquo;s almost normal to show off the car when you&rsquo;re cruising to your destination.<br />
But while owning any car from a prestige brand like Porsche &ndash; where its rich]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/insane-rare-porsche-left-to-rot-on-the-street/</link><pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 19:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/insane-rare-porsche-left-to-rot-on-the-street/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tesla Model Y is the winner of 2026 Drive Car of the Year]]></title><description><![CDATA[Practical packaging, exceptional value and game-changing technology see the Tesla Model Y celebrated as the 2026 Drive Car of the Year.The Tesla Model Y has been crowned the 21st winner of the highly respected Drive Car of the Year award.The award, earned by the car that &lsquo;moves the game forward the most for Australian new-car buyers&rsquo;, is the first overall win for Tesla, the first Chinese-built winner, and the second time a fully-electric vehicle has been awarded the coveted trophy.Wi]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/tesla-model-y-is-the-winner-of-2026-drive-car-of-the-year/</link><pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 09:28:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/tesla-model-y-is-the-winner-of-2026-drive-car-of-the-year/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Drive Car of the Year 2026 – all the winners]]></title><description><![CDATA[With 16 awards spanning all corners of the new car market, here are all the 2026 Drive Car of the Year category winners in one placeWe are often asked why, for Drive Car of the Year, we judge and assess cars in some market segments and not others. The fact is, we&rsquo;re always looking at the cars you are buying to work out where we need to focus attention, and for the 2026 field, the categories cover some 86.7 per cent of all new cars sold in 2025.That&rsquo;s over 1 million new car transactio]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/drive-car-of-the-year-2026-all-the-winners/</link><pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 09:21:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/drive-car-of-the-year-2026-all-the-winners/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Land Rover Defender wins Drive Car of the Year ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award]]></title><description><![CDATA[Every once in a while, a vehicle arrives that is so well regarded and so resolutely fit for purpose comes to dominate its niche.Despite the constant flow of new and updated models into the luxury four-wheel-drive space, as represented at Drive Car of the Year through the Best Off-Road Vehicle Under $150K category, the Land Rover Defender has maintained its authority and dominance since the controversial new-generation model launched.So much so that Drive is awarding the Defender a trophy for the]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/land-rover-defender-wins-drive-car-of-the-year-lifetime-achievement-award/</link><pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/land-rover-defender-wins-drive-car-of-the-year-lifetime-achievement-award/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Land Rover Defender wins 2026 Lifetime Achievment award]]></title><description><![CDATA[Every once in a while, a vehicle arrives that is so well regarded and so resolutely fit for purpose comes to dominate its niche.Despite the constant flow of new and updated models into the luxury four-wheel-drive space, as represented at Drive Car of the Year through the Best Off-Road Vehicle Under $150K category, the Land Rover Defender has maintained its authority and dominance since the controversial new-generation model launched.So much so that Drive is awarding the Defender a trophy for the]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/land-rover-defender-wins-2026-lifetime-achievment-award/</link><pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/land-rover-defender-wins-2026-lifetime-achievment-award/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Kia Carnival wins Drive Car of the Year Lifetime Achievement award]]></title><description><![CDATA[When it comes to choosing a family car, nothing is as practical as a people mover. And from that group, there has been one clear champion for many years.The Kia Carnival&rsquo;s Lifetime Achievement award is largely attributable to one simple figure: 82.6. That is the scarcely believable percentage of market share claimed by the Carnival in its segment. Drive one, and it&rsquo;s easy to understand why. It&rsquo;s so good that it makes choosing any of its rivals seem an act of wilful cussedness.S]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/kia-carnival-wins-drive-car-of-the-year-lifetime-achievement-award/</link><pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 08:53:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/kia-carnival-wins-drive-car-of-the-year-lifetime-achievement-award/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Kia Carnival wins 2026 Lifetime Achievment award]]></title><description><![CDATA[When it comes to choosing a family car, nothing is as practical as a people mover. And from that group, there has been one clear champion for many years.The Kia Carnival&rsquo;s award is largely attributable to one simple figure: 82.6. That is the scarcely believable percentage of market share claimed by the Carnival in its segment. Drive one and it&rsquo;s easy to understand why. It&rsquo;s so good that it makes choosing any of the opposition seem an act of wilful cussedness.Superiority underse]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/kia-carnival-wins-2026-lifetime-achievment-award/</link><pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 08:53:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/kia-carnival-wins-2026-lifetime-achievment-award/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Tesla Model Y L six-seater approved for Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[Australia looks to be next on the list for Tesla&rsquo;s most practical Model Y family SUV, a six-seat variant with a longer range and more space.The six-seat, long-wheelbase Tesla Model Y L is all but confirmed for Australian showrooms, as the more practical version of the company&rsquo;s top-selling model.Tesla has received Australian government approval to sell the Model Y L locally, documents seen by Drive show, in a single dual-motor, all-wheel-drive model grade.A local introduction is yet]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-tesla-model-y-l-six-seater-approved-for-australia/</link><pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 05:55:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-tesla-model-y-l-six-seater-approved-for-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Hyundai Elexio EV price rise confirmed, but cheaper variant coming soon]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Hyundai Elexio is initially offered in just one mid-spec grade &ndash; which will surge in price by up to $9000 come April &ndash; but the car maker says a more affordable alternative isn&rsquo;t far behind.The price of the 2026 Hyundai Elexio electric mid-size SUV is set to surge by about $6000 to $9000 when an &lsquo;introductory&rsquo; drive-away offer is discontinued in less than six weeks&rsquo; time.To soften the blow, Hyundai will introduce a new entry-level version of its latest elec]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-hyundai-elexio-ev-price-rise-confirmed-but-cheaper-variant-coming-soon/</link><pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 05:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-hyundai-elexio-ev-price-rise-confirmed-but-cheaper-variant-coming-soon/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Chery ute: ‘World’s first’ diesel plug-in hybrid dual-cab due in Australia late 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[The latest ute from China will combine diesel power with plug-in hybrid tech in an alternative to a Shark 6 or Cannon Alpha PHEV.Chery has confirmed plans to launch Australia&rsquo;s first diesel plug-in hybrid ute when it launches its maiden dual-cab &ndash; codenamed KP31 &ndash; in local showrooms by the end of this year.A concept revealed in Sydney this month &ndash; with boxy styling and bold Chery branding &ndash; is said to be &ldquo;quite close&rdquo; to the final HiLux and Ranger rival,]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/chery-ute-worlds-first-diesel-plug-in-hybrid-dual-cab-due-in-australia-late-2026/</link><pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 01:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/chery-ute-worlds-first-diesel-plug-in-hybrid-dual-cab-due-in-australia-late-2026/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Genesis GV70 wins Best Medium SUV Under $90K]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Genesis GV70 has beat all rivals to win the Best Medium SUV Under $90K category in the Drive Car of the Year 2026 awards.The last 12 months has seen plenty of activity in the luxury medium SUV class, the underlying sales segment that informs our Drive Car of the Year Best Medium SUV Under $90K award.<br />
All three German brands injected new life into their respective models, the Audi Q5, the BMW X3, and the Mercedes-Benz GLC.But, testing at this year&rsquo;s Drive Car of the Year programme saw a]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/genesis-gv70-wins-best-medium-suv-under-90k/</link><pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:20:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/genesis-gv70-wins-best-medium-suv-under-90k/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BYD Atto 2 wins Best Electric Vehicle Under $40K]]></title><description><![CDATA[The competition at the cheap end of the EV market keeps getting tougher, but the BYD Atto 2 small SUV stood out in the category this year.The BYD Atto 2 has risen to the top of its class in the Best Electric Vehicle Under $40K category in the Drive Car of the Year 2026 awards.With a growing selection of cheap electric cars entering Australia&rsquo;s new-car market, the decision for buyers is harder than ever.Finding the right mix of comfort, quality, and included features is at the heart of a va]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-atto-2-wins-best-electric-vehicle-under-40k/</link><pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:16:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-atto-2-wins-best-electric-vehicle-under-40k/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyundai Palisade wins Best Seven-Seat under $90K]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Hyundai Palisade has beat out a strong line-up of competitors to win the Best Seven-Seat Under $90K category in the Drive Car of the Year 2026 awards.The Hyundai Palisade has won the Best Seven-Seat Under $90K category in the Drive Car of the Year 2026 awards, taking the title off the Hyundai Santa Fe.The seven-seat segment is where Australian families look for the all-in-one package. Whether you need a third row full-time, or just every now and then, they provide flexibility, practicality a]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-palisade-wins-best-seven-seat-under-90k/</link><pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:10:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-palisade-wins-best-seven-seat-under-90k/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyundai Palisade wins Best Seven-Seat SUV Under $90K]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Hyundai Palisade has beat out a strong line-up of competitors to win the Best Seven-Seat Under $90K category in the Drive Car of the Year 2026 awards.The Hyundai Palisade has won the Best Seven-Seat Under $90K category in the Drive Car of the Year 2026 awards, taking the title off the Hyundai Santa Fe.The seven-seat segment is where Australian families look for the all-in-one package. Whether you need a third row full-time, or just every now and then, they provide flexibility, practicality a]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-palisade-wins-best-seven-seat-suv-under-90k/</link><pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:10:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-palisade-wins-best-seven-seat-suv-under-90k/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Volvo XC90 wins Best Luxury SUV Under $150K]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Volvo XC90 has beat out a strong line-up of competitors to win the Best Luxury SUV Under $150K category in the Drive Car of the Year 2026 awards.The Volvo XC90 has won the 2026 Drive Car of the Year Best Luxury SUV Under $150K, narrowly beating out the BMW iX and Porsche Macan.When looking for a luxury SUV, performance, practicality, and prestige need to be considered in equal measure &ndash; which is something the Volvo XC90 has balanced almost flawlessly, especially in the top-spec Ultra T]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/volvo-xc90-wins-best-luxury-suv-under-150k/</link><pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:05:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/volvo-xc90-wins-best-luxury-suv-under-150k/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Kia Tasman wins Best Dual-Cab Ute Under $60K]]></title><description><![CDATA[Korea&rsquo;s newcomer ute knocks off some established competition to pick up some coveted Drive Car of the Year silverware in 2026.The Kia Tasman comes away a winner in the 2026 Drive Car of the Year awards as the Best Dual-Cab Ute Under $60K.While the up-specced Tasman didn&rsquo;t manage to notch a win in the higher-priced ute category, the Tasman SX within the lower price threshold proved to be eminently impressive to Drive Car of the Year judges.In a segment where it all boils down to value]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/kia-tasman-wins-best-dual-cab-ute-under-60k/</link><pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/kia-tasman-wins-best-dual-cab-ute-under-60k/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyundai Kona wins Best Small SUV Under $60K]]></title><description><![CDATA[It&rsquo;s three on the trot for the impressive Hyundai Kona at the Drive Car of the Year awards, which beats Nissan and Kia to claim the Best Small SUV Under $60K category for 2026.The small SUV class is one of the most competitive &ndash; and fastest-moving &ndash; in the Australian new-car market, whether petrol, hybrid, or electric.It&rsquo;s no simple feat, then, that the Hyundai Kona has crowned its category at 2026 Drive Car of the Year for the third-year running, named the Best Small SUV]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-kona-wins-best-small-suv-under-60k/</link><pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 23:55:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-kona-wins-best-small-suv-under-60k/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Polestar 4 wins Best Electric Vehicle Under $90K]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Polestar 4 has flexed its style and substance over a strong line-up of competitors to win the Best Electric Vehicle Under $90K category in the Drive Car of the Year 2026 awardsWe&rsquo;ll be honest with you, the Best Electric Vehicle Under $90K category was a tough call for the 2026 Drive Car of the Year awards. The volume and choice of electric vehicle options in Australia have ballooned in recent years, with many brands entering the buyer discussion in a value-centric part of the market, e]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/polestar-4-wins-best-electric-vehicle-under-90k/</link><pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 23:47:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/polestar-4-wins-best-electric-vehicle-under-90k/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Honda Civic Hybrid wins Best Urban Car Under $60K]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Honda Civic took category honours in 2025, and backed up its results with a segment victory in 2026.The Honda Civic Hybrid has secured victory in the Best Urban Car Under $60K category as part of Drive Car of the Year 2026, making it two in a row for Honda&rsquo;s venerable small car.While Australian buyers are slowly turning away from traditional small cars in favour of compact SUVs, some surprisingly very good compact passenger cars deserve buyer attention.At the more premium end of the sm]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/honda-civic-hybrid-wins-best-urban-car-under-60k/</link><pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 23:43:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/honda-civic-hybrid-wins-best-urban-car-under-60k/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mini Countryman wins Best Small SUV Under $90K]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Mini Countryman has beat out a strong line-up of competitors to win the Best Small SUV Under $90K category in the Drive Car of the Year 2026 awards.The Mini Countryman has won the Best Small SUV Under $90K category in the Drive Car of the Year 2026 awards for the second year in a row.Unlike the Best Small SUV Under $60K category, price isn&rsquo;t the key consideration; buyers are willing to spend a little more for something that is stylish and practical, while still seeking good value for m]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mini-countryman-wins-best-small-suv-under-90k/</link><pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 23:35:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mini-countryman-wins-best-small-suv-under-90k/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hyundai Santa Fe wins Best Seven-Seat SUV Under $60K]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Hyundai Santa Fe has beat out a strong line-up of competitors to win the Best Seven-Seat SUV Under $60K category in the Drive Car of the Year 2026 awards.The Hyundai Santa Fe has taken out top honours in the 2026 Drive Car of the Year Best Seven-Seat SUV Under $60K category for the second-year running.While competition came in thick and fast from new entrants like the MG QS, Volkswagen Tayron, and Chery Tiggo 9, the Hyundai Santa Fe proved it offers the best balance of practicality, affordab]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-santa-fe-wins-best-seven-seat-suv-under-60k/</link><pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 23:30:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/hyundai-santa-fe-wins-best-seven-seat-suv-under-60k/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ford Everest wins Best Off-Road SUV Under $90K]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Ford Everest has successfully defended its crown in the Best Off-Road SUV Under $90K category in the Drive Car of the Year 2026 awards.The Ford Everest four-wheel-drive wagon continues its dominance of this off-road SUV category in 2026, fending off new and refreshed competition in this highly competitive segment.After successfully seeing off the new Toyota LandCruiser Prado in 2025, it was a refreshed Isuzu MU-X and the newly introduced GWM Tank 500 plug-in hybrid that joined the defending]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-everest-wins-best-off-road-suv-under-90k/</link><pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 23:25:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-everest-wins-best-off-road-suv-under-90k/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tesla Model Y wins Best Electric Vehicle Under $60K]]></title><description><![CDATA[Important updates and clever tech have allowed the world&rsquo;s best-selling electric car to defeat formidable competition and become the 2026 Drive Car of the Year Best Electric Vehicle Under $60K.Few categories kept judges testing, discussing, and deliberating longer at Drive Car of the Year 2026 than Best Electric Vehicle Under $60K.After a lot of debate &ndash; and a close fight with the Zeekr 7X RWD as runner-up, ahead of the Skoda Enyaq 85 Sportline and GAC Aion V Luxury &ndash; it is the]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/tesla-model-y-wins-best-electric-vehicle-under-60k/</link><pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 23:20:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/tesla-model-y-wins-best-electric-vehicle-under-60k/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BMW 5 Series wins Best Luxury Car Under $150K]]></title><description><![CDATA[BMW demonstrates that getting the fundamentals right is the key to the Drive Car of the Year 2026 Best Luxury Car Under $150K category.<br />
It&rsquo;s easy to overcomplicate things. Tempting even. But at Drive Car of the Year, BMW proved that keeping things simple pays dividends.In this sector, it stands to reason that buyer expectations are elevated. Customers want to feel as if they&rsquo;ve got value for money and so manufacturers need to go above and beyond to demonstrate that.And at this year&r]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bmw-5-series-wins-best-luxury-car-under-150k/</link><pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 23:15:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bmw-5-series-wins-best-luxury-car-under-150k/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Zeekr 7X wins Best Medium SUV Under $60K]]></title><description><![CDATA[Chinese newcomer comes straight out of the gate swinging, beating a formidable line up of rivals to win the Best Medium SUV Under $60K category at Drive Car of the Year 2026.Pay more, get less. That&rsquo;s the narrative around cars these days isn&rsquo;t it? Not here. If you&rsquo;re looking for a Medium SUV under $60K, we&rsquo;d say you&rsquo;ve never had it so good.The class of &lsquo;26 is absolutely stacked with talent, and in order to differentiate themselves, they&rsquo;re packing in mor]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/zeekr-7x-wins-best-medium-suv-under-60k/</link><pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 23:10:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/zeekr-7x-wins-best-medium-suv-under-60k/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ford Ranger wins Best Dual-Cab Ute under $90K]]></title><description><![CDATA[There&rsquo;s no stopping the Ford Ranger&rsquo;s dominance of the local dual-cab ute market, and as our Best Dual-Cab Ute under $90K.The Ford Ranger&lsquo;s grasp on the Australian dual-cab ute market can&rsquo;t be loosened, even in the face of newer competition, and it&rsquo;s now a Drive Car of the Year category award winner for a fourth consecutive year.The Ford Ranger is now about halfway through its product cycle, but the brand has issued a multitude of updates that bring year-on-year imp]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-ranger-wins-best-dual-cab-ute-under-90k/</link><pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 23:05:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ford-ranger-wins-best-dual-cab-ute-under-90k/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BYD Dolphin wins Best Urban Car Under $30K]]></title><description><![CDATA[The BYD Dolphin has beat out a strong line-up of competitors to win the Best Urban Car Under $30K category in the Drive Car of the Year 2026 awards.A well-equipped and city-friendly hatchback, that just happens to be fully-electric, makes the affordable Dolphin a clear winner as the 2026 Drive Car of the Year Best Urban Car Under $30K.You don&rsquo;t need to spend a fortune to get a lot of car in 2026, and in fact, we would argue that buyers with a budget of up to $30,000 get more car for their]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-dolphin-wins-best-urban-car-under-30k/</link><pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 23:01:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/byd-dolphin-wins-best-urban-car-under-30k/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2027 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Mini: Still disguised, but numerous details revealed]]></title><description><![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz has kept the design of its sub-G-Class model as close as possible to its flagship off-roader, but the underpinnings couldn&rsquo;t be more different.New spy photos reveal that the future &lsquo;baby G-Class&rsquo; from Mercedes-Benz will look almost indistinguishable from its full-size sibling.These latest images, taken during winter testing, show that Mercedes-Benz is serious about imbuing its small-G with an almost unchanged design to ensure the iconic G-Class lineage lives on.A]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-mercedes-benz-g-class-mini-still-disguised-but-numerous-details-revealed/</link><pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 22:57:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2027-mercedes-benz-g-class-mini-still-disguised-but-numerous-details-revealed/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 BMW M2 CS review: Australian track test]]></title><description><![CDATA[The 2026 BMW M2 CS is lighter, faster, and more expensive than its standard M2 counterpart, but is it better?<br />
2026 BMW M2 CS<br />
The thought that cars could soon be more than just transport for commuting makes me sad. I fall into the whiny generation that complains about the lack of new sports cars on the market, while also having nowhere near the financial means to buy one.That want, but no demand, has caused the number of vehicles that spur excitement, with their quirks and charms, to dwindle in t]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-bmw-m2-cs-review-australian-track-test/</link><pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 22:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-bmw-m2-cs-review-australian-track-test/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Denza B8 is Australia’s heaviest SUV]]></title><description><![CDATA[If you think heaviest is best, this new luxury SUV from China comes out on top.The Denza B8 &ndash; a three-row large SUV with a plug-in hybrid powertrain and a 3.5-tonne towing capacity &ndash; is Australia&rsquo;s heaviest SUV.&nbsp;As BYD&rsquo;s new luxury brand for the Australian market, the B8 sits alongside the B5 SUV as Denza&rsquo;s initial offerings for the Australian market.The only two vehicles that are heavier include the heavy-duty Ram 2500 with a 6.7-litre turbo diesel engine and]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-denza-b8-is-australias-heaviest-suv/</link><pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 21:23:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-denza-b8-is-australias-heaviest-suv/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2025-2026 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series recalled for transmission fault]]></title><description><![CDATA[A transmission solenoid fault could cause the engine to over-rev in certain gears, according to the recall notice.Toyota Motor Company Australia&nbsp;has recalled 11,020&nbsp;examples of its&nbsp;2025 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series, citing a potential fault with&nbsp;the transmission solenoid.The affected vehicles were produced in 2025, and are expected to be a mix of 2025 and 2026 model-year vehicles.The recall notice, lodged by Toyota Australia, says:&nbsp;&ldquo;The impacted LandCruiser 300 ve]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2025-2026-toyota-landcruiser-300-series-recalled-for-transmission-fault/</link><pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 20:08:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2025-2026-toyota-landcruiser-300-series-recalled-for-transmission-fault/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[BMW will let customers decide if they want electric or petrol M cars]]></title><description><![CDATA[BMW says it will let the customers decide if they want electric or internal combustion vehicles when it comes to high-performance M cars.BMW M CEO Frank van Meel said that the performance arm of the German brand will let the sales figures show if customers want electric or internal combustion (ICE) power.&ldquo;As long as there is demand from the markets, which currently there is a lot, we will keep [building petrol cars]. Of course, if there is no demand, because everyone falls in love with the]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bmw-will-let-customers-decide-if-they-want-electric-or-petrol-m-cars/</link><pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 18:45:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/bmw-will-let-customers-decide-if-they-want-electric-or-petrol-m-cars/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Denza B8 review: First road test]]></title><description><![CDATA[The luxury big hitter from BYD brings a whole lot of technology, features, space and weight. Can it take on the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series on its home turf?2026 Denza B8The Denza B8 &ndash; a big four-wheel-drive wagon with three rows of seating and an incredible array of technology &ndash; wants to lure Australians away from the most desired and iconic nameplate on our automotive landscape.I&rsquo;m talking about &ndash; of course &ndash; the Toyota LandCruiser. A vehicle that has intertwine]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-denza-b8-review-first-road-test/</link><pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 14:01:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-denza-b8-review-first-road-test/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Denza B5 Leopard review]]></title><description><![CDATA[BYD is going upmarket with the Denza B5 and is targeting Australian staples like the Ford Everest and Toyota LandCruiser Prado.2026 Denza B5 LeopardChina&rsquo;s onward march of increasing quality, sophistication and offerings continues in Australia, with yet another brand fighting for attention and sales.This time, it&rsquo;s Denza. We&rsquo;re going premium.<br />
Denza is a new luxury brand under the BYD umbrella, which is not dissimilar to the relationship between Toyota and Lexus, Hyundai and Gen]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-denza-b5-leopard-review/</link><pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 14:01:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-denza-b5-leopard-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 JAC Hunter plug-in hybrid ute testing at ex-Holden proving ground]]></title><description><![CDATA[More than 50,000km of testing in Australia will have been conducted for the Chinese JAC Hunter plug-in hybrid ute by launch.Initial testing of the 2026 JAC Hunter plug-in hybrid dual-cab 4&times;4 ute has been completed at the ex-Holden Lang Lang proving ground in Victoria, as the brand aims to optimise the platform for Australian climate and conditions.A number of the vehicle systems are under the microscope during testing, such as the vehicle&rsquo;s durability and dynamics, powertrain perform]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-jac-hunter-plug-in-hybrid-ute-testing-at-ex-holden-proving-ground/</link><pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 01:44:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-jac-hunter-plug-in-hybrid-ute-testing-at-ex-holden-proving-ground/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2025-2026 Lexus LX recalled over transmission fault]]></title><description><![CDATA[A transmission solenoid fault could cause the engine&rsquo;s revs to spike spontaneously, according to the recall notice.Lexus Australia has recalled&nbsp;589 examples of its&nbsp;2025-2026 Lexus LX500d and LX600, citing a potential fault with&nbsp;the transmission solenoid and electronics.<br />
The affected vehicles were produced in 2025, and are expected to be a mix of 2025 and 2026 model-year vehicles.The recall notice, lodged by Lexus Australia, says: &ldquo;The impacted Lexus LX vehicles are equ]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2025-2026-lexus-lx-recalled-over-transmission-fault/</link><pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2026 00:08:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2025-2026-lexus-lx-recalled-over-transmission-fault/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz onslaught to see 30 new models in showrooms]]></title><description><![CDATA[The 30 new models will encompass all-new vehicles and updates of popular cars from Mercedes-Benz, all set to arrive within two years.<br />
Mercedes-Benz has pledged to launch 30 new models by the end of next year, with more than half expected in showrooms over the next 12 months.The remaining 14 models will be due in 2027, with all 30 vehicles set to bolster its three-level line-up as the German brand adds both new electric and combustion (petrol and diesel) options to its range.Mercedes-Benz splits]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mercedes-benz-onslaught-to-see-30-new-models-in-showrooms/</link><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 23:07:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/mercedes-benz-onslaught-to-see-30-new-models-in-showrooms/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Subaru takes control of V8 Supercars field in 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Japanese manufacturer has replaced Porsche as the official safety and medical cars for Australia&rsquo;s top racing series.The Subaru WRX will be the new safety car for the Supercars championship in 2026, expanding the brand&rsquo;s earlier deal to provide the Course Car.The partnership will see the previous BP Pulse-branded electric Porsche Taycan GTS safety car replaced by a WRX tS Spec B, while the new Outback Wilderness&nbsp;trim will step in as the official medical car, in place of a Po]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/subaru-takes-control-of-v8-supercars-field-in-2026/</link><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 22:12:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/subaru-takes-control-of-v8-supercars-field-in-2026/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2025 GWM Tank 300 Diesel Ultra]]></title><description><![CDATA[All up very happy with the 2025 Tank 300 Ultra Diesel, and under $55k I don&rsquo;t think you could do better.&nbsp;<br />
Owner: DavidUltra annoying lane assist that you have to turn off every time you start, cruise control that stays a mile back from the car in front and slams on the brakes if something gets in the gap. Very intrusive Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Lots of bings and bongs that you will have no idea what it&rsquo;s complaining about.&nbsp;Great value for money, ride is go]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2025-gwm-tank-300-diesel-ultra/</link><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 22:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2025-gwm-tank-300-diesel-ultra/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[25 years of Honda hybrids: Why this little car still packs a punch]]></title><description><![CDATA[We gather two hero Honda hybrids to look at what&rsquo;s changed in a quarter of a century and, equally importantly, what hasn&rsquo;t.Game-changing cars don&rsquo;t come around very often. This century you could count the real disruptors on one hand. We&rsquo;re talking vehicles that brought something new to a significant market.&nbsp;The original Tesla Model S and the XW20 Toyota Prius are the obvious primaries, but you could also make a case for the Tesla Model 3, the Porsche Cayenne and poss]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/25-years-of-honda-hybrids-why-this-little-car-still-packs-a-punch/</link><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 19:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/25-years-of-honda-hybrids-why-this-little-car-still-packs-a-punch/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[GWM offers free servicing for new plug-in hybrid customers]]></title><description><![CDATA[Customers on the fence about a GWM PHEV are being enticed by three-years free servicing on most models, but only for a limited time.GWM Haval H6 PHEV<br />
GWM Australia is offering customers who test drive and buy select plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) free servicing to the value of up to $1595.Four plug-in hybrid models &ndash; Haval H6, Haval H6 GT, Cannon Alpha, and Tank 500 &ndash; are part of the offer, but the newly-released Tank 300 PHEV is excluded.The complimentary services cover thr]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/gwm-offers-free-servicing-for-new-plug-in-hybrid-customers/</link><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 02:06:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/gwm-offers-free-servicing-for-new-plug-in-hybrid-customers/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Fun cars under $40,000? Here’s what Drive would pick]]></title><description><![CDATA[Your definition of fun might be different from ours, but if we had $40,000 burning a hole in our pocket, these are the cars we would choose as a weekend ride.Times are tough with a cost-of-living crisis going on and even the potential for even more interest-rate hikes, but indulge us in a bit of fantasy for a second.The question? What &lsquo;fun&rsquo; car would you buy for $40,000 from the Drive Marketplace?Here at Drive, we are an eclectic bunch with diverse tastes, which is reflected in our c]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/fun-cars-under-40000-heres-what-drive-would-pick/</link><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 00:18:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/fun-cars-under-40000-heres-what-drive-would-pick/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Spot the difference: One of these ‘Lego’ supercars is not Lego at all]]></title><description><![CDATA[With more features, the same 1:8 scale, and a cheaper price tag, CaDA Bricks could be the Lego Technic gateway you are looking for.As a child of the &rsquo;90s, I make no illusions about my love of Lego, so when the building-block juggernaut released its first 1:8-scale Technic model based on the Porsche 911 GT3 RS nearly a decade ago, I knew I had to have it.From there, Lego has released a 1:8-scale supercar every two years since, moving onto the Bugatti Chiron, Lamborghini Sian, Ferrari Dayton]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/spot-the-difference-one-of-these-lego-supercars-is-not-lego-at-all/</link><pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 23:30:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/spot-the-difference-one-of-these-lego-supercars-is-not-lego-at-all/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Denza says Australians are ready for Chinese luxury cars]]></title><description><![CDATA[Australians are ready to spend up to $100,000 on a Chinese luxury SUV, according to a key company executive.BYD&rsquo;s tilt at the Australian luxury car segment &ndash; through newly minted brand Denza &ndash; is not going to be an uphill battle, according to the local brand boss.While acknowledging there will always be challenges in building a successful luxury brand in Australia, Denza Australia Chief Operating Officer Mark Harland told Drive Australian car buyers are ready to spend up on a C]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/denza-says-australians-are-ready-for-chinese-luxury-cars/</link><pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 23:03:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/denza-says-australians-are-ready-for-chinese-luxury-cars/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Toyota would only sell hot hatches if its chairman could get away with it]]></title><description><![CDATA[Despite tightening emission rules around the world, the Toyota global chairman&rsquo;s soft spot for hot hatches is as strong as ever.Toyota GR Corolla<br />
Toyota president, Akio Toyoda, says the brand would only sell hot hatchbacks if it exclusively built cars to his wishes.Asked by an engineer due to start with the company what he considers to be a &lsquo;good car&rsquo;, Toyoda said, as quoted by Motor1: &ldquo;If we only built what I like, they&rsquo;d all be GR Corollas and GR Yarises.&rdquo;To]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-would-only-sell-hot-hatches-if-its-chairman-could-get-away-with-it/</link><pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 21:56:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-would-only-sell-hot-hatches-if-its-chairman-could-get-away-with-it/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[This NSW P-plater restriction does more harm than good, experts say]]></title><description><![CDATA[Though the state government claims its speed limit restrictions for P-platers have led to safer outcomes, some experts say they make the roads more dangerous for young drivers.When it comes to road safety in Australia, there&rsquo;s no shortage of rules that aim to mitigate the likelihood of car crashes and fatalities.Despite numerous campaigns, road safety blitzes and new laws, Australia&rsquo;s road toll continues to climb, with 1314 people losing their lives on the road in the 12 months to De]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/this-nsw-p-plater-restriction-does-more-harm-than-good-experts-say/</link><pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 19:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/this-nsw-p-plater-restriction-does-more-harm-than-good-experts-say/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Avatr 12 review: International quick drive]]></title><description><![CDATA[Chinese car brands are gunning for the German prestige giants with a new wave of six-figure electric luxury cars, and Avatr will be one of the first to reach Australia. Is it any good?<br />
Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps<br />
2026 Avatr 12Chinese cars found their footing in Australia with affordable utes and family SUVs, but in their home market, they&rsquo;re dipping the]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-avatr-12-review-international-quick-drive/</link><pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 14:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-avatr-12-review-international-quick-drive/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Toyota exec keen on Supra return: ‘I’d love for it to be ongoing’]]></title><description><![CDATA[A new generation of the road-going Supra &ndash; reportedly due to switch from BMW six-cylinder to hybrid Toyota four-cylinder power &ndash; is not being forgotten.The door remains wide open to a new generation of the Toyota GR Supra sports car, as production of today&rsquo;s model prepares to end weeks after a racing version makes its V8 Supercars debut in Australia.More than 1500 Supras have been sold in Australia since the iconic nameplate returned in 2019, sharing its chassis and 3.0-litre t]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-exec-keen-on-supra-return-id-love-for-it-to-be-ongoing/</link><pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 06:03:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/toyota-exec-keen-on-supra-return-id-love-for-it-to-be-ongoing/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘They’re profiting off us’: Police slam council amid parking stoush]]></title><description><![CDATA[Police in inner-city Melbourne are pointing the finger at a local council for profiting from their parking woes. Whose side are you on?Should emergency services workers have special parking privileges compared to regular residents?Police in an inner-city Melbourne suburb have accused a local council of &ldquo;profiting&rdquo; off their parking difficulties, but the council has argued even police are not entitled to special parking privileges.RELATED: These Australian cities are now using surveil]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/theyre-profiting-off-us-police-slam-council-amid-parking-stoush/</link><pubDate>Fri, 20 Feb 2026 02:42:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/theyre-profiting-off-us-police-slam-council-amid-parking-stoush/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[ANCAP releases two new safety ratings without crashing any more cars]]></title><description><![CDATA[Top safety marks have been awarded to BYD&rsquo;s new luxury four-wheel drive and Hyundai&rsquo;s latest Tesla rival, but neither car was physically crash tested &ndash; nor assessed under current criteria.<br />
Denza B8.<br />
The Denza B8 hybrid four-wheel-drive and Hyundai Elexio mid-size electric SUV have earned five stars out of five in new safety ratings from ANCAP.But not a single new car was crashed into a barrier to publish the latest scores &ndash; and they were tested under protocols that expire]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ancap-releases-two-new-safety-ratings-without-crashing-any-more-cars/</link><pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 23:59:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/ancap-releases-two-new-safety-ratings-without-crashing-any-more-cars/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Victorian petrol price app still inconsistent, with data deadline looming]]></title><description><![CDATA[With only a few weeks until a Government deadline mandating fuel-price reporting, Victoria&rsquo;s fuel reporting app is still experiencing issues.The Victorian Government has set a deadline of 10 March 2026 for service stations to live report their fuel prices to Service Victoria within 30 minutes of prices changing.With just weeks until the deadline, Service Victoria&rsquo;s &lsquo;Servo Saver&rsquo; fuel finder app feature still lists out-of-date prices and missing servos, despite promising r]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/victorian-petrol-price-app-still-inconsistent-with-data-deadline-looming/</link><pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 23:37:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/victorian-petrol-price-app-still-inconsistent-with-data-deadline-looming/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Renault Trafic price and specs: New automatic, improved fuel consumption]]></title><description><![CDATA[Updates to the Renault Trafic van for 2026 improve towing capacity, but reintroduce the requirement for AdBlue exhaust fluid.The 2026 Renault Trafic has been updated with a new nine-speed automatic transmission, upgrades to its technology, improved towing capacity, lower fuel consumption, and price rises up to $2500, on sale now.For 2026, the Trafic&rsquo;s six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission has been replaced by a nine-speed torque-converter auto, which promises to bring smoother gear]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-renault-trafic-price-and-specs-new-automatic-improved-fuel-consumption/</link><pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 23:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-renault-trafic-price-and-specs-new-automatic-improved-fuel-consumption/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Audi S5 Avant review]]></title><description><![CDATA[Audi has kept the fast-wagon flame alive in 2026 with its S5 Avant, but the latest-generation model doesn&rsquo;t hit the highs of its predecessor.<br />
Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps<br />
2026 Audi S5 AvantAudi has been the pioneer of the fast wagon, but while the RS6 Avant steals all the headlines, the smaller and less potent S5 Avant (nee S4 Avant) still serves up plen]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-audi-s5-avant-review/</link><pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 22:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-audi-s5-avant-review/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Subaru Trailseeker electric SUV set to be more popular than Solterra in Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Subaru Trailseeker will be &ldquo;unique&rdquo; and likely to outsell the smaller Solterra EV by attracting Outback buyers, the brand&rsquo;s boss says.The Subaru Trailseeker large electric SUV is expected to be more popular than the smaller Solterra, the brand has said, despite significant improvements to the latter for its second generation.The Subaru Trailseeker, an electric alternative to the Outback wagon known as the e-Outback in Europe, is now confirmed for Australia, and due to arriv]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/subaru-trailseeker-electric-suv-set-to-be-more-popular-than-solterra-in-australia/</link><pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 21:48:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/subaru-trailseeker-electric-suv-set-to-be-more-popular-than-solterra-in-australia/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Over 200,000 driver licences hacked in massive data breach]]></title><description><![CDATA[Personal information from hundreds of thousands of Australians has been exposed, with a Sydney financial firm experiencing a massive cybersecurity breach.Unauthorised access to the data of hundreds of thousands of Australian has taken place in a security breach that occurred last week.Sydney-based financial tech firm youX was the subject of a hack that captured data tied to Australians around the country.The hacker claims to have stolen the information of 444,538 lenders with details including g]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/over-200000-driver-licences-hacked-in-massive-data-breach/</link><pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 21:23:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/over-200000-driver-licences-hacked-in-massive-data-breach/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[January 2026 was the most deadly January for motorcyclists since at least 1989]]></title><description><![CDATA[This past January was the deadliest for motorcyclists since at least 1989, with 27 fatalities recorded on Australian roads.Last month was the deadliest January since at least 1989 for motorcycle riders with 27 fatalities recorded on Australian roads.The 27 fatalities recorded in January 2026 surpass the previous January high of 26 fatalities recorded in 2021 and 2015, according to the latest road fatality data from the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE).The monthly]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/january-2026-was-the-most-deadly-january-for-motorcyclists-since-at-least-1989/</link><pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 20:02:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/january-2026-was-the-most-deadly-january-for-motorcyclists-since-at-least-1989/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Outrage as council goes on parking-fine spree at community event]]></title><description><![CDATA[What was meant to be a wholesome celebration of Greek culture in Melbourne&rsquo;s North became a hotbed of parking fines, with the local council sticking to its stance.Image: Nine NewsWhen you&rsquo;re celebrating your heritage among other residents, the last thing you&rsquo;d want to come back to after a day of joy is a parking fine waving on your windscreen.And this is exactly what happened to some attendees at the St Haralambos Greek Festival in Templestowe, a suburb in Melbourne&rsquo;s nor]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/outrage-as-council-goes-on-parking-fine-spree-at-community-event/</link><pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 19:00:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/outrage-as-council-goes-on-parking-fine-spree-at-community-event/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Police trial to fight crime with drones set to expand]]></title><description><![CDATA[Drones remotely piloted from hundreds of kilometres away are being used by NSW Police in a remote town to assist in crime fighting.New South Wales police have started using remotely-piloted drones in the remote town of Moree, with the new technology already assisting in recovering at least one stolen vehicle.The drones have already been fighting crime for just over a month, beginning their six month trial on 8 January 2026.&nbsp;The drones in Moree are operated from a control room over 500km awa]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/police-trial-to-fight-crime-with-drones-set-to-expand/</link><pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 18:48:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/police-trial-to-fight-crime-with-drones-set-to-expand/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Audi RS5 to punch out 470kW/825Nm thanks to plug-in hybrid powertrain]]></title><description><![CDATA[Adding electrification has boosted outputs of the latest Audi RS5, available in Avant and sedan forms, by 139kW/225Nm.<br />
Audi RS5 Avante and Sedan<br />
Audi has followed Mercedes-AMG and BMW M with its new RS5 sports car by shifting to a performance plug-in hybrid model.However, the 2026 Audi RS5 &ndash; available Avant wagon form that replaces the RS4, and as a four-door sedan &ndash; retains the same 2.9-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 as before, but tuned from 331kW to 375kW.To lift performance of the in]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-audi-rs5-to-punch-out-470kw825nm-thanks-to-plug-in-hybrid-powertrain/</link><pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 14:01:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-audi-rs5-to-punch-out-470kw825nm-thanks-to-plug-in-hybrid-powertrain/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Honda secures more Civic Type R stock, but price increased]]></title><description><![CDATA[Honda&rsquo;s sold-out hot hatch gets another stock drop, but the latest Civic Type R is now pricier than ever at $85,500 drive-away.Honda Australia has reopened order books for its quick-selling Civic Type R hot hatch, but the latest stock drop incurs a price increase and will &ndash; again &ndash; be severely limited in number.Published on Honda Australia&rsquo;s website, the Civic Type R is now positioned at $85,500 drive-away &ndash; a $6500 increase over the price the last time order books]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/honda-secures-more-civic-type-r-stock-but-price-increased/</link><pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 05:13:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/honda-secures-more-civic-type-r-stock-but-price-increased/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Chinese regulations to tackle touchscreen interfaces and move back to physical controls]]></title><description><![CDATA[Under proposed regulation changes, cars will require physical buttons and controls for key functions, putting an end to reliance on touchscreens and voice commands.The growing trend for touchscreen controls as the centre for operations on new vehicles is set to come to an end.A new regulatory framework established by China&rsquo;s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) would require physical controls for the operation of certain vehicle functions.The move comes after the MIIT cha]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/chinese-regulations-to-tackle-touchscreen-interfaces-and-move-back-to-physical-controls/</link><pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 01:08:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/chinese-regulations-to-tackle-touchscreen-interfaces-and-move-back-to-physical-controls/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Skoda Epiq spied almost uncamouflaged, key details confirmed]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Czech manufacturer has released more details on its new Epiq electric SUV, which is expected to be affordably positioned.Skoda&rsquo;s new Epiq, the brand&rsquo;s next production electric vehicle (EV), is nearing a showroom arrival after being spied testing with almost no camouflage.The Czech brand is promising the Epiq will be priced comparably to the similarly sized petrol-powered Kamiq SUV, while more information that has surfaced on the EV include an expected 430km driving range and DC f]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-skoda-epiq-spied-almost-uncamouflaged-key-details-confirmed/</link><pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:03:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-skoda-epiq-spied-almost-uncamouflaged-key-details-confirmed/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[2026 Jaecoo J7 price and specs: Entry-level grade axed in Australia]]></title><description><![CDATA[The entry-level Jaecoo J7 Core has been discontinued in Australia, though the brand is currently offering the mid-spec Track grade at the same cost.<br />
2026 Jaecoo J7 pricing and specificationsEntry-level J7 Core petrol discontinued in AustraliaPlug-in hybrid J7 SHS now offered in cheaper Track gradePriced from $37,990 drive-away<br />
The most affordable version of Omoda Jaecoo&rsquo;s first model in Australia has been discontinued, less than 12 months after it launched.Omoda Jaecoo has axed the entry-l]]></description><link>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-jaecoo-j7-price-and-specs-entry-level-grade-axed-in-australia/</link><pubDate>Wed, 18 Feb 2026 23:03:00 +0100</pubDate><guid>https://www.newslocker.com/en-au/news/cars/2026-jaecoo-j7-price-and-specs-entry-level-grade-axed-in-australia/</guid></item></channel></rss>