The hot new Skoda Octavia RS45 will hit Australia in November, while the now not-so-compact new 2018 Volkswagen Polo will touch down in the first quarter of next year.
Timing for both models was confirmed today by Paul Pottinger, communications manager for Volkswagen Group Australia, which also manages the Skoda brand here.
Full local details on the powered-up Octavia RS are still to be finalised, although Pottinger told CarAdvice today that despite earlier hopes to offer both manual and DSG au
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Skoda Octavia RS245 in Australia from November, 2018 VW Polo due first quarter
via caradvice.com.au
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Lamborghini Urus recalled in Australia
via drive.com.auThe fault could cause the bonnet latch system to fail, according to the recall notice.Lamborghini has recalled 94 examples of its Urus SUV citing a potential fault with the bonnet latch, which could see it fly open and detach while driving.The affected vehicles are Performante and S variants, but the model year has not been specified. Drive will update this story as more information becomes available.The recall notice, lodged with the Department of Infrastructure, says:
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Five underrated cheap cars you can easily modify to be cool
via drive.com.auCar modification doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are five cheap cars with huge potential you may have overlooked.We have a rich car culture in Australia. Car modification is becoming increasingly popular as new generations of car enthusiasts begin to get their licences and explore the world of customisation.RELATED: Five daggy cars that are making a comeback in 2024According to the International Trade Administration, “The Australian aftermarket for replacement parts and accessorie
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Elon Musk ‘to ban Apple devices’ from his businesses in row over AI software – report
via drive.com.auThe Tesla boss is not happy about the tech company’s connection to his former interest’s use of artificial intelligence.Tesla CEO Elon Musk has threatened to ban Apple devices from all of his companies – including the car manufacturer – over a row with Apple regarding its latest artificial intelligence software announcement.Earlier this week, the tech giant made a big reveal about its latest operating system (iOS) updates, which included how it is working on integrating A
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Batman-inspired hypercars go on display at ‘Bruce Wayne’s mansion’ in New York
via drive.com.auThe electric performance cars made especially by Automobili Pininfarina have found a very special home ahead of going on sale later this month.Four Batman-inspired electric hypercars are now on display in a New York townhouse fitted out in the style of his billionaire alter-ego Bruce Wayne’s mansion.Automobili Pininfarina recently unveiled four one-off versions of its Pininfarina Battista and B95 hypercars, inspired by DC’s vigilante superhero, but now the cars are being sh
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2024 BYD Dolphin price cut amid sales slide
via drive.com.auBYD has cut the price of its cheapest electric car after a sales decline of 70 per cent over the past six months.The price of the 2024 BYD Dolphin electric car has been reduced by $2000 to help reverse a sales decline since its launch nearly 12 months ago.Once Australia’s cheapest new electric car, the Dolphin has been given a price cut by BYD amid growing competition at the more affordable end of the electric-car market.The entry-level Dolphin Dynamic, which has a 340km claimed driving ra
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2025 BMW M5: Everything we know so far about the hybrid performance car – UPDATE
via drive.com.auA new generation of the iconic BMW M5 is just around the corner, but there’s plenty we already know about the high-performance sedan – and wagon – ahead of its global debut.
Illustration by Avarvarii.
The 2025 BMW M5 is due to make its global debut in the coming weeks, marking the seventh generation of the high-performance family car.BMW launched the M5 in 1985, combining the chassis of a range-topping 5 Series with the engine from the M1 supercar – the first vehicle from
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Why do electric cars have more torque?
via drive.com.auYou often hear that electric cars have more torque than their internal combustion engine counterparts. But why? And what does this mean?One of the main performance advantages of an electric vehicle (EV) over a car with an internal combustion engine (ICE) is its seemingly instant and endless torque.RELATED: Do electric cars have gears and clutches?An ICE vehicle must have a very special engine design and extensive modifications to even come close to equalling the torque seen in EVs – and ev
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Smartphone maker’s cut-price Porsche rival spied in faster guise – could it topple Taycan Turbo GT?
via drive.com.auA faster version of the Xiaomi SU7 has been spied track testing as it guns for the fastest, most powerful car sold in Australia, the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT – at less than half the price.A hot version of the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S-rivalling Xiaomi SU7 cut-price electric sports car has been spied at the famous Nurburgring circuit with its showroom arrival imminent.Chinese brand Xiaomi is the world’s third-largest smartphone maker behind only Samsung and second-placed Apple.I
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2025 Smart #5 electric SUV leaked ahead of Australian return
via drive.com.auThe new generation Smart #5 electric SUV will be the largest, most powerful Smart ever made and could be in local showrooms in 2025.The 2025 Smart #5 mid-size SUV has been revealed in patent filings – including a 475kW flagship model – ahead of the re-born electric car brand’s return to Australia.Shown as a rugged off-road focused concept at the April 2024 Beijing Auto Show, UK publication Autocar has reported patent filings in China showing a more urban-focused version and key
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2024 GWM Tank 300 long-term review
via drive.com.auWe answer your questions about GWM’s adventure-ready off-roader, and check in on how it is standing up after months of daily driving, off-roading, and camping.What we love
Genuinely capable off-roaderTerrific value for moneySoft, wallowing suspension yields good ride comfort
What we don’t
Low payload means it’s not suitable for more than a couple’s weekend awayIt lifts the rear wheels off the deck under hard, high-speed brakingBoot space isn’t as big as you get in a
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2024 Suzuki Swift price and specs: New mild-hybrid hatch is more expensive
via drive.com.auSuzuki’s new Swift city car has arrived in Australia with new bodywork, a more advanced interior, and an all-new three-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid assistance.2024 Suzuki Swift pricing and specificationsNew Swift fitted with mild-hybrid technologyThree model grades with more equipmentPriced from $24,490 drive-awayThe new 2024 Suzuki Swift has arrived in Australia with price rises – and cuts – after the most affordable model climbed by close to 50 per cent in the last five y
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2024 Suzuki Swift Hybrid review: Australian first drive
via drive.com.auThe new Suzuki Swift has had a makeover, with a new design, interior, features and mild-hybrid engine. Should you upgrade?
Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps
2024 Suzuki Swift HybridCity cars are an endangered species, and former favourites such as the Honda Jazz, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Renault Clio and Nissan Micra have bitten the dust in recent years.The Suzuki
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2024 Audi Q4 E-Tron price and specs – UPDATE
via drive.com.auThe entry-level Audi Q4 E-Tron electric SUV will cost top-of-the-range Tesla Model Y money when it arrives in local showrooms mid next year.2025 Audi Q4 E-Tron pricing and specificationsTwo models and two body styles for mid-size electric SUVDue in mid-2024, up to 562km of claimed driving range in EuropePriced from $88,300 plus on-road costsThe 2025 Audi Q4 E-Tron mid-size electric SUV will be priced from $88,300 plus on-road costs – or an estimated $95,000 drive-away – when it arriv
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Elon Musk’s $84 billion pay approved, now a judge needs to be convinced – UPDATE
via drive.com.auAfter a senior Tesla board member made an appeal to the company’s shareholders, CEO Elon Musk’s multi-billion-dollar pay deal has been voted in – but he still has one last person to convince.UPDATE, 14 June 2024: Tesla shareholders have approved a $US56 billion ($8AU4 billion) pay cheque for CEO Elon Musk during an investor meeting, as well as approving a company move to Texas.While the vote is a significant endorsement of the Tesla boss, it’s understood Mr Musk will stil
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Where do I find my car’s colour code?
via drive.com.auIf you’ve bought a used car and want to touch up the paint, you must first locate the colour code. Here’s where to find your car’s colour code.Small scrapes and scratches on your car will sometimes need a little touch-up. Perhaps you’ve purchased replacement paint and want to try painting it yourself, or perhaps you’re outsourcing it to the professionals. Either way, it can help to find your car’s paint colour code before taking the plunge.RELATED: How to prev
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Get your business ready for EOFY with Drive’s ‘Working Class’ lift-out and Work Cars hub
via drive.com.auFollowing the recent launch of the Business Drive TV series come the ultimate business companions – an all-new online Work Cars guide and print lift-out ahead of the End of Financial Year.Nearly two in every five new cars sold in Australia is bought by an ABN holder and considering the end of the financial year typically the biggest retail period in the automotive calendar, Drive is helping small business owners and tradespeople get the most value out of their working wheels.Drive’s
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Tesla teases three all-new electric models
via drive.com.auTwo smaller electric vehicles and one van-style model have been shown under drapes, but there’s little – if anything – that we haven’t already been told about.Tesla has teased three future electric vehicles during a presentation to investors.While details of the new models have yet to be announced, two of the vehicles have already been teased by Tesla in the past – one being a larger box-style body, believed to be a people-mover/commercial van, while the second is a
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Mercedes-AMG G63 Elements Edition packages announced
via drive.com.auNot one, but six special-edition G63 AMGs that dip extensively into the brand’s custom options pool go on sale this month, as the current model G-Class nears the end of its life.Australian orders for the Mercedes-AMG G63 Elements Edition package – with six different versions all offering exclusive colour combinations and equipment upgrades – will open on 19 June 2024.At $28,000 – including GST and Luxury Car Tax (LCT) – above the standard G63’s starting price
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2024 Volkswagen T-Cross price and specs: More features for higher price
via drive.com.auThe updated VW T-Cross SUV is closing in on Australia with more standard features and refreshed styling – for a higher price.2024 Volkswagen T-Cross pricing and specificationsUpdated SUV adds revised styling, interiorLED headlights, more safety features standard on all modelsPriced from $33,990 before on-road costs
T-Cross R-Line.
The facelifted 2024 Volkswagen T-Cross city SUV is due in Australian showrooms mid-next month with a longer equipment list and new styling – but with price
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2024 BYD Atto 3 price slashed as updated model arrives in Australia
via drive.com.auThe BYD Atto 3 has had a substantial price cut alongside an update that brings a bigger screen, new tyres and no more ‘Build Your Dreams’ badging.The 2024 BYD Atto 3 has had its price slashed by $3562 as part of an update that adds new technology and other features that answer key customer and media complaints.Aside from limited-time promotions, BYD had until now resisted following the likes of Tesla and MG in cutting the prices of electric vehicles in response to a slowing rate of s
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2025 Alpine A290 electric hot hatch revealed by Renault performance division
via drive.com.auThe Renault hot hatch is back with a classic name – and electric power. Meet the Alpine A290, a 162kW battery-powered city hatch with a ‘push-to-pass’ boost mode.Renault has unveiled its first all-new hot hatch in six years – through its high-performance Alpine division – with the 2025 Alpine A290, due in European showrooms later this year.It is the sporty version of the reborn electric Renault 5 city hatch – or an electrified spiritual successor to the Renaul
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Dealerships investigating following BYD VIN mixup
via drive.com.auOne of the newest brands on the market says it is working with dealers to identify how the administrative mistake has been made at multiple Australian sites.BYD says it is taking action over a “couple of isolated incidents” in which the wrong vehicle identification number (VINs) was listed on customers’ sale documents and insurance paperwork.Drive has seen evidence of multiple reports across the country of BYD customers being given one VIN on their contract of sale and registra
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BYD under fire from customers following VIN mixups
via drive.com.auOne of the newest brands on the market has been criticised by owners for making a small – but potentially very serious – administrative mistake at multiple Australian sites.BYD says it is taking action over a “couple of isolated incidents” in which the wrong vehicle identification number (VINs) was listed on customers’ sale documents and insurance paperwork.Drive has seen evidence of multiple reports across the country of BYD customers being given one VIN on their c
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Rooftop tent causes carnage after departing car on highway
via drive.com.auTwo vehicles had to be towed from the scene of the incident along a major road in Tasmania.Police are warning about the dangers of not properly securing a load, after a rooftop tent became separated from a vehicle in Tasmania, taking out two other cars.The incident happened on the Huon Highway – a major inland route between Kingston and Huonville, south of Hobart – in the early hours of Tuesday morning, with two vehicles sustaining major damage.A driver of one of the damaged cars tol
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‘No reason for these things to be legal’: The rules for lifted utes in Australia
via drive.com.auA viral TikTok video has exposed the risks of the lifted utes commonly spotted on US roads, but are they legal in Australia? We find out.A viral online video of a lifted Ford F-Series ute that crashed into the back of a Porsche sports car in the US has exposed a major road danger associated with high suspension lifts.
In a video posted to the social media platform TikTok, user ‘molesrcool‘ discusses the blind-spot problems and general road risks of lifted vehicles.RELATED: Don’
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2024 Hyundai Kona and i30 Sedan recalled in Australia
via drive.com.auThe fault could cause a loss of power while driving, according to the recall notice.Hyundai has recalled 946 examples of its 2024 Kona and i30 Sedan models, citing a potential manufacturing fault.The affected vehicles are stamped 2024 models, but may have been sold at a later date.The recall notice, lodged with the Department of Infrastructure, says: “The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve sensor may have been exposed to soldering flux contamination during manufactur
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‘Dude pulled up in the Batmobile’: What on earth was that viral Luka Doncic car?
via drive.com.auRising basketball superstar Luka Doncic is known for his work on the court, but it’s his Mad Max-style truck that had social media talking.We’re used to seeing highly paid NBA players rolling around in all manner of luxury cars, but rising Slovenian basketball star Luka Doncic has managed to stand out from the crowd with his choice of car at the 2024 NBA finals.
Ahead of game three, Doncic (formally spelt Dončić) got social media talking after he was captured on video arriv
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2025 BMW 2 Series updated with more powerful M2
via drive.com.auBMW’s popular 2 Series will be updated for 2025 with a more powerful flagship M2 joined by range-wide cabin and tech upgrades.The 2025 BMW 2 Series coupe has been updated with minor design tweaks, more tech and increased power for the M2 performance flagship with Australian arrivals planned before the end of 2024.The three-model line-up will continue, with the entry level 230i, mid-spec M240i xDrive given visual tweaks and more tech, with the flagship M2 also boasting engine upgrades.BMW A
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Shock announcement follows former Top Gear stars’ return to TV
via drive.com.auA new TV series starring two former Top Gear hosts has been announced, but it’s Chris Harris’s unexpected departure from Collecting Cars which has the internet abuzz.Former Top Gear presenter Chris Harris has announced he is cutting ties with auction platform Collection Cars – a business he co-founded.Harris posted on Instagram to share the unexpected news, after fans began asking questions about the sudden pause on regular content from Collecting Cars, including its popular po
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