Automotive news - NewsLocker

GWM offers free servicing for new plug-in hybrid customers

21-02-2026 02:06 via drive.com.au

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
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 – Haval H6, Haval H6 GT, Cannon Alpha, and Tank 500 – are part of the offer, but the newly-released Tank 300 PHEV is excluded.The complimentary services cover thr

Fun cars under $40,000? Here’s what Drive would pick

21-02-2026 00:18 via drive.com.au

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 ‘fun’ 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

Spot the difference: One of these ‘Lego’ supercars is not Lego at all

20-02-2026 23:30 via drive.com.au

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 ’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

Denza says Australians are ready for Chinese luxury cars

20-02-2026 23:03 via drive.com.au

Australians are ready to spend up to $100,000 on a Chinese luxury SUV, according to a key company executive.BYD’s tilt at the Australian luxury car segment – through newly minted brand Denza – 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

Toyota would only sell hot hatches if its chairman could get away with it

20-02-2026 21:56 via drive.com.au

Despite tightening emission rules around the world, the Toyota global chairman’s soft spot for hot hatches is as strong as ever.Toyota GR Corolla
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 ‘good car’, Toyoda said, as quoted by Motor1: “If we only built what I like, they’d all be GR Corollas and GR Yarises.”To

This NSW P-plater restriction does more harm than good, experts say

20-02-2026 19:00 via drive.com.au

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’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’s road toll continues to climb, with 1314 people losing their lives on the road in the 12 months to De

2026 Avatr 12 review: International quick drive

20-02-2026 14:00 via drive.com.au

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?
Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps
2026 Avatr 12Chinese cars found their footing in Australia with affordable utes and family SUVs, but in their home market, they’re dipping the

Toyota exec keen on Supra return: ‘I’d love for it to be ongoing’

20-02-2026 06:03 via drive.com.au

A new generation of the road-going Supra – reportedly due to switch from BMW six-cylinder to hybrid Toyota four-cylinder power – is not being forgotten.The door remains wide open to a new generation of the Toyota GR Supra sports car, as production of today’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

ANCAP awards five stars to electrified SUVs

20-02-2026 04:43 via autotalk.co.nz

ANCAP Safety has awarded five-star safety ratings to two electrified SUVs entering the Australasian market, the Denza B8 plug-in hybrid and Hyundai Elexio electric vehicle. Both models were assessed against ANCAP’s 2023–2025 test and rating criteria, with results reflecting continued advancement in active safety technologies designed to prevent crashes. The Hyundai Elexio, an all-electric medium […]
The post ANCAP awards five stars to electrified SUVs appeared first on Autotal

‘They’re profiting off us’: Police slam council amid parking stoush

20-02-2026 02:42 via drive.com.au

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 “profiting” 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

Kia delivers Fonterra’s 200th electric vehicle

20-02-2026 02:25 via autotalk.co.nz

Kia has delivered Fonterra’s 200th electric vehicle at a celebration event held at Waikato Kia last month. The milestone vehicle, a Kia EV5 Earth AWD, was presented to Fonterra by Kia National Sales Manager Justin Benzie. The 200 vehicles in Fonterra’s fleet comprise a mix of brands, with the 200th delivery happening to be a […]
The post Kia delivers Fonterra’s 200th electric vehicle appeared first on Autotalk.

ANCAP releases two new safety ratings without crashing any more cars

19-02-2026 23:59 via drive.com.au

Top safety marks have been awarded to BYD’s new luxury four-wheel drive and Hyundai’s latest Tesla rival, but neither car was physically crash tested – nor assessed under current criteria.
Denza B8.
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 – and they were tested under protocols that expire

Victorian petrol price app still inconsistent, with data deadline looming

19-02-2026 23:37 via drive.com.au

With only a few weeks until a Government deadline mandating fuel-price reporting, Victoria’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’s ‘Servo Saver’ fuel finder app feature still lists out-of-date prices and missing servos, despite promising r

2026 Renault Trafic price and specs: New automatic, improved fuel consumption

19-02-2026 23:00 via drive.com.au

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’s six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission has been replaced by a nine-speed torque-converter auto, which promises to bring smoother gear

MTF reports strong performance as growth phase begins

19-02-2026 22:30 via autotalk.co.nz

Vehicle finance company MTF has delivered strong financial results for the year ended 30 September 2025, writing $792.2 million in new lending while signalling the next phase of its transformation focused on expanding lending capability across New Zealand. The company reported record originator earnings of $91.6 million and closed the year with finance receivables of […]
The post MTF reports strong performance as growth phase begins appeared first on Autotalk.

2026 Audi S5 Avant review

19-02-2026 22:00 via drive.com.au

Audi has kept the fast-wagon flame alive in 2026 with its S5 Avant, but the latest-generation model doesn’t hit the highs of its predecessor.
Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps
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

Subaru Trailseeker electric SUV set to be more popular than Solterra in Australia

19-02-2026 21:48 via drive.com.au

The Subaru Trailseeker will be “unique” and likely to outsell the smaller Solterra EV by attracting Outback buyers, the brand’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

MTF Finance deputy chair Stu Myles retires after two terms

19-02-2026 21:31 via autotalk.co.nz

Stu Myles has retired from the MTF Finance board after completing two terms as deputy chair, drawing praise from senior leadership for his significant contribution to the motor finance company. Board chair Mark Darrow says Myles’ contribution has been immense during his tenure, which began in 2020. “His support to me as Chair was appreciated […]
The post MTF Finance deputy chair Stu Myles retires after two terms appeared first on Autotalk.

Community volunteer receives vehicle through Cars for Good programme

19-02-2026 21:30 via autotalk.co.nz

easyauto123’s North Harbour team has donated a 2017 Mazda Premacy to Anne Riley, coordinator of Kai Avondale, through the company’s Cars for Good programme. Riley coordinates food assistance in Avondale, ensuring food reaches people in need through the Kai Avondale programme. The vehicle donation aims to support her community work by improving transportation for food […]
The post Community volunteer receives vehicle through Cars for Good programme appeared first on Autotalk.

Over 200,000 driver licences hacked in massive data breach

19-02-2026 21:23 via drive.com.au

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

You can get an EV for less than a Corolla. What's holding us back?

19-02-2026 20:05 via abc.net.au

The price tag of EVs has been a barrier to uptake. As cheaper models hit the market, will more drivers go electric?

'This is ridiculous': Sport concussions spur inventor to design helmet

19-02-2026 20:05 via abc.net.au

The price tag of EVs has been a barrier to uptake. As cheaper models hit the market, will more drivers go electric?

No longer an elitist fantasy, EVs are becoming more affordable

19-02-2026 20:05 via abc.net.au

The price tag of EVs has been a barrier to uptake. As cheaper models hit the market, will more drivers go electric?

January 2026 was the most deadly January for motorcyclists since at least 1989

19-02-2026 20:02 via drive.com.au

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

Outrage as council goes on parking-fine spree at community event

19-02-2026 19:00 via drive.com.au

What was meant to be a wholesome celebration of Greek culture in Melbourne’s North became a hotbed of parking fines, with the local council sticking to its stance.Image: Nine NewsWhen you’re celebrating your heritage among other residents, the last thing you’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’s nor

Police trial to fight crime with drones set to expand

19-02-2026 18:48 via drive.com.au

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. The drones in Moree are operated from a control room over 500km awa

2026 Audi RS5 to punch out 470kW/825Nm thanks to plug-in hybrid powertrain

19-02-2026 14:01 via drive.com.au

Adding electrification has boosted outputs of the latest Audi RS5, available in Avant and sedan forms, by 139kW/225Nm.
Audi RS5 Avante and Sedan
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 – available Avant wagon form that replaces the RS4, and as a four-door sedan – retains the same 2.9-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 as before, but tuned from 331kW to 375kW.To lift performance of the in

Honda secures more Civic Type R stock, but price increased

19-02-2026 05:13 via drive.com.au

Honda’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 – again – be severely limited in number.Published on Honda Australia’s website, the Civic Type R is now positioned at $85,500 drive-away – a $6500 increase over the price the last time order books

Navigating the 2026 Market: Why Data is Your Best Sales Tool

19-02-2026 02:46 via autotalk.co.nz

Welcome to 2026! As we kick off the new year, the automotive landscape is showing some very promising signs of life. Recent data reveals a significant surge in vehicle arrivals, with December seeing a total of 18,512 units hitting our ports—a healthy jump from the 15,818 units recorded in November. Alongside this supply boost, consumer […]
The post Navigating the 2026 Market: Why Data is Your Best Sales Tool appeared first on Autotalk.

Dongfeng expands NZ dealer network

19-02-2026 01:15 via autotalk.co.nz

Chinese electric vehicle brand Dongfeng plans to expand its New Zealand dealer network to seven retail locations by the end of this month, as it rolls out two new models locally. The brand is currently sold through Armstrong’s dealerships in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. New retail partners Takanini Auto Group, Auckland Auto Group in Albany, […]
The post Dongfeng expands NZ dealer network appeared first on Autotalk.

Chinese regulations to tackle touchscreen interfaces and move back to physical controls

19-02-2026 01:08 via drive.com.au

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’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

2026 Skoda Epiq spied almost uncamouflaged, key details confirmed

19-02-2026 00:03 via drive.com.au

The Czech manufacturer has released more details on its new Epiq electric SUV, which is expected to be affordably positioned.Skoda’s new Epiq, the brand’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

Australian industry meets first emissions targets as EVs generate millions in credits

18-02-2026 23:34 via autotalk.co.nz

Australia’s automotive industry has met the first targets under the Federal Government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), with new data showing strong credit generation from electric vehicle suppliers — but 19 manufacturers accrued liabilities as tougher reductions loom.
The post Australian industry meets first emissions targets as EVs generate millions in credits appeared first on Autotalk.

Australian industry meets first emissions targets

18-02-2026 23:34 via autotalk.co.nz

Australia’s automotive industry has met the first targets under the Federal Government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), with new data showing strong credit generation from electric vehicle suppliers — but 19 manufacturers accrued liabilities as tougher reductions loom.
The post Australian industry meets first emissions targets appeared first on Autotalk.

Polestar unveils four-model expansion plan through to 2028

18-02-2026 23:06 via autotalk.co.nz

Polestar has announced its largest product expansion, confirming four new electric vehicles will be launched over the next three years as the Swedish brand targets faster growth in high-value EV segments. The Nasdaq-listed company says deliveries of the Polestar 5 will begin in mid-2026, followed by a new variant of the Polestar 4 later this […]
The post Polestar unveils four-model expansion plan through to 2028 appeared first on Autotalk.

2026 Jaecoo J7 price and specs: Entry-level grade axed in Australia

18-02-2026 23:03 via drive.com.au

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.
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
The most affordable version of Omoda Jaecoo’s first model in Australia has been discontinued, less than 12 months after it launched.Omoda Jaecoo has axed the entry-l

2026 Leapmotor B10 review: Australian first drive

18-02-2026 23:00 via drive.com.au

The Leapmotor B10 small SUV is the Chinese brand’s second all-new car for Australia. While it certainly has an attractive price, is there more to the car?
2026 Leapmotor B10
The first half of this decade has already held a lot for new-car buyers, with numerous brands entering the Australian market, many of which you may not have even heard of.
Leapmotor joined the local market in 2025, and is distributed outside of China under the Stellantis group – the parent company best known for

Ford CEO and Trump administration met to discuss building Chinese cars in the USA

18-02-2026 21:57 via drive.com.au

Ford CEO Jim Farley and Trump officials have discussed a joint venture program that could see Chinese cars built in US factories.
Photo: iStock
Chinese cars could be making their way to the United States, despite heavy tariffs on imported models.While the Trump administration remains opposed to imported Chinese goods, Ford CEO Jim Farley has reportedly met with Trump officials to discuss a joint venture program that could see Chinese cars built in US factories.News agency Bloomberg reports that

Ford CEO and Trump administration met to discuss building Chinese cars in the US – report

18-02-2026 21:57 via drive.com.au

Ford CEO Jim Farley and Trump officials have discussed a joint venture program that could see Chinese cars built in US factories.Chinese cars could be making their way to the United States, despite heavy tariffs on imported models.While the Trump administration remains opposed to imported Chinese goods, Ford CEO Jim Farley has reportedly met with Trump officials to discuss a joint venture program that could see Chinese cars built in US factories.News agency Bloomberg reports that Farley met with

Zeekr 7X sales hit the brakes amid shipping delays

18-02-2026 20:33 via drive.com.au

Port congestion and parts supply troubles have been attributed to a steady start for the Zeekr 7X, missing a target to deliver 2000 cars by the end of last year.Deliveries of the Zeekr 7X electric SUV have been hit by “logistics delays” that have seen the brand miss its initial targets.Zeekr claimed it had collected more than 2500 pre-orders prior to the first 7X deliveries in October 2025, at least 2000 of which would be in customers’ hands by the end of the year, it promised.

Zeekr 7X deliveries hit the brakes amid shipping delays

18-02-2026 20:33 via drive.com.au

Port congestion and parts supply troubles have been attributed to a steady start for the Zeekr 7X, missing a target to deliver 2000 cars by the end of last year.Deliveries of the Zeekr 7X electric SUV have been hit by “logistics delays” that have seen the brand miss its initial targets.Zeekr claimed it had collected more than 2500 pre-orders prior to the first 7X deliveries in October 2025, at least 2000 of which would be in customers’ hands by the end of the year, it promised.

Denza aims for up to five new models, 20 dealers by the end of 2026

18-02-2026 19:07 via drive.com.au

Plans for Australia includes an 850kW shooting brake, and could include a $250,000 SUV in coming years.Denza is looking to expand quickly in Australia, with a range of models that could include a luxury shooting brake. The fledgling luxury brand is also looking to expand its dealership footprint from the seven currently listed online to 20-25, according to a company executive.Denza has launched in Australia initially with two four-wheel drive SUVs to choose from.MORE: Denza hits 1000 orders

$42K for your driver’s licence: This country wants Gen Z off the roads

18-02-2026 19:00 via drive.com.au

To ease traffic congestion, this European country is paying young drivers to surrender their licences. Should Australia follow suit?
Image: iStock
Despite a range of public transport options across most metropolitan areas, there’s no denying traffic congestion remains a big problem in Australia.And while local authorities continue to work on finding ways to reduce gridlock, this European country is finding a creative, albeit tempting, way to get drivers off the road.RELATED: This country a

Polestar reveals ‘largest’ new-model expansion yet, including a wagon

18-02-2026 12:00 via drive.com.au

A long-roof version of the Polestar 4 high-riding liftback is planned alongside a new family SUV, as the electric-car brand looks to continue its sales growth – and avoid further losses.
Polestar 4 wagon spy photo. Photo: SugarDesign on Weibo, via Reddit.
Electric-car specialist Polestar has announced what it calls “the largest model offensive in its history” since it was spun off from Volvo close to a decade ago, due to launch from the end of this year.Among the new models is

Victoria loses MotoGP after hosting at the Phillip Island for almost three decades

18-02-2026 07:09 via drive.com.au

Victoria has lost the MotoGP after nearly three decades of hosting the annual event at the iconic Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit.
Image: Getty Images Gold & Goose PhotographyAfter almost three decades, the future of the Australian MotoGP round is set to shift out of Victoria. The race will move to South Australia, with the state government understood to have secured the event. An official announcement is imminent, with speculation suggesting Tailem Bend could serve as an interim venu

Victoria loses MotoGP after hosting at Phillip Island for almost three decades

18-02-2026 07:09 via drive.com.au

Victoria has lost the MotoGP after nearly three decades of hosting the annual event at the iconic Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit.
Image: Getty Images Gold & Goose PhotographyAfter almost three decades, the future of the Australian MotoGP round is set to shift out of Victoria in favour of South Australia, with the state government understood to have secured the event. An official announcement is imminent, with speculation suggesting Tailem Bend could serve as an interim venue before t

Mazda, Nissan top list of car brands that didn’t meet Australian CO2 rules

18-02-2026 05:41 via drive.com.au

The government has exposed the car brands that did or didn’t meet the government’s tough CO2 emissions rules for new vehicles – and it’s good news for BYD, but not Mazda.Mazda, Nissan and Subaru are the car brands in line for the biggest fines – up to $51 million – for failing to meet the first phase of Australia’s tough emissions rules for new vehicles.And the fines are only slated to grow in 2026 – potentially doubling or tripling for some car co

Mazda, Nissan and others face heavy penalties under emission laws

18-02-2026 05:15 via abc.net.au

Major car brands are staring down the barrel of multi-million-dollar penalties for exceeding their emissions, the first results of the federal government's climate laws for new vehicles have revealed.

Nearly 17,000 examples of nine BMW models recalled in Australia for potential fire

18-02-2026 04:37 via drive.com.au

The potential fault in the starter motor could lead to a vehicle fire in popular BMW models including the X3, X5, and 3 Series, according to the recall notice.BMW Australia has recalled 16,578 examples of its 2020-2023 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, X3, X4, X5, and Z4, citing a potential fault with starter motor solenoid switch, which could short circuit and lead to a vehicle fire.The recall notice, lodged with the Department of Infrastructure, says:&n

Why Bad Bunny swapped his $4 million Bugatti Chiron for a $5000 old bomb

18-02-2026 04:00 via drive.com.au

When you own one of the rarest Bugatti Chirons in the world, it’s unfathomable to trade it for a normal sedan. Unless you’re Bad Bunny.It’s been a busy couple of months for Bad Bunny, with the popstar securing his sixth Grammy Award, and more recently making history by becoming the first Latino musician to headline the NFL Super Bowl.And while the 32-year-old Puerto Rican has been spotted in numerous luxury cars since his ascension into superstardom, Bad Bunny – formally