• Maserati MCXtrema track-only supercar delivered to an Australian customer

    An Australian has flown to Italy to take delivery of a rare $1.8 million Maserati not destined for the road.One of 62 Maserati MCXtrema $1.8 million track-only supercars has been delivered to an Australian customer in Italy, ahead of bringing it to local shores. The Maserati MCXtrema, based on the MC20 road car, is targeted to enthusiasts and collectors, rather than competitive race teams, and sold out soon after its launch in August 2023. The Formula 1-inspired twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6
  • Australia’s least popular new cars in 2025

    The top-selling new cars in their respective segments are often heralded for their market dominance, but what about the cars that lurk at the bottom of the sales charts?
    Fiat 500, Toyota Yaris, Mazda MX-30, Ford Escape and Skoda Scala
    Australia’s Micro Car segment is a two-horse race, but one horse is much, much faster than the other.The Fiat 500, sold 411 units across petrol 500, electric 500e, and Abarth 500e warm-hatch models.Fiat’s 5.4 per cent share was dwarfed by the only other
  • Exclusive: How these utes could save you thousands of dollars in tolls

    Utes generally have higher toll fees, but an exclusive Drive investigation has revealed three models will be subject to cheaper passenger car rates thanks to a loophole.
    An exclusive Drive investigation has found some ute-owners could save thousands of dollars a year in toll fees due to a classification loophole.Utes are usually classified as light commercial vehicles (LCVs) and attract higher toll fees than cars and SUVs.
    However, in Victoria, utes built on a unibody or monocoque chassis &ndash
  • New Mazda CX-5 surprise update isn’t a hybrid

    The first new CX-5 in nine years brings more space, tech, and comfort – plus a new element set to roll out across the Mazda range.
    Mazda CX-5, Navy Blue Mica finish
    The Mazda CX-5 is the best-selling model in the Japanese brand’s line-up – and the next-generation 2026 edition is set to be the first vehicle to adopt a new colour, Navy Blue Mica.An evolution of the existing ‘Deep Crystal Blue Mica’, Mazda says ‘Navy Blue Mica’ was designed to add vivid sat
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  • Tesla offers trade-in bonuses and self-driving-equipped transfers to move demonstrator stock

    Don’t call it a sale, but Tesla will give you a $2000 or $3000 bonus if you buy a vehicle equipped with Full Self Driving (Supervised) before the end of March.
    Tesla Model 3 and Model Y
    Tesla has introduced purchase incentives on the Model 3 and Model Y in Australia as its version of a model-year clearance.Although not framed as such, Tesla is offering what it calls a ‘trade-in bonus’ of $2000 on eligible Model Y SUVs or $3000 on the Model 3 sedan.The bonus applies to new and d
  • 2026 Skoda Superb Sportline wagon review

    The Skoda Superb is the last car standing in the large wagon class – without a luxury badge or a six-figure price. It’s a well-rounded package that’s easy to love – but even a superb car isn’t perfect.
    Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps
    2026 Skoda Superb SportlineIf you’ve clicked on this review, there’s a fair chance you&rs
  • More than 50% of Australian drivers fess up to a hit-and-run

    Accidentally bumping into another parked car is enough to ruin your day, but do you leave a note? This study says most Aussies don’t.Coming across a new scratch or dent on your vehicle while doing your weekly shop or daily errands is infuriating, and something that has happened to all motorists at least once.RELATED: These Australian cities are now using surveillance cars to enforce parkingYou stroll around to the front to see if whoever is the cause has left a note with insurance or conta
  • Max Verstappen races Australian V8 Supercar: ‘A lot of fun’

    The four-time champion has praised his first drive of a V8 Supercar, and has opened the possibility of a future start at Bathurst.Four-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen has driven a V8 Supercar in anger for the first time as part of a new Red Bull and Ford promotional video. Verstappen and Arvid Lindblad, driver for Red Bull F1’s sister team Racing Bulls, got behind the wheel of a fleet of Ford road and race cars, from the 1924 Model T and 1966 GT40 MkII to the new 2026 Mustang Da
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  • 2026 Mazda 6e continues Australian testing ahead of launch

    Mazda’s Tesla Model 3 competitor has been spotted testing again in a camouflaged livery. 
    Image credit: Spencer Leech
    A camouflaged Mazda 6e has been spotted again in Australia, the fully electric five-door liftback sedan expected to go on sale in the middle of the year. The vehicle has been spotted in Sydney, sporting the same level of camouflage as in previous sightings, most recently in Victoria. Mazda has indicated an estimated price of $55,000 before on-road costs, simi
  • ‘Robust protection’: The safest new cars you can buy in Australia

    Safety is at the top of most consumers’ minds, and ANCAP has revealed the safest new cars tested in 2025. Here’s what you need to know.When you’re in the market for a new car, chances are a car’s safety features are top of mind.The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) – the peak independent new car safety body – tests numerous new models each year, and has revealed the new cars that achieved the highest safety ratings in 2025.RELATED:Baby seat bingo
  • 2026 BYD Sealion 8 PHEV price and specs: BYD’s first seven-seat SUV arrives in Australia

    BYD has introduced its first three-row large SUV to rival the Toyota Kluger and Hyundai Santa Fe, with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
    BYD Sealion 8 pricing and specificationsThree model grades availableElectric driving range up to 152kmPriced from $56,990 before on-road costs
    BYD Australia has avoided a price war with Australia’s cheapest seven-seat PHEV, the Chery Tiggo 8, but positioning its new 2026 Sealion 8 large SUV further upstream.Priced from $56,990 plus on-road costs for the entry-
  • AutoTalk Weekly Wrap – Episode 139

    Taking applications for a third host now…
    The post AutoTalk Weekly Wrap – Episode 139 appeared first on Autotalk.
  • 2026 GAC Aion UT electric car confirmed for Australia

    Another contender has emerged in the battle to sell Australia’s cheapest electric cars, this time from a new entrant that works with Toyota in its home market.The 2026 GAC Aion UT hatchback will wade into the Chinese electric-car price war in Australia when it arrives in local showrooms between April and June.The Aion UT will compete with the BYD Dolphin, MG 4, and GWM Ora in the market for small electric hatchbacks similar to, or smaller than, a Toyota Corolla in footprint.Prices are yet
  • 2026 Honda Super-One to be one of the least powerful electric cars in Australia

    The Super-One’s modest electric motor outputs could be offset by a more affordable-than-expected positioning by Honda Australia.Honda’s upcoming Super-One, the brand’s first all-electric model in Australia, is confirmed to output 70kW/162Nm from its single, front-drive electric motor.The news comes from Honda Singapore, where the new model will launch first, and places the Super-One near the bottom for electric car outputs in Australia.The 2026 Honda Super-One will only surpass
  • 2020-2024 Volkswagen Touareg recalled in Australia over potential battery fault

    The fault could could lead to a vehicle fire, according to the recall notice.
    2024 Volkswagen Touareg
    Volkswagen has recalled 214 examples of its 2020-2024 Volkswagen Touareg, citing a potential fault with the cell modules installed in the high voltage battery of models so equipped.The affected vehicles are stamped 2020 to 2024 models, but may have been sold at a later date.The recall notice, lodged with the Department of Infrastructure, says: “Due t
  • 2026 Ford Mustang Dark Horse SC revealed with Australian tech, supercharged V8 power

    An Australian ingredient has helped create Ford’s latest high-performance, supercharged V8 Mustang – but, for now at least, Australians will be denied the chance to buy one.Ford has called upon Australian engineering to create its newest supercharged V8-powered Ford Mustang track special, the Dark Horse SC, revealed in the US overnight.Yet, like the Mustang GTD and Shelby GT500 before it, Australian customers are to be skipped – for now, at least – in the rollout of the l
  • The funniest number plates spotted in Australia in 2025

    Custom number plates are a rite of passage for many Aussies, but these take the cake for the funniest spotted around the country.
    Picture: Facebook/Stupid Number Plates AustraliaThere’s nothing quite like making your car an extension of your personality. While some drivers opt for funky stickers or unique air fresheners, many Aussies consider customised number plates as a rite of passage.And while most drivers generally have some semblance of decorum when choosing personal plates, these mo
  • CarExpert New Zealand hires local editors ahead of launch

    CarExpert New Zealand has appointed two local motoring journalists ahead of its February launch, as the Australian automotive platform expands into the New Zealand market through a joint venture with Trade Me. Matthew Hansen will serve as Editor while Dave Kavermann joins as Motoring Journalist for the platform, which will focus on independent new-car coverage […]
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  • Old Toyota HiAce lives on in Japan, and it’s had another facelift

    Seven years on from its discontinuation in Australia, Toyota has updated the old ‘flat-nose’ HiAce van – which dates back to 2004 – with a revised look in Japan.The flat-nose Toyota HiAce van has been given a new lease on life in Japan, where it is still sold 22 years after its debut – and seven years after it was dropped from Australian showrooms.Toyota does not sell Australia’s newer, H300-series ‘semi-bonneted’ HiAce in its home market, instead
  • Ford in talks with BYD over hybrid batteries as EV demand softens

    Ford is in discussions with Chinese automaker BYD about purchasing batteries for its hybrid vehicles, as the US carmaker adjusts its strategy amid weakening demand for fully electric vehicles. The Ford–BYD talks were first reported by the Wall Street Journal, which said the companies are still considering how any arrangement would work. According to the […]
    The post Ford in talks with BYD over hybrid batteries as EV demand softens appeared first on Autotalk.
  • BYD Sealion 8 pre-orders open in Australia

    Prices are yet to be announced, but you can now pre-order BYD’s first seven-seat SUV in Australia. The Sealion 8 – BYD’s first seven-seat plug-in hybrid SUV – is now available to pre-order, with deliveries to customers due in the coming months. Prices are yet to be announced, but BYD has hinted the vehicle will be more expensive than the entry-level Sealion 7 electric SUV, which is priced from $54,990 before on-road costs. The Sealion 8 will be on sale in t
  • 2026 Audi SQ6 Sportback e-tron review

    Electric, performance, SUV. Does the Audi SQ6 e-tron blend these elements together in a convincing way?2026 Audi SQ6 Sportback e-tronThe idea of a performance-focussed electric vehicle, I think you’ll agree, is still in its infancy. While some brands have embraced this wholeheartedly – I’m looking at you, Hyundai – a question mark remains over the notion that an electric powertrain can mix with dynamic performance.Audi has a long and storied history with perform
  • Used car stock ageing as buyers chase fresh listings

    New Zealand’s used car market is showing signs of strain as the gap widens between vehicles that sell quickly and those left languishing on yards, according to the latest Automotive Insights Report from Trade Me and AutoGrab. The December AIR reveals a telling divergence: while the average time to sell dropped to 55.5 days as […]
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  • Pricey pigments: The most expensive car colours to insure

    For many, one of the most exciting parts about buying a new car is choosing the colour. But does your favourite hue come with a hidden cost?How much your car insurance costs depends on a number of factors, including your age, driving history, the type of car you want to insure and where you park it. But did you know one seemingly harmless car feature can add up to more than $75 a year to your premium?A new study by insurance comparison site iSelect found the colour of your car can also colour th
  • Mazda sales slipped in 2025, but all signs point to recovery in 2026

    Mazda saw sales numbers head south in 2025, but with crucial new models set to drop in 2026, the story could be about to change.Mazda sales results for 2025 saw the brand suffer a small decline, with overall Mazda sales dropping by 4.2 per cent.That’s not a big enough decline to have Mazda’s management team hitting the panic button just yet, and ties in with a trend that saw Australia’s top-three selling brands (Toyota, Ford, and Mazda) all face a slight drop for the year.Mazda
  • Latest mobile speed camera locations for Melbourne and Victoria: January 2026 mapped

    Mobile speed cameras can be deployed in Victoria across more than 2200 locations this month. Here’s where they could be.There are 2262 approved locations where mobile speed cameras can be deployed in Victoria in January 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 January 2026 have changed slightly from those of December 2025 with the addition of six new locations and the removal o
  • JMC Vigus ute from China returning to Australia

    One of the first budget-priced Chinese utes sold in Australia is coming back in a new form to challenge GWM, LDV, and more.Chinese ute maker JMC is set to return to Australian showrooms after an absence of close to a decade, with a new diesel dual-cab aimed at its compatriot rivals.JMC – short for Jiangling Motors Corporation – first launched the $23,990 Vigus ute in Australia in 2015, before quietly exiting in 2018 after failing to make a dent in the market.Now it is poised to retur
  • GAC launches in New Zealand with competitive pricing

    Chinese automaker GAC has officially launched in New Zealand with a three-model lineup spanning petrol, electric and plug-in hybrid powertrains, positioning itself competitively against established rivals across multiple segments. The Guangzhou Automobile Group Motor Co., China’s fifth-largest vehicle manufacturer, confirmed pricing at an Auckland launch event today, with models starting from $31,990 before on-road costs. […]
    The post GAC launches in New Zealand with competitive pri
  • Yellow, mate: Subaru BRZ tS Kiiro edition arrives in Australia

    Following its appearance in New Zealand, the special edition BRZ tS Kiiro gets a run in Australia priced from $53,590 BOCs.
    Image credit: Subaru Berwick
    The limited-edition Subaru BRZ tS Kiiro has been officially confirmed for Australia after images of the bright-yellow model surfaced over throughout the week.In a Facebook post, published by a Sydney dealer, the specifics of the BRZ tS Kiiro edition have been revealed, and Subaru Australia has now confirmed details in a new release.The new speci
  • 2026 BYD Seal 6 approved for Australia as plug-in hybrid sedan and wagon

    The BYD Seal electric sedan appears set to be joined in Australia by a plug-in hybrid alternative – related in name only – later this year.BYD is preparing to target the Toyota Camry Hybrid in Australia as soon as later this year, with a new plug-in hybrid sedan and wagon offering up to 105km of claimed electric driving range.If UK prices are a guide, it may start between $40,000 to $45,000 before on-road costs, and top out under $50,000, with leather-look seats, a 15.6-inch touchscr
  • Mazda’s first in-house electric car delayed – report

    Mazda’s first electric vehicle developed from the ground up, likely called CX-5e, has reportedly been delayed by at least 12 months.The first Mazda electric vehicle developed from the ground up, rather than derived from a petrol car or a Chinese partner, has reportedly been delayed.Auto Express reports the first vehicle on Mazda’s scalable electric-vehicle architecture, likely a Tesla Model Y-sized medium SUV potentially called CX-5e, won’t launch until 2028, “at the earl
  • ANCAP names safest new vehicles for 2025, with Tesla Model Y leading overall

    ANCAP has revealed its top safety performers for 2025, highlighting the safest new vehicles across key market segments in Australia and New Zealand. The results identify the strongest-performing models assessed during the year, based on a weighted score across four assessment pillars: adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, vulnerable road user protection and safety assist. […]
    The post ANCAP names safest new vehicles for 2025, with Tesla Model Y leading overall appeared fir
  • Jeep and Chrysler bow out of the plug-in hybrid race in the US

    Plug-in hybrid models will be axed across the US Stellantis range with plans to focus further on conventional hybrids and range-extended vehicles. 
    Jeep Wrangler 4xe
    Stellantis, the parent company of Jeep, Chrysler and other brands, has announced that it is exiting the plug-in hybrid market in the US, discontinuing models such as Grand Cherokee and Wrangler 4xe. In a written statement, Stellantis told The Drive: “With customer demand shifting, Stellantis will phase out plug‑
  • Flash gas: What’s the difference between 91, 95 and 98 petrol?

    Aside from the price, have you ever driven into the petrol station and wondered what the 91, 95 and 98 (often called Premium Unleaded) numbers mean? We break it down.These numbers are the octane rating of the fuel, as measured by the Research Octane Number (RON) and you’ll find the octane rating for your vehicle on a label inside the fuel door flap, or in the owner’s manual.The octane rating is the ability of the fuel to avoid uncontrolled engine combustion or ‘knocking&rs
  • 2026 Renault Filante flagship SUV could come to Australia

    A local launch of Renault’s new global flagship model, the Filante hybrid SUV, has not been ruled out.Renault has unveiled its next Korean-built hybrid SUV with Chinese origins, and it is a chance for Australia.The 2026 Renault Filante five-seat SUV is the brand’s largest model globally, measuring nearly five metres in length, but it will not be sold in Europe, where the Renault Rafale remains the flagship.Built on the Common Modular Architecture (CMA) from Geely, the Chinese parent
  • 2 Cheap Cars lifts FY26 profit outlook on improved trading momentum

    2 Cheap Cars Group says trading performance has improved through the latter part of the third quarter and into the early fourth quarter of the 2026 financial year, prompting an upgrade to its profit outlook. The NZX-listed used vehicle retailer says the stronger performance has been driven by improved vehicle margins and robust finance and […]
    The post 2 Cheap Cars lifts FY26 profit outlook on improved trading momentum appeared first on Autotalk.
  • 2021-2025 Ford E-Transit recalled in Australia over driveshaft fault

    The fault could lead to a loss of power whilst driving and/or unintended vehicle movement while the vehicle is in park, according to the recall notice.Ford has recalled 279 examples of its 2021-2025 E-Transit vehicles, citing a potential fault with the left-hand rear drive shaft.The affected vehicles are stamped 2021 to 2025 models, but may have been sold at a later date.The recall notice, lodged with the Department of Infrastructure, says: “Due to a manu
  • Kia Tasman ute under trial for Northern Territory police

    The Northern Territory Police Force has confirmed it is currently trialling three Kia Tasmans and has given the new ute a favourable review.
    Image supplied: Northern Territory Police Force.
    The Kia Tasman has gained police stripes in the Northern Territory, potentially an Australian first, in a trial to assess the new ute’s capabilities.The NT Police Force has confirmed it is currently trialling three Kia Tasman utes – a rear-wheel-drive S dual-cab and two four-wheel-drive S dual-cab
  • Toyota GR Yaris Morizo RR a chance for Australia

    GR Yaris Morizo RR could follow the tyre tracks of the GR Corolla Morizo Edition and Lexus LBX Morizo RR in coming Down Under.Toyota is treating Japan and Europe to a more hardcore version of the GR Yaris known as the Morizo RR, and Australia could be in line next to receive the special-edition hot hatch.Speaking to Drive, a Toyota Australia spokesperson did not confirm the GR Yaris Morizo RR for the local market, but left the door open if more production of the limited-run model were to become
  • 2026 Deepal E07 Multitruck Performance AWD review

    Of all brand-new cars will garner attention at a local cars and coffee event – we never expected the Deepal E07 EV ‘ute’ to be one of them. Is it a good car under all of its party tricks?  
    Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps
    2026 Deepal E07 Performance AWDNow and again, there is a car that seriously stands out against the crowd to take a chanc
  • Dongfeng VIGO targets EV SUV value leadership

    Dongfeng Motor is launching the VIGO electric SUV in New Zealand with a $37,990 launch price, positioning it as the best-value electric vehicle (EV) SUV in the local market when deliveries begin in February 2026. The compact electric SUV will be available at the introductory price until the end of April 2026, after which it […]
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  • Musk announces shift to subscription-only Full Self-Driving model

    Tesla will eliminate the option to purchase its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software outright, moving to a subscription-only model from February 14, chief executive Elon Musk announced on Wednesday. The change marks a significant shift from how Tesla has sold access to its advanced driver assistance suite over recent years. In New Zealand, customers currently pay […]
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  • Elon announces shift to subscription-only Full Self-Driving model

    Tesla will eliminate the option to purchase its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software outright, moving to a subscription-only model from February 14, chief executive Elon Musk announced on Wednesday. The change marks a significant shift from how Tesla has sold access to its advanced driver assistance suite over recent years. In New Zealand, customers currently pay […]
    The post Elon announces shift to subscription-only Full Self-Driving model appeared first on Autotalk.
  • Honda adopts new H mark for automobile business

    Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has announced it will adopt a new H mark design as the symbol representing its automobile business, with the refreshed logo set to debut on next-generation electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid-electric vehicles (HEVs) from 2027. The Japanese automaker says the new H mark represents its “second founding” as the automotive industry […]
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  • Best-selling mild-hybrid cars in Australia in 2025

    Many familiar vehicles have adopted mild-hybrid systems, but aside from the Toyota Prado and HiLux, it remained a niche technology in 2025.
    Toyota Prado.
    The Toyota Prado and Toyota HiLux accounted for nearly 50 per cent of sales of ‘mild-hybrid’ vehicles in Australia last year – a term the brand does not use to avoid confusion with its ‘full’ hybrid cars.In Australia, Toyota leads in sales of cars with ‘mild-hybrid‘ systems, which offer modest fuel savi
  • Kia outsells Hyundai for the fourth year in a row in 2025

    Despite both being part of the greater Hyundai Motor Company globally, separate management and distribution in Australia sees Hyundai and Kia face off as rivals Down Under.
    Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage
    For the fourth year in a row, Kia has beaten its parent company, Hyundai, on Australia’s new car sales charts.While the two companies are connected, thanks to the Hyundai Motor Company’s 34 per cent ownership stake in Kia, independent management and distribution in Australia sees th
  • 2026 Kia EV6 price revealed: Longer range, new look for overdue electric car

    The long-promised styling and battery overhaul for the sleeker of Kia’s two mid-size electric cars is arriving in Australia with a price rise of less than $100.
    2026 Kia EV6 pricing and specificationsNew battery boosts range by up to 56kmRefreshed styling, new interior technologyPriced from $72,660 plus on-road costs, up $70
    The 2026 Kia EV6 is finally days away from Australian showrooms – 12 to 18 months later than the late 2024 arrival first planned – with a longer driving ra
  • 2026 Mazda CX-5 priced overseas, indicating modest price rise for Australia

    Thanks to a carryover engine and platform, the new-generation 2026 Mazda CX-5 could be priced close to the outgoing model.
    Mazda has released pricing for its third-generation CX-5 family SUV in the US, giving Australia an indication on what to expect from the crucial new model launching later this year.Five variants will be available Stateside – S, Select, S Preferred, S Premium, and S Premium Plus – ranging in price from $US29,990 to $US38,990, which directly translates to $AU44,850
  • TikTok’s famous beach parking hack debunked

    While one TikTok user shared a cheeky way to avoid parking fines at their local beach, the evasion tactic can land you in some hot water with the law.Picture: TikTok/Bonnieraee
    We all know that dreaded feeling. You finish up at the beach with your friends or family, and after a long day of tanning and playing by the water, your spirits are high. Until you see that parking fine tucked under your windscreen wipers and waving in the air.It’s no secret trying to find a park in beaches across A
  • $160K Corvette seized after alleged reckless driving in Edendale

    A 63-year-old Southland man is due to appear in court after allegedly driving at extreme speeds through the Edendale community late last year. Police say they received multiple reports from members of the public on December 24 about a black sports car speeding in the area. Police allege the man returned to Edendale several times […]
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