Automotive news

• Nissan Patrol outsells Toyota LandCruiser for the fourth month in a row

  04-04-2025 23:00 via drive.com.au
  Deliveries of the Nissan Patrol have surged ahead of the Toyota LandCruiser wagon in Australia for the fourth consecutive month.The Nissan Patrol off-road SUV has recorded its fourth consecutive month ahead of the Toyota LandCruiser wagon in Australia, amid a surge in popularity for the 15-year-old V8-powered model.VFACTS new-car sales data shows Nissan recorded 710 deliveries of the Patrol last month for a 70 per cent share of its ‘upper large SUV below $120,000’ segment, ahead of t
  
  Read more

• Subaru Wilderness prospect has a ‘great future’ in Australia, but no news on its arrival

  04-04-2025 22:00 via drive.com.au
  Bringing the Subaru Wilderness sub-brand to Australia has been years in the making, though Aussies will have to continue holding their breath.
  Subaru has no news to share regarding the Australian arrival of off-road-focused Wilderness variants, based on long-running nameplates such as the Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek models.Subaru’s distributor, Inchcape Australia, has been interested in the North American-only Wilderness versions as far back as 2021, but still has yet to announce an a
  
  Read more

• What happened to the midlife crisis car?

  04-04-2025 21:00 via drive.com.au
  Nothing screams midlife crisis quite like a brand-new sports car, but is it still a thing in 2025?There used to be a stereotype that once you hit a certain age, it’s time to hit the road in your new convertible so you can drop the top and get sunburnt on your bald spot.RELATED: The defunct car models young people can’t stop drivingThere are several theories about why people go through it, but the crux of all of it is that when people hit midlife, there can be periods of big change in
  
  Read more

• 2025 Peugeot E-Expert Pro Long review

  04-04-2025 15:30 via drive.com.au
  The Peugeot E-Expert delivery van commands a $30,000 premium over diesel-powered models. Does it make smart business sense?
  Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps
  2025 Peugeot E-Expert Pro LongThe electric van market is growing in Australia, slowly yes, but with several models across various manufacturers now plying their workaday trade, the push to emissions-free workh
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• 2026 MG U9 ute revealed, coming to Australia this year with diesel power

  04-04-2025 10:00 via drive.com.au
  MG’s first ute is an LDV in a new suit, due in Australian showrooms by the end of this year with the most powerful four-cylinder diesel in its class.MG will take the fight to the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux from later this year with its first ute, the 2026 MG U9, due in showrooms with diesel power in November or December 2025 ahead of a plug-in hybrid in 2026.And as predicted, it is a rebranded version of sister brand LDV’s upcoming Terron 9, with which many examples of the MG ute w
  
  Read more

• 2025 MG S5 EV electric car detailed for Australia, due in showrooms imminently

  04-04-2025 10:00 via drive.com.au
  The overdue replacement for the MG ZS EV is almost in Australia with DNA from the MG 4 hatch, and a choice of two battery sizes.MG’s new-generation BYD Atto 3 electric SUV competitor – the 2025 MG S5 EV – is due on sale in Australia “imminently” with up to 515km of claimed driving range.The S5 EV is the SUV version of the popular MG 4 electric hatch, sharing its rear-wheel-drive platform but adding a taller body promising a roomier interior and improved technology.M
  
  Read more

• Zeekr X electric car price slashed in Australia months after first deliveries

  04-04-2025 08:59 via drive.com.au
  Upstart electric-car brand Zeekr has cut prices on its small SUV by up to 12 per cent ahead of new models due later this year – and tightening competition.Prices of the new Zeekr X electric car have dropped by up to $7000 months after the first examples arrived ahead of the arrival of new models from the Chinese brand.The Zeekr X Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) now starts from $49,900 plus on-road costs – down $7000 from its $56,900 launch price – while the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is now
  
  Read more

• JAC chooses Australia for global reveal of new Chinese 385kW/1000Nm hybrid ute

  04-04-2025 07:40 via drive.com.au
  The JAC Hunter PHEV will join the T9 in Australian showrooms in early 2026 and outmuscle even a Ford Ranger Raptor.JAC has unveiled a new plug-in hybrid electric ute, known as the 2026 Hunter PHEV, set to steal the thunder away from the BYD Shark 6, Ford Ranger PHEV, and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV.Debuting globally at the 2025 Melbourne Motor Show, the Hunter PHEV will arrive in Australian showrooms in early 2026 equipped with the highest outputs in its – admittedly small – class.With a 2
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• What is aquaplaning, and how can you stop it?

  04-04-2025 07:00 via drive.com.au
  As the rain begins to hit with the shifting of seasons in Australia, aquaplaning may catch you out on the roads. Here’s what to do.
  Photo: iStock/Bruskov
  Aquaplaning, which can also be known as hydroplaning, tends to occur after or during some heavy rain.RELATED: Is it illegal to pee on the side of the road?The statistics vary depending on the studies, but it is claimed that just 1–3 per cent of all crashes are the result of aquaplaning.While that may seem insignificant, just under 4
  
  Read more

• 2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty revealed as most capable factory one-tonne ute

  04-04-2025 03:45 via drive.com.au
  Towing to match US full-sized pick-ups, toughened up styling, and a full safety suite for Ford’s category-busting Ranger Super Duty.Ford has lifted the lid on the 2026 Ranger Super Duty, an up-rated version of its top-selling one-tonne ute that ups its capabilities to F-150 levels.Sporting a new front end, with bespoke fenders, steel bumper and front grille, the Super Duty is also easily distinguished by its variant-specific stamped bonnet.The Super Duty also sports larger side mirrors, he
  
  Read more

• 2025 Subaru Forester range detailed, due mid-year with hybrid power

  04-04-2025 03:30 via drive.com.au
  The new Subaru Forester range will herald seven variants, new hybrid power, and a substantial boost in safety, tech and functionality.Subaru has disclosed more details about its upcoming sixth-generation Forester mid-size SUV, which will feature the option of an upgraded hybrid powertrain at launch and offer a total of seven variants.The 2025 Subaru Forester will make its Australian debut at this weekend’s Melbourne Motor Show ahead of a mid-year launch, with pricing to be revealed closer
  
  Read more

• 2025 Melbourne Motor Show first day sells out

  04-04-2025 01:01 via drive.com.au
  General Admission Saturday tickets for the 2025 Melbourne Motor Show have sold out, with only a limited number of Sunday tickets available for this year’s event.More than 30,000 tickets have been sold for the 2025 Melbourne Motor Show, with General Admission sold out for the opening day, Saturday April 5, 2025.Taking place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in South Wharf, the 2025 Melbourne Motor Show will include global model reveals and exhibits from a swathe of car brand
  
  Read more

• Kia: Drive the Tasman ute before making your mind up

  04-04-2025 01:00 via drive.com.au
  Don’t knock it until you try it is the message from Kia Australia, which urges potential buyers not sold on its Tasman ute to look at one in person – and take a test drive – before forming a judgement.Kia Australia has urged critics of its first-ever ute, the diesel Tasman, to look at it in the metal – and get behind the wheel – before writing it off on photos or the specification sheet alone.The South Korean car giant forecasts that about 10,000 to 11,000 of the 90
  
  Read more

• 2026 Hyundai Palisade to go hybrid-only in Australia with new model

  04-04-2025 00:00 via drive.com.au
  A new Hyundai Palisade is around the corner with hybrid power as standard – replacing diesel – and a higher price.The next-generation 2026 Hyundai Palisade is due to launch in Australia by the end of this year with standard petrol-electric hybrid propulsion.Diesel will be axed – despite accounting for 89 per cent of Palisade sales last year, the remainder a petrol V6 – and replaced by a hybrid, combining a 2.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder with two electric motors.A no
  
  Read more

Follow @Automotive_AU_ on Twitter!