Automotive news

• Toyota promised 30 new electric cars by 2030, and here’s a status update

  29-12-2025 23:00 via drive.com.au
  In an uncharacteristic move for Toyota, the brand revealed a detailed future product plan in late 2021 that encompassed a broad range of new cars for the next decade. Now, at the halfway mark, what’s the score?
  Photo: iStock
  In October 2021, Toyota took the unusual step of revealing to the world what its future portfolio would look like.Toyota usually operates with a high level of secrecy when it comes to future models, often only previewing cars that are close to production-ready.In a cha
  
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• Clean Car Standard changes take effect January 1

  29-12-2025 22:00 via autotalk.co.nz
  The automotive industry’s much-anticipated relief from Clean Car Standard penalties arrives on January 1 2026, with significantly reduced charges and new flexibility measures taking effect across New Zealand. For dealers and distributors, the changes deliver immediate operational benefits through an 80% reduction in penalty rates and the introduction of credit transfers between vehicle categories. Penalty […]
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• 2019-2025 Ford Transit Custom and Tourneo recalled in Australia

  29-12-2025 22:00 via drive.com.au
  The fault could cause the 12-volt battery vent to not operate as intended, potentially allowing toxic gases to leak into the cabin, according to the recall notice.Ford Australia has recalled 7509 examples of its 2021 to 2025 Ford Transit Custom and Tourneo, citing a potential fault with their 12-volt battery vent. 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
  
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• Aqua and Hilux retain most stolen titles

  29-12-2025 21:58 via autotalk.co.nz
  The Toyota Aqua and Toyota Hilux have maintained their positions as New Zealand’s most targeted vehicles by thieves, according to new data covering 2024. AMI Insurance data confirms the Toyota Aqua remains the country’s most frequently stolen car by volume for the third consecutive year. Meanwhile, analysis of police data by MoneyHub shows the Toyota […]
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• MG sales have slipped in 2025, despite five new models

  29-12-2025 21:00 via drive.com.au
  2025 should have been MG’s year. New models in new market segments are a recipe for success for a growing brand, but somehow, MG’s sales marker moved backwards.2025 saw MG roll out more new products than ever before.A wave of new-generation models, or entirely new market segment representation, showed that the brand is fit, strong, and ambitious.With any new model, sales expectations are high. Entering new segements, like the three-row large SUV class, or Australia’s massive 4&
  
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• Auction Online Market Commentary

  29-12-2025 20:43 via autotalk.co.nz
  Despite a difficult and fast-changing market, Auction Online continues to hit record levels of business in an active market. The wholesale vehicle sector continues to surprise with strong growth and momentum in the digital space. Auction Online continued to post solid gains through the first half of the year, reflecting the resilience of dealer-to-dealer trading […]
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• 2026 Mini Cooper S review: JCW Sport

  29-12-2025 14:00 via drive.com.au
  The first new petrol-powered, three-door Mini in a decade isn’t all-new, but it still moves the game on for the model – and is as fun to drive as ever.
  Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps
  2026 Mini Cooper S JCW SportNext year will mark the 25th birthday of the modern Mini, rebooted by BMW in 2001 as a higher-priced, retro-styled city car inspired by the o
  
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• 2026 MG S5 EV Essence 62 review

  29-12-2025 04:12 via drive.com.au
  MG’s long-range, high-spec small SUV boasts new technology and a dedicated EV platform, but does its charm as a city car erode as you move up the range?
  Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps
  2026 MG S5 EV Essence 62The 2026 MG S5 EV brings a new name but a familiar concept to MG’s Australian line-up. Taking the place of the previous MG ZS EV, the new S5 EV
  
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• Top 10 most-viewed Drive Facebook posts in 2025

  29-12-2025 02:00 via drive.com.au
  Drive’s Facebook followers showed interest in new utes, including Ford’s Ranger Super Duty, as well as motor show reveals from Mazda and Nissan.With 2025 drawing to a close, it’s time to take a look back at the year that was on Drive across our news, reviews, advice, social media and Marketplace content.In this edition, we’ve compiled a list of the most-viewed posts on Drive’s Facebook page in 2025.To stay up to date with the latest car news and reviews, click here
  
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• 2026 Denza B5 review: Australian first road test

  29-12-2025 02:00 via drive.com.au
  The first of the off-roaders to arrive from BYD’s new Denza sub-brand is the B5, a five-seat SUV with BYD Shark 6 DNA. Should the Toyota Prado be worried?
  Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps
  2026 Denza B5Not content with the growth of its master brand – selling more than 80,000 cars in a little over three years – BYD is now mounting an attack on the
  
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• Family road trips: The summer survival guide

  29-12-2025 01:55 via drive.com.au
  If, like many Aussies, you’ve got plans to pack up the car and take the family on a road trip this summer, we’ve got you covered with tips to keep everyone happy (and sane) on your drive.I love a summer road trip. Give me good music, winding roads and stunning views of both land and water, and I’m in heaven. That is, until my kids pipe up with their whingeing.This is not exactly avoidable – they are kids after all, and don’t have the ability to regulate as well as (
  
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• Kia EV5 facelift due in 2026 with styling, technical changes

  29-12-2025 00:30 via drive.com.au
  Kia’s top-selling electric car is set for an overhaul in Australia, with the possibility of a revised appearance and longer driving range.
  Current Kia EV5.
  The Kia EV5 electric SUV will be treated to a mid-life makeover in Australia by the end of next year, to help close the gap to the Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7, and more.Details of the updated EV5 are yet to be revealed, but Kia has confirmed it is due in Australian showrooms in the second half of 2026, pending any delays.The EV5 will h
  
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• 2027 KGM Musso ute revealed with HiLux-style makeover

  29-12-2025 00:29 via drive.com.au
  South Korea’s KGM has taken a leaf out of Toyota’s book with a new ute – wearing rugged, truck-like styling – that’s not quite all-new.The 2027 KGM Musso dual-cab ute has been revealed in South Korea by the brand formerly known as SsangYong, ahead of its Australian launch in mid-2026.The first new Musso in nearly eight years wears KGM’s new, more angular styling language, and gains an updated interior with the return of climate-control dials on high-grade mode
  
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• 2026 Honda Super-One electric car to be safer than N-One donor kei car

  29-12-2025 00:01 via drive.com.au
  Export markets like Europe and Australia mean Honda’s Super-One EV will come under more safety scrutiny than its Japan-only donor car.Honda Australia’s first electric vehicle (EV) – the 2026 Super-One – may be based on Japan’s N-One kei car, but it was designed to meet international safety standards of larger cars, according to the brand.However, whether that means the Super-One will achieve a maximum five-star safety rating in Euro NCAP and Australasian New Car Ass
  
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• FBT exemption for electric cars to cost 18 times more than forecast in massive blowout

  29-12-2025 00:00 via drive.com.au
  A huge miscalculation of the cost of popular electric-car tax breaks – now forecast to cost $1.35 billion in lost tax revenue this year – has been exposed in new data.The Federal Government has grossly underestimated the cost of a popular tax break for electric and plug-in hybrid cars in novated leases – which has found more than 100,000 takers in three years – new data reveals.Treasury figures released in recent weeks estimate the tax revenue lost through the Fringe Bene
  
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