• 2025 Renault Symbioz hybrid SUV revealed in Europe

    Although there’s no official word at this stage, the new model could come to Australia as it’s being built in right-hand-drive for the UK market.The 2025 Renault Symbioz small SUV has been revealed in Europe, and it could come to Australia.Revealed as a hybrid-only model, the Symbioz could take the fight to fellow Alliance member Nissan Qashqai, as well as Toyota’s Corolla Cross.Like its Captur sibling, the Symbioz is based on the Group’s CMF-B underpinnings, and is set t
  • Jaguar makes last internal combustion-powered only vehicle at Castle Bromwich

    The final petrol and diesel-only Jaguars have rolled off the Castle Bromwich UK production line as the car maker reinvents itself as an electric brand.Photo Credit: X/Jon CouplandThe Jaguar Castle Bromwich plant in the UK has built its last vehicle – the final internal-combustion-only Jaguar model – as the British brand moves towards a fully-electric line-up in 2025.A petrol-powered Jaguar XE sedan in appropriate British dark green paintwork was the factory’s final vehicle and
  • 2024 Volkswagen Touareg 170TDI: Australian first drive

    Volkswagen’s Touareg SUV is now kitted up to the hilt, but it’s also more affordable than its predecessor. Is this the ultimate premium SUV?Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps
    2024 Volkswagen Touareg 170TDIThe Volkswagen Touareg has always stood halfway between mainstream and premium in terms of large SUVs – and it’s realistically been a posit
  • Young US car buyers want to buy Chinese electric cars, despite ‘privacy risk’ – report

    A study has shown most young US car buyers would still buy a Chinese-made electric vehicle even despite perceived privacy risks.More than three-quarters of young United States car buyers are willing to shrug off perceived privacy risks of Chinese-made electric vehicles, according to a new survey.Tensions have been high regarding Chinese electric cars in the US, with perceived national security risks seeing one senator demand Chinese-made cars be completely banned.Yet US website Carscoops reports
  • Advertisement

  • 2023-2024 Volvo EX30 recalled in Australia

    The fault could cause a software issue with the infotainment system, according to the recall notice.Volvo has recalled 1255 examples of its 2023-2024 Volvo EX30 electric car, citing a potential fault with the infotainment system.The affected vehicles are stamped 2023 to 2024 models, but may have been sold at a later date.The recall notice, lodged with the Department of Infrastructure, says: “Due to a software error, the infotainment unit screen may enter a tes
  • Melbourne tops list of Victoria’s car theft hot spots – report

    Fresh data has revealed car thefts in the state have increased by 26 per cent from 2022 to 2023.New data has revealed Melbourne’s city centre recorded the highest rate of car thefts of anywhere in Victoria last year.A total of 1111 vehicles were stolen in Melbourne’s CBD in 2023, a rate of 629.7 thefts per 100,000 people.
    According to the Herald Sun– which referenced data from the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) – Port Phillip Council, encompassing suburbs like Albert Park
  • ‘The private market is the wild, wild west’: Is it better to buy a car from a dealership or a private seller?

    Are you looking at purchasing a car but aren’t sure if you should buy from a dealership or a private seller? Let’s weigh up the pros and cons.
    With more ways to buy a car than ever before, is it better to buy from a dealer or a private seller?
    Online platforms like Facebook have opened an avenue for private car sellers to advertise and sell their vehicles through its Marketplace, while older websites like Gumtree and Trading Post were previous examples of the internet’s impact
  • 2023 Mazda CX-90 recalled in Australia

    The fault could cause an unintended braking activation, according to the recall notice.Mazda has recalled 509 examples of the 2023 Mazda CX-90, citing a potential fault with the vehicle control module.The affected vehicles are stamped 2023 models, but may have been sold at a later date.The recall notice, lodged with the Department of Infrastructure, says: “Due to a calibration issue within the Vehicle Control Module (VCM), when driving at low speeds the vehicl
  • Advertisement

  • Catch the latest episode of Drive Review: Nissan Patrol Warrior, BYD Dolphin, MG 4, and the GWM Ora

    If you missed the latest episode of Drive Review, you can catch up here. In this episode, James compares three compact electric hatchbacks – the BYD Dolphin, GWM Ora, and MG 4. Plus, we go off-road in the hardcore Nissan Patrol Warrior.If you missed Season 2 Episode 6 of Drive Review on Nine Rush on Saturday, be sure to catch up here. In the meantime, if you want to know more about the vehicles showcased in this episode, check out our latest reviews on the BYD
  • 2024 Toyota Prado price and specs: $10,000 price rise for popular family off-road SUV

    Toyota’s new Prado off-roader is now up to $12,500 more expensive than the outgoing model, but adds new tech and convenience features.Pricing for the 2024 Toyota LandCruiser Prado in Australia has been confirmed, with the new-generation model set to cost around $10,000 more than the outgoing off-road SUV.Starting from $72,500 before on-road costs for the entry-level GX, prices stretch up to $99,990 for the flagship Kakadu.The GX is $9670 more expensive than before, making it the smallest p
  • Free Jolt electric car chargers confirmed for Sydney

    Jolt confirms 65 kerbside chargers for the Greater Sydney area are set to open over the next 12 months, and the first 7kWh will be free.Another 65 electric car chargers will be installed across seven local government areas in Sydney with Jolt securing funding from the NSW Government.However, these new electric-vehicle (EV) charging stations will differ from existing services such as Tesla’s Supercharger network, Evie, Chargefox, and others as they will be kerbside units rather than standal
  • How old do you have to be to fill a car with fuel in Australia?

    What is the legal age to fill a car with petrol in Australia? We break down the laws and requirements state-by-state.Getting to refuel mum or dad’s car at a petrol station is just one of the many little steps to adulthood for a young person. But depending on your state, there is such a thing as too young. So what is the legal age to fill a car with petrol in Australia?RELATED: Military truck ploughs through Queensland petrol stationThe danger present when refuelling a car is something we t
  • A flood of new Chinese car brands is nearing Australia – everything you need to know

    Close to 10 new car makers from China are due in Australia within the next 18 months – and more are studying a local launch. Here’s what you need to know.An unprecedented array of new car manufacturers from China are poised to open their doors in Australia – one of the world’s most competitive vehicle markets – over the next 18 months.Close to 10 car makers founded or headquartered in China are looking to follow in the footsteps of compatriots such as GWM, BYD and C
  • Brabus performance electric cars to headline Smart’s return to Australia this year

    Smart earmarks September for Australian deliveries of its 2024 #1 and #3 electric vehicles, including top-spec Brabus variants.High-performance Brabus variants of the Smart #1 and #3 will spearhead the brand’s relaunch in Australia, with order books due to open in July for deliveries from September.However, exact pricing and specification of Smart’s two-model range won’t be confirmed until next month, though the brand is promising to “provide an ideal entry to premium EV
  • The Z8 reborn? BMW Concept Skytop combines V8 power with open-top motoring

    BMW shows off stylish Concept Skytop in Italy as an homage to classic Z8 Roadster.BMW has lifted the lid on a new two-door convertible known as the Concept Skytop that draws heavy inspiration from one of the brand’s most iconic models, the Z8 roadster.Revealed this week at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy, the Skytop likely shares its underpinnings with the existing 8 Series convertible, as both boast similar proportions.However, the design and sheet metal look to
  • 2023 Kia Seltos recalled in Australia

    The fault could cause the side curtain airbag to inflate without warning, according to the recall notice.Kia Australia has recalled 292 examples of its 2023 SP2 Seltos, citing a potential fault with the side curtain airbag.The affected vehicles are stamped 2023 models but may have been sold at a later date.The recall notice, lodged with the Department of Infrastructure, says: “Due to a manufacturing defect, the side curtain airbag may inflate without warn
  • Australian-made simulator software aims to help improve driver training

    Motum Simulation has created a driving simulator that will be piloted by Australian high schools and driving education academies to assist with teaching vital driving skills.
    Melbourne-based software company Motum Simulation has developed a driving simulator to mimic real-world conditions for learner drivers.The software can be highly customised to specific real-world conditions, including specialised locations like ports or mines, or used by emergency services personnel, and other forms of spec
  • 2024 Mitsubishi ASX ES Street review

    The latest special-edition Mitsubishi ASX aims to amp up the small SUV’s street appeal. With plenty of sharply priced competition in the segment, is the black-pack ASX ES Street the right choice?
    Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps
    2024 Mitsubishi ASX ES StreetThe Mitsubishi ASX might be the kind of small SUV that flies under the radar in most circumstances. It
  • Video: Man caught on video vandalising Tesla

    The alleged vandal can be seen bending the car’s number plate and rearview mirror multiple times in the video posted online.A vandal has been caught on video damaging a Tesla on a suburban street in footage uploaded to social media.The owner posted the video – recorded by the car’s on-board cameras – to the Tesla Owners Australia Facebook group and captioned the post: “This is the reason [why] I keep Sentry Mode on at all times. Already reported to the police.&
  • IKEA Australia to invest $4.5 million in electric vehicle chargers

    The Swedish furniture giant is looking to add electric vehicle chargers to 10 of its retail locations across Australia.Furniture giant IKEA is looking to add charging stations – said to be capable of topping up six electric vehicles at once – to 10 retail locations across Australia.An IKEA Australia spokesperson said the charging bays are planning to be installed at its Adelaide, Perth and Canberra locations – as well as their retail stores in Richmond and Springvale in Victori
  • NSW P-platers caught excessively speeding using unlikely vehicles

    The two novice drivers had their licences immediately suspended, and were each issued fines worth more than $2000.Photo Credit: NSW Traffic and Highway Patrol/FacebookA 17-year-old New South Wales P1 provisional driver will be without her licence for six months after police detected the young motorist excessively speeding.According to NSW Police, the novice driver was clocked speeding at 110km/h on a 50km/h sign-posted stretch of road.Authorities said the incident occurred along Campbell Hill Ro
  • Warning! Drivers urged not to make this dangerous modification

    Young drivers have been urged by safety commissions to not make this fatal and dangerous modification to their cars.There’s nothing more exciting than modifying your first car to make it your own. Whether that be a new set of wheels, some seat covers, a shift knob or even just some stickers, all are relatively innocent and easy things to do that can add some flair to your latest purchase. RELATED: Can P-platers drive modified cars?However, there are a few cheap modifications that you
  • Warning! Drivers urged not to make this dangerous car modification

    Young drivers have been urged by safety commissions to not make this fatal and dangerous modification to their cars.There’s nothing more exciting than modifying your first car to make it your own. Whether that be a new set of wheels, some seat covers, a shift knob or even just some stickers, all are relatively innocent and easy things to do that can add some flair to your latest purchase. RELATED: Can P-platers drive modified cars?However, there are a few cheap modifications that you
  • Tesla Cybertruck buyer complains of constant attention, 'the middle finger'

    The first Cybertruck buyer in Maine says he wasn't expecting to get stared at, yelled at and flipped off whenever he drives around town.
  • Nissan follows Tesla in adopting EV cost-slashing gigacasting

    Nissan thinks it can cut the cost of EV components by 10 percent and shed weight by some 20 percent by shifting to gigacasting for large aluminum parts.
  • Opinion: Don’t judge the ute, judge the driver

    Australians love to hate on dual-cab utes and pick-up trucks behaving badly on our roads and car parks. But let’s not forget it’s bad drivers who are making the decisions.A quick look through social media is all it takes before finding a scathing post condemning utes for inconveniencing drivers or putting other road users at risk. The posts are usually followed by a fury of online users’ opinions on Australia’s favourite model.RELATED:Best utes to buy in Australia in 2024
  • Volkswagen ID electric cars to get discounted charging with Ampol for first 12 months

    Customers who purchase a VW ID electric vehicles will have access to 12 months of discounted Ampol public electric car charging.
    Volkswagen Australia has partnered with Ampol to offer VW ID customers discounted public electric vehicle (EV) charging for the first 12 months and customisable at-home chargers.
    The offer will be applicable to customers who purchase an ID.4, ID.4 GTX, ID.5, ID.5 GTX, ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo when the EVs go on sale in the second half of 2024, with actual charging p
  • UK passes law to allow self-driving autonomous cars on its roads by 2026

    Legislation was given Royal Assent this week, bringing the UK one step closer to normalising the technology.Self-driving vehicles could be on UK roads by 2026, after the country passed legislation into law this week.The passing of the Automated Vehicles Act, given Royal Assent by King Charles on Monday, means autonomous cars could be driving around on UK roads in less than two years.However, the caveat being that this can only happen if vehicles “achieve a level of safety at least as high
  • BMW presents its latest Art Car Le Mans racer

    Acclaimed Jewish-Ethiopian artist Julie Mehretu is the latest to lend their talent to the BMW Art Car series, applying unique designs to the new Le Mans race car.A new BMW Art Car has been revealed to the public, using a BMW M Hybrid V8 endurance race car as the canvas.BMW’s 20th Art Car was designed by celebrated New York artist Julie Mehretu, and will compete at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the coming weeks – appropriately wearing the number 20.The livery is based on the 53-year-old&
  • Call for Queensland to up speed limit to 130km/h

    One motorist says it’s time to get out of the past, but the Government and industry groups claim it’s not safe.A petition has been launched calling on the Queensland Government to raise the speed limit to 130km/h.Townsville resident Stewart Collins submitted the petition because he believes the current 110km/h limit, which applies in every state and territory except the Northern Territory which already has a maximum of 130km/h, is outdated.Mr Collins’ submission, entered with t

Follow @Automotive_AU_ on Twitter!