Automotive news

• Kia Tasman ute under trial for Northern Territory police

  14-01-2026 22:57 via drive.com.au
  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
  
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• Toyota GR Yaris Morizo RR a chance for Australia

  14-01-2026 22:28 via drive.com.au
  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
  
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• 2026 Deepal E07 Multitruck Performance AWD review

  14-01-2026 22:00 via drive.com.au
  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
  
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• Dongfeng VIGO targets EV SUV value leadership

  14-01-2026 21:13 via autotalk.co.nz
  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

  14-01-2026 20:42 via autotalk.co.nz
  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

  14-01-2026 20:42 via autotalk.co.nz
  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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• Honda adopts new H mark for automobile business

  14-01-2026 20:41 via autotalk.co.nz
  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

  14-01-2026 20:31 via drive.com.au
  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
  
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• Kia outsells Hyundai for the fourth year in a row in 2025

  14-01-2026 19:14 via drive.com.au
  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
  
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• 2026 Kia EV6 price revealed: Longer range, new look for overdue electric car

  14-01-2026 08:00 via drive.com.au
  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
  
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• 2026 Mazda CX-5 priced overseas, indicating modest price rise for Australia

  14-01-2026 07:03 via drive.com.au
  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
  
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• TikTok’s famous beach parking hack debunked

  14-01-2026 04:30 via drive.com.au
  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
  
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• $160K Corvette seized after alleged reckless driving in Edendale

  14-01-2026 04:04 via autotalk.co.nz
  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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• 2026 Volvo XC90 Ultra B5 review

  14-01-2026 04:00 via drive.com.au
  Volvo’s long-serving flagship seven-seater scored an unexpected stay of execution. It’s back in lightly facelifted form, inside and out.
  Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps
  2026 Volvo XC90 Ultra B5 BrightI first clapped eyes on the facelifted Volvo XC90 in a Swedish coastal town called Luleå. While that’s not especially remarkable – Volv
  
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• WWCOTY announces 2026 category winners

  14-01-2026 03:49 via autotalk.co.nz
  Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY) has announced six category winners for 2026, with the Nissan Leaf, Škoda Elroq, Mercedes-Benz CLA, Hyundai Ioniq 9, Toyota 4Runner and Lamborghini Temerario recognised as the best vehicles in their respective segments. The awards follow a rigorous evaluation process carried out by an international jury of 84 women […]
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• BMW announces fully electric M models from 2027

  14-01-2026 03:48 via autotalk.co.nz
  BMW will launch fully electric high-performance M models from 2027, marking the German manufacturer’s transition of its sports car division to electric power. The BMW M Neue Klasse models will feature a four-motor BMW M eDrive system, with each wheel driven by an individual electric motor. The setup combines the advantages of rear-wheel and all-wheel […]
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• Kia’s Cerato-replacing K4 adds a new station wagon variant

  14-01-2026 03:17 via drive.com.au
  While the market for small wagons may only be a shadow of its former self, Kia will maintain a presence with the 2026 Kia K4 Sportswagon.The 2026 Kia K4 Sportswagon could be a dream come true for wagon lovers.Joining the existing K4 sedan and hatch in Kia’s global portfolio, the new K4 Sportswagon has been designed specifically for the European market.In the K4’s small car segment, European competitors include wagons like the Toyota Corolla Touring, Peugeot 308 SW, and Volkswagen Gol
  
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• 2027 Nissan Z: Styling update with surprise mechanical tweaks

  14-01-2026 02:07 via drive.com.au
  A new look bumper and wheels keep Nissan’s iconic sports car fresh after four years on sale. The flagship Nissan Z sports car is set for a facelift – along with minor mechanical upgrades – as it enters its 2027 model year.The updates were announced at the Tokyo Auto Salon, and are reportedly intended to cut drag and reduce lift for improved performance.Nissan is yet to confirm the updated Z’s arrival timing in Australia, but it is due to be in Japanese showrooms in m
  
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• Can you finance a car on a temporary work visa in Australia?

  14-01-2026 01:30 via drive.com.au
  Financing a car is often necessary while living in Australia, but can you get a loan if you’re on a work visa? Here’s what experts have to say.While public transport is accessible in most metropolitan areas, in a vast country like Australia, commuting to work generally involves a lot of driving each year.Depending on a driver’s personal circumstances, Australian citizens generally have access to numerous financial lenders in the hopes of securing a car loan. But it’s a di
  
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• Battery electric vehicle market steady in 2025

  14-01-2026 01:23 via autotalk.co.nz
  New Zealand’s battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales held broadly steady in 2025, while plug-in hybrids recorded the strongest growth of any powertrain as the new vehicle market stabilised. New registration data shows BEVs accounted for 5.6% of all new vehicle sales in 2025, up slightly from 5.2% in 2024, with 7,706 units registered for the […]
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• 2026 Ford Ranger adds hands-free driving, trailer theft alert – but not in Australia, yet

  14-01-2026 01:13 via drive.com.au
  The 2026 Ford Ranger PHEV adds hands-free highway driving and trailer theft detection in Europe – along with design tweaks – but Australian details are yet to be confirmed.
  Ford Ranger owners can now drive hands-free on the highway and be alerted in real-time if a trailer has been stolen from their ute – but the features are not currently available in Australia.The 2026 Ford Ranger Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) made its public appearance at the Brussels motor show last
  
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• BMW M to draw from Hyundai with simulated gear shifts in electric M3

  14-01-2026 00:01 via drive.com.au
  The first battery-powered BMW M3 super sedan will introduce a synthesised gearbox, and four electric motors producing as much as 1000kW.The first-ever electric BMW M3 will offer simulated gear shifts – and, potentially, synthesised engine sounds – akin to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and Honda Super-One when it launches in 2027.BMW M has shared more technical specifications on its first electric ‘high-performance’ M car on the same level as the M3 and M5, positioned above &lsquo
  
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