Automotive news

• Tesla dominates ANCAP’s 2025 safety rankings

  20-01-2026 23:41 via autotalk.co.nz
  Tesla has claimed the top two positions in ANCAP’s annual safety rankings for 2025, with the Model Y leading all vehicles tested and the Model 3 securing second place. The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) released its ranking of the safest new vehicles tested in 2025, with the Tesla Model Y averaging 91% across […]
  The post Tesla dominates ANCAP’s 2025 safety rankings appeared first on Autotalk.
  
  Read more

• Ford New Zealand returns as Formula Ford sponsor

  20-01-2026 23:11 via autotalk.co.nz
  Ford New Zealand has announced its return as a key sponsor of the New Zealand Formula Ford Championship for the 2026 season, reinforcing the company’s commitment to grassroots motorsport development. The partnership marks a significant investment in New Zealand’s premier junior single-seater category, which has served as a crucial stepping stone for aspiring drivers since […]
  The post Ford New Zealand returns as Formula Ford sponsor appeared first on Autotalk.
  
  Read more

• Canada opens doors to Chinese electric cars, slashing tariffs

  20-01-2026 23:11 via drive.com.au
  The tariff applied to Chinese-made electric cars in Canada will be heavily reduced to just 6.1 per cent to allow a wave of new manufacturers and more affordable vehicles, mirroring Australia and Europe.
  Image credit: Getty Images
  Canada has all but dropped hefty tariffs of more than 100 per cent on Chinese-made electric vehicles, opening the doors for models from the world’s largest car producer.Tariffs will not be completely scrapped, with the previous 106.1 per cent levy dropping to just
  
  Read more

• Chery’s game-changing hybrid ute to arrive later this year

  20-01-2026 22:37 via drive.com.au
  A plug-in hybrid diesel ute is on the cards in Chery Australia’s future, aimed to lure buyers away from Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.Chery will look to shake-up the competitive dual-cab market with its own workhorse model in late 2026, but will stand itself apart from the BYD Shark 6 and Ford Ranger as the first plug-in hybrid diesel ute in Australia.It will be one of two engines on offer, alongside a plug-in hybrid petrol, as Chery steps up to top-sellers and newcomers like the Kia Tasman
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• Clearance sought for NPD and Gull merger

  20-01-2026 21:55 via autotalk.co.nz
  The Commerce Commission has received a clearance application from Astra Energy Group Limited to acquire all shares in both NPD Group Investments Limited and GNZ Holdco Limited, which includes Gull. The proposed merger would combine two of New Zealand’s independent low-cost fuel operators to create a national network of more than 240 retail fuel stations, […]
  The post Clearance sought for NPD and Gull merger appeared first on Autotalk.
  
  Read more

• This is the parking accident capital of Australia

  20-01-2026 21:30 via drive.com.au
  While fender benders are common in Australia, new data has revealed which state has the most drivers prone to parking accidents.
  Picture: iStock
  When you’ve been driving for years, chances are you’ve had some small fender benders with stationary objects like another parked car or a trolley when you’re trying to park.Though parking accidents are a common sight in all parts of Australia, new data has revealed the state that recorded the highest rates of claims in 2025.RELATED: &l
  
  Read more

• 2027 Mahindra XUV7XO set to replace XUV700 in medium SUV segment

  20-01-2026 20:24 via drive.com.au
  Mahindra has given its medium SUV a heavy facelift and a new name as it pushes hard to be seen as a high-tech competitor to low-cost Chinese brands.An updated version of the Mahindra XUV700 is on the way for a 2027 launch in Australia, with revised styling, an in-depth infotainment overhaul, and a new name.The 2027 Mahindra XUV7XO will replace the XUV700, adopting a naming convention first seen on the smaller XUV3XO.From the outside, the seven-seat medium SUV gets a new face, with a prominent fu
  
  Read more

• Chinese car boom could see Western brands retreat from world’s biggest market – report

  20-01-2026 19:02 via drive.com.au
  As Chinese car brands surge forward in technological competence, established Western brands are feeling the pressure.Once viewed as a major growth opportunity for established brands, the rapidly changing Chinese market could quickly turn against Western automakers hoping for success.With Chinese government incentives that favour ‘new energy’ vehicles, including plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles, Chinese brands have focused development on mastering electrified tech.At the same time
  
  Read more

• Advertisement

• 2026 BYD Atto 3 Essential review

  20-01-2026 15:00 via drive.com.au
  The BYD Atto 3 is becoming increasingly cheaper, but does it still hold up to the demands of an Australian buyer?
  Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps
  2026 BYD Atto 3 EssentialThe BYD Atto 3 has been a staple of affordable EV ownership since mid-2022, slowly dropping in price from its peak of $51,011 (Extended range) plus on-roads at launch, down to an impressive $39,
  
  Read more

• Hyundai’s new model rollout for 2026

  20-01-2026 08:00 via drive.com.au
  Hyundai finished 2025 with a lift in sales, and to keep momentum through 2026, a handful of important new models are on the way.Hyundai secured its spot as Australia’s fifth-best-selling brand in 2025 with a 7.7 per cent increase in sales, moving 77,208 vehicles for the year.With that top-five position at stake, the brand is set to roll out a number of new or updated models throughout 2026 to help keep sales ticking over.The first, and probably most significant of these is the new Elexio e
  
  Read more

• 2026 Subaru Impreza price and specs: Reduced line-up for all-wheel-drive hatchback

  20-01-2026 07:00 via drive.com.au
  The mid-spec Subaru Impreza AWD 2.0R has been discontinued in Australia, while the carryover AWD 2.0L and AWD 2.0S add an emergency stop system and a new yellow colour.
  2026 Subaru Impreza pricing and specificationsMid-spec AWD 2.0R discontinuedMetallic paint now a cost option, with a new colourPriced from $33,490 before on-road costs
  The Subaru Impreza hatchback has been reduced to two grades in Australia, coinciding with an update introducing an emergency driving stop system and revised exteri
  
  Read more

• Inside the lavish life of a Lamborghini customer

  20-01-2026 04:00 via drive.com.au
  Drive writer Peter Anderson spent a day at Sant’Agata as a Lamborghini customer to find out what it’s like to buy and spec one of the world’s most famous brands.Some car dealers have made a bit of an effort in recent years to make the delivery of your new car a little bit special. The last decade has seen many mainstream brand dealers build a delivery area in their showrooms, often with cars lurking under silken covers or topped with a giant bow.A bottle of cheap wine, a photo
  
  Read more

• Latest data shows where car thieves are outwitting police in Victoria

  20-01-2026 03:34 via drive.com.au
  Victoria Police say motor vehicle theft is proving hard to tackle, as the latest data shows the council areas where crime is hitting record levels.Multiple Melbourne local government areas (LGAs) have hit record high monthly vehicle thefts. But overall monthly vehicle thefts in Victoria remained lower than their January 2025 peak.Latest data from Victoria’s Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) reveals Boroondara and Maribyrnong LGAs hit their highest monthly car thefts in at least a decade.Boroon
  
  Read more

• Skoda’s seven-seat electric SUV is due this year, and it now has a name

  20-01-2026 02:08 via drive.com.au
  Skoda’s largest electric SUV is set to sit at the top of its model range in price and name.The electric Skoda Peaq will become the Czech brand’s new flagship seven-seater, bringing the Vision 7S concept into production when it is unveiled globally in mid-2026. It is set to be priced above the Skoda’s smaller electric Enyaq, which comes in SUV and coupe SUV variants, with a price range from $55,990 to $68,990. The Peaq is the production version of the Vision 7S concept
  
  Read more

• Waymo autonomous taxis could come to Australia via Chinese car maker – report

  20-01-2026 00:09 via drive.com.au
  Australians may soon get a local taste of driverless taxi rides from Google’s autonomous spin-off in the back of Geely SUVs from China, provided they get the green light.Driverless taxis from Google’s autonomous vehicle spin-off Waymo could come to Australia with the help of growing Chinese car maker Geely, a new report has claimed.It could beat Tesla to the punch in offering ride-hailing services without a human behind the wheel in Australia, if it is successful in lobbying regulato
  
  Read more

• 2026 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio Estrema price announced: New limited-run special edition

  20-01-2026 00:00 via drive.com.au
  Ultra-rare Alfa Romeo brings power bump at a high cost. A $30,000 price hike brings more performance and carbon fibre to Alfa Romeo’s flagship sedan. Alfa Romeo has announced the release of a new special edition of the Giulia Quadrifoglio, called Estrema, bringing a power bump and carbon fibre accents.The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio Estrema is to be priced from $186,990 before on-road costs, $30,000 more than the standard Quadrifoglio variant, which is priced from $156,990 bef
  
  Read more

Follow @Automotive_AU_ on Twitter!