Automotive news

• Inflation ticks up to 3.1% in December as transport costs rise again

  26-01-2026 23:24 via autotalk.co.nz
  Annual inflation rose to 3.1% in the December 2025 quarter, edging above the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s 1–3% target band, according to figures released by Stats NZ. The increase follows a 3% annual rise in the September 2025 quarter and is the highest annual inflation rate since June 2024, when it was 3.3%. “While […]
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• Kia Stinger-replacing electric car could be coming, if customers want one

  26-01-2026 22:53 via drive.com.au
  Kia has an electric Stinger successor in mind, but if it falls outside customer expectations, the brand won’t risk producing it.
  Kia’s Vision Meta Turismo
  Kia revealed the Vision Meta Turismo concept as part of its 80th anniversary celebrations in late 2025, sparking suggestions that the car could form the basis of a replacement for the Stinger.Although not a massive commercial success, the Stinger provided Kia customers with striking design and engaging rear-wheel-drive dynamics, ma
  
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• Dongfeng 007 fastback coupe launches from $54,990

  26-01-2026 22:48 via autotalk.co.nz
  Dongfeng Motor has launched its 007 fastback coupe in New Zealand, with the rear-wheel drive Long Range variant priced from $54,990 and the all-wheel drive Performance model from $59,990. The electric sedan is available to order now through Armstrong’s Distribution Limited, with test drives commencing at Dongfeng dealerships from mid-February. The 007 becomes the third […]
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• Nissan’s crucial new cars arriving in 2026

  26-01-2026 22:43 via drive.com.au
  Nissan saw sales drop in 2025, but aims for a resurgence in 2026 with the help of a parade of key new models.Nissan’s end-of-year sales figures for 2025 saw the brand drop over 20 per cent compared to the previous year.All of Nissan’s volume-selling models, except the Pathfinder large SUV, lost ground.It’s a result that was to be expected with models like the Navara ute and Leaf EV in run-out and facing replacement.With new metal on the way in 2026, Nissan will be looking to tu
  
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• Porsche showcases iconic 956 at Jewel Changi Airport

  26-01-2026 22:27 via autotalk.co.nz
  The Porsche 956 is taking centre stage as part of a new installation unveiled during Singapore Art Week at Jewel Changi Airport. The iconic race car, which dominated the 24 Hours of Le Mans during the 1980s and set a lap record that stood for 35 years, is being showcased at Porsche’s Singapore flagship location. […]
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• 2026 Toyota LandCruiser Prado GXL review

  26-01-2026 22:00 via drive.com.au
  The Toyota LandCruiser Prado GXL now comes in five-seat form, offering a larger, more practical boot space if you don’t need the extra two seats. Is it now the pick of the range?
  Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps
  2026 Toyota LandCruiser Prado GXL five-seaterIt has been just over a year since the new Toyota LandCruiser Prado launched in Australia, yet demand f
  
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• MG lifts ZS performance with new Vibe Turbo for New Zealand

  26-01-2026 21:55 via autotalk.co.nz
  MG Motor New Zealand has introduced a new turbocharged variant of its best-selling compact SUV, launching the MG ZS Vibe Turbo in New Zealand with pricing from $27,990 plus on-road costs. The new model brings a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine to the ZS range for the first time, delivering a 54% increase in power compared […]
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• Could this electric mid-size Hyundai be 2026’s hottest new family SUV?

  26-01-2026 21:30 via drive.com.au
  With a driving range up to 546km*, Hyundai’s new Elexio medium SUV – at $59,990 driveaway† – could be one of this year’s best new family cars. Here’s everything we know so far about the 2026 Hyundai Elexio.Sponsored by HyundaiHyundai’s Elexio medium SUV is set to become one of 2026’s hottest new family cars when it goes on sale in Australia in the coming months.With ample space in the cabin, rear seats and boot for everyday life, the Elexio promis
  
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• Volkswagen not jealous it can’t have Ford Ranger Raptor petrol V6

  26-01-2026 20:27 via drive.com.au
  Twin-turbo petrol Ranger Raptor power is still off-limits to its Amarok sister ute, even in its performance Walkinshaw form, but Volkswagen says it is not bothered about selling a straight-line hero.
  Volkswagen Amarok Walkinshaw
  Volkswagen has pointed to the straight-line acceleration of electric cars as proof it does not need a rival to the blistering twin-turbo petrol V6 performance of the Ford Ranger Raptor super ute.The Walkinshaw-tuned Amarok W600 due in Australia later this year will not m
  
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• Renault to reintegrate Ampere electric vehicle unit

  26-01-2026 20:20 via autotalk.co.nz
  French automaker Renault Group plans to reintegrate its electric vehicle division Ampere back into the main company, reversing a 2023 spin-off strategy under new chief executive François Provost. The move would see Ampere, which was established as an independent company in November 2023, return to operating as a development centre within the broader Renault Group […]
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• VW dealers sue Colorado over Scout direct sales licence

  26-01-2026 20:19 via autotalk.co.nz
  A group of Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche dealers in Colorado has sued the state over its decision to grant Scout Motors a direct-to-consumer dealer licence, arguing the electric vehicle startup shouldn’t qualify for the same exemptions as pure EV brands. The lawsuit, filed in Denver District Court on January 20, challenges the Colorado Department of […]
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• Ford Ranger Super Duty set to lure everyday Aussies, not just fleet buyers

  26-01-2026 19:04 via drive.com.au
  The Ford Ranger Super-Duty might not be confined to the fleets of mining companies and state forestry services, with everyday buyers reportedly interested.Ford is targeting everyday Australians with new Ford Ranger Super Duty variants going on sale later mid-year. The Ford Ranger Super Duty was unveiled last year as a heavy-duty variant of the Ford Ranger featuring a significantly increased gross vehicle mass and braked towing capacity.Ford recently added new, more expensive, variants of th
  
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• 2026 Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida review

  26-01-2026 10:39 via drive.com.au
  Alfa Romeo has returned to city-sized cars with a new small SUV that becomes the new entry point to its range. Does it do enough to succeed?
  Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps
  2026 Alfa Romeo Junior IbridaIt may be known for high-end sports cars, but Alfa Romeo has historically found its greatest success in Australia with smaller, cheaper vehicles.The new Junior cit
  
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• Next-gen Hyundai i30 Sedan N spied testing under current-model bodywork

  26-01-2026 03:58 via drive.com.au
  A development mule for the next Hyundai i30 Sedan N has been spotted hiding under the modified body of a current model.
  Next-gen Hyundai i30 Sedan N spied. Image credit: The Korean Car Blog
  The first look at what to expect from the next-generation Hyundai i30 N has been spied.An engineering mule, likely to form the basis of the replacement for the current i30 N, has been spotted undergoing testing in Korea.The Korean Car Blog captured photos and video of the early development mule, which looks r
  
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• Honda Civic Type R to get new lease on life with updates later this year

  26-01-2026 02:13 via drive.com.au
  Honda has thrown the Civic Type R a lifeline with new updates confirmed for later this year, which could include a racing-inspired performance special.The Honda Civic Type R will live longer than originally expected after new updates to the popular hot hatch have been confirmed.The current Civic Type R was believed to be in the final stages of its life after it was discontinued in European markets due to emissions rules, and a new generation of the regular Civic is thought to be 18 months away.I
  
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