Automotive news

• Car makers to be exposed for missing tough emissions rules

  28-12-2025 23:00 via drive.com.au
  A list of the car brands that fell short of strict CO2 emissions targets for new vehicles – and are in line for hefty penalties – will be released next year.The car brands that met the first phase of the Australian Government’s tough CO2 emissions rules for new vehicles – and those that didn’t – without outside help will be revealed by federal regulators.Manufacturers in the latter camp may be on the hook for fines in excess of $5000 per vehicle sold, if they
  
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• Tesla extends warranty to five years unlimited kilometres

  08-01-2026 07:49 via autotalk.co.nz
  Tesla has introduced a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty for new Model 3 and Model Y vehicles delivered in Australia and New Zealand from January 1, 2026, replacing the previous four-year 80,000 kilometre coverage. The enhanced Basic Limited Vehicle Warranty represents what Tesla describes as a global first, extending comprehensive coverage to critical vehicle components including […]
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• Tesla introduces five-year warranty in Australia

  08-01-2026 06:48 via drive.com.au
  Australia’s top seller of electric cars is finally addressing one of its biggest weaknesses – but its new warranty coverage does not have the endurance it once did.
  Tesla Model 3
  Tesla has become the final Top 20 new-car brand to roll out a five-year warranty in Australia, 27 years after it was pioneered by Hyundai – and more than five years after it became common among most car brands.But it is still three years short of the eight-year/160,000km warranty offered by Tesla in Au
  
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• These Australian cities are now using surveillance cars to enforce parking

  08-01-2026 06:37 via drive.com.au
  More Australian cities have thrown away the chalk they use to mark tyres and replaced it with a fleet of new surveillance cars.Wollongong City Council, located an hour and a half south of Sydney, will throw away its chalk in lieu of new surveillance cars with cameras that capture your number plates.RELATED: Australian state bans ‘unfair’ parking fine practice“Wollongong City Council is embarking on a 12-month trial of new camera technology that will allow compliance officers to
  
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• Common thread: The most popular cars are also the cheapest to insure

  08-01-2026 05:32 via drive.com.au
  Though it’s no secret car insurance policies are getting more expensive, these popular cars are potentially the cheapest to insure.
  Picture: iStock
  There’s no denying ownership fees such as car insurance are an unavoidable expense for most Australians who need a vehicle for their daily commute.Although insurance policy pricing is dependent on several factors including a driver’s history, the rising cost of spare parts and labour, coupled with more complex repairs, has led some
  
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• Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV runout includes up to $5000 ‘cash back’ this January

  08-01-2026 04:20 via drive.com.au
  Mitsubishi is offering up to a $5000 bonus on MY24 Outlander plug-in hybrid models for the month of January, but that’s just the start of the savings…Buyers looking for a sharp deal on a family SUV this January can score up to $5000 ‘cash-back’ on new MY24 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV models.The offer applies to all MY24 plug-in hybrid variants, but is split between GSR, Exceed and Exceed Tourer grades, which all receive a $5000 incentive, and ES and Aspire grades, which ca
  
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• Petrol prices accelerate despite cooling inflation

  08-01-2026 04:00 via drive.com.au
  Australia’s fuel prices have seen their speediest increase in almost six months, even as overall inflation unexpectedly eased, new data shows.Transport prices were the third-largest contributor to inflation in the 12 months to November, the Australian Bureau of Statistics’s (ABS) Consumer Price Index (CPI) released on Wednesday showed, with petrol and vehicle maintenance seeing the highest price-hikes in the category.After a 3.8 per cent increase in the year to October, the CPI rose
  
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• Toyota hits back at rising Prado, HiLux, LandCruiser vehicle thefts

  08-01-2026 02:00 via drive.com.au
  New vehicle security measures now in place are intended to curtail thefts of Toyota models by criminals using high-tech devices readily available online.Toyota has updated the vehicle security of its HiLux, LandCruiser, and Prado models as a direct reaction to the increasing number of reported thefts of its models.While exactly what has changed is unclear, the best-selling brand in Australia said it has taken “further steps to enhance security on several models,” which have faced gro
  
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• Volkswagen ID. Buzz sales gather steam after ‘slow start’

  08-01-2026 01:00 via drive.com.au
  The modern electric revival of the classic Kombi is starting to find its feet in Australia – helped by massive discounts – after a sluggish start to sales life.The Volkswagen ID. Buzz has passed 100 sales in a month – and has seen interest triple in three months – amid improved supply and hefty discounts, its maker says.While its $87,990 plus on-road costs starting price is unlikely to see it challenge the Kia Carnival – which accounts for three in four people mover
  
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• Dongfeng Box sold in NZ lacks side airbags, deemed “unrated” by safety authorities

  08-01-2026 00:00 via autotalk.co.nz
  The Dongfeng Box currently on sale in New Zealand has just two airbags and does not match the specification of the vehicle tested by Euro NCAP, leaving it officially “unrated” by both ANCAP and NZTA. NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has taken the step of labelling the vehicle unrated on Rightcar.govt.nz.  “NZTA has assigned the […]
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• BYD Sealion 7 outsells Tesla Model Y, Zeekr 7X combined in record month

  07-01-2026 23:00 via drive.com.au
  Record sales of BYD’s mid-size electric family SUV pushed it to the top of the EV charts in December 2025 – but its nearest US rival has stayed ahead in the annual rankings.The BYD Sealion 7 electric SUV has reported its best-ever sales month in Australia – and topped the EV charts in December – to wrap up more than 13,000 deliveries in its first calendar-year on sale.It was the country’s fourth-best-selling new vehicle in December 2025, data published by the Federa
  
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• Toyota expands electric SUV range with bZ4X Touring

  07-01-2026 22:55 via autotalk.co.nz
  Toyota New Zealand will launch two electric SUVs in autumn this year – the new bZ4X Touring and a significantly upgraded bZ4X – targeting families and adventure-seekers with improved range, power and cargo capacity. The bZ4X Touring represents Toyota’s first extended-wheelbase electric SUV, measuring 140mm longer and 20mm taller than the standard bZ4X to deliver […]
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• Australia’s best-selling electric cars in 2025, by model and brand

  07-01-2026 22:00 via drive.com.au
  Sales of electric cars have broken records again, thanks to the growth of BYD, Zeekr, and an unprecedented number of other new brands – most from China.More than 100,000 electric vehicles have been reported as sold in Australia in a calendar year for the first time, amid a wave of new entrants from China driving battery-electric sales to record highs.It is despite a 25 per cent slump for Tesla, which sold more electric cars in Australia last year than any other manufacturer, but was pulled
  
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• 2026 Audi Q6 e-tron quattro review

  07-01-2026 22:00 via drive.com.au
  There’s little doubt that Audi’s ground-up electric family SUV strikes the right notes as an EV, but does it hit the luxury high mark?
  Skip ahead:IntroductionInteriorPrice and cost to ownValue SafetyCompetitorsRunning costsSummary and verdictDriving comfort
  Summary
  Audi’s electric vehicle line-up has long straddled the extremes of Australia’s car-buying market. Its first all-electric car was the Audi e-tron large SUV, which was pitched at the high-end market, followed by
  
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• Pop-up headlights are making a return to new cars

  07-01-2026 21:30 via drive.com.au
  Pop-up headlights made a swift and sad departure from cars in the early 2000s, but this company has set out to revive them for the Toyota 86.
  Photos: ResultJapan
  Pop-up headlights are some of the most dearly missed styling cues of modern-day cars. This novelty has garnered a cult following since its departure from the international market.RELATED: Why we will never see pop-up headlights againAs of 2004, there have been no new cars that utilise pop-up headlights due to a mixture of cost and regul
  
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• Ford is betting on defying Toyota’s ute pessimism to outsell new RAV4

  07-01-2026 21:00 via drive.com.au
  Ford does not share Toyota’s pessimism about the future of the ute market, as the Ford Ranger tops sales charts for the third year running.As the Ford Ranger becomes the most sold car in Australia for the third year running, Ford Australia Marketing Director Ambrose Henderson “absolutely” believes the brand can sustain its chart-topping sales figures.“Absolutely, we think we can, I mean clearly we sustained it for the three years running so far.” Henderson said.Ford
  
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• You’re dreaming: The extravagant cars topping Aussies’ wish lists

  07-01-2026 04:00 via drive.com.au
  Many drivers have had a dream car since they were a kid, but new data has revealed the most popular models on Australians’ minds.
  Picture: iStockWe all know how car addiction starts. You see that first model on the road or in a video game or TV show, and before you know it, you’ve plastered your childhood room with posters of different cars that inspire you to dream big.I’ll never forget unwrapping that yellow Lamborghini Murcielago Hot Wheels accompanied by a racing track on m
  
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• 2026 Subaru Forester Touring Hybrid long-term review: Part two

  07-01-2026 03:27 via drive.com.au
  After a month getting to know the Subaru Forester Hybrid, it felt like time to give it a tougher test than navigating Melbourne’s peak-hour battlefield. 2026 Subaru Forester HybridWith a much longer trip to the Sunshine Coast on the horizon, a warm-up run to my family’s beach house in Loch Sport (Gippsland) seemed like a good way for us to get acquainted with the Subaru Forester when it comes to hours on the road.
  It’s a 300km journey – about 3 hours and 40 minutes w
  
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• 2026 Renault Symbioz: Hybrid small SUV could replace Captur in Australia

  07-01-2026 02:00 via drive.com.au
  Renault Australia appears to have pulled the pin on its Captur SUV – the identical twin to the new Mitsubishi ASX – in favour of the slightly larger Symbioz.The 2026 Renault Symbioz SUV is one step closer to Australia and could replace, not supplement, the smaller Captur previously offered in local showrooms.Government approval documents reveal the Renault Symbioz – an elongated version of the Captur and its Mitsubishi ASX identical twin – has replaced previous references
  
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• 2026 Nissan Qashqai price and specs: Prices rise by almost $11K as non-hybrid models dropped

  07-01-2026 01:57 via drive.com.au
  An upgraded e-Power hybrid system is now the only powertrain available in the 2026 Qashqai range.
  2026 Nissan Qashqai pricing and specificationsSmall SUV line-up switches to e-Power hybrid onlyRange reduced with petrol variants droppedPriced from from $45,640 plus on-road costs for the ST-LNissan Australia has announced that its 2026 Qashqai small SUV line-up will switch to hybrid-only, matching key rival, the Toyota Corolla Cross.The hybrid powertrain in the Qashqai is Nissan’s latest gen
  
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• Fiat Professional expands New Zealand dealer network

  07-01-2026 01:21 via autotalk.co.nz
  Fiat Professional has announced a significant expansion of its authorised dealer network across New Zealand, adding regional centres to its existing footprint as part of a strategic commitment to support local businesses. The light commercial vehicle brand now operates 11 dedicated sales showrooms nationwide, with recent additions in Hastings, Palmerston North, and Nelson complementing existing […]
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• 2026 Volkswagen Tayron 195TSI R-Line review

  06-01-2026 23:43 via drive.com.au
  The Tiguan Allspace is dead. Long live the Tayron. We take the new top-of-the-line seven-seat medium SUV on in its most powerful form.Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps
  2026 Volkswagen Tayron 195TSI R-LineAustralia was late to the party for the previous-generation Tiguan Allspace, and there were tedious reasons for that, including a fairly well-known global event. B
  
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• Toyota announces 2026 RAV4 pricing with plug-in hybrid debut

  06-01-2026 23:04 via autotalk.co.nz
  Toyota New Zealand has revealed pricing for the sixth-generation RAV4 range, with the popular SUV gaining a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain and all-new GR SPORT grade when it arrives in the first half of 2026. The expanded lineup spans three distinct styles – Core, Adventure and GR SPORT – with pricing starting from $49,990 for […]
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• Chinese car sales break records in Australia, but not all are on the up

  06-01-2026 23:00 via drive.com.au
  Sales of Chinese-made cars have continued to boom, but some of Australia’s longest-serving brands look to be cracking under the pressure of new entrants.More than 250,000 Chinese-made cars have been sold in a calendar year in Australia for the first time – and now place China as our number-two source of new vehicles, ahead of Thailand.But MG and LDV – both part of the SAIC group – have recorded their lowest sales in four and five years, respectively, despite introducing m
  
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• Plug-in hybrid sales could rise in 2026 thanks to two key models

  06-01-2026 22:00 via drive.com.au
  The introduction of Australia’s cheapest PHEV, and a plug-in version of Australia’s biggest-selling car, could see 2025’s record PHEV sales eclipsed again in 2026.
  BYD Sealion 5 and Toyota RAV4
  A pair of new plug-in hybrid medium SUVs at opposite ends of the market could be the driving force behind a PHEV sales increase in 2026.Plug-in hybrid sales set a new record in 2025, with 53,484 new PHEVs sold in Australia last year. More than double 2024’s tally.The increase comes
  
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• Ford Ranger achieves 37-year first, in third Australian sales victory: VFACTS 2025

  06-01-2026 21:00 via drive.com.au
  The Ranger has claimed a title only ever achieved once in the Falcon’s 56-year history, with its third year ahead of the Toyota HiLux and RAV4 on the Aussie sales charts.
  Ford Ranger Wildtrak
  The Ford Ranger ute has become the first Blue Oval vehicle in 37 years to lead the Australian annual sales charts three times in a row.And it has now overtaken 21st-century sales of the Falcon, the last Ford to record three consecutive annual sales victories with a seven-year streak from 1982 to 1988,
  
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• Solid-state EV battery enters production with five-minute charging

  06-01-2026 20:40 via autotalk.co.nz
  Donut Lab has announced the world’s first production-ready solid-state battery for electric vehicles, claiming the technology can charge to full capacity in just five minutes and is already powering motorcycles on the road. The Finnish company revealed its solid-state battery at the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, marking what it says is the […]
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• BMW integrates Alexa+ AI into iX3 assistant

  06-01-2026 20:30 via autotalk.co.nz
  BMW will become the first car manufacturer to integrate Amazon’s Alexa+ AI technology into production vehicles, with the enhanced system set to debut in the BMW iX3 from the second half of 2026. The German brand says its upgraded Intelligent Personal Assistant will enable more natural, conversational interaction between occupants and the vehicle. The system […]
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• VIA board welcomes Jim Shi as Frank Willett departs

  06-01-2026 20:29 via autotalk.co.nz
  The Vehicle Importers Association has announced board changes with the departure of Frank Willett and appointment of Jim Shi as his replacement representing Autohub. Willett has stepped down from the VIA board following his departure from day-to-day operations at Autohub and the Heiwa Group. His connection with VIA spans many years as a member, staff […]
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• Collecting Cars achieves record NZ$80 million sales in 2025

  06-01-2026 20:06 via autotalk.co.nz
  Online auction platform Collecting Cars delivered a record NZ$80 million in sales across Australia and New Zealand during 2025, marking the strongest year in the company’s regional history. The collector car marketplace achieved the milestone from more than 1100 successful auctions, representing a clearance rate 30% higher than 2024. The platform ended the year with […]
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