Automotive news

• Does jumping the queue really cause more traffic?

  20-04-2025 22:00 via drive.com.au
  An argument about people jumping the traffic queue has sparked debate online, but does it really cause more traffic?
  Photo: Reddit
  Everyone knows that feeling: you’re sitting in traffic waiting to make a turn, only to get closer to the intersection and someone jumps in front of you.RELATED: How long must you be in a lane before you can change again?Or perhaps you can see that cars are parked on the road up ahead, so you decide to jump in the right lane, only for people to pass you on the l
  
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• Ford Ranger wins Best Dual-Cab Ute under $90K

  22-02-2026 23:05 via drive.com.au
  There’s no stopping the Ford Ranger’s dominance of the local dual-cab ute market, and as our Best Dual-Cab Ute under $90K.The Ford Ranger‘s grasp on the Australian dual-cab ute market can’t be loosened, even in the face of newer competition, and it’s now a Drive Car of the Year category award winner for a fourth consecutive year.The Ford Ranger is now about halfway through its product cycle, but the brand has issued a multitude of updates that bring year-on-year imp
  
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• BYD Dolphin wins Best Urban Car Under $30K

  22-02-2026 23:01 via drive.com.au
  The BYD Dolphin has beat out a strong line-up of competitors to win the Best Urban Car Under $30K category in the Drive Car of the Year 2026 awards.A well-equipped and city-friendly hatchback, that just happens to be fully-electric, makes the affordable Dolphin a clear winner as the 2026 Drive Car of the Year Best Urban Car Under $30K.You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a lot of car in 2026, and in fact, we would argue that buyers with a budget of up to $30,000 get more car for their
  
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• 2027 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Mini: Still disguised, but numerous details revealed

  22-02-2026 22:57 via drive.com.au
  Mercedes-Benz has kept the design of its sub-G-Class model as close as possible to its flagship off-roader, but the underpinnings couldn’t be more different.New spy photos reveal that the future ‘baby G-Class’ from Mercedes-Benz will look almost indistinguishable from its full-size sibling.These latest images, taken during winter testing, show that Mercedes-Benz is serious about imbuing its small-G with an almost unchanged design to ensure the iconic G-Class lineage lives on.A
  
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• 2026 BMW M2 CS review: Australian track test

  22-02-2026 22:00 via drive.com.au
  The 2026 BMW M2 CS is lighter, faster, and more expensive than its standard M2 counterpart, but is it better?
  2026 BMW M2 CS
  The thought that cars could soon be more than just transport for commuting makes me sad. I fall into the whiny generation that complains about the lack of new sports cars on the market, while also having nowhere near the financial means to buy one.That want, but no demand, has caused the number of vehicles that spur excitement, with their quirks and charms, to dwindle in t
  
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• 2026 Denza B8 is Australia’s heaviest SUV

  22-02-2026 21:23 via drive.com.au
  If you think heaviest is best, this new luxury SUV from China comes out on top.The Denza B8 – a three-row large SUV with a plug-in hybrid powertrain and a 3.5-tonne towing capacity – is Australia’s heaviest SUV. As BYD’s new luxury brand for the Australian market, the B8 sits alongside the B5 SUV as Denza’s initial offerings for the Australian market.The only two vehicles that are heavier include the heavy-duty Ram 2500 with a 6.7-litre turbo diesel engine and
  
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• 2025-2026 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series recalled for transmission fault

  22-02-2026 20:08 via drive.com.au
  A transmission solenoid fault could cause the engine to over-rev in certain gears, according to the recall notice.Toyota Motor Company Australia has recalled 11,020 examples of its 2025 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series, citing a potential fault with the transmission solenoid.The affected vehicles were produced in 2025, and are expected to be a mix of 2025 and 2026 model-year vehicles.The recall notice, lodged by Toyota Australia, says: “The impacted LandCruiser 300 ve
  
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• BMW will let customers decide if they want electric or petrol M cars

  22-02-2026 18:45 via drive.com.au
  BMW says it will let the customers decide if they want electric or internal combustion vehicles when it comes to high-performance M cars.BMW M CEO Frank van Meel said that the performance arm of the German brand will let the sales figures show if customers want electric or internal combustion (ICE) power.“As long as there is demand from the markets, which currently there is a lot, we will keep [building petrol cars]. Of course, if there is no demand, because everyone falls in love with the
  
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• 2026 Denza B8 review: First road test

  22-02-2026 14:01 via drive.com.au
  The luxury big hitter from BYD brings a whole lot of technology, features, space and weight. Can it take on the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series on its home turf?2026 Denza B8The Denza B8 – a big four-wheel-drive wagon with three rows of seating and an incredible array of technology – wants to lure Australians away from the most desired and iconic nameplate on our automotive landscape.I’m talking about – of course – the Toyota LandCruiser. A vehicle that has intertwine
  
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• 2026 Denza B5 Leopard review

  22-02-2026 14:01 via drive.com.au
  BYD is going upmarket with the Denza B5 and is targeting Australian staples like the Ford Everest and Toyota LandCruiser Prado.2026 Denza B5 LeopardChina’s onward march of increasing quality, sophistication and offerings continues in Australia, with yet another brand fighting for attention and sales.This time, it’s Denza. We’re going premium.
  Denza is a new luxury brand under the BYD umbrella, which is not dissimilar to the relationship between Toyota and Lexus, Hyundai and Gen
  
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• 2026 JAC Hunter plug-in hybrid ute testing at ex-Holden proving ground

  22-02-2026 01:44 via drive.com.au
  More than 50,000km of testing in Australia will have been conducted for the Chinese JAC Hunter plug-in hybrid ute by launch.Initial testing of the 2026 JAC Hunter plug-in hybrid dual-cab 4×4 ute has been completed at the ex-Holden Lang Lang proving ground in Victoria, as the brand aims to optimise the platform for Australian climate and conditions.A number of the vehicle systems are under the microscope during testing, such as the vehicle’s durability and dynamics, powertrain perform
  
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• 2025-2026 Lexus LX recalled over transmission fault

  22-02-2026 00:08 via drive.com.au
  A transmission solenoid fault could cause the engine’s revs to spike spontaneously, according to the recall notice.Lexus Australia has recalled 589 examples of its 2025-2026 Lexus LX500d and LX600, citing a potential fault with the transmission solenoid and electronics.
  The affected vehicles were produced in 2025, and are expected to be a mix of 2025 and 2026 model-year vehicles.The recall notice, lodged by Lexus Australia, says: “The impacted Lexus LX vehicles are equ
  
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• Mercedes-Benz onslaught to see 30 new models in showrooms

  21-02-2026 23:07 via drive.com.au
  The 30 new models will encompass all-new vehicles and updates of popular cars from Mercedes-Benz, all set to arrive within two years.
  Mercedes-Benz has pledged to launch 30 new models by the end of next year, with more than half expected in showrooms over the next 12 months.The remaining 14 models will be due in 2027, with all 30 vehicles set to bolster its three-level line-up as the German brand adds both new electric and combustion (petrol and diesel) options to its range.Mercedes-Benz splits
  
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• Subaru takes control of V8 Supercars field in 2026

  21-02-2026 22:12 via drive.com.au
  The Japanese manufacturer has replaced Porsche as the official safety and medical cars for Australia’s top racing series.The Subaru WRX will be the new safety car for the Supercars championship in 2026, expanding the brand’s earlier deal to provide the Course Car.The partnership will see the previous BP Pulse-branded electric Porsche Taycan GTS safety car replaced by a WRX tS Spec B, while the new Outback Wilderness trim will step in as the official medical car, in place of a Po
  
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• 2025 GWM Tank 300 Diesel Ultra

  21-02-2026 22:00 via drive.com.au
  All up very happy with the 2025 Tank 300 Ultra Diesel, and under $55k I don’t think you could do better. 
  Owner: DavidUltra annoying lane assist that you have to turn off every time you start, cruise control that stays a mile back from the car in front and slams on the brakes if something gets in the gap. Very intrusive Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Lots of bings and bongs that you will have no idea what it’s complaining about. Great value for money, ride is go
  
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• 25 years of Honda hybrids: Why this little car still packs a punch

  21-02-2026 19:00 via drive.com.au
  We gather two hero Honda hybrids to look at what’s changed in a quarter of a century and, equally importantly, what hasn’t.Game-changing cars don’t come around very often. This century you could count the real disruptors on one hand. We’re talking vehicles that brought something new to a significant market. The original Tesla Model S and the XW20 Toyota Prius are the obvious primaries, but you could also make a case for the Tesla Model 3, the Porsche Cayenne and poss
  
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• GWM offers free servicing for new plug-in hybrid customers

  21-02-2026 02:06 via drive.com.au
  Customers on the fence about a GWM PHEV are being enticed by three-years free servicing on most models, but only for a limited time.GWM Haval H6 PHEV
  GWM Australia is offering customers who test drive and buy select plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) free servicing to the value of up to $1595.Four plug-in hybrid models – Haval H6, Haval H6 GT, Cannon Alpha, and Tank 500 – are part of the offer, but the newly-released Tank 300 PHEV is excluded.The complimentary services cover thr
  
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• Fun cars under $40,000? Here’s what Drive would pick

  21-02-2026 00:18 via drive.com.au
  Your definition of fun might be different from ours, but if we had $40,000 burning a hole in our pocket, these are the cars we would choose as a weekend ride.Times are tough with a cost-of-living crisis going on and even the potential for even more interest-rate hikes, but indulge us in a bit of fantasy for a second.The question? What ‘fun’ car would you buy for $40,000 from the Drive Marketplace?Here at Drive, we are an eclectic bunch with diverse tastes, which is reflected in our c
  
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• Spot the difference: One of these ‘Lego’ supercars is not Lego at all

  20-02-2026 23:30 via drive.com.au
  With more features, the same 1:8 scale, and a cheaper price tag, CaDA Bricks could be the Lego Technic gateway you are looking for.As a child of the ’90s, I make no illusions about my love of Lego, so when the building-block juggernaut released its first 1:8-scale Technic model based on the Porsche 911 GT3 RS nearly a decade ago, I knew I had to have it.From there, Lego has released a 1:8-scale supercar every two years since, moving onto the Bugatti Chiron, Lamborghini Sian, Ferrari Dayton
  
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• Denza says Australians are ready for Chinese luxury cars

  20-02-2026 23:03 via drive.com.au
  Australians are ready to spend up to $100,000 on a Chinese luxury SUV, according to a key company executive.BYD’s tilt at the Australian luxury car segment – through newly minted brand Denza – is not going to be an uphill battle, according to the local brand boss.While acknowledging there will always be challenges in building a successful luxury brand in Australia, Denza Australia Chief Operating Officer Mark Harland told Drive Australian car buyers are ready to spend up on a C
  
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• Toyota would only sell hot hatches if its chairman could get away with it

  20-02-2026 21:56 via drive.com.au
  Despite tightening emission rules around the world, the Toyota global chairman’s soft spot for hot hatches is as strong as ever.Toyota GR Corolla
  Toyota president, Akio Toyoda, says the brand would only sell hot hatchbacks if it exclusively built cars to his wishes.Asked by an engineer due to start with the company what he considers to be a ‘good car’, Toyoda said, as quoted by Motor1: “If we only built what I like, they’d all be GR Corollas and GR Yarises.”To
  
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• This NSW P-plater restriction does more harm than good, experts say

  20-02-2026 19:00 via drive.com.au
  Though the state government claims its speed limit restrictions for P-platers have led to safer outcomes, some experts say they make the roads more dangerous for young drivers.When it comes to road safety in Australia, there’s no shortage of rules that aim to mitigate the likelihood of car crashes and fatalities.Despite numerous campaigns, road safety blitzes and new laws, Australia’s road toll continues to climb, with 1314 people losing their lives on the road in the 12 months to De
  
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• 2026 Avatr 12 review: International quick drive

  20-02-2026 14:00 via drive.com.au
  Chinese car brands are gunning for the German prestige giants with a new wave of six-figure electric luxury cars, and Avatr will be one of the first to reach Australia. Is it any good?
  Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps
  2026 Avatr 12Chinese cars found their footing in Australia with affordable utes and family SUVs, but in their home market, they’re dipping the
  
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• Toyota exec keen on Supra return: ‘I’d love for it to be ongoing’

  20-02-2026 06:03 via drive.com.au
  A new generation of the road-going Supra – reportedly due to switch from BMW six-cylinder to hybrid Toyota four-cylinder power – is not being forgotten.The door remains wide open to a new generation of the Toyota GR Supra sports car, as production of today’s model prepares to end weeks after a racing version makes its V8 Supercars debut in Australia.More than 1500 Supras have been sold in Australia since the iconic nameplate returned in 2019, sharing its chassis and 3.0-litre t
  
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• ANCAP awards five stars to electrified SUVs

  20-02-2026 04:43 via autotalk.co.nz
  ANCAP Safety has awarded five-star safety ratings to two electrified SUVs entering the Australasian market, the Denza B8 plug-in hybrid and Hyundai Elexio electric vehicle. Both models were assessed against ANCAP’s 2023–2025 test and rating criteria, with results reflecting continued advancement in active safety technologies designed to prevent crashes. The Hyundai Elexio, an all-electric medium […]
  The post ANCAP awards five stars to electrified SUVs appeared first on Autotal
  
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• ‘They’re profiting off us’: Police slam council amid parking stoush

  20-02-2026 02:42 via drive.com.au
  Police in inner-city Melbourne are pointing the finger at a local council for profiting from their parking woes. Whose side are you on?Should emergency services workers have special parking privileges compared to regular residents?Police in an inner-city Melbourne suburb have accused a local council of “profiting” off their parking difficulties, but the council has argued even police are not entitled to special parking privileges.RELATED: These Australian cities are now using surveil
  
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• Kia delivers Fonterra’s 200th electric vehicle

  20-02-2026 02:25 via autotalk.co.nz
  Kia has delivered Fonterra’s 200th electric vehicle at a celebration event held at Waikato Kia last month. The milestone vehicle, a Kia EV5 Earth AWD, was presented to Fonterra by Kia National Sales Manager Justin Benzie. The 200 vehicles in Fonterra’s fleet comprise a mix of brands, with the 200th delivery happening to be a […]
  The post Kia delivers Fonterra’s 200th electric vehicle appeared first on Autotalk.
  
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• ANCAP releases two new safety ratings without crashing any more cars

  19-02-2026 23:59 via drive.com.au
  Top safety marks have been awarded to BYD’s new luxury four-wheel drive and Hyundai’s latest Tesla rival, but neither car was physically crash tested – nor assessed under current criteria.
  Denza B8.
  The Denza B8 hybrid four-wheel-drive and Hyundai Elexio mid-size electric SUV have earned five stars out of five in new safety ratings from ANCAP.But not a single new car was crashed into a barrier to publish the latest scores – and they were tested under protocols that expire
  
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• Victorian petrol price app still inconsistent, with data deadline looming

  19-02-2026 23:37 via drive.com.au
  With only a few weeks until a Government deadline mandating fuel-price reporting, Victoria’s fuel reporting app is still experiencing issues.The Victorian Government has set a deadline of 10 March 2026 for service stations to live report their fuel prices to Service Victoria within 30 minutes of prices changing.With just weeks until the deadline, Service Victoria’s ‘Servo Saver’ fuel finder app feature still lists out-of-date prices and missing servos, despite promising r
  
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• 2026 Renault Trafic price and specs: New automatic, improved fuel consumption

  19-02-2026 23:00 via drive.com.au
  Updates to the Renault Trafic van for 2026 improve towing capacity, but reintroduce the requirement for AdBlue exhaust fluid.The 2026 Renault Trafic has been updated with a new nine-speed automatic transmission, upgrades to its technology, improved towing capacity, lower fuel consumption, and price rises up to $2500, on sale now.For 2026, the Trafic’s six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission has been replaced by a nine-speed torque-converter auto, which promises to bring smoother gear
  
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