Automotive news

• When do you need to use a differential lock?

  23-12-2025 05:01 via drive.com.au
  It has become the must-have inclusion for every serious four-wheel drive, but when and why do you need to use your differential lock?It’s the little button marked with an ‘X’ and an axle, usually positioned near the gear shifter that most suburban drivers will never use in the life of their car – still, we all love to know that we have that buttonRELATED: I took a 2025 Isuzu MU-X off-roading, and it blew my mindBut why do you need a differential lock? And when should you
  
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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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• 2026 Mahindra XUV 3XO AX7L review

  06-01-2026 06:47 via drive.com.au
  The Australian new-car market is experiencing a surge in options under $30,000, and India’s Mahindra puts a strong foot forward with the XUV 3XO light SUV. Is it the wisest choice, though?
  Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps
  2026 Mahindra XUV 3XO A7XLIt’s not just Chinese car brands looking to grab your attention in Australia. Mahindra wants a bigger slic
  
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• Happy trails: Australian car towing rules made simple

  06-01-2026 06:30 via drive.com.au
  How to tow with confidence, understand Australian weight limits, avoid overload mistakes and keep insurers happy with easy checks.Aussies love a good trailer set-up. More and more of us are loading up with more gear, especially when we head away for a road trip, and caravans, camper trailers, boats and dirt bikes – not to mention the good old utility trailer for tip runs – just make life that much more convenient. RELATED: Roof loads done right: Surfboards, kayaks and Aussie rul
  
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• 2026 Hyundai Elexio price and specs: Chinese-built EV undercuts Kia EV5 twin, Model Y

  06-01-2026 06:00 via drive.com.au
  Hyundai Australia’s first Chinese-built vehicle, the Elexio electric SUV, will be cheaper than the Tesla Model Y and the related Kia EV5 Long Range when it arrives in showrooms in the coming weeks.
  2026 Hyundai Elexio pricing and specificationsChinese-built electric family SUV undercuts Tesla Model Y, Kia EV5 Long RangeWLTP-rated 546-kilometre from EV5-equivalent 88.1kWh batteryPriced from $59,990 drive-away
  Pricing and specification details for Hyundai Australia’s first Chinese-sour
  
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• Fine driving: Australia’s ultimate foodie road trips

  06-01-2026 01:56 via drive.com.au
  Australia has some of the most beautiful road-trip routes in the world, but which ones have the best – and coolest – food spots?
  It’s no secret Australia is blessed with some of the most diverse scenic drives on Earth – no matter your climate preference. Whether you love rolling hills, wild waves, saffron-hued sand or rainforest canopies, there’s an Aussie road trip to inspire even the most nature-averse traveller. But there’s nothing quite like pair
  
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• Australian new-car sales in 2025: Annual record broken for third VFACTS year running

  06-01-2026 01:41 via drive.com.au
  A strong December for new-car sales has powered the third annual record in a row – but the top-selling Ford Ranger, Toyota RAV4, and Toyota HiLux are all in negative territory year-on-year.Sales of new motor vehicles in Australia have defied warnings of a slowdown to – just barely – set an annual record for the third year in a row, at more than 1.24 million cars, SUVs, utes, vans, and trucks.And the Ford Ranger ute held off challenges from the Toyota HiLux and RAV4 to remain th
  
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• Toyota maintains NZ dominance with record 2025 sales

  06-01-2026 01:10 via autotalk.co.nz
  Toyota New Zealand has extended its market leadership to 38 consecutive years, delivering a record 33,019 vehicle sales in 2025 despite challenging industry conditions. The Japanese brand maintained its position as New Zealand’s number one automotive marque while also securing recognition as the country’s most reputable brand for the second consecutive year in the Kantar […]
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• Australia’s vehicle market shows resilience in 2025

  06-01-2026 00:59 via autotalk.co.nz
  Australia’s new vehicle market demonstrated resilience in 2025, selling 1,209,808 units despite facing ongoing challenges around electric vehicle (EV) uptake and evolving consumer preferences. The market closed the year on a positive note with December sales of 98,744 vehicles, representing a 3% increase compared to December 2024, according to Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) […]
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• Property values end 2025 in decline but recovery signals emerge for 2026

  06-01-2026 00:58 via autotalk.co.nz
  Property values across New Zealand slipped 0.2% in December, capping off a challenging year that saw the market decline 1.0% annually, according to Cotality NZ’s latest Home Value Index. The December result followed a modest 0.1% dip in November, with values falling in seven of the past nine months during 2025. Houses declined 0.7% for […]
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• LDV Terron 9 ute available with $3000 discount, starting from $47,990 for ABN holders

  05-01-2026 23:00 via drive.com.au
  ABN holders are eligible for a $3000 discount the new LDV Terron 9 ute range, on top of already-available drive-away deals.A new pricing promotion for the LDV Terron 9 dual-cab ute sees it start from $47,990 drive-away for eligible ABN holders.The LDV Terron 9 Origin launched in Australia with a $49,990 drive-away deal for ABN Holders, before reverting to $50,990 drive-away.The new $3000 discount applies to the entry-level Terron 9 Origin, from $47,990 drive-way and the better-equipped Terron 9
  
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• Volkswagen ID. Polo interior makes good on promise to restore physical controls

  05-01-2026 22:00 via drive.com.au
  Volkswagen refers to the ID. Polo EV as featuring “a new cockpit generation” as it begins to trickle out official information about its new electric city car.The 2026 Volkswagen ID. Polo is set to make its full-scale debut later this year, but Volkswagen has revealed the full, undisguised interior of the new city car.The design of the ID. Polo’s interior delivers on Volkswagen’s ongoing promise to restore physical controls in vehicle interiors, after a generation of produ
  
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• Why Australians are still filling up with Russian-sourced petrol

  05-01-2026 21:00 via drive.com.au
  The embargo on Russian oil products isn’t working. Here’s why.Every time you fill your car up at an Aussie fuel bowser, chances are that a percentage of the original source of the crude oil that makes up your petrol or diesel comes from Russia.That shouldn’t be the case. Since 2023, there’s been an embargo on Russian-sourced oil due to the invasion of Ukraine, but it seems that there are still ways for companies to sidestep these regulations.The key intermediary in this i
  
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• Tesla sales in Australia 2025 revealed, with biggest annual decline on record

  05-01-2026 20:00 via drive.com.au
  Tesla has reported another annual drop in Australian sales – despite launching a heavily-updated Model Y – but it is expected to remain the country’s top seller of battery-electric vehicles.Tesla annual sales in Australia have declined for the second consecutive year – as the brand’s largest year-on-year slump on record – despite a mid-year boost from the updated Model Y SUV.However, unlike its global tally, Tesla is expected to remain ahead of growing Chinese
  
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• Chinese automakers set to overtake Japan in global sales

  05-01-2026 18:54 via autotalk.co.nz
  Chinese automakers are projected to become the world’s largest sellers of new vehicles in 2025, overtaking Japanese manufacturers for the first time and ending Japan’s dominance of more than 20 years. According to a report by Nikkei Asia, Chinese automakers are expected to sell about 27 million vehicles worldwide this year, representing a 17% increase […]
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• Cazoo creditors face uncertain wait for £75.8 million

  05-01-2026 18:53 via autotalk.co.nz
  More than a year after UK online used car dealer Cazoo collapsed into administration, nearly 10,000 unsecured creditors remain in limbo over whether they will recover any of the £75.8 million (NZ$155.4 million) owed to them. Joint administrators Teneo have confirmed that HM Revenue and Customs will receive its full £8 million (NZ$16.4 million) claim, […]
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• BYD overtakes Tesla as world’s top-selling electric vehicle maker in 2025

  05-01-2026 04:00 via drive.com.au
  The growth of China’s BYD – and the biggest-ever annual decline in Tesla deliveries – has seen the title of the world’s top-selling electric vehicle maker change hands.Tesla has lost its spot as the world’s number-one seller of battery-electric vehicles to BYD, after a sharper-than-expected sales decline.It is despite Tesla’s top seller, the Model Y family SUV, undergoing a major update in 2025 that stimulated demand – and comes as the US brand prepares
  
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• My First Car: Radio’s Patrina Jones’ 1985 Ford Laser

  05-01-2026 03:30 via drive.com.au
  The car that started Gold 104.3 radio presenter and newsreader Patrina Jones’ love affair with Ford Lasers.Gold 104.3 radio’s Patrina Jones remembers buying her first car – a 1985 Ford Laser five-door hatchback – from a family in Shepparton, having spotted it parked on their front lawn with a ‘for sale’ sign on it. The presenter and newsreader on Melbourne’s The Christian O’Connell Show – which will launch nationally this month – s
  
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