2021 Hyundai Staria: Eight-seat people-mover due by September with optional all-wheel drive, petrol or diesel power

The 2021 Hyundai Staria people-mover will go on sale in Australia by the end of August 2021 with eight seats as standard, advanced technology, a choice of petrol or diesel power, and available all-wheel drive.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 long-term review: Farewell

Handing back a long-term loan car isn’t always easy. Case in point, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 has been my faithful companion for the past six months or so. It was a pretty interesting time too, what with summer, winter, lockdowns, curfews and Melbourne’s infamous traffic experienced at polar opposite ends of the scale. And, like a faithful hound over some 6500km, the GLS has been there through thick and thin, and I think it’s pretty fair to say I’ve grown pretty fond of the big bus.

Holden’s shock departure prompts new laws to give car buyers peace of mind in future

Australians may still be in shock over the sudden axing of the Holden brand – and the closure of more than 200 Holden dealerships – but overhauls to franchise laws announced today will make it harder for multinational car companies to close local showrooms and service centres. The changes – which come into force from 1 July 2021 – mean new-car buyers can shop with certainty knowing their local car showroom and service centre can only be shut down in special circumstances.

2022 Toyota Fortuner to get technology updates

The Toyota Fortuner four-wheel-drive is about to receive the same technology updates also planned for its twin under the skin, the Toyota HiLux ute. As reported by CarAdvice earlier, from August 2021 production onwards all variants of the Toyota HiLux ute will gain vehicle tracking technology to thwart thieves, an automatic SOS service that activates after a serious crash, the SR5 model grade and above will gain dual zone air-conditioning, and the flagship Rogue will gain a 360-degree camera.

Video: Ford Raptor v Jeep Gladiator v Land Rover Defender - Drive Car of the Year 2021 Best Off Road Vehicle

And while these three contenders are all guilty as charged, they go about their own respective business in very different ways. Ford’s Ranger Raptor is a high-performance four-wheel-drive ute, while Jeep has applied their time-honoured off-road chassis into their own new Gladiator ute. And Land Rover’s new Defender is the British off-road icon, completely reimagined through a modern lens.

2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV: Hybrid SUV here in August 2021 with three-variant range

The 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV mid-size SUV will launch in Australia this August with a choice of three variants, it has been confirmed. A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of Mitsubishi's recently-facelifted mid-size SUV, the Eclipse Cross PHEV will reach Australian showrooms in July or August – pending no further delays due to COVID-19 or the semiconductor shortage – a spokesperson for the brand confirmed to CarAdvice.

2021 Genesis G70 Shooting Brake to miss out on twin-turbo V6 – report

The upcoming 2021 Genesis G70 Shooting Brake wagon won't offer the potent 3.3-litre twin-turbocharged V6 featured in its sedan sibling, new overseas reports suggest. Online publication The Korean Car Blog reports the G70 Shooting Brake will be offered solely with a choice of 185kW/353Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and 149kW/441Nm 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engines, with the Genesis sedan's 274kW/510Nm 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 not set to be an option on the long-roof.

Honda Sports EV Concept could reach production in 2022 – report

The Honda Sports EV electric sports car concept could reach production some five years after it was first shown, according to new reports out of Japan. Japanese publication Car Sensor claims Honda could be preparing a road-going version of its Sports EV Concept of late 2017, set for launch as early as 2022 using rear-wheel-drive underpinnings shared with the Honda E electric city car.

New Cars: 2021 New Car Calendar, the June update

The year 2020 was one that many would like to forget, and the automotive industry is no exception. Lockdowns and economic slowdowns brought on by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic translated exactly as you'd expect for Australia's new-car sales, with a staggering 48.5 per cent sales decline in April, contributing to an overall market down 13.7 per cent by the end of the year.

2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sport review

Gorgeous from any angle, the2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sportdoesn’t need to win over the purists – that mountain has already been climbed. The ‘Alfisti’, as they are known, were on board from the minute the Giulia first broke cover. Now with more standard equipment and sharper value, it needs to go to work on buyers who might have previously overlooked the stylish Italian sedan. Market share is, after all, the stock and trade of a successful vehicle in any segment.

2021 Aston Martin DBX review: Off-road

As I sidle up, next to the 2021 Aston Martin DBX, I’ll tell you one thing that doesn’t immediately jump to mind: “I need to head off-road in this thing.” Yet, that’s exactly what we did on a recent Australian drive of the brand’s flagship, all-purpose SUV. It’s definitely a first for me – I’ve never driven any vehicle with an Aston Martin badge on anything more challenging than a gravel driveway. Usually toward a castle in England. For an exclusive lunch.

Australia’s cheapest electric vehicle: China's BYD promises sub-$35,000 van, here this year

A little-known Chinese brand is poised to introduce Australia's newest electric van – which will also be the cheapest electric car on sale to date. TrueGreen Mobility – the Australian importer for Chinese automotive brand BYD – has confirmed plans to bring the T3 electric van onto the local market for “less than $35,000.”

Project Cars: 1996 Mercedes-Benz E320

It started with a casual chat with my Melbourne-based mum at the end of COVID-19 lockdowns. Her partner’s old E-Class had been parked on the street for months, registration lapsed and gathering leaves at a prodigious rate. As lockdown restrictions eased, council patrols increased, culminating with the dreaded ‘This vehicle is unregistered. You have seven days to move it or it will be towed blah blah blah’ sticker slapped on the windscreen. Mum: ‘I think we’ll just sell it to a wrecker.’

2022 Bentley Bentayga S revealed, Australian launch due early 2022

The 2022 Bentley Bentayga S has been unveiled, ahead of its Australian launch in the first quarter of 2022 (January to March inclusive). Based on the 'standard' Bentayga V8, the new S variant of Bentley's facelifted SUV aims to deliver "an even more engaging drive" than its donor through an array of chassis tweaks and changes under the skin.

2018 Genesis G80 and 2015-2017 Hyundai Genesis recalled for fire risk following mass Kia and Hyundai recalls

The Genesis G80 sedan – and its predecessor, the Hyundai Genesis – have been recalled, due to the same fire risk affecting 57,851 vehicles built by sister company Kia earlier this month, and 93,572 Hyundai Tucsons in February. The 124 recalled Genesis G80s were sold between 1 October 2017 and 31 January 2020 (Model Years 2018), while the 1203 recalled Hyundai Genesis models were sold between 1 October 2014 and 30 June 2017 (Model Years 2015-2017).

Ford readying twin-turbo Godzilla engine – report

Ford is reportedly working on a force-inducted version of its massive 7.3-litre 'Godzilla' V8 engine which would likely be sold as a crate motor. According to sources close to development, Ford Authority reports the pushrod powerplant will offer a twin-turbocharged variant and is currently being tested in at least two Ford Super Duty pick-up trucks.

2022 Kia Sportage teased ahead of July 2021 reveal, Australian launch late 2021

The next-generation 2022 Kia Sportage mid-size SUV has been teased for the first time, ahead of its full reveal in July 2021, and an Australian launch by the end of 2021. A trio of darkened teaser images released by Kia provide our first glimpse at the new Sportage design free of camouflage, confirming the bold front fascia with stylised LED daytime-running lights first previewed in spy shots and artist renderings in recent months.

2021 Lexus LC price and specs: Ultra-limited Inspiration Series now available to order

The 2021 Lexus LC has gained a new, more exclusive Inspiration Series coupe grade – but you'll have to be one of a lucky limited few to get behind the wheel of one. Limited to "fewer than five units" Down Under, the LC Inspiration Series is now available to order through Australian Lexus showrooms, priced from $219,393 before on-road costs in V8-powered LC500 form, or $219,553 before on-roads in fuel-sipping LC500h guise – with both variants offered exclusively as fixed-roof coupes.

Big change coming to Toyota HiLux in an attempt to thwart car thieves

Toyota is posted to introduce technology that aims to slam the brakes on thefts of one of Australia’s most stolen cars. As reported exclusively by CarAdvice last year, thefts of the Toyota HiLux ute have more than doubled over the past 10 years as the vehicle has become more popular. The Toyota HiLux ute has been Australia’s top-selling car for the past five years in a row and is on track to notch up a sixth annual win in 2021.

Volvo Polestar electric car due here this year, fixed pricing expected as dealers are side-stepped

The first Volvo-based Polestar electric car is due on sale locally later this year with the first deliveries expected in early 2022. However, Australian customers will likely be forced to pay fixed prices. This week's announcement about the imminent arrival of the relatively new Polestar brand came as a surprise to industry observers – and Volvo dealers.

Tesla drops radar systems from US-built Model 3 and Model Y, some autonomous features disabled

Tesla will ditch radar technology in its US-built Model 3 sedans and Model Y SUVs, the electric vehicle manufacturer has confirmed. "When radar and vision disagree, which one do you believe? Vision has much more precision, so better to double down on vision than do sensor fusion,” Tesla CEO Elon Musk said in a tweet earlier this year.

Volkswagen Polo GTI, Audi A1 40 TFSI get power boost and seven-speed auto in Europe, not for Australia

The Volkswagen Polo GTI hot hatch and Audi A1 40 TFSI have been treated to a performance bump in Europe – but an Australian launch appears unlikely for the foreseeable future.

2021 Mazda 6 Sport Sedan Review

Another round of updates have graced the Mazda 6 range, and the 2021 changes focus mainly on the new GT SP variant, which adds back-pack styling to the previous GT model. The base model Mazda 6 Sport emerges for its 2021 model year run largely unchanged. That’s no bad thing though. After a week with the cheapest Mazda 6 variant, it was a solid refresher on just how good this mid-size sedan really is.

Now that is art: Australian muscle car prices remain in top gear

When Ford motorsport legend and Bathurst winner Allan Moffat first saw the Falcon GT sedan that would take him to victory in the early 1970s, he scoffed at the price. “No-one’s going to pay $5000 for a Ford Falcon,” Moffat would later say, recalling one of the biggest regrets of his motorsport career: not buying one of the iconic cars. Today, immaculate examples of the Ford Falcon GTHO Phase III fetch close to or in excess of $1 million.

Video: 2021 Audi Q2 review: 35TFSI and 40TFSI quattro S-Line

At the local launch, we’re driving the 35TFSI and 40TFSI Quattro S Line grades, with full pricing and specification detail in our news story. The 1.5-litre 35TFSI starts from $42,900 before on-road costs, while the 2.0-litre 40TFSI starts from $49,900 before on-road costs.

A group of Aussie teenage girls are building an electric Range Rover at school

Once a week, 25 teenage girls from four different Victorian high schools come together to work on a project car. They meet at Bendigo South East College, where a first-generation Range Rover lies in pieces. The body has been already separated from the chassis, with the next steps being an electric motor conversion and the installation of a new interior.

2020 Suzuki Ignis recalled with fuel tank fault and fire risk

Suzuki Australia has recalled 163 examples of its 2020 Ignis SUV, citing a potential fault with the fuel tank. The affected vehicles were sold between 1 July 2020 and 30 October 2020 (Model Year 2020). The recall notice, lodged with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), says: “The fuel tank breather pipe may have been incorrectly moulded to the top of the fuel tank. The breather pipe may become detached by normal vibration of the vehicle.”

2021 Maserati Ghibli Hybrid review

Maserati goes green. Or so the model's name states. We'll cover off fuel consumption right away to set the scene. Around town, the Ghibli Hybrid used 12.0 litres per 100 kilometres. On the freeway, 8.0L/100km. After 400km of mixed driving, its trip computer settled at 9.8L/100km versus the official claim of 7.5L/100km.

The smallest car ever made

It measures just 1372mm long, and 991mm wide, and stands 1000m tall. It tips the scales at just 59kg (without driver) and its 49cc engine (not a typo) helps it reach a top speed of 61km/h. Oh, and it only has three wheels. Meet the Peel P50, officially the smallest production car in the world, recognised by the arbiter of all such things, Guinness World Records, in 2010.

Around the Tracks: General Motors to develop next-gen Lunar Rover for NASA

When we’re not creating it ourselves, the CarAdvice team spends a lot of time finding and consuming motoring content from all over the world. Here’s a handful of the photos, articles, videos or social media posts that most caught our eye last week. Some of them are brand new, others have been online for a while. Enjoy them – just not too much, okay?

Rolls-Royce unveils $37 million bespoke ‘Boat Tail’ convertible

Rolls-Royce – perhaps the world’s most prolific and prestigious manufacturer of luxury cars – has taken the covers off a new custom 'Boat Tail’ four-seat retro convertible, just days after confirming plans to revive its bespoke coachbuilding division. Underpinned by the BMW-owned brand’s now-ubiquitous Architecture of Luxury aluminium spaceframe, the 'Boat Tail’ is largely based on the existing Rolls-Royce Phantom limousine.

The Ford Ranger Raptor commercial that will never get shown in Australia

It came as something of a surprise that the Ford Ranger is the number one selling ute in Europe, a market not well known for its pick-up truck culture. So when Ford of Europe recently released the Ford Ranger Raptor Special Edition, it was only fitting it did so with ‘bad-ass’ advertising campaign. Dubbed The Good, The Bad and Bad-RSE, (and rated 'B' for 'Bad-Ass'), the campaign features a Ranger Raptor Special Edition in a Spaghetti Western-inspired action film.

Instant asset-write off and how to benefit your business at EOFY 2021

As part of the 2021-2022 Federal Budget, the Australian Government announced an increase in the instant asset write-off scheme. This removed the $150,000 per asset limit in response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021 Ford Mustang price and specs

Pricing and specifications for the 2021 Ford Mustang have been confirmed, revealing a number of minor changes to the much-loved pony car for the new Model Year. While minimal, changes for Model Year 2021.5 Mustang models are led by the addition of the FordPass Connect system – allowing owners to lock/unlock, enable climate settings in, locate and (on auto models) start their car from the FordPass app.

Australia’s “misleading” fuel economy labels under fire after Supreme Court ruling

In the same way energy rating labels on whitegoods compare electricity use of home appliances, fuel rating labels aim to compare consumption of new motor vehicles on a level playing field. However, for the past 20 years, the so-called level playing field for cars has been a laboratory setting where temperatures are controlled, special fuels are used, and highly skilled engineers follow a series of instructions designed to mimic real-world driving scenarios.

Video: 2021 4X4 Dual Cab Ute Off-Road Mega Test

We know how they perform on the black top but, which dual cab performs best when the going gets rough? Let's find out!

Ford hints at electric Bronco, could pave the way for Ranger EV

An electric Ford Bronco could be on its way, with executives from the Blue Oval dropping a number of hints this month – and it means we could see an all-electric Ranger ute sooner than expected. At the company's annual Capital Markets Day presentation, Ford announced a rear-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive electric platform for new models between now and 2030, along with a dedicated electric platform for full-size pick-ups.

Electric encyclopaedia: Every car brand's electric vehicle plans – Part Four: Ram to Volvo

It's safe to say the automotive industry is currently undergoing the greatest shift since its very inception, with electrification and autonomy widely agreed to form the basis of the future of the new-car market. It can seem almost daily that a major car maker unveils a new electric vehicle, or announces plans to go all-electric in the coming years and decades – so often so that it can be a challenge to keep track of and stay on top of every brand's plans.

2021 Land Rover Defender and Discovery recalled with fire risk

Jaguar Land Rover Australia has recalled 533 examples of the 2021 Land Rover Defender and 2021 Land Rover Discovery off-road SUVs, citing a potential fire risk. The affected vehicles were sold between 2 November 2020 and 11 March 2021 (Model Year 2021).

2021 Audi SQ5 TDI review

Identifiable thanks to revised styling and an upgraded interior, the 2021 Audi SQ5 TDI continues Audi’s fine S-badged SUV tradition with the model that is perhaps the best example in its model range.

Your driving skills under the microscope

Mercedes-AMG makes some of the fastest road cars available, but if you really want to experience what these cars are capable of you need a racetrack. So I joined an AMG Driving Academy day at the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit to put AMG’s fastest cars through their paces. What I didn’t realise was that I would be under the microscope as well, and with nowhere to hide.

2021 Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior caught on camera

CarAdvice has received photos of a partially-disguised 2021 Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior ute undergoing final validation testing in Melbourne. The 2021 Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior is due in local showrooms within the next three months, about six months after the first shipments of regular versions of the updated Nissan Navara. The photos show the next-generation Nissan Navara Warrior will adopt a new hoopless bullbar design introduced with the recent update.

Victoria's coronavirus lockdown rules: Your car questions, answered – UPDATE

Victorians have spent the last 12 months in the grips of ongoing coronavirus restrictions, relying on often-confusing weekly announcements from Premier Daniel Andrews to learn of the changes in both Metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. Below, we've answered some commonly asked questions about Melbourne's latest coronavirus lockdown rules and how they pertain to drivers. If we've missed anything, let us know in the comments section.

Volkswagen Group rejects $11.8 billion offer for Lamborghini – report

Volkswagen Group has declined an offer of AU$11.8 billion (US$9.2B) to sell the Lamborghini brand. According to British magazine Autocar, Volkswagen Group subsidiary Audi – charged with managing Lamborghini – has shown no interest in the idea. Whispers of the supercar manufacturer's sale persisted throughout late 2020, with industry insiders suggesting Volkswagen Group was preparing to offload both Lamborghini and Ducati, before the rumours were officially put to bed in December.

Volkswagen Group rejects $11.8 billion offer for Lamborghini – report

Peugeot Australia launching first electric car in 2022, e-2008 SUV looking likely; plug-in hybrids here late 2021

Peugeot has confirmed it will launch its first electric vehicle in Australia in 2022 – though the exact identity of the vehicle that will grace local showrooms is yet to be confirmed. "In 2022, we will introduce electric variants to the Australian market. Whilst we are not currently in a position to confirm what they will be, various studies are underway and favourable. We look forward to sharing more information later this year," a Peugeot Citroen Australia spokesperson told CarAdvice.

Electric encyclopaedia: Every car brand's electric vehicle plans – Part Three: Mazda to Porsche

It's safe to say the automotive industry is currently undergoing the greatest shift since its very inception, with electrification and autonomy widely agreed to form the basis of the future of the new-car market. It can seem almost daily that a major car maker unveils a new electric vehicle, or announces plans to go all-electric in the coming years and decades – so often so that it can be a challenge to keep track of and stay on top of every brand's plans.

2023 Volkswagen Amarok imagined with off-road accessories

The 2023 Volkswagen Amarok has been imagined in this new set of renderings. Using official teaser sketches released by Volkswagen, Swiss Amarok accessories company Black Sheep commissioned illustrator Sascha Thilmany to create these renderings, featuring the brand's products.

Rolls-Royce to revive bespoke coachbuilding division

BMW-owned British luxury marque Rolls-Royce has confirmed plans to formally revive its bespoke coachbuilding division. The historic manufacturer – which in 2017 took the covers off a custom yacht-inspired model referred to as the Sweptail (shown above) – claims its now-ubiquitous modular “Architecture of Luxury” chassis is versatile enough to take the form of “any shape.” According to Rolls-Royce, the only limitations customers now face are those "fundamental to engineering requirements."

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.2 diesel review

The old adage of ‘the simple things in life are often the best’ doesn’t always stack up. In the automotive world, there are many paths that lead to the best, but in the case of the 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe range, is the simplest version really any worse? In the new Santa Fe range, the entry model loses its base-model identifier to simply be the Santa Fe, with Active, Elite and Highlander trims above it. But does that make the Santa Fe the Santa Fe?

2021 Genesis GV80 SUV and Genesis G80 sedan score five stars for safety

The 2021 Genesis GV80 SUV and Genesis G80 luxury sedan have both scored five star safety results following the most recent round of crash tests. The Genesis GV80 shot to international fame earlier this year by accident, after golf star Tiger Woods crashed a promotional vehicle in California. Although the crash test assessments of both Genesis vehicles were done by European NCAP, the scores carry over with the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

Victoria’s EV user tax is a lost opportunity

This latest decision by Victoria to discriminate against zero-emission vehicles and add further taxation layers to an already overtaxed transportation system in desperate need of an overhaul is an embarrassment for the whole country. In case you haven’t heard, Victoria has become the first state to introduce a tax on electric, hydrogen and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV).

Electric car powered by poo unveiled by Queensland sewage treatment company

A Queensland sewage treatment company has unveiled its latest electric car powered by human waste. Four years after introducing an electric Mitsubishi hatchback powered by poo, the firm Urban Utilities has put its second electric car on the road and called it “Number Two”. The Hyundai Kona electric SUV even has the registration plates “NMBR2S” (number twos is rhyming slang for poo, in case you weren't aware).

Last Ford Falcon ESP V8 with just 60km on the clock pulls $355,000 at auction

The last Ford Falcon ESP V8 built in Australia – which had just 60km on the clock and was kept by a Queensland dealership for almost 40 years – has been sold in as-new condition for $355,000 in a Grays Online auction overnight. The hammer fell at $354,759, not including the additional 7.5 per cent auction fee charged to the buyer.

Victoria passes road-user tax for electric vehicles, industry reacts

Victorian owners of electric cars and other zero-emissions vehicles will be required to pay a road-user tax of 2.5 cents per kilometre driven from 1 July 2021 – and the precedent could trigger other states to follow. The charge amounts to $375 a year based on the national average distance travelled of 15,000km, or just $125 a year for vehicles that travel 5000km a year.

2020 Suzuki Jimny recalled with potential water leak

Suzuki Australia has recalled 13 examples of its 2020 Jimny SUV, citing the potential for water leakage through the windshield. The affected vehicles were sold between 1 September 2020 and 1 March 2021 (Model Year 2020). The recall notice, lodged with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), says: “The bond primer applied to the windshield glass and the rear door window glass may have been incorrectly applied to the glass.”

2021 MG ZST price and specs: Core and Vibe variants added from $25,490 drive-away

The 2021 MG ZST SUV range has been expanded, with new Core and Vibe variants introduced at the bottom end of the range. Now available for order – ahead of first deliveries in June – the Core is priced from $25,490 drive-away, while the Vibe starts at $26,990 drive-away. The new grades replace Excite Plus and Essence versions of the ZS small SUV, leaving only the ZS Excite in the more affordable model's range.

2022 Cupra Born electric hot hatch revealed, Australian launch unlikely

The 2022 Cupra Born electric hatch has been unveiled, though lagging emissions rules mean it's unlikely an Australian launch will occur any time soon. First shown to the public in March 2019 as the SEAT el-Born concept, the Born represents Volkswagen Group-owned Spanish performance brand Cupra's first electric vehicle, with sportier styling and more potent powertrains that attempt to differ from the Volkswagen ID.3 with which it shares its MEB platform and much of its sheetmetal.

2021 BMW M4 Convertible revealed

The 2021 BMW M4 Convertible has been unveiled. Officially known as the BMW M4 Competition Convertible xDrive, the drop-top sports car completes the new-generation M4 family, until the arrival of CS and CSL coupe variants later down the road. As its name suggests, just one engine, gearbox and drivetrain option will be offered with the new model, which brings all-weather, all-wheel-drive capability to the M4 Convertible for the first time.

Tesla Model Y still months away, expected in Australia late 2021 or early 2022

The Tesla Model Y SUV is expected to arrive in Australian showrooms during late 2021 or early 2022, according to several employees of the electric vehicle manufacturer. Exact timing will not be officially confirmed – even to staff – until the vehicle appears on Tesla’s online configurator. However, CarAdvice understands local service centres are operating under instruction delivery is likely within six to nine months.

Peter Brock’s daily driver sells for $1.057 million, sets auction record for a Holden road car

An iconic 1985 Holden Commodore V8 owned by late motor racing legend Peter Brock – and used as his daily driver – has been sold in a Grays Online auction overnight for $1.057 million, a record amount for a Holden road car. The final sum – $1,057,509 not including the additional 7.5 per cent auction fee – fell just short of the current auction record for an Australian-made car, $1.15 million for a 1971 Ford Falcon GTHO Phase III set in February 2021.

Transport costs surge in Australia as families spend more on cars and public transport

Australians are spending $44 more per week on transportation costs in the first three months of 2021 than they were at the end of 2020, according to research compiled by the Australian Automobile Association (AAA). The AAA’s Transport Affordability Index revealed the average Australian family spent $354 per week on transportation in the first quarter of 2021 – including cars and public transport – representing a 14.3 per cent increase on the previous quarter.

Electric encyclopaedia: Every car brand's electric vehicle plans – Part Two: Genesis to Maserati

It's safe to say the automotive industry is currently undergoing the greatest shift since its very inception, with electrification and autonomy widely agreed to form the basis of the future of the new-car market. It can seem almost daily that a major car maker unveils a new electric vehicle, or announces plans to go all-electric in the coming years and decades – so often so that it can be a challenge to keep track of and stay on top of every brand's plans.

Video: 2021 Nissan Navara Pro-4X review

Nissan has bolstered its Navara range with the new Pro-4X model, which will slot in at the top of the range.

Sony's new Vision-S electric car spied testing

The Sony Vision-S electric car has been spied testing at a facility in Europe this week. While it's unclear whether the Vision-S will be badged as a Sony product or sold under a different brand name, it appears the battery-powered vehicle is edging closer to a production reality. Powered by dual 200kW electric motors, it's expected the Sony car will hit 100km/h from a standstill in well under five seconds.

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Pro: US$40,000 electric work ute breaks cover

Hot on the heels of the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning's debut last week, Ford has taken the wraps off the entry-level, commercial-focused version of its electric ute: the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Pro.

Toyota Prius V axed internationally

The Toyota Prius V hybrid – a large seven-seat variation of the standard Prius hatchback – is set to be axed, a spokesperson for the Japanese brand in Australia confirmed. “Toyota Australia will discontinue selling the Prius V in Australia from 31 August 2021,” the spokesperson told CarAdvice.

2022 Ford Everest spy photos: New model caught on camera testing in Australia

The 2022 Ford Everest four-wheel-drive is in the final stages of testing before it is due to arrive in Australian showrooms early next year. An eagle-eyed CarAdvice reader sent us photos of a camouflaged version of the 2022 Ford Everest being driven on the streets of metropolitan Melbourne.

Australia's first wrecked Porsche Taycan? $200k electric car crashes in Melbourne

A 2021 Porsche Taycan 4S has wrecked on Melbourne's iconic St Kilda Road boulevard, less than three months after it was first registered. It's understood the electric Taycan attempted to make a u-turn in front of an electric tram near the Toorak Road junction, causing significant damage to the Porsche. While the battery-powered Taycan weighs around 2245kg unladen, a Melbourne tram can weigh up to 50,000kg.

2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class price and specs: S580 L V8 and Maybach S680 join range

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class range will expand by the end of 2021 with the addition of two new, more potent flagship models: the Mercedes-Benz S580 L 4Matic, and the Mercedes-Maybach S680 4Matic.

Hyundai Ioniq 6 electric sedan and Ioniq 7 electric SUV specs revealed – report

Specifications for the upcoming Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Ioniq 7 electric vehicles have been unofficially confirmed, courtesy of details shared with US media including Carscoops. The Ioniq 6 mid-size sedan (shown below in Prophecy concept guise) will arrive in late 2022, underpinned by Hyundai, Kia and Genesis' modular E-GMP platform.

Next Audi A4 to spawn E-Tron electric variant, two electrified RS flagships – report

The next-generation Audi A4 will be offered in both petrol-electric hybrid and E-Tron electric versions when it arrives in 2023 – with a high-performance RS version to be offered of each, according to new overseas reports.

Electric vehicles registered in the ACT now receive two years free registration

Electric vehicles purchased in the Australian Capital Territory are now eligible to receive two years of free registration. Both new and used electric vehicles are entitled to the offer, so long as the purchase is made between 24 May 2021 and mid-2024. It also covers vehicles that have been converted to electric power. Electric vehicles registered in the ACT are currently already exempt from stamp duty.

2022 Mazda CX-5 rendered: Next-gen mid-size SUV goes rear-wheel drive

There’s a new Mazda CX-5 mid-size SUV on the horizon – and here’s what we reckon it could look like. Spy photos published earlier this month brought us our first look at a lightly-camouflaged version of what’s widely believed to be the new CX-5 – or CX-50, as some rumours persist it will be called – that’s thought to be unveiled late next year, ahead of an Australian launch in 2022 or 2023.

2021 Lexus UX200 Luxury review

So, you're shopping for a mainstream medium SUV in the $40K bracket. Choices are plentiful. There's the recently lobbed Hyundai Tucson range, Kia's formidable Sportage or its excellent Seltos, the ever-dependable Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, and so forth. Alternatively, you can step into a small yet premium SUV like the 2021 Lexus UX200 Luxury for the same price.

Electra Quds Rise EV: Lebanon’s first car unveiled in Beirut parking lot

Lebanon’s first locally-designed and built car – known as the Electra Quds Rise EV – was revealed overnight in a Beirut parking lot, rolled in by its manufacturer's founder Jihad Mohammad. Externally, the aluminium electric vehicle features bulbous wheel arches, faux air intakes, and oversized LED headlights. Its large decorative gold front grille was reportedly inspired by the Dome of the Rock Islamic shrine in the Old City of Jerusalem.

Half of Australians admit to speeding when driving

In a survey of 1000 Australian drivers, commissioned by Ford Australia, over 56 per cent of respondents believe drivers have become more erratic on our roads since COVID-19, with one respondent stating, “[it's] like they’ve forgotten how to drive after being at home”. Nationally, 45.5 per cent of Australian drivers admitted to driving over the speed limit with 14 per cent revealing there are other road rules they disobey when behind the wheel.

2018-2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van recalled with brake fault

Mercedes-Benz Australia has recalled 2882 examples of its VS30-series Sprinter van, citing a potential fault with brake system. The affected vehicles were sold between 8 August 2018 and 22 December 2020 (Model Years 2018-2021). The recall notice, lodged with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), says: “Brake fluid may leak internally at the rear axle brake calliper over time – as a result, air may enter the rear brake system."

Auction bids for Peter Brock’s road car pass $1 million, record set to tumble

The auction record for an Australian-made road car is set to be broken, as online auction bids for one of Peter Brock’s personal road cars eclipse $1 million just 24 hours before the hammer is due to fall. An immaculate 1985 Holden Commodore HDT VK Group A – number 05 of 500 built – was owned and driven by the late motor racing legend. As this article was published, bids had reached $1,050,009 (not including auction fees).

2021 SsangYong Musso XLV Ultimate review: The quiet achiever

In the ute-loving Australian market, there seems to be two camps: those who spend big on popular models like the Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, and Isuzu D-Max, or those who chase value and end up with an GWM Ute or LDV G60 in their driveway. And somewhere in the middle sits the 2021 SsangYong Musso.

Mitsubishi loses Supreme Court appeal on “misleading and deceptive” fuel consumption claim

EXCLUSIVE A landmark case in the Victorian Supreme Court has set a precedent for government-mandated fuel rating label figures for more than 15 million new cars sold in Australia over the past 20 years. The ruling could have far reaching implications for vehicle manufacturers whose customers cannot match real-world fuel consumption with fuel rating label estimates.

2021 Jaguar E-Pace recalled with seatbelt fault

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) Australia has recalled 133 examples of its 2021 Jaguar E-Pace small SUV, citing a potential fault with the seatbelt pre-tensioner. The affected vehicles were sold between 16 June 2020 and 24 February 2021 (Model Year 2021).

2021 Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Wrangler Unlimited 80th Anniversary Special Edition prices and specs

Jeep is celebrating its 80th anniversary with a run of special edition Wrangler Unlimited, Grand Cherokee and Cherokee model variants. Stock will be available in Jeep dealerships from May 2021, and will be limited to 160 Wrangler Unlimited and Grand Cherokee models each, along with 80 Cherokees. Pricing for the 80th Anniversary models start from $51,941 before on-road costs for the Cherokee, and goes up to $71,941 for the Wrangler Unlimited.

Project Cars: 1992 Range Rover Vogue

Here at CarAdvice we love our Project Cars, but this time around we've become involved in something that's so much more. This project isn't one of ours, but rather a journey of a car lover who is currently battling a terminal illness. His build was shared with us by the team at EVolution, the Melbourne-based company that specialises in turning your old classic car into a fully electric vehicle.

2021 Isuzu MU-X website goes live, first 1500 buyers get a free watch

Customer orders for the new-generation 2021 Isuzu MU-X four-wheel-drive are open from today as a dedicated website goes live to receive “expressions of interest” – and the first 1500 people in the queue will score a free Casio G-Shock watch. Prices and Australian details for the first new Isuzu MU-X in eight years are yet to be released, however CarAdvice revealed the key highlights when the model was unveiled in Thailand last year.

2021 Formula One Monaco Grand Prix: Round five wrap

Most of the drama at Monaco happened before the race even began, with pole-sitter Charles Leclerc reporting back “no no no" to his team on the first lap after the grid opened. Charles’ Ferrari copped a hard hit in Q3 and the team decided to take a punt in not changing the gearbox, claiming all seemed in order. Once it was under load however, there was a different story.

2022 Kia EV6 electric car to overtake Stinger as Kia’s performance icon, says executive

The 2022 Kia EV6 electric car – due in Australia next year – is poised to overtake the Kia Stinger twin-turbo V6 sedan as the brand’s performance flagship. While the Kia Stinger has just received a mid-life facelift and is selling at a rate better than expected in Australia, weak sales overseas have cast doubt over the future of the model beyond its current lifecycle.

Electric encyclopaedia: Every car brand's electric vehicle plans – Part One: Alfa Romeo to General Motors

It's safe to say the automotive industry is currently undergoing the greatest shift since its very inception, with electrification and autonomy widely agreed to form the basis of the future of the new-car market. It can seem almost daily that a major car maker unveils a new electric vehicle, or announces plans to go all-electric in the coming years and decades – so often so that it can be a challenge to keep track of and stay on top of every brand's plans.

Kia renews its calls against taxpayer handouts for electric cars

The boss of Kia Australia has repeated earlier calls for taxpayer money be directed towards the installation of recharging stations, rather than providing discount prices for electric cars.

Video: 2021 Audi SQ2 review

Audi’s continued growth across its range is impressive, given the current climate especially, and the latest addition is the 2021 Audi SQ2, the baby of its performance SUV range.

Australian Federal Police to upgrade armoured BMW X5 fleet for VIPs

The Australian Federal Police is looking to upgrade its ageing fleet of armoured BMW X5 models, used to transport dignitaries and other VIPs. In documents uncovered by CarAdvice, BMW has submitted the X5 Protection to the Department of Infrastructure for approval under the Road Vehicle Certification Scheme.

2021 MG ZS EV long-term review: Family compatibility

I’ve reached the three-month mark into my 2021 MG ZS EV long-term loan, and I’ve come to appreciate the MG as the quietest member of my household. For this review, I’ve chosen to delve into the ZS EV’s family-friendly credentials, given we are nearly halfway through another school term – sigh – the MG has become well accustomed to requirements of the daily run.

Sir Lewis Hamilton’s 2010 McLaren-Mercedes F1 car listed for sale

Sir Lewis Hamilton’s 2010 Turkish Grand Prix-winning McLaren-Mercedes MP4-25A Formula One car has been listed for sale, with price expectations in excess of US$5,000,000 (AU$6,500,000). Registered through RM Sotheby Auctions, it is unclear who currently owns the car. However, it appears to be stored at McLaren's private headquarters in Woking, suggesting the British manufacturer could be looking to liquidate some of its vast collection of automotive assets.

Uber to design and build electric car in collaboration with UK tech firm Arrival

Rideshare powerhouse Uber has confirmed it will collaborate with UK tech firm Arrival in the design of an electric car. The model is slated for reveal in late 2021, and mass production is promised by the third quarter of 2023 (July to September inclusive).

2020-2021 Toyota HiLux Rogue recalled with multiple electrical faults

Toyota Australia has recalled 683 examples of its 2021 Toyota HiLux Rogue dual-cab ute, citing up to three potential faults with the electronic roller cover. The affected vehicles were manufactured between May and October 2020 (Model Years 2020-2021), with many of these vehicles affected by more than one of the cited faults.

2021 Volkswagen T6.1 California Beach camper review

'Sold out until June 2021' – that’s the official line from the Volkswagen Australia website. It’s a great problem to have, especially when the first 30 allocations were snapped up within nine hours of going on sale. Some will say it’s pent-up demand of dedicated Volkswagen-philes waiting years for the factory-backed camper to land. Others will say it’s a byproduct of restricted travel conditions we currently live in. I’d say it’s a little bit of column A, and a little bit of column B.

Video: 2021 Kia Niro EV Sport review - First Australian drive of electric Kia SUV

2021 Kia Niro EV Sport reviewWe test Kia’s first electric car in Australia.

Around the tracks: A 93-year old grandpa is the star of his own YouTube channel

When we’re not creating it ourselves, the CarAdvice team spends a lot of time finding and consuming motoring content from all over the world. Here’s a handful of the photos, articles, videos or social media posts that most caught our eye last week. Some of them are brand new, others have been online for a while. Enjoy them – just not too much, okay?

Renault 4 electric SUV leaked in new patent filings

Design renders for the upcoming retro-styled Renault 4 electric SUV have been revealed, unearthed by Dutch outlet Autovisie. Sitting on the same CMF-B architecture underpinning the Renault 5 (so far only seen in concept guise), reports suggest the model could be offered with the option of dual motors and all-wheel drive. Meanwhile, battery range will likely extend beyond 300km between charges.

Lego launches six new 'Speed Champions' sets

It's hard to escape the allure of Lego. The brand's 'Speed Champions' sets have become a favourite with car enthusiasts. They're affordable, costing around $20 a set, but also quick and easy to build for children both young and old. In 2021, it's planning to launch six new sets. Excitingly, two are new manufacturer collaborations – set to tickle the fancy of either brand's fans. The first new partnership is between Lego and Toyota's Gazoo Racing outfit.

A short history of the Suzuki four-wheel drive

With the Suzuki Jimny one of the most in-demand new vehicles today, much of the car’s success is pinned on its unique style and fun nature. Rather than compete directly with other large volume small and medium SUVs, Suzuki has kept true to the heritage of the Jimny and built a new take on their iconic small four-wheel drive. And since landing in Australia in 1971, this year marks 50 years of the much-loved, pint-sized four-wheel drive first arrived Down Under.

2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA and GTAm price and specs – UPDATE

UPDATE, 21 May 2021: Alfa Romeo Australia has officially confirmed the pricing and specification details for the Giulia GTA and GTAm published earlier in May 2021, with just 18 examples out of the 500-unit global production run to make their way to Australia.

Mahindra capitulates in Jeep court case in Australia, agrees to not import copycat 4WD

EXCLUSIVE The Mahindra Thar four-wheel-drive – a Jeep Wrangler look-a-like – has effectively been banned from being sold in Australia. Indian car giant Mahindra has given an undertaking to the Federal Court of Australia to not import the copycat version of the Jeep Wrangler.

Video: MG ZS EV: ‘A Day in the Life’ with florist Lavender and Lily

We spend a day with florist Melody from Lavender and Lily to see how she puts the MG ZS EV to work both in her business and at home.

‘Deals aren’t going to happen’: Don’t expect to drive a bargain during financial year sales, industry boss warns

Severe stock shortages in the lead-up to the end of the financial year – and indefinite delays among some of Australia’s most popular cars – are expected to slam the brakes on super-sharp drive-away deals in the run up to June 30. The car industry has struggled for months to keep up with unexpected demand as Australians treat themselves to a new car, rather than spending money on overseas holidays.

Are Kia and Hyundai utes still coming to Australia? Executives remain tight lipped

The future of the much anticipated double-cab utes from sister brands Hyundai and Kia – designed to challenge the top-selling Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger – remain shrouded in secrecy. Have the Hyundai and Kia utes been quietly dropped, delayed, or are they just being kept under wraps? Sales of utes and vans are currently at record levels locally, representing the second-biggest vehicle segment in Australia, ahead of passenger cars and behind SUVs.

Kia pledges not to desert sub-$20,000 segment as four of the Top 5 brands bail on bargain hunters

Four of Australia’s top five car brands have vacated the budget-price segment of the market – with Toyota, Mazda, Ford and Hyundai no longer offering vehicles priced below $20,000 for the first time in their automotive history. However, South Korean car giant Kia – one of the fastest-growing brands in Australia over the past seven years, and a sister brand to Hyundai – has made a pledge to budget-conscious buyers that it won’t leave them stranded.

Kia poised to overtake Ford, continues to close the gap to Hyundai on the sales charts

South Korean auto giant Kia is working overtime to make it into the Top Five on the new-car sales charts in Australia after coming within a whisker of beating Ford so far this year – and trailing sister brand Hyundai in April by just 65 sales (5772 versus 5707). Seven years ago, Kia wasn’t even inside the Top 10. But as one of the fastest-growing brands in Australia, the company now has its sights on overtaking Ford for fifth place.

2021 Kia Niro EV Sport launch review

Another electric car arrived on Australian roads this week. The 2021 Kia Niro is available in three formats: hybrid, plug-in hybrid and a pure-electric vehicle. For now, it is the only SUV to offer the choice of all three types of electrification, although Kia’s sister brand Hyundai offers the same choice of power in its Ioniq hatchback. All three power options are available with two levels of equipment: in S or Sport guises.

2021 Kia Niro price and specs

Australian pricing and specifications for the 2021 Kia Niro have been confirmed, with the vehicle on sale now. The full range of three electrified powertrains – Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) and (fully) Electric – will be offered in Kia's eco-friendly Niro small SUV locally, which arrives in Australian showrooms late into its life cycle, as a new model is expected to be less than two years away.

2021 Volkswagen Tiguan 162 TSI R-Line review

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan 162TSI R-Line is all the Tiguan money can buy, offering an extensive blend of design and equipment in a segment that continues to be the most popular in Australia. Medium SUVs have become Australia’s de-facto family cars, outselling all other segments including the seemingly ubiquitous 4x4 dual-cab utes.

2021 Audi Q2 review: 35TFSI and 40TFSI Quattro S Line

The 2021 Audi Q2 is one of those vehicles that is easy to use as an example to claim that Audi simply wants to dip a toe into the water of every possible segment globally. That said though, every luxury brand wants a piece of the segment, so it’s not just about Audi. Look at the success of the Q2 in Australia since its launch though, and it’s clear to see that the concept of a premium compact SUV is something that has resonated with Australian buyers.

2021 Audi SQ2 review

Audi’s continued growth across its range is impressive, given the current climate especially, and the latest addition is the 2021 Audi SQ2, the baby of its performance SUV range. It’s the first time an SQ2 has been available in Australia and judging by the continued success of the SQ5 in this country, Audi almost certainly has a sales winner on its hands.

2021 BMW M8 GTS prototype spied testing at the Nurburgring

A prototype 2021 BMW M8 vehicle has been spotted testing at the Nurburgring, wearing track-oriented parts and a curious grille. Looking at the new additions fitted to the M8, it's possible BMW could be about to introduce a flagship GTS variant of the big coupe. Some media outlets are suggesting this could be a 2022 BMW M8 CSL mule, but a source within BMW has downplayed the idea, suggesting to CarAdvice the vehicle could be a safety car prototype.

2021 Mercedes-AMG GT price and specs: Night Edition joins range with more power, new equipment

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe Night Edition – the newest edition to the German performance brand’s GT range – is now available for order in Australia, priced from $294,200 before on-road costs. The two-door sports car gains a 40kW power boost over the regular Mercedes-AMG GT (which hasn’t been sold locally since 2019), alongside new standard equipment and aesthetic upgrades.

2021 Genesis GV70 price and specs – UPDATE

UPDATE, 20 May 2021: Genesis Australia has announced pricing for the new GV70, ahead of its local showroom arrival in July 2021. Prices range from $66,400 before on-road costs for the entry-level, rear-drive 2.5T, up to $83,400 before on-road costs for the flagship 3.5T AWD Sport.

2021 Formula One Monaco Grand Prix: Race preview

This week we see Formula One return to Monaco for the first time since 2019. The principality hosts the most glamorous round on the calendar, however COVID-19 restrictions may see a different vibe around the circuit this year. This won't stop people watching though as it's known to be one of the most viewed races of the season – and it all kicks off tonight at 7:30pm AEST.

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning: Electric pick-up revealed with 483km range, 420kW

The US’s best-selling vehicle has gone electric: meet the 2021 Ford F-150 Lightning. Reviving a name last applied to the supercharged V8-powered SVT Lightning of the 1990s and 2000s, the F-150 Lightning will go on sale in the US next year as Ford's rival to the Tesla Cybertruck, Rivian R1T and upcoming Chevrolet Silverado EV. Don’t hold your breath for an Australian launch though, as a factory right-hand-drive conversion program for the F-150 has previously been ruled out.

Volkswagen ID.X electric hot hatch concept shown off by CEO

A new Volkswagen hot-hatch concept known as the ID.X has been shown off by CEO Ralf Brandstaetter on his private LinkedIn page. Based on the German manufacturer’s all-electric ID.3 model, the sporty EV reportedly delivers 245kW to all four wheels via dual motors.

Video: Kia Sorento the 2021 Drive Car of the Year Overall Winner

The Drive Car of the Year 2021 - Kia Sorento 00:00 Introduction01:38 Testing process03:11 Judging criteria04:10 The finalists05:25 The winner In terms of a vehicle that meets the fundamental criteria of moving things forward for Australian new car buyers, it is no surprise the new Kia Sorento received a unanimous first place from the judges in the 2021 Drive Car of the Year awards. Read the full comparison at Drive.com.au

New-car buyers are getting used to paying top dollar and waiting months amid semiconductor shortage – report

After almost three decades of record-low new-car prices, buyers are slowly coming to terms with paying top dollar and waiting weeks or months to take delivery of their new vehicle due to stock shortages and delays caused by the global semiconductor crisis. A study by a US automotive industry analyst firm claims new-car buyers struggled with the long lead times at first, but are slowly getting used to paying full retail prices and dealing with limited vehicle supply.

Driver busted in the back seat of a Tesla is up to his old tricks after leaving jail

A Tesla driver in California – who was arrested twice in the space of four weeks for ‘driving’ on a freeway while sitting in the back seat of his car as it was operating in autonomous mode – is up to his old tricks. A day after he was arrested, 25-year-old Param Sharma allegedly bought another Tesla Model 3 – because his earlier one had been impounded – and uploaded video of himself performing the same daring stunt on public roads.

2022 Toyota Tundra pick-up teased, is it one step closer to Australia?

The 2022 Toyota Tundra pick-up has been previewed with a shadowy teaser image (above) out of the US ahead of an official unveiling later this month. While details remain scarce and are yet to be confirmed by Toyota, the next-generation Tundra is understood to share its DNA and much of its architecture with the upcoming 2022 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series.

Smart teases 2023 electric SUV

Daimler and Geely-owned small car specialist Smart has released sketches of an upcoming all-electric compact SUV, which it says will be introduced for the European market by the end of 2023. The yet-to-be-named model – slated for reveal in concept form at the Munich motor show in September this year – will be underpinned by Geely’s all-new SEA dedicated electric architecture.

Opel Manta GSe ElektroMod: 1970s coupe restored with electric power and a manual gearbox

The Opel Manta GSe ElektroMod has been revealed, as a modern electrified reimagining on the German brand's 1970s-era sports car. Built to celebrate the Manta's 50th anniversary, the Opel Manta GSe ElektroMod follows the recently-revealed Hyundai Pony Heritage Series as the latest in a line of electric 'restomods', dropping modern electric powertrains into restored classic cars.

2021 Toyota 86 GTS Dynamic Performance Pack review

There’s no understating just how much impact the Toyota 86 has had on Toyota’s wider brand identity. Before it, Toyota hadn’t properly touched the sports car space since the seventh-generation Celica, which itself was nothing spectacular. In the years following, Toyota earned itself an interim reputation for producing only boring commuter products.

2022 Mercedes-AMG SL to debut new aluminium architecture

The upcoming 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL – the new name for Mercedes-Benz's iconic luxury roadster – will feature an all-new composite aluminium chassis developed with performance in mind.

2022 GMC Hummer EV will tip the scales at more than 4100kg – report

The upcoming all-electric 2022 GMC Hummer EV Edition 1 pick-up will tip the scales at a whopping 4.13 metric tonnes – or 4130kg – when it comes onto the US market in 2022, according to a new report from GMTrucks.com. For reference, the 2021 Ford Ranger dual-cab ute weighs considerably less than half that at ‘just’ 1866kg, while the Hummer H3 – which became an icon of superfluous American excess when it launched in 2005 – weighs approximately 2100kg.

2021 Mercedes-Maybach S680 revealed with twin-turbo V12 power

The 2021 Mercedes-Maybach S680 has been unveiled. Following the demise of the Mercedes-AMG S65 with the previous-generation S-Class in recent years, the Maybach S680 serves as the only Mercedes model remaining with a V12 engine – and will likely be its last, as tightening emissions regulations see large-displacement engines phased out in favour of more efficient plug-in hybrids.

New Cars: 2021 New Car Calendar, the May update

The year 2020 was one that many would like to forget, and the automotive industry is no exception. Lockdowns and economic slowdowns brought on by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic translated exactly as you'd expect for Australia's new-car sales, with a staggering 48.5 per cent sales decline in April, contributing to an overall market down 13.7 per cent by the end of the year.

2022 Tesla Model S Plaid+ spied at Laguna Seca with retractable rear wing and active aerodynamics

The upcoming Tesla Model S Plaid+ will feature a retractable rear wing and active aerodynamics, newly-released footage taken at the Laguna Seca raceway in California suggests. The high-performance electric sedan – which Elon Musk claims will be the world’s quickest production car when it launches early next year – can be seen raising a (presumably) hydraulic spoiler to an almost-vertical angle under deceleration, effectively acting as an air brake.

Lamborghini joins the combustion exodus: Hybrid only by 2025, with first electric vehicle due by 2030

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW The drip of manufacturers committing themselves to an electrified future is about to become a torrent, and it seemingly doesn’t matter what level of the car industry they operate at.

Honda E electric hatch arrives in Australia through independent importer

The first Honda E electric car has arrived in Australia – but don't expect to see it in Honda showrooms any time soon. Imported by independent firm OZM Auto Group – which specialises in importing Japanese-market sports cars and people movers – the top-of-the-range, grey car pictured is the first example of Honda's pint-sized electric E hatch to reach Australia, through the limited-time Special Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme (SEVS).

2022 Mitsubishi Outlander caught on camera in Australia, due in showrooms October 2021

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander has been caught on camera testing on local roads, months before it is due in Australian showrooms. The first all-new Mitsubishi Outlander in nine years is in the final stages of validation and development testing. A camouflaged version of the new Outlander was photographed by an eagle-eyed reader in inner-city Melbourne earlier this week. MORE: 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander revealed, Australian timing confirmed

2021 Toyota HiAce V6 petrol to be axed

The Toyota HiAce van range is about to lose the powerful V6 petrol option barely two years after going on sale. The new-generation Toyota HiAce was introduced in 2019; the latest semi-bonneted design was the first complete overhaul of the iconic van in 15 years.

2021 Peugeot 3008 GT Sport review

French SUVs are seemingly not in vogue when they should well be. Sales data supports this, too, as Peugeot has sold just 173 examples of its medium SUV to the end of April 2021. It must be a brand-awareness issue, as we're about to discover how much of an undiscovered gem its new facelifted 2021 Peugeot 3008 GT Sport is.

Project Cars: 1994 Peugeot 405 Mi16 Phase II

After getting it safely to Melbourne, one of the main things separating my 1994 Peugeot 405 Mi16 from say, a roadworthy one, was tyres. While the tread wear on the car seemed good, they were mismatched brands (Michelin on the front and Toyo down back) and had varying maturity as noted by the DOT code stamped on the sidewall.

Lexus to launch plug-in hybrid later this year, first dedicated all-electric model in 2022

Toyota’s luxury marque Lexus has confirmed it will launch a plug-in hybrid model later this year, followed by its first ground-up all-electric car in 2022. Further, the brand has committed to launching “more than 10” new electrified models by 2025, set to join the nine variants already on offer worldwide.

2021 Ram 1500 DT price and specs: Mild-hybrid pick-up arrives

The 2021 Ram 1500 DT pick-up has finally launched in Australia after months of delays. Priced between $114,950 plus on-road costs and $139,950 plus on-road costs, Ram offers the new 1500 DT series in two variants: the Laramie and the Limited. The new-generation Ram DT pick-up will be sold alongside the DS series, also known as the 'Classic' model, which has been on sale in Australia since 2013.

Ford patents in-car advertising, safety expert warns against the tech

Ford has filed a patent for new in-car software that would deliver 'pop-up' advertising on in-car infotainment systems, official documents reveal. Dubbed 'billboard interface' by Ford, the patent filing – which was lodged in 2016 but only became public earlier this month – says the technology would be capable of "obtaining, via a camera, an image of a billboard and identifying, via a processor, a segment of that image."

2021 Mitsubishi Triton prices rise for the third time in eight months

The 2021 Mitsubishi Triton has received a fresh round of price rises in the lead-up to the end of the financial year on June 30 and the biggest month for sales of utes and vans. The third price rise for the Mitsubishi Triton in eight months amounts to increases of between $250 and $450 in most cases. A confidential Mitsubishi dealer bulletin shows 13 of the 22 models have drive-away pricing deals, and only some variants have received equipment changes.

Automotive industry welcomes cleaner petrol, paves the way for fuel miser cars

Fuel-miser motorists will soon get broader access to the latest petrol engine technology – as world-class premium unleaded is set to become the new normal – after the Federal Government pledged a $2 billion support package to prop up Australia’s two remaining oil refineries, and helped bring forward long overdue upgrades to produce cleaner unleaded fuel.

Video: 2021 Volkswagen Amarok W580S First Drive

We test the 2021 VW Amarok W580S. Volkswagen Amarok TDV6 gets the special vehicles treatment.

2019 Ford Focus recalled with wiring fault that could cause the car to conk out

Ford Australia has recalled 342 examples of its 2019 Focus, citing a potential wiring fault which could cause the car to conk out without warning. The affected vehicles were manufactured between 28 September 2018 and 16 May 2019 (Model Year 2019).

2021 Mercedes-Benz A250 4Matic review

It's been almost three years since the current-generation Mercedes-Benz A-Class went on sale in Australia. Since then, a new BMW 1 Series has arrived, and a new Audi A3 is just around the corner, which means a midlife update for the A-Class range can't be too far off. The example tested here is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A250 4Matic (Mercedes-speak for all-wheel drive), which is priced from $58,500 plus on-road costs.

2022 Lexus ES: Australian details revealed, here in August

The updated 2022 Lexus ES sedan will be available with a more affordable petrol engine option when it arrives in Australia in August 2021 – though prices have yet to be announced. This 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine – known as the ES 250 – sends 152kW and 243Nm to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Kia Australia recalls Sportage SUV and Stinger sedan for fire risk, 57,851 vehicles affected

Kia Australia has recalled 57,851 vehicles in Australia because they could catch fire even when the engine is switched off. The recall comprises 56,203 examples of the Kia Sportage mid-size family SUV, and 1648 examples of the Kia Stinger sedan, which pose a potential fire risk due to an electronic fault under the bonnet.

2022 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series to launch this month

The 2022 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series will launch at the end of May 2021, internal documents have revealed. While the exact date has not been confirmed, Toyota will officially unveil the new LandCruiser within the next fortnight, when the company's internal embargo will lift. The secret Toyota documents published to Instagram stated: "Due to Global Embargo, design images are not available until end of May 2021."

Electric cars to become cheaper than petrol and diesel cars by 2027 – report

Electric vehicles are expected to become cheaper to produce than conventional fossil fuel-powered cars by 2027, new research has found. Price parity between electric and petrol/diesel cars is one of the major hurdles towards wider electric vehicle (EV) adoption and it looks likely to come sooner than expected, at least for Europeans.

2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe previewed: New coupe to retain rear-wheel-drive bias, small kidney grilles

The upcoming 2022 BMW 2 Series Coupe has been previewed in a series of camouflaged photos overnight, ahead of a full reveal rumoured for July 2021. BMW claims its second-generation 2 Series two-door – set to enter production in August 2021 – "continues the tradition of the brand's particularly driver-oriented, compact and powerful two-door models", kicked off by the 2002 of the 1960s and 1970s.

2021 Haval H6 review

The 2021 Haval H6 SUV owes almost nothing to its predecessor, and whereas that last-generation car showed signs of moving close to some segment favourites, it still didn’t pose a significant threat to more popular models from Toyota, Mazda, Mitsubishi and the like.

Australia is on the brink of a historic petrol and diesel supply overhaul, here’s what you need to know

The Federal Government has pledged to prop up Australia's last two oil refineries – after two of the remaining four announced their closures in the past six months. We are now down to two oil refineries nationally – and one of those is under a cloud, with its future to be decided within days or weeks. Australia has been running on fumes for the past five years with just four oil refineries in operation since 2015. Between 2003 and 2015 there were seven oil refineries nationally.

These are the small SUVs you can buy right now

The automotive world is currently plagued with supply issues causing a great number of new cars to be in short stock. But if you need to take delivery if a new small SUV right now, there are a select few models in good supply in the lead up to the end of the financial year.

2021 Nissan Navara PRO-4X review

Nissan has bolstered its Navara range with the new PRO-4X model, which will slot in at the top of the range. Or at least for now, before the next generation of the Navara Warrior lands on Australian showroom floors. With more time spent fettling things like suspension, ground clearance and protection, the forthcoming Warrior will line up closer to something like a Ford Ranger Raptor.

Homologation Specials – Part Two: France

In part one, we focussed on motorsport-derived road cars from Japan. In part two, we cross both the Pacific and North Atlantic oceans to find ourselves in Europe. Specifically, the home of the World Motorsport Council headquarters – France. Indeed, the industry authority who creates the rules and regulations surrounding road-going race cars is based in wee Paris.

Video: 2021 Toyota Mirai FCEV review

Meet the 2021 Toyota Mirai FCEV, an electric vehicle that takes its power not from a wall socket, but rather generates it on board using a hydrogen fuel cell. The technology itself may be unfamiliar to most motorists, but for Toyota this is its second ‘production’ hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle. It’s available alongside similar vehicles like the Honda Clarity in overseas markets and the Hyundai Nexo, which has entered a pilot program in Australia.

Electric Caterham Seven to launch in 2023 – report

Sports car manufacturer Caterham will launch an all-electric reinterpretation of its iconic ‘Seven’ model in 2023, according to a new report from Autocar. The brand’s CEO Graham Macdonald – who has already driven a prototype of the vehicle – told the outlet: “It’s very much like a go-kart: it’s two-pedal, you’ve got rapid acceleration and it’s a different product to drive – no less exciting, but exciting in a different way.”

Video: 2024 GMC Hummer EV SUV shown rock crawling and ‘crab walking’

The upcoming 2024 Hummer EV SUV has been shown crawling over rocks, sliding on dirt, and performing its signature four-wheel steering ‘crab walk’ in a new video published by manufacturer GMC.

British company offers pre-rusted car trim pieces

Most car owners go out of their way to keep their car from rusting, but Heritage Customs, an offshoot of British design house Neils van Roij Design, is offering pre-rusted exterior panels for cars like the 2021 Land Rover Defender. Stylised as part of the brand’s hand-built 2021 Land Rover Defender Valiance bespoke remake, the corroded panels are described as real rust and are previewed on the side vents and diamond-plate bonnet inserts.

Volkswagen Transporter Achtung Camper 'Nature Lover' review

Achtung Camper is a small mob based out of Geelong, Victoria, that convert VW products into camper vans. Founded by couple Ronny Probandt and Tania Differding, the pair established their love for vehicular-based camping (and each other) back in 2004, just after Ronny arrived from Germany. Their original van was nothing more than an old-school Toyota Tarago complete with an esky filled with ice.

Around the tracks: A senator gets busted zooming and driving, a Ford Fiesta gets a pretty cool makeover

When we’re not creating it ourselves, the CarAdvice team spends a lot of time finding and consuming motoring content from all over the world. Here’s a handful of the photos, articles, videos or social media posts that most caught our eye last week. Some of them are brand new, others have been online for a while. Enjoy them – just not too much, okay? He tried his best to conceal it but virtual backgrounds don't always work perfectly, especially when you're on the move.

2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS goes into production at Germany's Factory 56

The upcoming 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS – which is effectively an all-electric alternative to the standard S-Class luxury sedan – has entered production at the brand’s high-tech Factory 56 in Sindelfingen, Germany. Parent company Daimler claims the €2.1 billion (AU$3.3B) 220,000 square metre site – which began building the S-Class late last year – is "100 per cent carbon neutral," thanks to a large collection of solar panels and 1400kWh energy storage systems.

1980 Lancia Rally 037 prototype to be auctioned

The very first Lancia Rally 037 to be built is going across the auction block next month. The Lancia 037 is one of the most iconic rally cars ever produced, being the first vehicle to win the World Rally Championship under the new Group B rules in 1983 – and the last two-wheel-drive vehicle to win the WRC manufacturers' title.

2021 Lexus RC300 F Sport review: Elegance and expectations

It's hard to remember the last car I drove that attracted as much attention as this 2021 Lexus RC300 F Sport. The thing about the RC300 is it looks quite a bit more expensive than the $75,736 price tag (plus on-road costs) you'll need in order to secure one from your local Lexus dealership – particularly since its facelift a few years back. It's an admirable trait considering the vehicle was first unveiled in 2013.

2021 Kia Cerato price and specs: 2.0-litre models on sale now, GT due in June

Initial pricing and specifications for the 2021 Kia Cerato have been confirmed, ahead of its Australian launch commencing in the coming days. Kia's updated small hatch and sedan – which brings revised exterior styling, new technologies, and the brand's new logo – will launch locally first in a choice of three 2.0-litre variants (S, Sport and Sport+), priced from $25,990 drive-away, with the first Cerato models to reach dealers in the coming days.

2021 Haval Jolion price and specs: Full range in showrooms by end of June

Australian details of the full 2021 Haval Jolion range have been confirmed, with the first examples on sale now. Following an initial run of 200-300 Jolion LE models, the first Lux and Ultra variants in a three-strong, non-limited-production Jolion line-up have begun arriving in Haval showrooms, with the newly-added entry-level Premium set to arrive in late June.

NSW State Emergency Service launches fleet renewal program in the lead-up to national volunteer week

The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) has launched the latest round of its multimillion-dollar fleet renewal program to better prepare rescue volunteers for floods, fires and other disasters. The first of seven “heavy rescue” trucks – worth approximately $500,000 once it has been kitted out – was delivered to an SES unit in the NSW Southern Highlands today.

2022 BMW X3 facelift leaks again ahead of unveiling

The facelifted 2022 BMW X3 has leaked online, ahead of its official unveiling next month. BMW had planned to reveal the updated X3 in June 2021, but Spanish website Cochespias has uncovered the new-look SUV, with images appearing to come from inside BMW's Chinese manufacturing partner via local website Sina. The images come less than a fortnight after BMW Spain accidentally published an official photograph of the X3 facelift – known in BMW parlance as 'LCI'.

Aston Martin to phase out manual transmissions by the end of 2021, CEO confirms

Aston Martin will phase out all manual transmissions by the end of 2021, CEO Tobias Moers confirmed to Australian journalists in an exclusive interview last month. The British marque retained the three-pedal layout for its new-generation Vantage in 2018 (shown at bottom), and subsequently vowed to be the “last manufacturer in the world to offer manual sports cars”.

The 2021 Driver's Car of the Year

Forget ISOFIX points, boot volumes and soft-touch plastics, as we're about to focus on one thing, and one thing only... fun! This is the Drive 2021 BP Ultimate Driver's Car of the Year In a world where there is daily discussion about technology that lessens (or even removes) your involvement from piloting a car, you could be forgiven for thinking that the role of the driver is becoming less and less relevant to actually driving. However, while you would be forgiven, you’d also be wrong.

2021 Mitsubishi Pajero Final Edition details revealed

The final edition of the 2021 Mitsubishi Pajero is due in showrooms within weeks after production ended following a 39-year run. Australia has been allocated a final batch of 800 examples of the 2021 Mitsubishi Pajero seven-seat four-wheel-drive, all of which will be badged Final Edition.

Project Cars: 1988 Lada Niva - Update

As I am on the quest to loosely restore my 1988 Lada Niva to ‘original’ condition, it was only a matter of time before I delved into the rich and bountiful world of accessory decals. I’m not sure when bright, abstract or just plain wacky ‘stickers’ became a thing in the car world, but if they had a peak, pre-Glasnost ‘80s was it.

Video: 2022 Hyundai Tucson Launch Review

The South Korean carmaker releases their latest SUV offering in the competitive medium-sized segment.

2021 Skoda Octavia 140TSI Limited Edition price and specs

The 2021 Skoda Octavia range will gain a new sub-RS flagship between July and September 2021: the 140TSI Limited Edition. Priced from $48,490 drive-away as a liftback or $49,990 drive-away as a wagon, the 140TSI Limited Edition is priced just $3000 below than Skoda's halo RS – though it combats a significant power deficit versus the Octavia range-topper with a host of additional standard features.

2021 Skoda Superb price and specs: 162TSI Style completes range from $52,990

Full Australian pricing and specifications for the 2021 Skoda Superb range have been confirmed, with the updated sedan and wagon on sale now. Four Superb variants are offered locally, across two engine choices and two body styles, covering 'standard' Style and sport-themed Sportline grades. The limited-edition 200TSI Scout variant is no longer available, as stocks of the model have sold out across Skoda showrooms nationwide.

2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter recalled with potential welding fault

Mercedes-Benz Australia has recalled five examples of its 2020 Sprinter van, citing a potential fault with B-pillar welding joints. The affected vehicles were sold between 13 October 2020 and 30 November 2020 (Model Year 2020). The recall notice, lodged with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), says: “As part of the production process, the B-pillar that joins the floor panel structure may not be welded correctly.”

2021 Peugeot 5008 GT petrol review

Peugeot has recently updated both of its medium SUVs in Australia – the 3008 and 5008. Today, we're focussing on its larger, seven-seat 5008 in GT petrol guise. Interestingly, the 5008 represents just over 20 per cent of all medium-sized Peugeot SUVs sold in Australia. In other words, for every three to four people that pick a 3008, one decides to opt for the seven-seat version.

Hyundai Nexo hydrogen car sets distance record from Melbourne to Broken Hill, comes back on a trailer

A Hyundai Nexo hydrogen car has driven from Melbourne to Broken Hill – emitting only water vapour from its tailpipe – to set an unofficial long distance record. The total distance travelled was 887.5km – according to the car’s odometer – which eclipsed the previous hydrogen car driving distance record of 778km set in 2019 by French aeronaut Bertrand Piccard, also at the wheel of a Hyundai Nexo. In both cases the vehicles eclipsed the Hyundai Nexo's claimed maximum driving range of 666km.

Stellantis won’t cull brand line-up until at least 2031, according to CEO

Stellantis – an Amsterdam-based conglomerate comprising the 14 former FCA and PSA marques – has given its subsidiaries 10 years each to prove viability, according to CEO Carlos Tavares. This is despite persistent rumours Chrysler, Lancia, and Vauxhall (among others) could be set for the chopping block as part of a wider plan to reduce operating costs and streamline marketing.

Mitsubishi to revive dormant 'Ralliart' nameplate, performance-focused Triton likely as first model

Mitsubishi Motors has confirmed plans to relaunch its Ralliart sub-brand, and the Triton dual-cab ute looks likely be its first model. The Japanese manufacturer announced the move as part of its 2020 end of financial year results presentation. This was accompanied by a render of a Triton wearing red mudguards, grille highlights, and decals (shown above).

Tesla Model 3 owner busted for the second time ‘driving’ while sitting in the back seat

A Tesla driver in California has been arrested for the second time in a month after allegedly ‘driving’ on a freeway while sitting in the back seat as the vehicle was operating in autonomous mode. And a day after the incident, Tesla remains conspicuously silent about any possible “over the air” remedial upgrades it might install in its cars to prevent drivers from taking such risks in future.

Five-door Suzuki Jimny ‘Long’ due in 2022 with turbo power, sub-$35,000 price – report

The hotly-anticipated Suzuki Jimny five-door will arrive in 2022, according to new reports out of Japan, bringing more power and practicality to the popular baby off-roader. Japan’s MOTA claims the five-door Jimny will wear the ‘Long’ moniker, with a debut slated for sometime in 2022 – intended to allow Suzuki's resources to be devoted to responding to booming new-car sales demand, and to solve ongoing global supply issues (including the semiconductor shortage).

Ford Ranger to replace Holden Colorado on Victoria Police general duties fleet

The Ford Ranger has earned its police stripes in Victoria and will replace the current fleet of Holden Colorado utes – at a rate of 200 vehicles per year, as each example comes up for retirement. A third-party supplier has developed a new prisoner module to be fitted to the back of two-door space cab and four-door crew cab vehicles, and Ford says it has tested the new set-up at its engineering centre near Geelong.

Gordon Murray Automotive plotting lightweight electric SUV for 2023 launch

Legendary automotive designer Gordon Murray – best known as the brains behind the McLaren F1 supercar of the 1990s – is currently working on a small lightweight electric SUV, the Briton has revealed to Forbes.

Renault Sport officially dissolved, replaced by all-electric Alpine

French manufacturer Renault has officially dissolved its famed performance division, opting to replace the Renault Sport moniker with soon-to-be-all-electric subsidiary Alpine.

2021 Hyundai Kona Active 2.0 review

The Hyundai Kona city SUV received a midlife update earlier this year, after this generation went on sale locally in 2017. It may not quite be a household name yet, but since the update arrived in February 2021, the Hyundai Kona has become the second-best-selling model in the category behind the Mitsubishi ASX. The Hyundai Kona has always been among the top four sellers in a class that includes close to two-dozen choices. But it now has a new lease on life.

2021 Genesis G70 Shooting Brake officially revealed, Australian launch by October

The 2021 Genesis G70 Shooting Brake has been officially unveiled, ahead of its Australian launch in the third quarter of 2021 (July to September inclusive). Teased earlier this week, the G70 Shooting Brake has been "designed with European customers in mind", as Genesis' rival to the BMW 3 Series Touring, Mercedes-Benz C-Class wagon and Audi A4 Avant.

Land Rover Defender-inspired Ineos Grenadier delayed, as off-road testing continues

Development delays related to the global COVID-19 pandemic has pushed back the development and subsequent release of the Land Rover Defender-inspired 2021 Ineos Grenadier, as engineers continue their global testing programme of the all-new off-roader. Newly-released images from the newly-minted Ineos vehicle manufacturer give us our best idea yet of what a production-ready Grenadier will look like, as it runs through its next phase of validation and testing.

Government scrambles to maintain Australia's fuel security in Federal Budget

The Australian Government is pushing to keep the country's remaining two oil refineries open, using the Federal Budget to announce payments to help maintain Australia's current level of fuel security. The number of Australian oil refineries has halved in the past seven months, putting increasing pressure on the country's limited storage capacity.

2021 Isuzu MU-X caught on camera on Sydney streets, Australian arrival just months away

The 2021 Isuzu MU-X is a step closer to Australian showrooms, after an example was caught on camera while filming a television commercial late at night in the Sydney CBD. An eagle-eyed reader sent the photos to CarAdvice after spotting the 2021 Isuzu MU-X being filmed by a crew in a matte black Mercedes SUV which was armed with camera equipment. A highway patrol vehicle was also part of the convoy to help control traffic during filming.

2021 Alpina B8 Gran Coupe price and specs: 457kW four-door undercuts BMW M8 Competition on price

Australian buyers interested in the 2021 BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe will have a new option to consider come July 2021: the 2021 Alpina B8 Gran Coupe.

2021 MG HS Essence X AWD review

Anyone thinking that MG is going to slow down with its aggressive push into the Australian market need only look at the recent bolstering of the HS range, to clarify that no such thing looks like occurring. A closer look here at the 2021 MG HS Essence X then, adds AWD to an already popular medium SUV.

Federal Budget good news for new-car buyers and tradies: Here's what you need to know

Tradies and small businesses waiting for cars delayed by severe stock shortages have been given more time to take delivery of their new vehicles after the Federal Government announced another extension of the instant asset tax write-off scheme. The scheme enables eligible tradies and businesses – with a turnover of less than $5 billion – to claim as an expense big ticket items, such as work vehicles, in one financial year rather than over the usual five years.

Hybrid Toyota Fortuner due in 2022 with diesel power – report

The 2022 Toyota Fortuner off-road SUV could gain a diesel-powered hybrid option in 2022, according to new reports out of Asia. The Philippines-based Autoindustriya reports Toyota is readying a hybrid powertrain based around its 'GD' turbo-diesel engine family – as used in 2.4-litre '2GD-FTV' and 2.8-litre '1GD-FTV' forms in various Toyota vehicles in Australia – with the Fortuner SUV said to be the first model to benefit from the system, in the second quarter of 2022 (April to June inclusive).

2022 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace facelift revealed, Australian launch due early 2022

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace has been officially unveiled, ahead of its Australian launch in the first quarter of 2022 (January to March inclusive). Mirroring changes to its five-seat sibling, the facelifted Tiguan Allspace gains an updated look, a tweaked cabin design, new driver assistance features and revisions to the seven-seat Volkswagen SUV's engine line-up

“Redesigned” Aston Martin Valhalla swaps out bespoke V6 for Mercedes-AMG hybrid V8, CEO reveals

The Aston Martin Valhalla will ditch its promised V6 bespoke powertrain in favour of a hybrid V8 from Mercedes-AMG, CEO Tobias Moers revealed to Australian journalists in an exclusive interview last month.

Cars You Didn’t Know You Want: Tatra 603

If you were a high-ranking Czechoslovakian party official or an industrialist during the communist era, chances are, that between the years 1956-74, you were ferried around in a Tatra 603. A rear-engined, rear-wheel drive large sedan, the Tatra 603 was reserved exclusively for those senior political figures and heads of industry. And it has an interesting story.

Video: 2021 Drive Car of the Year Bloopers!

From the weather to the sheer volume of cars, the 2021 Drive Car of the Year testing program gave the team plenty of challenges! Here is our gag reel from a long week of testing - proof that not everything goes to plan!

Subaru Solterra: Brand's first electric vehicle not coming to Australia

Subaru has teased its first mass-production electric vehicle, the 2022 Subaru Solterra – but it won't be coming to Australia for the immediate future. Given its official name overnight, the Solterra will launch in Japan, the US, Canada, Europe and China in the first half of 2022 – but Australia won't represent one of those launch markets, with Subaru's local arm citing a lack of a production slot for our market.

Fully-electric Porsche 718 Boxster concept in the works – report

An all-electric Porsche Boxster concept is set to preview the future of the sports car, company insiders have revealed. According to Car and Driver, news of the 718 Boxster electric vehicle (EV) concept has come directly from Porsche executive board member for development, Michael Steiner. The battery-powered Boxster is expected to preview a future production version of the convertible, as well as its coupe sibling, the Cayman.

BMW and Daimler partner with BP to grow electrification efforts

Digital Charging Solutions GmbH – a public charging infrastructure company owned by BMW Group and Daimler Mobility – has agreed to partner with oil industry giant BP to grow its network of charging stations. The agreement will see BP hold a 33.3 per cent stake in Digital Charging Solutions alongside the two German prestige marques. Digital Charging Solutions currently operates public charging services for Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Mini via a network of 228,000 charging stations in 32 countries.

New Cars: 2021 New Car Calendar, the May update

The year 2020 was one that many would like to forget, and the automotive industry is no exception. Lockdowns and economic slowdowns brought on by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic translated exactly as you'd expect for Australia's new-car sales, with a staggering 48.5 per cent sales decline in April, contributing to an overall market down 13.7 per cent by the end of the year.

Legal dispute between Jeep and Mahindra heats up in Australia

EXCLUSIVE The global battle between US car giant Jeep and Indian manufacturer Mahindra over a four-wheel-drive with an uncanny likeness to the iconic Jeep Wrangler has moved to Australia. At a case management hearing in the Federal Court of Australia today, legal representatives for Jeep and Mahindra went head-to-head to dispute the terms of an agreement which would effectively ban the Mahindra Thar – a Jeep Wrangler look-a-like – from being marketed and sold in Australia.

GM foils plans: Kia trademarks new names for electric line-up in US and Australia

Kia may have decided on a new nomenclature for its electric vehicle range in the US. According to Korean automotive site Bobaedream (via The Korean Car Blog), the names IK1 to IK9 were trademarked by Kia in the US earlier this week, with the general expectation among online circles that the car maker could be rebadging its electric vehicles (EVs) for that market.

2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 buyers to get free servicing and a track day in lieu of missing equipment

Australian buyers of the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 will receive three years free servicing and an exclusive track day experience in lieu of equipment that was advertised for – but missing from – the special edition cars. The make-good measures are estimated by CarAdvice to cost Ford Australia in excess of $1 million.

2021 Lexus IS300 Luxury review

The 2021 Lexus IS300 Luxury is your entry ticket into the IS300 range. A luxury, mid-sized sedan, the current model is an in-depth refresh of a nameplate that's been around for quite some time, and let's be honest, it was due for a revamp.

All-electric 2023 Porsche Macan commences testing

A fully-electric 2023 Porsche Macan SUV is undergoing testing in Germany, the company has revealed. Porsche released images of the battery-powered Macan being driven at its development facility in Weissach, Germany, which will share its underpinnings with the Audi Q6 E-Tron, due in late 2022. The company also showed how it's using digital simulations to help test aerodynamics, energy efficiency, sound, and user operation.

Electric Ford F-150 to revive Lightning name – UPDATE: Confirmed for May 20 reveal

UPDATE, 11 May 2021: Ford has officially confirmed the electric F-150 will wear the Lightning name, with a global reveal set for 20 May 2021, at 11:30am AEST. In a statement, Ford president and CEO Jim Farley said: "Every so often, a new vehicle comes along that disrupts the status quo and changes the game … Model T, Mustang, Prius, Model 3. Now comes the F-150 Lightning,"

Mercedes-Benz Concept EQT: Electric people mover concept previews future production model

The Mercedes-Benz Concept EQT has been officially revealed, ahead of a production model’s European launch in the coming years. Twin under the skin to the new-generation Renault Kangoo, the eventual production EQT will be an all-electric version of Mercedes-Benz’s new T-Class van-based people mover, itself a passenger version of the next-generation Citan van not sold in Australia.

2022 Volkswagen Polo GTI facelift teased ahead of June 2021 reveal, Australian launch due by mid-2022

The facelifted 2022 Volkswagen Polo GTI has been teased for the first time, ahead of its full debut at the end of June 2021, and Australian launch in the second quarter of 2022 (April to June inclusive). A sole teaser image released by Volkswagen overnight confirms the Polo GTI will benefit from similar styling updates to those applied to the standard Polo late in April, headlined by a new front end with reshaped headlights and a full-width LED daytime-running light bar.

New Skoda Fabia wagon confirmed for 2023, Australian arm keen

The new-generation Skoda Fabia will gain a wagon body style in the coming years – and the brand's Australian arm is interested in the model. Skoda's global operations have confirmed a fourth-generation Fabia wagon is in development, however it won't arrive until 2023 at the earliest – two years after the launch of its hatchback twin, unveiled earlier this month, and due in Australia early next year.

Lotus Elise could be revived by third-party manufacturer, says company boss

British sports car brand Lotus is open to selling the rights to its Elise sports car to a third-party manufacturer when the iconic model goes out of production by the end of this year, according to a new report from Automotive News Europe. Speaking to the outlet late last week, company managing director Matt Windle said: “If the right project and the right partner came along, I do not see why [we wouldn’t sell off the tooling for the Elise] – It's a wonderful car.”

2021 Kia Cerato GT sedan review: Runout wrap

Kia manufactures one of the few warmed-up sedans that can actually put its money where its mouth is. You see, while some rivals are all too happy to slap a couple of N badges or stick an assuming ST logo on the body, Kia respectably goes the extra mile with the 2021 Cerato GT and ups the power stakes to go with the extra sporty body kit.

1971 Ford Falcon GTHO Phase III register almost sold out

A book that lists every 1971 Ford Falcon GTHO Phase III ever built – and confirms their bonafides and traces their whereabouts to the modern day – is about to sell out again, even after a final “Blue Edition” was added. The 1971 Ford Falcon GTHO Phase III Register is up to its fourth and final “Blue Edition” after the first three editions – Gold, Black and QC editions – sold out within a few hours of going on sale online last month.

2022 Ford Ranger Raptor to get twin turbo V6 petrol in the US, Australia could get turbo diesel V6

There has been further speculation the 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor will be powered by a twin turbo petrol V6 borrowed from the high-performance Ford Explorer ST and paired to a 10-speed auto. The latest report comes via enthusiast website Ford Authority, which claims to have based the information on sources familiar with the next-generation Ford Ranger. However, it remains unclear if the twin turbo petrol V6 engine is for the US market only, which favours petrol over diesel for compact pick-ups.

Electric vehicle sales on track to overtake last year's total by June

Sales of electric vehicles in Australia are on track to eclipse 2020 figures by the middle of this year, according to latest data from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI). A total of 1255 electric vehicles have been reported as sold to the end of April, a 128.4 per cent increase over the same period last year. If the current trajectory of growth is maintained, Australians will have bought more EVs by the end of June than they did in all of 2020.

2021 Genesis G70 Shooting Brake wagon confirmed for Australia, here by October

The 2021 Genesis G70 Shooting Brake will reach Australian showrooms by October 2021, as the brand's rival to the BMW 3 Series Touring and Mercedes-Benz C-Class wagon. Genesis Australia confirmed to CarAdvice the G70 Shooting Brake wagon will launch in Australia in the third quarter of 2021 (July to September inclusive), with local pricing and specifications to be confirmed closer to launch.

2021 Formula One Spanish Grand Prix: Round four wrap

Lewis Hamilton scored his 98th F1 career victory overnight at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. The win was his sixth at the famous circuit – another record he now shares with Michael Schumacher. While Max Verstappen had his elbows out from turn one getting the jump on Lewis for the lead, it was the smart play by Mercedes and their two-stop strategy which bagged them the win.

Toyota HiLux and Toyota Hiace gripped by severe stock shortages heading into June

Australia’s top-selling ute and van – the Toyota HiLux and Toyota Hiace – are facing severe stock shortages in the lead-up to the biggest month of the year for commercial vehicle sales. The month of June is a boom time for ute and van sales as businesses – big and small – take advantage of end of financial year deals. However, Australia’s top-selling ute and van have been hit by severe stock shortages and dealers are now quoting delivery times of July – or longer – on vehicles ordered today.

2021 Hyundai Staria details emerge, Hyundai iLoad van almost sold out

Hyundai dealers could soon be faced with a black-out on delivery vans as stock of the runout iLoad sells faster than expected – and they have not been given an estimated arrival time for the new model, the spaceship-like Hyundai Staria. Remaining dealer stock of the Hyundai iLoad is being mopped up by businesses big and small in the lead up to the end of the financial year on June 30.

The inflated used car price bubble needs to burst

Like many of you, I get endless enjoyment from window-shopping used cars online. Whether it’s looking at prestigious international auction houses for my dream Ferrari F40 or searching online listings a little closer to home (and reality) for another old BMW, scanning through lists of classified ads with an imaginary briefcase full of cash is a great time-waster. But it’s becoming less and less fun.

Dr June McCarroll: The rebel doctor armed with a paintbrush who defined our roads

It’s the early days of the 20th century. The motor car is still a relatively new invention. Roads are rudimentary, despite sealed tar-paved roads first making an appearance in the Middle East in the 8th Century. Roads continued to evolve over the centuries, but it was the advent of the motor car that saw a rapid rise in development and construction. Sealing the surface became commonplace, once British engineer Edgar Purnell Hooley patented his idea for tarmac in 1901.

Video: Mini Cooper Electric - 100km/h range test

Do not adjust your set. We're back with the same Mini to conduct the same test – albeit in a slightly different way...

VFACTS April 2021: French car sales plummet to historic low, as Citroen shifts just three vehicles last month

Just 490 French cars were reported as sold during April 2021 in Australia – representing 0.53 per cent of total deliveries – according to the most recent figures from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI). Throughout the month Renault reported 298 vehicles as sold, Peugeot reported 189 vehicles as sold, and Citroen reported just three vehicles as sold.

2022 Hyundai Tucson hybrid and plug-in hybrid ruled out for Australia – for now

The 2022 Hyundai Tucson hybrid and plug-in hybrid won't come to Australia, the brand has confirmed – despite rapidly-growing sales of its closest rival, the strong-selling Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. A Hyundai Australia spokesperson told CarAdvice both the hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions of the new Tucson mid-size SUV won't be offered in Australia, thanks to European-only right-hand-drive production that would make them exceedingly expensive versus their rivals Down Under.

2021 LDV Deliver 9 11-seat bus review

I’m sure like many others out there, the Easter holidays for our family represent a chance to spend time with loved ones. And when the rellos are all dispersed a few hours on either side of Sydney, the Easter holidays also happen to include bulk hours behind the wheel. The vehicle of choice for Purcell Easter 2021 was none other than the 2021 LDV Deliver 9 11-seat van. And after adding approximately 1200km to the odometer of this LDV, I eventually gave it back with something of a heavy heart.

2021 Kia Stinger: 2.5-litre turbo engine ruled out for Australia

The 2021 Kia Stinger's new 2.5-litre turbo four-cylinder won't make its way to Australia, thanks to local buyers' thirst for six-cylinder power. Confirming what many already expected, the facelifted Stinger – introduced locally at the end of 2020 – will continue on with its choice of 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder or 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 until the end of its lifecycle, with the high-output 2.5-litre turbo four-cylinder available overseas off the table for Australia.

W Motors Lykan HyperSport stunt car from Fast & Furious 7 listed for sale

A W Motors Lykan HyperSport stunt car – built specifically for the 2015 film Fast & Furious 7 – is set to go under the hammer in the USA, with price expectations in excess of US$750,000 (AU$1,000,000). Just 10 examples of the Lebanese-designed supercar were made for the film, and all-but-one were reportedly destroyed during its production.

2019-2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter recalled with transmission software bug

Mercedes-Benz Australia has recalled 11 examples of its Sprinter van, citing a potential fault with the reversing lights. The affected vehicles were sold between 21 September 2018 and 4 January 2021 (Model Years 2019-2021). The recall notice, lodged with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), says: “The gear recognition function in the transmission may not function as intended in some vehicles.

2021 Mazda CX-8 Asaki LE AWD diesel review

Australians love SUVs. Fortunately, when it comes to shopping down the large-SUV aisle, consumers are spoiled for choice. It's a booming and ever-growing segment with brands constantly having to refresh their models to remain competitive.

2022 Mazda CX-5: Next-generation mid-size SUV spied for the first time

The next-generation 2022 Mazda CX-5 (or CX-50, as some rumours suggest it could be called) has been spied testing for the first time in the US. Images published exclusively by American outlet The Fast Lane Car show Mazda's new CX-5 mid-size SUV won't stray too far in the visual department from the current model, with 'conventional' SUV proportions, sharp rear haunch lines, and slim lighting units and grilles in line with the Japanese brand's wider range.

Retro futurism or caricature? These are Nissan's Pike factory cars.

Nissan's Japanese-exclusive Pike cars once made the New York Times. Legendary design critic, Phil Patton, known for his fascinating insights on everything from Air Jordan sneakers to tyre tread patterns, discussed Nissan's series with the world's most-famous masthead. He dubbed Nissan's retro take on automotive design, "the height of post-modernism".

Video: Interview with EVolution Conversions

Tucked away in a small industrial park in the Melbourne suburb of Clayton South is EVolution. A five-person team is working away at several top-secret automotive projects, unbeknownst to most of the country.

Ford's last-ever modern Falcon GT changes hands for a rumoured $1 million

EXCLUSIVE The last Falcon GT built by Ford Performance Vehicles has found a new home, with rumours suggesting the vehicle has sold privately for around $1 million. Ford auctioned the last 500 local build allocations of the FPV GT F back in 2014, raising nearly $400,000 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation at the time.

Around the Tracks: A drug-bust V8 Supercar is up for grabs, plus a cheeky Kia advertisement

When we’re not creating it ourselves, the CarAdvice team spends a lot of time finding and consuming motoring content from all over the world. Here’s a handful of the photos, articles, videos or social media posts that most caught our eye last week. Some of them are brand new, others have been online for a while. Enjoy them – just not too much, okay?

How a Geelong company is making the highest-revving V12 Ferrari road car even faster

Ferrari has named Australian brand Carbon Revolution a "technology partner" in the development of its latest pair of 'special series' supercars. Known as the 812 Competizione and Competizione A, the two most powerful road-going V12 Ferrari models ever are offered with 100 per cent carbon-fibre wheels manufactured by Carbon Revolution's facility in Geelong, Victoria.

2021 Formula One Spanish Grand Prix: Race preview

Formula One drivers arrived in Barcelona earlier this week for the Spanish Grand Prix. The fourth event and first back-to-back race for the season takes place at the famous Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Last week in Portugal it was Lewis Hamilton who reigned supreme, taking his 97th victory. He'll go into this race with an eight-point advantage in the championship.

2021 Mercedes-Benz EQA 350 4Matic: 215kW electric SUV in Australia by end of 2021

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz EQA range has been expanded with the addition of two new all-wheel-drive variants – EQA 300 4Matic and EQA 350 4Matic – offering more power, longer driving ranges, and all-paw traction. However, only the more potent EQA 350 4Matic will come to Australia – with a local launch set to occur by the end of 2021 – with Mercedes-Benz Australia electing to leave the EQA 300 to European buyers only for now.

LDV does double backflip on drive-away deal for T60 ute, will honour prices if it can get stock

Chinese car company LDV has removed then reinstated a discount offer on runout models of the LDV T60 ute after pressure from dealers who were faced with having to tell customers the price they signed up to was about to go up. However, customers who have already placed an order will only receive their LDV T60 utes at the discounted price if the factory can deliver them.

2015 Nissan Navara recalled with child restraint system fault

Nissan Australia has recalled 73 examples of its 2015 Navara, citing a potential fault with the dual-cab ute’s child restraint system (CRS). The affected vehicles were sold by Nissan between 13 May 2015 and 1 November 2017. The recall notice, lodged with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), says: “The child restraint system (CRS) top tethers may not be strong enough to keep a child seat securely fastened and may break during an accident.

2021 Toyota HiLux GR Sport coming in October – report

The 2021 Toyota HiLux could gain a sportier GR Sport variant later this year, according to overseas reports. Japanese publication Mag-X (via Creative311) claims a flagship GR Sport version of the best-selling HiLux will be introduced in Japan in October 2021, intended to "greatly improve" its off-road capabilities thanks to tuning from Toyota's Gazoo Racing performance division.

Video: 2021 Volkswagen Amarok W580S First Drive

We test the 2021 VW Amarok W580S. Volkswagen Amarok TDV6 gets the special vehicles treatment.

2022 Renault Megane E-Tech Electric small SUV teased

The 2022 Renault Megane E-Tech Electric has been previewed, ahead of its European market launch in the first half of 2022. Despite sharing its Megane name with today’s Renault small hatchback, sedan and wagon family, the new Megane E-Tech Electric will take the shape of a high-riding small SUV, powered solely by electricity – designed to be sold alongside its low-riding combustion relatives (albeit in name only).

2022 Hyundai Tucson review

There’s no doubt as to the importance of the medium SUV segment in the motoring landscape in Australia. Dominated by RAV4 and CX-5, the new 2022 Hyundai Tucson enters the fray with three model grades, three engines, three gearboxes, and either FWD or AWD. Strangely though, there’s no PHEV or hybrid variant available, despite the popularity of the hybrid drivetrain underneath the skin of the segment-leading RAV4.

2021 VW Amarok W580 review: First local test drive

The 2021 Volkswagen Amarok W580 – a joint project between Volkswagen Australia and the Walkinshaw Automotive Group, the former parent company of Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) – is starting to arrive in dealerships after more than a year in development. And now we’ve driven it. Regular models in the current Volkswagen Amarok line-up remain, but there are two new flagships: the W580 and W580S.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk to host Saturday Night Live program this weekend, despite backlash from cast and fans

Elon Musk – the controversial CEO of Tesla Motors – is scheduled to host long-running US comedy program Saturday Night Live this coming weekend. The role, which involves delivering an opening monologue and performing in sketches alongside the cast, has historically been filled by established comedians or musicians. Former hosts include Danny DeVito, Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Tom Hanks, Jonah Hill, Bill Murray, Paul Simon, and Justin Timberlake.

China on track to build more electric cars than the rest of the world combined – report

China is currently building more electric vehicle factories than the rest of the world combined, according to a new report from The New York Times. Furthermore, the country is now home to more than 80 individual brands building zero-emission cars. LMC Automotive – a high-profile industry analyst – claims by 2028 China will manufacture “more than” eight million electric cars per annum, despite the fact it only just eclipsed the one-million mark in 2020.

VinFast closing Port Melbourne design and engineering office, but former Holden test track safe, say industry insiders

VinFast, the little-known Vietnamese start-up car company that bought the iconic Holden test track and hired dozens of its former employees, is reportedly about to close one of its Australian operations – barely a year after being established locally.

Suzuki Jimny price hiked once again, brand attempts to bring down wait times

Pricing for the Suzuki Jimny has been bumped up once again, as its Japanese manufacturer looks to bring down wait times in Australia. Suzuki's baby off-roader now starts from $28,490 plus on-road costs for the entry-level manual variant, up from $25,990 last month. The more popular automatic meanwhile starts at $29,990 before on-road costs, up from $27,990 in April.

VFACTS: All-electric Porsche Taycan falls from first to third in category during April

The Porsche Taycan electric sedan – which two months ago topped sales charts outright in the ‘Large Car over $70,000’ category – dropped to third place during April 2021, behind the Mercedes-Benz E-Class (106) and BMW 5 Series (69). Just 48 examples of the zero-emission four-door were reported as sold, down from an impressive 161 the month prior.

Porsche increases prices for Boxster, Cayman, Cayenne, and 911

Porsche has increased prices across most of its Australian line-up by up to $8500. The changes apply to two-door sports cars, including the Boxster, Cayman, and flagship 911, as well as the Cayenne SUV. A total of 34 models from the Porsche range have gone up in cost. Prices for the Porsche Macan small SUV remain unchanged for now.

2021 Nissan Navara ST-X review

Fifth time's a charm for the 2021 Nissan Navara, which has just been at the receiving end of a major midlife facelift. And to see how good it is off-road, we’ve jumped behind the wheel of an ST-X and headed straight for the bush. Priced from $58,270 before on-road costs with an automatic transmission, our test vehicle has been kitted out with some factory accessories: bullbar, electric winch, fender flares, and an LED light bar are the most notable.

How the humble Falcon ute became a Ford Ranchero

We love uncovering stories of little known Aussie exports. Last month, we discovered how the HQ Holden ute served time in South Africa as a rebadged Chevrolet El Camino. South Africa’s love affair with utes is almost as fervent as ours. Utes, or Bakkies as they are called in the Rainbow Nation, enjoy a dominant position on new car sales chart, much like they do here in Oz.

2022 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace facelift teased ahead of May 12 reveal

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace facelift has been teased, ahead of its full debut on May 12, and an Australian launch early next year. A sole teaser image released by Volkswagen overnight showcases the facelifted Tiguan Allspace’s side profile and tail-lights, with the primary change visible being a revised LED lighting signature. What the teaser doesn’t show is the seven-seat SUV’s front end, where the styling changes are expected to be concentrated.

2022 Subaru Forester facelift coming soon, Australian launch expected by October 2021

The 2022 Subaru Forester mid-size SUV is in line for its mid-life facelift later this year – and it could be in Australian showrooms as early as July 2021. Its first major update since its local launch in late 2018, CarAdvice understands the facelifted Forester will arrive in Australian Subaru showrooms in the third quarter of 2021 (July to September inclusive) – pending any further delays related to semiconductor chip shortages, currently affecting the car industry.

Video: 2021 Volkswagen VW T-Cross 85TSI Life Review - long term farewell

So long and thanks for all the T? We bid farewell to our long-term VW T-Cross and discover a surprise skill along the way.

2021 Ferrari 812 Competizione and Competizione A revealed with 9500rpm redline

The 2021 Ferrari 812 Competizione and Competizione A has been unveiled in full. Based on the 812 Superfast and GTS respectively, the Competizione coupe and Competizione A convertible follow the 599 GTO and F12 TDF as the latest in a line of track-focused, front-engined V12 Ferrari models – and likely its last, given the onset of emissions regulations threatening the future of naturally-aspirated, non-hybrid V12 engines.

2021 Genesis G70 Shooting Brake spied with minimal camouflage, reveal imminent

The 2021 Genesis G70 Shooting Brake wagon has been spotted with minimal camouflage, ahead of a full reveal in the coming weeks or months. Photos published on Bobaedream (via Autospy) show the G70 Shooting Brake wearing nothing but a stylised camouflage wrap, providing our first near-undisguised look at the Genesis wagon's sloping C-pillar graphic, glasshouse design and twin-bar tail-light shape.

2019-2021 Land Rover Discovery recalled with multiple electrical faults

Jaguar Land Rover Australia has recalled 1541 examples of its 2019-21 Land Rover Discovery, citing a range of potential electrical faults. The affected vehicles were sold by Land Rover between 21 September 2018 and 31 August 2020, and are stamped Model Years 2019 to 2021. The recall notice, lodged with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), says: “There may be insufficient contact of the startup battery ground stud to the chassis."

2022 Chevrolet Corvette to make first Australian appearance at The Bend this weekend

The Australian public will be able to lay eyes on the 2022 Chevrolet Corvette this weekend at the 2021 OTR Supersprint Supercars Championship event. Teasers posted to GM Speciality Vehicles’ (GMSV) social media accounts cryptically suggest something’s “Just around The Bend”, strongly hinting that punters will be able to get up close and personal with the long-awaited sports car at The Bend Motorsport Park this weekend in South Australia.

Chinese car brands MG, LDV, GWM Haval continue to set sales records

Chinese cars continue to rocket up the new-car sales charts Australia, overtaking sales from Germany and the USA for the first four months this year. It is the first time in Australian automotive history cars from China have outsold those from Germany and the USA for such an extended period.

VFACTS April 2021 new-car sales results: Record month despite semiconductor shortages

New-car sales across Australia have bounced back from the worst April on record – during the peak of coronavirus lockdowns – to deliver the best April on record. And the Ford Ranger has topped the monthly sales charts for only the third time in its history, displacing the Toyota HiLux which maintains its lead in the year-to-date tally and is on-track for its sixth annual win in a row.

2021 Mazda 3 G25 GT sedan review

I like the humble sedan. Not only do I enjoy the view, but I also see more room for my friends and family. The smaller the car, the more proportions matter. Basically, you have less to work with, so make it count. Whereas hatchbacks can look squashed and awkward, the age-old small sedan still looks just right. They are sometimes underpinned by a longer wheelbase, too, which means their cabin area – usually the second row – is more favourable versus the hatchback alternative.

2023 BMW X5 with hydrogen power set to enter limited production in 2022

A limited production run of the 2023 BMW X5 will be fitted with a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain from late 2022, badged as the BMW i Hydrogen Next – but it won't be available to the public just yet. The hydrogen X5 will use two carbon-fibre reinforced tanks with a total capacity of 6kg. The fuel cell converts the hydrogen into electricity, which will power an electric motor mounted to the rear axle of the BMW SUV.

NSW's ambitious plans to speed up electric vehicle adoption

NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance has warned Australia will be the “laughing stock of the world” if various state governments push ahead with plans to introduce a tax on electric vehicles (EVs). Instead, Mr Constance proposed a number of incentives to expedite the take-up of electric vehicles in NSW, including subsidised car parking, waving stamp duty and allowing EVs to use transit lanes normally reserved for buses and taxis, according a to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald.

2021 Mazda MX-30 Electric price and specs: All-electric SUV here in August

Australian pricing and specifications for the 2021 Mazda MX-30 Electric have been announced. Now available for pre-order from $65,490 plus on-road costs, the zero-emission SUV is expected to arrive in local showrooms during August this year. Offered solely in range-topping E35 Astina guise, the all-electric model features 18-inch alloy wheels, a head-up display, sunroof, and a 360-degree camera as standard.