Far too often, we see people with nice cars attacking their paint with this car wash essential. Here’s what not to do and how to save it.Coin-operated, self-service car washes can make maintaining your car’s paint a little easier. But going the extra mile for a deep clean can leave your car damaged rather than refreshed.
RELATED: The car wash function to avoid at all costsThe soapy car wash brush is the constant brunt of the joke on Facebook car groups. On the group Exotic Car Spotti
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‘More of a sandpapering’: The car wash feature that can do more harm than good
via drive.com.au
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Why does my car battery keep dying?
via drive.com.auIf you frequently need to jump-start your car, you may be experiencing some issues. Here’s why your car battery keeps dying.
Photo: IStock/Guillermo Spelucin Runciman
A flat battery is one of the most common issues motorists in Australia experience. A 2022 survey by Budget Direct Insurance showed a whopping 43 per cent of all roadside assist callouts were battery-related issues.RELATED: When should you be using jumper leads?Even though it is an easy call out to have roadside assistance, yo
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Drive Car of the Year 2025 awards are go!
via drive.com.auIt’s that time of the year again! Assessment and judging to find the Drive Car of the Year 2025 is underway.It’s that time of the year, when the Drive team gets together to pool notes on what are the best new cars for Australian buyers. This year will mark the 20th anniversary of the DCOTY awards, in a market that has seen unprecedented change over the past 12 months.20 years of DCOTY – all the winnersThe first Drive Car of the Year was conducted in December 2006 with a full gr
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Hyundai cuts almost $3000 off price of i30 Sedan with new drive-away offer
via drive.com.auBuyers looking for a new Hyundai i30 can now save almost $3000, thanks to a new promotional deal from the South Korean car maker.Hyundai Australia has moved its non-hybrid powered 2024 i30 Sedan, excluding the high-performance N range, to promotional drive-away pricing until the end of the month.Buyers can save up to $2900 depending on the grade with the offer, kicking off with the entry-level unnamed grade for $29,990 drive-away.Stepping up to the Elite is now $35,490, while the Premium is
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Stunning Mazda Iconic SP moves closer to showrooms, likely to become new MX-5
via drive.com.auMazda states it has every intention of putting the Iconic SP concept into production, but chances are it morphs into the new-generation MX-5.Mazda has moved a step closer to bringing the Iconic SP concept car to showrooms, where it is expected to transform into the next-generation MX-5.Revealed at last year’s Tokyo motor show, the Iconic SP concept is a sleek coupe with design cues from the RX-7 including pop-up headlights and a rotary engine.While Mazda has not confirmed production plans,
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2026 Mazda CX-5 could debut new ‘Skyactiv Z’ engine, as more details emerge
via drive.com.auMazda has announced a new ‘Skyactiv Z’ four-cylinder petrol engine family with a leaner combustion process – and it could appear first in the next-generation CX-5 family SUV.More details about the next-generation 2026 Mazda CX-5 have been confirmed by the brand – along with confirmation of a new engine family.Mazda announced overnight it aims to launch a ‘Skyactiv Z’ family of four-cylinder petrol engines in 2027 to succeed its current ‘Skyactiv G’
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GWM Cannon Alpha nets five-star ANCAP crash-test result
via drive.com.auThe GWM Cannon Alpha has become the first electrified dual-cab ute to be awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating.
The GWM Cannon Alpha has become the first hybrid-powered dual-cab ute to achieve a five-star ANCAP safety result against the latest and most stringent test criteria.The five-star crash test covers both diesel and hybrid engine options. ANCAP said the test vehicle displayed “similar levels of performance to other dual-cab utes tested against 2023-2025 rating criteria”.The
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2025 Deepal S07 price and specs: New Chinese electric SUV undercuts Model Y
via drive.com.auDeepal – another Chinese electric-car brand coming to Australia – has launched its first model, a battery-powered family SUV more affordable than the top-selling Tesla.The 2025 Deepal S07 electric SUV will be the next mid-size electric SUV from China to challenge the top-selling Tesla Model Y in Australia, priced from $53,900 plus on-road costs.Prices for the new S07 SUV from Deepal – a sub-brand of large Chinese car giant Changan – were announced at an electric-car
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New Toyota Prado given tough JAOS off-road treatment
via drive.com.auJapanese off-road specialist – with a kangaroo as its mascot – has loaded up a new Prado with serious go-anywhere hardware.The 2025 Toyota LandCruiser Prado has been given a toughened-up treatment with a new range of parts manufactured by famed Japanese off-road specialist JAOS.The latest generation Prado – due in Australian showrooms by the end of 2024 – has been a magnet for aftermarket and accessory brands with Australia’s ARB, Japan’s Wald and Toyota&rsquo
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Kia Tasman eyes Toyota Prado and Nissan Patrol buyers
via drive.com.auPrivate and fleet buyers looking for a “tool of trade” ute are in the crosshairs of the new Tasman – but Kia dealers think it has wider appeal for off-road SUV customers.The 2025 Kia Tasman could potentially steal sales away from some of the most popular off-road SUVs on the market, according to those within the company.Speaking to Drive, Kia Australia’s General Manager of Product Planning Roland Rivero said the majority of initial interest in the Tasman will be from thos
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Tasmania Police enlist the BMW M340i for duty
via drive.com.auThe BMW 5 Series may be the vehicle of choice for highway patrol units in Victoria and NSW, but the smaller and quicker M340i has been called to action in Tasmania.Several 2024 BMW M340i xDrive Highway Patrol cars have begun service with Tasmania Police.A spokesperson for Tasmania Police told Drive the M340i was selected after “a number of vehicles were trialled” in 2023.The BMWs are powered by a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine, sending 285kW and 500Nm to all four wheels t
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Score a Rove Dash Cam and Keep Yourself Protected on the Road, Now for a Record-Low Price
via cnet.com
Amazon just slashed the price of the Rove R2 4K dash cam by a whopping 40%.
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What’s the real purpose of those black cables running across roads?
via drive.com.auYou’ve likely spotted them running across suburban roads, but what exactly are those traffic tubes monitoring? And what do the authorities do with the information they collect?They’ve become as common a sight as mobile speed cameras, but less is known about the purpose of the black traffic tubes often laid across suburban roads in Australia.Known as ‘traffic tubes’, ‘traffic counting tubes’ or, in more technical terms, ‘pneumatic road tubes’, this
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Beach driver training held back by costs and red tape, experts say, with safety taking back seat
via drive.com.au4WD trainers claim bureaucracy and high costs are holding them back from being able to make Aussies safer drivers on the sand.More people could learn how to safely drive on beaches if not for “barriers” preventing training specialists from teaching them on sand, Drive understands.In Queensland in particular, permits are required for anyone to drive on a beach – and this also applies to businesses such as tour guides and driver-training companies, which require a commercial perm
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2024 GWM Haval Jolion Lux review
via drive.com.auThe GWM Haval Jolion promises to stretch your dollar further by offering an affordable small SUV with loads of equipment. Are there any compromises?
Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps
2024 GWM Haval Jolion LuxTimes are tough. Everything from groceries to petrol, to interest rates and rent, are as expensive as ever – and that just plain sucks.But amid a cost-of
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2025 Mini Cooper JCW price and specs: European hot hatch performance available for less
via drive.com.auMini’s new-generation Cooper JCW hatchback has dropped pricing, but the all-electric version with more go is expected later next year.2025 Mini Cooper JCW pricing and specificationsSignificant interior update for Mini Cooper JCWTwo trims available, Classic or FavouredPriced from $57,990 before on-road costsThe 2025 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works (JCW) hot hatch is now more affordable than before with the introduction of the new-generation model due in the second quarter (April to June) of 2
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Who pays for the damage on a hire car?
via drive.com.auThe aftermath of a car accident can be scary and complicated, even more so if you’re driving a rental car. But who is responsible for the repair fees? Here’s what the experts have to say.In October 2024, a Melbourne man was slugged with a $15,000 repair bill after hitting a kangaroo in a rental car during a holiday trip.According to a Herald Sun report, Mark Jensen was driving an MG SUV hired from a local car hire company when the incident occurred on the Sunshine Coast.RELATED: Can
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2025 GWM Haval H6 GT PHEV price and specs: Longest electric range, cheaper than Outlander and Sealion 6
via drive.com.auThe GWM Haval H6 GT plug-in hybrid arrives in Australia early next year with a large battery and the longest electric-only driving range of any hybrid vehicle.The 2025 GWM H6 GT Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) has been detailed for Australia.Due in local showrooms between January and March 2025, the electrified GWM SUV is priced at $55,990 drive-away – making the H6 GT PHEV more affordable than an entry-level Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and the all-wheel-drive BYD Sealion 6 Premium.It
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2025 Land Rover Discovery 35th Anniversary Edition announced
via drive.com.auLand Rover adds flagship mild-hybrid diesel party pack as part of the 2025 Discovery line-up.The 2025 Land Rover Discovery line-up will be headlined by a flagship 35th Anniversary Edition when it arrives in Australian showrooms in December 2024.Priced from $133,176 before on-road costs – making it the most expensive model in the Discovery line-up – the 35th Anniversary Edition seven-seat SUV is based upon the existing Dynamic SE version.The special edition commemorates the launch of
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2025 Mini Convertible price and specs: Second quarter arrival for unlimited headroom Mini
via drive.com.auMini’s new-generation Convertible will land in Australian showrooms next year available with three 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engines.2025 Mini Convertible pricing and specificationsSignificant interior update for Mini ConvertibleThree tunes available in C, S and JCWPriced from $51,990 before on-road costsThe new-generation 2025 Mini Convertible will arrive in Australian showrooms next year, with the style-first brand reshuffling pricing across the line-up.Available with a choice of three diff
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2025 Peugeot E-308 price and specs: Electric hatch dearer than a Tesla, limited-number offered
via drive.com.auPeugeot Australia will offer 14 examples of its E-308 electric hatch under an ‘evaluation program’ for selected customers, before a potential full market launch.The 2025 Peugeot E-308 has been detailed for Australia – but the electric hatch will be offered exclusively under a restricted ‘customer evaluation program’ at first.Currently limited to 14 units, the E-308 will not be available for further orders in Australia for at least another 12 months – if ever &
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2025 Volvo EX40 price and specs: Renamed XC40 Recharge detailed for Australia
via drive.com.auThe Volvo EX40 – née XC40 Recharge – has been updated with a new name, a larger battery with more range for the single-motor, and a flagship Black Edition variant.2025 Volvo EX40 pricing and specificationsLarger battery, more driving range, unchanged price for single-motor variantPrice cut for dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant; Black Edition addedPriced from $76,990 before on-road costsThe renamed and updated 2025 Volvo EX40 electric SUV has been detailed for Australia.Former
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Toyota Celica name trademarked
via drive.com.auEvidence is mounting of a Toyota Celica project being developed, and the first official documentation just dropped.Days after a future Toyota Celica was hinted at within an anime cartoon created by the Japanese car giant – alongside future MR2, Supra, GR86, and GR GT3 models – further evidence has emerged of the model’s potential comeback.A trademark filing unearthed by Drive shows Toyota has registered the Celica name, suggesting there may be plans afoot to revive the beloved
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Kia Tasman: How Australia shaped the new ute
via drive.com.auMass vehicle production may no longer take place here, but Australia is still entrusted by some of the world’s biggest car makers to help develop new models – and the Kia Tasman is just the latest.The 2025 Kia Tasman has finally been shown to the world, with the company revealing its Australian arm was set up as a “mini technical centre” to help develop the model.With the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux taking the top sales spot in Australia for almost a decade, Kia Australi
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Kia Sportage certain for yearly sales record in 2024, could overtake Mazda CX-5 family favourite
via drive.com.auThe Kia Sportage family SUV is expected to beat its 2022 record sales total in 2024 – and in doing so, it could overtake the Mazda CX-5.The Kia Sportage has set a monthly sales record in Australia in October 2024, with the family SUV on track to beat its best-ever full-year total from 2022.VFACTS new-car sales data released this week shows 2136 examples of the Kia Sportage were registered in October 2024, surpassing its previous record of 2114 vehicles set in March 2024.The Kia SUV was the
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2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC price and specs: New entry GLC300 for limited time
via drive.com.auBuyers wanting a luxury family SUV now have the opportunity to get their hands on a GLC300 in Avantgarde trim at a cheaper price – but only for a limited time.2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC wagon pricing and specificationGLC300 wagon now available as Avantgarde variant in limited numbersPriced from $99,900 before on-road costsThe 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 wagon has been updated for the new year, with the entry price dropped for the luxury SUV.While the GLC300 AMG Line wagon remains priced from $10
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2025 Audi Q6 e-tron price and spec: $115,000 entry point for mid-size electric SUV
via drive.com.auAudi’s newest electric SUV will arrive in Australia early next year in three model grades with around 600km of driving range.2025 Audi Q6 e-tron price and specificationElectric SUV expected to have between 598km and 625km of driving rangeAustralia to get three grades initially including entry-level rear-wheel drivePriced from $115,500 before on-road costsThe 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron range has been revealed for the first time in Australia ahead of a local launch and deliveries expected in early
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MG 4 owner compensation for $10,000 price cut is a discount on another MG
via drive.com.auMG 4 owners who purchased prior to a $10,000 price cut will be offered a form of compensation – but only if they trade in their car for another MG.Buyers of an MG 4 electric car in 2024 who took delivery before substantial price cuts of up to $10,000 will be offered a discount on their next MG purchase – rather than money back from the purchase of their vehicle.Drive reported last month that MG 4 customers who took delivery in 2024 – but before the price cuts on 20 September &n
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How would the Drive team order a new Ferrari F80? Configurator Challenge
via drive.com.auFerrari has a new hypercar, this time with a high-tech turbo V6 hybrid replacing V12 power. Monopoly money in hand, how would you order one?Customisation is in vogue at the moment, but too much choice can be confusing. In our configurator challenge, Drive team members scroll through a manufacturer’s website to create their ideal combination for a certain model.This week the team builds their dream examples of Ferrari’s new F80, the long-awaited LaFerrari successor with a tw
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A boxy and sluggish people mover was the best car of 1984
via drive.com.auThe pioneering Mitsubishi Nimbus arrived in Australia in 1984 and made an immediate impactOriginal story by Phil Scott first published in Drive on 9 November, 1997
In the early 1980s it was revolutionary – a real blue-sky idea.Mitsubishi’s Nimbus, a compact cross between a car and a microbus, won awards and a loyal following. It drove like a sedan yet accommodated seven people, all at an affordable price.While it remains the cheapest people-mover in Australia (at under $30,000), bigg
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