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• Regional roads accounted for two-thirds of Australia’s 2022 road toll

  01-03-2023 23:00 via drive.com.au
  
  New information from Australia’s peak motoring body has shown the poor quality of regional roads played a major role in contributing to the highest road toll in five years.Australia’s peak motoring body has reported almost two-thirds of the nation’s road toll last year was due to fatal crashes on regional roads, prompting it to call on the Federal Government to start collecting more data to influence safety policies.According to the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Resear
  
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• Leapmotor on track to outsell Jeep and Alfa Romeo, its fellow Stellantis brands

  07-04-2025 00:00 via drive.com.au
  Jeep, Alfa Romeo, and Fiat could be overtaken by newcomer Leapmotor by the end of 2025 as interest surges in its affordable electric models.Leapmotor Australia – with an expanded product line-up – could become the best-selling brand under the local Stellantis umbrella, surpassing established brands like Jeep and Alfa Romeo in just a year.For reference, Stellantis is a global company formed after the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and PSA Group in 2021, with brands in their
  
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• Lamborghini boss on US trade tariffs: ‘We are working on different scenarios’

  06-04-2025 23:00 via drive.com.au
  Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann remains circumspect on what US tariffs will mean for the Italian brand’s biggest market.Lamborghini boss Stephan Winkelmann has remained calm in the face of US President Donald Trump’s trade war that will see cars imported into the United States slugged with a 25 per cent tariff.Trump announced the 25 per cent tariff on all cars imported by the US from April 3, a move that will ultimately result in higher prices for the consumer. The 25 per cent tar
  
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• Do I need a child seat in a taxi or Uber?

  06-04-2025 22:00 via drive.com.au
  Child seats are crucial to ensuring your child’s safety in a vehicle, but what do you do if you need to travel in a taxi or Uber and don’t have seats with you?Photo: iStock/miniseries
  Since they were invented in 1933 and later made mandatory in the 1980s, child seats have provided an additional level of safety to some of our most vulnerable passengers.RELATED: Is it legal to take a car seat on a plane?The problem is that while they are safe, they’re also quite bulky to carry ar
  
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• 2025 Toyota GR Corolla GTS automatic review

  06-04-2025 16:00 via drive.com.au
  Adding an automatic transmission has given the Toyota GR Corolla wider appeal, but is that what enthusiasts wanted?
  Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps
  2025 Toyota GR CorollaIt’s no secret that consumer appetite for hot hatches is weak in 2025. With prices rising and fewer options on the market, it can be challenging for a car enthusiast to get their hot hatch
  
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• Would you lie to get cheaper car insurance? You’re not alone

  06-04-2025 08:00 via drive.com.au
  As car insurance continues to rise, some drivers across most Australian states and territories are submitting false information to keep costs down.As the current economy continues to place pressure on a vast majority of Australians, some drivers are looking to cut ownership costs like insurance in a bid to stay afloat.According to the latest data from the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) – the national peak body of insurers –between 2019 and 2024, the average claims cost surged b
  
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• Ford offers employee pricing to US customers

  06-04-2025 00:00 via drive.com.au
  Ford has responded to widespread predictions of price rises on cars in the US from new tariffs by offering staff pricing to all customers.Ford has introduced staff pricing for all US customers across almost its entire vehicle line-up from now until June 2, 2025.The promotion – promoted as a ‘Handshake deal with every American’ – sees employee pricing, which is lower than the standard list price, offered on most models.“We have the retail inventory to do this and a l
  
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• Holden Rodeo restomod uses new Isuzu D-Max power

  05-04-2025 23:00 via drive.com.au
  The Japanese car maker has gone all-out in a 1980s restomod of its Dragon ute – dubbed the Dragon Max – previously sold here in Australia as the Holden Rodeo. Japanese car maker Isuzu has created a stunning 1980s tribute with its Dragon Max, mixing 1980s cool with an up-to-the-minute cabin, fresh tech and modern power under the bonnet.Revealed at the 2025 Bangkok International Motor Show, the concept is based on a 1988 Isuzu Dragon – which Australians will know as the seco
  
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• What is an international driving permit and when do you need one?

  05-04-2025 22:00 via drive.com.au
  Heading overseas? Grabbing an international driving permit is a necessity if you plan on driving in most countries.
  It’s easier than ever to rent a car overseas, thanks to more apps, businesses, and options.RELATED: How to transfer registration from another stateBut before you pack your bags, there are a few things you’ll need to know to jump in a car overseas and do some touring.This is everything you need to know about international driving permits.What is an international driving
  
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• Ford Everest buyer’s guide

  05-04-2025 07:00 via drive.com.au
  The Ford Everest won the Best Off-Road SUV under $80K in this year’s Drive Car of the Year awards. Here’s everything you need to know about this Aussie-engineered family SUV.The Ford Everest was crowned the Best Off-Road SUV under $80K for its superior value for money, interior packaging and flexibility, as well as combining excellent on-road manners with tough off-road ability.The Ford Everest has been a major success for the brand, ranking as its second-best sel
  
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• Nissan Patrol outsells Toyota LandCruiser for the fourth month in a row

  04-04-2025 23:00 via drive.com.au
  Deliveries of the Nissan Patrol have surged ahead of the Toyota LandCruiser wagon in Australia for the fourth consecutive month.The Nissan Patrol off-road SUV has recorded its fourth consecutive month ahead of the Toyota LandCruiser wagon in Australia, amid a surge in popularity for the 15-year-old V8-powered model.VFACTS new-car sales data shows Nissan recorded 710 deliveries of the Patrol last month for a 70 per cent share of its ‘upper large SUV below $120,000’ segment, ahead of t
  
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• Subaru Wilderness prospect has a ‘great future’ in Australia, but no news on its arrival

  04-04-2025 22:00 via drive.com.au
  Bringing the Subaru Wilderness sub-brand to Australia has been years in the making, though Aussies will have to continue holding their breath.
  Subaru has no news to share regarding the Australian arrival of off-road-focused Wilderness variants, based on long-running nameplates such as the Forester, Outback, and Crosstrek models.Subaru’s distributor, Inchcape Australia, has been interested in the North American-only Wilderness versions as far back as 2021, but still has yet to announce an a
  
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• What happened to the midlife crisis car?

  04-04-2025 21:00 via drive.com.au
  Nothing screams midlife crisis quite like a brand-new sports car, but is it still a thing in 2025?There used to be a stereotype that once you hit a certain age, it’s time to hit the road in your new convertible so you can drop the top and get sunburnt on your bald spot.RELATED: The defunct car models young people can’t stop drivingThere are several theories about why people go through it, but the crux of all of it is that when people hit midlife, there can be periods of big change in
  
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• 2025 Peugeot E-Expert Pro Long review

  04-04-2025 15:30 via drive.com.au
  The Peugeot E-Expert delivery van commands a $30,000 premium over diesel-powered models. Does it make smart business sense?
  Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps
  2025 Peugeot E-Expert Pro LongThe electric van market is growing in Australia, slowly yes, but with several models across various manufacturers now plying their workaday trade, the push to emissions-free workh
  
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• 2026 MG U9 ute revealed, coming to Australia this year with diesel power

  04-04-2025 10:00 via drive.com.au
  MG’s first ute is an LDV in a new suit, due in Australian showrooms by the end of this year with a four-cylinder diesel ahead of a hybrid in 2026.MG will take the fight to the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux from later this year with its first ute, the 2026 MG U9, due in showrooms with diesel power in November or December 2025 ahead of a plug-in hybrid in 2026.And as predicted, it is a rebranded version of sister brand LDV’s upcoming Terron 9, with which many examples of the MG ute will
  
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• 2025 MG S5 EV electric car detailed for Australia, due in showrooms imminently

  04-04-2025 10:00 via drive.com.au
  The overdue replacement for the MG ZS EV is almost in Australia with DNA from the MG 4 hatch, and a choice of two battery sizes.MG’s new-generation BYD Atto 3 electric SUV competitor – the 2025 MG S5 EV – is due on sale in Australia “imminently” with up to 515km of claimed driving range.The S5 EV is the SUV version of the popular MG 4 electric hatch, sharing its rear-wheel-drive platform but adding a taller body promising a roomier interior and improved technology.M
  
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• Zeekr X electric car price slashed in Australia months after first deliveries

  04-04-2025 08:59 via drive.com.au
  Upstart electric-car brand Zeekr has cut prices on its small SUV by up to 12 per cent ahead of new models due later this year – and tightening competition.Prices of the new Zeekr X electric car have dropped by up to $7000 months after the first examples arrived ahead of the arrival of new models from the Chinese brand.The Zeekr X Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) now starts from $49,900 plus on-road costs – down $7000 from its $56,900 launch price – while the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is now
  
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• JAC chooses Australia for global reveal of new Chinese 385kW/1000Nm hybrid ute

  04-04-2025 07:40 via drive.com.au
  The JAC Hunter PHEV will join the T9 in Australian showrooms in early 2026 and outmuscle even a Ford Ranger Raptor.JAC has unveiled a new plug-in hybrid electric ute, known as the 2026 Hunter PHEV, set to steal the thunder away from the BYD Shark 6, Ford Ranger PHEV, and GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV.Debuting globally at the 2025 Melbourne Motor Show, the Hunter PHEV will arrive in Australian showrooms in early 2026 equipped with the highest outputs in its – admittedly small – class.With a 2
  
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• What is aquaplaning, and how can you stop it?

  04-04-2025 07:00 via drive.com.au
  As the rain begins to hit with the shifting of seasons in Australia, aquaplaning may catch you out on the roads. Here’s what to do.
  Photo: iStock/Bruskov
  Aquaplaning, which can also be known as hydroplaning, tends to occur after or during some heavy rain.RELATED: Is it illegal to pee on the side of the road?The statistics vary depending on the studies, but it is claimed that just 1–3 per cent of all crashes are the result of aquaplaning.While that may seem insignificant, just under 4
  
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• 2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty revealed as most capable factory one-tonne ute

  04-04-2025 03:45 via drive.com.au
  Towing to match US full-sized pick-ups, toughened up styling, and a full safety suite for Ford’s category-busting Ranger Super Duty.Ford has lifted the lid on the 2026 Ranger Super Duty, an up-rated version of its top-selling one-tonne ute that ups its capabilities to F-150 levels.Sporting a new front end, with bespoke fenders, steel bumper and front grille, the Super Duty is also easily distinguished by its variant-specific stamped bonnet.The Super Duty also sports larger side mirrors, he
  
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• 2025 Subaru Forester range detailed, due mid-year with hybrid power

  04-04-2025 03:30 via drive.com.au
  The new Subaru Forester range will herald seven variants, new hybrid power, and a substantial boost in safety, tech and functionality.Subaru has disclosed more details about its upcoming sixth-generation Forester mid-size SUV, which will feature the option of an upgraded hybrid powertrain at launch and offer a total of seven variants.The 2025 Subaru Forester will make its Australian debut at this weekend’s Melbourne Motor Show ahead of a mid-year launch, with pricing to be revealed closer
  
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• 2025 Melbourne Motor Show first day sells out

  04-04-2025 01:01 via drive.com.au
  General Admission Saturday tickets for the 2025 Melbourne Motor Show have sold out, with only a limited number of Sunday tickets available for this year’s event.More than 30,000 tickets have been sold for the 2025 Melbourne Motor Show, with General Admission sold out for the opening day, Saturday April 5, 2025.Taking place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in South Wharf, the 2025 Melbourne Motor Show will include global model reveals and exhibits from a swathe of car brand
  
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• Kia: Drive the Tasman ute before making your mind up

  04-04-2025 01:00 via drive.com.au
  Don’t knock it until you try it is the message from Kia Australia, which urges potential buyers not sold on its Tasman ute to look at one in person – and take a test drive – before forming a judgement.Kia Australia has urged critics of its first-ever ute, the diesel Tasman, to look at it in the metal – and get behind the wheel – before writing it off on photos or the specification sheet alone.The South Korean car giant forecasts that about 10,000 to 11,000 of the 90
  
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• 2026 Hyundai Palisade to go hybrid-only in Australia with new model

  04-04-2025 00:00 via drive.com.au
  A new Hyundai Palisade is around the corner with hybrid power as standard – replacing diesel – and a higher price.The next-generation 2026 Hyundai Palisade is due to launch in Australia by the end of this year with standard petrol-electric hybrid propulsion.Diesel will be axed – despite accounting for 89 per cent of Palisade sales last year, the remainder a petrol V6 – and replaced by a hybrid, combining a 2.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder with two electric motors.A no
  
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• 2025 MG 4 reverts to drive-away prices across range, Excite 51 moves closer to $40,000

  03-04-2025 23:00 via drive.com.au
  MG Australia has increased the price of its entry-level MG 4 Excite 51 electric hatchback, while other variants have reverted to national drive-away offers.
  The entry cost of one of Australia’s best-selling electric cars, the MG 4 hatchback, has increased from April 1 – but other variants are more affordable than before.MG Australia has increased the national drive-away pricing for the 2025 MG 4 Excite 51 from $34,888 to $36,990 – a $2102 rise – from April 1, 2025, after
  
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• Deepal reveals 900km range-extender dual-cab electric ute, a chance for Australia

  03-04-2025 22:00 via drive.com.au
  The Deepal Hunter K50 dual-cab range-extender electric ute has been revealed at the Bangkok motor show ahead of going on sale in Asia – and potentially Australia.The Deepal Hunter K50 – with a claimed 900km range – has been revealed at the 2025 Bangkok Motor Show in Thailand as a potential electrified showroom rival to the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux in Australia.And it is a chance for Australia, after the Deepal Hunter name was trademarked locally.The Deepal K50 Hunter is a r
  
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• Every Hyundai SUV on sale in Australia in 2025

  03-04-2025 21:00 via drive.com.au
  Hyundai’s SUV range has become a permanent fixture in Australia’s new car market. But which models suit your lifestyle the best?Hyundai has consistently enjoyed success in Australia, with the South Korean car maker becoming a permanent mainstay among the top 10 most popular car brands in the domestic market over the past couple of years.
  While 2024 saw a 4.7 per cent decrease in total sales volume compared to 2023, Hyundai still ranked sixth, accruing 71,664 new car sales last year &
  
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• 2025 Ram 1500 review: Australian first drive

  03-04-2025 08:00 via drive.com.au
  More power, more torque, faster and more efficient – the 2025 Ram 1500 with Hurricane six-cylinder power outmuscles the Hemi V8 in every regard. Except the glorious soundtrack that comes with a V8 engine. Trent Nikolic finds out whether the brand that gave birth to the RHD remanufacturing segment in this country can remain as popular without a V8 engine.
  2025 Ram 1500At the risk of repeating something we write every time we review a full-size US pick-up truck, let me restate the fact that
  
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• Trump tariffs to spark ‘global chaos’, but Australian impact to be ‘limited’, according to car industry body

  03-04-2025 07:02 via drive.com.au
  Global analysts predict US tariffs will have a knock-on effect around the world – but the local automotive body says they will have little impact for Australian new-car buyers.Australia’s peak automotive body – the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) – says the impact of US tariffs on new car prices and the broader automotive industry in Australia will be “limited”.A 25 per cent tariff on all vehicles imported into the US will come into effect on 3
  
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• This country has utes you’ve never even heard of

  03-04-2025 07:00 via drive.com.au
  There’s nothing more Australian than a ute, but what if we told you there’s a country more obsessed with them than us?Utes have been part of Australian culture for decades – when you think of Australia, chances are you’ll probably think of kangaroos, having a BBQ, or owning a Holden Commodore or Falcon Ute.The ute class separates itself from the historic category of ‘pick-up trucks’ found in Australia due to its size and shape, and the fact that it is based on
  
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