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• Tesla’s cheaper, stripped-down Model Y electric car delayed – report

  21-04-2025 23:00 via drive.com.au
  The first examples of the more affordable sibling to the Tesla Model Y SUV – reportedly 20 per cent cheaper to build – have been delayed, it has been claimed.Plans for a cheaper and smaller version of the Tesla Model Y electric SUV – as the company’s long-awaited more affordable model – have hit a speed bump, according to a new report.Reuters claimed production of the new model – said to be codenamed E41 – in the US is now not due to commence until somet
  
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• Tesla buyers trading in more cars from one global auto brand than any other

  09-05-2025 23:00 via drive.com.au
  Plenty of existing Model 3 and Model Y owners trade in their vehicles for new Teslas, but more customers are coming into the US car giant’s cars from this popular Japanese brand than any other.More new Tesla customers in Australia trade in a Mazda than any other brand of car, the local boss of the US car giant revealed.Tesla Australia country director Thom Drew told Drive there is a “healthy mix of both” existing customers and new-to-Tesla buyers purchasing the brand’s ve
  
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• Volkswagen ID.Buzz buyer’s guide

  09-05-2025 22:00 via drive.com.au
  The Volkswagen ID.Buzz won the Best Family Electric Vehicle under $100K in this year’s Drive Car of the Year awards. Here’s everything you need to know about this hotly anticipated electric vehicle.The Volkswagen ID.Buzz was crowned the Best Family Electric Vehicle under $100K for its excellent combination of space, comfort, integration of technology and driving range.The Volkswagen ID.Buzz is a new addition for the brand, first going on sale in Australia in late
  
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• 2025 Kia Tasman review: Australian off-road preview drive

  09-05-2025 09:00 via drive.com.au
  It’s the highly anticipated first tilt at the ute segment from Kia for Australia, sporting one of the most controversial designs in recent history. We get behind the wheel for the first time.
  2025 Kia TasmanFirst order of business, let’s get some caveats out of the way. In this first drive of the 2025 Kia Tasman ute on Australian soil, the few examples we have are pre-production models. We’re limited to off-road driving as well, so things like loaded performance, suburban and h
  
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• 2026 Chevrolet Corvette update revealed: Physical buttons traded for more screens

  09-05-2025 05:50 via drive.com.au
  The C8 Chevrolet Corvette has gained more screens, taking its entire real estate to 33.3 inches, while its driver-oriented physical buttons have been deleted.An update for the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette sports car has debuted in the United States with more screens and fewer buttons.All C8 Corvettes gain a new 6.6-inch auxiliary touchscreen beside the steering wheel, along with a 12.7-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 14-inch instrument cluster – up from eight and 12 inches, respectively &nd
  
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• No, Australia’s P-plate laws aren’t being changed by the Federal Government

  09-05-2025 05:38 via drive.com.au
  AI-written articles from overseas sources have gone viral online with false information about P-plate law changes in Australia.Newly licensed Australians have been targeted in viral AI-generated content claiming extensive law changes are coming for all P-plate drivers.Articles from overseas sources – which appear to use generative artificial intelligence content – have received attention with false claims the Albanese Labor Government will immediately change P-plate laws.One Australi
  
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• Tesla Australia wants a ‘true’ Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux ute rival – as well as the Cybertruck

  09-05-2025 03:00 via drive.com.au
  Tesla knows the full-size, stainless-steel Cybertruck wouldn’t be to the tastes of all Australian ute buyers – so it wants to launch it here alongside a smaller model to rival the nation’s top sellers.A smaller ute than the Cybertruck – closer in size to the popular Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger – is at the top of the wishlist for Tesla in Australia.But there are no confirmed plans for such a vehicle, five years after Tesla CEO Elon Musk hinted at the possibility of
  
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• The most significant popemobiles in history

  09-05-2025 01:03 via drive.com.au
  While several car brands have had the honour of designing a popemobile over the years, these are some of the most noteworthy examples in history.For most car brands, a VIP using their vehicle is one of the biggest honours, but you can’t get more important than the Pope and the accompanying Popemobile.The Popemobile has a long history in the automotive industry, with various car makers such as Mercedes-Benz receiving the privilege of building the pontiff’s cars throughout the years. B
  
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• Volvo XC70 to return as plug-in hybrid SUV for China, but it’s not for Australia – yet

  09-05-2025 01:00 via drive.com.au
  To meet the demand for long-range hybrid vehicles in China, Volvo revives the XC70 name on a new SUV rated for up to 200 kilometres of driving range.The 2026 Volvo XC70 extended-range plug-in hybrid has been announced, with a focus on the Chinese market but the potential to join the brand’s wider international line-up.Initial details of the new model are limited, but this XC70 plug-in hybrid has been rated for up to 200 kilometres of electric-only range when tested to lenient Chinese (CLTC
  
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• 2026 Hyundai Elexio electric SUV revealed to slow Chinese sales decline, ‘no current plan’ for Australia

  09-05-2025 00:00 via drive.com.au
  Hyundai’s first mass-market EV for China has debuted with hopes it’ll reverse the brand’s struggles in the world’s largest car market – and spy photos in Australia suggest it could eventually be sold here.Hyundai’s first dedicated electric vehicle for China has debuted as the first step in reinvigorating the brand in the world’s largest car market.The 2026 Hyundai Elexio has been under development with its Beijing Automotive Group (BAIC) joint-venture pa
  
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• This Australian state is targeting tailgaters

  08-05-2025 22:00 via drive.com.au
  While tailgating is a common bad habit among some drivers in Australia, one state is looking to combat tailgaters on local roads.When you’re driving on local roads across Australia, it’s not unusual to come across impatient drivers who tailgate you.While tailgating is considered a fineable offence across all Australian states and territories, determining whether or not another motorist has violated the road rules is generally up to police.RELATED: ‘They overestimate their own d
  
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• Nissan Patrol V8 change coming to beat new emissions laws

  08-05-2025 22:00 via drive.com.au
  The ageing V8 Patrol is set to live beyond the rollout of new emissions rules later this year – but Nissan may sidestep them by reclassifying the car, rather than investing in costly engine upgrades.The V8-powered Nissan Patrol four-wheel-drive will remain in production and on sale in Australia after the introduction of strict new tailpipe emissions regulations it doesn’t yet meet.But Nissan has refused to explain how it will meet the rules – and whether the V8’s act will
  
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• 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI review: Australian first drive

  08-05-2025 09:15 via drive.com.au
  Volkswagen’s hot-hatch icon comes in for a midlife update. As is usually the case, some of the updates are subtle, but performance is key for this round of revisions.
  Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps
  2025 Volkswagen Golf GTIThe 2025 Volkswagen Golf range, which wears the ‘Mk8.5’ designation, does as the name suggests and brings a range of subtle
  
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• 2025 Volkswagen Golf review: Australian first drive

  08-05-2025 09:00 via drive.com.au
  Volkswagen has given its core Golf range a midlife update focusing on infotainment updates and specification changes that ensure the Golf remains a premium but attainable small car for Australians.
  Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps
  2025 Volkswagen GolfThe 2025 Volkswagen Golf range marks the midlife point for this generation of VW’s small hatch. As the Golf 8
  
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• The wholesome family event attracting hoons

  08-05-2025 08:00 via drive.com.au
  While burnouts are considered a fineable offence across Australia, are drivers exempt if it’s for gender reveal parties? Here’s the truth.While gender reveal parties have been generally limited to slicing a cake or popping a pink or blue smoke cannon, some car enthusiasts have taken to using their vehicles to officially announce the news.
  Though burnouts are nothing new in Australia, the rise of burnout gender reveals – where a driver attaches a pack of blue or pink powder
  
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• 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross facelift revealed for Australia, due later this year

  08-05-2025 03:21 via drive.com.au
  One of Australia’s most popular hybrid SUVs has received a new look and a sportier flagship model, due in showrooms by the end of this year.The updated 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross small SUV has been revealed for Australia – with a new look and extra features – ahead of its local arrival in the second half of this year.Shown in Thailand more than 12 months ago, but revealed overnight for European markets, the facelifted Corolla Cross wears a new face, and in overseas markets gains
  
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• 2025 Cupra Tavascan EV misses five-star ANCAP rating due to lack of feature standard in Europe

  08-05-2025 03:02 via drive.com.au
  The Volkswagen Group has been bitten by its slow roll-out of speed sign recognition in Australia, with the electric Cupra Tavascan falling short of a five-star saferty rating due to the feature’s omission.The 2025 Cupra Tavascan electric SUV has received a four-star ANCAP safety rating for Australia, down from five stars for European versions tested under identical criteria.ANCAP said it was forced to hand a four-star safety rating to the Cupra Tavascan due to the lack of “advanced&r
  
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• 2025 Toyota Yaris, Yaris Cross updated with new features, fix for dangerous hidden pollutant

  08-05-2025 02:27 via drive.com.au
  Toyota’s smallest cars have received price rises of $40 to $890 in exchange for new safety features – and one change to reduce its environmental footprint you might not notice.The 2025 Toyota Yaris city hatch and Yaris Cross SUV have been updated with new safety features across the range, in exchange for price rises of up to $890.And Toyota has introduced a new type of air conditioning gas after Drive exclusively revealed last year that it – along with many other top car brands
  
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• Chery iCaur electric off-roader confirmed for Australia, due next year

  08-05-2025 01:00 via drive.com.au
  One of China’s largest car brands is preparing to sell a new electric SUV – with a pint-sized footprint and 500km of claimed range – in Australia next year.A new electric off-road brand from Chery – set to be known as iCaur – is due in Australian showrooms as soon as mid-next year with a battery-powered alternative to the Suzuki Jimny.The Chery sub-brand is known as iCar in China, but is planned to be rebranded iCaur for export markets due to a trademark clash.Expec
  
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• 2025 Jeep Avenger electric car price slashed by $16,000 in special offer, now cheaper than BYD Atto 3

  08-05-2025 00:00 via drive.com.au
  Now available from $40,000 drive-away as part of a special offer, the Jeep Avenger Longitude is now the most affordable all-electric SUV in Australia.Jeep Australia has cut around $16,000 off its Avenger electric car as part of the brand’s end-of-financial-year (EOFY) specials, now available from $40,000 drive-way.The offer is applicable to the base Avenger Longitude grade, which wears a recommended retail price of $49,990 before on-road costs, with premium paint, a $990 optional extra, wh
  
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• New Renault Master due in Australia next year

  07-05-2025 23:00 via drive.com.au
  A new generation of Renault’s largest van is on its way to Australia – after a two-year wait – as new emissions rules threaten the current model.The next generation of the 2026 Renault Master large van is due in Australia next year, pending any delays, as the current model nears the end of the road under new emissions rules in force later this year.And it may be the first Master in Australia to require AdBlue diesel exhaust additive, as it will need to meet more stringent Euro
  
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• 2025 Polestar 3 Long Range Single Motor review: Australian first drive

  07-05-2025 23:00 via drive.com.au
  The Polestar 3 line-up has a new, more affordable, entry-level model with a single motor and 706km of claimed driving range, so of course we took it on a long road trip.
  Skip ahead:IntroductionRunning costsPrice and specificationEnergy useInterior space and comfortOn-road assessmentConnectivity and infotainmentSummarySafety Next steps
  2025 Polestar 3 Long Range Single MotorIf ever there were a vehicle to dispel the myth that electric cars are not suitable for our big, brown, wide land, then this
  
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• The groundbreaking Honda called merely ‘adequate’ by Honda itself

  07-05-2025 21:00 via drive.com.au
  Critics raved about the Honda Z when it launched in Australia in 1971, but the company who made it described its creation only as ‘adequate’Original story by Tony Davis first published in Drive on 8 May, 1998Anyone who took even a brief look at the minuscule Honda Z would be hard pressed to believe the company that made it would one day be a dominant force in almost every branch of motorsport, and a respected maker of large luxury cars and Ferrari-like sports machines.Indeed, the cas
  
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• Tesla Model Y deliveries about to rebound after hitting all-time low last month

  07-05-2025 21:00 via drive.com.au
  A comeback is coming for Tesla Model Y sales after a break between old and new models, which saw deliveries hit a new low last month.Deliveries of the Tesla Model Y have hit an all-time low in Australia – down 76 per cent year-on-year – as part of the brand’s slowest month for new-car deliveries in close to three years.But the US car giant says the cavalry is right around the corner, as deliveries of the updated Model Y are days away from commencing in Australia, including an a
  
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• Don’t pay for a parking fine until you read this

  07-05-2025 08:00 via drive.com.au
  While no one likes receiving a parking fine, locals have accused one Melbourne council of handing out fraudulent traffic infringements.A Melbourne council has been slammed by a local couple after they were given a parking ticket, despite their car being at home at the time.For Michael and Caitlin, who have asked us not to use their last name, going on a routine Kmart shop in Camberwell in Melbourne’s inner-east has led to an ongoing dispute with the City of Boroondara council.
  RELATED: Leg
  
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• Mitsubishi gains Leaf electric car, Nissan scores Outlander PHEV in model trade

  07-05-2025 07:05 via drive.com.au
  Both Alliance brands will exchange key models to build out each respective electric-car portfolios, but the trade is limited to the US for now.
  Speculative illustration by Drive, not related to or endorsed by Mitsubishi.
  Mitsubishi and Nissan will leverage its Alliance relationship in a model exchange that will see the former sell the third-generation Leaf electric car, and the latter gain access to the Outlander plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).However, the rebadging trade will be ex
  
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• Mitsubishi’s new electric car will come from the makers of the iPhone, and will launch first in Australia

  07-05-2025 06:30 via drive.com.au
  In a bid to stave off cut-price competition from Chinese EVs, Mitsubishi will turn to Taiwan’s Foxconn to build its next global all-electric model.
  Speculative illustration by Drive, not related to or endorsed by Mitsubishi.
  Australia will be the first global market where Mitsubishi’s new electric vehicle (EV) will launch in the second half of 2026, with the brand tapping the Foxtron division of Taiwan’s Foxconn build a model it hopes to stave off fierce competition from Chines
  
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• 2025 Mercedes-Benz C350e plug-in hybrid price and specs: PHEV models return to Benz’s non-AMG range

  07-05-2025 01:48 via drive.com.au
  After an almost four-year hiatus, Mercedes-Benz has re-introduced a plug-in hybrid C-Class that’s not an AMG C63, offering over 100km of claimed electric range.2025 Mercedes-Benz C350e pricing and specifications230kW/550Nm combined system output104km claimed NEDC electric driving rangePriced from $98,200 before on-road costsMercedes-Benz Australia has added a plug-in hybrid version of the regular C-Class to the local line-up, supporting the high-performance plug-in hybrid AMG C63 S E Perfo
  
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• Jaecoo J7 plug-in hybrid awarded five-star ANCAP safety rating, but non-hybrid versions miss out

  07-05-2025 01:00 via drive.com.au
  ANCAP has awarded a five-star safety rating to the Jaecoo J7 plug-in hybrid range, but leaves the non-hybrid models without an official crash test rating.Chinese brand Chery’s new sub-brand in Australia has released its first ANCAP result for the Jaecoo J7 medium SUV, however, only plug-in hybrid variants carry an ANCAP rating. Petrol-only versions of the Jaecoo J7 remain unrated.Within ANCAP’s assessment categories, the Jaecoo J7 SLS plug-in hybrid scored an 81 per cent adult occupa
  
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• Volkswagen downplays need for fuel-saving mild-hybrid tech on Golf small hatch

  07-05-2025 00:00 via drive.com.au
  As Volkswagen prepares to introduce an updated Golf range in Australia, key emissions-reducing tech remains off the table for Australia.As pressure from the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) in Australia forces car makers to look to emissions-reducing hybrid technology, Volkswagen has skipped mild-hybrid technology for its latest Golf small car range.Mild-hybrid technology uses a small electric motor and 48-volt battery to assist the engine and trim fuel consumption, but it cannot power the
  
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