The facelifted Kia Sportage range won’t be joined by a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option to compete with Mitsubishi and an increasing number of Chinese brands, as well as the next-generation Toyota RAV4, says the brand’s local product boss. Speaking with CarExpert at the Australian media launch of the upgraded mid-size SUV, Kia Australia general manager…

The Toyota Kluger has gotten more expensive, but it has also gained more equipment. Effective from June 1, 2025, prices have been increased by up to $1490 across the large SUV lineup, with Toyota citing “increased costs and inflationary pressures both here and overseas”. Toyota Australia sources the Kluger from the US, where it’s known…

Australia’s stringent new vehicle emissions regulations are set to send a host of auto brands running from these shores, according to local Hyundai chief Don Romano. The ink officially dried on the federal government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) at the start of this year, bringing with it legislation designed to reduce the carbon footprint…

UPDATED 08/06/2025 8:00am:We’ve updated this article, first published in December 2024, with recently announced higher pricing for Santa Fe Hybrid models. The fifth-generation Hyundai Santa Fe arrived here in 2024 at first with hybrid power, with a petrol engine joining the range in December. From May 1, 2025, hybrid versions have gotten more expensive, with…

Australia’s first federally mandated automotive emissions legislation, known as the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), is now upon us. The NVES officially began on January 1 and there’s now less than a month to go before auto brands start accruing financial penalties for exceeding increasingly stringent CO2 limits determined by vehicle type from July 1.…