The upcoming Audi Q9 extra-large SUV is set to become the German brand’s flagship model, at least until the end of the decade. Audi closed its order books for the A8 in Germany in February, and although the model remains available in the US and China, the writing is on the wall for the brand’s…

ANCAP says there’s no excuse for budget-focused auto brands not achieving five-star safety ratings, with Suzuki singled out as an example of where more could be done. A five-star safety rating doesn’t have to mean excessive showroom prices, even for makers of more cost-conscious models, according to the heads of safety authorities ANCAP and Euro…

The new 2026 Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) protocols have been locked in for the next three years, with a simpler set of rules designed to be more effective. Developed in conjunction with the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP), the updated ANCAP protocols move from what safety bodies describe as a ‘box-ticking’…

The BYD Sealion 5plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUV is on the hit list for crash testing by independent safety authority ANCAP, despite the Chinese automaker withdrawing plans to supply a vehicle for testing. The Sealion 5, a rival to the Mitsubishi Outlander and upcoming Toyota RAV4 PHEVs, was launched earlier this year. The automaker said it…

Australian pricing and initial specifications for the new-generation 2026 Mazda CX-5 have been announced, and the all-new mid-size SUV range is now available to order ahead of its arrival in mid-2026. More than 325,000 examples of the CX-5 have been sold in Australia since the nameplate’s debut over a decade ago – with more than…

SPONSORED In a segment crowded with familiar shapes and conservative design, the Mahindra XUV 3XO arrives as something of a refreshing standout. Light SUVs remain a popular category in Australia, and while many rivals compete on price and practicality, few bring genuine personality to the table. The XUV 3XO manages to do just that, blending…

Safety technology isn’t driving up the showroom price of new cars, according to Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme), yet some auto brands choose not to pursue maximum five-star safety ratings. “The fact that something adds safety does not necessarily mean that the marketing department will decide to put it on the car. That’s…

Xpeng’s Australian distributor TrueEV has entered administration, casting doubt on the future of the Chinese auto brand in Australia and its support for existing owners. An Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) filing shows TrueEV has had external administrators appointed. These are Daniel Juratowitch and Barry Wight of insolvency firm Cor Cordis, and the filing…

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a new Australia-European Union Free Trade Agreement today, with big changes set to impact the new-car industry – and Australian buyers. According to the federal government, negotiations have resulted in the establishment of a new category under the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) for zero-emissions vehicles, with the tax threshold to…

The MG U9 could be getting an electric sibling in Australia – and it could beat its LDV cousin to market. Australian LDV distributor Ateco Automotive confirmed in November 2024 it would introduce the eTerron 9 early in 2025, though this timeframe continued to shift even though vehicles were spied testing locally. There’s now no…