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Life & Luxury

Photo for cover story on the Jeep Wrangler, Suzuki Jimny and LandCruiser 70 Series. Pics by Thomas Wielecki

MotoringMotoring

Aus favourite has a surprising weakness

Drivers of Australia’s most wanted small SUV are being warned of an “unnerving” weakness that plagues the cult favourite despite its retro charm.

EMBARGO FOR WISH MAGAZINE, 06 DECEMBER 2025. FEE MAY APPLY. Star player Actor Felix Mallard, wearing Dior, a house for which he is an ambassador, has found global fame since his breakout role in Netflix hit Ginny & Georgia. Photo: Dior

Rising starWish

‘I’m drawn to stories that aren’t being told’: Felix Mallard on his new role in Evonne Goolagong miniseries

The Melbourne-bred star of Neighbours and Netflix’s Ginny & Georgia talks mental health on set, and the humbling experience of filming the powerful grand slam story of the Indigenous tennis champion.

Ariela Bard

2025 Leapmotor B10. Picture: Supplied

MotoringLife

Chinese EV makes huge ‘Leap’

This European-tuned Chinese built machine promises to shake up the small car establishment in Australian when it hits our roads next year.

John Mahoney

EMBARGO FOR TWAM, 13 DECEMBER. FEE MAY APPLY. Lot 36 Whalers Drive, Thistle Island, SA. Photo: Supplied

HOME HUNTThe Weekend Australian Magazine

A glorious island bolthole – for way under a million bucks

A short boat or plane trip from Port Lincoln gets you to this serene and private island bolthole somewhere in the Spencer Gulf. Asking price? $795,000.

Michelle Singer

HEART OF THE NATIONThe Weekend Australian Magazine

EMBARGO FOR TWAM, 13 DECEMBER. FEE MAY APPLY. ONE TIME USE. FEE APPLIES. Portrait from the Pavement: Tiffany. Photo: Brett Canet-Gibson

G’day stranger, can I take your picture?

Brett Canet-Gibson’s modus operandi for his acclaimed Portraits From the Pavement series is refreshingly simple and direct.

ROAD TESTThe Weekend Australian Magazine

EMBARGO FOR TWAM, 13 DECEMBER. FEE MAY APPLY.Worlds first AI Robot pool cleaner: Beatbot AquaSense 2 Ultra clarification. Photo: Supplied

New AI robot ‘hunts’ dirt in your swimming pool

While robots vacuum floors and mow lawns, this $5999 AI pool cleaner represents the ultimate in automated luxury for Australian backyards.

MotoringLife

Toyota HiLux thumbnail thumbnail thumbnail.

‘Menacing’ ute ‘hunting down’ Aussies

One of Australia’s favourite utes has been given a massive overhaul but there are concerns about how far the new changes go.

Stephanie Coombes

MotoringMotoring

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‘Banned driving’ destroys Aus anti-hoon laws

Some of the most outrageous driving ever seen in Australia – that authorities moved to ban – is sending motorist enthusiasts crazy and going bonkers online.

Star powerLife

Cher in a Bob Mackie dress featured in Diva, with Elton John and Diana Ross. Picture: Mark Sullivan/Getty Images

Bob Mackie invented the ‘naked’ dress for divas like Cher and Tina Turner

Now, the legendary designer takes us behind the velvet rope as a new exhibition spotlights his most famous looks.

Jonah Waterhouse

Wealth of knowledgeWish

EMBARGO FOR WISH MAGAZINE, 06 DECEMBER 2025. FEE MAY APPLY. Saint Haven: the new Sydney flagship will be a wellness wonderland, offering everything from cryotherapy and breathwork to magnesium pools and connection in one vast sanctuary-type space. Photo: Supplied

Two decades ago, wellness meant a yoga mat, a diet book and a shot of wheatgrass

Today, Australia’s wellness industry is worth $200bn and has become an increasingly personal pursuit from vitamin C-infused shower filters to health data at our fingertips.

Elle Halliwell

MOTORINGThe Weekend Australian Magazine

EMBARGO FOR TWAM, 13 DECEMBER. FEE MAY APPLY. Ford Ranger Wildtrak PHEV 2025, Photo: Ford

What could stop the march of the Chinese carmakers?

For now, if you want to buy a ute, the only sensible choice is the Ford Ranger. But this is a truck on borrowed time. The Chinese are coming and they’re not messing about.

Jeremy Clarkson

MotoringMotoring

2026 Denza B5. Picture: Supplied

China giant’s ‘cheap’ promise to Aus drivers

This increasingly dominant Chinese car giant is making a big promise to Aussie motorists that is set to transform roads across the country.

Tactile shoppingStyle

Comme des Garcon and Dover Street Market's Adrian Joffee and Jo Horgan in Melbourne on Friday.

Tickled pink: Mecca’s latest project is redolent with meaning

Mecca founder Jo Horgan has secured Comme Des Garcons’ first perfume collaboration in 15 years, with a special-edition fragrance in her stores.

Luxury marketThe Wall Street Journal

Chanel’s first New York fashion show in seven years took place at an empty subway platform. Picture: CHANEL

In its new era, Chanel wants shoppers to look beyond handbags

A starry show, set in an empty subway station, signalled a fresh optimism at the French fashion house, whose business is doing ‘better than ever’ despite pricing increases in recent years.

CHAVIE LIEBER

About timeWish

EMBARGO FOR WISH MAGAZINE, 06 DECEMBER 2025. FEE MAY APPLY. The Formula 1 Louis Vuitton Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne was French luxury conglomerate LVMHs first event in a 10-year partnership with F1 motor racing. Photo: Supplied

How luxury brands are winning over a difficult Australian market

The local luxury landscape now keeps pace with global shifts in expectations, tastes and trends.

The Australian Wine ClubFood & Drink

This week’s offer from The Australian Wine Club features John Lehmann’s favourites from 2025.

Our favourite Aussie wines of 2025

Blockbuster wines and less familiar varietals to enjoy with your favourite people over the festive season.

John Lehmann

MotoringMotoring

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‘Just shocking’: Drivers told to check cars now

Aussie motorists have been urged to check a key feature of their cars now, amid claims it could be costing them dearly.

MotoringLife

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China’s cash troubles puts bullseye on Aus

A key part of China’s economy is tanking and the superpower has charged Australia with picking up the pieces.

David McCowen

Car reviewWish

Our motoring experts looks back on 20 years of transformation in the car industry.

‘Bigger and uglier’: our motoring expert reflects on two decades of car industry transformation

From the end of Australian-made cars to the supersize-me trend, plug-in versus pump and the sad shift to increasingly minimalist interiors.

Stephen Corby

Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/life