Are dealerships, banks and lenders in cahoots? Of course they are!
You know the old saying in the car industry: What do you do when the customers feel ripped off? Rip them off again.
Motoring
How Trump tariffs will impact Aus car prices
Donald Trump’s huge tariffs on imported goods will hit the global car industry hard. And it could mean big changes in Australia.
Kia fires fresh shots in Tesla war
Having gone after the Tesla Model Y, Kia has undercut America’s EV giant with a compelling new option.
Trump drops Musk bombshell, Tesla rocked
US President Donald Trump has made a huge call on Elon Musk’s future within his administration.
The new Audi Q5 takes its shot at the crown
The Porsche Macan has long been the king of mid-sized SUVs, but Audi has been hot on the heels of its sister brand for years. Does the 2025 Q5 range finally usurp the throne?
Iconic European car makes huge China move
The latest Mini to enter Australia might look the same as its predecessors but there a two massive changes you should know about.
Shares tumble as Trump tariff reality bites
Global automakers and some of the biggest suppliers in Australia have watched share prices tumble as Donald Trump’s tariffs hit home.
‘Terrorism’ as Teslas burn in Rome
Tesla’s Elon Musk has hit out at a new wave of protests in Europe as politicians call for an end to “hatred” for the EV brand.
Wild Uber plan to get rid of your car
Driving service provider Uber has unveiled an ambitious plan to take cars off Aussie roads rather than put them on. Here’s why.
China’s ‘mind-scrambling’ plan to take over EVs
China has been muscling in on the global EV industry for years but a new move highlights how big it’s going to get.
Who killed the petrol engine? And no, the answer’s not Elon
China’s BYD sold 4.27 million electric vehicles last year which is a 41 per cent jump, including enough plug-in hybrids to turn every tradie’s ute into a silent assassin.
Less power, less noise, but this X3 is the most premium by far
Surprise! The best version within BMW’s revamped X3 range is not the one that goes the fastest, nor is it the most expensive. I’m as shocked as you are.
‘Tesla’s history, but we love Musk’: Shanghai fan club
Tesla sales in China plummeted 49 per cent in February. But even as the billionaire’s electric cars lose ground, he remains popular.
Playing chicken with the wrath of Mother Nature
The Albert Park organisers served up a cocktail of chaos, a casserole of catastrophe, a milkshake of madness but the spray-soaked drama couldn’t hide F1’s existential crises.
Audi is finally a contender in the EV market
There is a lot going on with this Audi – including, to my horror, Car Karaoke. Reviewing it did start to make me feel more like a nerdy technologist than a revered motoring expert. But here’s my verdict.
If BMW continues to produce cars like this – then it has a problem
BMW coupes are meant to be fast, sleek, and sexy – the paragon of ultimate-driving-machine excellence. What on Earth happened with this one?
Does the utterly crook F1 have the drive to survive?
The F1 season opener in Melbourne this weekend is all party but behind the scenes, F1 is haemorrhaging as a legal brawl is played out between its boss and the sport’s powerbrokers.
Why is everybody suddenly obsessed with F1?
A leading luxury group’s new 10-year partnership with Formula 1 cements the symbiotic relationship between fashion and sport. But what is it about the elite pursuit that has everyone from all of cultural spheres racing to be trackside?
Make MGs cool again? The Cyberster does its best
This was once a proud British brand that made fast and sexy little convertibles with two seats. Its new all-electric Cyberster certainly looks the part – but this carmaker still has its problems.
The epic rise of Liam Lawson, F1’s most unexpected rising star
The latest F1 driver to land a coveted spot alongside Max Verstappen at Oracle Red Bull Racing, 23-year-old New Zealander Liam Lawson, has a lot to prove. And all eyes will be on him as this season’s first grand prix roars into Melbourne.
Why this gorgeous Aston Martin is a growling gamechanger
In an about face, the marque has put function (and rev) up there with form.
Can BYD blow away HiLux and the Ranger with an electric ute?
There has been a lot of frothing excitement about BYD bringing this, the first-ever PHEV ute, to market. Prepare to be surprised by what this ‘quiet giant’ has to offer.
If you really must buy an EV, here’s what to do
There are a thousand reasons why you shouldn’t buy an EV, but if you are determined, here’s a guide on what to do.
Inside Ferrari’s revved-up profit machine
Ferrari has proved that you don’t actually need to make a lot of cars to become one of the world’s most profitable carmakers. Here’s how Maranello does it.
‘Unfair! Excessive! Dystopian!’: my teen reviews Mazda’s babysitting software
Through the MyMazda app, these cars allow you to monitor your teenager’s driving, set them speed limits, curfews and no-go zones — they’ll hate it and resent you forever. I had a different view.
This can’t be a supercar — it’s far too easy for a tall, fat bloke to get in
Driving a supercar was once akin to taking control of a monster that runs on a combination of molten lava and absinthe. In this McLaren Artura Spider, it all feels a bit too accessible.
Sound the alarm on this EV’s outrageously stupid problem
Chinese newcomer Zeekr X has hit the market with a classy, powerful and reasonably priced vehicle. What a shame I’m not writing about that – instead, I’m asking why anybody would want a car which neighs like a horse.
This EV sports car hits 100km/h in just 2.4 seconds
This is quite possibly the fastest car I’ve ever driven – at least in a straight line – which makes it a useful tool for impressing and occasionally terrifying other people. But it does not make it my favourite vehicle ever.
Should you buy an EV now or wait … 30 years?
There’s (green) blood in the streets, but you’re still thinking of buying an EV. Well, here are five sensible hybrids and a fancy one for those who like to fox around in flash cars.
It’s a looker, but can this LandCruiser carry a dead sheep?
If you’re looking for a proper off-road vehicle, the options are limited. So no wonder there’s a buzz around the new Toyota LandCruiser.
Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/life/motoring