Don’t buy a lemon: Top five first cars for teenagers
Buying your first car – or your teen’s first car – can be a nerve-racking experience. Here are some ways to reduce your chances of buying a dud.
Motoring
Popular brand introduces cheaper hybrid SUV
Petrol-electric car sales have more than doubled this year and this leading carmaker plans to cash in by introducing a more affordable version of its family wagon.
Family wagon has a sting in the tail
A brand with a reputation for developing surprisingly rapid family cars has applied its skills to a new breed of high-performance SUV.
Massive shift in car buying trends
May vehicle sales show that Australians are embracing new technology, prompting Toyota to make a huge move regarding its local line-up.
‘Cheating’: Big scandal grips Toyota, Mazda
The world’s largest carmaker has apologised after it was found to have submitted false testing data to regulators. And other makers have been dragged into the scandal.
Car boss says buyers are wary of used EVs
A top car company executive says consumers and car dealers are spooked about the ramifications of buying or trading a second-hand electric vehicle.
Why Aussies can’t get enough of this budget-priced 4WD
This high-riding off-road machine is capable of extraordinary adventures without charging an extraordinary price.
Bold change in direction for Euro SUV
This well-known brand has traditionally taken a conservative approach to its flagship family-sized SUV, but the latest model is a departure.
Car maker slashes EV price by thousands, again
This electric Tesla Model Y rival has had a second price cut in six months, joining a growing trend of discounting in response to slowing growth.
Monaco the F1 fan’s favourite tranquilliser
There’s boring racing and then there’s soporific; sadly both apply to the Monaco F1 Grand Prix, whereas hitting the Italian high roads in a rental – well, there’s some real excitement.
Self-driving cars are having their ‘ChatGPT moment’
For all the hype, fully autonomous cars and robotaxis seemed to be years away. But it will only take the flick of a switch for everything to change.
New car brand locked in for Australia
This niche vehicle manufacturer is returning to our shores after a long hiatus but its latest generation of cars are very different from their predecessors.
New Tesla has ‘insane’ performance
There is no quicker car for the money than Tesla’s latest electric rocketship – the Model 3 Performance. But this battery-powered speedster is far from perfect.
Behold Porsche’s ‘unicorn with wheels’
It took 10 years of lobbying for Porsche to get the 911 Dakar into production. I, for one, am very glad that they went ahead with the project.
Huge change for sports car icon
Porsche has made a switch that is sure to fire up purists, transforming its oldest sports car for the modern era.
Porsche plans to send its iconic sports car electric
In a watershed moment, Porsche has made a switch that is sure to fire up purists, transforming its oldest sports car – the 60-year-old 911 – for the modern era.
Price hike for Aussie off-road favourite
This rugged and incredibly popular four-wheel-drive has had a massive upgrade but customers will pay handsomely for the privilege.
Excuses with more twists than an F1 track
Ferrari has a good chance to podium in Monaco but, even if you can afford a prancing horse, local owners are discovering you shouldn’t fork out the cash for one in Australia.
When it comes to affordable sports cars — this is the benchmark
I tend to think of the MX-5, which has shifted more than 1 million units in its storied 35-year history, as the ultimate affordable sports car for the road. It’s a frenzy of fun.
Major change for Mini
This eye-catching hatchback blends design with sustainable materials and a cheeky driving experience – for a punchy price.
New affordable family car as luxe as a Mercedes
This affordable seven-seater combines sharp pricing with a flair for design that rivals six-figure luxury machines.
Why rich Aussie petrolheads aren’t cheering Chalmers
Our Treasurer is seriously down with the cool musos but that won’t save him from the wrath of our wealthy drivers who got squat from the budget to improve the value of their wheels.
I never thought I’d say this, but this car is too fast
Perhaps the most shocking thing about this supercar-smashing sporty EV is the price, which feels at least $30,000 less than what Tesla could get away with charging for it.
Why Merc’s gangster went green
Though it may look old on the outside, this modern classic is arguably the most advanced electric car on sale today.
Biden hits China with 100 per cent tariff on electric cars
The US takes another step towards ending an era of free trade with China by announcing increases in tariffs on ‘green’ and other technology imports.
When truth’s a fraction stranger than fiction
Miami Grand Prix is the ideal track for reality TV if you consider the fake marina, fake bitumen and the guy who uses the term more than anyone, Donald Trump, schmoozing in team sheds.
This car stands out from the pack on its looks … but little else
If you drive like my grandmother – a woman who never saw a speed limit she didn’t think was 20km/h too high – you’ll find this car extremely pleasant.
There is a future for the combustion engine
If you want to save fuel and make fewer carbon dioxides, you shouldn’t dispense with petrol-powered vehicles. You should develop them. Hone them. That’s exactly what Mazda has done.
Famous US car brand reveals Aussie plans
It’s preferred by presidents, revered by rappers and adored by actors. Now this legendary American brand is headed to Australia.
Update for iconic affordable roadster
This classic, lightweight sports car has been putting smiles on dials for more than three decades and the latest version has lost none of its appeal.
Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/life/motoring/page/6