Curt Dupriez

It’s been a big 2025 for Kia and its Australian arm for new and revised metal, including (in chronological order) EV6 update, K4 sedan, EV4 (global Korean mid-size SUV facelift brings key changes but does it improve the popular front-drive hybrid enough?

Today, the European Union’s 2035 ban of internal combustion vehicles has been lifted and legislation softened after fierce campaigning by EU carmakers and Struggling European auto sector to maintain petrol and diesel production into the future in the face of slow EV uptake and commercial pressures from China

Numbers. They’re a dizzying discussion point for Leapmotor, the fresh-faced China-originated “new energy vehicle” start-up predominantly owned (a Stellantis’s Chinese electrified upstart brand lob a new choice into the hotly contested hybrid midsize SUV landscape, with a 1150km range claim.

The latest addition to the Chasing Cars long term garage requires little rationalisation or justification. Hyundai’s Santa Fe large SUV was crowned our Our 2025 Car Of The Year transforms into a car to use every day for six months and 10,000 kilometres. To see if we were right or oh-so wrong…

Suzuki Australia has today confirmed that the popular three-door version of its compact Jimny 4x4 wagon will return to local showrooms in early 2026 after New safety-compliant version of the cult 4x4 to hit showrooms a year after coming off sale for ADR infringements

Nissan has globally revealed its new fifth-generation Navara ute, designated D27, complete with details for the forthcoming Australian lineup that is The new Mitsubishi Triton-twinned D27 generation to launch in Q1 2026 as a dual-cab only lineup, with Pro-4X and Warrior grades confirmed

Nissan Australia and Victorian-based engineering firm Premcar will once again collaborate on a hard-core off-road Warrior version of the Navara, as Nissan’s Ranger Raptor and Hilux GR Sport nemesis primed for a reboot in next year’s D27 generation

Chasing Cars has had numerous critical swings at Mazda’s CX-30 since the nameplate arrived locally in 2020, wedging itself between the small CX-3 and Six years on one of Mazda’s semi-premium debutants, the CX-30, continues its steady course in local showrooms. But does it keep in step with the times?

To date, in Kodiaq RS, Skoda has melded seemingly contrary disciplines of big, seven-seat practicality with crisp, drive-focussed performance so Larger, cheaper, quicker: loveable Czechian go-fast seven-seater lifts its game in all of the right places

Honda Australia has confirmed that its diminutive Super-One hot city hatchback will be coming to Aussie showroom in the second half of 2026, just hours Pint-sized electric fun machine locked in locally after Japan Mobility Show debut

Often overlooked is the Volkswagen Group’s sheer breadth of compelling metal. Vee-Dub’s new Tiguan SUV, Audi’s electro-heroic R8 E-Tron GT, Skoda’s fresh Spain’s big-booted PHEV small performance wagon brings class, dynamics and outstanding efficiency, but it’s pricey.

The 2026 Alfa Romeo Junior is an attractive, fun-filled and relatively straightforward pint-sized hybrid SUV. It’s compelling, too, even if one senses Charming and sporty compact SUV reveals a solid hybrid performance and convincing Alfa Romeo vibe, if you punt it hard enough.

The ‘European’ theme looms large with C-HR that, while not nearly as popular with buyers as Toyota’s other two small SUVs in Yaris Cross and Corolla The most European model in Toyota’s small car line-up aims upmarket but only gets some of the way some of the time

If the Enyaq version one was Skoda’s gymnastic vault into fully electric motoring, the just-launched V2 is the Czech brand’s local arm firmly sticking the With its wagon-centric Modern Solid remake, our reigning Five-Seat Car Of The Year just got better, smarter, more handsome and broader in appeal.

Three years is a long time in motoring. Just consider the fortunes of the Toyota Corolla Cross, launched in late 2022, a model that garnered an 8/10 Is a much-need face-lift to Toyota’s now-pricier ‘smedium’ SUV enough to sway buyers from the popular Hyundai Kona and growing Chinese competition

Does the Elroq mark a turning point for Skoda Australia’s flagging sales Down Under? Both the importer, and the small but dedicated die-hard Aussie fan Smaller and smarter electric Enyaq twin appears primed to steal some Tesla Model Y territory. But does the stylish SUV deliver in the experience?