The two newest members of Australia’s ever-expanding dual-cab ute segment – the MG U9 and Kia Tasman – have created lots of headlines this year. In high-spec guise at least, both are pitched at the lifestyle end of the spectrum, aimed at adventure-seeking families as rugged go-anywhere alternatives to an SUV, rather than the hi-viz tradie crowd that desires a traditional load-lugger. But which one does what best? Let’s find out… How much? The MG U9 is the newest arrival, landing in showrooms a couple of months behind the Kia Tasman, and is offered in three model variants: entry-level Explore,…

Hyundai is reportedly planning to end production of the Santa Cruz early due to sluggish sales of the lifestyle ute. Sources have told Automotive News the original plan was for the ute to march off into the sunset during the second quarter of 2027, but the date is being moved forward. Additionally, the current production rate is being halved as Hyundai attempts to reduce the Santa Cruz’s high inventory levels. If the report is correct, it will free up capacity at Hyundai’s Alabama factory to produce more of the closely related Tucson SUV. In response, Hyundai USA told the trade…

Kia Australia says the entry-level EV2 all-electric crossover is “probably leaning towards no” for a local introduction, citing production and freight costs as key challenges. Speaking with CarExpert at the launch of the new EV4 Sedan, general manager for product planning at Kia Australia, Roland Rivero, said the local arm will struggle to get the price of the Slovakian-built EV2 under the entry point of the Korean-sourced EV3. “[The EV2] is probably coming up not at the price point we would like it to be,” Mr Rivero told CarExpert. “It has to sit comfortably below EV3, and if we can’t…

The increasing cost of living in Australia is forcing a majority of car owners to push back or decrease vehicle maintenance – with some abandoning vital repairs entirely. A new study from Canstar reveals 57 per cent of Australian households delayed, reduced, or cancelled their car-related expenses in 2025. Almost half of the 2700 owners surveyed admitted to having either postponed or skipped a schedule car service, while 28 per cent put off buying a brand-new model – and 17 per cent scrapped plans to buy a new car entirely. Worryingly, a quarter said they were neglecting necessary repairs on…

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Golf GTI, Volkswagen has launched a limited-build model called the Edition 50 with more power than any of its predecessors.  While not yet 100 per cent confirmed for the Australian market, fans of the badge should start saving, as it won’t come cheap. Not only that, but the standard Edition 50 is really just a GTI Clubsport with a little more performance, so buyers will need to fork out for the Performance Package upgrade to unleash the full Nurburgring record-breaking potential of the car.  That probably won’t matter to those that can afford…

You might be surprised to hear that the 2026 Kia EV4 is the Korean brand’s first all-electric passenger vehicle that isn’t an SUV… Following the EV3, EV5, EV6 and EV9 electric SUVs is the EV4 ‘Sedan’ or ‘Fastback’ depending on where you live – a hatchback is available in Europe, but might not come here due to its exclusively Slovakian production. While the name seems pretty conventional, the design surely isn’t. Kia’s first rival for the popular Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal looks anything but conventional, with its angular, futuristic lines making it look like something between spaceship and…

Kia Australia is launching its first electric vehicle (EV) that’s not an SUV, but it’s not expecting big numbers for its rival to the BYD Seal and Tesla Model 3. The 2026 Kia EV4 is landing now, priced from $49,990 plus on-road costs. Despite being sized and priced in line with popular rivals from Tesla and BYD, which each sell 300-600 units regularly per month, the Korean brand’s local division doesn’t even expect triple figures monthly. Speaking at the Australian media launch, general manager for product planning Roland Rivero said projected monthly sales rate for the EV4 is just 70…