• Every new model coming to Australia in 2026 and beyond

    December 31, 2025

    New generations of some of Australia’s most popular cars are due in 2026, with the Toyota RAV4 and rival Mazda CX-5 headlining the biggest arrivals – but Australian launches suggest the status quo is changing. More hybrids and electric vehicles launching Down Under, and increased competition mean greater choice for new-car buyers. There are also fresh brands and sub-brands entering the market, including the premium-positioned Wey from GWM, which will take on the recently launched Denza from BYD. Here’s the smorgasbord of new models expected in the coming 12 months. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to…

  • The new models the CarExpert team is most excited for in 2026

    December 31, 2025

    2025 was a big year for new model launches, and 2026 is set to see another influx of fresh product on Australian shores – and not all of it is from China. There’s everything from new generations of top-selling vehicles like the Mazda CX-5, Subaru Outback and Toyota RAV4, through to high-end fare like the first electric Porsche Cayenne and the Aston Martin Valhalla. Throw in some intriguing new offerings like the Honda Super-One and Xpeng X9, as well as the return of the Honda Prelude, and there’s something for everyone. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car.…

  • BYD, Geely crack global top 10 as Chinese new-car sales overtake Japan – report

    December 31, 2025

    China will take the top spot as the world’s best-selling automotive producer in 2025, outselling Japan for the first time, as analysts forecast Geely will join BYD in the top 10 best-selling global automotive brands. A Nikkei China report says Chinese auto brands will sell 27 million new vehicles globally in 2025, overtaking Japan’s projected 25 million sales. Despite controversial automotive import tariffs in both Europe and the United States, China’s automotive industry is set to break Japan’s decades-long stranglehold on the top spot for the first time. Domestic Chinese sales will account for around 70 per cent of Chinese…

  • MG4 to get world-first semi-solid-state battery, due in Australia in 2026

    December 31, 2025

    The first MG4 Anxin Edition electric hatchbacks have been delivered to customers in China ahead of a planned Australian launch in the second quarter (April–June) of 2026. The MG4 Anxin Edition is the world’s first mass-produced electric vehicle (EV) to use liquid semi-solid-state batteries – a halfway house between current battery technology and solid-state batteries. The smaller front-wheel-drive MG4, similar in size to the BYD Dolphin, will be sold in Australia alongside an update to the existing rear-wheel- and all-wheel-drive MG4 range. The MG4 Anxin Edition – with ‘anxin’ translating to ‘relief’ or ‘peace of mind’ – has a claimed…

  • Subaru WRX STI teased ahead of January 9 reveal

    December 31, 2025

    The Subaru WRX STI looks set to return to take on the Honda Civic Type R after the automaker dropped two teaser clips on its social media channels bearing the words “Coming soon”. The initial 12-second clip posted by Subaru shows a WRX sedan in its classic ‘WR Blue’ paintwork charging through a snowy forest, backed by an audio track of a free-revving ‘boxer’ engine. Closer inspection shows this is not a regular WRX, but the performance flagship STI (Subaru Tecnica International) model not offered outside Japan and not seen since the current generation launched in 2021. The opening shot…

  • The biggest shocks and surprises for the CarExpert team in 2025

    December 30, 2025

    Our editorial team’s predictions for 2025 included a cooling of the electric vehicle (EV) market (check), new-car price cuts (check), and the rise of hybrids (check). This time last year, we also tipped cheaper EVs (hello BYD Atto 1 for $23,990 plus on-roads – check) and said Toyota would confirm new sports cars (checkmate) … although we predicted it would lock in both a Celicaand an MR2 (close). Looking back, we’re pretty chuffed. What we didn’t predict was Full Self-Driving (supervised) arriving in Australia in 2025, nor did we expect to be seduced by a luxury Chinese people-mover and a Japanese…

  • 2026 Kia Sportage SX 2.0D AWD review

    December 30, 2025

    The fifth-generation Kia Sportage has been with us since 2021, and after its update in 2024 the dramatic new face of this top-selling Korean mid-size SUV has had some time to blend in on Australian roads. Last year’s update brought about some chopping and changing, with the range-opening manual variants axed, additional hybrid models added, interior tech overhauled, and prices bumped up. Kia has left most of that unchanged as the new year rolls around – those were only introduced five months ago, after all – except for prices. Some variants are now more expensive than they were before, including the 2026…

  • Ford Transit Custom and Tourneo recalled due to toxic gas leak

    December 30, 2025

    Ford Australia has issued a recall for the Ford Transit Customvan and Ford Tourneopeople mover due to a battery-related issue. “Due to a manufacturing defect, the 12-volt battery vent may not operate as intended. As a result, under certain driving conditions such as high temperatures toxic gases may leak into the cabin,” the company says in its recall notice. “Occupants may experience a hissing sound, smell of acid or rotten eggs, a visible gas leak and/or heat in seat. “If toxic gases leak into the cabin, it may affect the health of vehicle occupants increasing the risk of serious injury.”…

  • Ford Escape PHEV recalled for fire risk

    December 30, 2025

    Ford Australia has issued a recall for the Ford Escape PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) due to a fire risk, requesting owners work around the issue until it’s resolved. “Due to a manufacturing issue, the cell modules installed in the high voltage battery may be defective, which could cause an internal short circuit,” the company says in its recall notice. “A short circuit could result in a loss of motive power. A short circuit could also result in battery thermal venting while charging leading to a vehicle fire.” The notice adds: “Do not plug in and charge the high voltage…

  • 2026 KGM Musso ute images leaked

    December 30, 2025

    The 2026 KGM Musso ute has been caught without camouflage for the first time, revealing various model grades ahead of its official unveiling and arrival in Australian showrooms. Images posted by shorts_car on social media reveal the look of the new-generation Musso Q300, while YouTube commentator BPD has added further detail to the images. Three model grades are shown, while BPD claims the Q300 will be offered in a standard short-wheelbase version as well as a long-wheelbase variant. KGM has not announced details including powertrains, equipment levels or pricing for the Musso Q300. CarExpert can save you thousands on a…