Skoda’s RS performance badging has built up a dedicated following over the decades, with the two-letter moniker widely used in the current model portfolio. But one line it has been conspicuously absent from for many a year (in fact, more than a decade now) is the Fabia hatch. Not since the Mk2-based RS 132TSI bit the dust in 2013 have we had a ‘hot’ Fabia. Until now. Yet this is not the return of the RS. Instead, it’s a new halo model called the Fabia 130. That name fulfils a three-pronged brief, by the way: because it’s 130 years since…

The updated Lexus RZ range has yet to make it to Australian showrooms, but there’s now a new, outlandishly styled flagship version in Japan: the RZ600e F Sport Performance. Based on the RZ550e, the RZ600e F Sport Performance has a total system output of 313kW. According to Lexus the 13kW bump up from RZ550e is thanks purely to “reassessing battery output limits”. Despite the extra power, the claimed 0-100km/h time for the top-shelf mid-size electric SUV is unchanged at 4.4 seconds. Both front and rear motors are rated at 167kW and 268Nm. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new…

2025 saw an influx of new auto brands and models to the Australian market, but also a raft of long-running nameplates head for the exit. The Jeep Grand Cherokee nameplate was withdrawn from the local market after 29 years, longer than the Mahindra Pik-Up (16 years), and the LDV V80, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Toyota Fortuner (all offered here for 10 years). The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross wasn’t far behind, ending its eight-year run this year. Newer models axed in 2025 comprised the Toyota Granvia (launched here in 2019) and Volvo C40 (2021). CarExpert can save you thousands on a new…

Jim Farley, CEO of Ford, is doubling down on the company’s strategy of utes, vans and emotional vehicles, as well as its policy of partnerships over acquisitions. In an interview with La Nacion at the automaker’s plant in Pacheco in Argentina, Mr Farley was asked about his childhood in Buenos Aires, where he was born and lived until nine as his dad ran the local Citibank outpost. He also talked about his 17 years at Toyota, where he helped to launch the original Yaris in Europe. After joining Ford in 2007, he agitated for Ford to launch the European-developed Fiesta…

Cars like the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Honda CR-V were instrumental in cementing the success of their respective makers, but a lot more models form the colourful histories of some of Australia’s favourite auto brands. Once again, we’re comparing the first models sold in Australia by several popular car manufacturers with their latest nameplates. This time, we’re taking a look at BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Suzuki, Audi, and Honda, as they make up the next batch of auto brands in our trundle down Australia’s sales charts, continuing on from parts one and two of this series. We’ve included only the newest nameplates released in…

I said in an earlier Hyundai Tucson review that I think the Elite grade with the N Line pack was just about the sweetest spot in this range. But that was for the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine and all-wheel drive combination, which has since been dumped by Hyundai. So has the turbo-petrol 1.6-litre unit with all-wheel drive, which was a real zinger. So that means your choices for a Tucson are now restricted to a 2.0-litre petrol with front-wheel drive, or a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol with hybrid tech, which is what’s tested here. It’s available with front- or all-wheel drive. It’s clear…