Australia’s competition watchdog has stepped up scrutiny of fuel retailers as petrol and diesel prices climb sharply, raising concerns about affordability and supply across parts of the country.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) confirmed it held an urgent meeting with major fuel suppliers, including Ampol, BP and Chevron, as prices at the bowser continue to rise and availability tightens in some regions.

The meeting comes as average petrol prices have jumped from around $1.80 per litre prior to the Trump administraton’s bombing campaign of Iran to roughly $2.20, while diesel has climbed even higher to about $2.45 per litre.

1

ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said the regulator had made it clear to fuel companies that pricing behaviour would be closely monitored, particularly given the pressure on households and businesses.

“We urged the fuel companies to be open and honest with consumers about the reasons for their pricing decisions,” Brakey said, noting the ACCC had received increasing complaints from motorists concerned about rapid price increases.

The watchdog has also sought explanations from retailers over the speed and scale of recent price rises, particularly in areas where supply disruptions have been reported.

ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said the regulator would not hesitate to act if evidence of anti-competitive conduct emerged.

“If we find there is conduct that is collusive – for example agreements to set prices or divide up customers – we will investigate it and take action,” she said.

While the ACCC acknowledged that global factors, including volatility in international oil markets, are contributing to rising prices, it has urged retailers to clearly communicate those influences to consumers.

The issue is particularly acute in regional and rural areas, where both supply constraints and higher transport costs can exacerbate price pressures. Farmers and regional businesses are among those most affected, with some reporting difficulties accessing fuel altogether.

Cass-Gottlieb said transparency from suppliers would be critical in maintaining consumer trust during the current period of uncertainty.

The ACCC has indicated it will continue monitoring pricing behaviour in the coming weeks, signalling that further intervention remains possible if concerns around pricing practices or supply issues persist.

Hyundai Australia has launched a dedicated N Australia web portal that will reportedly further enhance the customer experience for owners of its N performance vehicle range. Created as a “one-stop digital gateway to its calendar of exclusive driving events”, the N Australia portal will also keep its ‘Nthusiasts’ up to date with the latest news and shareable content.

The site will showcase the full suite of events and activities available to Hyundai Nthusiasts across the country, from convoy-style ‘N Drive Meets’ that take in some of the most spectacular and fun-to-drive public roads, to ‘N Club Track Days’ at prominent race circuits where Hyundai provides expert driving tuition and technical support.

In 2026, N Australia will host more than 18 unique events around Australia in every state, delivering a wide variety of activities for Nthusiasts to enjoy the thrilling performance of their N vehicle on road and track, while cementing an inclusive and engaged community relationship.

3

The calendar culminates in the increasingly popular annual Hyundai N Festival, a three-day, family-friendly celebration of the N brand and its owners, which is now in its eighth year.

2026 N Australia events:

• SA N Club Track Day, The Bend Motorsport Park: March 29
• NSW N Club Track Day, Sydney Motorsport Park: April 2
• QLD N Drive Meet, Gold Coast Hinterland: May 2
• QLD N Club Track Day, Morgan Park Raceway: May 3
• VIC N Drive Meet, Gippsland: May 23
• VIC N Club Track Day, Winton Motor Raceway: May 24
• WA N Club Track Day, Collie Motorplex: June 13
• WA N Drive Meet, South-west region of WA: June 14
• ACT N Drive Meet, ACT: June 27
• NSW N Tech Track Day, One Raceway (previously Wakefield Park): June 28
• NSW EV Track Sessions, Sydney Motorsport Park: July 23
• TAS N Drive Meet, Launceston: August 15
• TAS N Club Track Day, Symmons Plains Raceway: August 16
• QLD N Club Track Day, Morgan Park Raceway: August 23
• NSW N Drive Meet, Blue Mountains: September 5
• VIC N Club Track Day, Winton Motor Raceway: September 20
• NSW EV Track Sessions, Sydney Motorsport Park: September 25
• SA N Drive Meet, Adelaide Hills: October 4
• 2026 Hyundai N Festival: Announcement coming soon

The new N Australia web portal is available to view here.

Nissan’s next-generation Navara has arrived in Australian showrooms, marking the fifth generation of the company’s long-running ute, part of the local market for around 40 years.

The latest Navara has been developed with a particular focus on Australian driving conditions, with local suspension tuning carried out by Melbourne-based engineering firm Premcar. The collaboration is designed to ensure the new model performs consistently across the wide range of surfaces and loads typical of ute ownership in Australia.

All variants are powered by a 2.4-litre twin-turbo diesel engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The engine produces 150kW and 470Nm, representing modest gains of 10kW and 20Nm over the previous D23-generation Navara, while also improving fuel efficiency slightly.

1

The new Navara is offered locally in four dual-cab 4×4 pick-up grades: SL, ST, ST-X and PRO-4X. Nissan has dropped manual transmission options, reflecting buying trends that saw around 90 per cent of buyers choosing an automatic in the previous model.

A key focus of the new ute’s development has been suspension tuning, which Nissan says needed to balance comfort and handling across a wide range of uses – from empty tray driving to carrying a full payload or towing heavy trailers.

Rather than applying a single suspension setup across the range, Nissan and Premcar created three separate calibrations tailored to different buyer types.

The SL and ST variants, aimed primarily at trade and fleet users, use a heavy-duty four-leaf rear suspension designed to perform when carrying loads such as tools or equipment.

The mid-range ST-X, which Nissan positions as a dual-purpose vehicle for both work and family use, runs a three-leaf rear spring arrangement paired with larger 18-inch wheels. Engineers focused on maintaining ride comfort without sacrificing stability when the vehicle is loaded or towing.

1

At the top of the line-up, the PRO-4X adopts an off-road-focused setup with 17-inch wheels and all-terrain tyres, tuned to allow greater wheel movement on rough surfaces while maintaining on-road composure.

One technical feature introduced in the new Navara’s suspension is the use of internal rebound springs within the front dampers. According to Premcar engineers, this allows improved body control without needing excessively firm damping, helping balance ride comfort with steering precision.

The ute also introduces electronic power steering for the first time on a Navara, enabling variable steering assistance depending on speed and driving conditions.

Four-wheel-drive systems vary across the range. SL and ST models use a traditional part-time system with selectable high and low range, while the ST-X and PRO-4X gain Nissan’s Super 4WD setup featuring a centre differential that allows all-wheel drive operation on sealed roads.

Off-road capability has also been slightly improved, with ground clearance increased to 228mm and the departure angle improved compared with the previous generation.

Across the range, the Navara retains a 3500kg braked towing capacity, with towing stability forming a significant part of the vehicle’s local development program.

Pricing details can be found here.

1

Toyota has been the market leader in hybrid technology in Australia for more than two decades – and that’s also the case around the world. Electrification, in some form, has even available across the Toyota range in Australia for some time, now and patents uncovered by CarBuzz in the United States hint that the brand is already looking at ways to integrate PHEV tech into its full-size pickup trucks.

In the US, plug-in technology is currently only available in RAV4 or Prius, but it looks like a plug-in version of its pickup is on the way, with the HiLux likely to follow a similar path, once the technology is available.

As noted by CarBuzz, the patents show a wide variety of packaging and battery positioning options, for plug-in variants of Tacoma, Tundra or similar vehicles. Six different patents, all published on March 5th, show batteries under the tray, or under the seats in different configurations.

One example shows the batteries all under the load tray, while another shows the battery placed in two different packs – one beneath the tray and the other inside the tray. There’s also an L-shape arrangement, in the same positions.

1

While there’s no guarantee the tech could see its way to production in the form it’s currently in within the patents, they do show that Toyota is looking at PHEV tech for it’s commercial vehicles, recognition that it’s technology that is growing in popularity. It’s also indicative that there’s more than one way to package the tech in a vehicle like a truck.

A plug-in hybrid Tundra or HiLux wouldn’t be the first PHEV in that segment, with BYD, GWM and Ford all offering the technology in traditionally-sized dual-cab platforms. In the US, competition in the full-size segment is fierce, with stalwarts RAM, GM and Ford all vying for market share.

The full-size segment continues to grow in popularity in Australia, as well, with RAM ticking past 50,000 trucks sold since launching in the Australian market as a remanufactured RHD platform.

1

From launch in 2025, the first batch of GX550 Lexus models sold out before they had even landed in Australia – somewhat unsurprising given their almost legendary reputation in the United States. However, the love for the GX in the United States is, broadly speaking, related to its off-road ability and performance. Will Aussies head bush in their expensive Lexus 4WD? We don’t think so.

What that means, then, is the GX will spend most of its time in the city, and that’s an interesting counter to our thought that the Overtrail model we’re driving this issue is the pick of the bunch. It’s mix of standard equipment, price and ride quality on the off-road focused rubber makes for a useful and comfortable large 4WD. Further, the five-seat cabin makes better use of the space provided than the compromised seven-seat layout.

How much does the GX550 Overtrail cost to buy?

Overtrail – as the name suggests – is the off-road focused variant, with Luxury and Sports Luxury model grades available. In price terms, the Overtrail sits in the middle of the range with Luxury starting from $116,000, and Sports Luxury from $128,200, while Overtrail starts from $122,250, all before on-road costs.

You can see that it is, in fact, a decent wedge of money to fire toward a tough off-road track. And, that’s the reason we suspect most Aussie GX buyers are more likely to be contemplating a run to the shopping centre than they are a Simpson Desert crossing.

So far as luxury, five-seat 4WDs in the large segment, with real off-road ability, there isn’t a lot to take the fight up to the GX550. Range Rover Sport is a contender, but competition is more likely to come from within the Toyota garage in the form of the LandCruiser 300 Series.

1

How practical is the GX550 Overtrail?

The other two model grades feature seven-seat cabins, but WhichCar by Wheels thinks the five-seat GX offers the smartest balance between cabin space and storage. Especially if you’re using the third row, there’s almost no luggage space to be had, but even with the third row folded up, storage space is much less useful than the five-seater.

There’s a hefty 1063 litres available in storage space with the second row in use, and that balloons out to a whopping 2000 litres with those seats folded down. There’s more than enough space on offer for the regular family expectations in other words.

The GX styling means it will appeal to those of us loving the retro boxy look that’s seemingly back in vogue, and there’s no doubt it’s significantly sharper on the road than the Prado on which its based.

The driving position is high riding, meaning you get excellent visibility with a commanding view of the road ahead especially, and there’s an old-school 4WD appeal to the view out of the GX. The sharp bonnet lines, and tall and narrow profile, mean even in the city, the GX550 feels ‘right sized’.

1

On test, the infotainment system, and the smartphone connection worked flawlessly. It’s headed up by a huge 14.0-inch central screen, which is responsive to touch inputs and easy to decipher, even for first timers. There’s obviously a lot you need to learn to control, but it’s certainly not convoluted or buried in deep menu systems as some can be. The driver gets a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and there’s wireless smartphone connectivity, along with a Panasonic ten-speaker audio system. Owners can set the GX up with the Lexus smartphone app and control things like locking, unlocking and the climate control system via it.

How fuel efficient is the GX550 Overtrail?

Power comes from a 3.4-litre, twin-turbo V6 petrol engine, which generates 260kW and 650Nm, and uses a claimed 12.3L/100km on the combined cycle. For our first drive, mostly around town with some freeway running, we used an indicated 15.2L/100km. Now, it has to be said, that in an environment of efficiency hybrids, fuel use north of 15L/100km is something to consider, especially if you spend all you time in city traffic.

The engine is punchy and enjoyable to orchestrate from behind the wheel, as the powered and torque figures would suggest, but it will be thirsty if you push it too hard. Judicious use of the right foot is advised, even if the ten-speed automatic makes the driving experience as smooth as it can be. The engine – thirsty as it might be – is a significant departure from the diesel under the bonnet of the Prado, and the GX is all the better for it, smoother, quieter and more refined all round.

What is the GX550 Overtrail like to drive?

The engine is punchy and enjoyable to conduct from behind the wheel, as the power and torque figures would suggest, but it will be thirsty if you push it too hard, as evidenced by our real-world fuel use above.

Judicious use of the right foot is advised, even if the ten-speed automatic makes the driving experience as smooth as it can be. You can drive the GX550 efficiently, but even the claimed claim of more than 12 litres per hundred is heavy when a hybrid powertrain would be using significantly less than ten.

The engine – thirsty as it might be – is a significant departure from the diesel under the bonnet of the Prado, and the GX is all the better for it, smoother, quieter and more refined all round. In fact, the smoothness is what you’d expect of a Lexus, so it very much fits the bill in that sense.

1

The ride – bump absorption specifically – is something that really defines the GX550 experience and that’s partly thanks to Lexus’ excellent eKDSS (Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System). Despite being a ladder-frame 4WD beneath the skin, and despite the Overtrail being decidedly focused on off-road work, the way it deals with pockmarked city roads is exceptional. The cabin is always comfortable and insulated, no matter how poor the road surface. 18-inch wheels are running Toyo Open County all-terrain rubber, which,

in our opinion, is one of the better brands when it comes to on-road driving. This is not a 4WD to fire into a corner at speed, but it doesn’t claim to be, and the segment doesn’t demand that sort of driving prowess either. Rather, the GX550 delivers that kind of loping ease we’ve previously associated with a 200 Series LandCruiser or other large Lexus sedans and 4WDs.

What warranty covers the GX550 Overtrail?

Beyond the warranty fine print, Lexus ownership brings with it all manner of enticing potential such as the Lexus On Demand service and other VIP owner-only advantage.

Keep in mind then, that buying a Lexus opens the door to those experiences. The Lexus range is also covered by a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, with capped price servicing running over that five-year period as well. You’ll need to visit a service centre every six months or 10,000km, with each service costing $695 for a total of $6950 across the first five years. Buyers also get three years of roadside assistance included and access to the Lexus Encore program.

Should I buy a Lexus GX550 Overtrail?

Ultimately, the GX550 presents a conundrum if you’re assessing it in traditional Lexus terms. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but the Lexus badge brings with it a certain (heavy) expectation. The GX550 looks like a Lexus, and it fees like a Lexus inside the cabin and from behind the wheel. Overtrail doesn’t feature the sumptuous leather trim you’ll be accustomed to if you’ve owned or tested a Lexus before, and it can’t hide it’s ladder-frame chassis underpinnings.

Yes, it rides and handles better than just about any other ladder-frame 4WD on the market, but it is nonetheless, fundamentally, a robust 4WD. The question then, is whether you need a vehicle of that capability, to largely drive around town?

1

Specs

Victoria Police has warned that increasingly sophisticated electronic tools are driving a surge in vehicle thefts across the state, with criminals now able to steal cars without ever touching the owner’s keys.

As reported by Nine News, police say key-cloning devices are playing a growing role in car theft, allowing offenders to override security systems and start vehicles equipped with modern push-button ignitions.

Victoria Police estimates more than 10,000 vehicles were stolen using the technology in the past year alone. Crime Statistics Agency figures show 33,212 cars were stolen across Victoria in the 12 months to September, highlighting the scale of the issue.

1

Deputy Commissioner for Regional Operations Bob Hill said police intelligence suggests the devices are now widely used by offenders.

“Our intelligence estimates as many as 30 cars are being stolen using key cloning technology in Victoria every day,” Hill said.

Police seized around 800 key-cloning devices during investigations last year, with Hill noting the equipment is appearing more frequently during vehicle intercepts and search warrants.

“There is no doubt this methodology is rife in the criminal world and as a community we need to work together to reduce car theft,” he said.

Victoria Police data indicates several popular models are regularly targeted using electronic theft methods. Vehicles most commonly affected include the Toyota LandCruiser, Corolla, Hilux and RAV4, along with the Holden Commodore and Subaru Impreza.

The figures cited by Nine News also show thefts of certain models have been increasing in recent years. Between 2022 and 2025, thefts of Subaru Imprezas rose by 14.4 per cent, while Toyota RAV4 thefts increased by 9.9 per cent and LandCruiser thefts by 9.5 per cent.

1

Police believe the common link between many of the targeted vehicles is the widespread use of keyless entry and push-button start systems, which can be exploited using electronic cloning tools.

Several Melbourne suburbs have been identified as hotspots for the technology-assisted thefts. Areas including Melbourne’s CBD, Dandenong, Tarneit, Narre Warren, St Albans, Craigieburn, Southbank, Reservoir, Truganina and Epping have recorded significant activity.

Despite the rise in thefts, police say many stolen vehicles are still recovered. Victoria Police reports about 80 per cent of stolen cars were returned to their owners last year.

Authorities are also urging motorists to take preventative measures. Victoria Police recommends locking vehicles, parking off the street where possible and installing additional security devices such as OBD port locks to reduce the risk of theft.

The price of fuel in Australia has rocketed skywards thanks to the latest Middle Eastern conflict, now well over $2 with the potential to reach $3 per litre before any long-term resolution. Plus there is the looming issue of continued supply as a result of restricted shipping from the region. Some regional stations around the country have already been forced to close temporarily due to a rush by consumers.

It makes the idea of an electric vehicle attractive once more, after a period where the evolution of EVs has stuttered in favour of hybrids and, for some brands, a re-commitment to ICE vehicles.

With all of that in mind, is now a good time to switch to an EV? Here is the WhichCar by Wheels guide to some of the best value electric car options: 

BYD Sealion 7

3

Price: From $54,990 plus on-road costs
Drivetrain: Single/dual-motor, up to 390kW/690Nm
Range: Up to 582km WLTP

The BYD Sealion 7 was one of the best-selling electric cars in Australia in 2025 and that’s because of a range of factors: it looks good, it’s high quality inside, it’s comfortable to drive, it’s absolutely loaded with standard features across the range and it’s practical despite its coupe-like styling. It can also be DC fast charged at up to 150kW and it offers a healthy range of up to 582km (WLTP), making it ideal for urban commuters doing school, groceries and work runs.

Geely EX5

4

Price: From $41,990 plus on-road costs
Drivetrain: Single motor, 160kW/320Nm
Range: Up to 475km WLTP

Geely surprised us when it launched the EX5 in 2025 as it’s just such great value for money. Here’s a practical, high quality electric mid-size SUV loaded with features that costs around the same as bottom end versions of the Mazda CX-5 and Nissan X-Trail. It’s also just had an update with a larger battery now affording it a healthy range of up to 475km, as well as some new features. Pricing rose slightly too, but it’s still excellent value for money.

Kia EV3

3

Price: From $47,600 plus on-road costs
Drivetrain: Single motor, 150kW/283Nm
Range: Up to 604km WLTP

The Kia EV3 is one of the best EVs you can currently buy thanks to its long range of attributes: value pricing, healthy standard equipment list, solid driving experience, practical cabin and healthy range. Pricing starts at $47,600 plus on-road costs for the entry-level Air, though we’d go for the Air Long Range at $53,315 +ORC for a massive 168km increase in range. 

Kia EV5 

3

Price: From $56,770 plus on-road costs
Drivetrain: Single/dual-motor, up to 230kW/480Nm
Range: Up to 555km WLTP

The Kia EV5 is one of Australia’s best-selling EVs thanks to its practical body, great value for money (particularly at the lower end of the range), long standard equipment list and healthy driving range of up to 555km (depending on the model). The EV5 also looks handsomely futuristic too, while its cabin is high quality and quite practical as well, including the funky front centre armrest. 

Chery E5 

4

Price: From $36,990 plus on-road costs
Drivetrain: Single motor, up to 155kW/340Nm
Range: Up to 430km WLTP

The Chery E5 is based on the petrol C5 that’s been in Chery showrooms since it re-launched locally, but trades its 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine for a single motor electric motor making up to 155kW of power, or more than enough grunt for everyday use. On the WLTP cycle, the E5 is rated at up to 430km of range, which is plenty for even country driving, let alone in the city. The E5’s small SUV bodystyle is quite popular and it’s practical with its 300-litre boot. 

BYD Atto 1

3

Price: From $23,990 plus on-road costs
Drivetrain: Single motor, up to 115kW/220Nm
Range: Up to 310km WLTP

While SUVs are obviously the dominant force in both ICE and EV sales, there are still plenty of people who want a smaller car and the BYD Atto 1 is a perfect cheap EV. Priced from just $23,990 plus on-road costs, it offers a range of up to 310km and up to 115kW of power. But even the entry-level Essential with its 65kW motor is peppy enough for city driving. With its low pricing, spacious cabin for four adults and healthy range, the Atto 1 is a great option. 

Farizon, the commercial vehicle division of China’s Geely Holding Group, is preparing to expand its Australian presence with the arrival of the V7E electric van. Distributed locally by Jameel Motors Australia, the new model is aimed at businesses seeking a practical light commercial vehicle for city-based delivery and service work.

The V7E joins Farizon’s growing electric commercial line-up, which already includes larger vans and light trucks. The new model is positioned as a compact workhorse focused on everyday usability rather than headline electric performance. Instead, the design prioritises the basics that matter most to operators: payload, cargo space and ease of use.

In practical terms, the V7E offers a payload of more than 1300kg and a cargo capacity of around 6.95 cubic metres, with a low loading height intended to simplify frequent loading and unloading. These figures put it broadly in line with many small diesel-powered vans currently used for courier and service fleets.

1

Its dimensions and tight turning circle are intended to suit urban delivery routes where narrow streets, loading zones and frequent stops are part of the daily routine. The van’s compact footprint is paired with a relatively long cargo bay to maximise usable load space without increasing overall size.

Power comes from a fully electric drivetrain paired with lithium iron phosphate battery technology supplied by CATL, designed for durability in commercial use. Farizon claims the V7E can travel up to 330km on a single charge depending on specification and testing standards, which should comfortably cover most metropolitan delivery routes between overnight charges.

The electric powertrain also reduces mechanical complexity compared with traditional internal combustion vans, potentially lowering servicing requirements and operating costs over time.

1

Farizon itself was established by Geely in 2016 to focus on new-energy commercial vehicles including electric vans, trucks and buses. The V7E forms part of the company’s expanding global strategy, with the model already appearing in several international markets targeting urban logistics operators.

The Australian version will also include a suite of modern driver-assistance features, smartphone connectivity and in-cab technology intended to support daily fleet use.

Full specifications, pricing and variant details for the Australian market will be announced in April 2026. Deliveries are expected to begin in May, with expressions of interest already open ahead of the van’s official launch.

1

Honda Australia has announced pricing and specifications for its updated 2026 CR-V mid-size SUV. Priced from $44,900 driveaway, the facelifted CR-V costs $3000 more at the entry point but is better equipped across the range. Honda has also reshuffled the CR-V line-up with its 2.0-litre hybrid now the dominant available drivetrain, which is also now available with all-wheel drive. The updated CR-V will enter local Honda dealerships soon.

Compared with the pre-updated CR-V, the new model has received a light exterior and interior refresh with design tweaks throughout. A new 9.0-inch touchscreen now features as standard across the range with Google inbuilt and live services for technology such as Google Maps sat-nav and the Google Play Store so that owners can download apps for a greater range of in-car entertainment.

Honda has also expanded the availability of its 135kW/335Nm 2.0-litre hybrid system, which was previously limited to just the top-spec RS, while also adding a hybrid all-wheel drive drivetrain to the top-spec variants. Rated at 5.5L/100km for the two-wheel drive models and 5.7L/100km for the all-wheel drive cars, the hybrid CR-V is now the dominant drivetrain in the CR-V line-up.

3

Overseas model shown

As a result of that range reshuffling, the 140kW 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine is limited to just two variants: the base model VTi X and mid-spec seven-seat VTi L7. The addition of new hybrid variants sees the cost of entry to a CR-V hybrid fall to $49,900 driveaway for the e:HEV X, or around $7000 less than the 2025 model.

Finally, in addition to the new in-car tech, Honda has also added new standard features across the range, with auto door locking now featuring, as well as a 360-degree camera now standard on the e:HEV L and upwards. The top-spec e:HEV RS adds a head-up display, ventilated front seats and heated rear seats.

2026 Honda CR-V pricing (driveaway):

2026 Honda CR-V VTi X standard features:

• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Dusk/rain-activated automatic LED exterior lighting
• Keyless entry with push button start
• Hands-free electric tailgate with walk-away functionality
• Electric-folding mirrors
• 12-way electric driver’s seat
• Cloth upholstery
• Dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents
• 7.0-inch part-digital driver’s display
• Honda Connect live services, including location and digital key
• 9.0-inch touchscreen with inbuilt Google services like Google Maps and over-the-air updates
• Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay
• Eight-speaker sound system
• Wireless phone charger
• 4x USB-C ports
• Anti-theft alarm
• 10x airbags
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise control with low speed follow
• Traffic jam assist
• Lane keeping assistance
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Traffic sign recognition
• Auto high beam
• Driver attention monitoring
• Tyre pressure monitoring
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Reversing camera

2

CR-V e:HEV X model adds:

• Black 18-inch alloy wheels
• Steering wheel paddle shifters for regenerative braking
• Auto-tilting passenger mirror in reverse gear
• Eco, sport and normal driving modes
• 10.2-inch digital driver’s display

e:HEV L model adds:

• Black leather seat upholstery
• Heated front seats
• Driver’s seat memory
• Roof rails
• Rear privacy glass
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearknob
• 4x auto up/down windows
• Automatic rain-sensing wipers
• Auto-dimming rear mirror

VTi L7 model adds:

• Third row of seating
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• Third row air vents
• Panoramic sunroof

e:HEV LX model adds (to e:HEV L):

• All-wheel drive system
• 12-speaker Bose sound system
• Piano black exterior trims
• 19-inch alloy wheels
• DAB+ digital radio
• LED interior ambient lighting

e:HEV RS model adds:

• Head-up display
• Ventilated front seats
• Heated outer rear seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Matrix adaptive high beam
• Individual drive mode
• Alloy sports pedals
• Piano black door handle and mirror cover trim

The 2026 Honda CR-V range is now on sale with local deliveries to commence soon.

You might wonder what Stellantis demanding clarity from the UK government has to do with new-car sales in Australia, but there’s little doubt a lack of clarity from government on targets, certainly in relation to emissions and elector vehicles sales, will create havoc for manufacturers.

Demand for electric vehicles has fallen or at the very least plateaued in many major markets around the world – and that means manufacturers are being forced to develop and manufacture vehicles that the buying public doesn’t want. As we’ve seen with staggering losses over the last 12 months, that journey isn’t one to profitability.

Now, a report by Autocar in the UK has revealed that the boss of Stellantis in the UK has ‘demanded the government begin its planned review into EV targets now, as current legislation means the firm doesn’t know what type of vehicles it can sell past 2030’.

1

“At this point in the UK, you don’t know what technology we can use yet from 2030, let alone whether you’re able to make any money in the UK market,” Eurig Druce – Group Managing Director Stellantis UK – told the SMMT’s Electrified conference.

It’s a frank and concerning revelation from Stellantis, a company that owns multiple brands, sold in markets all around the world. The UK government has relaxed its zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate – as previously reported by WhichCar by Wheels, to permit the sale of hybrids into the 2030s, but retaining an 80 per cent EV target for 2030 would mean that the majority of vehicles on sale would have to be electric.

It’s not just Stellantis that has concerns either, with Autocar reporting that JLR, Ford and Volvo all told the conference that there report – slated to be released in 2027 at the earliest – will come too late.

“We are coming up towards a fundamental crossroads in this pathway where we need to make some very quick decisions, and review being published next year is too late,” Druce said. “The review needs to happen now is order for us to make the right decisions on investments. We’re not deciding on investments for 2027 now, we’re not deciding on investments for 2028, 2029 or 2030 now, our decisions on investments are post-2030 and quite a few years in advance of that.”

1

The revelation is a concern for Australia, where emissions targets and the associated fines for not meeting them will almost certainly result in more expensive cars for Australian consumers and, longer term, reduced availability if manufacturers take the same approach that Stellantis is threatening to take in the UK.

“We are a business, and businesses want to invest, of course, but you decide where to invest
where you can make a return,” Druce said. “And if you cannot make the return in that country, then
the ability of the company to invest and create growth – that the government is looking for in the UK – is absent.”