New testing by the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) has found most petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles assessed under its real-world program use more fuel on Australian roads than indicated by official laboratory results.

The Commonwealth-funded Real-World Testing Program compares fuel consumption and emissions recorded in local driving conditions with the mandatory laboratory figures displayed on new car windscreen labels.

In its latest round of results, eight of the 10 internal combustion engine vehicles tested exceeded their advertised fuel consumption. The largest gap was recorded by the GWM Tank 300, which used 25 per cent more fuel on-road than its laboratory figure suggests.

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Since the program began, 141 petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles have been tested. Of those, 76 per cent returned higher fuel consumption in real-world driving than in controlled lab conditions.

The latest results also included two battery electric vehicles. The BMW iX1 delivered a driving range 10 per cent below its official figure, while the BYD Seal fell short by 25 per cent. Across the 11 electric vehicles assessed so far, none has matched its laboratory-tested range, with shortfalls ranging from three to 31 per cent.

AAA Managing Director Michael Bradley said the findings were particularly relevant for consumers considering an electric vehicle, citing polling that shows 60 per cent of prospective EV buyers nominate range anxiety as their main concern.

The results come shortly after the Federal Government released the first compliance data under its New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), which is designed to reduce average vehicle emissions by placing limits on manufacturers’ fleet-wide outputs. Emissions and fuel consumption performance under the NVES is assessed using laboratory testing.

Mr Bradley said the AAA supports tighter emissions standards but argues that real-world verification is necessary to ensure improvements translate beyond test conditions. The association established the program following the 2015 Volkswagen emissions scandal, which exposed the manipulation of laboratory testing in overseas markets.

By publishing independent on-road data, the AAA says the program is intended to provide consumers and regulators with a clearer picture of how vehicles perform outside laboratory environments, and whether emissions reductions claimed under regulatory frameworks are being reflected in everyday driving.

Motorists in New South Wales will face expanded roadside camera enforcement from March 1, as the state’s transport authority activates full bi-directional monitoring on single-lane roads.

The change means mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras will be able to monitor traffic travelling in both directions, effectively doubling enforcement coverage at selected sites. Previously, the transportable cameras were limited to monitoring up to two lanes moving in the same direction.

In a Yahoo Australia news report, Transport for NSW (TfNSW) says the state’s 10 transportable mobile phone and seatbelt detection camera units will not increase in number, but their upgraded capability is intended to maintain enforcement coverage amid a growing vehicle fleet. Registered vehicles in NSW have risen by almost 12 per cent over the past seven years, from 6.7 million to 7.5 million.

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According to TfNSW Secretary Josh Murray, the original goal when the mobile phone detection program began was to scan each registered vehicle an average of at least 20 times per year. The expanded bi-directional functionality is designed to help meet that benchmark as traffic volumes grow.

Data released by TfNSW shows a decline in offence rates since the program’s introduction. When enforcement first began, as many as one in every 400 drivers was detected using a mobile phone illegally. In 2025, that figure has fallen to around one in every 1200 vehicles checked. Seatbelt offences, added to the camera program in 2024, were detected in roughly one in every 1300 vehicles screened this year.

The rollout of the expanded capability will begin in March and is expected to take up to six months to complete. Fixed mobile phone and seatbelt cameras will not be affected by the changes.

Penalties in NSW for illegal mobile phone use while driving include a $423 fine and five demerit points, increasing to $562 and additional demerits in school zones and during double demerit periods. Failing to wear a seatbelt correctly attracts a $423 fine and three demerit points.

Revenue raised from infringements issued by the cameras will continue to be directed toward road safety initiatives, according to the state government.

MINI will release a 1965 Victory Edition in Australia next year, marking 60 years since the brand’s Mini Cooper S won the 1965 Monte Carlo Rally.

Limited to 30 cars locally, the edition will comprise 20 petrol-powered MINI John Cooper Works hatchbacks and 10 all-electric MINI John Cooper Works models. The vehicles are scheduled to arrive in Australian showrooms in the second quarter of 2026, with pricing to be announced closer to launch.

The special edition references the 1965 Monte Carlo Rally victory by Timo Mäkinen and co-driver Paul Easter in a Mini Cooper S. That win helped cement the original Mini’s reputation in international rallying during the 1960s.

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Both modern variants are based on current John Cooper Works models. The petrol version is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 170kW and 380Nm, with a claimed 0–100km/h time of 6.1 seconds. The electric John Cooper Works delivers up to 190kW and is claimed to accelerate from 0–100km/h in 5.9 seconds.

All Australian-delivered 1965 Victory Edition cars will be finished in Chili Red, with a white bonnet stripe extending over the roof and rear. A white “52” graphic on the sides references the race number carried by the 1965 rally winner, while a “1965” badge appears on the C-pillar.

Further exterior details include 18-inch alloy wheels unique to the edition. The petrol John Cooper Works rides on JCW Lap Spoke two-tone wheels, while the electric variant receives black JCW Mastery Spoke wheels. Floating wheel hub caps and edition-specific valve caps are also fitted. Buyers can opt for a panoramic glass roof.

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Inside, the cabin follows the usual John Cooper Works colour scheme of black and red. The door sills feature illuminated “1965” lettering, and each car carries a plaque referencing the Monte Carlo victory. Additional details include “1965” marking on the lower spoke of the sports steering wheel, commemorative lettering within the centre console and a key cap displaying the historic race number.

The edition arrives after a strong year for the John Cooper Works line in Australia. MINI reports the performance-focused variants accounted for 21 per cent of its local sales in 2025, while electrified models made up 31 per cent of total deliveries.

Sales of petrol and diesel vehicles continue to fall in Europe, with the latest data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) showing a sharp drop in registrations of traditional internal combustion (ICE) vehicles.

According to ACEA’s data released this week, overall new car sales in Europe were down 3.9 per cent in January compared to the same time last year with sales of petrol cars plummeting 28.2 per cent year-on-year, thanks to sharp decreases across all major European markets.

France saw the steepest decline with petrol car sales down 48.9 per cent, followed by Germany (down 29.9 per cent), Italy (25.5 per cent) and Spain (22.5 per cent). Sales of diesel-powered vehicles also fell sharply, declining by 22.3 per cent year-on-year. 

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While the overall new car market saw a modest decline in January (down 3.8 per cent compared with last January), sales of hybrid, battery electric, and plug-in hybrid vehicles continue to grow significantly.

Data shows that 154,230 new battery electric vehicles (BEV) were registered in January, now accounting for almost 20 per cent (19.3) of new car sales in the EU, an increase of 5 per cent year-on-year. France recorded the biggest increase in BEV sales, up 52.1 per cent ahead of Germany’s 23.8 per cent increase. Conversely, Belgium (down 11.5 per cent and the Netherlands (down 35.4 per cent) posted strong declines.

Meanwhile, hybrid vehicles are now the leading choice of power type in the EU, with sales of 308,364 in January lifting overall market share to 38.6 per cent, helped by strong growth in Italy (up 24.9 per cent) and Spain (up 9 per cent), although Germany recorded a modest drop in hybrid sales, down 1.8 per cent compared with January last year.

Sales of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles also recorded sharp increases, with sales of 78,741 in the first month of 2026 accounting for 9.8 per cent market share, up from 7.4 per cent the previous year. Italy was the heavy-lifter in the PHEV space, with sales up 134.2 per cent year-on-year, followed by Spain (66.7 per cent) and Germany (23 per cent).

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Of the other major European markets, the United Kingdom recorded modest growth in January, up 3.4 per cent compared with January 2025 with hybrid vehicles now accounting for 38.6 per cent of all new car sales while PHEVs increased market share to 12.9 per cent (up from 9 per cent the previous year).

Sales of petrol vehicles in the UK were down 4.2 per cent year-on-year while diesel recorded a modest 0.5 per cent decline. BEVs also recorded a small drop, down 0.7 per cent against January last year.

The shift in EU buyer preference largely mirrors that of Australia where sales of petrol vehicles declined 14 per cent in January while PHEV sales increased sharply, up over 170 per cent year-on-year to now account for 5.9 per cent of the new car market. Conventional hybrids accounted for 17.4 per cent of total sales in January while battery electric vehicles held a relatively steady share at 8.4 per cent.

A 1990 Ferrari F40 converted to right-hand drive is being auctioned by RR Auctions in Australia, with bidding already exceeding A$2.5 million with just hours remaining.

Delivered new on May 11, 1990 by IFS Importation Ferrari (Suisse) in Nyon, Switzerland, the Rosso Corsa coupe is a late-production “non-cat, non-adjust” example. That specification denotes the absence of a catalytic converter and adjustable suspension, a configuration typically associated with lower weight and fewer mechanical revisions than later cars.

The F40 was launched in 1987 to mark Ferrari’s 40th anniversary and is widely recognised as the final model approved by Enzo Ferrari. It is also credited as the first production car to exceed 200mph (321km/h), with a claimed top speed of 323km/h.

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Power comes from a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 driving the rear wheels through a five-speed dogleg manual gearbox. Ferrari quoted outputs of 352kW and 577Nm, with a 0–100km/h time of 4.1 seconds. With no power steering, ABS or traction control, the F40’s layout reflects its late-1980s design brief. Composite carbon/Kevlar body panels, polycarbonate windows and a pared-back cabin contributed to an approximate 1250kg kerb weight, although air conditioning was fitted as standard.

This example is one of an estimated six F40s in Australia. Unlike the handful of factory-converted right-hand-drive cars reportedly delivered to the Sultan of Brunei, this car was converted after delivery. The current owner, an Australian mechanical engineer, purchased the car in 2005 with 33,000km recorded and carried out the right-hand-drive conversion after importing it.

The odometer now reads 37,063km, with roughly 4000km added during his 20 years of ownership. The vendor states no structural changes were made, meaning a return to left-hand drive for Ferrari Classiche certification remains possible.

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In 2020 the car was involved in a single-vehicle accident on the Gold Coast. The owner undertook repairs to the carbon/Kevlar bodywork himself, and the car is said to retain its original parts.

Modifications include owner-installed electric windows, central locking and red trim on the centre console. A suede steering wheel and conventional seat belts are currently fitted; the original steering wheel and harnesses are included in the sale, along with logbooks and service records from France. Original 17-inch Speedline centre-lock wheels remain, now fitted with new rear Pirelli tyres.

The auction here ends on February 25.

Initially, plug-in hybrids (PHEV) copped plenty of stick in this market. Motoring journos lined up to pan them, calling them half-baked, half-pregnant, and any other half-cocked criticism you could conjure. Most ignored the reality of the average driver, which is a total daily run of less than 40km. That’s what the stats tell us, at least. But, even in their earliest phase, with a 30-40km electric range, a PHEV could get you to work without using fuel, leaving the petrol tank for the run home.

Fast forward to 2026, and the MG HS Super Hybrid now offers a claimed 120km electric range on the WLTP cycle, by way of a 24.7kW/h battery pack. There’s a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and two electric motors – one drives the HS, one is used for regeneration. MG claims 220kW and 350Nm as combined peak outputs, which is robust in the medium SUV segment.

Further, MG claims a total range beyond 1000km if you deplete the battery and empty the fuel tank – which is good news for one-car families, or those of you who like touring. Our tester was knocking on the door of 1000km on the combined trip indicator. Over that time, it had averaged 30.1km/h, and used 2.8L/100km, and 7.5kWh/100km. Wheels is often asked about real world usage as opposed to claimed usage and that mix of battery and petrol usage is as real world as it gets. And keeping in mind, this HS would have been charged regularly during the test phase.

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Twice on test, we achieved 110km from a full charge, without driving any differently than we would either an ICE vehicle, or a full EV – genuinely impressive. MG quotes 18kW/h/100km electric use, which if you take into account the usable 23.2kW/h battery capacity, gets you 129km range. Anywhere around the 110km mark that Wheels achieved, makes the HS Super Hybrid effective for the average driver.

Straight out of the gate, negatives are few, but let’s get them out of the way. Some of the electronic safety aids are a pain – as per the current Chinese-built vehicle brief – and there’s no spare tyre. We’re of the opinion that no car should be sold in this market without a space saver as a minimum.

The electronics are less of an issue, given the fact they can be tweaked and updated to improve their functionality. The speed limit warning was indicating 110km/h for example in a 50km/h zone, but would then start chiming annoyingly at 1km/h over the indicated limit at any given time. Lane departure can also grate.

The model grade Wheels is driving this month is the Essence, which is packed with standard equipment for the asking price of $50,990 drive away at the time of testing. Standard features include a panoramic glass roof, dual-zone climate control, faux leather trim, electric driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment and memory function, electric front passenger seat, heated front seats, eight-speaker audio system, 360-degree camera and wireless charging.

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The pretend leather trim is actually quite comfortable and there’s plenty of space in the second row even if the front seat occupants are taller than six-foot. The screens are clear and easy to navigate, but we’d like their response to be a little snappier, and it would be more practical to not have to access so many features – like AC – through them. The other factor we noticed, as reported by others, was an echo on phone calls – and that happened whether we used the wireless or wired smartphone connection.

In EV mode, the HS is like most other electric vehicles to drive. It’s not as punchy in an outright sense as a regular EV, but it delivers that effortless, near silent forward urge that makes driving an EV so enjoyable. The combined power and torque figures might indicate that it’s fast, but it doesn’t feel as sharp as those stats might make you think, given this system is tuned more toward efficiency.

Steering, braking and general drivability are all what Wheels would expect of a medium SUV, which is not quite that of a well-sorted hatchback, but not that of a large SUV or dual-cab either.

The MG HS Super Hybrid simply does what we expect it to do. It’s more affordable than a full EV and more expensive than a regular hybrid, but it does give you the electric driving experience without the headaches.

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Specs

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This article first appeared in the February 2026 issue of Wheels. Subscribe here and gain access to 12 issues for $109 plus online access to every Wheels issue since 1953.

Mercedes-Benz has introduced a limited C 300 AMG Line Plus Edition in Australia, adding a new variant to the C-Class sedan line-up with a focus on design changes and additional standard equipment.

Based on the existing C 300, the AMG Line Plus Edition incorporates a series of cosmetic revisions intended to distinguish it from the standard model. Chief among them is the Night Package, which adds high-gloss black elements to the radiator grille, exterior mirror housings, beltline trim and window surrounds.

A subtle AMG spoiler lip has been fitted to the rear, while 19-inch AMG five twin-spoke light-alloy wheels – finished in black with a high-sheen surface and designed with aerodynamic optimisation in mind – replace the standard items. Inside, metal-structure trim has been applied to the centre console and dashboard.

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The special edition retains the AMG Line interior specification offered in the regular C 300. This includes sports front seats with heating and electric adjustment, along with a Memory Package. ARTICO upholstery and dual-zone THERMATIC climate control are also standard.

Technology features are unchanged from the donor vehicle. An 11.9-inch portrait-oriented MBUX multimedia touchscreen sits alongside a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are included, as is wireless smartphone charging.

Exterior equipment mirrors that of the C 300 AMG Line, with AGILITY CONTROL suspension, LED High Performance headlamps and Adaptive Highbeam Assist fitted as standard. The model also features KEYLESS-GO entry, a powered boot lid, electrically folding and heated exterior mirrors, and a 360-degree camera system.

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Driver assistance systems include Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Traffic Sign Assist and a tyre pressure loss warning system. Dark-tinted privacy glass is fitted from the B-pillar rearwards.

The Mercedes-Benz C 300 AMG Line Plus Edition is on sale now, priced at $95,400 before on-road costs. Until June 30, 2026, it is being offered nationally at a driveaway price of $94,900, subject to terms and conditions.

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Tesla has begun rolling out its Grok artificial intelligence assistant to customers in Australia and New Zealand, with the first updates delivered to vehicles equipped with Hardware 3 (HW3).

The update, which starts today, will be released in stages. Owners of HW3 vehicles will receive access first, followed in coming days by cars fitted with the newer HW4 system.

Developed by xAI, Grok functions as an in-car AI companion capable of responding to a broad range of spoken questions and requests. In Tesla vehicles, it can now also initiate navigation commands, including setting destinations, adjusting routes and searching for points of interest.

Drivers can activate Grok using controls on the steering wheel by selecting the “Assistant” personality setting before making a request. To enable navigation functions, vehicles must be running software version 2025.44.25 or later.

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According to Tesla, interactions with Grok are processed by xAI and handled in line with the company’s privacy policy. Conversations are anonymised and are not linked to individual users or specific vehicles.

Grok is available on Model S, Model 3, Model X and Model Y vehicles fitted with an AMD processor and running software version 2025.26 or later. Access also requires either Premium Connectivity or an active Wi-Fi connection.

Tesla says customers will be notified of the update via the Tesla smartphone app as the staged rollout progresses.

The speed with which Chinese automotive brands are pushing forward with electrified models is headspinning, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids and full EVs. 

A few short years ago, merely suggesting the idea of a seven-seat, large SUV with a 315kW plug-in hybrid system delivering more than 1200km total range would be dismissed as fantasy, but in 2026, it’s available – and for less than $60,000 before on-road costs. All that sounds great in concept, but what is the Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid like from behind the wheel? 

How much does the Tiggo 9 cost to buy? 

At the time of testing, there’s just one Tiggo 9 model on sale in Australia: the Super Hybrid, which is priced from $59,990 plus on-road costs or around $66,000 driveaway, depending on location. That’s $3000 less than a second-from-base mild-hybrid Mazda CX-80 Touring. To get a similar spec level to the Tiggo 9 in the CX-80 range, buyers must stump up more than $90,000 once on-road costs are factored in. But even at that price, the Mazda is less powerful and only capable of 65km of electric driving.

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A full list of the Tiggo 9’s standard features lies at the bottom of this page, but highlights include 20-inch alloy wheels (no spare wheel), a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, heated/ventilated/massaging front seats with heated/ventilated outboard middle row seats, a 15.6-inch touchscreen, a 14-speaker Sony sound system (including two speakers in the driver’s headrest) and a requisite suite of active safety features including 10 airbags and traffic jam assist. 

How luxurious is the Tiggo 9?

We’ve become somewhat accustomed to solid fit and finish from Chery and the Tiggo 9 takes that up a notch with Lexus-like materials (but without Toyota-sourced switchgear, of course). As such, the Tiggo 9 looks and feels more luxurious than you might have expected. Finding a hard section of material in the cabin genuinely takes time, and the design is quite modern as well. 

Plush, soft plastics line the dashboard and doors, with textured wood-like materials on the dashboard fascia. The leather-like trims throughout are padded and quite thick, and the steering wheel adjusts electrically which delivers finer adjustability. Importantly, switchgear around the cabin also feels to be of good quality, such as the window and seat controls, while the screens used are also sharp in resolution.

How practical is the Tiggo 9? 

Beyond the use of quality materials, the cabin of the Tiggo 9 is quite practical with numerous storage options in the front section of the cabin, including a large tray underneath the centre console, a large box underneath the central armrest and big door bins. 

The 15.6-inch touchscreen is broad and screen quality is sharp, however, it can be slow to use and the lack of regular (conventional) controls is irritating. There are some buttons on the centre console, including a big circular control for the things like drive modes, EV control, hybrid functionality, demisters and AC, as well as auto buttons for the HVAC system, but nothing for adjusting the temperature or fan speed. There’s also no volume dial, which is especially annoying for passengers or drivers on the move.

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The screen itself controls every significant function in the Tiggo 9 and – for example – adjusting the active safety features takes too many screen touches and therefore takes eyes off the road for too long, in our opinion. There is a bar at the bottom of the screen for functions such as adjusting the temperature and seat heating/ventilation, but it disappears when Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is being used. Thankfully, unlike some other Chinese-built vehicles, the headlights are controlled with a dial to the right of the driver. 

Second row occupants are treated to plenty of space, with ample leg- and headroom on offer. Plush materials present up front, stretch to the middle row as well, and a central panel houses the air vents, charging ports and controls for seat heating/ventilation and fan speed, though there’s no separate climate zone. 

The third row isn’t as positive, however, as it’s tight for space and there are no air vents, child seat tethers or charging ports, only some cup holders. The third row is also not as easy to access as it could be, because the middle row seating doesn’t easily flip forward on both sides. Overall, best leave the third row to kids, or just leave it folded and keep the huge boot open for storage. 

Behind the third row when it’s in use, there’s a still useful 143 litres of space, including the under-floor area, but dropping them unlocks a hefty 819 litres. Fold the second row and a massive 2021 litres is on offer, which is 50 litres more than the already-practical Mazda CX-80. Ikea runs are no match for the Tiggo 9’s practicality in other words.

How powerful is the Tiggo 9?

The Tiggo 9 uses Chery’s ‘Super Hybrid’ plug-in hybrid system with impressive stats on paper. They are headed up by 315kW and 580Nm, yet with a combined cycle fuel consumption claim of just 1.4L/100km and a WLTP-rated electric range of 146km (if fully charged). That grunt comes from a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine in tandem with not one, not two, but three electric motors, with two on the front axle and another on the rear. Keep in mind of course, on the test cycle, much of that first 100km will be done with electric power, hence the super low fuel consumption.

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As a result, the Tiggo 9’s performance is strong, particularly in-gear from around 50km/h, where planting the throttle pushes you into the back of your seat. Chery doesn’t quote a 0-100km/h time, but from the seat of the pants, it feels like a mid-5 second car – or enough to keep up with hot hatches like a Hyundai i30 N. Driving a seven-seat, hybrid large SUV with that much pace is a little bizarre. 

Capable of DC charging at up to 71kW for a 30-80 per cent charge in around 18 minutes, or faster than most other PHEVs on the market, the Tiggo 9 features a 34kWh battery for its electric-only driving. We found that range to be accurate, travelling 145km on a full charge, and impressively as well, fuel economy after depleting the battery stayed under 4.0L/100km. Even with the battery down into the 20 percent range, live fuel use on the highway sat in the low 7s per 100km, which is hardly thirsty for a vehicle of this size. 

Plug-in hybrids can be quite thirsty after their EV range runs out compared to regular hybrids like the Toyota RAV4 because of the extra weight of their batteries, but Chery’s Super Hybrid system is still quite efficient even with the battery depleted. Chery claims a total range of 1250km from a full charge and tank of fuel, and based on our experience, we reckon that is possible.

What is the Tiggo 9 like to drive?

While the drivetrain provides impressive figures, the driving experience of the Tiggo 9 is less so. In normal driving, it’s very well refined and comfortable, though the combination of its heavy 2265kg kerb weight and standard 20-inch wheels can mean bigger hits intrude into the cabin. On smoother roads, it’s quite comfortable in any of the major seats though.

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It’s clear that the Tiggo 9 was not developed to be a sports car, and that’s what we’d expect for a large seven-seat hybrid SUV. If the driver adapts to the light steering, it’s capable of a reasonably swift run through corners, but push harder and you quickly upset the otherwise comfortable body control. Best to keep it nice and calm, as that’s where the Tiggo 9’s strengths lie. 

What warranty covers the Tiggo 9? 

Like other Chery models, the Tiggo 9 is covered by a seven-year/unlimited km warranty with up to seven years of roadside assistance and an eight-year/160,000km battery warranty. 

Five years/75,000km of servicing costs just $1595, or an average of $319 per service.

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Should I buy a Chery Tiggo 9? 

For those seeking a seven-seat SUV, your options are plentiful. But add in criteria like a powerful plug-in hybrid drivetrain with over 100km of electric range and your options are much more limited. How about for under $60,000? Well, there’s only one, and thankfully, the Chery Tiggo 9 is quite a solid option.

It’s not perfect as its third row is kids-only and its driving experience isn’t amazing, but it travels well and is quite efficient with a realistic claimed EV driving range, uses high quality materials and is absolutely loaded with standard features. Add in Chery’s long seven-year warranty and cheap servicing, and the Tiggo 9 is quite a compelling seven-seat SUV option. 

Chery Tiggo 9 specifications: 

Chery Tiggo 9 standard features: 

• 20-inch alloy wheels with a tyre repair kit
• Dusk-sensing automatic LED exterior lighting
• Rain-sensing automatic wipers
• Roof rails
• Rear privacy glass
• Auto-retracting door handles
• Keyless entry and start
• Panoramic sunroof
• Electric tailgate
• Heated and auto-folding mirrors
• Dual-zone automatic climate control with second row vents
• Second row sunshades 
• 10-way electric front seat adjustment with driver’s memory
• Massaging, heating and ventilated front seats
• Heated synthetic leather steering wheel
• Electric steering column adjustment with memory
• Heated and ventilated outboard second row seating
• 10.25-inch digital driver’s display
• 15.6-inch touchscreen
• Head-up display
• Satellite navigation
• Wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• AM/FM/DAB+ digital radio
• Bluetooth audio streaming and calling
• 14-speaker Sony sound system
• 4x USB chargers
• 50W wireless phone charger
• 10x airbags
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist
• Lane keeping assistance with adaptive lane guidance
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert (with braking)
• Door open warning
• Speed sign recognition
• Driver attention monitoring
• Automatic parking functionality
• Auto high beam
• Front and rear parking sensors
• 360-degree camera
• Tyre pressure monitoring
• Anti-theft alarm

Chery Tiggo 9 rivals:

Mazda CX-80 plug-in hybrid

Kia Sorento plug-in hybrid

BYD Sealion 8

Simply Sports Cars (SSC) has revealed a limited-run Lotus Emira Turbo Bathurst Edition at its annual Lotus-only track day at Mount Panorama, confirming production will be capped at 15 cars.

The Sydney-based Lotus distributor presented the car to more than 120 customers attending the 2026 Bathurst Lotus Only Track Day, with the vehicle also completing demonstration laps during the event. First previewed as a concept at last year’s gathering, the Bathurst Edition is now available to order from $249,990 plus on-road costs. Fourteen build slots remain, with the first car already allocated to an existing Lotus owner.

The special edition is based on the four-cylinder Emira Turbo, powered by AMG’s M139 2.0-litre turbocharged engine paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. SSC says output has been increased to more than 375kW (500hp), accompanied by a substantial lift in torque. Drive is sent to the rear wheels.

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Chassis changes include three-way adjustable suspension and revised wheel alignment settings. The car retains the Emira’s double wishbone suspension layout front and rear, while braking is handled by AP Racing four-piston calipers and two-piece ventilated discs.

Externally, the Bathurst Edition gains a carbon-fibre front splitter and a GT4-style rear wing, along with model-specific graphics. The car rides on Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres as standard, with Yokohama A052 tyres offered as an alternative. Buyers can select wheel finishes to suit their chosen exterior colour, and each example carries an individually numbered build plate.

SSC has hosted Lotus events at Bathurst for more than two decades, initially through one-make racing and later via customer track days. The company says each Bathurst Edition buyer will receive entry to the 2027 Lotus track day at Mount Panorama as part of the purchase.

The Emira Turbo Bathurst Edition remains one of the few new internal combustion-powered Lotus variants available locally as the broader industry shifts toward hybrid and electric drivetrains.

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