Australia may still have a strong automotive engineering industry but the fact we no longer create cars from initial concept all the way through to final production is still a profound loss. 

Right until the very end – in fact, especially at the very end – Australia was producing excellent vehicles that were perfectly suited to our unique roads and conditions, usually on a fraction of the budgets enjoyed globally. 

To celebrate this feat, below you’ll find our top 10 greatest Australian cars. With any list like this it’s important to establish the ground rules. This is a ‘greatest’ list rather than a ‘best’. The difference? Greatness requires the car to have had a lasting impact on the industry at large, a game changer if you will.  

We’re also talking complete ranges, so some iconic cars that were otherwise part of relatively forgettable ranges (step forward Charger R/T E49) are absent – that’s a list you’ll find here.

10. Bolwell Nagari 

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Full disclosure, the Bolwell Nagari wasn’t on the first draft of this list, but when you run it by Peter Robinson and he says the Nagari should be on it, you put the Nagari on it. The closest Australia has come to producing a European-style sports car, it used the engineering nous of brothers Campbell and Graeme Bolwell to create a compact, lightweight (915kg) and powerful (164kW/407Nm) machine capable of easily dusting a contemporary Falcon GT. 

9. Holden Monaro 

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In 1967 the Ford XR Falcon GT kicked off Australia’s muscle car era (more on this later) but it still looked, well, like a sedan. The Holden Monaro added show to the go with a shapely two-door body that predated Valiant’s Charger by three years and Ford’s XA Coupe by five. You could have the show without the go, the base engine being a 161ci (2.6-litre) straight-six, but every Monaro buyer wanted one of the V8s whether they could afford it or not. It was more than a pretty face, too, capturing the 1968 Wheels’ Car of the Year award and locking out the podium at that year’s Bathurst 500. An icon was born, one that was successfully reinvented in the early 21^st century.  

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8. Mitsubishi TM Magna 

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You could make a case for the Sigma to sit here, as it really established Mitsubishi as a major player in Australia, but it was the Magna that gave Aussie buyers a genuine alternative to the Falcon and Commodore. As is typically the case, ingenuity played a key role. Mitsubishi Australia couldn’t afford to develop a full-size car yet knew the narrow-body Japanese market Galant wouldn’t cut it locally. The solution was to add 65mm in the middle which, combined with the front-drive layout, gave it exceptional interior space for its size. The segment-straddling dimensions meant it cleverly nabbed sales from mid-size competitors as well as traditional Ford and Holden big car buyers. 

7. Holden VB Commodore

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The VB Commodore was up against it. Replacing the beloved Kingswood (“not the Kingswood!”), it looked like an Opel and it looked small. The latter meant plenty of buyers – especially fleets – turned to the full-size Falcon, but they didn’t reckon on the Holden’s clever packaging that gave it far more interior space than the exterior dimensions suggested. Nor did they get to enjoy the excellent comfort and dynamics and substantial re-engineering that ensured the Commodore’s Opel DNA could withstand Australia’s brutal roads. A 1-2-3 in the Repco Round Australia trial was Holden’s reward for its local engineering efforts. 

6. Ford BA Falcon 

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At the time of the millennium, Holden was kicking Ford’s butt. The VT et al Commodores were easily winning the sales race, the Gen III V8 was winning the power race and the Monaro was winning the fashion race. But an enemy that appears to be in retreat may merely be biding its time and Ford was working away feverishly on a car that would banish any memories of the AU. The BA may have had AU bones but a new engine – the mighty Barra – a new independent rear end and stiffer bodyshell gave it talents an equivalent Commodore couldn’t match. And in the XR6 Turbo, a new performance hero was born, giving the traditional V8s a boosted battering. 

5. Ford Ute  

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Sometimes the greatest ideas come from solving a personal need. The famous Gippsland farmer’s wife wasn’t looking to create a new vehicle genre that would become an integral part of Australian culture, she just needed something that could carry passengers in comfort and produce to market. At the behest of Ford Australia general manager Hubert French, designer Lewis Bandt created the coupe utility, which would evolve into a uniquely Australian machine with a third string to its bow – shredding rear tyres with V8 grunt. While our beloved Falcon and Commodore utes are no more, you can draw a straight line from that original request to the nation’s current dual-cab love affair. 

4. Ford XR Falcon 

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It would be incorrect to call the Ford XR Falcon GT Australia’s first performance car. There was the Harry Firth-fettled Cortina GT, though perhaps the Holden EH S4 has a greater claim. What the XR GT did do, however, was establish the template that would dominate the local performance scene for the next five decades: ample interior space, rear-wheel drive and stonking great V8 under the bonnet. Oh, and a trophy at Bathurst in October. It was the opening salvo in the arms race that would ensue between Ford and General Motors leading to the creation of some of this country’s most treasured vehicles. 

3. Holden VE Commodore 

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Throughout virtually its entire existence, the Australian automotive industry – almost regardless of manufacturer – became synonymous with punching above its weight, achieving remarkable results with a fraction of international budgets. Many of the vehicles on this list attest to that. With the VE Commodore – Holden’s ‘Billion Dollar Baby’ – General Motors’ antipodean arm finally had a chance to flex its muscles and delivered in spades. The crisp exterior design, penned by Michael Simcoe and Peter Hughes, the ride, handling and steering that was the equal of anything from Europe and unprecedented refinement for a local car. General Motors’ Chapter 11 bankruptcy would stifle its export potential, but the VE’s excellence would stand the Commodore in good stead all the way to the VF II and end of production. 

2. Ford Territory 

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The Territory is the true measure of the quality of Australia’s car industry. It knew how to do sedans, had been doing them successfully for 50 years, but when the Territory became a glint in Ford’s eye the term SUV had barely entered the automotive lexicon. It not only carried over the excellent ride and handling from the Falcon on which it was based, easily setting a new standard for the segment, it improved passenger space and refinement and offered a supremely clever interior, full of storage and flexibility with seating for seven. It was an outstanding family car, fuel economy its only real demerit, a situation made worse by Ford’s decision to prioritize a high-performance Turbo variant over a diesel early in its lifespan. How would it fare in today’s SUV-obsessed market?  

1. Holden 48-215 

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Even the mightiest tree needs a seed to grow from and every vehicle on this list owes its existence to some degree to the 48-215, or as it was simply known at the time, the ‘Holden’. Australians fell over themselves to own the first locally engineered and manufactured car, resulting in extensive wait lists. Happily, they also bought themselves a fine vehicle. It was undoubtedly simple but occupied a unique niche in size while offering full-blooded performance by the standards of the day. As Holden design guru Richard Ferlazzo put it in Wheels’ feature drive of the first and last locally made Holdens, “It was an A-size car with a B-size engine”. The success of the 48-215 is best illustrated by the fact its layout – a four-door sedan with room for a family and luggage, powered by a six-cylinder engine driving the rear wheels – would continue unchanged until the very last VF II Commodore rolled off the line in 2017.  

German technology group Rheinmetall has taken a major step toward solving one of the biggest challenges in urban electric vehicle adoption: where to charge.

After a successful 12-month pilot program in Cologne, the company has officially commenced mass production of its discreet “Curb Charger” – an EV charger built directly into roadside kerbing.

Unlike traditional charging stations, which can be bulky and visually intrusive, the Curb Charger sits flush with the footpath. This preserves valuable public space, reduces visual clutter, and eliminates potential pedestrian obstructions – an issue frequently cited by city planners. During the pilot phase, the chargers performed reliably through over 2,800 individual charging sessions, delivering more than 50 megawatt-hours of electricity with a technical uptime exceeding 99 per cent.

Each unit features a weatherproof, IP68-rated design with built-in heating, ensuring durability and functionality in harsh conditions. Drivers can connect using a standard Type 2 cable and activate charging via smartphone app or RFID card. The charger includes 4G and Ethernet connectivity for real-time monitoring, with smart modular components that allow quick, tool-free electronic replacement in case of malfunction.

Rheinmetall’s innovative kerbside charging solution has already received accolades for its practical design, winning recognition at the Red Dot Awards. Its rollout is part of a broader strategy to support the growing demand for public EV infrastructure in space-constrained city environments. With plans for broader European deployment already underway, including interest from cities like Dublin, Rheinmetall is positioning its Curb Charger as a game-changing tool for the electrified future.

The system’s success highlights the growing need for flexible, integrated EV infrastructure that blends seamlessly with urban streetscapes. As more cities look to reduce emissions and ban petrol and diesel vehicles from inner areas, discreet, durable solutions like Rheinmetall’s Curb Charger could be key to enabling the transition.

By making EV charging more accessible without adding visual or spatial burden, this flush-fit solution could soon become a familiar feature on city streets around the world.

Australian motorists are being urged to keep their vehicles clean – especially their number plates – because obscured registration numbers could attract steep fines and even demerit points.

The warning comes after photos of a Kia SUV, caked in dirt and mud with virtually unreadable plates, surfaced online in Melbourne. What started as a tongue-in-cheek post by a Reddit user local asking if the car was “safe” from speed and mobile detection cameras, quickly evolved into a broader discussion about the legality and enforcement of dirty number plates.

While many Aussies debated whether a muddy car fresh from a camping trip should be penalised, Victoria Police have confirmed there is little wiggle room.

“Motorists are required to have their number plate affixed and displayed in accordance with regulations,” a police spokesperson told Yahoo News. “Police will actively intercept and enforce if a number plate is obscured.”

The standard fine for this offence in Victoria is $407 and three demerit points, though if taken to court, penalties can climb to a staggering $2,000.

Other states are even tougher. In New South Wales, the same offence can set drivers back $544, while in Queensland, it carries a $341 penalty. These regulations apply regardless of intent – whether the plate is covered by mud, dust, a bike rack, or even a cargo strap.

“‘”I live in the country, lots of cars here look like this almost permanently at this time of the year. Including rural cop cars,” wrote on commenter. “What are you meant to do, stop multiple times every trip and wipe the plate off as you leave the dirt?”

“If cops are feeling like pedants they can pull people like this over and force them to clean the plates to make them visible,” another person added. 

Authorities stress that visible registration plates are essential for road safety enforcement, helping police detect speeding, toll evasion, and stolen vehicles. If a number plate can’t be read, it compromises enforcement systems and public safety.

A quick rinse after a weekend away could spare motorists a costly mistake.

Way back in June 2009, local distribution company Ateco shocked Australian consumers by launching the first Chinese brand on to the local market. GWM – or Great Wall Motors as it was then known – launched with two products in Australia. It’s now quite a distance from its first incarnation and as of June 2025, is now the top-selling Chinese brand in Australia.

Great Wall Motors is headquartered in Baoding in the Hebei Province in China. It was founded in 1984, though has roots as far back as 1976 with an agricultural vehicle workshop in Baoding started by Wei Deliang, who is the uncle of the current GWM chairman Wei Jianjun, through a collaboration with the local government of the Nandayuan Township.

By 1984, the workshop started to produce its own commercial vehicles, and the workshop’s name was changed to Great Wall Industry Company.

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Jianjun had started with the company in 1989 and by 1993, it was producing several models, including the CC1020S sedan, but a change in national vehicle regulations forced Great Wall to shift towards commercial vehicles, including the 1996 Deer ute.

The Deer was a big success for the company and enabled it to export its products for the first time in 1997 to the Middle East. The Nandayuan Township privatised the company in 1998, forming the Great Wall Motor Group with Jianjun owning a 25 per cent stake.

In 2003, GWM became the first private Chinese car manufacturer to become a public company through the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and in 2006, entered the European market for the first time with a series of small vans, and in Australia in 2009.

The first-generation Haval H6 was launched in 2011, immediately becoming China’s best-selling SUV for eight consecutive years. Its success contributed massively to GWM’s profits, leading the company to focus on SUVs. To the end of 2024, more than four million H6s have been produced. Even though it only launched in Australia in 2020 in third-generation form, the H6 has sold almost 50,000 units locally.

In 2011, GWM was listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange and went public again, merging the ownerships of the Wei family and Nandayuan Township into a single investment fund, which is the current corporate structure of the company.

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While its focus was on internal combustion engined products, GWM introduced its first EV in China in 2016 and acquired a 25 per cent stake in the Hebei Yujie Vehicle Industry company in 2017, which was a key player in China’s EV market. GWM spun off its battery business into an independent battery manufacture in 2018 and in the same year, established the Ora EV brand as well as signing a joint venture agreement with BMW to produce electric Mini products in China.

In 2020, GWM purchased General Motors’ Thailand plant – the factory where the Holden Colorado used to be produced for Australia – and Great Wall Motors’ official rebranding to GWM also occurred.

In 2023, GWM announced that it would be adjusting its multi-brand strategy for export markets. Under the new strategy, GWM was the parent company and previously-standalone brands such as Haval, Ora, Tank and Wey were now sub-brands. This change made it easier for export markets, which received select products from all the brands, with – for example – the Haval H6 becoming the GWM Haval H6. Instead of a Haval logo, a new GWM badge appeared.

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As of 2025, GWM has 10 production facilities across China, Thailand, Brazil and Russia, and plants in countries such as Pakistan assembling vehicles from knock-down kits.

The brand has also just employed former-Holden ride and handling guru Rob Trubiani to enhance the way its products feel on the road in a number of areas, including active safety systems and even towing. Trubiani’s knowledge in those areas will eventually be applied to global GWM products.

GWM’s total 2024 sales tally reached 1,233,292 units in 2024, with the Haval brand selling 706,234 units and 453,141 units exported. In Australia to the end of June 2025, GWM has sold 25,189 units, an increase of 17 per cent over the same period in 2024 and puts the brand in a good position to hit its 50,000 sales target for the whole of this year.

Healthy sales should come as no surprise as it’s been a busy period for the brand in Australia. It’s recently launched a new plug-in hybrid variant of the Cannon Alpha ute (above), a diesel variant of the popular Tank 300 off-roader and the updated Haval H6 mid-size SUV, which has just gone on sale. 

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What’s next for GWM in Australia? First cab off the rank is the new Haval H7 mid-size SUV (above), which will be launching in the third quarter of 2025 to sit in between the H6 and Tank 300 SUVs. Afterwards, a new plug-in hybrid version of the Tank 500 large SUV will also be launched.

The brand will reportedly have three EVs in its showrooms by the end of 2026, while new hybrid and plug-in hybrids will also be added to the range to further bolster its NVES compliance.

Looking further into the future, the brand recently revealed a new plug-in hybrid powertrain with a V8 engine that may also allow it to develop a larger ute than the Cannon Alpha, potentially for the North American market.

According to local GWM staff, the brand is at the beginning of its journey, with “plenty more to come”.

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Hyundai and Kia are taking a major leap forward in infotainment technology with the integration of new Google-based features into their embedded navigation systems, improving the connected experience for drivers.

Central to this update is the introduction of Google Places, a powerful tool that enhances the built-in navigation experience with real-time, online information about nearby locations. Drivers can now access comprehensive data on businesses, landmarks, and points of interest directly from the car’s native sat-nav – including user ratings, photos, contact details, and operating hours – all continuously updated via the internet.

This marks a significant shift in the way embedded infotainment systems function, helping to narrow the gap between traditional manufacturer navigation platforms and the more dynamic capabilities typically found in smartphone-based apps like Google Maps on Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

The new system also features improved search functionality, including enhanced auto-complete and predictive search suggestions, along with upgraded text-to-speech support, allowing for more natural and accurate voice guidance.

The rollout begins with Hyundai and Kia vehicles equipped with the ccNC infotainment platform, which includes models such as the Hyundai Kona, IONIQ 5 and 5N, IONIQ 9, Santa Fe, and Tucson. Kia’s upcoming EV4 will debut with the system, with more vehicles receiving access via over-the-air software updates.

Looking ahead, Hyundai has confirmed it will deepen its collaboration with Google for its next-generation infotainment architecture. While full details have yet to be revealed, insiders suggest a shift toward a more integrated, Google-based operating system – similar to Polestar’s Android Automotive – is likely on the horizon.

Despite this digital evolution, Hyundai says it has no plans to remove physical cabin controls entirely, promising a balanced interface between touchscreen innovation and tactile functionality.

The move underscores Hyundai and Kia’s ongoing commitment to improving digital connectivity and user experience across their rapidly evolving line-ups.

Australians’ love affair with utes means there are now over 20 to choose from in this market. While many stick with the big sellers such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux, there are now more options in the sub-$60,000 segment if you’re on a tighter budget. The KGM Musso, which starts at under $40,000 drive away, is one of those to consider…

Formerly under the now-retired SsangYong name, the KGM Musso recently the best under $50K category of the Wheels Best Dual-Cab Ute awards for 2025. Is there more to the Musso than just its excellent value for money?

Price and equipment:

KGM Australia is offering the Musso in three specifications: entry-level ELX, mid-spec Adventure and top-spec Ultimate, with each also available as an XLV that adds extra length for $1500 more. We tested the top-spec Ultimate XLV for this review, which is priced at $43,500 drive away, or $41,500 for ABN holders.

2025 KGM Musso pricing (drive away):

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KGM Musso Ultimate standard equipment:

• 18-inch alloy wheels with a full-size spare
• Dusk-sensing HID headlights with front and rear daytime running lights (DRL)
• Rain-sensing automatic wipers
• Assisted tailgate
• Heated and auto-folding mirrors
• Heated leather steering wheel
• Keyless entry with push button start
• Synthetic leather upholstery
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Manual air-conditioning
• 12.3-inch digital driver’s display
• 12.3-inch touchscreen
• Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Six-speaker sound system
• 2x USB-C ports
• Cruise control
• Eco, sport and winter driving modes

Musso Ultimate safety features:

• 6x airbags
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with forward collision warning
• Lane departure warning
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
• Safe exit warning
• Driver attention monitoring
• Lane change collision warning
• Auto high beam
• Front and rear parking sensors
• 360-degree camera
• Tyre pressure monitoring

The KGM Musso is yet to be crash tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP and is therefore unrated for safety.

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Musso Ultimate options:

• XLV package with extra length and 20Nm more torque: $1500
• Luxury Package with dual-zone automatic climate control, sunroof, leather upholstery, an electric driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment and heated rear outboard seats: $3000
• Metallic paint: $700

Interior, practicality and tray

The interior of the Musso is attractive and well finished with quality that’s above a lot of its competition. While there aren’t soft touch materials everywhere, it still has a soft touch dashboard lower trim, and it’s screwed together quite well. It feels more like an SUV than a ute, though it could feature more storage.

Centre of the cabin is a new 12.3-inch touchscreen with features such as wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity and AM/FM radio. It’s a very easy system to use and screen is also high resolution for the segment but it would be good to see features such as DAB+ digital radio, satellite navigation and wireless smartphone mirroring added.

The digital driver’s display also measures 12.3-inches and looks good, though is also limited for functionality with just a few menu layouts to choose from and no map integration.

The Musso is not a small vehicle but it is easy to see out of thanks to big windows and large mirrors, and its front seats are quite comfortable. The synthetic leather trim on our Ultimate test car is comfortable and hard-wearing, while it even features heated and ventilated front seats – plus, choosing the optional Luxury Package adds electric adjustment for the driver and real leather trim.

The rear of the Musso XLV is spacious and two tall adults will be quite comfortable thanks to ample seat bolstering, a central armrest with cup holders, map and door pockets and air vents. The optional Luxury Package even adds heated outboard seats, though still no rear USB ports for device charging. Three top-tether points and two ISOFIX points also feature for child seats. Unfortunately, all Musso models still use a lap sash rear centre belt.

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The Musso’s tray is generous and also has four tie down points. But if you need more space, the XLV adds a 300mm longer tub for an extra 251 litres of capacity (1600mm long and 1262L in total), as well as a 110mm-longer wheelbase for extra interior space. The whole Musso range also features an assisted tailgate to make it easier to operate, and it feels quite light as a result, and a full-size spare wheel lives underneath.

Performance and fuel efficiency

The KGM Musso range uses a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that’s mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and a part-time four-wheel drive system with high and low range. It makes 133kW of power and 400Nm of torque, with the XLV adding 20Nm more torque to account for its extra weight.

KGM claims combined fuel consumption of 8.6L/100km (9.0L/100km for XLV) and CO2 emissions of 226g/km (XLV: 236g/km). All Mussos feature a 75-litre fuel tank and in our testing, we beat KGM’s claim with an impressive 8.5L/100km result.

On the road

Based on the same body-on-frame platform as the seven-seat Rexton SUV, the Musso drives well for the ute segment. While it’s not as dynamic as the Ford Ranger, it’s still comfortable and pleasant to drive, in part due to a coil spring rear suspension set-up, which is still quite rare in the ute segment. The ride quality can be a touch sharp at times, but it’s still comfortable.

While the engine’s outputs could be beefed up to match the Rexton (148kW/441Nm versus 133kW/420Nm in the Musso XLV), the Musso’s secret weapon is just how quiet it is. The sound deadening used is fantastic and only under full acceleration is the engine really heard – it is far quieter than rivals like the Triton, BT-50 and D-Max.

The six-speed automatic is not the fastest-shifting transmission on the market, but it does its job well with no fuss, providing clean and intuitive shifting, though we’d like to see the eight-speed unit from the Rexton added to the Musso for closer gear ratios.

While we didn’t test the Musso for its off-road capability, we’ve seen quite positive reports of its driving experience off road. While it doesn’t feature off-road driving modes like some other utes, hill descent control and high- and low-range gearing is standard, as is an auto-locking rear differential.

The safety systems used in the Musso Ultimate are effective, especially the lane departure warning, auto high beam and high-resolution 360-degree camera. However, we’d like to see features such as lane keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control added to the Musso’s feature list like in South Korea, as well as a proper middle rear seatbelt.

Service and warranty

The KGM Musso is covered by a seven-year/unlimited km warranty with five years of roadside assistance. Its service intervals are once-yearly/every 15,000km and a five-year/75,000km service cost is $2298 ($459 per service), though there are also “mandatory service items” that will add further cost (KGM doesn’t quote those on its website).

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Verdict: Should I buy a KGM Musso Ultimate XLV?

While it could be more powerful and offer more safety features such as adaptive cruise control and a proper rear middle seatbelt, the KGM Musso is definitely a product that you shouldn’t overlook. Its chief drawcard is its amazing value proposition – that you can get a top-spec dual cab 4×4 diesel automatic ute for comfortable under $50,000 drive away is amazing in 2025. Even with the XLV and Luxury Packages, the Musso is priced comfortably under equivalent models such as the Mitsubishi Triton GSR and Mazda BT-50 GT.

But unlike some rivals, the Musso is actually relatively refined and mostly pleasant to drive. Its cabin is good quality, its warranty is long, it’s quite practical and offers solid payload and towing capability. On the checklist for a well-rounded dual-cab ute, the KGM Musso ticks an awful lot of boxes and is well worth consideration if you’re in the hunt for one.

Musso Ultimate XLV rivals

GWM Cannon

LDV T60

JAC T9

Specs

Mercedes-Benz will introduce its latest electrified model, the GLA 250 e plug-in hybrid, to Australian showrooms from July 17, 2025, offering a refined and versatile option in the compact luxury SUV market.

Priced from $78,000 (MRLP), the GLA 250 e blends electric efficiency with the flexibility of a petrol engine, expanding the brand’s EQ hybrid portfolio alongside recent additions like the C 350 e.

Underpinned by an advanced hybrid drivetrain, the GLA 250 e delivers a combined system output of 160 kW and 450 Nm, pairing a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine (120 kW) with an 11.5 kWh lithium-ion battery. Drivers can enjoy up to 65 km of pure electric driving (WLTP-tested), making it well-suited for everyday around-town commuting, with easy hybrid functionality for extended journeys.

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Charging flexibility is also built-in. Two cables come standard – one for home outlets and another for wallboxes or public stations. While the standard 3.7 kW AC charger suits overnight charging, buyers can opt for an upgraded 11 kW AC charging system ($800 MRLP) for faster top-ups.

The GLA 250 e’s standard equipment is generous and tech-forward, featuring:

• PROGRESSIVE Line exterior styling with 18” alloy wheels
• Panoramic sunroof and dark-tinted heat-insulating glass
• 360° Parking Package, KEYLESS-GO, and ambient lighting
• Heated and memory front seats in ARTICO trim
• DISTRONIC Active Distance Assist with Lane Keeping Assist
• Blind Spot Assist, PARKTRONIC, and THERMOTRONIC 2-zone climate control
• Wireless phone charging and full hybrid-specific cockpit data displays

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For those seeking extra flair or advanced features, optional packages include:

• Plus Package ($3,847 MRLP): Burmester® sound, MBUX Augmented Reality, head-up display, MULTIBEAM LED lighting and more
• AMG Line Package ($2,500 MRLP): Sport seats, Nappa leather steering wheel, AMG floor mats, sports suspension and styling

Orders for the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 e open online and through dealerships from 17 July, bringing a compelling new hybrid option for interested premium SUV buyers.

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Kia has officially launched the 2026 Kia Sorento in South Korea, unveiling a refreshed take on its best-selling mid-size SUV.

The new version introduces upgraded driver-assistance systems, new tech features, and premium design enhancements aimed at reinforcing the Sorento’s position as a standout in the three-row SUV segment.

Among the most notable updates is the standardisation of Lane Keeping Assist 2 (LKA 2) and steering wheel grip detection across all trim levels. These improvements elevate safety and driving confidence for all buyers, regardless of which variant they select.

Kia has also increased standard equipment from the Noblesse trim upwards, including the addition of the Digital Key 2 system and touch-type exterior door handles, offering greater convenience and tech-forward usability.

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Inside, the 2026 Sorento features a new four-spoke steering wheel and expanded ambient lighting, now extending to the front door map pockets. These updates enhance the vehicle’s cabin ambience and premium appeal.

Visually, the hybrid model gains a new set of distinctive 19-inch alloy wheels starting from the Signature trim.

In a key branding shift, Kia has renamed the rugged Gravity variant to X-Line, giving it a more adventure-oriented identity with blacked-out emblems and wheel caps for a tougher aesthetic.

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The model is expected to retain its current range of powertrains on arrival in Australia. This means the line-up will continue to include the naturally aspirated V6 (200kW/332Nm), 2.2-litre turbo-diesel (148kW/440Nm), as well as the 1.6-litre turbocharged hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants – both delivering a combined output of 195kW and 350Nm.

Kia Australia has confirmed the upgraded 2026 Sorento will arrive in local showrooms before the end of 2025, joining the growing line-up of refreshed SUVs set to hit the market with greater technology and a bolder presence.

The facelifted Sorento continues Kia’s strategy of blending family-focused practicality with advanced features and strong design cues, but it faces increasing competition in this segment from the likes of MG and Chery, and established models like the Toyota Kluger and Hyundai Santa Fe.

Mercedes-Benz will expand its compact portfolio early in 2026 with the arrival of the CLA Shooting Brake – a sleek, wagon-style companion to the new CLA four-door coupé.

The newcomer will launch first with a highly efficient battery-electric drivetrain, while plug-in hybrid, mild-hybrid and high-performance AMG variants are slated to follow within a year. It’s believed the CLA Shooting Brake will be considered for the Australian market after its European debut.

The Shooting Brake trades the coupé-style boot for a longer roofline and a powered tailgate, opening up 455 litres of cargo space (1290L with the rear seats folded). Electric versions add roughly 100L of under-bonnet storage for cables and smaller items. A taller roof also improves second-row head-room, while roof rails (75 kg rating) and an optional tow-bar (1800 kg capacity) broaden the car’s weekend versatility.

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Mercedes has given the CLA cockpit a light refresh that carries over to the Shooting Brake. A new steering wheel with tactile roller controllers replaces touch-sensitive pads, and the panoramic glass roof now features electro-chromic dimming plus a star-pattern illumination linked to the ambient-lighting system.

Up front, a 14-inch central display is paired with a 10.25-inch driver screen under a single glass panel; a second passenger screen will be offered later. The new electrical architecture supports faster over-the-air updates and an AI-based voice assistant.

The launch version – badged CLA 250+ – combines a rear-mounted 200 kW electric motor with an 85 kWh battery. Mercedes targets up to 760km of WLTP range, only marginally shy of the coupé’s figure and well ahead of rivals such as the Tesla Model Y or Volvo EC40. An 800-V system enables 320 kW DC fast-charging, good for roughly 320 km of added range in 10 minutes on a compatible charger.

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More variants incoming

• CLA 350 dual-motor (around 260 kW, 0-100 km/h in ~5.0 s) retains more than 720 km of range.
• CLA 250 with a smaller battery will offer a sharper entry price.
• AMG versions and hybrid petrol options will round out the line-up, catering to buyers not yet ready to go full EV.

With its blend of style, utility and class-leading efficiency, the CLA Shooting Brake shapes up as a compelling alternative to compact SUVs – proving you don’t need extra ride height to enjoy genuine practicality.

Jeep Australia has launched the 2025 Jeep Wrangler, now available in dealerships nationwide with a drop in pricing and bold new colour choices.

The updated Wrangler Rubicon 2-Door and 4-Door variants now start at $79,990 and $82,990 MSRP, respectively – marking a significant price drop compared to the previous model year ($82,950 MSRP and $89,450 MSRP, respectively).

Though mechanically unchanged, the 2025 Wrangler introduces two vibrant paint colours – Mojito and 41 – expanding the palette to eight options including staples like Bright White, Black, and Firecracker Red. This minor aesthetic refresh ensures more choice for Jeep fans eager to personalise their rigs.

Under the bonnet, the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine continues to deliver 200 kW of power and 400 Nm of torque, with excellent low-end response and improved fuel efficiency – good news for both highway cruising and technical trails.

Staying true to its heritage, the Wrangler retains its Trail Rated® credentials, thanks to rugged features like Dana solid axles, Rock-Trac® 4×4 system with a 77.2:1 crawl ratio, and four skid plates. The next-gen Dana 44 full-float rear axle enhances weight distribution and supports larger aftermarket tyres – always a consideration for serious off-roaders.

Inside, the Wrangler offers a modernised cabin anchored by a 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen, the largest ever in a Wrangler. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and multiple user profiles for custom convenience. A forward-facing TrailCam adds extra confidence while navigating rough terrain.

Safety features include side curtain airbags (front and rear), electronic stability control, and rear seat reminder alerts in the 4-door version.

With removable roof panels, the Wrangler delivers a sense of open-air freedom, enhancing its appeal for adventurous Australians and backed by Jeep Wave, the brand’s premium ownership program.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon range is available now.

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