The Volkswagen Touareg is facing the axe, with production due to cease early next year. The luxury SUV was introduced in 2002 alongside the Porsche Cayenne, the two models sharing a platform. While the Cayenne transformed Porsche’s volumes, the Touareg never created quite such a cultural shift within Volkswagen.

Given that luxury SUVs ought already be quite amply catered for, and would have been a better fit for the Audi brand within the group, it might seem odd that Volkswagen wanted to push upmarket in this way, but in the late 1990s, Ferdinand Piech’s manic brand extensions were in full flight and all the tenets of traditional brand management seemed to have been cast to the winds in Wolfsburg.

In some market sectors, Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda and SEAT were all cannibalising sales from each other in an internecine survival of the fittest, so perhaps it wasn’t entirely unexpected that Volkswagen would launch the Phaeton sedan in 2001 to compete directly with the Audi A8 and then the Touareg SUV the following year, to compete with the Cayenne.

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It was the third model to be spun off the Slovakian-built VW Group PL71 chassis, the Audi Q7, which would appear comparatively late in the piece in 2005. Both were integral to Piech’s vision of increased profitability per vehicle for Volkswagen, following a strategy he’d successfully executed at Audi. While the Phaeton was a sales flop, the Touareg performed reasonably across three generations. The ‘7L’ model ran from 2002-2010, the ‘7P’ from 2010 to 2018 and the ‘CR’ iteration took up the mantle through to 2026.

The first generation was undoubtedly the most radical, featuring both a 6.0-litre W12 petrol option and a 5.0-litre V10 diesel.

The Wheels first drive of the original sagely predicted that “Touareg top-end models may well struggle against more prestigiously badged competitors”. In other words, we didn’t buy into Volkswagen’s upmarket aspirations then and nothing has changed our view on the interim. While badge equity is not an immutable concept, there’s a lot to be said for focusing on what you’re best at.

Even in 2015, the Touareg’s most successful year of Australian sales, it achieved a nine per cent share in its sector, outshone by the likes of the Audi Q7 (12.1 per cent), BMW X5 (17.4 per cent), Land Rover Discovery (10.3 per cent) Range Rover Sport (12.9 per cent) and Mercedes-Benz GLE (11.4 per cent). Half-year sales for 2025 stood at 472 units.

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It’s not all bad news. In switching attention from the Toureg to the more practical and affordable seven-seater Tayron model, Volkswagen is finally adopting a measure of pragmatism that was missing from all those years of hubris. With prices that start at around $53k versus the Touareg’s $89k, the Tayron looks a smarter bet for success. If it doesn’t at least double the Touareg’s best ever year of sales in Australia during its first full year on the market, we’d be very surprised. Here’s to sticking to the knitting.

Touareg sales in Australia

The article originally appeared in the December 2025 issue of Wheels. Subscribe here and gain access to 12 issues for $109 plus online access to every Wheels issue since 1953.

The Toyota RAV4 has been a sales phenomenon for Toyota, especially in recent years. In 2024 alone, it sold 1.187 million units and that was enough to make it the world’s best-selling car.

With news of the new generation model arriving in Australia in the first half of 2026, do those eyeing off the RAV4 wait for the new model or buy the current shape instead? Here’s the WhichCar by Wheels guide:

Pricing

Toyota Australia announced pricing and specifications for the new RAV4 a few weeks ago, with a $3730 jump in the price of the GX entry-level model and up to a $5930 increase for models higher in the range. The only model to lower its asking price is the off-road themed Edge, which was previously the top-spec model but is now sitting at the mid-spec point of the range.

New plug-in hybrid models – strangely only available in XSE and GR Sport grades – start from $58,840 plus on-road costs and the most expensive RAV4 model is the sporty GR Sport, which is priced at $66,340 +ORC.

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Standard features

Behind the increased price sticker for the new Toyota RAV4 range is the fact the whole range is overall better equipped than the previous car, with a big upgrade in technology in every model. The entry-level touchscreen grows from 8.0-inches to 10.5-inches, gains new software and new features – plus, those buying the Edge and above upgrade to an even larger 12.9-inch screen. All models now feature a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display as well.

Despite the additional technology, the GX does have less features with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and automatic wipers strangely no longer part of the spec list despite an almost-$4000 price rise. Because the Edge is now the mid-spec car, it loses features such as leather upholstery and a sunroof, while buyers must choose the Cruiser if they want a panoramic sunroof.

Drivetrains

Like the last RAV4, the majority of the new model’s line-up is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid drivetrain mated to an e-CVT transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive. The new model features the same engine as before, though now complying with Euro 6 emissions standards and up to 20kW less powerful as a result. Toyota is yet to announce fuel economy and emissions figures, but we’re expecting them to be slightly less than the previous model (so less than 4.7L/100km and 106g/km).

Also new to the RAV4 range in Australia is a 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid drivetrain making either 200kW in front-drive or 227kW in all-wheel drive forms, making it the most powerful RAV4 offered locally. Like the hybrid, Toyota is yet to reveal local fuel efficiency and emissions figures, but it is reportedly capable of driving 100km on a full electric charge from its 22.7kWh battery (which can be charged at up to 50kW).

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Dimensions

This may surprise you given how different they look, but the 2025 and 2026 RAV4s are nigh on identical in size. The only change in size from the top-spec GR Sport model which has different bumpers, a wider track and is slightly lower than the rest of the range.

Toyota is yet to reveal bootspace figures for the new RAV4 models, but we aren’t expecting much change from the old model’s 542-580 litre space.

Conclusion: Should I wait for the new Toyota RAV4?

There’s no doubt that the new Toyota RAV4 is worthy of the step up in price compared with the outgoing model thanks to its added standard features across the range, new-feeling interior and revised model line-up. The first-time-for-Australia plug-in hybrid variants offer healthy performance and electric-only driving ranges and across the offering, it is sharper to drive as well.

However, while the new car is a step up, for many people the decision will likely depend on what sort of deals are available on the previous model to get them sold. If Toyota dealers are still famously tight on deals for the old RAV4, we’d be going to the new model. But if there’s room for bonuses and the price gap grows, you won’t feel shortchanged as it’s still an excellent and very fuel efficient mid-size SUV.

Searching for a medium SUV in today’s new car market is a daunting prospect, with more than 20 different options to choose from. For car makers, standing out in such a busy and crowded market can be tough.

A reliable and enduring attraction for buyers, however, is good value, which GWM’s products routinely deliver and why we awarded the GWM Haval H6 the Value award in this year’s Wheels Best Medium SUV 2025 awards. Let’s learn more about the H6 and what it offers to medium SUV buyers.

2026 GWM Haval H6 pricing (drive away):

GWM Haval H6 drivetrains

GWM Australia offers the Haval H6 with a full array of five drivetrains: one petrol, two hybrid and two plug-in hybrid, and impressively, all run on 91RON regular unleaded fuel. The ‘entry-level’ drivetrain is the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol making 170kW of power and 380Nm of torque. It sends its power to the front wheels only using a nine-speed dual-clutch transmission, and combined fuel consumption is rated at 7.4L/100km.

Above the 2.0T sits the most popular drivetrain in the H6 range: the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol hybrid. Making 179kW of power and 530Nm of torque, it makes more grunt than the 2.0T, but it’s also 2.2L/100km more fuel efficient at just 5.2L/100km. It’s front-wheel drive like the 2.0T, but GWM has recently added an all-wheel drive version that adds an electric rear motor for 268kW/760Nm combined outputs – yet, just a 0.2L/100km increase in fuel consumption and 5g/km increase in CO2 emissions at 5.4L/100km and 125g/km respectively.

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GWM Australia also offers the Haval H6 with a choice of two plug-in hybrids, with both using a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. The front-wheel drive version makes 240kW/540Nm outputs, while the all-wheel drive drivetrain makes the same outputs as the all-wheel drive hybrid at 268kW/760Nm – or, comfortably, the most powerful in the mainstream medium SUV segment.

Plug-in hybrid models feature a 19.09kWh LFP battery that can be DC fast charged at up to 34kW for a claimed 30-80 per cent charge time of just 28 minutes. The claimed NEDC range for the 2WD PHEV is an impressive 106km, with the AWD PHEV losing just 6km for 100km in total.

Combined fuel consumption for the H6 PHEV with a charged battery is rated at between 1.0 and 1.1L/100km, but the low charge claimed consumption is 5.0L/100km (5.3L/100km for the AWD model) so even without a full charge, the H6 PHEV is still impressively fuel efficient.

GWM Haval H6 dimensions

Regardless of model chosen, the Haval H6 measures 4703mm long, 1886mm wide, 1730mm tall and rides on a 2738mm long wheelbase. The boot in all variants measures 560 litres with the rear seats up, and either 1445 litres (hybrid + PHEV models) or 1485 litres (2.0T) with the rear seats folded.

Kerb weight for the H6 ranges from 1592kg for the 2.0T to 1652kg for the Lux hybrid, to 1946kg for the AWD PHEV. Braked towing capacity is 2000kg for the 2.0T and 1500kg for all hybrids.

GWM Haval H6 safety features

All GWM Haval H6 models are equipped with:

• 7x airbags
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian, cyclist and junction assistance
• Lane keeping assistance with adaptive lane guidance
• Adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist
• Traffic sign recognition
• Driver fatigue monitoring
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert with braking
• Door open warning
• Front and rear parking sensors
• 360-degree camera
• Tyre pressure monitoring

The Ultra models further add automatic parking functionality and automatic reverse braking.

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The H6 range received a five-star ANCAP safety rating in 2022 with scores of 88 per cent for adult occupancy protection, 88 per cent for child occupancy protection, 73 per cent for vulnerable road user protection and 81 per cent for safety assist.

GWM added and refined the H6’s safety features in its 2025 facelift, so it would likely score higher if tested again.

GWM Haval H6 Lux standard features

• 19-inch black alloy wheels
• Dusk-sensing automatic LED lighting
• Rain-sensing automatic wipers
• Keyless entry and push button start
• Heated and auto-folding mirrors with puddle lamps
• Electric tailgate with kick-to-open functionality (hybrid only)
• Leather steering wheel
• Synthetic leather upholstery
• Driver six-way electric seat adjustment
• Dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents
• 10.25-inch digital driver’s display
• 14.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• AM/FM/DAB+ digital radio
• Wireless phone charger
• Live services (PHEV only)
• 5x USB charging ports

GWM Haval H6 Ultra model adds to Lux:

• Head-up display
• Rear privacy glass
• Panoramic sunroof
• Driver seat memory and lumbar adjustment
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Eight-speaker sound system (hybrid – petrol and PHEV have nine speakers)
• Automatic parking (excluding PHEV)
• Stainless steel front scuff plates

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H6 colour range

• Hamilton White
• Golden Black (+ $495)
• Astral Pearl (+ $495)
• Ayers Grey (+ $495)

H6 warranty and service costs

The H6 is covered by a seven-year/unlimited km warranty with an eight-year/160,000km warranty for the battery on hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants. There is also five years of roadside assistance and five years of capped price servicing.

Five years/70,000km of servicing the H6 costs between $2110 ($422 per year) for the 2.0T, $2145 (2WD) / $2175 (AWD) for the hybrid and $2220 for the PHEV variants. The first service due is in 12 months or 10,000km (whichever comes first) and every service afterwards a further 12 months or 15,000km (again, whichever comes first).

The Ford Ranger is undoubtedly Ford Australia’s biggest success story over recent years. In 2024 alone, more than 62,000 of them were sold Down Under and it was the best-selling vehicle in the country. Its stablemate, the Everest, has also been a volume seller in these parts.

But in Ford’s home market in the USA, another vehicle using the Ranger’s platform is the star: the Ford Bronco. The Bronco uses the same ‘T6’ platform as the Ranger and Everest, but instead of a ute or seven-seat large SUV, it’s a two- or four-door SUV in a similar fashion to the Jeep Wrangler. In 2024, Ford USA sold almost 140,000 Broncos versus just under 52,000 Rangers (but also 733,000 F-150s), and even in 2025, a big waiting list still exists. There’s also some Australian in the Bronco: it was partly developed by Ford Australia’s engineers.

Pricing for the Ford Bronco in the USA starts at around US$40,000 (A$62,000 at current exchange rates) for the entry-level two-door version, extending all the way to around US$83,000 (plus options) for the high performance Raptor, which is quite similar in mission to the Ranger Raptor. It even uses the same twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre petrol V6 engine and 10-speed automatic transmission but produces even more grunt at 311kW/597Nm.

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Lesser Ford Bronco variants use a 224kW/441Nm 2.3-litre turbo-four or a 246kW/563Nm 2.7-litre turbo-V6 (both of which are available in the US-spec Ranger), with a 10-speed auto on both or – enthusiasts rejoice! – a seven-speed manual also available for the four banger.

Equipment on the base model includes LED headlights, cruise control, an 8.0-inch infotainment system with Ford’s ‘Sync 4’ software, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, and a set of 16-inch steel wheels with all-season tyres. There are a variety of packages, optional extras and accessories to add to the Bronco to truly make it yours, and the price climbs rapidly as a result.

Models above the base Bronco include the Big Bend, Outer Banks, Badlands, Heritage Edition, Stroppe Edition and finally, the Raptor, and all of them feature unique trims, colours and options.

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In bad news for Australia, the Bronco’s insane popularity in the markets in which its sold mean that Ford is not even thinking about right-hand drive production yet because the current left-hand drive production slots just don’t exist. But again, using the same platform as the Ranger and Everest surely means that it can be factory converted to right-hand drive easily enough when the timing is correct.

Alas, for now, the Ford Bronco isn’t coming to Australian shores – not officially anyway – but we know there’s demand there for it. Just how much – especially with NVES likely pushing the prices up thanks to the lack of hybrid or electric drivetrain in US models – is not yet known.

Prices are also not yet known – in Australia, the Bronco would likely not be cheap. But seeing how many Ranger Wildtraks are around (and they’re comfortably asking above $80,000) there would likely be demand. Until then, we’ll just have to keep ooh-ing and aah-ing at the Bronco… that Raptor sure does look like good fun!

Toyota is just days from unveiling a new V8-powered supercar, a flagship intended to sit in the lineage of the 2000GT and Lexus LFA. This next halo model isn’t aimed only at weekend drives, either: a GT3 race car has been developed in parallel, signalling a serious motorsport mission. With the covers set to come off on December 4, here’s a clear picture of what has surfaced so far.

In Toyota’s latest teaser, the mystery coupe – widely tipped to be called the Toyota GR GT – shows a long bonnet, a tight rear overhang and a wide, planted stance. It lines up with what we’ve already seen from camouflaged prototypes running at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, and confirms a dramatic, aggressive shape. The silhouette feels closer to something like a Mercedes-AMG SLS Gullwing than any recent road-going Toyota, which is exactly the point of a halo car.

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That teaser follows an official image released around last month’s Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo, revealing a partial front quarter. Even from that narrow view, the car wears slim LED headlights and a deep lower intake suggesting serious cooling and aero needs. A second, wider photo of the same car appeared on trackside signage at Fuji Speedway, giving a better sense of its low, stretched proportions.

Crucially, that Fuji shot shows a GR (Gazoo Racing) badge in the lower grille. Whether the finished product sits under Toyota or Lexus branding, the GR badge confirms the project is being led by Toyota’s competition arm rather than a purely road-car design studio.

Toyota has stayed quiet on hard technical details, but the breadcrumbs are meaningful. After the Goodwood hillclimb run, the company released audio clips of the engine note as part of its Japan Mobility Show build-up. The sound is unmistakably V8, and most signs point to a turbocharged unit. A hybrid boost for the road car is also on the cards, given the direction of modern performance flagships.

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Output figures remain guesswork, but today’s rivals operate comfortably in the 520kW-plus bracket, and Toyota is unlikely to launch a halo model without playing in that same league. Expect a headline number that puts it squarely among the world’s quickest GT-style supercars.

The car’s layout also seems increasingly clear. Its proportions indicate the engine sits ahead of the cabin but behind the front axle, creating a front-mid-engine balance similar to the previous Mercedes-AMG GT. That configuration suits both a road car chasing agility and a GT3 machine chasing lap time.

Transmission details are still unknown, but the prototypes suggest power will be sent rearward via a transaxle, likely housing a limited-slip differential and a fast-shifting self-shifter. Whether Toyota opts for a traditional automatic, a dual-clutch, or something more bespoke remains to be seen.

Rumours also point to a carbon-fibre-intensive structure. If true, it would mirror the Lexus LFA approach, where Toyota’s luxury arm pioneered carbon construction within the group to cut weight and increase rigidity.

The road car’s purpose goes beyond showroom theatre. Toyota intends to homologate a GT3 racing version alongside it, echoing how the GR Yaris was built to support Toyota’s World Rally Championship program. GT3 is one of the toughest, most prestigious global classes, with Ferrari, Porsche, McLaren, BMW, Lamborghini and Aston Martin all represented — and Toyota is clearly aiming to join that fight with factory backing.

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As for the badge on the nose, the momentum now leans strongly toward Toyota branding. Lexus appears to be concentrating on upcoming electric models, including a possible performance coupe inspired by the Sport Concept shown at Monterey Car Week and again in Tokyo. That shift also strengthens the view that Gazoo Racing will be the named team taking the car into WEC GT3 competition.

Either way, the wait is almost over. Toyota’s December 4 reveal should finally confirm the GR GT’s name, specs and full road-and-race intent — and whether this V8 halo car becomes the most ambitious Toyota performance statement of the modern era.

Buying a new car is an exciting time, but there needs to be a lot of research to make sure the one you end up with suits your needs and your budget requirements. A car can be fantastic but if one element to its existence is not to your expectations, that can sour it for you and give you ‘the ick’. Servicing your new car at least once per year is incredibly important, but how long will a new car service take?

In this article, we’re focusing on servicing within a warranty period. How long a new car logbook service can take to complete depends on the brand, the type of car, whether it uses petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric power and if anything else is needed during the service like a wheel alignment or a recall fix.

How long will my logbook car service take?

Obviously, this depends on a number of factors mentioned above, but as a general guide, a minor logbook service should only take a few hours at most.

A major service, however, can take most of the working day or longer, depending on the car and if any other work is needed. We advise asking the dealership or workshop chosen to perform the servicing as to how long it’ll take.

Can I book my car’s logbook service at short notice?

Absolutely not. While some dealerships and service centres may have cancelled bookings that you can take advantage of, book your car in at least a few weeks before it’s due.

Service centres need to budget for the parts required, staff needed and a whole number of other factors that work on sufficient booking notice from customers.

Plus, the further out you book, the more chance there is in getting a loan car to use while your car is being serviced.

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What does a minor logbook car service include?

The biggest item during a minor logbook service is replacing the engine oil and the oil filter, as well as testing the 12V battery to ensure that it’s still holding charge.

Checking the brakes and topping up brake fluid and inspecting and maybe rotating the tyres is performed as well, while also testing the car’s major functions: the lights, steering, suspension, wipers and heating and ventilation system.

More checks are performed under the bonnet, including the air, fuel and pollen filters, the leads and spark plugs, belts, hoses and exhaust. Finally, topping up or changing fluids such as engine coolant, transmission fluid and windscreen washing fluids as required is also part of a minor service.

The above is for a standard petrol car and more may be needed, depending on the car being serviced. For example, if it’s a hybrid or EV, it may need a battery and electric motor checking, as well as checking the high voltage system and charging ability.

What does a major logbook car service include?

In addition to what’s performed in a minor service, a major service then adds a number of items such as fully changing the fluids and oils and checking performance.

A wheel alignment and suspension check is necessary. Depending on age, replacing certain parts such as timing belts, filters, hoses, spark plugs and brakes can be undertaken too.

How much does logbook servicing cost?

This depends on what type of car is being serviced, as well as what type of propulsion it uses, how often it needs servicing and how many km it’s travelled.

As a general guide for mainstream brands, a five year service cost up to around 80,000km can range from under $1000 for a new Honda to almost $4000 for brands like Volkswagen.

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Some brands offer a service plan that can be purchased with the car or before its first service to lessen the cost of ownership and/or help budget running costs by building servicing into car repayments.

How often should I service my new car?

Generally, most new cars require being serviced annually or every 15,000km (whichever comes first). But there are many exceptions to that rule, including some cars in the Toyota range that require servicing every six months, but many electric vehicles don’t need to see a dealership for two years.

As always, confirm a vehicle’s specific requirements with the car’s service manual, manufacturer or the dealership.

Below you’ll find a list of the 10 most popular vehicles of all time and we bet there are a few surprises. However, what’s really interesting is how the list will look in another five or 10 years as a couple of cars are no longer in production and others have definitely fallen out of favour. 

For example, the Toyota RAV4 isn’t on the list, but as 2024’s most-popular car globally with 1.18 million units sold, it won’t be long before it starts climbing the lower reaches of this all-time ladder. 

Precise production figures are difficult to ascertain (and obviously a moving target given some cars sell almost 100,000 examples a month), but we’ve done our best to collate an accurate list using several sources. So, without further ado. 

10. Honda Accord – 19,500,000 approx.

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How many of you had the Honda Accord in the top 10? Liars. First introduced in 1976, Honda’s large sedan is now in its 11^th generation, though its popularity is a fraction of what it once was, even being removed from sale in its native Japan due to a lack of demand. 

The US accounts for most of these sales (more than 13 million), but the Accord is a hugely important part of Honda’s history and was often a perfect example of the brand’s engineering excellence, as evidenced by its pair of Wheels’ Car of the Year wins in 1977 and 2008. 

9. Ford Escort – 20,000,000 approx. 

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Helping the Ford Escort’s position on this list is the fact that it’s a nameplate that has taken many forms over the decades. There’s the European-style Escort most will be familiar with, plenty of which were made in Australia, that existed from 1968-2004 before being replaced by the Focus. 

Then there’s the US-spec Escort that proved very successful in the 1980s and ’90s and the Chinese Escort that revived the nameplate from 2015-2023. All in all, more than 20 million examples were produced along with some of the most iconic cars of all time, including the RS1600 and RS Cosworth. 

8. Toyota HiLux – 21,000,000 approx.

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Having passed 18 million sales in 2018, we calculate that global HiLux sales are now somewhere north of 21 million, with plenty more to come thanks to the recent reveal of the ninth generation. 

First appearing in 1968, its reputation for rugged reliability has seen it prosper in some of the world’s harshest climates, including Africa, the Middle East and, of course, here in Australia.  

7. Toyota Camry – 22,000,000 approx.

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Just as bread and milk aren’t the most exciting items on most people’s shopping list, but that doesn’t stop them being popular, so the Toyota Camry has garnered more than 22 million customers since 1982. 

Ironically, though its popularity is now waning – even being discontinued in Japan – today’s Camry is one of the best ever, with plenty of space, an exceptionally frugal hybrid drivetrain and the sort of polished driving manners that haven’t always been present across its 10 generations. 

6. Volkswagen Beetle – 23,000,000 approx. 

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If you want to sell a lot of a car, keeping it in production for 65 years is a good start, the first-generation Beetle finally ceasing production in Mexico in 2003 having first been introduced in 1938, though serious production didn’t start until 1945 for, ahem, reasons. 

While the iconic original accounts for most of the total figure, the New Beetle, introduced in 1998, adds another 1.2 million and the oft-forgotten third generation another 500,000-odd between 2011-2019. 

5. Honda Civic – 28,000,000 approx. 

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Having passed 27 million units sold in 2021, we’re confident the global sales total for the Honda Civic now sits well north of 28 million, a testament to its combination of quality, fuel efficiency and reliability in a small package. 

Today’s standard Civic is a return to form, its elevated price tag justified by a premium interior, excellent dynamics and hybrid power, while the Type R is one of the most thrilling and capable front-wheel drives ever produced. 

4. Volkswagen Passat – 34,000,000 approx. 

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Success in its European homeland was one thing, but the best example of the impact the first Volkswagen Passat made was its 1974 Wheels’ Car of the Year win in rugged, big car-loving Australia. 

Across nine generations it’s consistently offered clean-cut, conservative styling – though the Giugiaro-designed original is lovely – and a premium experience for the everyman. Not the sort of car many dream about, but one that fulfils the needs of many. 

3. Volkswagen Golf – 37,000,000 approx.

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The Volkswagen Golf cemented the direction established by the Passat. A switch from rear- to front-drive, sharp Giugiaro-penned styling and a premium presentation that made it as comfortable in Melbourne as it was in Monaco or Mogadishu. 

These traits have carried across five decades and eight generations to make this humble hatchback one of the most popular cars of all time. Car of the Year trophies aren’t everything, but the fact the Golf has three (1976, 2009 and 2013) speaks volumes. 

2. Ford F-Series – 43,000,000 approx.

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The Ford F-Series is a sensation. It’s a sales sensation, passing 40 million units in January 2022, a profit sensation, its huge margins the pillar on which Ford’s financials are built, and it achieves all this without really venturing beyond its local shores. 

Introduced in 1948 and now in its 14^th generation, unlike other vehicles on this list, the F-Series shows no sign of slowing down, having sold 620,580 examples in the first three quarters of 2025 alone, up 13 per cent on the previous year. 

1. Toyota Corolla – 53,000,000 approx. 

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Even so, it’s going to take Ford’s monster truck a long time to catch the humble Toyota Corolla as the most popular car in history. Despite changing tastes meaning the affordable hatch/sedan no longer fights for the annual top spot, it continues to sell more than half-a-million examples each year. 

It passed the 50 million sales mark in August 2021, an astonishing achievement, and next year the release of the 13^th generation will coincide with the model’s 60^th anniversary.  

While it would take more than a decade for the F-Series to overtake the Corolla even if production stopped tomorrow, perhaps it will remain around long enough for small cars to become in vogue once again. Here’s to the next 50 million. 

Skoda has revealed its new 100 concept car, which traces its heritage back to the original Skoda 100 sedan first produced in 1969. Over one million units of that car were built during its eight-year life, and it remains one of Skoda’s most iconic models to date because of its affordable “people’s car” status. The new Skoda 100 sedan concept features a sharp, angular design that brings a futuristic twist to a shape from the 1960s.

According to Paclt, the key motivation for choosing the Skoda 100 was the model’s popularity, which he remembers from his childhood. “I wanted to work with a car that people know well—and that many once owned themselves. The Skoda 100 appealed to me with its clean, timeless lines, which resonate strongly with the current Modern Solid design direction,” he says. 

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Skoda has been looking to its classic cars for inspiration recently with several concepts as part of its ‘Icons Get a Makeover’ series. So far we’ve seen a two-door coupe, a 21st century interpretation of the Favorit and the cool 110R Concept.

The new 100 concept follows this trend, but there’s some influence from Skoda’s current models too. “I drew from the proportions of the Superb, and the resulting concept turned out slightly larger,” said Paclt. 

The stand-out part of the concept’s design comes towards the back. The original Skoda 100 was rear-engined and Paclt wanted the concept’s rear-drive layout to have an impact on its looks. “I wanted to create a concept with a certain degree of realism,” said Paclt.

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That can be seen in the cooling: there’s a roof-mounted intake in the place of a back window and to the side there’s more air intakes, similar in positioning to the original car’s. Around the rear the full-width slats mimic the cooling required for the original Skoda 100’s 1.0-litre four-cylinder engine.

As with the other creations within the Icons Get a Makeover series, the 100 sedan concept isn’t destined to make production. However, with Paclt previously involved in the design of the Kodiaq, Karoq and many other production Skodas, we’ll wait and see what influence he and the 100 sedan concept will have on future models.  

Remember the Tesla Model Y? Of course you do, it’s the best-selling electric car ever made and has sold well over 50,000 units in Australia alone. And even with the controversy the brand’s head has created in recent times, the Tesla Model Y has enjoyed big sales globally.

Following on from the big ‘Juniper’ mid-life update to the Model Y that lobbed earlier this year, Tesla has turned up the styling wick on the Performance mid-size SUV variant to make it stand out more than before.

Immediately noticeable are the huge 21-inch alloy wheels – the design is called ‘Arachnid’ if you were wondering – wrapped in serious 255/35 front and 275/35 rear Pirelli P Zero tyres. There’s a subtle bodykit to stand apart from lesser Ys, complete with a surprisingly real carbon-fibre rear lip spoiler. All in all, it looks far more sporting than the previous Model Y Performance.

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What’s the interior like?

The cabin of the Model Y Performance hasn’t seen as many changes as the exterior but it’s still a very practical space now filled with numerous small changes that combine to make a large difference. The extra layers of material finishing compared with the pre-updated Model Y are noticeable: the plastics used are softer, there’s suede in places prone to rattles – like the wireless charger area – and even the seat controls look and feel more expensive.

Racier details, such as the new carbon dashboard trim and selectable ambient lighting, also add a classier feel inside. The new sports front seats are also successful in conveying the Y Performance’s sportier vibe. Plus, they’re more adjustable than before with seat cushion extension adjustment, and feature the cool hyperspace logo of the Tesla Performance models below the headrest. The seats are also – finally! – ventilated so that the inevitable heat from the glass roof won’t hit quite so hard.

The Performance uses a slightly larger touchscreen than lesser Model Y models. At 16-inches, it still dominates the dashboard and it uses the same software as other Tesla models, but now it’s even larger than before. As before, it’s absolutely packed with features from inbuilt navigation to apps like Spotify and Netflix – though no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto – and as before, the layout is fairly easy to use but it may take a lot of familiarisation at first.

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Like the pre-updated Model Y, there’s no speedometer in front of the driver or head-up display. That’s a big no-no in a speed-focused country like Australia, and indeed in such a quick vehicle, it could take you up to licence-losing speeds in seconds. Sure, the speedometer is located on the driver’s side of the screen, but you have to look downwards off the road to see it.

The rear seat base is marginally longer now for extra comfort and two taller adults will be very comfortable, with a third fitting at a pinch. It’s a roomy space, but spaciousness is further enhanced by the flat floor and ample foot room, even for those with big feet. The new 8.0-inch rear touchscreen that controls the rear temperature and features apps such as YouTube will also likely be a godsend for parents on road trips. Tesla knows its market very well there.

Boot and storage

As before, the Model Y’s boot is quite large at 938 litres with the seats up (including a huge under floor section) that opens up to 2022 litres with the rear seats folded. Handily, the rear seats fold and raise electrically for extra convenience. The front boot adds another 117 litres of space, and it now features drainage for those wanting to use their Model Y for tailgate parties or in case the milk from your weekly groceries leaks from how fast you’re driving.

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The changes that you can see to the Tesla Model Y Performance add up to a big difference compared with the old model. The styling is more modern and more sporting, and it gets more attention from those around you, but how about the changes underneath?

How does the Model Y Performance drive?

Firstly, there’s more power. It certainly didn’t need it, but Tesla has gifted it anyway. Some sources claim it makes the same 343kW as the Model 3 Performance, while others say up to a massive 461kW. From the driver’s seat, it feels like the latter. This car is quick.

Whatever the case, it launches to 100km/h in just 3.5 seconds, 0.2 seconds faster than the older model, and it hits a top whack of 250km/h. As you’d expect, in its fastest ‘insane’ driving mode, the Model Y Performance feels searingly and sick-inducingly quick. Yet it’s also quite efficient: we returned a 17.4kWh/100km result in our time with it. It charges at up to 250kW as well, and Tesla’s ‘Supercharger’ charging network is impressive, too.

The dynamic package has also been overhauled with new adaptive dampers the stars of the show. The previous Model Y Performance was criticised for its too-firm and non-forgiving suspension, and on that front, the new model is far better. The ride is more supple, forgiving and comfortable in standard mode, a touch firmer and a bit brittle at times in the firmer setting, but still entirely liveable. The brakes are reportedly no larger than a standard Model Y, but still perform well and pedal feel is good. It’s also been made even quieter inside and road noise is only really heard on coarse chip surfaces.

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The power delivery feels as though it’s changed slightly with the update, with what feels like more front bias than before. While it’s still a heavy beast that relies heavily on its front wheels in the corners, it’s still capable of scary speeds through the twisties. While a Hyundai Ioniq 5 N still bests the Model Y Performance for involvement, the Tesla is still reasonably fun to drive.

So that’s the Tesla Model Y Performance: a searingly fast, hugely capable and nicely improved performance version of one of the world’s best-selling cars. It’s still wonderfully practical, loaded with plenty of wow factor features and has access to the best charging network out there currently. It’s the default choice for those wanting a performance electric SUV, and while the Juniper update has made it much more talented than before, there are now more rivals to consider like the Zeekr 7X.

There are still jarring factors about the Model Y that some rivals do better, like its comparatively short warranty, glass roof with no cover that makes the cabin quite hot, lack of speedometer in front of the driver and that 99.9 per cent of features are controlled through the touchscreen. But all things considered, and just how well it drives now, there’s no doubt that the Model Y Performance is still one of the best of its type and it’s now even better.

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Tesla Model Y Performance specifications:

Tesla Model Y Performance standard features:

• 21-inch alloy wheels
• Adaptive dampers with two settings
• Chill, standard and insane driving modes
• Dusk/rain-activated automatic all-LED lighting
• LED front and rear daytime running lights
• Rain-sensing automatic wipers
• Smartphone/key card access and start
• Heated/auto-folding/auto-dimming exterior mirrors that drop in reverse
• Auto-dimming rear mirrors
• Panoramic glass roof
• Electric tailgate
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• 14-way electric front seats with memory
• Electric steering column adjustment
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Heated leather steering wheel
• Heated rear seats
• Synthetic leather upholstery
• Carbon fibre and suede interior trims
• 16-inch touchscreen with live services
• Over-the-air software updates
• Bluetooth calling/audio streaming
• Inbuilt apps such as Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube Music
• Inbuilt games
• Tesla smartphone app for climate, location and other settings
• 16-speaker sound system
• Colour-selectable interior ambient lighting
• Twin wireless phone chargers
• 4x USB-C charging ports
• 8.0-inch rear seat entertainment/climate screen

Model Y Performance safety features:

• 7x airbags
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise control with ‘autopilot’ highway self-driving capability
• Lane keeping assistance with lane departure warning
• Blind-spot monitoring (through the screen)
• Blind-spot view cameras
• Traffic sign recognition
• Driver attention monitoring
• Adaptive high beam
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Front, side and rear cameras
• Automatic rear braking
• Tyre pressure monitoring

The Model Y range achieved a five-star ANCAP safety rating earlier in 2025 with impressive scores of 91 per cent for adult occupancy protection, 95 per cent for child occupancy protection, 86 per cent for vulnerable road user protection and 92 per cent for safety assistance.

Model Y Performance options:

• Black and white interior: $1500
• Full self-driving (supervised): $10,100

While most of the attention in the new car market goes towards SUVs of various sizes, if you’re searching for a practical, efficient and good value-for-money runabout, a small sedan is still a viable option.

The pluses? They’re good to drive, easy to park, spacious and – if you choose one of the hybrid models here – cost efficient to run. So which small sedan is best to buy: the Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport sedan hybrid or the Hyundai i30 Sedan hybrid?

Pricing

The Corolla Ascent Sport hybrid sedan gets off to an immediately good start because its $32,585 plus on-road costs starting price is $665 less than the entry-level i30 Sedan hybrid ($33,250 +ORC). Premium paint is $20 cheaper for the Corolla at $575, while both Toyota and Hyundai offer a five-year/unlimited km that can be extended with dealer servicing through the warranty period (Toyota gifts you an extra two years of mechanical warranty if done so, while Hyundai gives you another two years of full vehicle warranty).

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Both the Corolla and i30 Sedan feature annual/15,000km service intervals, but the Corolla’s servicing is almost half the price of the i30 Sedan’s at just $1250 for five years. The i30 Sedan features 12 months of roadside assistance as standard that’s extended by another 12 months with each dealer service, whereas Toyota disappointingly gives you none at all – buyers must pay a minimum of $99 annually if they want it.

Dimensions

In a tale quite common with pretty much all modern cars, both small sedan offerings are much larger than their predecessors and are even larger than most medium cars were in the early 2000s. That means that both the Corolla and i30 Sedan are practical, but the Hyundai’s extra 80mm of length affords it a genuinely roomy rear cabin that even taller folks will be comfortable sitting in.

For boot space, it’s a very close call with the Toyota trailing the Hyundai by just four litres. Both boots are really just big boxes with little in the way of extra storage or hooks to hang bags off. Both cars also feature 60:40-split folding rear seats if more space is needed.

Standard features

Despite both the Corolla Ascent Sport and i30 Sedan being entry level models in their respective line-ups, they are well featured for the money. Shared features include 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, heated mirrors, automatic climate control, 8.0-inch touchscreens, wireless smartphone mirroring and six-speaker sound systems.

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Over the i30 Sedan, the Corolla adds cloud-based sat-nav, DAB+ digital radio reception, keyless entry with push button start and a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display. But the i30 adds rain-sensing automatic wipers, parking sensors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an extra zone of climate control, rear air vents, a wireless phone charger and two USB-C charging ports for the rear seat.

Performance and fuel economy

Both the Corolla Ascent Sport hybrid and i30 Sedan hybrid use four-cylinder petrol engines combined with electric motors and small batteries to provide low emissions driving. The Corolla’s 1.8-litre engine is 200cc larger than the Hyundai’s, but remarkably, they both achieve 3.9L/100km on the combined cycle for fuel consumption.

The i30 Sedan produces 1kW more power than the Corolla (104kW versus 103kW), and it also uses a six-speed dual-clutch transmission that feels more normal to drive than the Corolla’s eCVT. Based on their combined fuel consumption, Corolla drivers will eke slightly more out of a tank of fuel – the i30 Sedan hybrid’s is one litre smaller – though that will depend on what sort of driving they’re doing.

Safety

These small sedan rivals will be bought by a whole range of customers, so safety is an important issue to consider. The i30 Sedan was tested by Australia’s safety authority ANCAP and received a three-star rating, but the Corolla is actually currently unrated by ANCAP because it was tested so long ago (it received a five-star rating in 2018). Therefore, it’s difficult to know how they compare in crash testing, but they are both well equipped when it comes to safety.

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Shared safety features between the two include autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, driver attention monitoring and a reversing camera. However, neither feature blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert as standard – they are available as part of a $1000 Convenience Package on the Corolla, but i30 Sedan buyers must step up to the upper-spec Elite to get them. The Corolla has seven airbags to the i30 Sedan’s six, but the i30 Sedan features front and rear parking sensors.

Technology

Thanks to its most recent updates, the Corolla edges out the i30 Sedan on the tech front thanks to its impressive 12.3-inch digital driver’s display and 8.0-inch touchscreen with live services, including cloud-based sat-nav with live traffic. The i30 Sedan also features an 8.0-inch touchscreen, but with no live services in the entry-level model. Both feature wireless smartphone mirroring, while the Corolla only features one USB port – the i30 Sedan has three and a wireless phone charger too.

Conclusion: Corolla or i30 hybrid?

Those wanting something smaller and more fuel efficient than an SUV will be a winner with either of our small sedan battlers: the Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport hybrid sedan or Hyundai i30 Sedan hybrid. They’re not only more practical than vehicles like their Kona and Corolla Cross siblings, but better to drive, better value for money, more efficient and better looking.

The Corolla is priced less than the i30, and offers some equipment advantages like a fully digital driver’s display, keyless entry with push button start and inbuilt sat-nav. But the i30 Sedan is better equipped overall, including more family/ride share-friendly features like rear air vents and charging ports. It’s also more spacious than the Corolla and better to drive because of its proper transmission. There’s no wrong choice here, but our small sedan money would be going to the i30 Sedan hybrid.