WhichCar By Wheels

Kia’s 2025 has already been crammed with fresh metal and forward-looking concepts, but the brand clearly isn’t done yet. A newly teased all-electric four-door sedan concept suggests another reveal is imminent, and it could mark Kia’s return to the executive saloon space after a brief absence.

Kia said goodbye to its last traditional sedan hero, the Stinger, in 2023. This new concept appears to be its philosophical opposite – a low-slung EV with futuristic surfacing – yet it also hints Kia hasn’t abandoned the idea of a flagship four-door for drivers who want something sleeker than an SUV. The company’s social teaser offered little more than a shadowy profile and a line reading, “A new future is on the horizon. Our vision takes shape soon,” but the timing points to a full debut in January.

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Even in silhouette, the concept wears familiar Kia EV cues. The front lighting appears to use the brand’s “Star Map” signature, with daytime running lights spanning the nose and headlamps positioned unusually high on the bonnet line. At the back, thin horizontal LEDs echo the look of recent products such as the EV3, EV5 and EV9, reinforcing that this car sits within Kia’s “Opposites United” design language rather than breaking away from it.

The body shape is the real headline. Although it’s clearly a four-door sedan, the proportions lean cab-forward, made possible by the absence of a bulky combustion engine under the short bonnet. A steep, panoramic windscreen flows into a long roofline, while frameless side glass and mirror-mounted digital cameras give the car a clean, almost concept-car-pure look. The overall stance is low and slippery – a sign Kia is chasing efficiency and range as much as outright presence.

Inside, the teaser glimpse shows a yoke-style steering wheel, hinting at steer-by-wire technology similar to systems Hyundai has previewed in recent mobility concepts. If that’s the direction Kia takes, it could also enable advanced low-speed manoeuvring tech and potentially rear- or even four-wheel steering for sharper dynamics.

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A stretched wheelbase is also evident, which raises the possibility this sedan could be engineered to take Kia’s biggest battery pack – the 99.8kWh unit currently sitting at the top of the EV9 range. If so, the sedan’s sleeker aerodynamics could push driving range well beyond the EV9’s quoted peak of 349 miles (about 562km), giving Kia a genuine long-distance flagship without SUV bulk.

Where might it sit in Kia’s line-up? The brand has already expanded its EV family with models like EV4 and EV5, and the EV3 and EV9 covering smaller and larger SUV territory. That leaves limited space for a fresh nameplate – but the “EV7” and “EV8” badges are still unused, making either a logical fit for a coupe-like sedan positioned above the EV6 and below the EV9.

For now, Kia is keeping the details close, but the message is clear: a sleek electric saloon is back on the agenda – and it may be the spiritual next step after the Stinger, just with batteries instead of a twin-turbo V6.

It’s already one of the world’s most iconic cars, but a new bodystyle is being added to the Mercedes-Benz G-Class: a convertible, and it’s already started testing ahead of a likely debut in 2026.

Set to be available in numerous markets around the world – including, likely, Australia – the G-Class Cabriolet will be based on petrol-powered models (not the electric G 580) and will be limited in number.

What will change for the drop-top G-Class Cabriolet – as evidenced by these official and rather revealing teaser images from Mercedes – is the amount of doors. Mercedes has often sold soft-top G-Class models in the past, but these were typically only available in a short-wheelbase form with two doors. When the current-generation G-Class arrived, only a long-wheelbase variant was offered, so other than a few extravagant Landaulet versions, the model had remained as a hard-top only until now. 

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It’s clear the new G-Class Cabriolet will get a canvas roof – just like previous models. Also like on the old convertible G-Class, we expect the roof to operate electronically – though getting all the material folded in front of the spare wheel cover might be a task as the canvas canopy stretches all the way over the heads of the front occupants. We can also expect to see some level of reduction in the existing boot and rear seat space to make room for the roof. 

In a media statement, Mercedes-Benz said that the “eagerly awaited G‑Class Cabriolet is completing its first test kilometres in Austria with engineers gathering comprehensive data to ensure that the open-top driving experience of the G‑Class Cabriolet is promising an unparalleled and unmistakable G‑Class feeling for future drivers”.

“At a later date, the G‑Class Cabriolet will also make its way to Sweden, where it will be put through demanding winter testing. Facing icy temperatures and snowy landscapes, the newcomer’s robustness, driving dynamics, and reliability will be thoroughly proven.”

Pricing and specifications have been revealed for the Volkswagen Touareg Wolfsburg, which will be available from March 2026. Following other Wolfsburg special editions in the Volkswagen range, the Touareg Wolfsburg adds “styling and luxury enhancements”, according to its maker. Priced from $124,990 plus on-road costs, the Wolfsburg celebrates the final year of Touareg production for the current generation model.

Replacing the Touareg 210TDI R-Line in the Australian lineup, the Wolfsburg includes 21-inch black alloy wheels, an exterior black package with gloss black covering the roof rails, window surrounds, grill, front and rear bumpers, mirror caps and a tailgate-applied Wolfsburg emblem.

Inside, the Touareg Wolfsburg includes a panoramic sunroof, rear outboard heated seats, Dynaudio Consequence sound system, head-up display, four-zone climate control, power door latching, passenger seat memory settings and electric steering column with driver memory setting.

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Metallic paint is included, with ‘Silicon Grey’ and and ‘Grenadilla Black’ included. ‘Meloe-Blue’ premium metallic is a $700 option, while ‘Oryx White’ pearlescent – exclusive to the Wolfsburg edition – is a special $2,000 option.

Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles Head of Product Arjun Nidigallu said the Touareg continues to combine an elevated Volkswagen experience with even greater exclusivity towards this generation’s final year of production. “The Touareg 210TDI Wolfsburg Edition places alongside the Touareg R as the heroes of the current generation model, with additional luxury and exclusivity,” Mr Nidigallu said.

2026 Volkswagen Touareg pricing (plus on-road costs):

170TDI$91,960
210TDI Elegance$105,990
210TDI Wolfsburg Edition$124,990
340TSI R PHEV$136,790

The Volkswagen Touareg 210TDI Wolfsburg Edition will be available in dealerships nationwide from March 2026.

Hyundai’s excellent IONIQ 5 electric mid-size SUV has been updated for the 2026 model year with a simplified model line-up, an 84kWh battery across the range and added features including phone key functionality. Pricing starts at $76,200 plus on-road costs for the entry-level model, which is $6400 more than before because the smallest battery is no longer available. But the base, Elite and N Line Premium have only increased by $400 compared with their equivalents in the 2025 range. 

Like the Santa Fe and Tucson SUVs, the 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 line-up now includes the company’s ‘Digital Key 2.0’ functionality, which allows users lock, unlock and start their car through their smartphone’s wallet functionality. Digital Key 2.0 can be shared with up to 15 compatible devices and does not need a mobile network signal to work.

Other changes to the 2026 line-up include a new ‘Celadon Grey Matte’ colour joining the palette, while a black interior has been made standard across the line-up – two lighter options are offered as a no-cost option on the mid-spec Elite.

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Hyundai Australia has significantly reduced the line-up of the 2026 IONIQ 5 – instead of the former 13 variants on offer, there’s now just four. The base model – now called, simply, IONIQ 5 – is now equipped with the 84kWh battery already standard in higher-end models and as a result, its WLTP range has grown from 440km to 570km. A 168kW/350Nm rear-mounted motor is standard equipment, up from the previous entry car’s 125kW motor.

The mid-spec Dynamiq is now called the Elite and only available with the same 168kW drivetrain as the base car, though with more standard features such as 20-inch wheels that reduce its range to 530km (WLTP). Above the Elite is the N Line Premium, which replaces the former Epiq with the optional N Line Package. It uses a 239kW/605Nm dual-motor drivetrain and its claimed WLTP range is 495km. The 448kW N remains at the top of the range, now priced from $115,000 plus on-road costs.

The IONIQ 5 N has also picked up new standard features such as adaptive high beam, auto up-down functionality for all windows, haptic feedback for the steering wheel, more customisation for the N Drift Optimiser Pro system and the N Active Sound system has been updated as well.

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 pricing (plus on-road costs):

IONIQ 5$76,200 (+$400 over previous cheapest model with the 84kWh battery)
Elite$81,200 (+$400 over previous Dynamiq)
N Line Premium$91,700 (+$400 over previous Epiq N Line)
N$115,000 (+$2000 over previous N with panoramic roof option)

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 standard features:

Elite model adds:

N Line Premium model adds:

IONIQ 5 N model adds:

The updated 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 range will land in local Hyundai dealers soon.

Australian new vehicle sales in November 2025 have been released with the Toyota RAV4 topping the table as the best-selling vehicle in the country, along with an increase in plug-in hybrid numbers.

A total of 99,906 vehicles were registered in Australia in November 2025, which is 1.8 per cent less than November 2024, and there’s a strong chance that 2025 will set another sales record.

The RAV4 returned to the top of the sales chart with 6390 registrations – its second-best result on record – and it outsold both the Ford Ranger (4673) and Toyota HiLux (3418) utes, not for the first time. However, the RAV4’s 2025 total sales (45,909) still place it overall behind the Ranger (below) (51,125) and HiLux sibling (48,675).

In fourth place was the Chery Tiggo 4 small SUV (2287 sales, +207%) and fifth place was the Tesla Model Y (2269 sales, +37.3%), while the rest of the top 10 consisted of the Isuzu D-Max (2119), Ford Everest (2097), Hyundai Kona (2008), Mitsubishi Outlander (2006) and Hyundai Tucson (1942).

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A big stand-out from November’s sales results was the performance plug-in hybrids, which reached 4783 sales (+83.3 per cent) for the month. PHEV sales have surged 130.6 per cent to 47,565 units as more models enter the market. Petrol vehicles continued their downward trajectory, with overall petrol sales falling 18.1 per cent in November and 9.5 per cent year to date.

Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries chief executive Tony Weber said the results point to a sustained shift in buyer priorities. “Plug-in hybrids continue to gain momentum because they give drivers the benefit of electric travel for daily use while removing range concerns. Consumers are looking for flexible, low-emission choices and brands are meeting that demand,” Mr Weber said.

Top 10 best-selling models in Australia November 2025:

  1. Toyota RAV4: 6390 (+15.6%)
  2. Ford Ranger: 4673 (-6.2%)
  3. Toyota HiLux: 3418 (-4.3%)
  4. Chery Tiggo 4: 2287 (+207%)
  5. Tesla Model Y: 2269 (+37.3%)
  6. Isuzu D-Max: 2119 (-2.8%)
  7. Ford Everest: 2097 (-23.4%)
  8. Hyundai Kona: 2008 (+57%)
  9. Mitsubishi Outlander: 2006 (-18.9%)
  10. Hyundai Tucson: 1942 (+25.9%)

Top 10 best-selling brands in Australia November 2025:

  1. Toyota: 19,787 (-3.8%)
  2. Ford: 7407 (-15.1%)
  3. Mazda: 6979 (-8.0%)
  4. Hyundai: 6707 (+19.6%)
  5. Kia: 6510 (+1.6%)
  6. Mitsubishi: 4414 (-28.9%)
  7. GWM: 4160 (+16.7%)
  8. BYD: 3790 (+144.2%)
  9. Isuzu Ute: 3721 (+9.9%)
  10. Chery: 3617 (+105.3%)

State/Territory results November 2025:

Data complied via the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) and Electric Vehicle Council (EVC).

New cars, utes and SUVs sold in Australia will have to adhere to strict new tailpipe emissions laws, catching up to markets like Europe.

As of December 1, 2025, all new vehicles complied must be engineered to comply with the new Euro 6d standard, while new vehicles already sold locally have until July 2028. Euro 6s different to the NVES scheme, which targets carbon dioxide instead.

The new standards dictate significantly lower nitrogen oxides such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, oxides of nitrogen and particulate matter from both petrol and diesel vehicles, while all diesel vehicles will be required to fit a diesel particulate filter (DPF) as standard – and some may need AdBlue as well.

According to the government, Euro 6d will deliver the following benefits relative to current (Euro 5 equivalent) ADR for light vehicle emissions:

Euro 6d will hit diesel vehicles hardest as their nitrogen oxide levels will be required to be slashed from 180 milligrams per kilometre (mg/km) to 80mg/km in passenger vehicles and from 280mg/km to 125mg/km in light commercial vehicles.

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But while Euro 6d will ensure cleaner vehicles are sold in Australia, it also targets the fuels sold here. As of December 15, 2025, all fuel will need to adhere to a standard of 10ppm (parts per million) of sulphur content. That’s five times less than current 95 and 98RON premium unleadeds on sale, and 15 times less than current 91RON regular unleaded. The 150ppm sulphur limit makes Australia’s current 91RON fuel the dirtiest in the developed world.

Already, 10ppm diesel has been sold in Australia since 2009 as part of the Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000, while 10ppm petrol is already sold in markets such as Europe, China and even our closest neighbour: New Zealand.

In addition, 95 RON premium unleaded petrol specifically will need to have reduced levels of aromatic hydrocarbons, and a small price rise of 0.9c per litre is expected – but vehicles using the fuel will be more efficient as a result.

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Aside from the environmental benefits, the government is touting increased health benefits for the population, stating on its website: “The new laws for light vehicle noxious emissions are expected to reduce the burden of disease attributable to noxious emissions from cars, sport utility vehicles and light commercial vehicles (vans and utes) by $4.6 billion over the period to 2040. These benefits will increase over time as older vehicles are replaced with newer, cleaner vehicles.”

You can read more about the Euro 6d emissions laws at the government’s website here.

New research has revealed the most expensive toll roads in Australia, with prices reaching up to $13.50 per kilometre and rising faster than inflation on one Melbourne thoroughfare. That’s according to car insurance comparison website iSelect, which has analysed the cost of toll roads in Australia. The study has revealed which tolls are the most expensive, which roads generate the highest revenue, how prices have changed over time, and which areas face the priciest journeys.

iSelect has named Melbourne’s CityLink as Australia’s most expensive toll road. The 22km freeway from the city’s north-west to south-east, going over Bolte Bridge and underneath the Melbourne CBD, the CityLink can cost drivers up to $12.25 per trip.

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But according to iSelect, drivers in Sydney are hit the hardest with tolls because eight of the top 10 of Australia’s most expensive toll roads are in the city. That includes the WestConnex M4 ($10.38), Eastern Distributor ($10.16) and NorthConnex ($10.15).

Assessed on expense per kilometre, it’s another city that tops the list with Brisbane’s Go Between Bridge revealed as Australia’s most expensive toll road at $13.50/kilometre. For a toll road that’s only 300 metres long, its short distance makes it far less cost-efficient than any other toll road in the country.

Runner-up in the per kilometre expense contest include the Military Road ramp in Sydney ($10.35/kilometre), followed by the Sydney Harbour Bridge during peak hours ($4.41 per kilometre) and the Cross City Tunnel in Sydney ($3.41 per km). Using the Sydney Harbour Bridge is better value in off-peak times at $2.40 per kilometre.

According to iSelect, Sydney’s other tunnels are much better value for money as they’re longer. The Eastern Distributor ($1.69/km), NorthConnex ($1.13/km) and Lane Cove Tunnel ($1.09/km), show that distance brings better value, even when total tolls exceed $10.

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Other interesting insights from iSelect’s survey included that Sydney’s WestConnex is the highest-earning toll road in Australia and estimated to earn $1.88billion in revenue for the 2025 financial year.

The WestConnex M4 has also recorded the fastest year-on-year toll rise in Australia, increasing by an average of 12.3 per cent since 2015. Prices have increased from $4.56 in 2017 to $10.38 in 2025, according to iSelect, and all toll price rises except for the Sydney Harbour Bridge rose faster than inflation. Queensland’s Legacy Way Tunnel followed the Sydney Harbour Bridge with an average annual increase of 6.3 per cent, rising from $3.90 in 2015 to $7.00 in 2025.  

Victoria’s CityLink ranks second for the highest-earning toll roads, earning an estimated $987 million, reflecting its high cost and popular use. Overall, toll company Transurban dominates the Australian toll landscape, holding full and partial ownership of every top-earning toll road, which explains why the company earned a profit of $178 million last financial year.

The full iSelect survey can be viewed here.

Ford has announced that the Ranger Super Duty, which will now arrive in Australia ahead of schedule before the end of 2025, will gain extra variants by mid 2026 in a bid to add further appeal in the serious mid-size work truck range.

In addition to the single cab, super cab and double cab-chassis variants already announced for the Ranger Super Duty, Ford will add a double cab pick-up variant ($93,990 plus on-road costs), as well as a higher-spec XLT model available in double cab-chassis and double cab pick-up forms.

Priced from $95,990 +ORC, the Ranger Super Duty XLT is $6000 more expensive than the regular Super Duty but adds more creature comforts, including leather upholstery, electric front seat adjustment, heated and ventilated front seats, carpet flooring, all-weather floor mats and unique eight-stud 18-inch alloy wheels painted in a unique ‘Magnetite’ finish.

A new ‘Traction Green’ paint colour will also be made available across the Ranger Super Duty line-up.

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As a refresher, the Ford Ranger Super Duty was designed and engineered in Australia as a heavy duty variant of the Ranger ute. Thanks to its engineering enhancements, it’s rated to tow up to 4500kg, as well as having a 4500kg gross vehicle mass (GVM) and 8000kg gross combination mass (GCM) – big improvements on the Ranger XLT V6’s 3500kg, 3280kg and 6400kg respective ratings.

Changes to the Super Duty include eight-lug 18-inch wheels with 33-inch all-terrain tyres, raised suspension, a larger 130-litre fuel tank, a strengthened chassis to cope with extra loads and additional underbody protection.

All Ranger Super Duty variants will be powered by the same 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 diesel engine as the regular Ranger, making 154kW of power and 600Nm of torque.

2026 Ford Ranger Super Duty pricing (plus on-road costs):

Single Cab-Chassis$82,990
Super Cab-Chassis$86,490
Double Cab-Chassis$89,990
Double Cab Pick-Up$93,990
XLT Double Cab-Chassis$95,990
XLT Double Cab Pick-Up$99,990

The expanded Ford Ranger Super Duty line-up will go on sale by mid-2026, with full specifications to be announced before then.

Chinese EV newbie to Australian shores XPeng has announced three new models for our market in 2026.

Celebrating 2000+ sales here in 2025, XPeng, the new arrivals will begin with the updated G6 due in the first quarter. The G9 electric people mover will launch mid-year, while the G9L large SUV will land by year’s end.

Updated G6: late Q1 2026

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The G6 mid-size electric SUV is the first – and only – XPeng product available in Australia and its mid-life update is launching at the end of the first quarter of 2026. The revised model will feature refreshed exterior styling including new front and rear lighting units, and new alloy wheels.

Inside the updated G6, the touchscreen grows from 14.9-inches to 15.6-inches in size, while there is also a redesigned dashboard with new ambient lighting and new higher-quality materials.

The G6 Standard Range’s battery has grown from 66kWh to 68.5kWh, increasing its WLTP range from 435km to 470km. The G6 Long Range, however, is now fitted with a smaller battery in European markets. Its former 87.5kWh battery is now 80.8kWh, which has resulted in a 525km WLTP driving range rating (down from 570km) though at least power has increased from 210kW to 218kW.

A new Performance model has been added making 358kW/660Nm outputs and using the same 80.8kWh battery as the Long Range for a 510km WLTP rating. It hits 100km/h in just 4.1 seconds. Australian models and pricing is yet to be revealed.

X9 people mover: mid-2026

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The second model in XPeng’s Australian expansion, the X9 people carrier, will arrive in mid-2026. Pricing is yet to be announced, but the X9 is a large seven-seat fully electric MPV that uses an 800-volt architecture and depending on market, 94.8kWh LFP or 105kWh NMC battery options for up to 702km of range on the lenient CLTC cycle (WLTP figures are yet to be confirmed).

Inside the X9 is a broadly similar dashboard layout to the G6 with a large touchscreen, freestanding driver’s display and a lot of soft touch materials around. The X9 offers seating for up to seven, with electrically adjustable captain’s chairs in the second row.

While features and specifications are yet to be announced, available features on the X9 include “zero gravity” front seats with 16-point massaging, auto-retracting second- and third-row seats, a 21.4-inch rear passenger screen and a 23-speaker Xopera sound system.

G9L: late 2026

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The final piece of XPeng’s 2026 puzzle will be the G9L large SUV, which will arrive in the final quarter of 2026. Measuring just under 5.0 metres long, the G9L will compete with cars such as the Toyota Kluger but is fully-electric.

Using the same 800-volt architecture as the X9, the G9L will offer a range of up to 570km (WLTP) from its 89kWh battery that can be recharged at up to 300kW for a 10-80 per cent charge in a claimed 20 minutes. All-wheel drive models produce up to 408kW of power and can hit 100km/h in just 4.2 seconds.

Features available on the G9L include air suspension, a 22-speaker Xopera sound system, external speakers to play music, soft-close doors, massaging front and rear seats and Nappa leather trim.

In addition to the three new models announced, XPeng’s local distributor also confirmed that XPeng has “two to three” new global models in development.

Australian pricing and specifications for the additions to the XPeng range will be confirmed in 2026.

For 61 years and counting, Wheels Car of the Year (COTY) has reigned as the most coveted award on the Australian motoring scene.

In 2025, Wheels COTY is back bigger and better than ever, with 20 cars in the running for the prestigious 2025-26 award.

“A Wheels Car of the Year winner doesn’t just have to satisfy the judging criteria as set out in the testing guidelines,” said Wheels Managing Editor, Trent Nikolic. “It has to stand out in a field of quality cars that are new to market, and it must continue to impress across a week of long days, rigorous testing and real-world assessment.”

“History shows that vehicles from every segment can win the coveted Wheels Car of the Year award. Sportscars have achieved the highest honour, along with small and large sedans, hatchbacks, SUVS, V8s, hybrids and even fully electric cars showcasing the future of automotive. Right now, value for money, both at the time of purchase and across the ownership experience is as important as it’s ever been, and this year our average purchase price sits right in the sweet spot for the largest cohort of Australian new car buyers.”

The honour roll of Wheels Car of the Year winners is nothing less than a time capsule of the evolution of motoring in Australia, as the full list going back to 1963 below demonstrates. The common thread among all of them, however, is that they were good enough to be judged the best of their time by a panel of Australia’s most seasoned motoring journalists.

1963: Renault 8

Who knew a modestly sized French sedan with the engine in the boot would take top honours in the inaugural running of Wheels Car Of The Year? Those who’d experienced its versatility, comfort and French panache, that’s who.

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1964: Morris 1100

As Alec Issigonis’ follow-up project to his iconic Mini, the Morris 1100’s more generous proportions and supple-yet-controlled Hydrolastic suspension gave a British marque its first COTY crown.

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1965: Ford XP Falcon

Considerable body strengthening and vastly improved dynamics allowed Ford’s final iteration of the first-gen Falcon to score its first COTY win.

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1966: Ford XR Falcon

Ford made it two-in-a-row with the second-generation Falcon, which still featured US-styled sheetmetal on the sedan but locally penned wagon styling, and introduced V8 options across every model grade.

Though not available in ’66, the XR also spawned the legendary Falcon GT nameplate the following year.

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1967: Chrysler VE Valiant

American marques continued to win favour with COTY judges in the late 1960s, but this time it was Chrysler’s locally styled Valiant that shone brightest.

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1968: Holden HK Monaro

Holden’s pillarless hardtop was a home-grown revelation, and one that’s proved to have enduring appeal among Aussie car fanatics.

The GTS 327’s win at Bathurst in the same year certainly helped prove its muscle-car credentials.

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1969: Holden LC Torana

Holden took another COTY trophy home in 1969 with the second generation of its Torana small sedan.

The addition of a six-cylinder long-wheelbase option gave the Torana added sporting zeal, while the four-pot options were competitive for efficiency and driving ease.

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1970: Renault 12

Assembled locally in West Heidelberg, Victoria, Renault’s family-sized sedan and wagon reigned supreme for seat and ride comfort, as well as visibility and ruggedness. It lived for a decade.

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1971: Chrysler Valiant Charger

Hey Charger! Chrysler’s attractive two-door had more to offer than just a memorable ad campaign, with all-Aussie design and huge youth appeal. Also spawned the iconic E38 and E49 six-pack triple-Weber screamers.

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1972: Award withheld

Yep, no award was given in 1972, a shock decision given the fresh metal that included the Ford XA Falcon and Cortina, Morris Marina, and the Datsun 180B.

“The guidelines laid down for the award require that the car must present a significant product advance,” Wheels said at the time. “None of the cars released really achieved this criterion.”

READ: Why Wheels withheld Car of the Year in 1972

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1973: Leyland P76 V8

While most may remember the P76 as being the car could fit a 44-gallon drum in its boot, we remember it as the best car that 1973 had to offer.

One caveat: we gave the award solely to the roomy, agile, relatively efficient all-alloy V8 version, not the underwhelming 2.6-litre six, only to have Leyland then advertise the entire P76 range as ‘Car of the Year’.

This led to changes in COTY rules that meant future wins would have to take the entire model range into account – not just a specific variant.

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1974: Volkswagen Passat

Attention shifted from big Aussie sedans and coupes to a sophisticated, modern and comparatively compact European in 1974 – the first generation Passat.

The first of a new breed of watercooled, front-engined, front-drive Volkswagens in Australia, the Passat was a radical departure for VWA and the blueprint for every modern Volkswagen, including the first Golf.

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1975: Holden TX Gemini

Holden’s compact first-generation Gemini was marketed with Isuzu-Holden badges on the boot and Isuzu mechanicals underneath for some Japanese reliability cred, but was based on an Opel-engineered core.

Simple, capable and honest, it rose to the top in the middle of the disco decade.

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1976: Volkswagen Golf

The first-gen Golf brought Passat values of refinement and engineering to the everyman in ’76, as well as giving Volkswagen a compact car leagues ahead of the by-now archaic Volkswagen Beetle.

This was the first year that COTY was opened up to fully imported cars, however the win ironically went to the Aussie-assembled Golf.

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1977: Honda Accord

Minute compared with the modern-day Civic, the first-generation Accord nevertheless took Honda into a larger size class, and one more appropriate for Australian tastes.

With BMW-rivalling quality, superior front-drive dynamics, plus groundbreaking and ultra-efficient CVCC engine tech, the Accord was a winner – and the first Japanese car to win Wheels COTY.

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1978: Holden VB Commodore

Back in ’78 we didn’t know just how much the Commodore would become integral to Aussie culture, but we were definitely sure that Holden was onto a good thing with its first Opel-based large car.

The VB set new standards for dynamic excellence – even compared with Europe’s best family sedans – and transformed Holden’s image.

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1979: Award withheld

Another controversial result. Ford had expected its XD Falcon would take home the trophy. It didn’t. Instead, the magazine carried the now famous image of a four-wheeled lemon and the simple headline: “No Wheels Car of the Year.”

READ: The true story behind Wheels’ most controversial magazine cover

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1980: Mazda 323

The second-generation Mazda 323 made the shift from rear- to front-wheel drive, and stood out for its strong drivetrains, crisp handling and classy design.

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1981: Mercedes-Benz S-Class

A plutocrat-grade luxury sedan was a COTY winner? Say what you will, but the W126 S-Class’ outstanding build quality, refinement and engineering made it the luxury sedan benchmark for the 1980s.

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1982: Holden JB Camira

Awarded with reservations, the Camira nevertheless attracted praise for its ride, handling, packaging and then-uncommon front-engine, front-drive midsize layout.

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1983: Ford Telstar/Mazda 626

Ford and Mazda’s midsize twins-under-the-skin shared the 1983 COTY award.

Segment-leading performance, economy and engineering saw it take down the Audi 100, Toyota Supra and BMW 3 Series, and even though the Ford was locally styled and built (with the exception of the made-in-Japan TX5) and the Mazda (available in coupe, sedan and hatchback form) fully imported, both were deemed equals.

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1984: Mitsubishi Nimbus

People movers may seem old hat now, but back in the mid-’80s the concept of a family “multi-purpose vehicle” with car-like handling was fairly revolutionary.

The Nimbus’s focus on versatility and innovative packaging, coupled with decent dynamic performance, saw it come to the fore.

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1985: Mitsubishi TM Magna

Mitsubishi made it two in a row in 1985, following the strong performance of the Nimbus with its Magna large car.

With more width spliced into the middle compared to the Sigma, the Magna was also more refined than the contemporary Falcon and Commodore offerings, and more akin to the upmarket Audi 100.

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1986: Award withheld

Forced to make a choice between cars including the Nissan Skyline, Saab 9000, Mercedes-Benz 300E, the soon-to-be reborn Toyota Supra, the rotary-engined Mazda RX-7 and the Honda Legend, nothing was deemed to meet Wheels’ “true spirit”.

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1987: Honda Prelude 4WS

Honda’s spirit of technological innovation won it another COTY trophy, with the Prelude coupe’s high-revving four-cylinder engine, mechanical four-wheel steering, and outstanding handling hoisting it head and shoulders above rivals including the Ford Laser 4WD Turbo, BMW 735i and Toyota MR2.

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1988: Holden VN Commodore

Holden’s second-gen Commodore narrowly outplayed the BMW 5 Series and Honda Civic in ’88, thanks to its relative efficiency, strong performance and value for money.

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1989: Mazda NA MX-5

It was obvious from the start that Mazda was onto a good thing with the MX-5.

Old-school but not old-fashioned, the Mazda roadster combined rear-drive fun and a traditional roadster format with sound Japanese engineering and lasting driver appeal

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1990: Lexus LS 400

Japan’s answer to the S-Class wowed COTY judges with its peerless build quality and refinement. It put the Germans on notice, and put Lexus on the map.

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1991: Honda NSX/Nissan N14 Pulsar

Japan’s auto industry still had plenty of stunners lined up, and COTY 1991 rewarded that country – arguably at its peak – handsomely.

Why? The Honda for its combination of Ferrari-smashing pace and poise with exquisite Japanese mechanical engineering and the Pulsar for its locally tuned dynamic excellence and the strength of its value and performance – mostly due to Nissan’s legendary SR20 engine.

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1992: Ford Telstar/Mazda 626

Less than a decade after they first earned a combined COTY crown, Mazda and Ford’s midsize duo managed to once again top the Wheels podium – this time in an all-new generation that introduced greater sophistication and technological innovation, such as four-wheel steering on range-toppers, a lovely 2.5-litre V6 option, excellent built quality and great dynamics.

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1993: Holden VR Commodore

Essentially an extensive re-engineering of the VN, the VR Commodore brought more modern furnishings, a driver’s airbag, a broader front track and independent rear suspension to Holden’s big-selling family sedan.

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1994: Subaru Liberty

Subaru’s second-generation Liberty beat Nissan’s 200SX and the Mazda 323 Astina thanks to strong value for money, safety gear, refinement and quality.

Its likeable range of flat-fours also proved popular among COTY judges, while AWD gave it a unique point of difference against its peers.

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1995: Honda Odyssey

Following in the Nimbus’ footsteps was Honda’s three-row people carrier, which once again proved that car-like handling need not be incompatible with an MPV body style. Honda’s reputation for quality engineering also shone through once more.

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1996: Mitsubishi TE Magna

In a time when locally-built large cars were king, taking on the dominant Ford and Holden was a perilous undertaking.

Thankfully for Mitsubishi, its Aussie-made Magna had a range of sweet (and efficient) drivetrains, superior refinement and frameless-doored elegance on its side.

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1997: Holden VT Commodore

The third-gen Commo advanced the nameplate further.

Core architecture was new (though still borrowed from Opel), and range-wide IRS, extra airbags, more equipment and improved value-for-money gave the VT an edge over the competition.

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1998: Subaru Liberty Wagon

Another controversial win, given the Liberty wagon not only knocked out Porsche’s first all-new 911 in three and a half decades, but also the NB MX-5, Benz’s innovative A-Class and the AU Falcon.

However, as with the previous-gen Liberty, consistency and balance gave Subaru another COTY feather to tuck into is cap.

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1999: Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Technological advancement was what gave the W220 S-Class, as expensive and outsized as it was, its second Wheels COTY trophy.

Its many computers communicated via fibre optics, it bristled with airbags and boasted double-glazed glass, yet weighed hundreds of kilos less than its predecessor. A flagship in every sense.

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2000: Subaru Impreza

From the humble GX grade to the muscular WRX, the second-gen Impreza had a lot to offer Australian motorists.

All-weather grip, solid Japanese build quality and, at the top end, giant-shaming performance were all key Impreza attributes.

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2001: Holden XC Barina

Yep, the Barina was once a COTY dux. Combining segment-leading dynamics, European design (it was, after all, an Opel Corsa at heart) and an affordable price point, the Barina took down more expensive scalps.

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2002: Ford BA Falcon

You might know it as the car that birthed the mighty Barra turbo 4.0, but back then we simply knew it as Australia’s best car of ’02, and a substantial improvement over the AU.

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2003: Mazda RX-8

Mazda’s rotary redux subtracted a pair of turbos from the RX-7 and added two more seats and a set of suicide rear doors creating one of the most unique – yet still engaging – sports cars.

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2004: Ford Territory

Shock! The first SUV to win COTY was a signal to consumers that high-riding family wagons didn’t have to handle like crap.

Buyers were spoiled for choice too, with RWD or AWD and five or seven seats all on the menu. Clever built-in storage options and excellent seat comfort also made it a perfect family whip for its time.

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2005: Mazda NC MX-5

Despite some generational bloating, Mazda’s decision to stick to the NA MX-5’s values of sporting purity resulted in yet another win for the company’s drop-top.

NC was a far more complete car than the NB that came before it – curiously the only MX-5 not to win a Wheels COTY gong.

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2006: Holden VE Commodore

Holden’s billion-dollar baby was the first truly ridgy-didge Australian Commodore since Holden took up the nameplate. It also happened to be a truly world-class large car.

MORE 2007 Wheels Car of the Year: Holden VE Commodore
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2007: Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Efficiency, safety credentials and outstanding handling saw the C-Class become the first non-S-Class Benz to ace Wheels Car Of The Year.

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2008: Honda Accord Euro

Front-drive midsize sedans aren’t exactly synonymous with “driving passion”, but the Accord Euro was the car that proved mainstream three-box front-drivers could sport plenty of charm and soul.

Especially good fun when you opted for the snickety six-speed manual trans.

MORE Honda Accord Euro: 2008 Car of the Year Winner
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2009: Volkswagen Golf VI

The sixth-gen Golf elevated Volkswagen’s small hatch to near-premium status, while also offering one of the broadest local line-ups in the nameplate’s history.

With class-leading refinement, handling and comfort, the Golf VI’s COTY win was a deserved one.

MORE Volkswagen Golf: 2010 Car of the Year Winner
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2010: Volkswagen Polo

The pint-sized Polo delivered Volkswagen two consecutive COTY victories, but given its high-end feel that was very much at odds with the rest of its segment (but in a good way), that was no surprise.

MORE Volkswagen Polo: 2010 Car of the Year Winner
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2011: Honda CR-Z

A controversial win, considering the CR-Z was the first hybrid COTY champ – and the only one with a manual gearbox – as well as a niche performance car that, at face value, wasn’t terribly great value for money.

Even so, smile-inducing dynamics and the fact that it wasn’t a boring hybrid allowed Honda to claim its sixth COTY trophy.

MORE Honda CR-Z: 2011 Car of the Year Winner
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2012: Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ

So far the only Toyota to notch up a COTY crown – surprising, given the brand’s history and popularity in this country – the 86, and its Subaru-badged twin, reminded us that the joy of driving was best experienced in a lightweight, rear-drive platform.

Stunning pricing also democratised the sports car, and made the 86/BRZ a fast favourite.

MORE Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ: Wheels Car of the Year 2012 Winner
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2013: Volkswagen Golf VII

Four years after nabbing a COTY win with the Golf VI, Volkswagen was back in fine form with the Golf VII.

The same quality fundamentals as before and outstanding MQB platform underneath, coupled with more modern design and a lusty GTI performance option, gave the Veedub the lead it needed.

MORE Volkswagen Golf: 2013 Car of the Year Winner
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2014: BMW i3

Munich’s futuristic city car showed us that an electrified future can indeed be a bright one – with warmth, texture, design savvy and entertainment value.

MORE BMW i3: 2014 Car of the Year Winner
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2015: Award ‘withheld’

Nothing sinister here. A shift in COTY protocol meant there was no 2015 award – instead, the reigning year is now the one put against the car’s name, rather than the year it launched.

2016: Mazda MX-5

The Mazda MX-5 earned its third COTY gong with the fourth-generation model, cementing its place as one of the most accomplished nameplates in COTY history.

If the recipe of light weight, ultra-crisp steering and brilliantly balanced handling works, why mess with it? What’s more, the introduction of a revvy 1.5L brought down the price of entry while still keeping things fun.

MORE Mazda MX-5: 2016 Car of the Year Winner
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2017: Mazda CX-9

Only the second SUV to win COTY since the Territory, and a back-to-back win for Mazda, the CX-9 proved itself to be several leaps ahead of its segment competitors, not to mention good enough to put its fellow finalists, the impressive E-Class and A4, in the shade.

A better ride than the luxo Germans? You bet.

MORE Mazda CX-9: 2017 Car of the Year Winner
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2018: Volvo XC60

Volvo notched up its first COTY win with the impressively polished XC60 midsize SUV, a family wagon that proves that when you pay a premium (which you do with the XC60), you actually get a premium product.

MORE Volvo XC60: one year on from its COTY victory
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2019: Volvo XC40

How Swede it is… lighting strikes twice… okay, we’ll stop now. Volvo impressed all judges with the XC60, and the XC40 continued the winning formula, just in a slightly smaller package.

Another truly premium offering garnered two COTYs on the trot for Volvo.

MORE Volvo XC40 2019 Car of the Year winner review
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2020: Mercedes-Benz EQC

After a 12-year hiatus, Mercedes-Benz once again has ownership of the Wheels Car of the Year trophy with its all-electric EQC.

Somewhat of a surprise packet, the seven judges deemed the Merc EV as the cream of the 31-car crop for 2020.

MORE How our COTY 2020 victor was decided
Mercedes-Benz EQC Winner Wheels Car of the Year 2020
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2021: Mazda CX-30

In the event that nearly didn’t happen – thanks to the lockdowns and restrictions brought by the COVID-19 pandemic – Mazda’s CX-30 small SUV was declared 2021 Wheels Car of the Year.

A unanimous decision, the CX-30 was awarded for its fun driving experience, its stylish good looks and near-premium quality.

Wheels editor Dylan Campbell said: “For me, the CX-30 is a car that democratises luxury; it has a level of craftsmanship not evident in rivals. You sense the passion and commitment that’s gone into it, making it feel like a treat every time you get in.”

This win marks Mazda’s ninth COTY award, trailing current champ Holden by just one. And, with Holden now out of the picture, Mazda will surely be favouring its chances of taking the mantle in the years ahead.

MORE The Mazda CX-30 is the 2021 Wheels Car of the Year
2021 Wheels Car of the Year winner Mazda CX-30
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2022: Kia EV6

In one of our most tightly contested fields in years, the Kia EV6 shouldered its way to the front to take a landmark win. It was the first time Kia had won at COTY and the EV6 wasn’t only a daring and expertly executed electric car but a stark reminder of just how far the Korean brand had come in a relatively short period of time.

It was a close thing, though, with the EV6’s closely related sibling, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, making a convincing case for 2022 to be a joint award. But the Kia’s slightly sharper value proposition and sportier, locally tuned dynamics saw it edge far enough ahead for an historic win.

MORE The Kia EV6 is the 2022 Wheels Car of the Year
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2023: Ford Everest

Another year for landmark wins, this time in the form of a first-ever COTY awarded to a ‘ute-based SUV. The type has been around for many years now, but it wasn’t until Ford’s new second-generation Everest appeared on the scene that any seemed even close to COTY material.

That changed in 2023, the first time Ford has won COTY since the Territory took the gong back in 2005 – itself a similarly controversial win, as the first SUV to take the award.

MORE 2023 Ford Everest: Wheels Car of the Year winner
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2024-2025: Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

Hyundai’s first Wheels Car of the Year award came in the form of the first electric vehicle to offer such character and involvement that even the fiercest of petrolheads would be convinced of an electric future: the Ioniq 5 N.

That’s not down to its awesome performance, suitably sporty hot hatch styling, fabulous handling or insane point-to-point ability, but that Hyundai’s engineers managed to add ICE features such as a convincing engine soundtrack, gear shifting and even turbo lag to a car that doesn’t feature an engine.

While 2024-2025 wasn’t the first year that an electric vehicle had won COTY, it was one of the first that delivered a unanimous verdict across all six judging scorecards in the blind final-round voting.

MORE Wheels COTY 2024-25 Winner: HYUNDAI IONIQ 5 N
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MORE All Wheels Car of the Year stories

Every winner through the years up to 2020

Early in 2021, the team at Budget Direct made a poster with every Wheels Car of the Year winner beautifully illustrated.

It’s a great reminder of exactly how long Wheels has been testing cars, and how vehicles have changed and advanced through the ages.

(They’ve since removed their blog post with this image, having bought an automotive publisher of their own!)

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MORE All Wheels Car of the Year stories