Performance Car Podcast

Best Small SUVs 2026: Hybrid
Hybrid small SUVs are drawing more attention from Australian new car buyers through a combination of improved efficiency, lower running costs and greater flexibility for everyday driving.

Modern Classic: Mercedes-Benz 300SE (W126), a graceful presence for 47 years
The W126 generation of Mercedes-Benz’s flagship S-Class encapsulates the very essence of the brand in a single restrained, yet powerful model.

Toyota GR Yaris Aero Performance review: Sharpening the rally-bred formula
Track-focused aerodynamic upgrades and rally-inspired revisions make Toyota’s already ferocious hot hatch even more dynamic.

Brake-by-wire one step closer to production
A move to computerised brake-by-wire systems would eliminate the traditional hydraulic braking system, and be yet another move toward software-controlled motoring.

Nissan X-Trail Ti-L e-Power review: How does the hybrid medium SUV measure up to the likes of the RAV4?
A new generation model has already been revealed, but there’s still plenty of life in the Nissan X-Trail Ti-L e-Power hybrid medium SUV.

From the Wheels Archive: Super coupe! The sexiest Holden Commodore of all time… and it’s a hybrid
Holden’s stunning ECOmmodore proved that when it come to hybrid technology, Australia could mix it with the best in the world.

Top 10 cheapest EVs in Australia right now
Over the uncertainty around petrol prices and supply? If you’re considering making the jump to an electric vehicle, here are the 10 cheapest EV models on the market…

New trademark hints that the long-overdue Tesla Roadster could be coming soon
Trademarks for the Tesla Roadster, and the marketing and merchandise around it could be a tip-off that the new Tesla hero car is finally about to break cover.

Ford files patent for parked cars that can dodge moving objects
Ford’s vision for autonomous vehicles goes beyond the highway, with tech that can move your parked car out of harm’s way.

Expanding Australia’s public EV charger network could come at a cost… even if you don’t own an EV
A proposed federal government initiative to expand access to public EV chargers could impact households without an EV, but despite pushback, the cost could be minimal.

Hyundai IONIQ 6 N review: The most fun you can have without an engine
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 N rewrites the electric vehicle rulebook in a package equally at home on the race track as it is on the road.

Lexus TZ: Brand’s largest electric SUV revealed, Australian sales possible
Like its Toyota parent, Lexus has revealed a new large electric SUV. Called the TZ, it will sit above the existing RZ with cool bamboo and suede trimmings.

AMG promises more V8s coming, PHEVs to be scaled back
Mercedes-AMG looks set to right its wrongs, abandoning four-cylinder hybrids in favour of a return to V8 engines in its core range.

The 207kW electric Barina hot-hatch Australia will never see
Opel has revealed its latest-generation Corsa GSE, a compact electric hot hatch that could have been a Holden… if things were different.

Zeekr sees 7X become best-selling luxury medium SUV in latest sales results
Zeekr has achieved a milestone in Australia with its 7X electric medium SUV selling 973 units sold in April 2026, outselling rivals such as the Tesla Model Y for the first time.

Kia finally ousts parent company Hyundai as Korea’s number-one automaker
For the first time in its 28-year history under Hyundai control, Kia has outsold Hyundai in their home market.

Hydrogen back under consideration as EV demand falters in US – report
A mix of falling EV demand and petrol fuel supply issues has put hydrogen back on the radar as an alternative new-energy source in markets like North America.

BYD’s desert Flash Charging demonstration hints at Australian suitability
BYD offered a ‘real world’ demonstration of its 1500kW charging tech in a remote part of the Mongolian desert, suggesting the super-fast charging tech could be a natural fit for Australia.

Best hybrid models still to come in 2026
Looking for a new hybrid vehicle? There are plenty to choose from, but it might be worth waiting as these 10 new models are set to launch with a bang in what remains of 2026.

Mercedes-Benz expands CLA range with hybrid and EV options for Australia
New-generation compact sedan arrives with five-model line-up, updated software platform and prices starting from $66,500.

New ANCAP five-star safety ratings revealed for BYD, MG, Tesla and Skoda
The latest ANCAP crash test results are five stars across the board, including new models from BYD, Tesla and MG, and re-testing a Skoda.

Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid review: More efficient and powerful… and still great value for the tech
The Chery Tiggo 4 has been a sales star so far in its Australian career, so how does the newer hybrid drivetrain compare to rivals?

Chinese brands go Euro with a push towards more export-specific models seeking a ‘Yaris moment’
In a bid to further increase overseas sales, Chinese brands are increasingly developing a range of models designed specifically for high-margin Western markets.

Geely to launch seven-seat hybrid Kluger rival in Australia in 2027
Geely is still a relatively new brand to Australia, but it’s already pushing on with plans to launch more product, including a new hybrid seven-seat SUV.
