Technical
Browse our extensive collection of tech articles for DIY tips on everything you need to know to work on your project car. We’ve got you covered from setting up your first workshop, to mechanical upgrades, car care and much more!

How to
-
AdviceCar Airbags: how they work and why they’re important
While airbags are proven to prevent serious injuries and save lives, they can also be pretty dangerous, so it’s important to know how they operate
-
AdviceDo I pay rego during lockdown? Answering your COVID car questions
Advice to keep your car in good shape during lockdown and to save money if you can’t drive
-
AdviceDriving on snow and ice safely
Here’s how to stay safe off-road when winter adds snow and ice to the mud and grit
-
AdviceHow to react around emergency vehicles
What should you do when you hear a siren or see flashing lights in your rear view mirror?
-
AdviceCar maintenance tasks you can do yourself
-
AdviceHow often should you service your car?
-
Advice12 must-haves for peaceful family road trips
-
AdviceElectric power steering: the pros and cons
Engine tech
Bodywork

Behind the lens at COTY 2008
Behind the lens at COTY 2008

GALLERY: Car of the Year 2005 – Intro
GALLERY: Car of the Year 2005 – Intro

COTY 2008 – Judge and jury
Introducing the 2008 Car of the Year panel.

The Bible – COTY criteria
A breakdown of the five COTY commandments.

2008 Car of the Year: Carmageddon
Michael Stahl looks over the auto mania and mysticism that was Car of the Year 2008.

2008 Car of the Year Finalist: BMW 1 Series Coupe and Convertible
COTY success evades BMW again despite engaging dynamics and refined drivetrains.

2008 Car of the Year Finalist: Smart ForTwo
Much improved, but needs a broader skill set to make sense in Oz.

2008 Car of the Year Finalist: Jaguar XF
A welcome return to form but let down by sub-standard petrol V6 powerplant.

2008 Car of the Year Finalist: Peugeot 308
Premium European pricing, but lacking the requisite je ne sais quoi.

2008 Car of the Year Finalist: Mazda CX-9
A roomy, refined and surprisingly dynamic large SUV, but mould remains unbroken.

2008 Car of the Year Finalist: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Fabulous tech and undoubted bang for buck, but too hardcore for COTY greatness.

COTY 2008 – Mitsu Lancer Ralliart Sportback
‘Evo lite’ not without virtue, but lacks the depth to run with COTY heavyweights.

COTY 2008 – Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG
Uncompromising performance proves both a strength and a weakness.

COTY 2008 – Subaru Forester
Once-sharp SUV loses its edge, despite being safer and more spacious.

COTY 2008 – Honda Accord
Big on value; useful V6 tech, but dull dynamics blunt Accord’s challenge.

COTY 2008 – Ford Falcon
Falcon was expected to fly in 2008; instead, it made a shock exit after Stage Two.

COTY 2008 – Mazda 6
Dynamic mid-sizer met with judges’ acclaim, but aural assault saw it fall at the last hurdle.

COTY 2008 – Volkswagen Tiguan
Dynamically gifted compact SUV felt the squeeze of family practicalities.

COTY 2008 – Honda Jazz
If ESP was fitted, this supermini may have had something to really trumpet.

Honda Accord Euro: 2008 Car of the Year Winner
In the magazine: After an absence of 14 years, Honda returns to the winner’s podium with a classy sedan.

Ping!
You wrote to us about a problem with our 2008 Car of the Year, and we have responded …

COTY 2008 – Audi A4
Law of diminishing returns sees Ingolstadt’s COTY challenge end at final four.

World Car of the Year 2009
There were no surprises at this year’s WCOTY announcement in Detroit for awards judge Samantha Stevens …

Volkswagen Golf: 2010 Car of the Year Winner
Six generations and 33 years later, the Volkswagen Golf has again claimed Australia’s WHEELS Car Of The Year
