WhichCar

The latest round of test results from Australia’s independent test body, ANCAP, has resulted in five-star results for the new Mazda CX-5, MG S6 EV, BMW X3, and updated Cupra Formentor range. The 2026 Mazda CX-5’s five-star score comprises a 90 per cent adult occupant protection rating, 91 per cent child occupant protection score, 93 per cent for vulnerable road user protection and an 87 per cent rating for safety assist systems.

In an effort to reduce its recalled vehicle rate, Ford is pushing hard for improvements in quality control at its North American factories. Following a record for the most recalled vehicles in 2025, Ford increased the number of checks on vehicles coming off the production line, and attempted to implement AI-assisted camera technology to help it detect quality control issues.

Changes to laws in New South Wales from July 1 2026 will see reduced speed limits at roadworks sites raised outside of working hours where safe to do so. 02 Jul 2026 10:29 AM The New South Wales Government has implemented changes to roadworks speed limits designed to remove the frustrations of lower limits in citations where no active work is taking place.

Hyundai Australia remains committed to offering the petrol V6-powered Staria alongside its new hybrid variants, though it admits Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) will increasingly influence how long the six-cylinder people mover remains viable. No longer available in SUVs such as the Santa Fe and Palisade, V6 power is now only available in the Staria in Australia, alongside a four-cylinder turbo-diesel and a new turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid also seen in the Tucson.

The previously-five seater Jaecoo J8 has been made available with a new seven-seat layout, as well as a new plug-in hybrid drivetrain making 315kW of power. 01 Jul 2026 4:25 PM Omoda-Jaecoo Australia has announced local pricing and specifications for the Jaecoo J8 SHS, which will be available from local Jaecoo dealerships towards the end of the month.

In addition to petrol and electric options already available, the Chery C5 has been gifted a new hybrid drivetrain with a consumption rating of just 4.9L/100km. 01 Jul 2026 3:20 PM Chery Australia has revealed that new hybrid variants are now available on its C5 small SUV. Formerly available in both petrol and electric forms, the hybrid C5 uses a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol hybrid set up making a keen 165kW total power output, but also rated at a low 4.9L/100km on the combined fuel consumption cycle.

Inchcape Australasia, the importer of Peugeot cars in Australia, has announced that it is preparing to cease distribution of the French brand. The announcement follows Inchcape’s decision to axe the Citroen brand in 2024. Unlike Citroen, however, which was not picked up by another local distributor, Peugeot’s parent company, Stellantis, says the brand will continue in Australia.

Mitsubishi strengthens ties with the Pajero and its off-road past by teasing a new feature set to star in the revived 2027 model. 01 Jul 2026 11:53 AM Mitsubishi has looked to its past as it prepares to launch what is shaping up to be one of the Japanese brand’s most important new models. In the latest teaser issued by the brand for the new Pajero off-roader, Mitsubishi has previewed a trio of gauges, inspired by the altimeter and inclinometers fitted to previous Pajero models.

Australian pricing and specifications for the new Leapmotor B05 electric hatchback have been announced ahead of its August local arrival. 01 Jul 2026 11:37 AM Leapmotor has revealed Australian pricing and specifications for its new B05 electric hatchback, which goes on sale locally at the end of August 2026. Priced from $35,990 driveaway, the B05 will be one of the cheapest electric cars available in Australia upon its release.

BYD’s luxury arm, Denza, could soon have a new flagship large SUV model that even outstretches a Mercedes-Maybach GLS. 01 Jul 2026 10:51 AM BYD has begun officially teasing a new plus-sized SUV that’s set to become the range-topping model for its Chinese luxury division. Called the Fangchenbao Tai 9, the ultra-luxury three-row SUV is the latest in a range of top-shelf prestige SUVs from Chinese brands, and could make the switch to Denza branding in overseas markets.