Michael Pickering
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Articles by Michael Pickering
2027 Zeekr 7X arrives in Australia with more power, faster charging
Updated electric SUV gains stronger motors, revised styling and additional equipment, with up to 627km of range and 500kW. 01 Nov 2026 12:28 PM Zeekr has announced the updated 2027 7X electric SUV for Australia, introducing more powerful electric motors, faster acceleration, revised styling and additional technology without increasing prices.
Automotive eyesores: Are these the ugliest cars ever made?
Automotive design is an inherently subjective business. One person’s masterpiece can be another’s monstrosity, and history is littered with vehicles whose styling has attracted more criticism than admiration. Sometimes manufacturers deliberately abandon convention in pursuit of something distinctive. On other occasions, an ambitious design simply doesn’t translate successfully from drawing board to showroom. Either way, certain cars have earned reputations for being exceptionally unattractive.
Major driver's licence change now in effect in Australia
Drivers from 14 additional countries can now exchange their overseas licences without sitting Australian driving tests under revised recognition rules. 31 Oct 2026 12:47 PM Thousands of overseas motorists living in Australia will benefit from changes to driver’s licence requirements taking effect from October 31, allowing eligible drivers to obtain local licences without completing additional testing.
2026 BMW 3 Series international first drive: The sports sedan benchmark gets even better
Our colleagues at AutoExpress found BMW's new-generation 3 Series combines sharper handling, six-cylinder performance and a futuristic cabin to challenge its German rivals. 31 Oct 2026 10:09 AM BMW has given its long-running 3 Series a substantial makeover, introducing fresh styling, new technology and revised mechanicals while retaining the driving characteristics that have made it a favourite among sports sedan buyers.
Paul Gover: Driver assist systems in modern cars need a whole lot more work...
Aaargh. So now we’re giving car kudos to things that don’t work? Instead of whining and complaining when brands lob into Australia with electronic nannies that are clearly not fit for purpose, what do we do? We should be complaining – loudly – that these Advanced Driver Assistance Systems cause more confusion and problems than they solve. Instead, car companies are now getting a tick from consumers – and it’s not just the disruptor brands – for fitting a button to disable them.
The Wheels Interview: Danny Estrin, lawyer, rock star and car nut
Why do we love the cars that we do? The answer to that simple question has many and complex answers. It’s a query that Danny Estrin has tried to come to grips with on his new five-part series on SBS, Precious Metal: A Love Story. Estrin is no ordinary television presenter. A lawyer by day, bona fide rock star by night, the Perth-based talent has now added TV host to his expanding resume. He’s not a complete newcomer to our screens, either.
Mazda's revolutionary Skyactiv-X engine faces uncertain future as hybrid successor looms
Mazda is withdrawing its unusual compression-ignition petrol engine from the Mazda3 in Europe, ahead of a new hybrid powertrain. 30 Oct 2026 8:55 AM Mazda’s innovative Skyactiv-X petrol engine appears to be nearing the end of its production life, with the Japanese manufacturer removing it from the Mazda3 range in Europe as it prepares a new generation of hybrid powertrains.
Leapmotor adds new colour for C10 AWD Sports+ Special Edition medium SUV
The 440kW electric SUV gains a Dawn Purple finish, with buyers also offered a complimentary home wall charger. 29 Oct 2026 9:20 AM Leapmotor Australia has introduced a new colour option for its C10 AWD Sports+ Special Edition, alongside a limited-time offer providing buyers with a free home charging unit. The high-performance electric SUV is now available in Dawn Purple, joining the existing Pearl White and Metallic Black finishes, with pricing starting at $53,888 before on-road costs.
BYD takes aim at Rolls-Royce as it reveals the name of its new Yangwang luxury sedan
Chinese car giant reveals its most luxurious sedan yet, with limousine proportions, rear-hinged doors and potentially groundbreaking battery technology. 29 Oct 2026 8:31 AM BYD has revealed the name and first official teaser of its forthcoming ultra-luxury flagship sedan, the Yangwang Altior, as the Chinese manufacturer prepares to challenge established luxury brands including Rolls-Royce and Mercedes-Maybach.
Revealed: Aston Martin Valhalla Spider is the brand's fastest ever open-top production car
Aston Martin's first mid-engined convertible hypercar combines a removable roof with extreme performance and Formula 1-derived technology. 28 Oct 2026 1:24 PM Aston Martin has unveiled the Valhalla Spider, an open-top version of its mid-engined hybrid hypercar that promises the same extraordinary performance as the coupe, with the added appeal of roof-down driving.
Uber faces potential Australian class action over alleged sexual assaults of female passengers
Lawyers are investigating whether Uber failed to adequately protect female passengers from sexual misconduct and respond appropriately to complaints. 28 Oct 2026 12:55 PM Ride-share giant Uber could face a class action in Australia over allegations of sexual assault, harassment and misconduct involving drivers, with lawyers examining whether the company failed to adequately protect female passengers.
Our cars are safer than ever... yet Australia's road death toll is headed for a 15-year high
Australia is heading towards its highest annual road toll in 15 years, reversing decades of progress and placing national road safety targets increasingly out of reach. The latest Australian Automobile Association (AAA) road safety benchmarking report highlights the continuing deterioration, with fatalities rising despite improvements in vehicle safety technology and substantial government spending on roads.
Chinese carmakers overtake Japanese brands in Europe for first time
Led by BYD and Chery, Chinese manufacturers have surged from just one per cent of European sales to overtake long-established Japanese rivals. 28 Oct 2026 10:25 AM Chinese car manufacturers have achieved a significant milestone in Europe, outselling their Japanese competitors across an entire quarter for the first time as their rapid international expansion continues.
Comparison: Mazda CX-5 v Toyota RAV4, battle of the medium SUV heavyweights
For all the talk about SUVs dominating the new car sales charts and taking over our roads, it’s easy to forget that as recently as 2016, traditional passenger cars were still numero uno. Ten years ago, Australians bought just over 486,000 new passenger cars while SUVs accounted for a handful over 441,000. The following year, the first of two Rubicon crossings when SUVs (465k) outsold passenger cars (450k) in Australia for the first time. And we didn’t have to wait long for the second crossing.
New $25 service history check aims to protect used car buyers
New online service provides access to manufacturer servicing records for 20 car brands, helping buyers verify vehicle histories before purchasing. 28 Oct 2026 8:06 AM Australian used car buyers can now check a vehicle’s official manufacturer service history online, with a new service promising to help identify missing maintenance records and potentially misleading odometer readings.
Volvo EX90 review: Luxury seven-seat SUV enters the electric age
Volvo’s flagship seven-seat electric SUV combines exceptional refinement, family-friendly practicality and impressive performance... but for a price. 25 Oct 2026 11:12 AM The Volvo EX90 represented a significant step for the Swedish brand, effectively translating the familiar XC90 luxury SUV formula into a fully electric, technology-focused flagship.
Modern Classic: Citroën CX GTI Turbo 2, the last 'real' Citroën
When Robert Opron stormed out of the offices of Flaminio Bertoni, little did he know that within two years he would have the legendary Italian designer’s job at Citroën. Opron, responding to an advert in Le Monde, applied for a job in the design studio – headed by Bertoni – of the French carmaker.
BYD hits 150,000 Australian deliveries as rapid expansion continues
BYD’s rapid rise in the Australian new-car market has reached another milestone, with the Chinese maker delivering its 150,000th vehicle less than four years after launching locally in late 2022. The achievement highlights the growing popularity of electric and plug-in hybrid models, as BYD continues to challenge established manufacturers across several market segments.
Chery's joins China's ultra-fast EV charging race with bold five-minute claim
Chery claims its new megawatt charging system can add 500km of driving range in five minutes, challenging BYD, Geely and Huawei. 24 Oct 2026 11:31 AM China’s electric vehicle charging race has another contender, with Chery unveiling a 1.44-megawatt ultra-fast charging system capable of delivering a claimed 500km of driving range in just five minutes.
Mazda3 and CX-30 gain new variants, equipment and safety upgrades for 2026
Mazda expands its CX-30 range with two new grades while adding improved safety technology, larger screens and wireless connectivity. 23 Oct 2026 10:25 AM Mazda has announced a series of updates to its Mazda3 small car and CX-30 small SUV for 2026, introducing two new CX-30 variants alongside additional standard equipment and upgraded safety technology. The revised CX-30 line-up gains G25 Evolve SP and G25 GT grades, both powered exclusively by Mazda’s 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine.
GWM Cannon PHEV arrives in Australia as cheapest plug-in hybrid ute
Australia’s cheapest plug-in hybrid ute offers 115km of electric range and 3500kg towing, with introductory discounts extended until November. 23 Oct 2026 8:22 AM GWM’s new Cannon Hi4-T plug-in hybrid ute has arrived in Australian dealerships, with prices starting at $47,990 driveaway for eligible ABN holders under an extended introductory offer. Private buyers pay $48,990 driveaway for the entry-level Lux, making it Australia’s most affordable plug-in hybrid ute, according to GWM.
2026 Leapmotor B05 review: Promising, but with some significant drawbacks
There is a sweet little car trapped inside the Leapmotor B05. It is a genuinely good drive, and not just for a Chinese EV, with rear-wheel drive and great poise in corners thanks to chassis tuning from Italy. Yes, you read that right, Leapmotor has tapped its Stellantis connection for engineering expertise straight out of Balocco, the historic proving ground used by Alfa Romeo for many generations and also by Maserati and even Ferrari.
Best Medium SUVs 2026: Electric
Contenders BMW iX3 BYD Sealion 7 Geely EX5 Kia EV5 Lexus RZ MGS6 EV Polestar 4 Skoda Enyaq XPeng G6 Zeekr 7X Winner: MGS6 EV Price: From $49,990 driveaway (Essence RWD), $56,990 driveaway (Essence AWD) Drivetrains: Single or dual-motor electric, single-speed transmission, rear- or all-wheel drive, 77kWh NCM battery Outputs: 180kW/350Nm (RWD), 266kW/540Nm (AWD) Driving range (WLTP claimed): 530km (RWD), 485km (AWD) Warranty: 7-year/unlimited km (extendable up to 10 years/250,000km with dealer...
Best Medium SUVs 2026: Hybrid
Contenders BYD Sealion 6 Geely Starray EM-i Honda CR-V e:HEV Hyundai Tucson Kia Sportage Hybrid Jaecoo J7 SHS-P Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Nissan X-Trail e-Power Toyota RAV4 Kia Sportage Hybrid Price: From $44,450 plus on-road costs Drivetrains: 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-hybrid, six-speed automatic, 2WD or AWD Outputs: 173kW/367Nm Claimed combined fuel consumption: 4.9-5.3L/100km Warranty: 7-year/unlimited km (car), 7-year/150,000km (EV battery) Five-year service cost: $2613 (2WD) -$2666...
Best Medium SUVs 2026: Luxury
BMW X3/iX3 Genesis GV70 Mercedes-Benz GLC MG IM6 Porsche Macan Range Rover Velar Volvo XC60 Winner: BMW X3 / iX3 Price: X3 from $86,100 plus on-road costs; iX3 from $89,900 plus on-road costs Drivetrains: X3 – petrol mild-hybrid, diesel mild-hybrid or plug-in hybrid, eight-speed automatic, AWD; iX3 – single-motor RWD or dual-motor AWD electric Outputs: X3 20 xDrive 140kW/310Nm; X3 30e 220kW/450Nm; X3 40d 223kW/670Nm; X3 M50 293kW/580Nm; iX3 40 235kW/500Nm; iX3 50 xDrive 345kW/645Nm Claimed...
Best Medium SUVs 2026: Off-road
Contenders Denza B5 GWM Tank 300 Subaru Forester Winner: GWM Tank 300 Price: $55,990 drive-away (Lux); $59,990 drive-away (Ultra) Drivetrain: 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder PHEV, electric motor, nine-speed automatic, part-time 4WD Outputs: 300kW/750Nm combined Combined fuel economy: 1.9L/100km (charged); 8.3L/100km (low battery) Warranty: Seven-year/unlimited-kilometre Five-year service cost: $2610 Driving Interior Practicality Overall value Strengths Potent and mostly refined PHEV drivetrain...
Hyundai reveals special edition i30 Sedan N Monochrome but a limited run for Australia means be quick
New special edition brings carbon-fibre components, forged wheels and a more restrained appearance to Hyundai's performance sedan. 19 Oct 2026 12:22 PM Hyundai has unveiled a new limited-edition version of its i30 Sedan N, with just 200 examples of the MONOCHROME confirmed for Australia from November 2026.
Best Medium SUVs 2026: Value
Contenders Chery Tiggo 7 Geely Starray EM-i GWM Haval H6 Hyundai Tucson Jaecoo J7 Mahindra XUV700 MG HS Winner: Geely Starray EM-i Price: From $37,490 plus on-road costs Drivetrains: 1.5-litre four-cylinder plug-in hybrid + 18.4kWh or 29.8kWh battery, single-speed hybrid transmission, front- or all-wheel drive Outputs: 193kW (Complete and Inspire), 220kW (Inspire AWD) Claimed combined fuel consumption: 1.4L/100km (Inspire), 1.7L/100km (Inspire AWD), 2.4L/100km (Complete) EV range (claimed,...
Toyota plans software revolution across entire model range by 2030
Japanese giant aims to equip 10 million vehicles annually with technology allowing new features and upgrades long after leaving the showroom. 19 Oct 2026 10:57 AM Toyota is preparing one of the biggest technological transformations in its history, with plans to make its entire vehicle line-up software-defined by 2030.
Wheels November 2026 issue now on sale
The new issue of Wheels is on sale now, featuring our 2026 Best Medium SUV awards, a heavyweight family SUV comparison and a deeper dive into Volkswagen's uncertain future. 18 Oct 2026 9:52 PM The November 2026 issue of Wheels is on sale now, headlined by our a showdown between two family favourite medium SUVS, our winners in the 2026 Wheels Best Medium SUVs, and an in-depth examination of Volkswagen’s mounting challenges.
Classic Ford versus Holden rivalry set for revival as new Falcon build gathers pace
As billionaire Kenny Habul prepares to resurrect HDT, the Ford-aligned HO Phase Autos has recruited a renowned race-car builder to develop a new generation of V8 Falcons. 18 Oct 2026 3:15 PM Australia’s legendary Ford-versus-Holden rivalry could be heading for an unexpected revival, with HO Phase Autos expanding its performance-car operations just as businessman Kenny Habul prepares to breathe new life into Holden Dealer Team (HDT).
Drivers set for toll relief as rivals try to out-do each other in state poll
Labor proposes a $30 weekly toll cap, while the Coalition offers a $50 limit over two years, ahead of November's state election. 18 Oct 2026 10:21 AM Victorian motorists could receive thousands of dollars in toll relief next year, with both major political parties promising to introduce weekly spending caps if elected at November’s state election.
What Tesla didn't mention at its spectacular Roadster launch...
Almost a decade after its original unveiling, Tesla's electric supercar has resurfaced with extraordinary performance claims – but prospective buyers should read the fine print... 17 Oct 2026 12:24 PM Tesla has unveiled its long-awaited second-generation Roadster with an absolutely bonkers launch event, but prospective buyers face an unusual warning: placing a reservation does not guarantee the electric supercar will ever reach their driveway.
What's the future for Maserati after it missed a major motor show?
Maserati is preparing to unveil a new generation of vehicles as parent company Stellantis attempts to revive the fortunes of the struggling Italian luxury carmaker. The brand’s absence from the 2026 Paris Motor Show raised further questions about its future, but Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa has confirmed that a comprehensive recovery strategy will be announced in Modena, Italy, in December. “Maserati will be presented in December, in Modena.
Matt O'Malley: The crazy price of bragging rights when you own a fancy badge
Driving a Porsche 911 GT3 is one of the great on-road experiences… but that’s a secondary concern for many modern-day buyers. 16 Oct 2026 7:28 PM I recently copped a bit of blowback for having a dig at Porsche’s GT3 and, indirectly, their owners by choosing a drive in a McLaren Artura in the April 2026 edition of Wheels over a Porsche 911 GT3 RS.
100 million times the computing power of Apollo 11: Mercedes-Benz doubles down on NVIDIA
Mercedes-Benz has revealed it will deepen it relationship with the world’s largest company by market capitalisation, NVIDIA. Speaking with WhichCar by Wheels at Mercedes-Benz headquarters in Stuttgart, company executives confirmed that the expanded relationship will cover future vehicle generations and Level 4 autonomous driving, as Mercedes develops vehicles capable of negotiating increasingly complex environments with minimal driver involvement.
Porsche Mission S previews new supercar to sit above 911
New mid-engined concept signals Porsche's desire to birth a new generation of supercars, combining classic design influences with driver-focused technology. 16 Oct 2026 7:58 AM Porsche has unveiled the Mission S, a striking mid-engined concept that previews a new family of supercars positioned above the 911 in the German manufacturer’s line-up.
Lepas L6: New medium electric SUV's pricing for Australia revealed
Chery's latest electric vehicle brand confirms pricing for its first Australian model, with showroom arrivals scheduled for November. 15 Oct 2026 10:14 AM Another Chinese automotive brand is preparing to enter Australia’s increasingly crowded electric vehicle market, with Lepas confirming a $47,990 starting price for its first local model, the L6 electric SUV.
Dodgy parking act clarified by state's transport department – and yep, it could land you a $94 fine
Transport for NSW has warned that doing this infuriating act in a parking area could result in a penalty. 14 Oct 2026 12:50 PM Standing in an empty parking space to prevent another motorist from using it might seem like a clever way to secure a spot for a friend, but the practice could leave pedestrians facing a fine.
New HDT owner reveals his big plans to preserve the Peter Brock legacy
The high-performance legacy of Peter Brock is safe with the new ownership of the HDT name he once carried on his Commodore racers. Kenny Habul, who once lived with the Brock family in Melbourne and has since become a billionaire businessman in the USA, has taken control of HDT and has big plans for the company’s future. It includes restoration and upgrading of existing HDT Holdens and an ambitious plan to create a Singer-style restomod created from scratch inside a Commodore body.
Lexus ES 500e review: Updated luxury sedan brings more space, electric drivetrains and superb ride
The Lexus ES has long struggled with its identity since launching way back in the very early days of the Toyota spin-off luxury brand. Debuting in 1989, the ES was – somewhat cynically – a Toyota Camry with better clothes. Every generation since moved the ES further away from the Camry but despite shedding more and more of Toyota’s DNA, the ES was still considered little more than a frocked-up and expensive Toyota.
Pininfarina gives legendary Honda NSX a second life
Italian design house joins forces with JAS Motorsport to create a lighter, more powerful interpretation of Honda’s original supercar. 10 Oct 2026 1:55 PM One of Japan’s most celebrated supercars has been given a modern makeover, with Italian design house Pininfarina helping transform the original Honda NSX into a substantially more powerful machine.
Ford's sportier Ranger MS-RT teased for Paris Motor Show
Ford is preparing to reveal another version of its Ranger MS-RT at the Paris Motor Show on October 12, offering a more aggressive take on the popular dual-cab ute. Developed in partnership with M-Sport Road Technology (MS-RT), the latest model has been previewed in a brief teaser video revealing little beyond its front-end styling and a new bonnet stripe. The appearance suggests a revised or special-edition model, although Ford has yet to reveal the full extent of the changes.
Why famed designer Jony Ive thinks people are wrong about his controversial Ferrari Luce EV design
Former Apple design boss Sir Jony Ive has defended the styling of Ferrari’s first all-electric car, the Luce, following widespread criticism of its unconventional appearance. The €550,000 (approximately A$900,000) four-door, five-seat EV was unveiled in May, immediately dividing opinion with its relatively simple surfaces, upright proportions and minimalist interior – a considerable departure from Ferrari’s traditional sports-car designs.
A new way to buy and sell
Looking to buy or sell your car but wary of online marketplaces? Commonwealth Bank has expanded its Cars for CommBank platform into private used-car sales, creating a marketplace where CommBank customers will be able to buy and sell vehicles directly with each other. The new service will extend Cars for CommBank beyond its existing dealer and manufacturer listings and into a substantial part of Australia’s second-hand vehicle market.
BYD reveals wild ‘sci-fi inspired’ interior for next-gen medium-large SUV
BYD has revealed the striking interior of its third-generation Tang electric SUV, featuring enormous digital displays and a futuristic dashboard that looks more like the cockpit of a science-fiction spacecraft than a conventional family car. The new five-seat SUV is expected to launch in China before the end of 2026, sitting below the larger Da Tang in the manufacturer’s expanding model range.
'Rat run' ban could see drivers fined up to $241 if seen on busy suburban road
Truck drivers using a busy suburban road in Sydney’s southwest to avoid motorway tolls will face fines of $241 under new restrictions beginning in February 2027. The NSW Government will progressively ban heavy vehicles from Stoney Creek Road (below), with the changes expected to remove up to 1900 trucks daily from the surrounding road network. The restrictions are intended to redirect trucks onto the M5 and M8 motorways, reducing congestion, noise and exhaust emissions in residential areas.
Nissan Navara Pro PHEV confirmed for Australia with 300kW and 3500kg towing
New plug-in hybrid Navara will pair a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with electric assistance, following extensive Australian development and testing. 08 Oct 2026 1:00 PM Nissan has confirmed its new Navara Pro plug-in hybrid will arrive in Australia in 2027, developing a preliminary 300kW and 800Nm while retaining a 3500kg braked towing capacity.
Honda's radical plan to charge EVs while driving
Wireless charging technology embedded beneath the road could eventually top up electric cars and trucks without requiring them to stop. 08 Oct 2026 11:08 AM Honda is developing technology that could allow electric vehicles to recharge while driving, potentially reducing the need to stop at conventional charging stations.
Drivers eligible to start claiming back thousands under new weekly toll cap
Motorists who have spent more than $50 a week on eligible NSW tolls since July can begin lodging claims from October 11. 06 Oct 2026 9:19 AM NSW motorists will soon be able to claim money back under the state’s reduced weekly toll cap, with the first round of rebates opening on Sunday, October 11. The toll cap was lowered from $60 to $50 a week on July 6, expanding the number of drivers eligible for relief. However, motorists have had to wait until October to lodge claims under the new threshold.
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