The new European cars under $50,000 drive-away

If you’re a European-car fanatic on a strict budget, you’ve still got options… You’ll just have to get a little bit creative.

Despite the rapid advancement in automotive technology and the proliferation of car manufacturers from all over the world, there’s no doubt European cars still hold a certain allure.

This allure almost defies logic, given plenty of European brands now have manufacturing operations based outside of Europe, while, conversely, plenty of Korean, Chinese or North American carmakers build and design their cars in Europe. 

According to sales figures, cars designed and produced outside of Europe are dominating the Australian industry.

In 2022, the majority of new cars sold in Australia were imported from Japan, followed by Thailand and Korea in third place. 

In fact, Asian countries accounted for almost 80 per cent of all new car imports into Australia last year. 

Still, there remains a staunch army of diehard Francophiles, German loyalists or – if you’re willing to overlook the technicalities of geopolitics – Anglophiles.

Those familiar with European cars know they rarely come cheap, but with rapid-fire interest rate rises and mounting household debt, ‘affordable’ is at the front of even the most discerning car buyer’s brain. 

Want to live la dolce vita on a budget? We’ve gathered the European cars you can still buy for under $50,000 drive-away.

Fiat 500

What is it? An iconic three-door, four-seat, front-wheel-drive hatchback designed in Turin, Italy. 

Where is it made? The Fiat 500 models sold in Australia are produced in a factory in Poland.

How much does it cost? From $23,100 plus on-road costs for the Lounge grade, or roughly $27,625 drive-away (based on a quote for a Melbourne postcode).

Click here for more info on the Fiat 500

Volkswagen Polo

What is it? A light passenger car from German carmaker Volkswagen, offering the choice of three variants and an automatic or manual transmission.

Where is it made? Technically, the Volkswagen Polo is only half-European – although it’s German-designed, Polos sold in Australia are actually produced at a factory in South Africa. 

How much does it cost? From $25,750 plus on-road costs for the 70TSI Life variant with manual transmission, or roughly $30,392 drive-away (based on a quote for a Melbourne postcode).

Click here for more info on the Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen T-Cross

What is it? A front-wheel-drive, light SUV from Volkswagen – available in two model grades.

Where is it made? Volkswagen T-Cross models sold in Australia are built in Germany. 

How much does it cost? From $30,990 plus on-road costs for the 85TSI Life grade, or roughly $32,990 drive-away (based on a quote for a Melbourne postcode).

t-Click here for more info on the Volkswagen T-Cross

Skoda Scala

What is it? A small hatchback with five doors, five seats and two engine options, from Czech carmaker Skoda.

Where is it made? Skoda Scala models sold in Australia are made in the Czech Republic.

How much does it cost? From $33,490 drive-away for the Ambition 85TSI grade (based on a national drive-away price).

Click here for more info on the Skoda Scala

Renault Captur

What is it? A front-wheel-drive light SUV offered in four model grades. 

Where is it made? While Renault itself is a French brand, Renault Captur models sold in Australia are made in Spain. 

How much does it cost? From $31,800 plus on-road costs for the Life grade, or roughly $34,990 drive-away (based on a quote for a Melbourne postcode).

Click here for more info on the Renault Captur

Citroen C3

What is it? French brand Citroen’s bold and colourful five-door, five-seat, front-wheel-drive hatchback. 

Where is it made? Citroen C3 models sold in Australia are made in Slovakia.

How much does it cost? From $32,267 plus on-road costs for the Shine grade, or roughly $36,656 drive-away (based on a quote for a Melbourne postcode).

c3Click here for more info on the Citroen C3

Skoda Kamiq

What is it? A small, front-wheel-drive SUV with two engine options from Czech brand Skoda. 

Where is it made? Skoda Kamiq models sold in Australia are made in the Czech Republic.

How much does it cost? From $37,990 drive-away for the 85TSI Style variant (based on a national drive-away price).

Click here for more info on the Skoda Kamiq

Skoda Fabia

What is it? A five-door, five-seat, front-wheel-drive light hatchback from Czech brand Skoda.

Where is it made? Skoda Fabia models sold in Australia are made in the Czech Republic.

How much does it cost? From $38,990 drive-away for the Fabia Monte Carlo (based on a national drive-away price).

Click here for more info on the Skoda Fabia

Audi A1

The Audi A1

What is it? German carmaker Audi’s smallest car – a five-door, five-seat, front-wheel-drive hatchback. 

Where is it made? Audi A1 models sold in Australia are built in Spain.

How much does it cost? From $34,250 plus on-road costs for the 30 TFSI grade, or roughly $39,775 drive-away (based on a quote for a Melbourne postcode).

Click here for more info on the Audi A1

Renault Arkana

What is it? A coupe-styled, front-wheel-drive small SUV from French brand Renault offered across three model grades. 

Where is it made? Although Renault is headquartered in France, it produces Australian-delivered Arkana models in South Korea. 

How much does it cost? From $36,800 plus on-road costs for the Zen grade, or roughly $39,990 drive-away (based on a quote for a Melbourne postcode).

Click here for more info on the Renault Arkana

Volkswagen Golf

What is it? VW’s ubiquitous small passenger car, available in both hatch and wagon form, with both entry-level engines and hot-hatch versions available (although the latter will push you past the $50K price threshold). 

Where is it made? Volkswagen Golf models sold in Australia are built in Germany. 

How much does it cost? From $35,190 plus on-road costs for the 110TSI hatchback, or roughly $40,277 drive-away (based on a quote for a Melbourne postcode).

Click here for more info on the Volkswagen Golf

Skoda Octavia

What is it? Czech carmaker Skoda’s medium passenger car offered in either liftback ‘sedan’ or wagon body style.

Where is it made? Skoda Octavia models sold in Australia are made in the Czech Republic.

How much does it cost? From $40,990 drive-away for the 110TSI Style hatch variant (based on a national drive-away price).

Click here for more info on the Skoda Octavia

Renault Koleos

What is it? Renault’s medium SUV offered in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. 

Where is it made? Although Renault is headquartered in France, it produces Australian-delivered Koleos models in South Korea. 

How much does it cost? From $37,000 plus on-road costs for Life 2WD grade, or roughly $41,442 drive-away (based on a quote for a Melbourne postcode).

Click here for more info on the Renault Koleos

Abarth 695

What is it? An Italian-designed three-door, four-seat, front-wheel-drive hatchback that’s available with a manual transmission. 

Where is it made? The Abarth 695 models sold in Australia are produced in a factory in Poland.

How much does it cost? From $36,400 plus on-road costs, or roughly $41,487 drive-away for the Competizione grade with manual transmission (based on a quote for a Melbourne postcode).

Click here for more info on the Abarth 695

Volkswagen T-Roc

What is it? A small SUV that’s the slightly bigger sibling of the T-Cross offered in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive form. 

Where is it made? T-Roc models sold in Australia are built in Portugal. 

How much does it cost? From $37,100 plus on-road costs for 110TSI Style FWD grade, or roughly $42,213 drive-away (based on a quote for a Melbourne postcode).

2008Click here for more info on the Volkswagen T-Roc

Peugeot 2008

What is it? A front-wheel-drive small SUV from French carmaker Peugeot. 

Where is it made? Peugeot 2008 models sold in Australia are produced in Spain.

How much does it cost? From $38,945 plus on-road costs for the Allure grade, or roughly $43,250 drive-away (based on a quote for a Melbourne postcode).

Click here for more info on the Peugeot 2008

Skoda Karoq

What is it? A medium SUV offered in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. 

Where is it made? Skoda Karoq models are made in the Czech Republic.

How much does it cost? From $43,990 drive-away for the Style 2WD grade (based on a national drive-away price).

Click here for more info on the Skoda Karoq

Citroen C4

What is it? A small, front-wheel-drive SUV that looks a bit like a high-riding hatchback, from French carmaker Citroen.

Where is it made? Citroen C4 models sold in Australia are made in Spain.

How much does it cost? From $39,990 plus on-road costs for the Shine grade, or roughly $44,698 drive-away (based on a quote for a Melbourne postcode).

operClick here for more info on the Citroen C4

Mini Cooper

What is it? A pint-sized hatchback from BMW-owned British brand Mini, sold in either three-door, four-seat form or five-door, five-seat form.

Where is it made? Mini three- and five-door hatch models sold in Australia are made in the United Kingdom. The Mini Convertible range is Netherlands-sourced (though these do push past the $50,000 drive-away ceiling in place here).

How much does it cost? From $38,640 plus on-road costs for the three-door Classic variant, or roughly $45,392 drive-away (based on a quote for a Melbourne postcode).

Click here for more info on the Mini Cooper

Cupra Leon

What is it? The smallest, most affordable car from Spanish carmaker Cupra, which is available with petrol or plug-in hybrid power (although the latter will push it over the price threshold). 

Where is it made? Australia-delivered Cupra Leon models are made in Spain. 

How much does it cost? From $47,990 drive-away for the Leon V (based on a national drive-away price).

Click here for more info on the Cupra Leon

Peugeot 308

What is it? A small car from French carmaker Peugeot offered as either a hatchback or a wagon.

Where is it made? Peugeot 308 models sold in Australia are made in France. 

How much does it cost? From $43,990 plus on-road costs for the GT hatch grade, or roughly $48,866 drive-away (based on a quote for a Melbourne postcode).

Click here for more info on the Peugeot 308

The post The new European cars under $50,000 drive-away appeared first on Drive.

Has the new Tesla small electric car finally been caught on camera?

Real or hoax? Mystery surrounds a camouflaged vehicle photographed as a Tesla charging site. Is it a real Tesla prototype – or the same Mazda CX-30-based fake snapped last week?

A camouflaged vehicle has been caught on camera overnight – though it’s not clear if it’s the much-anticipated small car from Tesla or yet another hoax.

Last week, images emerged of a Mazda CX-30 fitted with Tesla parts and wrapped in camouflage, leading many to believe it was a prototype of Tesla’s forthcoming small electric car – which could be called the Tesla Model 2.

Curiously, only two images of this latest vehicle have been posted online – one of the front and one of the interior – both of which appear to have been taken at selective angles and in harsh lighting, limiting the amount of visible details.

The mystery vehicle, also wrapped in camouflage (though in a different pattern to the earlier CX-30), was spied at a Tesla charging site believed to be located in China.

MORE: Tesla’s next-generation small electric car another step closer

The angle of the exterior shot conveniently hides whether the vehicle is actually plugged into a Tesla Supercharger, or if it’s merely parked next to it.

It’s unclear whether this is also a CX-30 body, as with the previous vehicle – with the low-resolution image and camouflage concealing many of the vehicle’s panels and body lines – but it does appear as if the car has had its wing mirrors removed.

The interior does look to use a Tesla steering wheel, and features a large tablet-style infotainment screen, similar to those used across the Tesla range. However, these may be just another step in making the hoax look convincing.

A large red emergency stop button has also been fitted to the front windscreen pillar – a detail often seen on prototype vehicles being tested by car company engineers.

The vehicle’s side sills – which were black plastic on the car seen last week, and shared with the Mazda CX-30 – are wrapped in camouflage in these new images.

It’s believed a Tesla wheel cover has also been placed on the front ‘bonnet’.

MORE: This isn’t Tesla’s new small electric car

Above: The vehicle spotted earlier this week, using a Mazda CX-30 body.

Interestingly, a Tesla Mobile Service vehicle is parked behind the camouflaged car with its boot open.

The Drive office remains divided on whether these are real photos of the Tesla ‘Model 2’, or if it’s just a well-executed hoax being played on the lead-up to April Fool’s Day.

What do you think? Is this the 2024 Tesla Model 2 or just an elaborate fake? Let us know in the poll below.

The post Has the new Tesla small electric car finally been caught on camera? appeared first on Drive.

VFACTS February 2023: New-car sales growth slows amid quarantine delays, Ford Ranger leads

New motor vehicle sales posted their eighth month in a row of growth in February 2023 – despite a quarantine crisis in Australia’s ports, and long wait times remain on popular models.

Deliveries of new cars, SUVs and commercial vehicles in Australia grew in February 2023 compared to the same month last year – despite wait times on top-selling models, rising inflation and interest rates, and a quarantine traffic jam in ports and off the coastline.

Official sales data published today by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) industry body list 86,878 new motor vehicles as sold – up 1.8 per cent on February 2022, when 85,340 vehicles were reported as sold.

The February 2023 result is down 5.4 per cent on the five-year March average prior to the pandemic (91,799) – and down 9.9 per cent on the all-time March sales record of 96,443 vehicles, set in 2016.

Although reported sales are up for the month, most vehicles are likely to have been ordered last year – and some in 2021, amid record wait times on top-selling models that stretch up to two years.

The growth of new-car sales last month was slowed by unprecedented bottlenecks off Australia’s coastline, which have seen dozens of car-carrying ships stuck waiting to offload as vehicles arriving in Australia are treated for biosecurity hazards such as seeds and pests.

When Drive‘s exclusive report was published on February 8, at least two-dozen ships were caught up in the crisis – estimated to be carrying more than 60,000 new vehicles.

Stevedores told Drive it typically takes 24 hours working around the clock to unload a vessel carrying 3000 new cars – processing about 125 vehicles per hour – but quarantine teams at each port cleaning each vehicle can only process nine cars per hour, during business hours.

Affected are vehicles manufactured in the Asia-Pacific from brands such as Toyota, Mazda, Hyundai, Kia, Ford, Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Honda, Nissan and Suzuki, as well as Chinese marques including MG, LDV and GWM.

Some customers of European cars have also been affected, as their vehicles are on the same vessels as those from other brands, which have been flagged for biosecurity hazards.

Amid the crisis in Australian ports and waters, Toyota remained the number-one new-car brand in Australia, reporting 14,332 vehicles as sold last month.

But it faced a rare stumble, the aforementioned figure a decline of 31.5 per cent compared to February 2022 – after last year’s strong sales result, and production that is unable to meet demand.

It was followed by Mazda (7667) and Ford (6022) – while South Korea’s Kia (6000) in third place continued to outsell its Hyundai sibling brand (5504) in fourth.

Electric-car specialist Tesla finished the month in ninth – with 3516 vehicles reported as sold, or two in three electric vehicles delivered last month – while two Chinese brands finished in the Top 10, MG and GWM Haval.

The top-selling new car last month remained the Ford Ranger ute (4473 sales, up 29 per cent) – for the third month in a row, after deliveries of the new model ramped up late last year – followed by the Toyota HiLux.

Toyota HiLux sales in February 2023 were down 18 per cent on the same month last year, after it posted its all-time sales record in calendar-year 2022.

The ute rivals were followed by the Tesla Model 3 electric car (2671 sales), Mazda CX-5 (2600 sales) and Mitsubishi Outlander (2166 sales) – while the Subaru Forester returned to the Top 10, with 1709 sales placing it ninth.

Only two passenger cars finished in the Top 10: the Tesla Model 3, and a surprise appearance from the budget MG 3 hatch from China, with 1622 sales.

Electric vehicles notched up 5932 sales in February 2022 – an increase of 889 per cent over the prior year, or a 303 per cent increase with Tesla sales excluded, as the electric-car giant did not report its monthly sales until March last year.

“This is the best February result since 2019. It is particularly pleasing given global and domestic supply constraints,” Tony Weber, chief of the Federal Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, said in a media statement.

Data below supplied by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), and compiled by Ben Zachariah and Jordan Mulach.

Note: The FCAI has reshuffled some of its categories for the new year, increasing the price limits, adding a new category (utes above $100,000), and moving some vehicles to different categories as their prices have risen (such as the Volkswagen Golf and Subaru WRX, which were previously in the small car under $40,000 category).

TOP 10 CARS IN February 2023

Rank	Model	Volume February 2023	Change year-on-year
1	Ford Ranger	4473	up 29.5 per cent
2	Toyota HiLux	3939	down 18 per cent
3	Tesla Model 3	2671	N/A
4	Mazda CX-5	2600	up 105.5 per cent
5	Mitsubishi Outlander	2166	up 29.5 per cent
6	Toyota RAV4	2115	down 52.5 per cent
7	MG ZS	2047	up 4.8 per cent
8	Isuzu D-Max	1931	No change
9	Subaru Forester	1709	up 35.9 per cent
10	MG 3	1622	up 12.9 per cent

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TOP 10 CAR BRANDS IN February 2023

Rank	Brand	Volume February 2023	Change year-on-year
1	Toyota	14,332	down 13.4 per cent
2	Mazda	7667	down 12.7 per cent
3	Ford	6022	up 30.6 per cent
4	Kia	6000	up 2.0 per cent
5	Hyundai	5504	down 2.6 per cent
6	Mitsubishi	5500	down 29.6 per cent
7	MG	4363	up 15.8 per cent
8	Subaru	4054	up 28.7 per cent
9	Tesla	3516	N/A
10	Isuzu	3156	up 13.3 per cent

Passenger cars: Top Three in each segment in February 2023

Micro	Kia Picanto (392)	Fiat/Abarth 500 (78)	Mitsubishi Mirage (1)
Light < $30k	MG 3 (1622)	Mazda 2 (504)	Kia Rio (489)
Light > $30k	Mini Hatch (123)	Audi A1 (39)	Skoda Fabia (29)
Small < $40k	Hyundai i30 (1416)	Toyota Corolla (1214)	Mazda 3 (561)
Small > $40k	Subaru WRX (323)	Audi A3 (281)	Volkswagen Golf (172)
Medium < $60k	Toyota Camry (392)	Skoda Octavia (137)	Mazda 6 (123)
Medium > $60k	Tesla Model 3 (2671)	Mercedes-Benz C-Class (371)	Polestar 2 (172)
Large < $70k	Kia Stinger (237)	Skoda Superb (31)	Citroen C5 X (8)
Large > $70k	Porsche Taycan (48)	Audi E-Tron GT (32)	Audi A6 (22)
Upper Large < $100k	Chrysler 300 (0)
Upper Large > $100k	Mercedes-Benz S-Class (9)	BMW 7 Series/i7 (6)	Porsche Panamera (5)
People Movers	Kia Carnival (1136)	Hyundai Staria (133)	LDV Mifa (31)
Sports < $80k	Ford Mustang (176)	Subaru BRZ (145)	Mazda MX-5 (43)
Sports > $80k	BMW 4 Series coupe/convertible (42)	Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe/convertible (41)	Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman (41)
Sports > $200k	Porsche 911 (34)	Bentley sports cars (24)	Ferrari sports cars (22)

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SUVs: Top Three in each segment in February 2023

Light SUV	Mazda CX-3 (1046)	Toyota Yaris Cross (706)	Kia Stonic (565)
Small SUV < $45k	MG ZS (2047)	Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (823)	Haval Jolion (813)
Small SUV > $45k	Volvo XC40 (491)	Audi Q3 (452)	Kia Niro (132)
Medium SUV < $60k	Mazda CX-5 (2600)	Mitsubishi Outlander (2166)	Toyota RAV4 (2115)
Medium SUV > $60k	Tesla Model Y (845)	Audi Q5 (378)	Lexus NX (282)
Large SUV < $70k	Subaru Outback (1233)	Isuzu MU-X (1225)	Toyota Prado (1123)
Large SUV > $70k	Mercedes-Benz GLE (392)	BMW X5 (235)	Audi Q7 (230)
Upper Large SUV < $120k	Toyota LandCruiser wagon (1022)	Nissan Patrol wagon (333)	Land Rover Discovery (3)
Upper Large SUV > $120k	Lexus LX (104)	BMW X7 (67)	Mercedes-Benz GLS (43)

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Utes and vans: Top Three in each segment in February 2023

Vans < 2.5t	Volkswagen Caddy (50)	Peugeot Partner (4)	Renault Kangoo (1)
Vans 2.5t-3.5t	Toyota HiAce van (410)	Hyundai Staria Load (252)	LDV G10/G10+ (235)
4×2 Utes	Toyota HiLux (1062)	Ford Ranger (691)	Isuzu D-Max (338)
4×4 Utes < $100k	Ford Ranger (3782)	Toyota HiLux (2877)	Isuzu D-Max (1593)
Utes > $100k	Ram 1500 (501)	Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (129)	Chevrolet Silverado HD (66)

The post VFACTS February 2023: New-car sales growth slows amid quarantine delays, Ford Ranger leads appeared first on Drive.

Tesla aiming to expand model range, become world’s biggest car maker by 2030

Tesla CEO Elon Musk estimates the company could offer up to 10 models by the end of this decade, in a bid to sell 20 million cars annually – twice what the world’s largest carmaker recorded last year.

US electric-car specialist Tesla has reiterated its goal to sell 20 million vehicles annually by 2030 – double what the world’s current number-one car company, Toyota, achieved last year.

To achieve the bold target, Tesla CEO Elon Musk estimates the company could offer as many as 10 models – double the five vehicles it offers today (Model S, Model X, Model 3, Model Y and Semi).

However, the executive noted to investors and media on Thursday (Australian time) that 10 vehicles is still “not that many” compared to the “hundreds” of types of cars on the road today – and Tesla does not plan to branch out into niche market segments.

MORE: Tesla’s next-generation small electric car another step closer

Tesla Cybertruck prototype shown in 2022.

Tesla says it currently has capacity to produce two million vehicles per year across its four vehicle assembly factories: Fremont, California and Austin, Texas in the US, Shanghai in China, and Berlin in Germany.

The company announced plans for a new factory in northern Mexico, which will lead production of its next-generation small-car range – plus a $US3.6 billion expansion of its Nevada battery factory to build the Semi heavy truck.

Mr Musk’s wording and tone implied the figure of 10 vehicles in 2030 was an approximate figure announced on the spot, rather than a definitive number based on its new-model plans.

MORE: Tesla van teased during Investor Day presentation

What one of Tesla’s new small cars could look like, imagined by Avarvarii.

While it may appear a significant ramp-up of the company’s plans – to grow from five to 10 vehicles – the Cybertruck pick-up is due to join the range this year, while the Roadster sports car is also in development after a long string of delays.

Tesla has confirmed its next-generation vehicle platform – designed for smaller cars that will be cheaper than today’s Model 3 and Model Y – will accomodate multiple models, while it has previewed plans for a delivery van.

If these vehicles come to market – and the small-car “generation-three” platform spawns two vehicles – Tesla’s line-up would reach Mr Musk’s 10-model estimate.

The post Tesla aiming to expand model range, become world’s biggest car maker by 2030 appeared first on Drive.

2024 Ford Mustang price revealed for the US, Australia to follow

US pricing for the 2024 Ford Mustang has provided a guide of how much Australian buyers can expect to fork out for the new-generation muscle car later this year.

The 2024 Ford Mustang has been priced in the US, giving Australian buyers an indication of how much they can expect to pay for the muscle car when local deliveries begin in the second half of 2023.

Based on calculations by Drive – using US prices as a guide – the entry-level Ford Mustang four-cylinder could start from about $58,000 plus on-road costs, while the flagship model could cost as much as $90,000.

This equates to a price rise of about seven per cent for the four-cylinder, and eight per cent for the GT V8.

The prices above are extrapolated from US and Australian pricing for the outgoing Ford Mustang range – which has been available locally since 2015 – and confirmed prices for the new model in North America. 

MORE: 2024 Ford Mustang power outputs revealed, V8 to produce up to 373kW

2024 Ford Mustang Ecoboost (left), GT (centre) and GT convertible (right)

In the US, the outgoing Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium starts from $US33,420 ($AU49,450) in its home market – while the new model will be priced from $US36,445 ($AU53,930), as reported by Jalopnik.

Applying this difference of approximately seven per cent to the Australian price for the outgoing four-cylinder ‘High Performance’ model – $52,990 plus on-road costs – brings the estimated Australian price for the new model to $57,800 plus on-road costs, up more than $7000.

Next in the range, the outgoing Mustang GT Premium – equivalent to the Australian-delivered GT – was priced from $US42,000 ($AU60,500) in the US, while the new GT Premium costs $US46,015 ($AU68,100).

This price rise of about eight per cent indicates a projected Australian price of $73,500 plus on-road costs for the new model – a significant increase from the $65,290 plus on-road costs of the outgoing Mustang GT in Australia.

The optional convertible variants of the two model grades incurs a $US5500 ($AU8140) premium in the US. In the outgoing Ford Mustang range, Australian buyers were charged an extra $6300 (High Performance) or $7700 (GT) for the soft-top option.

2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Leaked information posted to the Mustang7G Forum has also shown the Ford Mustang’s 10-speed automatic transmission will remain as a cost option in the US, setting buyers back an extra $US1500 ($AU2220) compared to the six-speed manual.

In Australia, the outgoing Ford Mustang was available to be ordered with an automatic transmission for a $3000 premium.

As previously reported, the Ford Mustang Dark Horse will serve as the muscle car’s new flagship variant, with its US price of $US57,970 ($AU85,780) translating to an Australian price of $90,000 plus on-road costs and options.

This represents a price rise of about $7500 in Australia compared to its indirect predecessor, the Mustang Mach 1, which was listed from $83,365 plus on-road costs.

As previously reported, the 2024 Ford Mustang range is due to arrive in Australia between July and September 2023, pending any delays.

The post 2024 Ford Mustang price revealed for the US, Australia to follow appeared first on Drive.

Tesla tells the world South Australia is “the future”

On the same day as the opening of 59 new electric-car chargers in the state, Tesla has told the world South Australia represents the future.

A senior Tesla executive has singled out South Australia during its Investor Day presentation.

While showing claimed cost benefits of using home solar instead of relying on the grid, Andrew Baglino, Senior Vice President of Powertrain and Energy Engineering at Tesla, referred to the Australian state as a benchmark for the world.

“Australia is a little bit of a special case, they represent the future – South Australia in particular – solar and wind supplied 70 per cent of South Australia’s energy in 2022,” he said during the four-hour event, which has been seen by almost 900,000 people globally.

While 70 per cent of the grid’s energy was supplied from renewable sources – helped by a large battery reserve from Tesla – Mr Baglino said there were cost benefits for owners to supply solar electricity to the grid.

MORE: South Australia abandons pay-per-kilometre tax for electric vehicles

Mr Baglino used data gathered from 5000 customers in South Australia to spruik the financial benefits of the company’s Tesla Electric products – which includes solar arrays and its ‘Powerwall’ home battery.

The comments come on the same day South Australia opened the first 12 of its 140 proposed sites as part of a border-to-border electric car charging network – an initiative of the State Government, in partnership with Jet Charge, Chargefox, and RAA Charge.

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas attended a ceremony, which marked the opening of 59 electric-car charging stations across the 12 sites.

The post Tesla tells the world South Australia is “the future” appeared first on Drive.

Flying police car concept on display at Avalon Air Show 2023

Experts say the future of mobility is flying cars, and one Aussie company is working on a solution.

An Australian company is providing a glimpse of what the future could hold for police cars.

Pegasus is displaying its flying police car concept at the Avalon Air Show 2023, which can both drive on the road, and fly like a helicopter.

Founded in 2009 by Michael Yang, the start-up is aiming to produce commercially-viable flying cars for consumers, government, and law enforcement.

This week Pegasus also announced it planned to develop a four-seater air taxi in 2023.

MORE: China’s $215,000 flying car begins testing

It’s understood the company has developed its own hybrid system, which allows up to 100 kilometres of driving on a full battery charge, while also offering up to 420km of flying range (or three hours of flight time).

The company hasn’t announced pricing, but says the vehicle will have a price tag similar to that of a supercar.

Those heading to the Avalon Air Show can see the Pegasus flying police car concept at the company’s booth, from Friday 3 March to Sunday 5 March 2023.

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