CAR ADVICE

The Polestar 4 electric SUV is making a big play for the premium end of town. But does what is arguably the brand’s most important new model yet have what it takes? Skip ahead: Introduction Running costs Price and specification Energy use Interior space and comfort On-road assessment Connectivity and infotainment Summary Safety Next steps 2024 Polestar 4 There’s a lot riding on the Polestar 4 , the Swedish brand’s latest weapon in a bid to be considered seriously in the premium electric vehicle arena. Make no mistake, Polestar may have been known largely as a one-model brand for some years now, but an onslaught of new models over the next couple of years will see its portfolio expand, and by extension, its profile amongst the buying public. And the Polestar 4 is arguably the most important model to date for the brand, an electric medium SUV that sits right in the sweet spot of what consumers are wanting from their EVs. But forget the not...

Car parks could be your way into property investment if houses aren’t financially feasible. Could you be parked on a gold mine? A recent sale of a car park in Sydney made headlines after the space was purchased for a staggering $500,000 on the real estate market. Given the current economic pressures in Australia, some Australians are turning away from traditional investing and looking for creative ways to generate extra income, such as investing in parking spots for the purpose of leasing them out. RELATED: How big are car parking spaces in Australia? “We know that many people like to lease investments such as parking spots to earn some extra cash, [but] people also do it for personal reasons as having additional parking will undoubtedly add value to a property,” Alice Stolz, the Property Editor of real-estate giant Domain , told Drive. Ms Stolz said due to the affordability challenges of the current property market, more Australians – particularly younger Australians – ar...

The first SUV from Volvo electric-car off-shoot Polestar has added a more affordable and longer-range model due to open for orders in Australia later this year. The 2025 Polestar 3 electric SUV line-up has added an entry-level single-motor model – with a longer driving range – as the first dual-motor examples roll off showroom floors overseas. Due to open for orders in Australia later this year, the Polestar 3 Long Range Single Motor carries a €7000 ($AU11,000) lower price in Europe. Deliveries of the dual-motor version are due to commence in Australia imminently. The first examples have been handed over to Polestar customers in Europe in recent days. MORE: 2024 Polestar 3 review – International first drive The single-motor version is powered by a 220kW/490Nm dual electric motor on the rear axle for a 7.8-second 0-100km/h acceleration time, fed by the same 111kWh battery as more expensive versions, now capable of a claimed 650km on a charge in European WLTP testing...

Vehicles with a fuel efficiency of 5L/100km and/or low emissions such as electric and hybrid models are eligible for the reserved parking spaces. A Victorian shopping centre has introduced parking spaces specifically reserved for fuel efficient and low-emission vehicles. According to the signage located at Mernda Town Centre – located approximately 26km northeast of Melbourne – the shopping centre categorises “low emitting fuel-efficient vehicles” as any car with a fuel efficiency of 5L/100km “or better” and may include any hybrid and electric models. The shopping centre has not specified how it intends to regulate this parking policy or what the penalties would be for drivers who are found to violate the rule. Drive has reached out to Mernda Town Centre and will update the story with its response. A photo of the Mernda Town Centre car park – sent exclusively to Drive – has highlighted the complexity of regulating this rule, with visitors not complying with the sign. ...

AdBlue diesel exhaust additive – which will need a $60 to $90 top-up every 10,000km – will be a requirement in the new Toyota Prado due in Australia later this year, dealers are understood to have been advised. The 2024 Toyota Prado will be the first diesel model from the Japanese car giant in Australia to require emissions-reducing AdBlue additive, dealers have reportedly been advised. AdBlue is a liquid additive used to reduce harmful pollutants from the exhausts of diesel-powered vehicles – and meet increasingly stringent emissions rules around the world. It has long been widespread in European diesel cars, but is becoming increasingly common among models from Japanese and US brands – including the Ford Everest 4WD SUV and latest Mitsubishi Triton ute. Toyota has required AdBlue on diesel vehicles sold in overseas markets, including European HiLux utes and Prado 4WDs, but it has not been needed in Australia – until now. The new Prado – due early in the second...

Looking for places like Italy in Australia? Just a short drive from Sydney, you’ll find cobbled laneways, Juliet balconies, and an authentic Italian kitchen. We take the GWM Ora for a weekend living la dolce vita . When it comes to travel, I used to think the only way to experience an authentic Italian holiday was to board a 24-hour flight via Dubai. And yet, seeing social media photos from friends and influencers enjoying a European summer had me craving la dolce vita . So, what to do? RELATED: GWM Ora Australian first drive review While staring down the barrel of a bank account that couldn’t support my European dreams, a cost-of-living crisis, and the challenge of finding a destination for a girl’s weekend within a short distance from Sydney, I knew I had my work cut out for me. How could one enjoy a Roman holiday, in Sydney? And were there even any places like Italy in Australia? Thankfully, my journey down an Instagram rabbit hole led me to Guestlands, a charming bed-a...