It's the final lap before the Drive Podcast is parked for the year. Trent and James unpack the final new car sales figures, including a very hotly contested top spot, they review Drive's most popular stories, they give a peek into current happenings for Car of the Year and they put some bold predictions for 2024 firmly (and permanently) on the record. 

In the last of our safety focused feature interviews for the year, Susannah sits down with Driver Dynamics’ Kev Flynn, a driver trainer of immense experience. They discuss the difference between being skilled and being safe, how car safety advice depends on the car that you drive, his experiences with counter terrorism driving training, and what driving overseas can teach you about courtesy on the roads. 

What are the safety features that really make a difference? Are bigger cars more dangerous? How can you tell which used cars are safest? These are just some of the questions answered with the latest research in this episode by Jerome Carslake, director of the National Road Safety Partnership Program delivered in partnership with the Monash University Accident Research Centre.  

As the first in a series of fortnightly interviews highlighting road and driver safety coming into the holiday period, Susannah Guthrie sits down with Victorian Road Policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir. They discuss which dangerous driving habits remain puzzlingly common, the true cost of 'little infringements', the latest deterrents and enforcement strategies and what is really needed to reduce the road toll. 

Motoring expert and performance driving coach Ian Luff joins the podcast this week to shine a light on some under looked aspects of driver safety.  Plus, the members of the Drive team were given a simple question - what new car would you buy for under the average price? Trent has the answers. 

Size matters in this episode as Sam and Trent take a look at upcoming LandCruiser Mini and ask whether parking spaces are feeling a little too small these days. They'll also add more weight to the rumour that we could soon see an iconic American brand on our shores and discuss Victoria's controversial EV tax.

From experts saying the days of paying under $2 a litre for petrol are ending to the NSW government scrapping its EV incentives, there is a lot of crossover between financial and automotive news this week. So who better to have as a special guest than a financial expert who is also a car tragic? Alan Kohler joins Susannah to weigh in on the headlines and to share his own automotive tales - including one of a tragically damp Renault... 

2GB breakfast host Ben Fordham hasn't been shy about his EV skepticism. He's been across plenty of news and opinions that have supported that skepticism as well. But has the experience of actually driving (and charging) a BMW iX40 EV day-to-day made him change his tune?  Plus, the big penalties coming to dodgy car dealers in SA, and could a battery that delivers 400kms of range in just ten minutes charge time be just around the corner? 

The new Tesla Model 3 has been revealed - so, what's changed? Plus, Trent and James discuss whether the days of haggling with your dealership could be ending and the controversial question of whether its time for bikes to start paying rego.

The Drive team have crunched the numbers and so Trent and Sam will count down the top five affordable family cars to own right now. On the other end of the scale, they'll discuss whether the new Range Rover Sport is the best of both on-road and off-road worlds, and they'll delve into a common area of road rule confusion - whether its legal to wear earbuds while driving.  

Susannah Guthrie takes over the host seat, inviting fresh experts to the podcast for a discussion on the most talked about opinion pieces from drive.com.au. Emma Notarfrancesco and Brodie Taylor weigh in on whether it's time to raise the speed limit, the prevalence of right lane hogs, the state of parking signage and whether an EV really is cheaper to run.

Or a Mazda, for that matter? Trent and Sam get into the details of what value and premium mean in a car purchase today with looks at Kia's new dual cab, the Tasman, and the review of the week: the Mazda CX-90. Plus, a peek at the new Pajero Sport. 

A manufacturer going back to a V8? We love the sound of that (literally!)  On a much quieter note, there is plenty of EV news this week as Trent and Josh discuss an electric Hilux, what the electric future of Land Rover could look like and more. 

It could be one of the best cars the team drive this year - and believe it or not, it's a wagon! Plus, what will new fuel efficiency standards in the US mean for its automotive landscape? Can Mahindra challenge the Ford Ranger? And what's in store with the new Triton? 

While the UK has winding back on its timeline for a petrol and diesel free future might not come as much of a surprise, something far more surprising is the NSW police force's choice for a new vehicle. Plus, is the new Mazda CX-60 premium enough? And the car formerly known as the 'good cat', is it also a good EV? 

Amidst one of the busiest times of the year for motoring, James and Rob link up from their separate corners of the country to discuss some of the biggest stories - including reviews of a new EV they describe as a 'gamechanger'. Plus, some bad news for those hoping for a V6 Prado, all the thrills and spills of the Goodwood Festival of Speed, and they ask the question 'what overseas cars would you like to see sold here?'

This week, Trent is joined by one of the most trusted voices in finance, Chris Kohler. They discuss the smart way to navigate car loans, why Tesla is more like a tech company than a car company and the surprising relationship between worn out underwear and car servicing... 

As the Drive Podcast returns for another lap, you can call it a comeback - but be careful what you call a hybrid. What is Toyota's preferred term? Trent and Sam also look forward to new dual cabs from Hyundai and Kia, reminisce about their trip through the Simpson (and the pies that fueled it) and review the Subaru Crosstrek.

In the final episode for this season, special guest Tim 'Rosso' Ross joins to discuss his podcast The Cars That Made Australia, sharing some of his favourite motoring memories. Plus - a beautiful new Peugot goes plug-in, more praise for the new VW Amarok and Trent and James both share some secret shame around shoes... 

A new dual cab has been labeled by its brand as having the most pre sales interest in their history. Trent and Sam discuss how it could fare against the Ford Ranger and other top sellers. Plus, the 70s Land Cruiser is set for an engine change, Toyota's controversial comments on its electric future, and top reviews for a car that Trent would happily buy himself! 

Trent and Josh give the latest for those waiting on a new vehicle, including updates and all you need to know. Plus, some bad news for those looking at two of the country's most popular Ford models, some alternatives for a Rav4 Hybrid, some surprising sales figures for Chinese-made SUVs and some not-so-surprising results from recent safety studies. 

Trent and James unite against ridiculous emissions standards rhetoric, design a lap test for the average driver and discuss the joy of taking an old car on an adventure. Plus, James updates us on the results of his plug-in hybrid experiment and there's news of a super-charged v8 heading our way. 

Rob and Trent reveal some news from Queensland that could see us sitting more driving tests. Plus, how some new technology is set to impact ANCAP ratings, developments in 'eco-fuels' and an impressive medium SUV. 

Josh is back from the New York International Auto Show and Trent makes sure to grill him on all the highlights, including Dodge Dakota, Jeep Wrangler, the new Hyundai Kona, Prius, Genesis GV80 coupe, and some excellent news for Australian lovers of RAM Trucks. Plus, some insight into the future of Mitsubishi. 

The Ford F150 is coming, but will enough of them be here to meet the demand? Trent and Rob give their take. Plus, some essential information for anyone planning on a big towing trip, a review of the Peugeot 308 sport hatch hybrid - and another hotly anticipated vehicle, the MG4, has a price leak to make those eyeing an EV happy.  For more on these stories and plenty more, head to drive.com.au

Trent and Susannah detail a new report that might present some new stresses for EV owners, give some more bad news for new car wait times, see who wins out in a medium SUV head to head, and they tackle the huge question of whether it's legal to park facing the wrong way. For bonus credit, see if you can keep track of how often Susannah mentions her Subaru Outback. 

At long last, after painstaking efforts, the Drive Cars of the Year have been decided. In this special episode of the Drive Podcast, Trent and Glenn will canvas the winner of every segment, giving exclusive insights into the how they ended up on top - including the controversial overall Car of the Year. 

Perhaps the cars of today don't really cost more than decades past after all - Trent and Sam take a look at some interesting data. And speaking of decades past, they also reflect on Car of the Year winners through history to reveal the changing face of Australian vehicles, along with discussing the most recent winner... 

Susannah takes the driver's seat for this special International Women's Day edition of the Drive Podcast. After a quick wrap with James on what surprises have sprung from the latest sales figures, Susannah is joined by Rachel Reed, committee member of Women in Automotive about the inspiring women in all corners of the industry and the many opportunities that exist, before talking to Samantha Johnson, Managing Director of Polestar Australia, about her own journey, experiences and insights. 

We know all about fuel efficiency, but have you ever wondered which EV is most energy efficient? Trent and Susannah unveil the top performers on the Australian market. Plus, news on Tesla's "model 2" small car, and the story of a one million dollar Ford. 

Homes powering our EVs is one thing, but what about the other way around? It could be the future, and Trent and Sam talk to Ben Warren, national manager for electrification and mobility at Nissan, to find out more. Plus, the recall affecting up to half a million owners, and is the toughest Triton ever on its way? 

Not everything is at it seems for Trent and James on this week's episode. We're set to get the hybrid Toyota Hilux sooner than expected, but it's not the hybrid we expected either. Why have some designs from abroad got BMW fuming? Plus, as always, reviews from what the team have been driving - including one very luxurious Range Rover.

Trent and Josh have crunched the numbers and sadly they don't look good for new car buyers. Plus, the success of Ram Trucks in Australia, fighting back against the theft of catalytic converters, the return of Ford to F1, and $115,000 - cheap for a G Wagon or expensive for a Jimny?

Josh and Glenn go the distance on this week's episode, taking a trip around the world to reveal some best sellers on foreign shores. Closer to home, they give some good news for those looking to charge their EV, examine what the powerful new Kia EV6 GT says about the current state of EV design and, along with special guest Kevin Flynn from Driver Dynamics, ask just what can be done in light of sobering stats on our rising road toll.  

Trent and Josh unpack some huge stories this week. What impact will the upcoming NSW state election have on how demerit points are handled? Is EV price parity as far away as we think, or further? And what does that say about the future of affordable vehicles? How widespread are the recent problems with the Ford Raptor? Plus the unveiling of the new Toyota Hilux GR Sport.

The Drive Podcast is back! Trent and James reveal the biggest automotive success stories for 2022, what they're most looking forward to in 2023 and they get a unique perspective on why specific engineering for Australian roads is so important with Graham Gambold, the chief engineer for ride and handling at KIA. 

In the final podcast for the year, Drive.com.au's Trent Nikolic and James Ward revisit the most clicked article of 2022; is it legal to stand in a parking space to save it for yourself? A new deal with Hyundai and Kia could see electric vehicles with a 1000km range on a single charge. We look forward to next year and outline what we'd like to see more (and less) of. And of course, the Alfa gets another honourable mention. Never miss an episode by subscribing to the Drive Podcast, wherever you get your podcasts.  

Trent Nikolic is joined by Drive.com.au features editor Rob Margeit, this week delivered by Porsche Taycan GTS. Alfa Romeo wants their new Tonale to be measured on quality, not sales figures. Trent, a former Alfa owner, has doubts it will make much of a difference. Debate rages over the safety and reliability of autopilot, also now being called "full self driving" cars by Tesla - it's being rolled out even without US regulatory approval. Plus, the Drive team reviews the new 2023 LDV eT60, the first dual-cab electric ute in Australia with a comparative price-tag to make your eyes water. Never miss an episode by subscribing to the Drive Podcast, wherever you get your podcasts.

Trent is joined by special guest Clinton Maynard, senior reporter and presenter for Sydney's 2GB. They cover the new legislation that could save you thousands on an electric vehicle, the top ten cars that offer the most horsepower per dollar in 2022 and one of Clinton's own very strange driving quirks...

Trent is back from SEMA in Las Vegas. What were the show highlights? And what does the US have to teach us about our own automotive landscape? October sales results show that one class of vehicle still has our hearts, autonomous vehicles are back in the news both here and abroad, and what drove Volvo to their recent EV announcement? 

In this episode, James and Glen unpack some of Australian drivers' favourite things. Does the character of the Jimny make up for its flaws? What about if it was a soft-top? The schadenfreude of dashcam footage is one thing - but do they go too far? And why oh why does driving a ute just feel so good?

Bringing buttons back to consoles, Bringing noise back to electric cars, Is everything old new again? Plus, news on rising battery prices, rumours of the Kia Stinger's demise, and impressions of the Hyundai STARIA-LOAD, the Toyota Corolla Cross and Nissan's new Z 

Does the current state of driver assistance prove the robot uprising is still a while off?  Is the Toyota Hilux Rogue a sign of even more things to come? And why BYD's Atto 3 went on sale, then didn't...

The results of the comprehensive dual cab megatest are in - with a few surprises! What topped the list? Plus, the question of whether Australia is ready for EVs gets a little closer to being answered and special guest Elise Elliott gives us the heads up on a bizarre kind of car theft.

Car sales figures from last month are in and a few results might shock you! What was the mood like trackside at Bathurst over the weekend? And what could Josh possibly have been driving to make Trent so envious?

While one company is buying up big, another has just offered itself up for sale. Are we witnessing the end of a quintessential '20 year old ratbag' car? Speaking of cars you had at 20 - maybe you'll find it Drive's worst cars sold in Australia list! Plus, what's the car-based behavior that a whopping 88% of people say is never okay?

This week, Trent and Josh get into the nuts and volts when it comes to Australia's relationship to EVs:  Is an EV future feasible? Are people buying them? Are they KEEPING them? And are they really a long-term solution to avoiding costs like the looming reintroduction of the fuel excise? Plus, someone who, for embargo reasons, definitely IS NOT Josh (but looks a lot like him) hints at some details on the Ford Mustang Mach E and F-150 Lightning fresh from the states. 

Have Ferrari just done something they said they would never do? Can a new Mustang win over new fans while keeping its existing ones? Are the days of car theft numbered? And are we set to swap our touchscreens back for buttons again? Plus, the new Lexus RX and the massive Land Rover Defender.

Proof that American cars have the coolest names Some very impressive sales figures coming through from Tesla High performance cars are easier to access than ever before - should our licensing reflect that? The new Ford Ranger Raptor is almost here, will it be the most fun ute ever? And which car brand is fit to carry on the Royal lineage? 

Trent Nikolic and Josh Dowling from drive.com.au dive into the top motoring stories from the week including the rise of car scalpers, selling near-new vehicles with hugely inflated margins to people who don't want to wait. A Tesla has hit a wall in China (not that wall), and are we really surprised? Meanwhile Elon Musk is adamant we will have autonomous cars by next year. And Josh has been busy behind the both the wheels of a gigantic Toyota and a reborn retro classic. The best way to stay up to date is by hitting FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE wherever you are listening to this episode right now.