Honda News

Honda is preparing an all-new, affordable electric vehicle (EV), which could put it on a collision course with Chinese and South Korean rivals in Australia. Due to be unveiled internationally early next year, the small crossover/SUV is expected to be slightly larger than the existing Honda HR-V but smaller than the company’s ZR-V, and will be based on the 0 (as in ‘Zero series’) Alpha concept unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show some 12 months ago. While there is no confirmation as yet about an Australian debut, Honda has revealed that it is open to all EVs if they meet certain requirements. “We’re constantly looking at what’s available globally that we can bring here locally,” according to Honda Australia Director, Robert Thorp. “And through that process, we have to make sure that it can tick a lot of boxes. Whether it be from a volume perspective, whether it be from a profit perspective, and can it also find a market here as well?” To help keep the as-yet unnamed production version price competitive, it will be built in India for global consumption, with Japan set to be one of the first export destinations. As a result of leveraging a lower-cost manufacturing base, it is anticipated that pricing could kick off from about $40,000 for the entry-level grade. To put that in perspective, today’s ageing HR-V range that is sourced from Japan kicks off with the Vi petrol from $32,900 drive-away, while the e:HEV X strong hybrid is priced from $39,900 drive-away. Using a new, EV-only architecture that has been engineered for efficiency under Honda’s “Thin, Light, and Wise” development philosophy, the production 0 Alpha will feature a low-slung yet wide five-door crossover body with high ground clearances and a spacious interior for five occupants offering plenty of luggage space. It has been reported that two battery pack sizes will be offered in the electric Honda, in 61kWh and 75kWh versions, in line with rivals like the Atto 2 and Kia EV3, as well as the Skoda Epiq, Volkswagen ID Cross and other smaller EV crossovers. While declining to divulge specific details, Thorp added that his company is on the right track to offer Australian buyers what they want from the brand. “We obviously can’t provide any detail, or confirm anything we might be doing in terms of future line-up today,” he said. “But, what we do have planned in the future, and what we’re working towards, we’re pretty confident that we’ll have a line-up that will continue to connect and resonate with the market. “That includes a continuation of our strategy, which is hybrid led, but EVs when and where it makes sense.” With soaring fuel prices and the ongoing cost of living crisis, sales of smaller cars and crossovers are likely to rise, giving the company an opportunity to stake a claim against newer yet more-established players from China like BYD, Geely, GWM, MG and GAC. Honda Australia General Manager of Automotive Nick Parkington is confident of a small-car sales recovery after years of falling demand in Australia. “I’d like to think there’s probably a plateauing in terms of some of those smaller segments that have been on a long decline over a long period of time,” he believes. “For some, there might even be a resurgence. Because there is convenience, there is practicality, and in our instance (with the Super-One), there is personality, in somebody’s second car, or somebody’s Monday to Friday commute. “I think there’s space in the market for us, and other brands for that matter… to absorb a little bit of a small-car upsurgeance. “A lot of that is because of the product itself, and a lot of that is because of some very big macro-economic factors that make more economical sense.”

Honda is working on technology to charge EVs as they drive. The Japanese brand has teamed up with civil engineering firm Taisei to develop wireless car charging technology, according to a report in AutoCar. The system embeds charging equipment into the road surface, that draws power from roadside units. Taisei and Honda will begin testing and validation in late 2026, with potential for it to be made available on future car models. It's expected this set-up will be able to charge EVs at up to 150kW. The system utilises a Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer (DWPT) to allow for an EV to charge wirelessly and while on the move. Testing will establish what pavement structures and constructions are suitable to house the technology, while also verifying if the system is capable of charging at up to 150kW. Honda’s research and development arm will create compatible transferring technology and Taisei will construct the wireless charging transfer equipment. Honda said these technologies will offer high-power wireless charging and support a wide range of vehicles from cars to trucks. The pair will initially implement the technology for logistics and transportation sectors, which includes commercial vehicles like trucks. This is because it will reduce downtime for trucks and keep them moving while charging, but in the future, this technology will be adapted for electric cars. Moving into the wireless charging space forms part of Honda’s broader plans to increase EV infrastructure, following the roll out of its ‘Honda Charge’ network in Japan. This is despite the brand investing heavily into hybrid technology from 2027 as it pivots away from the majority of its '0-Series' electric car plans. It was reported in August 2026 Honda would outsource future EV and hybrid development to India as part of a move reduce costs. Honda isn’t the only brand delving into wireless charging. Tesla has shown off a magnetic wireless charging system that uses a floor pad that could rest on a garage floor, for example. BMW piloted a similar system, where it sold factory-fitted charging pads in some select markets for its plug-in hybrid 5-Series sedan. Chinese brand SAIC Motor, owner of MG, LDV and more, ships some of its EV models with factory wireless charging pads as well.

Honda is preparing a Toyota HiLux hunter.  The brand is gearing up to launch a new ute in 2028, according to a report from Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun.  It will take aim at the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux in a ute market that remains one of the highest-volume segments globally. It will mirror the Nissan Navara in using the Mitsubishi Triton as the basis for its mechanical DNA.  It could be the first model in an expanded collaboration between Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi.  There are limited details on the new Honda ute at this stage, as it's still under development, but it will reportedly be built in Thailand.  It will sport the same ladder-frame chassis as the Triton, so buyers can expect Honda’s ute to provide some rugged off-roading and adventuring potential.  The current Mitsubishi Triton uses a 2.4-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine, making 150kW and 470Nm.  Mitsubishi has plans to offer hybrid power in its future ladder-frame models and Honda's ute could benefit from this.  This comes as Honda too shifts its focus from fully electric cars to invest heavily in hybrid power from 2027. Mitsubishi’s Chief Product Specialist Itagaki Kunitoshi said in September 2026 the carmaker is developing hybrid set-ups for its future Pajero 4WD and Triton ute models. “Mitsubishi Motors is actively conducting research and development in electrified ladder-frame vehicles, including hybrid vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicle technologies for products such as Pajero and Triton in the future,” Kunitoshi said. Hybrid power could help Honda steer clear of fines under Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES). It’s too early to say whether the incoming Honda ute will go on sale in Australia, but it's becoming increasingly likely.  The ute will launch in South-East Asia in 2028, a region with many right-hand-drive markets. While a RHD build improves its chances of an Australian arrival, the local branch hasn't officially confirmed it will land in showrooms. A spokesperson for Honda Australia told CarsGuide in October 2026 there was nothing to confirm yet.  “While Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi Motors are discussing various potential collaboration opportunities under the framework of our strategic partnership, there is nothing specific to share at this time,” they said.    Honda already sells a Ridgeline ute, but it is exclusively sold in North America. This means it’s built in left-hand drive, while it also uses a thirsty V6 engine that would incur fines under Australian emissions rules, essentially ruling it out Down Under.

Mitsubishi’s Triton ute looks set to spread its mechanical DNA further than the underpinnings of its Nissan Navara sibling. Reports out of Japan point to a Honda-badged, Thai-built version of the ladder frame workhorse planned for sale in multiple Southeast Asian markets and beyond from 2028. Nikkei Asia has reported increasing competition from Chinese challenger brands in Asia has forced Honda to review its largely stand-alone product policy, tapping into Mitsubishi’s body-on-frame ute expertise as a pragmatic short-cut response. Honda already has the Alabama-built Ridgeline dual cab pickup in its North American portfolio, but that petrol V6-powered monocoque mid-sizer lacks the load carrying and hauling capacity of a traditional ute with a tough leaf-spring rear end. The report references collaboration talks between Honda, Mitsubishi and Nissan, which have been ongoing since August 2024 and notes the Triton’s reputation for durability and off-road performance; in-demand attributes for hard-working trucks in ASEAN countries. Honda entered into numerous model share arrangements with Isuzu through the 1990s (Passport, Horizon, Jazz), but has mainly operated solo since then, so a potential ute collaboration with the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance partners represents a telling shift in the Japanese maker’s new product development model. The report notes that until recently, Japanese brands collectively commanded around 90 per cent market share in Thailand and Indonesia, that figure shrinking to closer to 70 per cent currently as buyers embrace EV passenger and commercial options from the likes of BYD, Chery, Geely, XPeng, Zeekr and many others. More specifically, the report said Honda's combined year-on-year sales in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand have fallen 20 per cent (to around 110,000 units) for the first eight months of 2026. And it’s worth noting the potential arrangement would improve Mitsubishi Motors factory efficiency in Thailand, where a reported collective capacity of approximately 386,000 units resulted in only 170,000 vehicles produced in 2025.  With multiple right-hand drive markets scattered throughout Southeast Asia, including Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, the possibility of a Honda ute in Australia is significant and CarsGuide contacted Honda Australia for comment on the prospect of a local introduction. A spokesperson told us, “This is not an official announcement made by Honda or Mitsubishi Motors." "While Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi Motors are discussing various potential collaboration opportunities under the framework of our strategic partnership, there is nothing specific to share at this time. "We will make an official announcement at an appropriate time,” they said.

Honda America has moved to make what many driving enthusiasts already regard as the best even better by upgrading the brand’s Civic Type R hot hatch with extra performance, additional standard features and new-generation tech. Marking six generations across 30 years of the Civic Type R, the ultra-fast five-door sports a more aggressive front fascia with a larger grille opening claimed to improve cooling and a deeper front splitter to increase downforce. Inside, a “more refined cockpit” now includes heated front seats and a new trim perforation pattern as well as synthetic suede around the instrument surround and upper front door panels. The Type R's signature alloy shift knob, interior door handles and console trim have a dark grey finish and the climate control and air vent knobs in black, a diamond-pattern mesh dash panel (with black surround) and front door panel trims in silver are designed to up the cabin’s premium feel. Under the skin, the Type R’s ‘K20C’ four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine sends 235kW/420Nm to the front wheels (exclusively) via a six-speed manual gearbox. And under the bonnet, a redesigned engine cover is reminiscent of the powerplants in early-generation Type R models sold in Japan. Other technical changes include optimised suspension damping in +R mode to reduce bounce and impact harshness, more direct brake feel courtesy of a pedal yoke spring and an improved rev match system with faster engine response for smoother downshifts. Google built-in / Google Gemini / Google Maps / Google Play Alexa built-in Auto-dimming rearview mirror Two USB-C ports Improved (dual tone) horn New colour: Meteorite Grey Metallic Tech upgrades to the Honda Sensing safety suite include improved AEB (Auto Emergency Braking) with pedestrian detection incorporating increased system visibility for motorcycles and bicycles.  Adaptive cruise control is also enhanced with improved braking and acceleration response and lane keeping assist features “improved control over road camber and other disturbances for smoother operation”. And for the first time, the Civic Type R is equipped with multi-collision brake to minimise the chances of subsequent impacts after an initial crash. The 2027 Civic Type R will arrive in US Honda showrooms this month with a MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) of US$48,695 (~A$69,900). While local sale of the upgraded Type R isn’t on the cards at this stage, CarsGuide expects another batch of current model Type Rs to land in Australia in 2027. 

Hybrid power is now mainstream for Aussie buyers.   It's an important choice for buyers transitioning from petrol- and diesel-powered cars to full EVs. Hybrid-powered cars are also important for brands as they seeks alternatives to internal combustion cars that incur fines under the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES). There are broad categories of hybrid cars in Australia, and each one has its own benefits for buyers. Here's a look at what hybrids are available, and which one might suit you best. Mild hybrid power is the first stage of electrification for cars. Mild hybrid cars can't drive on EV power alone, because they only use a small, low-voltage battery (usually) 48-volt, with a less than 1kWh capacity. The electric motor usual powers certain electrical features and the starter motor. They don't need to be charged, but they also don't offer noticeably better fuel efficiency than standard petrol- and diesel-powered cars. The popular Toyota HiLux ute is available with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, while Suzuki and Renault offer mild hybrid set-ups on some of their models. Conventional hybrid, plug-less hybrid or self-charging hybrid cars are popular in Australia. The engine works seamlessly with a bigger electric motor to maximise fuel efficiency. A conventional hybrid usually runs on electric-only power at low speeds or for short distances when cruising at higher speeds. The engine will kick in at higher speeds or when more power is needed, blending petrol and electric power. This makes fuels efficiency in urban environments or star-stop traffic better than what a petrol- or diesel-powered car would achieve. The battery in a conventional hybrid is charged by the engine and from regenerative braking, meaning the car doesn't need to be plugged in. The conventional hybrid car's battery is smaller than those in plug-in hybrid and fully-electric cars, and still requires a petrol engine to run. Toyota provides conventional hybrid set-ups on the vast majority of its Australian line-up, including its RAV4 SUV and Camry sedan. Other popular brands Kia, Hyundai and others also have affordable conventional hybrid variants on its popular models. Plug-in hybrids or PHEVs take hybrid power to the next level because they are equipped with a much larger battery and a more powerful electric motor set-up. PHEVs have a long electric-only driving range, with some capable of exceeding 200km, before the engine is needed to drive the wheels. Most new PHEVs have an EV range of at least 100km. This means daily commuters will rarely have to fill-up on fuel if they charge the battery every night. PHEVs also boast significant combined driving range as they have a regular sized fuel tank to power the engine, resulting in ranges of north of 1000km before the fuel tank and battery are depleted. Carmakers often claim PHEVs drink less than 2.0L/100km of fuel, but that requires owners to constantly charge their batteries and never let it deplete. Once the battery is depleted fuel use will skyrocket, as the small engine has to move around a heavy vehicle weighed down by the battery and electric motors. PHEVs suit a buyer with access to charging facilities, who also want outstanding fuel efficiency. Bigger Chinese vehicles usually employ PHEV set-ups, including the BYD Shark 6 ute and incoming Zeekr 8X and 9X. Range-extender hybrids, also known as Range Extender Electric Vehicle (REEV) or Extended-Range Electric vehicle (EREV), are gaining popularity globally. They are feature similar hardware to PHEVs, but work in a different way. The engine in a REEV's is used as a generator for charging the battery, and the wheels are driven by the electric motor, or motors, only. REEV's have an EV-sized battery that can also be plugged in to charge, giving these cars a driving range comfortably exceeding 1000km. Leapmotor's B10 and C10 SUVs use REEV set-ups in Australia, but the incoming Forthing Taikon 5 and the XPeng L03 will also employ the set-up when they hit showrooms. Nissan’s ‘e-Power’ hybrid system in the X-Trail and Qashqai SUVs employ REEV tech on a smaller scale, using the engine to power a small battery that powers the wheels, but this battery cannot be plugged in to charge.

If you’re an EV buyer in 2026, you need to know about this.  The Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) has revealed the state of play for electric and plug-in hybrid cars in Australia in 2026.  This is the 10th year of the ‘State of EVs’ report as more buyers bought EVs than ever before Down Under.  The report analysed the 2025-26 financial year, and how buyer trends and infrastructure, among other things, have changed in that time.  It called for several policy reforms, including targeted equity-based policy to assist economically-disadvantaged Aussies reap the benefits of EV driving. Australia’s charging landscape is diverse, it is also complex and fragmented and needs major investment, according to the report.  In June 2026, there were 4268 public charging locations, which is 235 per cent more than June 2025 There were 11,602 public charge points in June 2026, up 175 per cent compared to June 2025 The EVC said there needs to be more research into how owners charge EVs and where they need them most.  “Australia still needs substantial public charging investment, but the task is not as simple as just installing more fast chargers,” the report reads.   “Most charging happens where vehicles already park—at homes, apartment buildings, workplaces, destinations, kerbsides and depots.” The report calls for a nationally-coordinated charging roadmap and scaled infrastructure deployment. This news comes after NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury told CarsGuide in December 2025 Australia’s charging infrastructure was lagging behind.  “We’re nowhere near. We’ve got nowhere near enough public charging,” NRMA spokesperson Khoury said.  “There are lots of areas that don’t have energy that comes from outside the energy grid so you’ve got to create energy sources at those locations.” The EVC is calling for the government to implement a range of new rules in Australia.  It wants a targeted equity-based policy to help all Australians use EVs and take advantage of the cost savings with EV adoption. The report states that EVs have lower running costs than petrol- and diesel-powered cars, with less maintenance, seeing a typical driver saving roughly $3000 per year.  The EVC said this figure did not include the substantial increases to fuel prices in 2026, with savings calculated today even higher.  It said the federal government needs to implement an updated New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) for cars sold beyond 2029 to align with 2035 emissions reduction targets.  NVES is a set of emissions rules that imposes fines on cars sold that emit high levels of CO2 into the atmosphere.  Developing a car takes a brand several years to complete, meaning carmakers need to know the rules these models will need to follow. It also said there should be a national road-user charge that does not deter EV uptake. This would differ from the current system proposed by the New South Wales government from 2027 that the EVC said would slow EV sales. The New South Wales government wants a road user charge to make up for lost fuel excise revenue and ensure all road users contribute to maintenance.  The EVC found a fully-electric or PHEV car was bought every 100 seconds on average in the first half of 2026, with one in four new car sales using an electric powertrain. The report reads cost-of-living pressures, soaring fuel prices and greater EV choice has contributed to a sharp increase in electric car uptake in 2026.  Fully-electric and PHEV sales accounted for 25.8 per cent of new car sales up to June 2026, increasing from 12.1 per cent up to June 2025 There are 196 combined full EV and PHEV models on sale, compared to 153 models in 2025 There were 157,957 electric and PHEV sales in H1 2026, up 177 per cent from H1 2025 Australia’s EV uptake is now in line with the global average, according to the International Energy Agency “So, at a time when fuel prices are fluctuating and cost-of-living continues to bite, it’s no surprise that EVs have become a popular choice,” the report states.  “As of June 2026, drivers have never had a greater choice of EVs in Australia.” Australia recently got its new cheapest electric car in the BYD Atto 1 that is being offered from $19,990 (drive-away) until December, 15 2026.

Honda’s next-generation hybrid plans are heating up. The Japanese brand will use its upcoming hybrid system in the new CR-V mid-size SUV and begin mass-production from February 2027, according to a report in Nikkei Asia. It is also planning to offer the CR-V as a hybrid-only model moving forward, ditching the petrol-only set-up globally, as it aims to introduce 15 new hybrid models by 2030. In addition to the CR-V, Honda has unveiled sedan and SUV prototypes to ride on an all-new platform and electric all-wheel drive set-up. The SUV will fall under Honda’s Acura luxury sub-brand in the US, and will be based on the CR-V. Most of these models will be built in left-hand drive, raising doubts as to whether they will enter the Aussie market. However, Honda Australia President and Chief Executive Officer Jay Joseph told CarsGuide in June 2026 the brand is becoming more capable of satisfying both LHD and RHD markets. Honda is planning another globally-targeted model called the Avancier that will be a three-row large SUV, targeting Thailand and China by early 2027. The Avancier will be in Thailand, which is a RHD market, thus improving the car’s chances of an Australian launch in the future. The Japanese brand is taking hybrid power seriously in Australia, with every model now available with the powertrain, and at a more affordable price, so the Avancier could be a desirable option. Honda Australia has not officially confirmed any news about the Avancier, but CarsGuide has contacted the local branch to learn more. The Avancier is not the Pilot XXL three-row SUV that will also use the next-generation hybrid set-up. That car will specifically target the North American market after 2030. In mid-2026, Honda made a global U-turn by pivoting heavy investment toward hybrids instead of EVs from 2027. The brand shelved its mid-size SUV and sedan electric concepts that were to form the bulk of its ‘0 series’ global EV push. Honda is still planning to launch the remaining Alpha small SUV in the ‘0 series’, and it could be on the cards for Australia as it hasn’t been ruled out by the local subsidiary. These newly developed hybrids are supposed to cost Honda 30 per cent less than the current generation of its hybrids, while boasting a more than 10 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency.

Honda is plotting a new hybrid three-row SUV for buyers, according to a report in AutoNews. The code-named Pilot XXL would be a full-size SUV designed to provide more space for larger families, related to the current Pilot SUV model on sale in the US. The Pilot rivals other three-row SUVs, including the Toyota Grand Highlander (its smaller sibling is known as the Kluger in Australia). Details are scarce, with the car expected to be produced in the United States from the first quarter of 2032. It is potentially 200mm longer than the standard Pilot SUV, which will provide a lot more interior space and storage capacity. It is likely to employ Honda’s next-generation V6 hybrid set-up, with an all-wheel drive system that features an electric motor powering the rear axle. This set-up is rumoured to boast a more than 30 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency and 10 per cent increase in potential acceleration. Honda has not revealed any details about the performance of its incoming hybrid engine, but the brand is investing heavily into hybrid power over the next few years. The V6 hybrid set-up will start to appear in new Honda models from 2028, which will provide further insight into what will power the Pilot XXL. Honda currently does not have a large SUV choice for buyers to compete in the popular family SUV segment and rival the Hyundai Palisade and Toyota Kluger in Australia. The Pilot XXL’s hybrid status would provide Honda with an emissions-friendly choice Down Under, but increasingly stringent emissions rules could see it incur fines here in the future. It will be built in the US, which means it will only be available in left-hand drive for now, reducing its chances of an Aussie arrival. However, Honda Australia President and Chief Executive Officer Jay Joseph told CarsGuide in June 2026 LHD manufacturing does not rule out Honda models for Australia. "The right hand drive requirement is a little bit of a challenge for some of the North American product that we have, which was always intended for LHD," he told CarsGuide. "But we're becoming more capable, and more adept, at being flexible on that. So that option is opening up." Its Australian future remains a while away, with plans still in their infancy in the US, but if there is demand from Australian buyers it is not out of the question.

Earlier this month, Audi unveiled a retro-inspired small electric vehicle that is a homage to a car that failed a quarter of a century ago. Spectacularly. Chances are the timely and handsome new A2 will succeed where the overpriced and oddly styled original from 2001 could not, but referencing a flop seems risky. It’s like Ford reviving the AU Falcon (though to be fair it is having a moment), or General Motors exhuming Holden with an ode to the ZB Commodore. Or Epica. Which has us thinking: this isn’t the first time that nostalgia, perhaps served with a side plate of delusion, has led to some confounding decisions. Whether they sold or were received poorly, we outline five resurrections that flopped. And if you disagree, let us know why in the comments below. How the millennial Monaro came about requires context. Holden enjoyed two golden eras: the early years, and for half a decade from 1997, after the then-new VT Commodore became a runaway smash hit. And the next year’s Australian International Motor Show in Sydney was pivotal. Codenamed Monica, the 1998 Holden Coupe Concept – essentially a VT with two doors, a slightly more-rakish windscreen and four (lower) seats – stole the show like no other car ever had before or since. At the time, Holden wasn’t even planning to build it. After all, coupe shelf lives are notoriously short. The original HK Monaro of 1968 proved popular initially, but its HQ-HX successors from 1971 struggled. The Coupe Concept utterly overshadowed Ford’s debuting AU Falcon at the Sydney show, made national news and created a buzz that helped bolster the brand. It was nothing short of sensational. Journalists immediately dubbed it Monaro, something Holden was understandably wary of. Despite what some articles today state, the resulting V2 Monaro failed to meet internal sales expectations when it arrived far later than scheduled, in November, 2001. Priced beyond most buyers’ reach from nearly $95,000 adjusted for inflation today, it went on to account for only a fraction of Commodore volume, at 4274 versus 88,478 units, putting it at 47 spot. From there, sales never improved, and the US-market Pontiac GTO export version of 2004 also failed to find a large-enough audience. By then, GM was floundering as the world moved away from sedans and coupes, in favour of SUVs, with the planned next-generation VE Monaro promptly canned, save for the 2008 Coupe 60 Concept to celebrate Holden’s 60 Anniversary. The Datsun 1600 is regarded as one of Japan’s earliest greats. Launched in 1967, it combined elegant styling with European-style chassis sophistication, to create a brilliant little sedan that dominated world rallying as effortlessly as it won over owners’ hearts. However, the larger and heavier 180B and 200B replacements of 1972 and 1976 respectively completely lacked the 1600’s sporty charm. Stung by widespread criticism, Datsun attempted to recreate the magic with the Stanza in 1978. But, built down to a price, it sorely lacked the fun and finesse that endeared so many owners to the old 1600. Critics were ruthless in their reviews. And though relatively popular and successful in motorsport, the Stanza couldn’t replicate the old 1600’s greatness and lasted only a single generation in Australia. By all objective means, any NSX is a masterpiece. Be it the exquisite 1990 NA1 original that became the first mid-engined supercar in history to love you back, or the NC1 tri-electric motor petrol/hybrid AWD successor of 2016 that was a breathtaking technological showcase, the name signifies engineering mastery. However, while neither generation achieved the sales volumes Honda required, the original has enjoyed a glorious afterlife as one of the all-time sports car greats. But the latter? Sadly, the second – or American – NSX remains misunderstood as being too advanced, and not “analogue” enough for drivers to truly connect with. That Honda cancelled it early (except in Japan) has not helped. Maybe the NC1 was just a decade before its time. Still an amazing achievement. One of Japan’s earliest Volkswagen Golf clones, the Pulsar became a beloved small-car staple in Australia over 25 years and six generations from 1980. That was until Nissan was forced to switch to a smaller replacement with awkward styling, ambitious pricing and a silly name. Inevitably, the 2006 Tiida tanked, even as Australians were clamouring towards smaller cars in the wake of soaring fuel prices. This was the era where the Mazda 3 and Toyota Corolla were king, but Nissan missed the party completely. The reason why the Pulsar ended was that it never properly challenged the Golf, so instead Nissan devised the Qashqai crossover, which immediately became a sales phenomenon. Somehow, Nissan Australia convinced a reluctant Japan to allow the redesigned Tiida hatch of 2012 to be rebadged Pulsar, along with the Thai market Sylphy sedan. Hopes were high of a sales revival but neither interloper possessed the required sophistication or appeal to lure local consumers back. Both Pulsar iterations never saw out their model cycle. The rear-engined air-cooled Beetle, which changed comparatively little between 1937 and 2003, remains the world’s best-selling vehicle of all time, at 21.5 million units. In contrast, the Toyota Corolla regenerated 12 times to date for it to find 50 million buyers. The re-imagined New Beetle, released globally in 1997 and 2000 in Australia, based on the versatile Golf IV architecture and built inexpensively in Mexico, sold strongly at first. But demand tapered off markedly as per most fashion statements, especially when BMW’s Mini reset the bar for retro remakes from 2001. However, after nearly 1.2 million units, VW’s third attempt, officially known as the “The Beetle”, struggled from the outset in 2012, despite featuring significantly more sophisticated drivetrains. Gone by 2019, barely 550,000 units were produced worldwide.