Subaru News

Cathy, Thorpey, Kylie and Nikki had just shown the world that Australia can hold its own in sports and culture, we’d given quite a few of our guns away, the Millenial Bug wasn’t such a concern anymore… and three sedans dominated Aussie roads.A quarter of a century ago, the year 2000 was just in the rear-view, and the sales charts looked very different to today.What better time than 25 years later to look back at the cars and brands Australians were heading to the showroom for?Not only were there fewer utes and SUVs being sold, they didn’t even make up a third of the new vehicle sales in the country combined that year. Utes and SUVs were lumped together in the same section of the VFACTS report (the sales figures industry stakeholders, pundits and media receive each month) alongside heavy trucks.Only 8413 new Toyota RAV4s were sold, making the Daewoo Lanos (9029 sales) more popular that year. Compare that to 2025, when the RAV4 ranked second in sales for the year with a whopping 51,947 units, only topped by the Ranger (56,555).Speaking of which, how did our now-favourite utes fare in 2000? The Ford Courier, the Ranger’s predecessor, sold just 6769 units, while the HiLux managed to hop into the top 10 with 21,509 sales. Still somewhat short of its 51,297 in 2025.To be fair, if you’d asked someone if they were buying a Ford ute, the Courier wouldn’t have been the first thing to come to mind. Ford sold 13,698 Falcon utes in the year 2000, putting it well ahead of its Commodore rival’s 6361.That can be explained easily, Holden didn't build a new ute for the VT generation Commodore of the late-’90s, instead continuing to sell the VS ute alongside the VT sedan.The near-new AU Falcon ute (released in mid-1999) had the car-based ute market covered for the turn of the century.Those two now-gone badges, along with the enduring Toyota Camry and the impressive Mitsubishi Magna, were impossible to avoid on Aussie roads then, with the Commodore, Falcon, Camry and Magna being first, second, third and fifth (thanks to the Corolla in fourth) most popular cars in the country in 2000.Between them they contributed to the total 198,766 large passenger cars sold in 2000, which made up 35.9 per cent of the year’s new vehicle sales. In 2025, large passenger cars made up just 2285 sales, or 0.2 per cent of the market.Small cars made up the other major chunk of sales back in 2000, with 154,050 sales being 27.8 per cent of the market. They were 72,222 sales and 6.0 per cent of last year’s market share.The aforementioned Daewoo was in the top 10 brands (just) in terms of sales for the year 2000, but was the only brand in that list that no longer exists.A scroll through the list shows other long-gone names like Daihatsu, Saab and Proton, and one not-so-long-gone name — Citroen.Daewoo Nubira? Daihatsu Sirion? Even the Proton Satria? These forgotten cars all sold in the thousands back then.Giants like Kia and Hyundai have come a long way, too. The brands once known for the Excel or Accent, plus the Kia Rio in its most ‘cheap and cheerful’ phase (RIP) are now global powerhouses with new technology and reliability commonly in the same sentence as their badge names. Hyundai, at least, was still a top-10 player back then.Below, there are tables with the most popular models and brands from the year 2000 and the figures we gleaned from the data — note the badge names have been consolidated so that cars with Commodore (for example) includes all body types.Top 10 cars sold in Australia in 2000Top 10 cars brands in Australia in 2000  

The popular Subaru Crosstrek small SUV has just had its price hiked in Australia. It now starts from $36,490, before on-road costs, for the base petrol version, which is a $500 increase.The up-spec petrol and base hybrid have also increased $500, with the top-spec models for both powertrains now $1500 more expensive.This is the second price increase in the last 12 months for the SUV, after a $500 increase on most models in June. The news comes after Subaru hiked the price of its BRZ two-door sports car by up to $3600.The Crosstrek sits as a rival to everything from the Toyota Corolla Cross to the Haval Jolion.The latest price bump sees a hybrid Crosstrek now more than $6500 more than a Corolla Cross, it also has higher starting prices than the Hyundai Kona both in petrol or hybrid forms, as well as the Mazda CX-30.The Crosstrek may sit higher in price than its rivals, but it also features an all-wheel system across the range.As part of the changes for 2026, there are new paint choices, including "Citron Yellow Pearl" and "Sand Dune Pearl".There is also now an emergency stop system as part of the safety gear on board, which brings the vehicle to a controlled stop if the driver is unresponsive.Subaru's crossover continues to be available with two engine choices. There is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 115kW and 196Nm, while a hybrid configuration produces 100kW and 182Nm, both have a continuously variable automatic transmission.On the inside, it features a 11.6-inch central touchscreen display and 4.2-inch digital driver display, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available.2026 Subaru Crosstrek pricing Australia 2026 Subaru Crosstrek engine and efficiency 2026 Subaru Crosstrek standard features17-inch alloy wheels11.6-inch central touchscreen display4.2-inch digital driver displayWireless phone chargerCloth seat upholsteryPower-folding mirrorsKeyless entry and startSix-speaker sound systemR grade gets18-inch alloy wheelsSteering responsive headlightsSports pedalsAuto-dimming rearview mirrorHeated front seatsHeated door mirrorsS grade getsElectric sunroofEngine coverLeather accented seats10-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system2026 Subaru Crosstrek safetyThe Subaru Crosstrek received a five-star ANCAP safety rating.  Standard safety features:9 airbagsBlind spot monitoringLane change assistRear parking sensorsReversing cameraDistraction warningDrowsiness warningAutonomous emergency steeringAdaptive cruise controlLane departure warningLane sway warningLane keep assistEmergency stop systemR grade getsFront view monitorHigh beam assist360-degree cameraSide view monitors 2026 Subaru Crosstrek dimensions  2026 Subaru Crosstrek warrantyThe Subaru Crosstrek comes with a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty. 

Subaru has hiked the price of its affordable BRZ sports car. The cheapest BRZ now starts from $47,890 (before on-road costs), which is a $3600 jump based on 2025 pricing for the entry manual variant. It is almost $10,000 more than when the second-generation launched in 2022 at $38,990.Manual BRZ's are now the same price as automatic examples, having previously been a $1000 less.This price hike has been reflected across the range.The S variant is now $49,190 up from $45,490, while the tS starts from $52,790 - a $2600 increase.It is now nearly $4000 more than its mechanically identical counterpart, the Toyota GR86.The BRZ still comes in significantly cheaper than a comparative 2.3-litre petrol engine Ford Mustang.The Mustang leads the segment for sales, starting from more than $70,000.Subaru has released a special edition of its BRZ in addition to the announcement of these price hikes.It is called the Kiiro and only 95 units will be offered locally. The car is priced to start from $53,590 (before on-road costs), which is $800 more than the re-priced Coupe tS, which usually sits at the top of the range. This special edition BRZ gets an exclusive yellow paint, in line with the Japanese meaning for the word 'Kiiro', along with 18-inch matte back alloy wheels. There are suede and leather accented seats, with black and yellow elements. Yellow stitching is on the leather steering wheel and gear shift boot.There is an interior 'Kiiro' badge with the limited edition number of the specific car and ‘Kiiro’ badging is also visible in matte black on the rear of the car. It will be available in manual and automatic, keeping in line with the rest of the BRZ range. It will also be powered by the 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, producing 174kW and 250Nm found in other BRZ models.The limited edition BRZ tS will hit showrooms later this month. 2026 Subaru BRZ pricing Australia

The small car segment, especially on the premium and luxury end of the spectrum, has been very tumultuous over the last few years with hatchback and sedan sales plummeting, while SUV sales have climbed astronomically.In order to combat this, as part of our ongoing 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year awards, we’ve combined small premium passenger cars and SUVs into this segment.It’s worth noting that each shortlisted small premium car mentioned below is inclusive of the entire line-up, though its entry price must be under $80,000 before on-road costs for this particular category.The following is a rundown of our top 10 sub-$80K small cars in alphabetical order and why they made the cut. Our top three, including the category winner, will be announced on February 6.Note Mercedes-Benz's current A-Class, CLA and GLA were ineligible as they were unavailable for review.While many brands are fleeing this segment of the car market, this German small hatch and sedan is still offered in Australia in a wide range of trim levels and variants. Beyond the normal A3 variants, there’s the sporty S3 and the fire-breathing RS3.It notably made this shortlist due to the latter which is still offered with an iconic five-cylinder engine. However, we do wish it made just a bit more noise like the older models did.Beyond this, CarsGuide reviewers praised the A3 line-up for its capable and engaging driving dynamics, as well as its luxuriously equipped and premium-presenting interior.While the A3 hatch and sedan may be newer, the Audi Q3 small SUV has been soldiering on for a couple of years now without any major updates.The current model is reaching the end of its lifecycle and is set to be replaced by a new-generation model during 2026.Despite this, CarsGuide reviewers liked how the Q3’s exterior design is ageing, even in the polarising Sportback body style, plus the on-road manners are both elegant and fun.The new-generation version of the BMW 1 Series hatchback launched locally late in 2024, offering everything from everyday commuter trims to the M135 xDrive hot hatch.CarsGuide reviewers were impressed with its driving dynamics and outright performance, though fuel efficiency took a hit as a result.Additionally we liked the new and modern front-row layout, however the exterior design, especially at the front, likely isn’t for everyone.The X1 small SUV is the most popular BMW in Australia currently and for good reason.It launched locally in new-generation guise in 2022 to popular fanfare, then the all-electric iX1 variants joined the line-up in 2023, cementing its status as a benchmark small SUV.CarsGuide reviewers praised X1/iX1’s on-road manners, as well as the modern and high-tech exterior and interior designs. However, common European quibbles like tyre roar and suspension bumps can intrude into the cabin.The X2 is a swoopy ‘coupe’ SUV counterpart to the X1 small SUV and still notably offers both petrol and electric (iX2) powertrain options.While its exterior design is polarising and not for everyone, CarsGuide reviewers appreciated how polished the drivetrains feel from behind the wheel. The X2/iX2 is also affordable when compared to premium rivals from the likes of Mercedes-Benz and Volvo.The few dislikes were centred around the X2 M35i xDrive’s firm ride due to its large (and thankfully optional) 21-inch alloy wheels, as well as the slight reduction in boot capacity over the X1/iX1.This spicy Spanish small crossover SUV is the clear front-runner for Cupra in Australia. Arriving in 2022, the Formentor is offered in a range of variants from warm to hot, plus even a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) offering.CarsGuide reviewers appreciated the lifted hatchback looks and the smile-inducing driving dynamics, however some found the multimedia system to be a little finicky and the ride a little too far on the firm side.An oft-forgotten entrant in the small SUV segment, this quirky French electric SUV impresses with its sleek design, maximised interior space and reactive driving feel.There is currently only one trim level of the Megane E-Tech offered in Australia, the Techno EV60, and it’s limited by its 7.4kW maximum AC charging rate, plus the lack of features like connected services that are available overseas.A huge step away from the iconic Fortwo of the early ‘00s and ‘10s, the Smart #3 is the brand’s largest car in Australia to date.With unique looks and a premium cabin feel, the #3 impresses though the driver-assist features can be a little overbearing and the panoramic glass sunroof has no sunshade.More sore points are the average warranty coverage of five years or 150,000km, as well as the hefty servicing costs for an electric vehicle.While a number of these shortlisted vehicles are high-tech or electrified offerings, the Subaru WRX stands out as a purist sports car.Still featuring a turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine and a manual transmission in certain trim levels, the WRX is offered in sedan and wagon body styles.CarsGuide reviewers praised the WRX’s dynamism, practicality and even value when compared to rivals with similar amounts of power. However, the WRX Sportswagon only comes with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and doesn’t look as sporty as the standard WRX sedan.This vibrant and quirky Volvo electric SUV stands out on the road thanks to its stunning exterior design with boxy proportions.The interior also stands out, but sometimes not in the best of ways. CarsGuide reviewers found too many of the key features are tucked into menus on the central touchscreen, plus the lack of a proper instrument cluster was grating.

Subaru has never done things conventionally.Whether it be its rally-inspired heritage turning a small sedan into an iconic performance car or its preference for wagons over SUV, Subaru has carved out its place in the market by being different.Which is why 2026 is shaping up as a crucial year for the brand, as it tries to turn around some difficult, declining years amid increasing challenges from new brands - including one from within its own house.Subaru is distributed by a company called Inchcape, which has added the Chinese Deepal brand to its portfolio. Deepal is nowhere near Subaru in terms of sales, but it is one of nearly a dozen new brands to arrive in Australia in the last year or so, which are all fighting for new car sales against the established brands like Subaru.The Japanese brand suffered a down year in ‘25, with a decline in sales for most of its models, so a turnaround is as necessary as it is wanted.At the same time, Subaru is in a potentially very strong position moving into ‘26. The new-generation Forester launched in mid-’25 and has picked up where the old one left off, and this year the all-new Outback will arrive too.Once the brand’s second best-seller, the Outback has declined in recent years, being the lone wagon in the ‘large SUV’ segment. So Subaru is taking a calculated risk, moving away from its wagon-ness and becoming more SUV-like. Will that be the key to unlocking sales growth or a fatal mistake that will drive away loyal buyers? Only time will tell, but it's a chance Subaru needed to take to push back in an increasingly crowded market.The Outback has always been a steady performer amongst the more conventional large SUVs, so perhaps inching closer in size and style could be just what the brand needs to give its overall sales a boost.Sales of the Impreza continue to fall as small cars become increasingly unpopular in general, but the Impreza-based Crosstrek remains a popular choice.There is definitely potential for Subaru to push its way back into the top 10 in the sales charts, a position it held as recently as 2023. But there is also a danger than more new brands, such as the fast-growing Chery, could leave it on the outside looking in.That makes 2026 a pivotal year for Subaru, with both a fresh Forester and Outback in showrooms, there will be no excuses for anything below expectation for what have been two of Australia’s favourite cars for years.

The Australian new car market is going through one of its biggest changes to date.A wave of budget-focused Chinese brands has washed over the market in the past two years, eating away into the sales of many established carmakers.The emergence of new technologies such as hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles will change the cars we drive forever.Despite that, some things have stayed the same. Diesel-powered utes and 4WDs are the dominant force in Aussie motoring, but new models are snapping at their heels.Here are the best selling 100 vehicles in Australia during the past year.

Amid the seemingly endless influx of new cars coming our way there are some that are simply more important than others.

There’s something about spotting a Honda S660, Subaru Sambar or Suzuki Hustler in local traffic. A pang of regret that we’re denied mainstream access to the Kei car smorgasbord on offer in Japan.

America wants to see a station wagon comeback, but it won't be as easy as it sounds.

Subaru has detailed the pricing and specifications of its rugged Trailseeker large electric SUV for the US market ahead of deliveries commencing in early 2026.