Advice

You are being watched. No, seriously, right now there's a device somewhere near you that is tracking you.

They’re called variable voltage alternators, but the car-making world has started calling them smart alternators. But if you’re an off-roader, or drive a car with lots of accessories, the tech mightn’t seem very smart at all.

The Ford Ranger was the best-selling vehicle in the country for the second consecutive year in 2024.And now there’s another Ford ute on the horizon that looks set to shake up the ute market in Australia.Due on sale here in 2026, the Ford Ranger Super Duty has been touted as a mid-sized ute with “next-level, work-ready capability”, according to Ford.Purpose built for those with harsh job requirements, including emergency service operators, farmers, utilities and forestry workers, miners and infrastructure technicians, the Super Duty will have a 4500kg braked towing capacity, a 4500kg gross vehicle mass (GVM) and an 8000kg gross combined mass (GCM) rating.Let’s take a deep dive into everything we know so far about the Ford Ranger Super Duty.Read on.The Ford Ranger Super Duty is a mid-sized ute intended to be capable of tackling extremely tough work duties that no other standard mid-sized ute is capable of doing straight out of the factory.Details and specs remain somewhat sketchy, but the Super Duty will be, according to Ford, a new ute that's engineered from scratch for heavy-duty applications. It will also be the first mid-size ute to carry the Super Duty badge in Australia.Ford reckons its Super Duty project is a direct response to Aussie customers who want a gung-ho ute capable of hauling big loads, but in a vehicle size that is easier to manoeuvre than a bigger US-style pick-up.The new Ford Ranger Super Duty is intended as a heavy-duty work vehicle for emergency service operators, farmers, utilities and forestry workers, miners and infrastructure technicians, as well as having lots of potential as a recreational 4WD touring vehicle and towing platform due to its “enhanced off-road capability”, so sayeth Ford.The factory-built Ford Ranger Super Duty is covered by a full Ford warranty, and has been designed, developed and engineered in Australia by a 1500-strong crew.Recent testing has been conducted in Australia.If its claimed GVM (4500kg), GCM (8000kg) and towing capacity (4500kg) turn out to be accurate, then the Super Duty is going to be a bloody beast on work sites everywhere, for lugging loads, and for weekend wanderers who want to tow boats, horse floats and the like.For quick reference, in comparison, the Ford Ranger XLT turbo-diesel V6 4x4 has a listed GVM of 3280kg, a GCM of 6400kg and maximum braked towing capacity of 3500kg, and Ford’s long-wheelbase F-150 pick-up or truck offers lower GWM (3265kg) and GCM (7315kg), but equals the Super Duty’s 4500kg braked towing capacity.In terms of styling, the Ford Ranger Super Duty will have new wheels, wider arches than a standard Ranger, an all-new grille design, replete with a new off-road-style front bumper, as well as substantial underbody protection.There are no details about what powertrain the Super Duty will get, but perhaps the Ranger’s 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine (184kW at 3250rpm and 600Nm from 1750-2250rpm), along with the line-up’s 10-speed automatic transmission, will be a good fit. A power and torque boost may even be on the cards, in order for the Super Duty to handle the much-touted heavier loads it may be burdened with.Australia’s Super Duty will likely sport the eight-stud, 18-inch steel wheel and 33-inch all-terrain tyre package of the US Ford F-250 Super Duty.Also, it could be in line to share the Raptor's wheel track, which is 50mm wider than the standard Ranger.No word on suspension yet, but upfront it may be fitted with new front control arms (similar to the Raptor’s cast-alloy units), and it will likely have a leaf-sprung rear axle rather than Raptor-esque coils, as the Super Duty is a vehicle intended for load-carrying and towing.It may also have job-specific accessories such as push-button Pro Trailer Hitch Assist, Trailer Navigation (aimed at ensuring your vehicle and trailer go via a route that the combination will be able to physically travel through) and even on-board scales.The Ford Ranger Super Duty – or Ford Super Duty Ranger as some have dubbed it – will be manufactured at the same Thai facility as most made-for-Australia Rangers.The Ford Ranger Super Duty is expected to be unveiled sometime later this year and is tipped to be on sale here in 2026.An all-new ute sporting major hardware upgrades, resulting in impressively uprated payload and tow ratings, being sold in a ute-hungry market? Name your price…At time of writing, there were no clear indications of what the Ford Ranger Super Duty’s eventual price-tag would be, but expect to pay upwards of $75,000.It will be bigger and built more robustly for heavier duties than those undertaken by standard Rangers.And it will likely be in a price range comparable to the Raptor.Keep reading CarsGuide.com.au to stay up to date with news on all upcoming vehicle releases, including the Ford Ranger Super Duty, which is due to be launched here in 2026.

Q: How long can a car be parked on a residential street?

Tesla has been making headlines recently with a decline in sales, both internationally and around the world. While there are a variety of reasons for this, at least part of that can be put down to the relative lack of choice, with only the mid-size Model 3 sedan and Model Y SUV available to local buyers.There is no larger sedan, no smaller sedan, no Roadster, no Cybertruck and, most relevant for Australia, no seven-seat SUV. Australians have demonstrated a love of family friendly SUVs, with record sales for the Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X in 2024 and big sales expected for the new Toyota Prado in 2025.In this article we’ll tell you everything you need to know about Tesla’s seven-seater plans.No, at least not in Australia. Tesla dropped its 7 seater electric car, the Model X from its Australian line-up in 2023 along with the Model S sedan. Its current local range consists of the five-seat-only Model Y SUV and Model 3 sedan.Maybe. Tesla has no current public plans to bring back the Model X, as it no longer builds it in right-hand drive. But it does have a potential new 7 seater Tesla, in the form of the three-row Model Y that’s available in the US market. The seven-seat Model Y has been available in the USA in the Long Range AWD variant since 2020. It features the same seat arrangement for the first two rows (two in the first row and three across the middle), with two extra seats where the boot would be. Tesla traditionally reveals very little details about upcoming models, which makes it incredibly difficult to predict when, or even if, Tesla will launch its new models in Australia. However, a report from Reuters in late 2024 suggested the three-row Model Y will soon be produced in China for potential right-hand-drive markets.It’s too early to know any details on price, as the three-row Model Y isn’t confirmed for the Australian market. Tesla is also known to adjust its pricing to try and drive sales, so it’s impossible to predict the brand with accuracy.However, what we can say is it’s likely to carry a small premium over the five-seat Model Y to account for the extra seats.You may have noticed we have referred to it as the ‘three-row Model Y’ as opposed to a seven-seater. That’s because the expectation is the Chinese-built variants will feature six-seats, spread across three rows of two.There is a seven-seater version of the Model Y built in Germany for European markets, but that may not be an option for Tesla in Australia due to the logistics, production complexities and costs.The biggest difference between the Tesla Model Y 7 seater Australia could see in the next few years, compared to the previous Model X will be size. The Model X was a large SUV while the Model Y is mid-sized.The Model X also famously had the so-called ‘Falcon wing’ double-hinged doors that allowed for easier access to the third row. In contrast, the Model Y three-row has the conventional doors.If the Tesla Model 7 three-row variant comes to Australia, besides only having six seats instead of seven, it will differ from key rivals in size. Instead of competing against the likes of the Ford Everest, Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento, it will be a much smaller SUV and be more directly rivalling the Nissan X-Trail and Mitsubishi Outlander.The problem with the three-row Model Y is the extra seats appear to be both limited for space but also take up much of the luggage space.If anything changes, we’ll let you know, so keep reading CarsGuide to stay up to date with everything happening in the motoring industry.

Waze vs. Google Maps Australia: What should you consider when deciding which navigation application is right for you?

Where to put L plates on a car in Australia?L plates must be displayed on the front and rear of a vehicle in a way that is easily visible for other drivers.Some states/territories insist that your L plates must be positioned on the outside of the vehicle, but some are okay if your L plates are inside the vehicle, as long as they are clearly visible to other drivers from the front or rear.Here’s a state by state/territory breakdown of where to put L plates on a car so you abide by the law and you avoid copping a fine.ACT Policing states: “‘L’ plates must be displayed on the front and rear of a vehicle in a way that is easily visible for other drivers.“Plates should be the correct size and colour and the letter on the plate should be fully visible.Where to display L plates? “It’s important to select the most visible display option for your vehicle,” ACT Policing said. Good spots are on an external panel at the front and rear of the vehicle or fastened to the registration plate, without obscuring that plate at all and ensuring that the ‘L’ on the learner plate is completely visible.So, can you put L plates in the window? “You can use plates specifically designed for display in the front or rear windscreen," ACT Policing said.“However, a slanted windscreen is not suitable for displaying plates as the plate will face up, towards the sky, and won’t be easily visible to other drivers from the front and rear."How to put L plates on a car? Where to put L sticker on car?“Other options, such as magnetic plates, plate display brackets and plate clips are also available to drivers,” ACT Policing said.The ACT Road Rules Handbook clarifies the “easily visible” description by stating: “‘L’ plates are not clearly visible if they are placed, for example, behind wiper arms, behind rear louvres or inside tinted windows.”In the ACT a “Fail to display ‘L’ plates on car as required” offence may attract a $208 fine, but no demerit points.Where to put L plates? Transport NSW states: “You must clearly display your L plates on the front and back of the outside of your vehicle – the letters must not be hidden.”The NSW government expands on that explanation, by stating: “When driving, learners must display L plates clearly on the front and back of the car.“The plates must be on the outside, or there must be an L sign on the roof.“The letter L on the plate must not be hidden.“So your plates do not fall off, secure them with a clip or holder.”In NSW a “Fail to display ‘L’ plates on car as required” attracts a $272 fine and two demerit points.How to display L plates? “L plates [150mm by 150mm and consisting of a black letter ‘L’ against a yellow background) must be clearly displayed on the front and back of the vehicle.Northern Territory Police Force said: “The L plates must be easily seen by other road users and must not block or obscure the driver’s view.“It is recommended that L plates are displayed vertically on the vehicle — not facing upwards on the bonnet or boot. Brackets for mounting L plates next to the number plate can be purchased at most automotive supply stores.“Roof-mounted L plates do not replace the L plates that must be displayed at the front and rear of the vehicle.“Where an L plate is displayed in the window of the vehicle, make sure that the angle of the window, any tinting or louvers on the window or anything on the outside of the vehicle (like spoilers or items in the tray of a ute) do not obscure other road users’ clear view of the L plate.“If towing a trailer, an L plate must also be displayed on the back of the trailer.” (Note: In the NT, you’re allowed to tow while on a class C learner licence. You may not be legally allowed to do so in other states or the ACT, so check before you tow.)In the NT, if you’re a “Learner driver or rider without L plates” then you may cop a $100 fine and two demerit points.Where to put L plates in Qld? The Queensland government doesn’t mince words about this issue.It states: “You must display L plates so the letter 'L' on each plate can be seen clearly at the front and rear of the vehicle (rear only for motorcycles) from 20m away.“The minimum size and colour of an L plate is 14.6cm x 14.6cm, with a black uppercase letter 'L' on a yellow background. You can't use any other colour.”It goes on to state: “You and your supervisor may both be fined if your L plates are not correctly displayed.“As the learner driver, you will get two demerit points recorded on your traffic history. If you get four or more demerit points in a 12-month period, you will be suspended from driving for three months.”In Queensland if you commit the following offence – “Learner licence holder failing to display L plates clearly legible at front and rear of vehicle” – then you face a $258 fine and two demerit points.Helpfully, there is a L plate template (https://www.publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/l-plate-template) so you can print two full-colour L plates, laminate them, and attach those to your vehicle.Road rules in South Australia around learner driver permit conditions and laws are similar to those in other states/territories.It states: “You must display the prescribed L-plates so that they are clearly visible from the front and the rear of the vehicle (rear only for motorcycles).“Driving with a learner's permit means you need L-plates on the vehicle so drivers know you are an inexperienced driver. L-plates must meet the following requirements:“The minimum size is shown here . L-plates must have the letter L printed in black on a yellow background.“L-plates must be clearly visible from the front and rear of the vehicle (rear only for motorbikes).”In SA, if you’re the holder of a Learner’s permit and commit the following offence – “driving a car on road while plates are not correctly affixed to the car” – then you are liable for a $248 fine (if you have only L plate affixed to the vehicle), or $428 fine and two demerit points if you have no L plates affixed to the vehicle.Among the many sensible rules for those learning to drive, the Tasmanian government states that as a learner licence holder, “you must ensure your L plates can be seen from the front and back of your car”.Tasmanian Vehicle and Traffic (Driver Licensing and Vehicle Registration) Regulations 2021 states: “A person must not drive a motor vehicle on a public street under the authority of a learner licence unless a sign issued or authorised by the Registrar displaying the letter "L" in black lettering on a yellow background (an L-plate) is displayed so as to be clearly visible:– (a) in the case of a motor cycle, at the rear of the motor cycle; or– (b) in the case of any other motor vehicle, from the front and rear of the motor vehicle or, if the motor vehicle is towing a trailer and the trailer would obscure the visibility of the letter displayed at the rear of the motor vehicle, from the front of the motor vehicle and from the rear of the trailer.“Penalty: Fine not exceeding 5 penalty units.”In Tasmania, if you’re the holder of a learner licence and, as a “novice driver” or as a “learner driver”, you commit the following offence – “fail to display clearly visible L-plates as required” – you may face a $101 fine and two demerit points.Where to put L plates on your car in Victoria? Transport Victoria is absolutely clear about this: “Attach your L or P plates to your front and back windscreens.“You should use L or P plates that attach to external parts of your car (other than your front and back windscreens) if: your windows are so tinted it’s hard to see the plate (or) you’re worried you might damage the demister lines on your back windscreen.“Your plates must be visible from at least 20 metres away, on the front and back of your vehicle.“If you don't do this, you could be fined.”That fine for (offence code 2112) “Fail to display 'L' plates when and as required” amounts to one demerit point and a $165 fine (correct at time of writing).WA’s Department of Transport (DOT) states that the holder of a learner’s permit must display the “appropriate” L plates on the front and back of the vehicle when they are driving and those plates must be clearly visible.So, what is an “appropriate” L plate? “Each L plate must measure not less than 150 mm by 150 mm and bear a black letter “L” clearly marked on a yellow background,” according to WA legislation.If towing (learner drivers in WA are allowed to tow a trailer as long as they abide by the conditions of their learner permit), the learner driver must ensure that the L plates are fully visible at the front and back of the vehicle, which may require one plate being positioned on, and correctly affixed to, the rear of whatever is being towed.Demerit points apply to learner drivers in WA and they may not have any more than three demerit points recorded against them or their learner’s permit will be suspended or disqualified.Failure to properly display L plates on a vehicle in WA may result in two demerit points for the learner driver.Note: All details (laws, conditions, penalties etc) are correct at time of writing. This feature is not intended as legal advice. Make sure you check with the relevant roads authority in your state or territory for up-to-date details.

How many passengers can a learner have?Learner drivers are permitted to carry passengers but the answer pertaining to the number of passengers permitted and the conditions that apply depends on the state or territory in which you live.But what is certain is that learner driver rules state that the learner driver, supervisor (an individual who holds a valid open licence for the class of vehicle the learner driver is driving and has held that licence for at least one year) and any passengers in the vehicle must be properly restrained by seat belts or approved child restraints.Are there exceptions? No.Of course, common sense dictates that the fewer passengers in a car when a learner drive is at the wheel, the fewer distractions there are within the vehicle for that learner driver…Anyway, here’s our state-by-state/territory guide to 'How many people can a learner have in the car?'Can learner drivers have passengers? Yes, as long as they and the driver are all properly restrained with seat belts or, where appropriate, government-approved child restraints.How many passengers can a learner driver have in the ACT?A learner driver is permitted to carry up to the legal passenger capacity of the vehicle they are driving, but they must have a supervising driver in the front passenger seat – and that person must have a valid open licence for the class of vehicle the learner driver is driving and must have held that licence for at least one year.Does the age of passengers matter (e.g. babies)? No, but everyone in the vehicle – the driver and all passengers – must be properly wearing seat belts or, if appropriate, approved child restraints.How many passengers can a learner driver have in NSW?A learner driver in NSW is permitted to carry up to the passenger capacity of the vehicle they are driving, but they must have a supervising driver in the front passenger seat.Does the age of passengers matter? No, but the driver of the vehicle and all passengers must be properly wearing seat belts or, if appropriate, approved child restraints.How many passengers can a learner driver have in the Northern Territory?There are no passenger restrictions for learners or provisional drivers in the NT, other than the learner driver is only permitted to carry up to the passenger capacity of the vehicle they are driving, and they must have a supervising driver in the front passenger seat.Does the age of passengers matter? No, but everyone in the vehicle – the driver and all passengers – must be properly wearing seat belts or, if appropriate, approved child restraints.How many passengers can a learner driver have in Queensland?A learner driver in Queensland may carry up to the passenger capacity of the vehicle they are driving, but they must have a supervising driver in the front passenger seat.Does the age of passengers matter? No, but the vehicle’s driver and all passengers must be wearing seat belts properly or, if appropriate, approved child restraints.How many passengers can a learner driver have in South Australia?Learner's permit holders in South Australia are not subject to any passenger restrictions, other than the legal passenger-carrying capacity of the vehicle which they’re driving at the time.How many passengers can a learner driver have?A learner driver is permitted to carry up to the passenger capacity of the vehicle they are driving, but they must have a supervising driver in the front passenger seat.Does the age of passengers matter? No, but everyone in the vehicle – the driver and all passengers – must be properly wearing seat belts or, if appropriate, approved child restraints.How many passengers can a learner driver have in Tasmania?A learner driver is permitted to carry up to the passenger capacity of the vehicle they are driving, but they must have a supervising driver in the front passenger seat.Does the age of passengers matter? No, but everyone in the vehicle – the driver and all passengers – must be properly wearing seat belts or, if appropriate, approved child restraints.How many passengers can a learner driver have in Victoria?A learner driver is permitted to carry up to the passenger capacity of the vehicle they are driving, but they must have a supervising driver in the front passenger seat.Can a learner driver drive with a child in the car in Victoria? Yes, as long as that child is properly restrained with a government-approved age-appropriate child restraint.Does the age of passengers matter? No, but everyone in the vehicle – the driver and all passengers – must be properly wearing seat belts or, if appropriate, approved child restraints.How many passengers can a learner driver have in Western Australia?There is no restriction on the number of passengers a learner driver may have in a vehicle in WA, except, of course, the vehicle must only be carrying the number of passengers it is legally allowed to have onboard.Also, the learner driver, supervising driver and all passengers must be properly wearing properly wear seat belts or government-approved child restraints.Does the age of passengers matter? No, but everyone in the vehicle – the driver and all passengers – must be properly wearing seat belts or, if appropriate, approved baby seats or child restraints.

Is there an MG 7-seater Australia-bound? It’s one of the big questions doing the rounds right now, especially after recent speculation of everything from a full-sized Indian-market off-roader to an ICE-engined crossover model landing here.

Affordable electric cars are an emerging market in Australia - and the timing couldn’t be better.