2026 Fiat 500 Hybrid revealed for city car fans who don't want EVs or automatics
The 2026 Fiat 500 Hybrid has been revealed – with a manual transmission – but the Italian brand's first new-generation petrol-powered city car in 18 years is yet to be confirmed for release in Australia, where the old Fiat 500 was axed last year due to slow sales.
Based on the much newer Fiat 500e electric hatch released in 2023, the first Fiat 500 Hybrid looks identical to the pint-size electric hatch apart from a revised grille (covered in camo wrap on the pre-production vehicles you see here) to direct air to its petrol-electric powertrain.
There's also a capless fuel filler to replace the Fiat 500e's rear-quarter charging port.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
It's unclear exactly which electrified petrol engine will power the new Fiat 500, but it's expected to be the same 1.0-litre three-cylinder mild-hybrid Firefly unit seen in the old Fiat Panda, and overseas versions of the Fiat 500 since 2020.
The appearance of a six-speed manual gear selector in these images rules out the 1.2-litre three-cylinder mild-hybrid Puretech engine employed by a variety of Stellantis models including the new Fiat Grande Panda, which is fitted only with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Fiat says production of the 500 Hybrid is on target to begin at its Mirafiori plant outside Turin in November, ahead of first deliveries across Europe.
Once at full capacity, annual production is expected to be more than 100,000 units, with at least 70 per cent of that due to be exported outside Italy.
Fiat's unprecedented move to retrofit a battery-electric vehicle (EV) with a combustion engine not only gives it a replacement for the 17-year-old Fiat 500 that was discontinued to due EU cybersecurity legislation, but increases the output of its Mirafiori factory amid slow sales of the 500e and its Abarth 500e hot hatch sister model, production of which was paused to meet demand last year.
"500 hybrid offers affordable electrification and iconic style, proof that social relevance is at the core of the brand mission," said Fiat CEO and Stellantis Global CMO, Olivier Francois.
"With the 500 Hybrid, we are strengthening production at Mirafiori to ensure the plant's productivity and meet the demand. Our roots are in Italy and it's no coincidence that the two most iconic Fiat are made here: the Panda in Pomigliano and the 500 in Mirafiori."
Previously, Fiat said it would also invest €100 million (A$173.7m) into future development the 500e, including a redesigned platform to accommodate new battery technologies that aim to improve its affordability.
An upgraded version of the 500e is therefore expected around 2026.
While the Fiat 500 was discontinued in Australia in mid-2024, when further imports of the petrol-powered micro-car ceased, some MY24 stock remains available.
Powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine producing 51kW of power and 102Nm of torque, the Fiat 500 Dolcevita can still be had for $28,900 before on-road costs, while the Abarth 695 remains available from $38,900, powered by a 132kW/250Nm 1.4-litre petrol four.
But when stocks are exhausted, Fiat Australia's only models will be the Ducato van, the Fiat 500e La Prima with an 87kW/220Nm electric motor for $52,500 plus on-roads, and the Abarth 500e with a 134kW/235Nm electric motor, priced from $58,900.
Fiat Australia sold 146 Fiat/Abarth 500/500e vehicles in the first third of this year, down 22 per cent on the same January-April period last year.
MORE: Everything Fiat 500
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The 2026 Fiat 500 Hybrid has been revealed – with a manual transmission – but the Italian brand's first new-generation petrol-powered city car in 18 years is yet to be confirmed for release in Australia, where the old Fiat 500 was axed last year due to slow sales.
Based on the much newer Fiat 500e electric hatch released in 2023, the first Fiat 500 Hybrid looks identical to the pint-size electric hatch apart from a revised grille (covered in camo wrap on the pre-production vehicles you see here) to direct air to its petrol-electric powertrain.
There's also a capless fuel filler to replace the Fiat 500e's rear-quarter charging port.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
It's unclear exactly which electrified petrol engine will power the new Fiat 500, but it's expected to be the same 1.0-litre three-cylinder mild-hybrid Firefly unit seen in the old Fiat Panda, and overseas versions of the Fiat 500 since 2020.
The appearance of a six-speed manual gear selector in these images rules out the 1.2-litre three-cylinder mild-hybrid Puretech engine employed by a variety of Stellantis models including the new Fiat Grande Panda, which is fitted only with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Fiat says production of the 500 Hybrid is on target to begin at its Mirafiori plant outside Turin in November, ahead of first deliveries across Europe.
Once at full capacity, annual production is expected to be more than 100,000 units, with at least 70 per cent of that due to be exported outside Italy.
Fiat's unprecedented move to retrofit a battery-electric vehicle (EV) with a combustion engine not only gives it a replacement for the 17-year-old Fiat 500 that was discontinued to due EU cybersecurity legislation, but increases the output of its Mirafiori factory amid slow sales of the 500e and its Abarth 500e hot hatch sister model, production of which was paused to meet demand last year.
"500 hybrid offers affordable electrification and iconic style, proof that social relevance is at the core of the brand mission," said Fiat CEO and Stellantis Global CMO, Olivier Francois.
"With the 500 Hybrid, we are strengthening production at Mirafiori to ensure the plant's productivity and meet the demand. Our roots are in Italy and it's no coincidence that the two most iconic Fiat are made here: the Panda in Pomigliano and the 500 in Mirafiori."
Previously, Fiat said it would also invest €100 million (A$173.7m) into future development the 500e, including a redesigned platform to accommodate new battery technologies that aim to improve its affordability.
An upgraded version of the 500e is therefore expected around 2026.
While the Fiat 500 was discontinued in Australia in mid-2024, when further imports of the petrol-powered micro-car ceased, some MY24 stock remains available.
Powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine producing 51kW of power and 102Nm of torque, the Fiat 500 Dolcevita can still be had for $28,900 before on-road costs, while the Abarth 695 remains available from $38,900, powered by a 132kW/250Nm 1.4-litre petrol four.
But when stocks are exhausted, Fiat Australia's only models will be the Ducato van, the Fiat 500e La Prima with an 87kW/220Nm electric motor for $52,500 plus on-roads, and the Abarth 500e with a 134kW/235Nm electric motor, priced from $58,900.
Fiat Australia sold 146 Fiat/Abarth 500/500e vehicles in the first third of this year, down 22 per cent on the same January-April period last year.
MORE: Everything Fiat 500
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The 2026 Fiat 500 Hybrid has been revealed – with a manual transmission – but the Italian brand's first new-generation petrol-powered city car in 18 years is yet to be confirmed for release in Australia, where the old Fiat 500 was axed last year due to slow sales.
Based on the much newer Fiat 500e electric hatch released in 2023, the first Fiat 500 Hybrid looks identical to the pint-size electric hatch apart from a revised grille (covered in camo wrap on the pre-production vehicles you see here) to direct air to its petrol-electric powertrain.
There's also a capless fuel filler to replace the Fiat 500e's rear-quarter charging port.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
It's unclear exactly which electrified petrol engine will power the new Fiat 500, but it's expected to be the same 1.0-litre three-cylinder mild-hybrid Firefly unit seen in the old Fiat Panda, and overseas versions of the Fiat 500 since 2020.
The appearance of a six-speed manual gear selector in these images rules out the 1.2-litre three-cylinder mild-hybrid Puretech engine employed by a variety of Stellantis models including the new Fiat Grande Panda, which is fitted only with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Fiat says production of the 500 Hybrid is on target to begin at its Mirafiori plant outside Turin in November, ahead of first deliveries across Europe.
Once at full capacity, annual production is expected to be more than 100,000 units, with at least 70 per cent of that due to be exported outside Italy.
Fiat's unprecedented move to retrofit a battery-electric vehicle (EV) with a combustion engine not only gives it a replacement for the 17-year-old Fiat 500 that was discontinued to due EU cybersecurity legislation, but increases the output of its Mirafiori factory amid slow sales of the 500e and its Abarth 500e hot hatch sister model, production of which was paused to meet demand last year.
"500 hybrid offers affordable electrification and iconic style, proof that social relevance is at the core of the brand mission," said Fiat CEO and Stellantis Global CMO, Olivier Francois.
"With the 500 Hybrid, we are strengthening production at Mirafiori to ensure the plant's productivity and meet the demand. Our roots are in Italy and it's no coincidence that the two most iconic Fiat are made here: the Panda in Pomigliano and the 500 in Mirafiori."
Previously, Fiat said it would also invest €100 million (A$173.7m) into future development the 500e, including a redesigned platform to accommodate new battery technologies that aim to improve its affordability.
An upgraded version of the 500e is therefore expected around 2026.
While the Fiat 500 was discontinued in Australia in mid-2024, when further imports of the petrol-powered micro-car ceased, some MY24 stock remains available.
Powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine producing 51kW of power and 102Nm of torque, the Fiat 500 Dolcevita can still be had for $28,900 before on-road costs, while the Abarth 695 remains available from $38,900, powered by a 132kW/250Nm 1.4-litre petrol four.
But when stocks are exhausted, Fiat Australia's only models will be the Ducato van, the Fiat 500e La Prima with an 87kW/220Nm electric motor for $52,500 plus on-roads, and the Abarth 500e with a 134kW/235Nm electric motor, priced from $58,900.
Fiat Australia sold 146 Fiat/Abarth 500/500e vehicles in the first third of this year, down 22 per cent on the same January-April period last year.
MORE: Everything Fiat 500
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The 2026 Fiat 500 Hybrid has been revealed – with a manual transmission – but the Italian brand's first new-generation petrol-powered city car in 18 years is yet to be confirmed for release in Australia, where the old Fiat 500 was axed last year due to slow sales.
Based on the much newer Fiat 500e electric hatch released in 2023, the first Fiat 500 Hybrid looks identical to the pint-size electric hatch apart from a revised grille (covered in camo wrap on the pre-production vehicles you see here) to direct air to its petrol-electric powertrain.
There's also a capless fuel filler to replace the Fiat 500e's rear-quarter charging port.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
It's unclear exactly which electrified petrol engine will power the new Fiat 500, but it's expected to be the same 1.0-litre three-cylinder mild-hybrid Firefly unit seen in the old Fiat Panda, and overseas versions of the Fiat 500 since 2020.
The appearance of a six-speed manual gear selector in these images rules out the 1.2-litre three-cylinder mild-hybrid Puretech engine employed by a variety of Stellantis models including the new Fiat Grande Panda, which is fitted only with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Fiat says production of the 500 Hybrid is on target to begin at its Mirafiori plant outside Turin in November, ahead of first deliveries across Europe.
Once at full capacity, annual production is expected to be more than 100,000 units, with at least 70 per cent of that due to be exported outside Italy.
Fiat's unprecedented move to retrofit a battery-electric vehicle (EV) with a combustion engine not only gives it a replacement for the 17-year-old Fiat 500 that was discontinued to due EU cybersecurity legislation, but increases the output of its Mirafiori factory amid slow sales of the 500e and its Abarth 500e hot hatch sister model, production of which was paused to meet demand last year.
"500 hybrid offers affordable electrification and iconic style, proof that social relevance is at the core of the brand mission," said Fiat CEO and Stellantis Global CMO, Olivier Francois.
"With the 500 Hybrid, we are strengthening production at Mirafiori to ensure the plant's productivity and meet the demand. Our roots are in Italy and it's no coincidence that the two most iconic Fiat are made here: the Panda in Pomigliano and the 500 in Mirafiori."
Previously, Fiat said it would also invest €100 million (A$173.7m) into future development the 500e, including a redesigned platform to accommodate new battery technologies that aim to improve its affordability.
An upgraded version of the 500e is therefore expected around 2026.
While the Fiat 500 was discontinued in Australia in mid-2024, when further imports of the petrol-powered micro-car ceased, some MY24 stock remains available.
Powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine producing 51kW of power and 102Nm of torque, the Fiat 500 Dolcevita can still be had for $28,900 before on-road costs, while the Abarth 695 remains available from $38,900, powered by a 132kW/250Nm 1.4-litre petrol four.
But when stocks are exhausted, Fiat Australia's only models will be the Ducato van, the Fiat 500e La Prima with an 87kW/220Nm electric motor for $52,500 plus on-roads, and the Abarth 500e with a 134kW/235Nm electric motor, priced from $58,900.
Fiat Australia sold 146 Fiat/Abarth 500/500e vehicles in the first third of this year, down 22 per cent on the same January-April period last year.
MORE: Everything Fiat 500
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
7 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Car insurance premiums are still increasing, just not as quickly
New data published by Canstar shows car insurance premiums have increased by 5.8 per cent or $122 this year – up from an average annual fee of $2104 in 2024 to $2226 in 2025. While that's a much smaller increase than the 30.5 per cent average price hike in 2024, insurance premiums vary significantly depending on the state or territory in which you live, as well as your age, sex and driving record, and of course the type of vehicle you're insuring. Canstar's 2025 Car Insurance Star Ratings and Awards is based on the analysis of over 67,000 full comprehensive policy quotes for both new and used cars in a range of scenarios, and with a state-specific target excesses ranging from $800 to $1000. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The data shows that, on average, Victorians pay the most for their comprehensive car insurance, at $2940 per annum. They have also been hit with the biggest annual increase, with premiums rising by an average of $225 or 8.3 per cent year-on-year. When it comes to driver types, mature drivers experienced the biggest price hikes, with an average increase of 6.5 per cent in their comprehensive cover over the past year. But the highest car insurance prices overall continue to be paid by young male drivers under 25, who face average annual premiums exceeding $3000 because their higher accident rates make them a greater risk for insurers. Canstar says someone paying an average premium of $2226 who switches to one of its top-rated policies could potentially save up to $692 or 31.1 per cent in one year, while drivers who switch to a five-star rated policy in Victoria stand to save more than those in any other state – $967 or 32.9 per cent on average. In terms of driver types, it's families who stand to save the most (more than $1000) by switching to a five-star policy as rated by Canstar, followed closely by young male drivers. "This year's premium increases might not have been as steep as previous years for many drivers, but a 5.8 per cent hike isn't exactly easy to swallow," said Canstar's data insights director Sally Tindall. "One of the biggest mistakes drivers can make is viewing their annual renewal notice as a tick and flick exercise. Instead, your notice should be seen as a reminder to do a quick comparison. "Our research shows drivers taking out a new policy can potentially save $692 by switching from an average priced premium to a Canstar top-rated one. That's an average saving – those who have copped price hikes from their insurer for years could stand to save even more." Based on the 51 products it examined from 43 insurers as part of its 2025 Car Insurance Ratings and Awards, Canstar identified six providers that offered outstanding value to Australian drivers both nationally and by state/territory, based on a comprehensive comparison of price and policy features. It also nominated one that offered the highest claims satisfaction and claims features nationwide. Outstanding Value Award: Bingle, Budget Direct, ING, ROLLiN' Insurance, Virgin MoneyQLD, NSW, VIC, TAS, SA: ROLLiN' InsuranceWestern Australia: BingleNorthern Territory: Australia PostMost Satisfied Customers Car Insurance Claims: RAA "When shopping around for insurance, price is important, however, it's not necessarily about getting the lowest price policy in town. You want to be looking for value for money, that is, a decent level of cover at a competitive price," continued Ms Tindall. "The research team at Canstar has compared an astonishing 67,000 quotes across 43 different providers, assessing both the cost and what's included for each one to help drivers identify good-value options. "There are also other ways to reduce your premium, like increasing your excess, removing additional drivers who no longer use the car and maintaining a clean driving record. "It's also worth checking if your insurer offers discounts for infrequent and safe drivers. For example, ROLLiN' Insurance uses a 'Safe 'n' Save' app that assesses things like a driver's acceleration and braking with a discount of up to 15 per cent on offer based on your score. "For people on an ultra-tight budget, the temptation might be to ditch their comprehensive insurance altogether, however, a quick check could potentially see you keep your insurance, with a higher level of cover at a lower price – all in one simple switch." Content originally sourced from: New data published by Canstar shows car insurance premiums have increased by 5.8 per cent or $122 this year – up from an average annual fee of $2104 in 2024 to $2226 in 2025. While that's a much smaller increase than the 30.5 per cent average price hike in 2024, insurance premiums vary significantly depending on the state or territory in which you live, as well as your age, sex and driving record, and of course the type of vehicle you're insuring. Canstar's 2025 Car Insurance Star Ratings and Awards is based on the analysis of over 67,000 full comprehensive policy quotes for both new and used cars in a range of scenarios, and with a state-specific target excesses ranging from $800 to $1000. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The data shows that, on average, Victorians pay the most for their comprehensive car insurance, at $2940 per annum. They have also been hit with the biggest annual increase, with premiums rising by an average of $225 or 8.3 per cent year-on-year. When it comes to driver types, mature drivers experienced the biggest price hikes, with an average increase of 6.5 per cent in their comprehensive cover over the past year. But the highest car insurance prices overall continue to be paid by young male drivers under 25, who face average annual premiums exceeding $3000 because their higher accident rates make them a greater risk for insurers. Canstar says someone paying an average premium of $2226 who switches to one of its top-rated policies could potentially save up to $692 or 31.1 per cent in one year, while drivers who switch to a five-star rated policy in Victoria stand to save more than those in any other state – $967 or 32.9 per cent on average. In terms of driver types, it's families who stand to save the most (more than $1000) by switching to a five-star policy as rated by Canstar, followed closely by young male drivers. "This year's premium increases might not have been as steep as previous years for many drivers, but a 5.8 per cent hike isn't exactly easy to swallow," said Canstar's data insights director Sally Tindall. "One of the biggest mistakes drivers can make is viewing their annual renewal notice as a tick and flick exercise. Instead, your notice should be seen as a reminder to do a quick comparison. "Our research shows drivers taking out a new policy can potentially save $692 by switching from an average priced premium to a Canstar top-rated one. That's an average saving – those who have copped price hikes from their insurer for years could stand to save even more." Based on the 51 products it examined from 43 insurers as part of its 2025 Car Insurance Ratings and Awards, Canstar identified six providers that offered outstanding value to Australian drivers both nationally and by state/territory, based on a comprehensive comparison of price and policy features. It also nominated one that offered the highest claims satisfaction and claims features nationwide. Outstanding Value Award: Bingle, Budget Direct, ING, ROLLiN' Insurance, Virgin MoneyQLD, NSW, VIC, TAS, SA: ROLLiN' InsuranceWestern Australia: BingleNorthern Territory: Australia PostMost Satisfied Customers Car Insurance Claims: RAA "When shopping around for insurance, price is important, however, it's not necessarily about getting the lowest price policy in town. You want to be looking for value for money, that is, a decent level of cover at a competitive price," continued Ms Tindall. "The research team at Canstar has compared an astonishing 67,000 quotes across 43 different providers, assessing both the cost and what's included for each one to help drivers identify good-value options. "There are also other ways to reduce your premium, like increasing your excess, removing additional drivers who no longer use the car and maintaining a clean driving record. "It's also worth checking if your insurer offers discounts for infrequent and safe drivers. For example, ROLLiN' Insurance uses a 'Safe 'n' Save' app that assesses things like a driver's acceleration and braking with a discount of up to 15 per cent on offer based on your score. "For people on an ultra-tight budget, the temptation might be to ditch their comprehensive insurance altogether, however, a quick check could potentially see you keep your insurance, with a higher level of cover at a lower price – all in one simple switch." Content originally sourced from: New data published by Canstar shows car insurance premiums have increased by 5.8 per cent or $122 this year – up from an average annual fee of $2104 in 2024 to $2226 in 2025. While that's a much smaller increase than the 30.5 per cent average price hike in 2024, insurance premiums vary significantly depending on the state or territory in which you live, as well as your age, sex and driving record, and of course the type of vehicle you're insuring. Canstar's 2025 Car Insurance Star Ratings and Awards is based on the analysis of over 67,000 full comprehensive policy quotes for both new and used cars in a range of scenarios, and with a state-specific target excesses ranging from $800 to $1000. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The data shows that, on average, Victorians pay the most for their comprehensive car insurance, at $2940 per annum. They have also been hit with the biggest annual increase, with premiums rising by an average of $225 or 8.3 per cent year-on-year. When it comes to driver types, mature drivers experienced the biggest price hikes, with an average increase of 6.5 per cent in their comprehensive cover over the past year. But the highest car insurance prices overall continue to be paid by young male drivers under 25, who face average annual premiums exceeding $3000 because their higher accident rates make them a greater risk for insurers. Canstar says someone paying an average premium of $2226 who switches to one of its top-rated policies could potentially save up to $692 or 31.1 per cent in one year, while drivers who switch to a five-star rated policy in Victoria stand to save more than those in any other state – $967 or 32.9 per cent on average. In terms of driver types, it's families who stand to save the most (more than $1000) by switching to a five-star policy as rated by Canstar, followed closely by young male drivers. "This year's premium increases might not have been as steep as previous years for many drivers, but a 5.8 per cent hike isn't exactly easy to swallow," said Canstar's data insights director Sally Tindall. "One of the biggest mistakes drivers can make is viewing their annual renewal notice as a tick and flick exercise. Instead, your notice should be seen as a reminder to do a quick comparison. "Our research shows drivers taking out a new policy can potentially save $692 by switching from an average priced premium to a Canstar top-rated one. That's an average saving – those who have copped price hikes from their insurer for years could stand to save even more." Based on the 51 products it examined from 43 insurers as part of its 2025 Car Insurance Ratings and Awards, Canstar identified six providers that offered outstanding value to Australian drivers both nationally and by state/territory, based on a comprehensive comparison of price and policy features. It also nominated one that offered the highest claims satisfaction and claims features nationwide. Outstanding Value Award: Bingle, Budget Direct, ING, ROLLiN' Insurance, Virgin MoneyQLD, NSW, VIC, TAS, SA: ROLLiN' InsuranceWestern Australia: BingleNorthern Territory: Australia PostMost Satisfied Customers Car Insurance Claims: RAA "When shopping around for insurance, price is important, however, it's not necessarily about getting the lowest price policy in town. You want to be looking for value for money, that is, a decent level of cover at a competitive price," continued Ms Tindall. "The research team at Canstar has compared an astonishing 67,000 quotes across 43 different providers, assessing both the cost and what's included for each one to help drivers identify good-value options. "There are also other ways to reduce your premium, like increasing your excess, removing additional drivers who no longer use the car and maintaining a clean driving record. "It's also worth checking if your insurer offers discounts for infrequent and safe drivers. For example, ROLLiN' Insurance uses a 'Safe 'n' Save' app that assesses things like a driver's acceleration and braking with a discount of up to 15 per cent on offer based on your score. "For people on an ultra-tight budget, the temptation might be to ditch their comprehensive insurance altogether, however, a quick check could potentially see you keep your insurance, with a higher level of cover at a lower price – all in one simple switch." Content originally sourced from: New data published by Canstar shows car insurance premiums have increased by 5.8 per cent or $122 this year – up from an average annual fee of $2104 in 2024 to $2226 in 2025. While that's a much smaller increase than the 30.5 per cent average price hike in 2024, insurance premiums vary significantly depending on the state or territory in which you live, as well as your age, sex and driving record, and of course the type of vehicle you're insuring. Canstar's 2025 Car Insurance Star Ratings and Awards is based on the analysis of over 67,000 full comprehensive policy quotes for both new and used cars in a range of scenarios, and with a state-specific target excesses ranging from $800 to $1000. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The data shows that, on average, Victorians pay the most for their comprehensive car insurance, at $2940 per annum. They have also been hit with the biggest annual increase, with premiums rising by an average of $225 or 8.3 per cent year-on-year. When it comes to driver types, mature drivers experienced the biggest price hikes, with an average increase of 6.5 per cent in their comprehensive cover over the past year. But the highest car insurance prices overall continue to be paid by young male drivers under 25, who face average annual premiums exceeding $3000 because their higher accident rates make them a greater risk for insurers. Canstar says someone paying an average premium of $2226 who switches to one of its top-rated policies could potentially save up to $692 or 31.1 per cent in one year, while drivers who switch to a five-star rated policy in Victoria stand to save more than those in any other state – $967 or 32.9 per cent on average. In terms of driver types, it's families who stand to save the most (more than $1000) by switching to a five-star policy as rated by Canstar, followed closely by young male drivers. "This year's premium increases might not have been as steep as previous years for many drivers, but a 5.8 per cent hike isn't exactly easy to swallow," said Canstar's data insights director Sally Tindall. "One of the biggest mistakes drivers can make is viewing their annual renewal notice as a tick and flick exercise. Instead, your notice should be seen as a reminder to do a quick comparison. "Our research shows drivers taking out a new policy can potentially save $692 by switching from an average priced premium to a Canstar top-rated one. That's an average saving – those who have copped price hikes from their insurer for years could stand to save even more." Based on the 51 products it examined from 43 insurers as part of its 2025 Car Insurance Ratings and Awards, Canstar identified six providers that offered outstanding value to Australian drivers both nationally and by state/territory, based on a comprehensive comparison of price and policy features. It also nominated one that offered the highest claims satisfaction and claims features nationwide. Outstanding Value Award: Bingle, Budget Direct, ING, ROLLiN' Insurance, Virgin MoneyQLD, NSW, VIC, TAS, SA: ROLLiN' InsuranceWestern Australia: BingleNorthern Territory: Australia PostMost Satisfied Customers Car Insurance Claims: RAA "When shopping around for insurance, price is important, however, it's not necessarily about getting the lowest price policy in town. You want to be looking for value for money, that is, a decent level of cover at a competitive price," continued Ms Tindall. "The research team at Canstar has compared an astonishing 67,000 quotes across 43 different providers, assessing both the cost and what's included for each one to help drivers identify good-value options. "There are also other ways to reduce your premium, like increasing your excess, removing additional drivers who no longer use the car and maintaining a clean driving record. "It's also worth checking if your insurer offers discounts for infrequent and safe drivers. For example, ROLLiN' Insurance uses a 'Safe 'n' Save' app that assesses things like a driver's acceleration and braking with a discount of up to 15 per cent on offer based on your score. "For people on an ultra-tight budget, the temptation might be to ditch their comprehensive insurance altogether, however, a quick check could potentially see you keep your insurance, with a higher level of cover at a lower price – all in one simple switch." Content originally sourced from:
West Australian
10 hours ago
- West Australian
Polestar offers end of financial year discounts of up to $29,000
Polestar is offering sizeable end of year discounts across its three-model electric vehicle (EV) lineup until June 30, 2025 or while stocks last. A free Plus Pack upgrade is now available for selected pre-configured Polestar 3 large SUV, Polestar 4 mid-size SUV and 2025 Polestar 2 fastback vehicles ordered between June 2 and June 30, 2025, and delivered by July 31, 2025. Polestar says that for vehicle configurations with or without the Plus Pack, an equivalent discount will be applied, ie: $3900 for the MY25 Polestar 2, $8000 for the Polestar 4 and $9000 for the Polestar 3. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now . The Plus Pack discount offer cannot be combined with any other Polestar campaign incentives, fleet incentives, finance offers, or discounts, except for the Drivetrain Upgrade now also available for pre-configured Polestar 3s. Indeed the biggest discounts are reserved for the Polestar 3 flagship electric SUV, in the form of a free dual-motor powertrain valued at up to $20,000, in addition to the free Plus Pack upgrade valued at $9000. Polestar 3 buyers will therefore not only receive a Long range Dual motor version for the price of a Long range Single motor, but also a complimentary Plus pack bringing several interior, exterior, comfort and charging upgrades. Among the pre-configured examples listed as being available in New South Wales on the Polestar Australia website is a MY25 Polestar 3 Long range Dual motor for $115,654 drive-away, rather than $142,954 drive-away – a saving of $27,300. Both the range-wide Plus Pack upgrade and the Polestar 3 drivetrain upgrade applies to all pre-configured vehicles ordered between June 2, 2025 and June 30, 2025, and delivered by July 31, 2025. Buyers of pre-configured MY23 and MY24 Polestar vehicles ordered by June 30 will also pay just $54,000 drive-away for the entry-level rear-wheel drive variant – down from the normal price of $62,400 before on-road costs. Until June 30, Polestar Australia is also offering new customers a $200 saving on the purchase and standard installation of a solar-ready Evnex home charger. End of financial year novated lease deals are also available for the Polestar 2 and Polestar 4, priced from $199 and $249 per week respectively, including running costs. This is based on a fully maintained novated lease administered by Leaselab over a five-year term, after which a residual value of 28.13 per cent of the purchase price is payable.
7NEWS
10 hours ago
- 7NEWS
Polestar offers end of financial year discounts of up to $29,000
Polestar is offering sizeable end of year discounts across its three-model electric vehicle (EV) lineup until June 30, 2025 or while stocks last. A free Plus Pack upgrade is now available for selected pre-configured Polestar 3 large SUV, Polestar 4 mid-size SUV and 2025 Polestar 2 fastback vehicles ordered between June 2 and June 30, 2025, and delivered by July 31, 2025. Polestar says that for vehicle configurations with or without the Plus Pack, an equivalent discount will be applied, ie: $3900 for the MY25 Polestar 2, $8000 for the Polestar 4 and $9000 for the Polestar 3. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The Plus Pack discount offer cannot be combined with any other Polestar campaign incentives, fleet incentives, finance offers, or discounts, except for the Drivetrain Upgrade now also available for pre-configured Polestar 3s. Indeed the biggest discounts are reserved for the Polestar 3 flagship electric SUV, in the form of a free dual-motor powertrain valued at up to $20,000, in addition to the free Plus Pack upgrade valued at $9000. Polestar 3 buyers will therefore not only receive a Long range Dual motor version for the price of a Long range Single motor, but also a complimentary Plus pack bringing several interior, exterior, comfort and charging upgrades. Among the pre-configured examples listed as being available in New South Wales on the Polestar Australia website is a MY25 Polestar 3 Long range Dual motor for $115,654 drive-away, rather than $142,954 drive-away – a saving of $27,300. Both the range-wide Plus Pack upgrade and the Polestar 3 drivetrain upgrade applies to all pre-configured vehicles ordered between June 2, 2025 and June 30, 2025, and delivered by July 31, 2025. Buyers of pre-configured MY23 and MY24 Polestar vehicles ordered by June 30 will also pay just $54,000 drive-away for the entry-level rear-wheel drive variant – down from the normal price of $62,400 before on-road costs. Until June 30, Polestar Australia is also offering new customers a $200 saving on the purchase and standard installation of a solar-ready Evnex home charger. End of financial year novated lease deals are also available for the Polestar 2 and Polestar 4, priced from $199 and $249 per week respectively, including running costs. This is based on a fully maintained novated lease administered by Leaselab over a five-year term, after which a residual value of 28.13 per cent of the purchase price is payable.
