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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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