As we roll into 2026, the automotive landscape in Australia is shifting faster than a dual-clutch gearbox. Between the government’s looming review of tax incentives and the arrival of "smarter" safety tech, your car decisions this year could be the difference between a savvy financial move and a missed opportunity.
If you’re looking to upgrade your lifestyle and your bank balance, here are four resolutions to put at the top of your list.
1. Master Your Money with Novated Leasing
If your resolution is to get on top of your finances, it’s time to stop paying for your car with after-tax "pocket money." A Novated Lease allows you to pay for your car’s finance and all its running costs (fuel/charging, insurance, rego, and servicing) using your pre-tax salary.
By reducing your taxable income, you effectively lower the amount of tax you pay each fortnight. It’s like giving yourself a pay rise just for driving to work.
Next Step: Check if your employer offers salary packaging and get a quote to see how much your take-home pay could actually increase.
2. Don’t Let the "Electric Car Discount" Slip Away (FOMO is Real)
The Federal Electric Car Discount has been a game-changer, exempting eligible EVs from Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT). However, the government has officially opened this policy for review as of early 2026.
We’ve already seen Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs) lose their exemption in 2025. With the review now underway, there is no guarantee the full FBT exemption for battery electric vehicles will remain in its current form indefinitely. If you’ve been on the fence, 2026 is the year to act before the window potentially closes. Securing an EV lease now "locks in" the benefit for the duration of your contract.
Discover all eligible EVs in our EV Hub.
3. Safety First: Embrace the 2026 Tech Standards
Safety tech has moved far beyond just airbags. In 2026, ANCAP (the safety rating body) has introduced even stricter "Stages of Safety" protocols. This year’s must-have features include:
Smarter Driver Monitoring: Systems that can tell the difference between a quick glance at the mirrors and genuine fatigue.
Post-Crash Safety: Features that automatically isolate EV batteries and alert emergency services with your precise location (eCall).
Vulnerable Road User Detection: Advanced AI that recognizes pedestrians and cyclists in wet weather or low-light conditions.
Upgrading to a vehicle with the latest 2026 safety standards isn't just about peace of mind, it also helps preserve your car's future resale value.
4. Optimize the Car You Already Own (Sale and Leaseback)
You don’t necessarily need a new car to reap the benefits of a novated lease. If you love the car currently sitting in your driveway, a Sale and Leaseback is a brilliant financial hack.
Our financier buys your car from you at its current market value (putting cash straight into your pocket) and then leases it back to you via a novated arrangement. You keep the same keys and the same car, but you suddenly gain all the tax-saving benefits of salary packaging. It’s the ultimate way to unlock the equity in your car while slashing your daily running costs.
Ready to make 2026 your most efficient year on the road?