Omari Gates
Australian police cars have evolved over the years, from the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon to today's diverse fleet, which includes electric cars. In 2024, the Northern Territory's police force welcomed the Subaru WRX, while the Queensland Police adopted the MG HS PHEV as part of their move towards electrification. In general, Australian police cars are largely made up of German, Japanese, and South Korean models, with a focus on safety, braking, handling, and the ability to carry required equipment. While most police cars in Australia seem to have floor-mounted gear shifts, some states have adopted automatic transmission, such as the ACT Police, who acquired BMW X3 M40i vehicles with automatic number plate recognition systems.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Models | Hyundai Sonata, Volkswagen Tiguan, BMW 530d, BMW X5, Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series, Isuzu D-Max, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia Stinger, Volkswagen Passat, Hyundai Staria, Subaru WRX, Ford Ranger, MG HS PHEV, BMW X3 M40i, Subaru Liberty, Nissan Pathfinder, Holden Commodore, Ford Falcon |
| Engine | V8 |
| Fuel | Electric |
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What You'll Learn
- Australian police cars have shifted from Holden Commodores and Ford Falcons to international models
- German, Japanese and South Korean models are now common, including Hyundai, Volkswagen and BMW
- Some Australian police cars are electric, like the Hyundai Ioniq 6
- Australian Federal Police have used Nissan Pathfinders
- Automatic transmission is a prerequisite for NSW police cars
Australian police cars have shifted from Holden Commodores and Ford Falcons to international models
Australian police cars have traditionally been Holden Commodores and Ford Falcons, with powerful V8 engines. However, with Holden and Ford ceasing their Australian manufacturing operations, police fleets have had to shift to new vehicles, including imported alternatives from various international brands. This marks a significant change in the country's highway patrol fleets, moving away from the iconic Australian-made police interceptors that have been a fixture in the collective Australian psyche.
The Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon were renowned for their high-performance capabilities, often sharing DNA with manufacturers' high-performance showroom cars. They were built to withstand the rigorous demands of police use, with enhanced hardware such as upgraded brakes, lowered and stiffened suspensions, and additional engine and transmission cooling capacity. These vehicles were specifically designed to handle the rapid acceleration, high-speed chases, and heavy braking associated with police patrol duties.
However, with the discontinuation of these models, police forces across Australia have had to adapt. The Western Australia Police Force, for instance, has adopted the Volkswagen Touareg R, a turbo-petrol plug-in hybrid, as their new patrol fleet, touting increased power, safety, and performance. Other states have also embraced diversity in their fleets, with a range of models from different auto brands. These include vehicles like the BMW 340i xDrive, Subaru WRX, and various electric and plug-in hybrid options.
The shift from Holden Commodores and Ford Falcons to international models reflects the evolving nature of Australian police fleets. While the Commodores and Falcons were once the mainstay of local state police forces, the new imported alternatives offer different features and capabilities that cater to the specific needs of modern policing. This transition also aligns with the increasing focus on electrification, with some states already evaluating and incorporating electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles into their fleets.
The move towards international models has brought about a mix of reactions. While some appreciate the updated features and performance of the new models, others have noted shortcomings in their policing practicality. For instance, one issue reported by the Victorian Police is a spate of flat batteries in their new vehicles, leaving them stranded at the scene of call-outs. Nonetheless, the shift towards international models in Australian police fleets is indicative of the changing automotive landscape and the need to adapt to evolving circumstances.
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German, Japanese and South Korean models are now common, including Hyundai, Volkswagen and BMW
Australian police cars have evolved over the years, with German, Japanese, and South Korean models now making up a large part of the fleet. This shift follows the discontinuation of the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon police fleets. The new models include Hyundai, Volkswagen, and BMW.
Hyundai, a South Korean car manufacturer, has become a common sight in Australia's police fleet. The Hyundai Sonata is widely used for general duties, while the Hyundai Ioniq 5 has been employed for community engagement and conversation starter roles. In South Australia, the Hyundai Staria serves as a cage vehicle and crime scene model, and the Hyundai Nexo is utilised by the Cantonal Police in St. Gallen.
Volkswagen, a German automotive brand, is also prevalent in Australia's police force. The Volkswagen Tiguan is a popular choice for general duties and frontline operations in Victoria and South Australia. Additionally, the Volkswagen Passat has been utilised by the police in Northern Territory and New South Wales.
BMW, a German luxury carmaker, has made its mark on Australia's highways. The BMW 530d is a common sight for highway patrol, and the BMW X5 SUV is favoured by Victoria's Highway Patrol division. The BMW 3-Series and 5-Series, with their rear- and all-wheel drive capabilities, are also utilised by Australian police, mirroring their use in the UK and German police forces.
While the Australian police fleet has diversified, it's worth noting that Holden and Ford models still play a role. The Holden Commodore, in its long-wheelbase form, replaced the Ford Crown Victoria in Dubai, and the Ford Ranger is set to become the new divvy van in Queensland and South Australia.
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Some Australian police cars are electric, like the Hyundai Ioniq 6
Australian police cars have evolved over the years, from the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon to a more diverse fleet of international models. The demise of local car manufacturing has led to a shift towards German, Japanese, and South Korean vehicles.
In recent years, there has been a push to electrify police fleets, with some states adopting electric vehicles (EVs) for their patrols. One notable example is the Hyundai Ioniq 6, which joined the Nepean Police Force in New South Wales in 2024. The Ioniq 6 is used by the Crime Prevention Unit for community engagement and daily duties, bearing the license plate "EV COP". While it is not a permanent addition to the fleet, being on loan from Hyundai, it represents a step towards electrification.
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is not the first electric vehicle adopted by Australian police forces. In 2021, NSW Police became the first Australian law enforcement agency to trial an all-electric model, the Hyundai Kona, for its fleet. Additionally, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 has been used by the NSW police, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Toyota Mirai hydrogen car have joined the WA police force. Queensland Police are also electrifying their fleet, with their first electric car, the MG HS PHEV.
The introduction of electric vehicles into police fleets is a significant development, showcasing a commitment to sustainability and innovation. While there may be initial concerns about the range and performance of electric police cars, the adoption of these vehicles demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to law enforcement and community engagement.
Australian police forces are embracing a diverse range of vehicles, including electric cars, to meet their operational needs and stay ahead of the curve. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 is a testament to this evolution, offering a modern and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional patrol cars.
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Australian Federal Police have used Nissan Pathfinders
Australian police cars have evolved over the years, with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) even using Nissan Pathfinders. The AFP is responsible for protecting Australians from hatred, discrimination, and prejudice, as well as investigating threats, violence, and human rights violations. They play a crucial role in combating terrorism and keeping Australians safe.
The AFP's use of Nissan Pathfinders aligns with the diverse range of vehicles adopted by Australian police forces. Following the discontinuation of iconic models like the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon, police fleets have transitioned to various performance, off-road, hybrid, and electric cars. This evolution in police vehicles reflects the changing landscape of the automotive industry and the need for adaptable and efficient solutions.
The Nissan Pathfinder is a versatile and capable vehicle that suits the varied requirements of law enforcement agencies. In the UK, the British Transport Police (BTP) has also chosen the Nissan Pathfinder for its fleet. The BTP, with its unique railway policing demands, values the Pathfinder's smooth performance on roads and its practicality and durability off-road. The vehicle's lower centre of gravity and Nissan's ALL MODE 4x4 system provide maximum traction, making it well-suited for rapid response and rugged terrain.
The Nissan Pathfinder has been modified to meet the specific needs of police forces. Sirens, lights, and extra racking are installed to meet stringent police specifications. The Pathfinder's 2.5dCi 174PS engine delivers both performance and fuel efficiency, accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in 11.5 seconds while achieving up to 31.4 mpg. This combination of power and efficiency ensures that the Pathfinder can keep up with the demanding nature of police work.
The Australian Federal Police's use of Nissan Pathfinders showcases the adaptability and versatility of police fleets. By adopting vehicles like the Nissan Pathfinder, the AFP gains a reliable and capable partner in their crucial work of protecting the Australian community. The Pathfinder's performance, durability, and adaptability contribute to the effectiveness of police operations, ensuring that officers have the tools they need to serve and protect the public.
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Automatic transmission is a prerequisite for NSW police cars
The transmission system of a car is a critical component, determining how the engine's power gets to the wheels. While manual transmission vehicles were once the norm, automatic transmission systems have become increasingly prevalent, offering convenience and ease of use. This shift towards automatic vehicles is also evident in police fleets, with NSW police cars in Australia being a notable example.
NSW police cars have specific requirements, and one of the key prerequisites is that they are fitted with automatic transmission. This requirement is in place for several reasons. Firstly, automatic transmission vehicles offer advantages in terms of responsiveness and ease of operation. In a high-speed chase or emergency response situation, an automatic transmission vehicle allows the officer to focus solely on navigating and operating the vehicle without the added complexity of manual gear shifting. This can be crucial in ensuring quick reaction times and efficient handling.
Additionally, the nature of police work often involves multitasking, such as operating various equipment, communicating via radio, and monitoring surroundings. Automatic transmission vehicles alleviate the burden of manual gear shifting, allowing officers to better manage these concurrent tasks. This is particularly relevant for NSW police cars, which are often equipped with advanced technology, including speed-catching devices, computer terminals, and various lights and buttons. By eliminating the need for manual gear changes, automatic transmission enhances the overall efficiency of the police force's operations.
The durability and longevity of police vehicles are also important considerations. NSW police cars typically have a fleet life of around three years or 90,000 km before they are replaced. Automatic transmission vehicles tend to experience less driver-induced wear and tear, especially in high-stress situations, which can contribute to longer vehicle lifespans. This helps ensure that the police fleet remains reliable and roadworthy throughout its service life.
Furthermore, the prerequisite for automatic transmission in NSW police cars aligns with the force's exploration of alternative fuel options. As NSW Police seek to incorporate more sustainable options, such as electric and hybrid vehicles, automatic transmission becomes even more pertinent. Most electric and hybrid vehicles are designed with automatic transmission, making this combination a natural fit for the force's evolving fleet composition.
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Frequently asked questions
Australian police cars are automatic.
Australian police cars have traditionally been Holden Commodores and Ford Falcons, but since the end of local manufacturing, the fleet has become more diverse. It now includes German, Japanese, and South Korean models, such as the Hyundai Sonata, Volkswagen Tiguan, and BMW 530d.
Other models used by Australian police include the Volvo XC90, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Audi, Chrysler, and Subaru Liberty. Some states also use four-wheel drives like the Toyota LandCruiser and Ford Ranger for regional locations.
Yes, New South Wales Police have trialled all-electric models like the Hyundai Kona and Hyundai Ioniq 6 electric sedan for community engagement and crime prevention duties.
Australian police consider safety, braking, and handling, ease of operations, and the ability to carry required equipment when choosing car models. They also prefer five-star ANCAP-rated vehicles to maximise officer safety.
