Lexi Webster
Australian police cars have evolved over the years, from the Ford Falcon to the Holden Commodore, and now to a more diverse range of vehicles. While some states still use Commodores, others have transitioned to new models like the BMW 530d and Chrysler SRT8. With the rise of electric cars, police forces in Australia are exploring alternate fuel options, and some have already added electric vehicles to their fleets. Additionally, to suit different operational needs, police forces utilize a range of vehicles for various duties, including marked and unmarked sedans, SUVs, commercial vehicles, and four-wheel drives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Models | Hyundai Sonata, Volkswagen Tiguan, BMW 530d, Holden Commodore, Ford Falcon, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Porsche 911, Subaru WRX, Kia Stinger, Volkswagen Passat, Ford Ranger, MG HS PHEV, Kia Sorento Sport AWD, Toyota RAV4 AWD GX Hybrid, Subaru Outback Sport XT Turbo, LandCruiser 300 Series, Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux 70 Series, Suzuki Jimny |
| Colours | Unified white paint with blue and white checkered accents |
| Speed | The Subaru WRX can reach speeds of up to 155 mph |
| Gearbox | Five-speed manual gearbox and four-speed automatic transmission |
| Other features | Emergency lights, dual-battery system, rifle mount with electronic release, automatic license plate recognition software, advanced speed radar, lightbar with messaging board, number-plate recognition systems, radios |
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What You'll Learn
Australian police cars are now internationally diverse
Australian police cars have evolved significantly over the years, transitioning from the iconic Ford Falcons and Holden Commodores to a diverse range of international models. The end of local manufacturing for these once-popular vehicles prompted police commissioners to explore alternative options, leading to a notable shift towards internationally diverse fleets.
Today, Australian police forces utilise a variety of German, Japanese, and South Korean models, showcasing the global nature of their vehicle choices. This diversity is exemplified by the presence of German brands such as BMW and Volkswagen, with the BMW 530d becoming a common sight on Australian highways. The Hyundai Sonata, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Volkswagen Tiguan have also been adopted for general duties, reflecting the increasing variety of makes and models.
In their pursuit of high-performance vehicles, Australian police forces have embraced the Subaru WRX, which boasts a top speed of 155 mph and is specifically designed to meet the needs of law enforcement. These Subarus are customised with emergency lights, a dual-battery system, rifle mounts, and advanced speed radar technology. The introduction of the Subaru WRX marks a significant upgrade from the previously used Kia Stingers and Volkswagen Passats.
Additionally, electric and hybrid vehicles are making their way into police fleets, with New South Wales Police leading the way by trialling the all-electric Hyundai Kona in 2021 and adding a Hyundai Ioniq 6 electric sedan to their Crime Prevention Unit in 2024. This shift towards alternative fuel sources demonstrates the Australian police's commitment to exploring innovative and environmentally conscious options.
The international diversity of Australian police cars extends beyond the aforementioned brands, with South Australia Police utilising a mix of Kia, Toyota, and Subaru models for general policing duties. Furthermore, the Lake Macquarie Police District Crime Prevention Unit has introduced a Suzuki Jimny, a compact SUV that has gained attention for its unique design and custom livery.
In summary, Australian police cars have undergone a transformation, moving away from solely relying on homegrown models to embracing a diverse range of international vehicles. This evolution has resulted in a fleet that showcases the best of German, Japanese, and South Korean automotive engineering, adapted to meet the specific needs of law enforcement agencies across Australia.
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The Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon are no longer in production
The Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon were once staples of Australian roads, but their production has since ended, marking a shift in the automotive landscape. These cars were popular choices not only for civilians but also for police fleets, and their discontinuation has led to a more diverse range of vehicles in Australia's police forces.
The Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon were iconic Australian-made cars that enjoyed decades of success. However, their production came to an end in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Over 3 million Ford Falcons were manufactured over seven generations, almost exclusively sold in Australia and New Zealand. The Holden Commodore, with its Australian-made rival, the Commodore, also had a significant production run, with 3.1 million units built over five generations.
The end of production for these cars was a significant change, especially for loyal fans who had flocked to these models for years. The decline in sales for these once-popular family sedans signalled a shift in consumer preferences towards SUVs and utes. While the Falcon and Commodore struggled to keep up with changing demands, other models like the Mazda6 faced similar fates, phasing out without a direct replacement.
The impact of this change was felt by Australian police forces as well. The Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon were commonly used as police vehicles, and their discontinuation led to a notable shift in police fleets. Australian police cars have since become more diverse, with a range of performance, off-road, hybrid, and electric vehicles being added to domestic fleets. Police forces have also explored the use of alternate fuel vehicles, with electric cars being introduced for specific purposes, such as community engagement.
While the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon are no longer in production, they left a lasting impact on Australia's roads and continue to be fondly remembered by those who once drove them.
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Australian police cars are now electric and hybrid
Australian police cars have evolved over the years, with recent additions including electric and hybrid vehicles. The shift towards electrification is evident, with several state and territory police forces incorporating these models into their fleets.
In 2024, New South Wales Police deployed a Hyundai Ioniq 6 electric sedan for its Crime Prevention Unit, marking a step towards electrification. While this vehicle is on loan and intended for community engagement, NSW Police previously trialled the all-electric Hyundai Kona in 2021, showcasing their interest in exploring alternative fuel options.
Queensland Police have also embraced electrification, partnering with MG to electrify their fleet with hybrid cars. Additionally, South Australia Police have included electric vehicles in their fleet, with five EVs comprising two Hyundai Kona Electric and three Hyundai Ioniq models. These electric vehicles are used alongside Toyota Camry and Toyota RAV4 hybrids for administrative purposes.
The transition to electric and hybrid police cars in Australia is a notable development, indicating a recognition of the environmental and technological benefits of these vehicles. However, concerns about range and charging infrastructure have been raised, highlighting potential challenges in the adoption of electric cars for emergency services.
Australian police car fleets have traditionally featured iconic models such as the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon. With the discontinuation of these vehicles, police forces have diversified, incorporating German, Japanese, and South Korean models. The move towards electric and hybrid options showcases a commitment to innovation and sustainability in Australia's police forces.
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Police cars are modified for technical gadgets and safety
Australian police cars have evolved over the years, with recent models being modified for technical capabilities and safety. The cars are generally modified to meet the requirements of frontline operations and to ensure the safety of the officers.
The latest addition to the Australian police fleet is the 2024 Subaru WRX, which can reach speeds of up to 155 mph. These cars are designed to be safe and efficient, with features such as emergency lights, a dual-battery system, rifle mounts, automatic license plate recognition software, advanced speed radar, and a lightbar with a messaging board.
Other technical gadgets include number-plate recognition systems and radios. Some police cars are also being temporarily added to the fleet, such as the Hyundai Ioniq 6 electric sedan for the New South Wales Crime Prevention Unit, which is on loan from Hyundai.
In terms of safety, police cars are often modified with larger alternators and secondary oil coolers, which are especially important in hot climates. Additionally, police cars may have a "high idle switch" to facilitate long idling periods.
Australian police car fleets have become diverse, with models from Germany, Japan, and South Korea. This includes BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, and Volkswagen models.
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Australian police cars are recognised by their white and blue design
Australian police cars have evolved over the years, with a shift from the iconic Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore to a more diverse range of vehicles. While the exact make and model may vary across different states and territories, Australian police cars are typically recognised by their distinctive white and blue design.
The white paint and blue and white checkered accents have become a standard feature of police patrol vehicles in Australia. This colour scheme not only serves as a visual identifier but also carries a sense of authority and visibility on the roads. The white base colour is a stark contrast to the dark colours typically associated with law enforcement vehicles in other parts of the world, such as the black and white 'police' cars previously used in New Zealand.
In recent years, Australian police forces have transitioned to a range of performance, off-road, and electric vehicles. This includes models such as the Subaru WRX, which has been modified for police use with features like emergency lights, a dual-battery system, advanced speed radar, and automatic number plate recognition software. The choice of vehicles often takes into account factors like rugged terrain and the availability of parts and services in specific regions.
While the white and blue design is a common feature, some states may incorporate additional colours or variations. For example, in Queensland, the regular general duties police cars are identified by a combination of white, blue, and orange livery. On the other hand, the highway patrol vehicles in Queensland are known to use a variety of colours.
The evolution of Australian police cars showcases the adaptation of law enforcement to modern requirements and technological advancements. The shift from the traditional Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore to a diverse range of vehicles, including electric cars, reflects the changing landscape of the automotive industry and the need for efficient and well-equipped patrol cars.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Australian police cars are fitted with automatic transmissions.
Australian police cars have historically been Ford Falcons and Holden Commodores. However, since the end of their production in 2016 and 2017, police fleets have diversified. Today, Australian police cars include models such as the Hyundai Sonata, Volkswagen Tiguan, BMW 530d, Kia Sorento Sport AWD, Toyota RAV4 AWD GX Hybrid, Subaru Outback Sport XT Turbo, and LandCruiser 300 Series.
Yes, Australian police cars vary by state. For example, New South Wales Police have deployed electric cars such as the Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Hyundai Kona for community engagement purposes. South Australia Police use a combination of marked and unmarked sedans, SUVs, commercial vehicles, and four-wheel drives, including the Kia Sorento Sport AWD, Toyota RAV4 AWD GX Hybrid, Volkswagen Tiguan Proline, and Subaru Outback Sport XT Turbo. The Northern Territory Police Force uses the Subaru WRX, while Queensland Police use the MG HS PHEV.
Australian police cars are easily recognised by their white paint and blue-and-white checkered accents. They are modified to meet the requirements of frontline operations and are fitted with technical gadgets such as number-plate recognition systems, advanced speed radar, and radios.
