Get down to the local track first, see what is being run, buy based on that.
Twin stick controllers are still out there (still the most common here in the UK, I'm sure they are available in Aus too). LiPo and brushless motors are becoming more popular but again depends on the local track. Personally speaking I think brushless is on top now, if I was buying new I wouldn't buy brushed again. LiPo is not so clear, while the cells seem quite reliable now, the cars are built for NiMH weight still so don't handle so well with LiPo, also LiPo is not necessarily legal for a lot of classes.
All the 4wd cars on the market now are pretty decent but local knowledge helps too, if there is nobody else with a Lazer locally (for example) you might be stuck when things go wrong.