2020 Cupra Leon R ST spied

Cupra has been snapped testing a hotter version of the next-generation Seat Leon ST, likely with all-wheel drive and more than 220kW. The most noticeable differences between the Seat Leon and the Cupra model come at the back, where there's quad exhaust pipes and a racy diffuser-style insert.

Jaguar Land Rover expands UK operations

Some automakers are abandoning their British operations, but Jaguar Land Rover is redoubling its commitment to its motherland. The Indian-owned company has cut the ribbon at an expansion of its facilities at Gaydon, which cost £500 million (A$912 million).

Koenigsegg Regera sets record 0-400-0km/h time

In Swedish, Regera is a verb meaning 'to reign'. True to its name, the Koenigsegg Regera now reigns with the fastest 0-400-0km/h time of any production vehicle. The Regera, piloted by Koenigsegg driver Sonny Persson, set an overall time of 31.49 seconds. That comprised 22.87 seconds reaching 400km/h and 8.62 seconds coming to a complete stop.

2020 Hyundai Tucson facelift revealed for China

Beijing Hyundai has revealed a China-specific version of the Tucson SUV, which gets unique styling and features compared to the global version offered in markets like Australia. The Korean-Chinese joint venture is pitching the vehicle as a "fourth generation" model, though it appears the '2020' Tucson for China is merely a reskinned version of the car currently on sale.

Uber: Five-star ANCAP requirement comes into force

Every new Uber will need to be a five-star ANCAP car, with new rules about what the ride-sharing giant's drivers can use today coming into force. Announced in April this year, the policy means new Uber X drivers won't be accepted unless their car is less than 10 years old with the maximum possible safety rating. Uber Black, Lux and SUV cars must be less than seven years old. Drivers adhering to the current standards will have two years to get themselves a five-star vehicle.

Mitsubishi Triton Toby Price edition goes on sale

Mitsubishi has finally released a Toby Price special edition of the Triton ute – two years after the off-road and enduro motorcycle world champion became an ambassador for the brand. The two-time Dakar Rally winner – in 2016 and in 2019 while nursing a broken wrist – will put his name to 500 Toby Price editions of the Mitsubishi Triton and each will come with a certificate numbered 1 to 500.

Mitsubishi inches closer to seven-year warranty across the range

Mitsubishi has hinted for the second time in two months that it will move to a permanent seven-year warranty across the range, rather than as a special offer on the Triton ute. The seven-year/150,000km warranty — up from the standard five years/unlimited kilometres — was introduced with the facelifted Triton in December 2018.

2020 Mitsubishi Triton review

The Mitsubishi Triton ute/pick up has had a minor makeover for the 2020 model year, but the changes will appeal mostly to those who want to head off-road. CarAdvice's National Motoring Editor, Joshua Dowling takes a look at the updates.

2020 Mitsubishi Triton review

The Mitsubishi Triton ute has had a minor makeover for the 2020 model year, but the changes will appeal mostly to those who want to head off-road. Mitsubishi has added a rear diff lock to the middle-of-the-range GLX+ and GLS, both of which are popular variants among private buyers. Previously a rear diff lock – standard on most ute rivals but absent on the Holden Colorado and Isuzu D-Max – was only available on the flagship Mitsubishi Triton GLS Premium.

Skoda will go down market, Seat to challenge Alfa Romeo

The Volkswagen Group has three mainstream brands, Volkswagen, Skoda and Seat, and is looking at ways to keep the three from stepping over each other. "Seat could represent even more emotional cars, as exemplified by its Cupra models," Michael Jost, head of product strategy at the Volkswagen Group, has told Automobilwoche (via Automotive News Europe). "Skoda could serve eastern Europe markets more intensively, as well as customers seeking functionality even more intensively."

2019 Nissan Leaf long-term review: The inner-city dweller

It’s a popular rejoinder to the subject of electric vehicles. “Range anxiety.” And fair enough, too. The prospect of being stranded on a highway with no battery life, waiting for a tow truck to haul your ‘green machine’ to the nearest charging point, isn’t high on anyone’s list of fun things to do. Including mine.

Skoda reveals new digital assistant for Kamiq and Scala, not for Oz

Czech brand Skoda has become the latest manufacturer to offer a Siri-like intelligent in-car assistant, launching a new "Hey, Laura" function for the Kamiq crossover and Scala small car. The online-based voice control system understands natural speech in six languages, according to the Volkswagen Group subsidiary, and forms part of the 'Amundsen' infotainment system that's available for the Kamiq and Scala.

Car News Daily podcast: Your daily download

Plenty has happened in the world of car news over the last 24 hours. If you haven't had time to read all the news on CarAdvice.com, catch up on your way home with Car News Daily, as Mandy Turner reads each news story word-for-word. Today's download includes: LISTEN: Car News Daily podcastLISTEN: Automotive Industry Insights podcastLISTEN: Reverse Gear podcast

2020 Lexus ES300h pricing and specs

Lexus Australia has revealed pricing and specifications for the upgraded ES300h range, which sees the addition of new model variants and the standard inclusion of smartphone mirroring systems across the line-up. For the 2020 model year, there's now a sportier F Sport trim level, while the Luxury and F Sport grades offer an additional Enhancement Pack option for "further impressive specification".

Hyundai: We can't compete with Toyota hybrids

Hyundai Australia says it can't compete with 'hybrid king' Toyota, and as such won't be looking into bringing series hybrid versions of cars like the Kona and Sonata. Speaking at the local launch for the all-new Venue crossover, Hyundai's local boss, J.W. Lee, said the Korean brand's Australian division is unable to get its hybrid vehicles for a low enough price to properly compete with the likes of the Toyota Corolla Hybrid and Toyota Camry Hybrid.

Fiat Chrysler fined US$40 million for inflating sales figures

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has settled with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over accusations it inflated sales figures between 2012 and 2016. The Detroit (and Turin) giant will pay US$40 million ($59 million) and has promised to stop the dodgy practices. According to the SEC, Fiat Chrysler dealers would create and maintain a database of unreported sales throughout strong months, often called the 'cookie jar' by employees.

2017 Mazda CX-9 recalled

Mazda Australia has issued a recall for the 2017 model-year CX-9 crossover over concerns a wiring issue could cause "communication errors" between the vehicle's control modules. The company reports affected vehicles could have wiring harness connectors that have "weak retention force". Several issues could occur as a result: A total of 1280 SUVs are affected by this recall, available for sale between 16 October 2017 and 6 February 2019. The VIN list for these vehicles is available here.

2015-16 Porsche Panamera, 911, Boxster and Cayman recalled

Porsche has recalled the 2015-16 Panamera, 911, Boxster and Cayman (981 and 982 generation), over concerns about their airbag control units. According to the company, an airbag control unit with an out of specification capacitor for maintaining power supply might have been fitted. The capacitor could deploy the airbags and seatbelt pretensioners in the car unexpectedly, or stop them deploying in an accident. A total of 346 cars are included in the campaign – a VIN list is attached here.

2018 Mazda 2 recalled

Mazda Australia has issued a recall for the 2018 model-year Mazda 2 light car over concerns an issue with the fuel tank could cause a leak. The Japanese brand reports affected vehicles may have fuel tanks that "exceed the specified manufacturing dimensions and place additional strain on the fuel tank retaining strap, which may weaken or potentially break".

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE recalled

Mercedes-Benz has recalled the 2019 GLE, over concerns about the joint between the fuel filler neck and fuel tank. According to the company, some cars could have an inadequately sealed joint between the fuel tank and fuel filler neck, possibly creating a fuel leak. If fuel comes into contact with the car's hot exhaust parts, there's a fire risk. A total of 12 cars are included in the recall – a VIN list is attached here.

2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross brings AWD to mid-range LS

Mitsubishi has given its Eclipse Cross city SUV a mild makeover and a slight price rise on some models for 2020 – and added the option of all-wheel drive for the mid-range LS. Previously, all-wheel drive was only available on the flagship Eclipse Cross Exceed priced from $38,990 plus on-roads, although the RRP for 2020 has been bumped up by $200 to $39,190.

Bollinger B1 and B2: Electric SUV and ute revealed

Two years after Bollinger revealed its initial prototype vehicles, the company has revealed its utilitarian B1 electric SUV and B2 pickup truck. The B1 features an electric motor for both axles delivering a total of 458kW of power, and 906Nm of torque. Bollinger estimates the B1 is capable of completing the 0-60mph (0-97km/h) dash in 4.5 seconds, and hitting a top speed of 160km/h.

Former Cadillac CEO to head Volkswagen North America

Johan de Nysschen has been appointed to the newly created role of chief operating officer of Volkswagen North America. De Nysschen will begin his new job on October 1, 2019, and will report to the CEO of Volkswagen Group of America (VGA), Scott Keogh. Volkswagen, Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, Bugatti and VW Credit are all part of VGA, with Porsche North America remaining a distinct entity.

2019 Ford Ranger Sport review

There’s no doubt that between the XLT, Wildtrak, FX4 and Raptor, Ford has covered off the high end of the ute market quite comprehensively. Australians aren’t afraid of spending a buck or two on commercial vehicles these days, after all. But, what about those amongst us who might consider themselves a more astute buyer, who is looking for a strong value proposition without missing out on a few nice bits? For that imaginary buyer, the new XLS Sport specification might be just the ticket.

2020 Nissan Titan facelift unveiled

The Nissan Titan has been given a facelift to give the big truck a little more presence. The Titan's 5.6-litre Endurance V8 engine has been given a few more ponies, and is now rated at 298kW of power and 560Nm of torque. That's up 7kW and 26Nm over the outgoing model, while a nine-speed automatic transmission replaces the old seven-speed unit.

2020 Ford 'Baby Bronco’ spied

With the latest Escape looking more like its Focus platform-mate than ever before, Ford has identified a need for a compact crossover with more rugged, square-rigged styling. Enter what many are calling the “baby Bronco”. Its boxy silhouette should bear a resemblance to the reborn, adventure-ready Ranger-based Bronco that’s currently in development. Unlike the big daddy Bronco, however, the baby Bronco will utilise monocoque construction.

Mercedes-AMG rules out B-Class, EQC, vans - report

Mercedes-AMG has tuned everything from sedans to roadsters and big, boxy SUVs, but there are a few Mercedes-Benz models the performance arm won’t be fettling. Mercedes-AMG chief Tobias Moers told Motor Trend the vehicles which won’t be getting the AMG treatment – and it’s a short list.Firstly, there’ll be no AMG variants of Mercedes-Benz’s commercial vans. That should come as no surprise.

2019 BMW X7 xDrive30d review

If nothing exceeds like excess, and anything worth doing is worth overdoing, then the first-generation BMW X7 has it made. While BMW has offered seven-seat versions of its X5 range previously, it has never played in the ‘full-size’ three-row SUV market, while rival Mercedes-Benz has with the conceptually similar GLS range.

Tesla cars can now drive themselves autonomously across a car park

Tesla has begun wirelessly distributing version 10 of its software to its Model S, Model X and Model 3 vehicles. The standout feature of the latest software update is Smart Summon (also referred to Enhanced Summon), which is only available to customers who have paid for Full Self-Driving Capability or Enhanced Autopilot for their vehicle.

2019 Renault Megane RS Cup EDC review

The Renault Megane RS has long been the hot hatch of choice for enthusiasts and track day attendees, with a primary focus on lap times and driver engagement. With the latest generation of the French brand's flagship performance car, Renault has tried to broaden the Megane RS's appeal, in the form of a dual-clutch automatic option for the first time in the model's history.

Second-generation Toyota 86, Subaru BRZ officially confirmed

It's officially very official now: there will be a second-generation of the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ twins. Overnight the two companies confirmed they will jointly develop the next-generation sports coupe, although no timeframe has been given for when the cars will appear. It's probably safe to assume the new Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ will once again feature a low-mounted boxer engine, rear-wheel drive layout and available manual transmission.

2020 BMW X1 xDrive25e detailed

BMW has revealed a plug-in hybrid version of its compact X1 SUV, the xDrive25e. Power in the X1 xDrive25e comes from a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine making 92kW and 220Nm, and an electric motor outputting 70kW and 165Nm. Combined, the two offer a peak of 165kW and 385Nm. Top speed in pure electric mode is 130km/h, and you'll be doing 192km/h at full noise with the petrol engine cranking.

Peugeot Boxer 4x4 Concept revealed

The Peugeot Boxer 4x4 Concept has been unveiled ahead of its full in-the-flesh debut later this month at the Le Bourget Recreational Vehicle Show. In order for the van to go off the beaten track it has been fitted with a Dangel four-wheel drive system, chunky off-road tyres, and a higher ground clearance. Other exterior changes include a more aggressive front bumper treatment, side steps, and a set of forward-facing spot lights.

BMW M working on more powerful V8 - report

BMW could have a more powerful twin-turbo V8 engine to play with in 2021, according to new reports from Europe. BMW Blog reports the 'S68' V8 engine is between two and three years away, and will be a significant upgrade over the current 'S63' engine powering the M5 and M8 ranges, along with a smatter of M Performance models. The new engine "will still be a twin-turbo setup and it will keep the ‘hot V’ configuration alive too", the report claims.

Best ute deals: sharp discounts emerge as sales continue to slide

The Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger remain our top two selling vehicles outright, however they are also facing an uphill battle as with the rest of the ute market as demand continues to slide. Most of the big brands have slashed prices to help move metal but some of the savings are easier to find than others.

Volkswagen Viloran spied

Spy photographers have caught the new Volkswagen Viloran poking out from underneath a cover, ahead of its Chinese-market launch later this year. The photos, snapped by CarNewsChina, give us an early look at the the new two-box Volkswagen before its launch at the end of 2019.

Design Review: Buick Y-Job (1938)

Concept cars are a hugely important part of the design and development of automobiles, and a very useful tool for automotive designers, allowing them to communicate their ideas to the public without having to comply with strict regulations or the encumbrance of the huge costs associated with mass production.

Automotive Industry Insights podcast: Take a ride in the Supra!

Join Mandy Turner, Josh Dowling, and Mike Costello live from Wakefield Raceway. Josh chats about the Tesla Model 3 and Porsche Taycan battling it out at the Nurburgring, the Toyota LandCruiser celebrating its 10-millionth worldwide sale, and the update coming for the Nissan Patrol. Mike reviews the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e PHEV, and Paul Maric takes the 2020 Toyota Supra around Wakefield Park Raceway. Lastly, Scott Collie reviews the 2019 Nissan Pathfinder.

Toyota Mirai: Second generation to debut in 2020

The second-generation Toyota Mirai will be launched in 2020, Takeshi Uchiyamada, the Japanese automaker's chairman, has confirmed. According to Reuters, Uchiyamada made the revelation in Tokyo at meeting on hydrogen energy with ministers from around the world. We don't know anything about the second-generation Mirai's drivetrain, but it's possible it could use some of the hydrogen fuel-cell technology being developed jointly with BMW.

Ford to put its India business into Mahindra joint venture - report

If the deal goes through, it will be latest step in Ford CEO Jim Hackett's drive to staunch the bleeding from the firm's overseas subsidiaries. According to Bloomberg, Ford is currently in discussions with Mahindra about a joint venture in India. The proposed deal would see Ford put most of its Indian assets into the new firm, of which it would own 49 per cent. Both companies will have equal board representation and voting rights in the joint venture.

2007-14 Mitsubishi Triton recalled for Takata airbags

The previous-generation 2007-14 model-year Mitsubishi Triton has been recalled as part of the ongoing Takata airbag campaign, with 57,025 vehicles affected nationally. 'ML' and 'MN' generation utes fitted with the four-spoke steering wheel are included in this notice, with the recall classified as 'critical'.

2019 Volkswagen Multivan Black Edition review

‘Cool car, dad.’ And thus, the five-year-old stamped her imprimatur on the 2019 Volkswagen Multivan Black Edition before clambering into the cavernous back and running lengths of the cabin, because you, well, just can. The Multivan might not have the charm or appeal of its Type 2 Kombi antecedents, but that doesn’t mean it’s not the spiritual incarnation of the Kombi. Certainly, the Black Edition we have on test here makes a compelling case.

2019 Ssangyong Korando Launch Edition pricing and specs

Ssangyong has announced pricing and specifications for its all-important Korando SUV, which is now available in two 'Launch Edition' trims. The arrival of the new Korando will play a large role in determining whether Ssangyong will succeed in the long term. July was the company's initial goal for launch, but that's (obviously) been pushed back.

2020 Nissan GT-R Nismo pricing and specs

The upgraded 2020 Nissan GT-R Nismo is upon us, and if you want it, you're gonna pay a lot more for it than you would've the last one. On sale in Australia now, the 2020 Nismo GT-R replaces the first Nismo hero that launched here in 2017 at an already mighty $299,000. For this upgrade, buyers will be asked $378,000 before on-road costs. For the money, you'll get – as Paul Maric noted on his international drive in July – weight savings all round, and more grip.

BMW M4 M Heritage Edition confirmed for Australia

BMW Australia has confirmed a limited allocation of M4 M Heritage Edition sports cars for our market, with deliveries to commence in "early 2020". Priced from $167,529 before on-road costs, the M4 M Heritage Edition offers unique colours and appointments to set it apart from the 'standard' M4 Competition on which it's based. Headlining the spec sheet are three exterior finishes "synonymous with BMW Motorsport" – Laguna Seca Blue, Velvet Blue metallic and Imola Red II.

2020 Lexus RX pricing and specs: More tech, revised ride, sharper entry

The facelifted and updated 2020 Lexus RX range goes on sale in Australia from October 2, bringing more tech and sharpened pricing to compete with a renewed line-up of popular rivals. The 2020 Lexus RX range opens again with the RX300 Luxury, now $1600 cheaper at $71,920 before on-road costs.

2020 Audi RSQ3 and RSQ3 Sportback revealed, Australian launch confirmed

The new-generation 2020 Audi RS Q3 and its slightly sleeker sibling the RS Q3 Sportback have been revealed this week ahead of an Australian launch set for next year. Spied testing earlier in 2019, the new hero models are again powered by a 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, developing a monstrous 294kW of power and 480Nm of torque (1950-5850rpm).

Hyundai heir: 'Still a long way to go' for autonomous cars

Chung Eui-sun, executive vice president of Hyundai, who has assumed day-to-day running of the company from his father, sounded a cautious note after announcing a joint venture for developing autonomous vehicle technology. The new development firm will be owned 50/50 by Hyundai Motor Group and Aptiv, with the South Korean firm contributing US$1.6 billion ($2.4 billion) in cash and US$400 million ($590 million) in engineering and research services, as well as intellectual property.

2020 Volvo XC40 Electric to be unveiled in October

The Volvo XC40 EV will be unveiled next month and the automaker claims it "will be one of the safest cars we have ever built". Volvo has reinforced the front end as it no longer holds a bulky internal combustion engine. It has also reinforced the rear, and integrated the electric powertrain into the body structure so it is easier to distribution collision forces away from the passenger cell.

Subaru Levorg Prototype teased ahead of Tokyo debut

The Subaru Levorg Prototype has been teased ahead of its debut at next month's Tokyo motor show. The current Levorg shares much with the previous-generation Impreza range, including the dashboard, but has a wider and longer body with unique exterior styling. From the teaser image we can see the Levorg will have squared off wheel arches, smoother surfacing, and not a single body panel from the latest Impreza.

2019 Mazda CX-9 Azami LE review

Mazda is the second most popular vehicle brand in Australia after Toyota, though it has long positioned its cars upmarket from other big-volume players. The 2019 CX-9 Azami LE is its most premium to date, unless you count the oft-forgotten Eunos experiment. It’s priced $2000 higher than the regular Azami, and picks up some nicer cabin finishes made of wood and Nappa leather.

Mazda EV coming at Tokyo motor show - UPDATE

Mazda will reveal its first pure-electric vehicle at the upcoming Tokyo motor show, according to a new report. UPDATE: September 25, 2019: Mazda has at 8:00pm confirmed it will release its first-ever electric vehicle at the Tokyo motor show. The company says the car will be a "completely new model", and it'll be "developed in accordance with Mazda's human-centric philosophy" and make "full use of the benefits of electric drive technology".

Car News Daily: Your daily download

Plenty has happened in the world of car news over the last 24 hours. If you haven't had time to read all the news on CarAdvice.com, catch up on your way home with Car News Daily, as Mandy Turner reads each news story word-for-word. Today's download: LISTEN: Car News Daily podcastLISTEN: Automotive Industry Insights podcastLISTEN: Reverse Gear podcast

Hot laps and the world's steepest 4WD ramp in Isuzu's SuperUte

Having already partnered with Ross Stone Racing and Caltex Australia to compete in the ECB SuperUtes Series, the team at Isuzu recently invited CarAdvice to its take on a drive day event. Hosted at Brisbane’s Norwell Motorplex, the day combined a mix of off-roading, motorkhana, two-wheel driving, hot laps in the Stone Brothers' SuperUte and the world’s steepest 4WD ramp, the 'Iron Summit'.

Volkswagen Eos, Polo, Crafter recalled for Takata airbags

Volkswagen Australia has initiated its recall for older-generation Polo, Eos and Crafter model lines has part of the ongoing Takata airbag campaign. In this latest notice, a total of 7847 vehicles are being recalled for potentially faulty inflators (front driver's side in the Polo and Eos, front driver and passenger side for the Crafter), across various model years.

BMW: 6000 German jobs facing the axe - report

BMW could axe between 5000-6000 jobs in Germany, including some high-profile senior management figures, as it seeks to cut costs. A report in the influential German publication Manager Magazin says Nicholas Peter, BMW chief financial officer, could announce the job losses before the end of 2019, but they won't be fully realised until 2022. The company is currently undergoing a shakeup at the top, which kicked off when Oliver Zipse succeeded Harald Kruger as chief executive officer in August.

2020 Audi RS 7 Sportback review

Peak hour is not long over in Munich and we’re cruising at 190km/h on our way to the Black Forest region of Germany in the new 2020 Audi RS7 Sportback, when we see a one-kilometre gap emerging up ahead in the ‘unrestricted zone’ – and bury the throttle. Within seconds, the needle on the speedo is smashing through 292km/h before the gap closes as quick as it opened.

Mercedes-Benz fined $1.4 billion for diesel emissions non-compliance

Daimler, parent company of Mercedes-Benz, has been fined €870 million ($1.4 billion) by German authorities for selling vehicles which did not fully comply with regulations regarding oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions. It's understood roughly 684,000 diesel vehicles sold in Germany were not compliant with emissions regulations.

Volkswagen CEO and chairman charged with Dieselgate offences in Germany

German prosecutors from Braunschweig have filed charges against three current and former Volkswagen executives for failing to warn investors early enough about the financial implications of the Dieselgate emissions cheating scheme. The three men charged are the Volkswagen Group's current CEO Herbert Diess, its current chairman Hans Dieter Pötsch, and Martin Winterkorn, the company's CEO at the time the scandal broke.

Honda to end diesel car sales in Europe by 2021

Honda will stop selling cars with diesel engines in Europe by 2021 with the company's range of vehicles there to be dominated by electrified drivetrains. The automaker confirmed to Reuters it will cease selling diesel-powered vehicles by the 2021. The timing of diesel's demise for Honda's European operations coincides with the closure of its UK manufacturing plant.

2020 Nissan Patrol: Biggest update in six years in Australia by end of 2019

The Nissan Patrol has been given a major makeover with a bold new look, advanced safety technology, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto the headline acts. The 2020 Nissan Patrol was unveiled in the Middle East overnight, its biggest market, and it will be in Australian showrooms by the end of this year. This is the second facelift since the model went on sale in 2013; the previous update arrived in 2017.

Car News Daily: Your daily download

Plenty has happened in the world of car news over the last 24 hours. If you haven't had time to read all the news on CarAdvice.com, catch up on your way home with Car News Daily, as Mandy Turner reads each news story word-for-word. Today's download: LISTEN: Car News Daily podcastLISTEN: Automotive Industry Insights podcastLISTEN: Reverse Gear podcast

2011-18 Mercedes-Benz G-Class recalled

Mercedes-Benz Australia has recalled the 2011-2018 Mercedes-Benz G-Class over concerns the ABS hydraulic unit. According to the company, driving over corrugated roadways could make the brake lines in the ABS hydraulic unit to crack, creating a brake fluid leak and impeding the car's stopping distance. If the ABS braking power of the car is impacted, longer stopping distances increase the risk of an accident or injury.

Kia considering Picanto EV

Kia is looking at making a battery-electric version of its entry-level Picanto micro car, Automotive News Europe reports. If the Picanto EV makes production it would be the third electric Kia, following in the footsteps of the e-Soul and e-Niro crossover. Kia is aiming to have an EV "in almost every main segment", according to Emilio Herrera, chief operating officer of Kia Europe, targeting 40,000 electric sales in Europe next year.

A brief history of the Land Rover Defender

Few vehicles shake up a motor show like a new Land Rover. Look at the new Defender which stole the show recently at Frankfurt. Funnily enough, the original Land Rover did something similar 71 years ago.

Skoda Karoq: 250,000th SUV produced

Skoda has reached a production milestone for its relatively new Karoq SUV, celebrating 250,000 units this week. The Czech crossover has hit the quarter-of-a-million mark after two years of sale, after putting the Karoq into series production at its Kvasiny plant in July 2017. So far this year around 97,900 Karoqs have been delivered to customers globally, with 115,700 units sold in 2018.

NSW phone monitoring cameras going live this year

New South Wales drivers using phones behind the wheel are in the firing line, with the state to permanently roll out its phone-detection cameras. The cameras will go live later this year, after a six-month trial in which 8.5 million vehicles were checked and more than 100,000 people were caught using their smartphones on the move. The cameras are currently deployed on the M4 and Anzac Parade from January 2019, but motorists caught during the trial won't be fined.

Honda Accord, MDX recalled for Takata airbags – UPDATE

Honda Australia has issued a recall for the older-generation Accord along with the MDX SUV as part of the ongoing Takata airbag campaign. UPDATE, 15/8/18: This recall has been expanded to include more affected units from the Accord model line – the total now sits at 18,719 units. An updated VIN list can be viewed here.

Nissan, Carlos Ghosn fined by US authorities for hiding pay

According to the SEC, the troubles for Nissan began in 2004 when it granted Carlos Ghosn, its then-CEO, the authority to set executive compensation, including his own. The commission believes between 2009 and his arrest in 2018, Ghosn "with substantial assistance from [director Greg] Kelly and subordinates at Nissan" hid US$90 million ($133 million) in pay from official filings, and increase Ghosn's retirement bonus by US$50 million ($74 million).

2020 Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series spied

The Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series has been spied during testing on public roads in Germany. Like earlier the Black Series models, the range-topping GT variant is no shrinking violet. At the front there are splitters and spoilers large enough to slice through a leg of ham. The bonnet looks to be a completely new unit with a large central air intake, a massive scallop on one side and external latches.

Jaguar F-Type: Next generation may be mid-engine, inspired by C-X75

Ian Callum, Jaguar's outgoing head of design, has laid out his vision for the next-generation Jaguar F-Type. Speaking to Autocar, Callum revealed he had laid down his preferred blueprint for new F-Type with his successor Julian Thomson. This would see the next F-Type switch to a mid-engine layout or an electric drivetrain, and have styling inspired by the C-X75 show car. An alternative scenario would see the F-Type stick with a front-mid-engine setup but adopt hybrid technology.

2019 Toyota 86 GTS Apollo Blue review

Front-engined, rear-wheel drive with a manual gearbox in the middle. It’s as if the Toyota 86 were designed by the CarAdvice comments section, such is the strength of its ‘purist’ credentials. But the 86 (and BRZ) are controversial. Blame the eco-tyres or torque-lite boxer engine; whatever the reason, there’s a sect of motoring enthusiasts who aren’t enamoured with the fruits of Subaru and Toyota’s labour.

Car News Daily podcast: Your daily download

Plenty has happened in the world of car news over the last 24 hours. If you haven't had time to read all the news on CarAdvice.com, catch up on your way home with Car News Daily, as Mandy Turner reads each news story word-for-word. Today's download: LISTEN: Car News Daily podcastLISTEN: Automotive Industry Insights podcastLISTEN: Reverse Gear podcast

2019 Audi Q5, SQ5 pricing and specs

Audi has priced the 2019 Q5 line-up for Australia, which has arrived in showrooms priced from $65,900 before on-road costs. The updated Q5 line-up will start with the 40 TDI quattro, with power from a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine making 140kW and 400Nm, and a $65,900 starting price before on-road costs. Opting for the 45 TFSI quattro brings a petrol engine outputting 185kW and 370Nm, and bumps the price to $66,900 before on-roads.

2020 Volkswagen T-Cross video review

Next year, Volkswagen Australia will finally have a compact SUV to offer buyers. Will the T-Cross be able to compete with the established players? To find out, Paul Maric takes a first drive.

2020 Volkswagen T-Roc video review

While Volkswagen is incredibly late to the small-SUV party, next year will see the brand potentially pushing quickly ahead in terms of sales given how popular the segment is in Australia. The T-Roc will be backed by a five-year warranty and Volkswagen's new prepaid service plans, which should make it a good buying proposition.

Around the Tracks: Formula E, Bloodhound SSC, and Ferrari F1

When we’re not creating it ourselves, the CarAdvice team spends a lot of time finding and consuming motoring content from all over the world. Here’s a handful of the articles, videos and social media posts that most caught our eye last week. Some of them are brand-new, others have been online for a while. Enjoy them – just not too much, okay? Who loves Formula 1 politics? Bloodhound lives on! Silver Arrows, but in electric form

2020 Volkswagen T-Roc 140TSI review

Are you sick of being bored to death by SUVs? Volkswagen is hoping to buck that trend with the Golf-based T-Roc that is hitting Australian dealers early next year. The 2020 Volkswagen T-Roc aims to bridge the gap between the entry-level T-Cross SUV and the full-blown kids and dog Tiguan.

2020 Volkswagen T-Cross 85TSI review

The Mazda CX-3 does an incredible job of selling like hotcakes in Australia, despite the fact it's effectively a jacked-up, more expensive Mazda 2. So, without an SUV smaller than the Tiguan, Volkswagen thought it would be about time to pull the trigger on a raft of new SUVs, starting at the smallest end of the scale with the all-new 2020 Volkswagen T-Cross.

Renault considering high-performance Zoe

Renault is considering giving its city-focused Zoe EV a massive shot in the arm, with European reports suggesting the Zoe e-Sport concept could make production. Top Gear reports the e-Sport, a 340kW and 640Nm version of the otherwise rather vanilla Zoe, is still front of mind for Renault's electric vehicle boss, Gilles Normand. "The e-Sport was more to test the water, to show that you can EVs are not boring,” he told the British publication.

Tesla Model 3 receives Top Safety Pick+ prize

The Tesla Model 3 has been awarded a Top Safety Pick+ award by the US Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It comes just a month after the IIHS bestowed the Audi e-tron with the same award, making it the first EV to receive the coveted nod. This year, the Hyundai Nexo also earned a Top Safety Pick+ award, the first hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle to do so. The Jaguar I-Pace has yet to be assessed by the IIHS, though it received five stars in Euro NCAP testing.

Patent filings hint at Mazda RX-9

Recently-discovered patent filings suggest Mazda could be developing a new two-door coupe powered by a rotary engine. Motor magazine in Japan has recently uncovered a patent for a "vehicle shock absorption structure". The accompanying diagram shows a new spaceframe design with a small engine bay, which seems too snug to fit a non-rotary internal combustion engine.

Amazon purchases 100,000 Rivian electric vans

Last week Amazon co-launched The Climate Pledge, which aims to help the world meet the targets set out in the Paris climate accord 10 years ahead of schedule. For its part, the e-commerce giant announced an order for 100,000 electric delivery vans from startup American car maker Rivian.

2021 Mercedes-Benz EQB spied

The new Mercedes-Benz EQB electric crossover has been spied during testing in Europe. As with other members of the all-electric EQ range, the EQB is based on an existing model — in this case the GLB — and uses a platform designed primarily for petrol and diesel engine cars. This strategy affords Mercedes-Benz a lot of flexibility to scale production up or down depending on demand, as well as reducing development costs.

Tesla breaks down on Nurburgring during electric-car record attempt

Tesla’s prototype Model S might be quick – last week posting an unofficial time that would have shattered the Porsche Taycan’s lap record at the Nurburgring – but the US electric-car maker has suffered an embarrassing setback. One of two cars sent to Germany to take the electric-car lap record away from Porsche has been filmed while conked out on the side of the road just a few hundred metres away from the pit exit, near the start of the 20.8km circuit.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300e PHEV review: Quick drive

Full electric cars dominate the headlines, but partially-electrified alternatives that promise cuts to CO2 emissions while still offering a source of petrol power are rolling out at a rate of knots. Mercedes-Benz’s PHEV (plug-in hybrid EV) plans encompass petrol-electric options from A-Class to S-Class, with SUVs and vans in between. These models sit above internal combustion models with high-voltage (48V) starter-alternators, but below pure electric vehicles (EVs) such as the EQC.

Toyota LandCruiser hits 10 million global sales, passes 1 million in Australia

The Toyota LandCruiser has clocked up an epic 10 million sales worldwide – including more than 1.065 million in Australia – as the latest figures show more have been sold here over the past 65 years than any other place on earth. The tally includes all three versions of the Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series, Prado, 70 Series and their predecessors dating back to 1954.

The week's top news stories: September 22, 2019

The automotive news wheel is always turning. If you’re not constantly checking CarAdvice – which you should be doing, by the way – it can be easy for some headlines to slip through the cracks. To make sure you haven’t missed anything important, we’ve gathered what we reckon are the hottest news stories from this week, right here. Check them out, and let us know what caught your eye.

Toyota Century Convertible: One-off drop-top revealed

Japan is about to get a new emperor, and Toyota has treated him to a pretty special new car. You're looking at a convertible Century developed specifically for the royal parade on October 22. The Century is Toyota's flagship sedan in Japan, with power from a V8 hybrid powertrain and all manner of ultra-luxurious appointments. With a hand-carved grille ornament and seven-layer paint finish, it's essentially a Japanese Rolls-Royce.

2020 DS 8 spied

The DS 8 luxury sedan has been photographed during testing in Europe. Although the prototype is disguised all over, we can see it very closely resembles the car leaked at the end of May. Up front it has the brand's upright six-point grille, while along the sides there's a pronounced shoulder. At the back, the DS 8 has thin jewel-like tail-lights similar to ones employed by the DS 7 Crossback.

2019 Holden Acadia LTZ 2WD review

Aggressive drive-away pricing and seven years of free scheduled servicing are just a couple of the carrots Holden is dangling to prospective buyers of its flagship seven-seat SUV. Decent carrots, too, in these financially chastened times. The Holden Acadia plays in a large-SUV minefield that, while not quite as cut-throat as the medium-SUV segment, still offers buyers myriad choices when it comes to seven-seat family haulers.

2019 Mazda 6 GT turbo review

Once upon a time, sedans were the choice for a family car. The low driving position, good rear space, and a deep boot were just some of the reasons why my mum bought a 2002 Mazda 6 when I was a teen. Nowadays, the humble sedan has been replaced by the SUV to haul the kids around, as it provides a higher driving position and there is just more choice in that segment.

2020 Audi SQ5 TDI review | Luxury SUV

Audi has launched the highly anticipated 2020 SQ5, with Audi Australia all but confirming the latest-generation SQ5 TDI for 2020. Better late than never, we think, because this is a cracking SUV that more than fills the shoes of its popular predecessor. How good is it? Anthony Crawford finds out.

2020 Audi SQ5 TDI review: Quick drive

The last time I had a proper go in Audi’s SQ5 TDI was back in 2014, when we stupidly decided to drag-race it against its diesel-powered Macan cousin from sister brand Porsche at a private test facility. And guess what? The Audi reigned supreme, at least in a straight line, though it was a different story through the bendy bits, which is where the Porsche claimed the upper hand.

2019 Ford F-150 Limited Death Valley road trip

The 2019 Ford F-150 to Death Valley, the world’s hottest-selling vehicle to the hottest place on Earth. As no-brainer road trip stories go, this is my absolute dimmest yet. One chock-full of fresh adventure for yours truly. I’ve never driven even one example of the astonishing 34 million F-Series trucks sold to date – an incredible one million plus examples registered globally in 2018 alone. And I’ve never experienced 49 degrees Celsius under the sun, either.

Volkswagen: First electric SUV to land in Australia below $50,000

Volkswagen's range of electric vehicles is about to hit the roads in Europe, with Australia lagging a couple of years behind. When the Volkswagen ID.4 does finally arrive Down Under, however, it's expected to have a starting price under $50,000. Speaking to media after the Frankfurt motor show, Volkswagen Australia product planning boss, Jeff Shafer said he's looking forward to welcoming the ID electric range and is confident it'll be sharply priced.

DS 9 revealed in leaked photos

If you were wondering what the flagship of the DS line will look like but didn’t want to wait until December’s Guangzhou motor show, leaked photographs published by Carscoops should satisfy your curiosity.

Hyundai developing central armrest airbag

Your next Hyundai or Kia could feature a new type of side-impact protection, with the Hyundai Motor Group revealing a front armrest-mounted side impact airbag. The new airbag is designed to stop head injuries caused by front passengers colliding with each other, or hard objects in the cabin. Research quoted by Hyundai claims 'secondary' impacts in the cabin are responsible for 45 per cent of head injuries in side-impact collisions.

2019 Lexus RC F Track Edition review

There’s nothing worse than watching a manufacturer attempt to build a sports car from a compromised platform. Fortunately for Lexus (and the few lucky buyers who will secure one), the 2019 Lexus RC F Track Edition is starting from an already properly sorted base. The RC, and further the RC F, are both beautifully executed sports coupes that put a satisfied smile on your dial across a broad range of disciplines.

Car News Daily: Your daily download

Plenty has happened in the world of car news over the last 24 hours. If you haven't had time to read all the news on CarAdvice.com, catch up on your way home with Car News Daily, as Mandy Turner reads each news story word-for-word. Today's download: LISTEN: Car News Daily podcastLISTEN: Automotive Industry Insights podcastLISTEN: Reverse Gear podcast

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC pricing and specs

Mercedes-Benz has announced pricing and specs for its refreshed mid-sized rival to the BMW X3 and Volvo XC60, the GLC, now without diesel power. The new line-up will start with the GLC200, priced at $66,100 before on-roads. Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine making 145kW and 320Nm, up 10kW and 20Nm on its predecessor, sent to the rear wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Hyundai Venue: 4-star ANCAP rating expected

Hyundai Australia has indicated it is "not expecting a five-star ANCAP rating" for its all-new 2020 Venue crossover, when the independent crash-testing firm conducts an anticipated audit test in the coming months.

2021 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS spied

Porsche's upcoming 718 Cayman GT4 RS has been snapped again, this time being put through its paces on the track. Launched this year, the new GT4 Cayman won plenty of fans with its naturally-aspirated engine and balanced handling. But more is more in the world of Porsche, and there's clearly more to be extracted from the 718 GT4 package.

Nissan Titan teaser hints at 2020 Patrol design

Nissan USA has teased the facelift for its full-sized Titan pickup, giving us another look at the next-generation Patrol's design language in the process. The teaser image, published above, shows the new truck will have squared-off daytime running lights with a 'C-shaped' signature derived from cars like the Qashqai. In the middle is a bluff grille, which has a larger interpretation of the brand's 'V-motion' design.

Automotive Industry Insights podcast: Hyundai Venue Australian drive

On this week's podcast you're joined by Mandy Turner, Trent Nikolic, and James Wong. James attended the local launch of the 2020 Hyundai Venue, and discusses what it's like to drive. Paul Maric speaks with Lamborghini's chief marketing officer, Katia Bassi. Trent was in Canberra last week for the local launch of the 2020 Peugeot 508, and James compares the Kia Picanto and Suzuki Swift.

Hyundai Venue not a 'like-for-like replacement' for Accent

The Venue may be the Hyundai's new entry-level offering Down Under, but the local division doesn't see it as a direct replacement for the now-discontinued Accent light hatch. Despite having built its brand on value-packed affordable cars, the Korean brand says the new sub-compact crossover – which starts at $19,990 before on-road costs – isn't meant to be an Accent successor. "We don't see this as a like-for-like volume replacement for Accent," said J.W. Lee, CEO for Hyundai Australia.

2020 Hyundai Venue review | Small SUV test

The Hyundai Venue presents as a great car for singles and empty nesters who live an urban lifestyle but want the styling and practicality of an SUV – pretty much nailing its intended purpose. It's easy to manoeuvre around town while being surprisingly practical inside, can put up with the odd highway stint, and packs in a healthy list of features for the price of most entry-level competitors.

2020 Audi Q3 Sportback review | Small SUV

In the Q3 Sportback, Audi introduces a racier version of its newest upcoming Q3 small SUV, and it's bound to attract plenty of admirers since it gives up very little in the way of space. What's it like on first impressions? Anthony Crawford finds out.

2018-19 Mercedes-Benz A-Class recalled

Mercedes-Benz has recalled the 2018-19 A-Class over concerns about the protective plate under the spare wheel. According to the company, the 'protective tinplate' under the spare wheel recess could crack on its outer edges. If the tinplate has multiple cracks in the same area, it could detach from the car, increasing the risk of accident or injury to other road users. A total of 21 cars are included in the campaign – a VIN list is attached here.

Mitsubishi teases Tokyo-bound concept

Mitsubishi has teased a plug-in hybrid crossover concept ahead of its debut at next month’s Tokyo motor show. The company has said the concept will showcase “a downsized, lower-weight PHEV drivetrain and an electric 4WD system” and that it’ll be a small SUV. That means it’ll be smaller than this year’s Engelberg concept (below), a PHEV SUV that previewed the next Outlander.

2020 Hyundai Venue review

Just when you thought there was an SUV for just about every occasion, Korean manufacturer Hyundai has released the Venue, a subcompact crossover designed to take on the light car and small SUV segments. Slotting beneath the slightly larger Kona in the brand's line-up, the Venue indirectly replaces the ageing Accent hatchback as Hyundai's entry-level offering, starting at a (relatively) sharp $19,990 plus on-road costs.

2020 Hyundai Sonata facing delays, N Line coming next year

The new-generation Hyundai Sonata could have its launch delayed until 2020, but Hyundai Australia has confirmed a sporty N Line trim level will definitely join the range next year. Hyundai's local division has indicated the all-new sedan may not reach Australia until the very end of this year, and potentially be pushed back until sometime next year.

2019 Jaguar E-Pace review: P200 R-Dynamic S

What if we told you there are no less than 44 individual variants of the 2019 Jaguar E-Pace, ranging in price from as low as $47,750 plus on-roads for the entry-level D150, up to a sky-high $82,339 for the top-shelf P300 R-Dynamic HSE? Is that something that might be a tad confusing for the buyer?

2020 Renault Kadjar pricing and specs

Renault has revealed pricing and specification information for the critical Kadjar SUV, which kicks off at $29,990 before on-road costs. Power in the Kadjar, which is pitched as a rival to the Nissan Qashqai with which it shares its underpinnings, comes from a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine making 117kW and 260Nm. It's mated exclusively with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and feeds the front wheels.

Car News Daily: Your daily download

Plenty has happened in the world of car news over the last 24 hours. If you haven't had time to read all the news on CarAdvice.com, catch up on your way home with Car News Daily, as Mandy Turner reads each news story word-for-word. Today's download: LISTEN: Car News Daily podcastLISTEN: Automotive Industry Insights podcastLISTEN: Reverse Gear podcast

BMW i3 won't be replaced - report

The i3 introduced BMW buyers to the idea of a BMW-branded electric car. Now, it’s done its job and it’s time to move on. The Financial Times reports BMW won’t develop a second-generation of its first electric car, the i3. Pieter Nota, BMW’s sales and marketing chief, told the Financial Times there’s "no specific plan for an i3 successor". "We are now bringing electrification more to the mainstream," he said.

2020 Skoda Superb facelift: Australian launch delayed

Skoda Australia has confirmed the updated 2020 Superb range has been delayed due to production shuffling caused by WLTP emissions regulations in Europe. Initially earmarked for a third quarter launch this year, the facelifted Superb now doesn't have an official arrival date at this point in time, but a safe guess is that the full line-up will rollout into 2020.

New Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ set for Tokyo reveal - report

Toyota and Subaru could spring a surprise reveal at the Tokyo motor show, with Japanese reports suggesting the second-generation 86 and BRZ will be unveiled in concept form. Japanese magazine Best Car reports the new coupes will officially launch in the first half of 2021, but we'll see a concept previewing the next-generation models at the Tokyo motor show next month.

Toyota Corolla Touring released in Japan, still not for Australia

Toyota has added the Corolla Touring to its Japanese line-up, potentially opening the door for it to join the Australian range. But the long-roofed Corolla won't be offered locally in the foreseeable future, Toyota Australia has confirmed.

2020 Peugeot 508 review | Large family car test

I’m not sure whether we will ever get Australians to start buying sedans and wagons again, as opposed to rushing blindly into the SUV fold. It could be too far gone, or maybe the tide will turn again at some point in the future. But, as Trent Nikolic wrote earlier in the full review, if any sedan is poised to change the game, this one is up at the head of an impressive segment.

2020 Peugeot 508 GT review

Peugeot is doing everything it can to ensure Australians see the 2020 Peugeot 508 as the large-sedan alternative we didn’t know we needed. And if any large sedan is poised to lure SUV-mad buyers back to the fold, it’s this one. I reckon that the appeal argument could be made on style alone… Take a look at it. From any angle, the new 508 – in either Fastback or Sportswagon form – is a sleek and beautiful car.

2020 Toyota Granvia people mover: Tarago replacement pricing and specs

The 2020 Toyota Granvia has been priced for Australia, and it's significantly more expensive than the much-loved Tarago it replaces. With a starting price of $62,990 before on-road costs, the base six-seat Granvia is $17,500 pricier than the cheapest Tarago. Opting for an eight-seat Granvia adds $2000 to the sticker price, leaving the new base-model people-mover just $271 short of the range-topping Tarago Ultima V6.

Tesla Nurburgring: two cars hit the track, go slower than before

Tesla put both its red and blue Model S prototypes on the Nurburgring race track overnight (Wednesday afternoon German time) in its latest attempt to shatter the electric-car lap record of 7 minutes and 42 seconds set by the Porsche Taycan. And one of the Tesla Model S sedans appears to have a stripped-out interior, not a full production car interior, giving it a significant weight advantage.

2020 Honda CR-V facelift revealed in the US

An updated version of the fifth-generation Honda CR-V was unveiled overnight in the States. Up front the revised CR-V is distinguished by significantly less chrome for the grille. The surfacing of the front bumper has been smoothed out, while the lower half now has "bolder" look with more dark grey plastic, and a W-shaped band of chrome and satin-finish faux metal.

2021 BMW 2 Series Active Tourer spied

The second-generation BMW 2 Series Active Tourer has been spied during pre-production testing. In terms of design, the 2 Series Active Tourer will again feature a tall body, a steeply angled bonnet, and raked-back front windscreen. In an interesting departure from BMW norms, the Active Tourer will have flagpole-style wing mirrors and looks as though it will also have old-school lift-up door handles.

Jaguar remains committed to sedans

Although sedan sales at Jaguar sedans have fallen behind its crossovers, the brand will continue to offer these more conventional body styles. Julian Thomson, Jaguar's new chief designer, told Autocar the "world’s not all turning SUV and we will need cars". According to the man who recently replaced Ian Callum, Jaguar won't become a brand with just crossovers in the forecourt, stating "we will do cars in the future, too".

The beauty and desolation of the Coral Coast

It hits you at your core – a vast expanse of sky that towers above you and beats its presence down on the empty land beneath. Colours are enhanced out here, the blues bluer, reds redder. Even concrete footpaths burn with their silvery tentacles. This is big country, frontier country, a wild landscape, baked raw by a relentless sun that carves its way across a big, beautiful, blue sky.

Wiesmann 'Project Gecko' teased with BMW power

Wiesmann will launch a new sports car dubbed 'Project Gecko' in 2020, with a retro-inspired body and power from the BMW M5's turbocharged V8 engine. Although it's hidden a sheet at the moment, it's clear the 'Gecko' will draw on some of Wiesmann's classic design cues. The front end will house a centrally-mounted grille and dual headlights, along with flared wheel arches.

2019 Nissan Patrol Ti-L review

Those who watch the monthly roll-in of vehicle sales figures would assume the Nissan Patrol is in a bit of hot water. Numbers indicate it’s not selling well, and is getting its arse handed to it by the LandCruiser week in, week out.

2020 Hyundai Ioniq facelift here before year's end

Hyundai Australia has confirmed the refreshed 2020 Ioniq eco car family will arrive in local showrooms before the end of the year, having previously set a "second half of 2019" launch date. Speaking at the local launch of the all-new Venue crossover, Hyundai's local boss, J.W. Lee, said the company is confident the updated range will go on sale by the end of 2019, though didn't go into further detail regarding potential pricing and specification changes,

Ferrari Dino project axed

The Dino is extinct. Autocar reports Ferrari’s entry-level, V6-powered coupe project has been shelved. "I would never use the word dead in the future strategy. [But] it’s certainly not something that we're planning shortly," Ferrari's chief commercial officer, Enrico Galliera, told Autocar.

Car News Daily: Your daily download

Plenty has happened in the world of car news over the last 24 hours. If you haven't had time to read all the news on CarAdvice.com, catch up on your way home with Car News Daily, as Mandy Turner reads each news story word-for-word. Today's download: LISTEN: Car News Daily podcastLISTEN: Automotive Industry Insights podcastLISTEN: Reverse Gear podcastMORE: All CarAdvice podcasts

Ford Explorer, Lincoln Aviator being rebuilt in tents before delivery - report

Both the new Ford Explorer and Lincoln Aviator are reportedly undergoing extensive repairs before being sent to dealers across North America. According to the Detroit Free Press, Ford is shipping the Explorer and its twin-under-the-skin Lincoln Aviator from their production facility in Chicago, Illinois to another plant in Flat Rock, just outside of Detroit, Michigan, around 440 kilometres away.

Honda targeting 10,000 annual European sales for 'e'

Honda is expecting to sell around 10,000 examples of its first mass-produced electric vehicle every year in Europe. Finally revealed as a production car at the Frankfurt motor show, order books for the Honda e are open and deliveries are on track for the European summer of 2020. According to a report from Automotive News Europe, exactly how many sales will depend on the performance of Honda's petrol-powered cars, thanks to Europe's tough fleet CO2 targets.

Hyundai i30 N: DCT option delayed until late 2020

Hyundai Australia will go without an automatic option for its i30 N hot hatch for at least another 12 months, with the company's local boss indicating the promised dual-clutch auto variant won't be here until late in 2020. Speaking at the local launch for the all-new Venue crossover, Hyundai Australia's CEO, J.W. Lee, said the DCT-equipped i30 N has been pushed back until next year. "We're getting the DCT. [It will be here] late 2020," he said.

2020 Audi Q3 Sportback review

You only have to do a quick Google search to find out why there aren’t many Audi Q3s out there in the urban landscape these days. Audi’s smallish SUV first arrived on the scene as far back as 2011, and apart from a mild update in 2014, it still holds first-generation status up against a slew of more contemporary luxury models.

2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit revealed

Jeep has unveiled another Grand Cherokee variant, designed to keep the ageing full-sized SUV fresh amid competition from lower- and higher-priced rivals. The Grand Cherokee is sitting on 2037 registrations to date in 2019, down 30.2 per cent on the same point in 2018. Jeep has already unveiled the Upland, Night Eagle, S-Limited, and S-Overland models to keep buyers interested this year, but the Summit is the most expensive model yet.

New Mitsubishi ASX spied, marks return of GSR badge

Mitsubishi will revive the iconic GSR performance badge to distinguish the more powerful model due to join the revised ASX line-up in October. The Mitsubishi ASX is due to get yet another facelift – that introduces the company’s “shield” grille – while it continues to develop a new generation model with its new joint venture partner Nissan.

2016-18 Jaguar XE recalled

Jaguar Land Rover Australia has recalled the 2016-18 XE sedan, over concerns some vehicles mightn't meet emissions standards. "During testing there was greater than expected variation in CO2 emissions between vehicles," the company says in its recall notice. A total of 345 cars are included in the campaign, sold between August 31, 2015 and April 20, 2018 – a VIN list is attached here.

Hyundai Ute due in 2022 or 2023 with Australian input

Hyundai is poised to add a vehicle that could catapult it from third place on the sales podium to second place outright behind market leader Toyota. The lack of a ute is seen as the only thing holding the Korean manufacturer back from overtaking Japan's Mazda. Hyundai Australia has been calling for a ute since 2015 – and pick-ups have been our top selling vehicles for the past three years in a row – but it seems the company may finally get its wish.

Price – not planet – the key to selling electric cars says expert

Buyers of electric cars are more interested in saving money rather than saving the planet, according to the latest data from Europe. Tax incentives on electric cars have a greater role in their sales success than environmental credentials, say automotive industry experts. “People are buying electric cars in Europe at the moment mainly because of the financial advantage,” says Gregory Guillaume, vice president, senior chief designer of Kia, which has just launched two electric cars in Europe.

Kia undecided on next-generation Stinger

The Kia Stinger performance sedan has won numerous awards but it hasn’t won as many hearts as the South Korean carmaker was hoping – and now the company is deciding if it will build a successor. If a second generation Kia Stinger goes ahead, it could become an electric car. The global slump in sedan sales has hit the Kia Stinger head on, particularly in North America where it was expected to shine.

2020 Kia E-Soul and Kia E-Niro review: Preview drive

Budget brand Kia will eventually be spoiled for choice when not one but two electric cars arrive in Australian showrooms some time in 2021, about a year later than originally planned. However, they likely won’t come cheap if European pricing is a guide. In Germany the Kia E-Soul city hatch (pictured below) starts from €33,990 (A$54,500) while the slightly bigger Kia E-Niro small SUV starts from €35,290 (A$56,600).

2019 Honda Civic Type R review

The development of modern cars is influenced by all manner of external factors. Most drivers demand certain luxuries, which add weight. Governments demand better efficiency, which affects performance. And most people drive their cars in traffic every day, where on-limit handling is totally irrelevant. Those external influences might not matter to the average buyer, but they're rough on people who really like driving – like, really like it.

Kia electric cars delayed to 2021

Kia has temporarily pulled the plug on its electric car rollout in Australia. After initially promising to have its first electric car on sale here by the end of this year – in time for the 2020 Australian Tennis Open – it has postponed its plans for at least 12 months. The Kia E-Niro small SUV, which has a driving range of 452km on a single charge, was due to be the first electric model in Kia’s local showrooms closely followed by the Kia E-Soul city hatchback.

2019 Mazda MX-5 RF long-term review: Road trip

We take the little sports car on a road trip to Victoria's Yarra Valley to explore some windy roads. Our long-termer, the 2019 Mazda MX-5 RF, has spent all its time in and around the city since it’s been with us. It’s been itching to get out on the open road, though, and so have we. A two-seater sports car belongs on a winding road, so for our road trip report, I decided to show my Sydney friend, Michelle, some of the most iconic roads in Victoria.

Has Tesla just smashed the Porsche Taycan’s record at the Nurburgring?

Tesla may have already smashed the Porsche Taycan’s electric car lap record at the Nurburgring – even though its official attempt is not due to happen until later in the week. One of CarAdvice’s spy photography agencies caught on camera another example of a highly modified Tesla Model S sedan lapping the famous 20.8km circuit overnight, or Tuesday afternoon local time.

Car News Daily: Your daily download

Plenty has happened in the world of car news over the last 24 hours. If you haven't had time to read all the news on CarAdvice.com, catch up on your way home with Car News Daily, as Mandy Turner reads each news story word-for-word. Today's download: LISTEN: Car News Daily podcastLISTEN: Automotive Industry Insights podcastLISTEN: Reverse Gear podcastMORE: All CarAdvice podcasts

Hyundai Santa Fe: V6 petrol coming late in 2019

Hyundai Australia will bolster its Santa Fe line-up with the addition of V6 petrol power very soon. Speaking at the local launch for the all-new Venue on the Sunshine Coast, Hyundai’s local boss, J.W. Lee, indicated the option of V6 petrol and front-wheel drive will return for the new Santa Fe range, much like the related Kia Sorento, before the end of this year. “It’s coming,” he said, “the plan is to have it here before the end of this year.”

Ford Australia funding driver training

We talk at length about the importance of driver training to reduce the counterintuitively growing road toll — about reaching young drivers before bad habits become ingrained. Enter Ford Australia, which is expanding its five-year-old subsided driver-training program called Driving Skills for Life.

NSW: 40km/h slow down, move over laws expanded as trial ends

Laws forcing New South Wales drivers to slow to 40km/h past emergency services will be made official on September 26, after a successful 12 month trial. A total of 936 fines have been issued during the trial, designed to better protect emergency services working on the roadside. Drivers are forced to slow to 40km/h when they pass police, ambulance and fire services with their lights flashing – and face fines of $446 if they don't.

Mazda EV coming at Tokyo motor show - report

Mazda will reveal its first pure-electric vehicle at the upcoming Tokyo motor show, according to a new report. Recently snapped testing under a CX-30 body, the pure-electric model is expected to go on sale in 2020. A company spokesperson confirmed the EV's existence to Automotive News, and says it will be "brand new".

Hyundai Palisade: Australian launch on track for 2020

Hyundai Australia is looking to fill the void at the top end of of its SUV line-up with its full-sized Palisade SUV, with a potential 2020 introduction hinted at by company executives. Speaking with CarAdvice at the Australian launch drive for the all-new 2020 Venue crossover, Hyundai’s local boss, J.W. Lee indicated the Korean brand’s local division is aiming to have a proper rival to the Mazda CX-9 and Toyota Kluger sometime next year.

Aiways U5 EV awarded a Guinness World Record

Aiways has hit the road in a big way. Carscoops reports the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer has been awarded a Guinness World Record for the longest journey completed by an electric vehicle prototype.

2020 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe spied

BMW has been snapped testing the 4 Series Gran Coupe on European streets, revealing details about its profile and rear lights... but nothing about its grille. The new prototype follows the Concept 4 revealed in Frankfurt. The concept, which offers "a look ahead to the expressive face of the 4 Series range" according to BMW, was dominated by its gigantic 'kidney' grille.

2020 Mini Clubman JCW pricing and specs

Mini's fastest-ever production car, the new Clubman JCW, will touch down in Australia before the end of 2019, priced from $57,900 before on-road costs. Powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, the Clubman JCW now makes 225kW and 450Nm, an increase of 55kW over the outgoing model. The engine is shared with the BMW X2 M35i, as is the eight-speed automatic transmission. There's also a mechanical front differential to help put the power down.

2020 Range Rover Evoque recalled

Jaguar Land Rover has recalled the 2020 Range Rover Evoque over concerns about its windscreen washer jets. According to the company, there's a risk the windscreen wiper washer jets might become inoperative in freezing conditions. If they become inoperative, drivers won't be able to clear the windscreen and see the road ahead, increasing the risk of an accident occurring. A total of 590 cars are included in the recall – a VIN list is attached here.

2020 McLaren GT review

It’s 26 years since Formula 1 team McLaren seemingly got bored of winning a string of titles and decided to build the world’s fastest production car. The McLaren F1 was the British marque’s sole supercar effort for nearly two decades, between 1993 and 2012, but then it got serious about beating Ferrari in showrooms as well as grand prix. In the past eight years, it’s produced more than a dozen new cars.

Bugatti boss wants to add a crossover to the range

Bugatti is reportedly keen on a second more affordable and more practical model for its range, which currently only consists of the Chiron and its many limited edition derivatives. Stephan Winkelmann, Bugatti's CEO, has told Bloomberg the company wants to add a second model to its range. According to the Bugatti boss, the new car would be a four-seat model with the ability to do some off-road driving or, basically, a crossover vehicle.

2020 BMW M5 facelift spied

The updated BMW M5 has been caught testing on public roads in Europe. Cosmetic changes include new headlights graphics and a tail-light design in line with those we've seen on the latest 3 Series, X5 and X7 models. The front and rear bumpers will also carry modifications. Thankfully the updates don't seem to extend to a grille design like the one we saw on the Concept 4 at the Frankfurt motor show.

GM workers in the US go on strike

Around 49,000 workers at GM plants across the US have gone on strike after negotiations between the United Auto Workers (UAW) union and the automaker broke down over the weekend. This is the first nationwide strike against GM since 2007 when the automaker was trying to reduce its pension and healthcare burden as part of an effort to stave off bankruptcy.

Design Review: Aston Martin Vanquish (2001)

Vanquish means “to defeat thoroughly”, but it's not only the meaning that defines the beauty of this Middle English word - it is also its aristocratic sound. We don’t usually start our design reviews with quotes from dictionaries, but in this case we need some cultural background knowledge in order to deal with this Aston Martin. And we are not talking about a random model but the one that set the foundations for the brand's modern design language.

2019 Honda CR-V VTi-E7 review

Sales of Honda’s first seven-seat CR-V derivative in Australia, called VTi-L7, have tracked exceptionally well. So, it made sense to introduce an additional specification level at a cheaper price for growing families on a tight budget.

Volkswagen ID.4: Pure-electric SUV to hit Australia before ID.3 hatch

Volkswagen is preparing for one of its biggest vehicle onslaughts to date, and it’s the electric ID range taking centre stage. Although the ID.3 hatchback is the only member of the ID family to be revealed, it's actually the ID.4 SUV that'll lead the electric Volkswagen charge Down Under. Volkswagen Australia has confirmed it'll "definitely" launch the ID range with the ID.4 SUV.

A road trip to Blacksmiths Beach in a 2019 Holden Colorado Z71

What if we were to tell you there's a place two hours' north of Sydney that you can play, fish, surf, jetski and camp? Come with Dom Wiseman on a trip to one of Australia's most pristine beaches: Blacksmiths Beach in a Holden Colorado Z71.

Around the Tracks: Frankfurt, gaming, and Seinfeld's Mercedes

When we’re not creating it ourselves, the CarAdvice team spends a lot of time finding and consuming motoring content from all over the world. Here’s a handful of the articles, videos and social media posts that most caught our eye last week. Some of them are brand-new, others have been online for a while. Enjoy them – just not too much, okay? Will a GT-R seat turn you into a gaming Godzilla? Motor shows are struggling at the moment A serious E-Class

Car News Daily: Your daily download

Plenty has happened in the world of car news over the last 24 hours. If you haven't had time to read all the news on CarAdvice.com, catch up on your way home with Car News Daily, as Mandy Turner reads each news story word-for-word. Today's download: LISTEN: Car News Daily podcastLISTEN: Automotive Industry Insights podcastLISTEN: Reverse Gear podcastMORE: All CarAdvice podcasts

Volkswagen ID.R Heaven's Gate record video released

There’s been a lot of talk lately about slow television, where a camera is placed on a boat or cross-country train and the result is a peaceful, relaxing movie. Volkswagen has released a clip that’s anything but. Full of action movie jump cuts and a suspenseful score, the video shows Romain Dumas setting a new record time up Tianmen Mountain Big Gate Road in China with the electric Volkswagen ID.R race car.

Mercedes-AMG boss talks electric vehicles

Mercedes-AMG is known for its rumbling V8s, but like every brand it'll soon need to make at least some electric cars to meet emissions targets. CEO Tobias Moers is confident not only can the performance meet expectations, but so can the artificially created interior and exterior noise. For an idea of where his mind is, Moers said this week that the new Porsche Taycan has “raised the bar”, but also pointed out how quickly things can change in this space.

Volkswagen prepping ID.3 hot hatch - report

It's not even been a week since Volkswagen revealed the ID.3 hatchback but the company is already preparing a hotter version, according to a new report from the UK. The new ID.3 is Volkswagen's first mass-produced electric vehicle, with a Golf-sized body and up to 550km of range. The company hasn't revealed a fast version just yet but Jurgen Stackmann, Volkswagen sales boss, has told Autocar the brand is already working out where it's planning to take the 'R' badge.

2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport review

This is no ordinary midlife update. The 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport is a super-competent seven-seater in a hotly contested luxury medium-SUV segment. It’s technically an update to the model that came out in 2015, one which this Alborz Fallah actually bought and owned for some time.

Dieselgate: Volkswagen Australia settles class actions with $127 million payout

Volkswagen Australia has reached a settlement with plaintiffs representing Australian consumers affected by the Volkswagen dieselgate scandal. The settlement was reached on a 'no-admission' basis with plaintiffs representing five lawsuits against the company in Australia.

2019 Lexus GS F long-term review: Farewell

Finally, our time with the brawny and very traditional Lexus GS F has come to its conclusion. What did Tony and the team think of it? Find out here.

Toyota Avensis, Corolla and Yaris: Takata recall expanded

Toyota has expanded its Takata recall for the 2001-03 Avensis, 2001-07 Corolla, and 2006-11 Yaris Sedan. As with all Takata-related recalls, airbags in the affected vehicles are fitted with propellant that could degrade when exposed to heat and humidity. If one of those cars is in an accident where the airbags are deployed, the metal inflator housing could explode under too much internal pressure sending shrapnel shooting into the cabin.

2019 Iveco Daily 4x4 review: the biggest and baddest 4x4 money can buy?

Being the toughest 4WD out there is something of a subjective matter, and difficult to nail down. But there is something else this 2019 #Iveco #Daily 4x4 is in the running for, and that’s being the most capable 4x4 off the showroom floor in Australia at the moment. Is this the biggest and baddest 4x4 money can buy? Sam Purcell finds out.

2020 Cadillac CT4 revealed

After unveiling the sporty CT4-V earlier this year, Cadillac has now taken the wraps off the rest of the CT4 range. The CT4 uses an updated version of the Alpha platform underpinning the Chevrolet Camaro and Cadillac CT5 sedan. That’s good news as Alpha cars have been frequently praised by critics for their dynamics. In terms of size, it’s almost identical to the old entry-level ATS. Total length is 4756mm, fractionally longer than a BMW 3 Series but with a wheelbase 76mm shorter at 2775mm.

2020 Fiat 500X Sport revealed, not coming to Australia

The Fiat 500X Sport was unveiled at the end of last week, but it won't be making the long journey to Australia. In Europe the 500X will be available with two petrol engines: a 88kW 1.0-litre with a six-speed manual, and a 110kW 1.3-litre Firefly mill with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. To justify its name, the new 500X variant comes with retuned suspension that's 13mm lower, 18-inch alloy wheels, and revised steering calibration.

2020 Volkswagen Golf GTE spied almost undisguised

The next Volkswagen Golf GTE is the latest variant in the next-generation Golf range to be spied undergoing testing. We've been seeing prototypes of the eighth-generation Golf in various states of undress for quite a while now. Although there have been more than a few sightings of the new Golf with almost no disguise, this vehicle has a silver body, rather than black, so it's easier to see some of the car's finer styling details.

2020 Abarth 595 Pista unveiled, coming to Australia

The Abarth 595 Pista has been unveiled, and the new model bridges the gap between the base 595 and the 595 Competizione. Under the bonnet, the 595 Pista has a revised 1.4-litre engine with a larger Garrett turbocharger. It is rated at 121kW of power, and 230Nm of torque at 2250rpm.

2019 Mini Cooper Convertible review

Convertibles exist in a strange space in the motoring world. The people who buy them aren't necessarily enthusiasts, like sports car owners, but they care enough about their car to buy an inherently compromised vehicle. The entire Mini range exists in a similar sphere. Expensive, small and trendy, the Anglo-Deutsch brand is reliant on buyers making a decision with their hearts, not their heads. That means the 2019 Mini Cooper Convertible is a niche car competing in a niche segment.

Driving a Ferrari at Targa Great Barrier Reef

Driving a Ferrari is an event. Each and every time. Doesn’t matter if it's a trip down to Coles or a day out at the track. The simple idea of getting behind the wheel of a Prancing Horse is enough to elicit a great sense of joy from those that understand its virtue. As an owner, I still feel that sensation each time I jump behind the wheel of my Speciale. But to drive one flat out, at Targa? That’s something else again.

Styling face-off: 2020 Land Rover Defender 90 v 2011 DC100 concept

Back in 2011, literally a century ago (okay, that's not how 'literally' works), well before I joined CarAdvice, I wrote about and drooled over the Land Rover DC100 concept. CarAdvice wrote about it too, of course. Modeled as a potential preview of the new off-roading SUV that would replace the legendary Defender, the DC100 introduced a look that brought some modernity to the concept.

Nissan EV SUV previewed to US dealers

Nissan’s electric vehicle range is branching out from the Leaf, with US dealers getting a preview of a new electric crossover last month. Automotive News reports the unnamed two-row crossover has been described by dealers as being the size of an X-Trail but as spacious as the larger Murano.

2019 Iveco Daily 4x4 review

Being the toughest 4WD out there is something of a subjective matter, and difficult to nail down. But there is something else this 2019 Iveco Daily 4x4 is in the running for, and that’s being the most capable 4x4 off the showroom floor in Australia at the moment. I’ve pushed the Jeep Wrangler hard off-road, and was mighty impressed. The Troopcarrier was there also, and I’ve driven the Suzuki Jimny on some hard tracks in the Victorian High Country.

Configurator Challenge: 2020 Land Rover Defender

Customisation is in vogue at the moment, but choice can be seriously confusing. In our configurator challenge, we let the CarAdvice team loose on a manufacturer’s website to create their ideal spec of a certain model. This week, we've taken on the 2020 Land Rover Defender. Let us know what you think in the comments, and which cars you’d like to see next! Alright. Cards on the table, I wish this was a '90' but Land Rover won't let us configure that yet.

Vision Mercedes Simplex concept revealed

Mercedes-Benz has opened a new design centre in Nice, along the luxury-filled southern coast of France. It is situated in the middle of the Sophia Antipolis Science and Technology Park, dubbed France's ‘Silicon Valley’.

2019 Frankfurt motor show: Hits and misses

Another huge Frankfurt motor show done and dusted. What was worth checking out? What tickled and tormented showgoers? It looks like the Defender was a big favourite for our team, along with Hyundai's minimalist and sharp 45 electric concept. BMW's Concept 4 coupe concept, on the other hand, not so lucky... Check out our teams hits and misses below, and tell us your thoughts in the comments below. Best production car: Defender, ID.3, Taycan

2020 Mercedes-Benz A250e PHEV quick drive

Regulations of CO2 emissions have convinced or cajoled Mercedes-Benz into offering plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) across its vast fleet, from A-Class to S-Class with SUVs and vans in between. PHEVs occupy one stream of Mercedes’s wider ‘electrified’ strategy, sitting above cheaper 48V mild hybrid systems and below full electric cars such as the EQC, and the imminent family of luxury EVs on a dedicated platform headlined by the production EQS limo.

Tesla Nurburgring record attempt: everything we know so far

After a week of hype, Tesla is yet to put down a fast lap at the Nurburgring in its attempt to wrestle the electric-car lap record from the Porsche Taycan. If you haven’t been able to read every word on the internet about this bold record attempt, this story will give you a rundown on all we know so far.

Why the Michelin Guide exists

The year is 1889 and your fledgling tyre company is looking for clever ways to sell more rubber. Problem is, there are only 3000 cars on the road in France at the time. So, what do you do to encourage those 3000 car-owners to use their vehicles and thus wear out their tyres? If you’re the Michelin brothers, you invent the Guide Michelin, of course.

2019 Peugeot 308 GT review

Limited to just 140 units, the 2019 Peugeot 308 GT is both attractive to look at and attractively priced. Pricing starts from $39,990, and after a week behind the wheel, CarAdvice is mightily impressed with the lion's revived and facelifted hot hatch. Interestingly, Peugeot confirmed when pricing and specification was released that the 308 GT would be fitted with a petrol particulate filter, ensuring it is one of the first vehicles to go on sale in Australia with such technology as standard.

Mercedes-AMG performance plug-in by 2020

Mercedes-AMG will launch an EQ-branded battery-electric GT 4-Door by the end of 2020 with supercar performance, delivering on the promise implied by the concept version in March 2017. If you recall, the Mercedes-AMG GT concept that previewed the current six- and eight-cylinder production 4-Door models paired the familiar 4.0-litre biturbo engine with an electric motor driving the rear axle directly and with individual-wheel-variability.

Volkswagen teases production ID.4 crossover

Another electric Volkswagen made its debut in the metal at Frankfurt... it just happened to be shrouded in fog and covered in stripes. Though this year’s show heralded the debut of the production ID.3 hatchback, the Volkswagen stand was also home to an upcoming electric crossover. Automotive News reports the electric crossover, which appears to be based on the ID Crozz concept, will wear the ID.4 name when it enters production next year.

2019 Mitsubishi Pajero (Shogun) review: Farewelling a hero

While the sophistication and complexity of rivals continues to expand, the Pajero sticks to the ‘keep it simple’ mantra favoured by regional and remote buyers, and carving out its own niche in the process. No model can run forever, though, and with production scaling down for overseas markets, eventually Australia is likely to follow suit. Mitsubishi Australia tells us Pajero production will soldier on for a few more years but won't yet commit to an end date for Australia.

Car News Daily podcast: Your daily download

Plenty has happened in the world of car news over the last 24 hours. If you haven't had time to read all the news on CarAdvice.com, catch up on your way home with Car News Daily, as Mandy Turner reads each news story word-for-word. Today's download: LISTEN: Car News Daily podcast LISTEN: Automotive Industry Insights podcast LISTEN: Reverse Gear podcastMORE: All CarAdvice podcasts

Volvo Australia introduces capped-price servicing

Volvo Car Australia has introduced capped-price servicing across its range, addressing one of the biggest concerns about its SUVs, wagons and sedans. The new plans pull Volvo's maintenance pricing into line with BMW at the lower-end of the range, undercutting the German brand at the top end.

Tesla Nurburgring record: The real reason Nico Rosberg isn’t driving

Former Formula 1 driver Nico Rosberg won’t be behind the wheel of Tesla’s Nurburgring record attempt because he isn’t qualified enough – and it’s likely he wasn’t aware of the rules when he offered his driving services via Twitter. While Rosberg is qualified to race on the circuit, he doesn’t have a licence that makes him eligible to participate in car industry track testing days, which involves a three-day assessment, training and accreditation process.

Where to listen to the CarAdvice podcasts

Now we're a few episodes into the new CarAdvice podcast format, we thought we'd give you an update about where and how you can listen to your favourite content. You can catch up with the restructure of the CarAdvice podcasts here, but below we have outlined the many ways you can get your daily, weekly, and monthly podcast fix. Car News Daily: Listen to each CarAdvice news story word-for-word from the past 24 hours every weekday around 4pm.

Ford: Half of European sales will be electrified by 2022

Ford expects 54 per cent of its sales in Europe to come from hybrids and fully electric cars by the end of 2022, with the rest featuring conventional petrol and diesel engines. It should be noted Ford includes mild hybrids, as well regular hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure electric vehicles, in its calculations. So far the company has announced or put into showrooms mild-hybrid versions of the Fiesta, Focus, Kuga, Puma, Transit, Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom.

Automotive Industry Insights podcast: Frankfurt motor show special!

This week Paul Maric, Alborz Fallah, Tony Crawford, Josh Dowling, and Mike Costello are broadcasting from the Volkswagen stand at the 2019 Frankfurt motor show. They discuss their hits and misses, and the lack of manufacturers present at the show. Plus, they cover some of the production models and concepts, including the Volkswagen ID.3, Land Rover Defender, Honda e, Mercedes-Benz EQS, and Josh's time with the Kia Soul.

2020 Audi TT pricing and specs

Audi Australia has announced pricing and specifications for the refreshed TT and TT S coupe, now priced from $79,900 plus on-road costs. Compared to the outgoing range, the price of entry has risen by over $5000, but the company has offset the hike by making all-wheel drive standard and adding equipment across the range.

2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport review

This is no ordinary midlife update. The 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport is a super-competent seven-seater in a hotly contested luxury medium-SUV segment. It’s technically an update to the model that came out in 2015, one which this author actually bought and owned for some time.

2020 Hyundai Venue Launch Edition on sale from $25,990

Hyundai Australia has quietly released the Venue Launch Edition alongside the core three-tier line-up, priced from $25,990 plus on-road costs. Limited to just 100 units, the Launch Edition commands $500 over the top-spec Elite but gains a powered sunroof and exclusive single-tone colour options not available across the wider range, Available hues are Exotic Green (top) and Lava Orange (below), both complemented by black cloth interior trim.

Tesla readying tri-motor 'Plaid' powertrain

Tesla will continue to develop on the Model S and Model X's well-reported acceleration figures, preparing a three-motor powertrain to deliver 'Plaid' performance. The current Model S P100D with Ludicrous Plus will hit 60mph (97km/h) in 2.28 seconds, as tested by Motor Trend in the USA. That makes it one of the fastest-ever accelerating production cars.

Honda E: Type R version ruled out

Yet-to-be-released top-end versions of the Honda E electric hatchback will likely have more high-tech features instead of extravagant power figures, a wild bodykit and Nurburgring-tuned handling. Kohei Hitomi, project leader for the E, told Autocar a Type R variant "is not the way to go with the E".

Tesla Nurburgring record attempt postponed

Tesla is inching closer to its electric car lap record attempt at the Nurburgring, having been spotted doing several shakedown runs at the German circuit overnight. What appears to be a modified Model S sedan – with wider wheel arches, wider wheels, carbon ceramic brakes, semi-slick racing tyres, a rear wing, and a new 100D+ badge – was caught on camera having only done five laps on Thursday.

Tesla Model S: Modified EV spotted near the Nürburgring

Spy photographers have snapped a modified Tesla Model S testing near the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Last month, the Porsche Taycan set a 7:42 minute lap time on the famous racetrack, claiming the record for fastest four-door production electric car. The Taycan's effort didn't go unnoticed in Silicon Valley. Just a day after the first-ever electric Porsche was revealed, Elon Musk tweeted about plans for a record run in the Model S.

Driverless cars? Years away, says Mercedes

Auto and tech companies who made bold assertions that driverless cars are right around the figurative corner underestimated the difficulties in producing them, and the industry should now be understanding how complex and remarkable human brains really are behind the wheel.

2020 Mitsubishi Pajero GLS review

The Mitsubishi Pajero, once a fixture of rural towns across Australia, is running out of time. Incredible, really, when you consider how SUVs continue to grow in popularity, yet in the Pajero’s case time has stood still. There are no assurances the 2020 Mitsubishi Pajero GLS is the very last one we’ll see, but further updates for Mitsubishi’s long-runner are off the cards.

2019 Lexus GS-F long-term review: Farewell

To say that we knew the Lexus GS F well would be the understatement of the year at CarAdvice. That's because after living with the hi-po four-door sedan for nearly seven months, handing back the keys was a far more difficult task than any of us might have imagined.

McLaren: “We will not build an SUV”

McLaren will not follow its sports car rivals by adding an SUV to its stable. The British supercar maker has just released its most practical model yet, the GT. It’s a McLaren aimed at the grand touring segment and, despite its mid-engine layout, offers a luggage capacity of 570L via a specially created cargo bay above the lowered V8 that combines with the front compartment familiar from the company’s other models.

Car News Daily podcast: Your daily download

Plenty has happened in the world of car news over the last 24 hours. If you haven't had time to read all the news on CarAdvice.com, catch up on your way home with Car News Daily, as Mandy Turner reads each news story word-for-word. Today's download: LISTEN: Car News Daily podcastLISTEN: Automotive Industry Insights podcastLISTEN: Reverse Gear podcastMORE: All CarAdvice podcasts

2020 Volvo XC40 T5 PHEV launches in Europe, confirmed for Oz

Volvo Cars has completed its line-up of plug-in hybrids, launching the XC40 T5 Twin Engine in Europe this week, ahead of an Australian launch before the end of next year. Like the model offered in China already, the XC40 T5 Twin Engine pairs the 134kW/265Nm 1.5-litre turbo three-cylinder petrol engine from the T3 variant with an 82hp(61kW)/160Nm electric motor.

2021 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS spied

Porsche is readying an even hotter 718 Cayman to sit above the GT4, with what appears to be a GT4 RS snapped during testing. The GT4 was launched in July this year, and has already won plaudits for its balanced handling, raucous engine and manual gearshift. But for some that won't be enough. That's where the RS comes in.

Mercedes-Maybach GLS firming for late-2019 launch - report

There's been rumours of a flagship Maybach variant of the new Mercedes-Benz GLS for some time, and it appears the three-pointed star could reveal it before the end of the year – according to a report out of the UK. Autocar claims "sources at the Frankfurt motor show" have confirmed the Maybach GLS will be launched later in 2019 and be priced from around £150,000 ($269,280).

4x4 Driving Tips: How to climb steep hills... safely

Steep hills hold promises of spectacular views and secluded corners of the country. However, one must be ready to meet the mountain and face the challenge, either up or down a steep section of track. Remember to pack your bravado and a focused mind. Steep hills can be muddy, rocky, or a combination of both. Sand too, provides plenty of challenges.

Volvo XC40: Upcoming EV confirmed for Australia

Volvo Cars Australia has confirmed it plans to launch the upcoming electric version of its XC40 SUV at the end of 2020, even though the new model hasn't even been revealed yet. The Swedish marque's local PR boss, Greg Bosnich, said Volvo Australia will introduce the new T5 Twin Engine PHEV and all-electric versions of the XC40 in "the later part of 2020".

2020 Jaguar F-Pace facelift spied

The Jaguar F-Pace facelift has been spied undergoing testing in southern Europe. Launched in 2016, the F-Pace is due for a mid-cycle refresh. Although practically all of the prototype is covered in a camouflage wrap, it doesn't look as though Jaguar has altered any of the car's body panels. The crossover will have a revised front bumper with revised air intake and grille designs. There also seems to be updated graphics for the headlights.

2019 Peugeot Partner and Boxer pricing and specs

Peugeot Australia has announced pricing and specification for its two commercial vans, the Partner and Boxer, continuing the rollout started by the Expert a few months ago. These two new models reaffirm Peugeot’s commitment to the LCV sector in Australia, and to providing tradies and business owners with safe and viable options. The fitment of AEB as standard is the first range-wide fitment of that system for the brand.

2019 Citroen C5 Aircross Shine review

There’s a dangerous sameness across much of the SUV landscape. In a sea of drab, carbon-copied, raised adventure wagons, Citroen has tried to position itself as something a little different. The new C5 Aircross is rather conventional under the skin, but as is typical for the brand's more recent offerings, bright pops of colour and atypical styling touches give it shades of individuality lacking from so many other medium SUVs.

2020 Land Rover Defender: Five-star safety rating expected

The all-new Land Rover Defender has been engineered and developed from the ground up to meet the latest European and worldwide safety regulations, and the company believes it has every chance to gain the maximum five-star safety rating when it undergoes testing in the near future. Speaking to the media at the Frankfurt motor show, Land Rover’s head engineer, Nick Rogers, who had his legs crushed in a vehicle accident at a younger age, said compromising on safety is simply out of the question.

2020 Land Rover Defender: ‘Having a manual is just daft’

Speaking to Australian media at the Frankfurt motor show, Nick Rogers, the chief engineer of Land Rover, explained why "having a manual [Defender] is just daft". The original model, which was introduced in 1948 and went out of production in 2016, was only ever available with a manual transmission.

Land Rover says it is 'obsessed about reliability’

Nick Rogers, the head of engineering at Land Rover, says the brand is obsessed with improving its reliability, perceived or otherwise, and while it is not where it wants to be today, the company is "pushing like nothing on Earth". Speaking to the Australian media at the Frankfurt motor show, Rogers admitted the company is going through rapid change internally to improve the reliability of its electronics.

2021 Jaguar XJ teased

As we reported in June, the next generation of Jaguar XJ will have an electric powertrain. CEO Dr. Ralf Speth has referred to the next XJ as being “all-electric” and “full-electric”, suggesting there may be no petrol or diesel XJs whatsoever. AutoExpress published a teaser of the next-generation XJ, displayed at Jaguar Land Rover’s press conference this week at the Frankfurt motor show.

2020 Alpina B3 Touring revealed: Still want that M3 wagon?

Alpina has revealed its latest worked-over BMW, the B3 Touring, with sights set on filling a void BMW M has consistently refused to fill. Based on the garden-variety 3 Series Touring, the B3 Touring is powered by an S58 3.0-litre inline-six turbocharged petrol engine making 340kW and 700Nm. That means it's actually the first 3 Series to get the M3's new engine. It's put to all four wheels through an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission.

5 Things: 2019 Holden Colorado Z71

Despite it struggling to stand out of the crowd, the Holden Colorado Z71 presents a good argument for a ute purchase; priced from $54,990, it is packed full of safety tech, creature comforts and even rugged additions like Grey metallic wheels and Stage 1 Underbody protection. Here are five things you should know about the Holden Colorado Z71.

2020 Hyundai i10 N Line revealed, not for Oz

Hyundai Motor Europe has debuted the i10 N Line at the Frankfurt motor show this week, following the reveal of the regular micro hatch last week. The new-generation i10 is the fourth model in Hyundai's European line-up to get the N Line treatment, following the larger i30, i30 Fastback and Tucson.

2020 Volvo S60 R-Design review

The most attention-grabbing highlight of the all-new 2020 Volvo S60 isn’t its handsome design, impressive tech, fulsome features and refined, luxury-focused on-road experience, but its pricing. The tip-in point for the mid-sized, premium four-door Swede, the $54,990 (list) T5 Momentum version, not so much undercuts circa-$70K German rivals logically matched in powertrain and equipment, it ploughs a trench with a discount bulldozer. Yes, 15 grand more affordable.

Car News Daily podcast: Your daily download

Plenty has happened in the world of car news over the last 24 hours. If you haven't had time to read all the news on CarAdvice.com, catch up on your way home with Car News Daily, as Mandy Turner reads each news story word-for-word. Today's download: LISTEN: Car News Daily podcastLISTEN: Automotive Industry Insights podcast LISTEN: Reverse Gear podcastMORE: All CarAdvice podcasts

2007-08 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra recalled for Takata airbags

Local conversion specialist Victorian American Imports has issued a recall for the 2007-08 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra as part of the ongoing Takata airbag recall. In affected vehicles, the front passenger side airbags could be faulty. Like previous Takata-related notices, airbags in affected vehicles could have propellant that degrades over time due to exposure to high temperatures and humidity.

2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter recalled

Mercedes-Benz has recalled the 2019 Sprinter van, over concerns the tail-lights might not function properly. According to the company, a 'software fault' means the tail-lights may malfunction in certain vehicles if the rotary light switch is shifted to a new position in 'less than 0.5 seconds'. If the tail-lights don't function correctly, the tail-lights may fail completely or operate at a significantly reduced brightness. That makes the vehicle less visible, upping the risk of an accident.

Audi AI:Trail Quattro concept unveiled

The covers have been whipped off the Audi AI:Trail Quattro concept at the 2019 Frankfurt motor show. The concept features four electric motors which can work together to generate a maximum of 320kW of power and 1000Nm of torque. As there's an electric motor for each wheel, the AI:Trail can do without weight-adding, energy-consuming differentials and locks. Said to be made from a mixture of steel, aluminium and carbon-fibre, the AI:Trail tips the scales at 1750kg.

2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Upland on sale from $61,450

Blackhawk, 70th Anniversary, 75th Anniversary, Jet, Night Eagle, S-Limited, S-Overland… Those are just the special editions that have been offered on the current series of Jeep Grand Cherokee, and that’s not even including the ones based on the SRT. It’s time to add another name to that list – the Jeep Grand Cherokee Upland.

Mercedes-Benz to offer two flagship limousines

We weren’t quite clear on whether the slinky Mercedes-Benz EQS electric limo concept revealed in Frankfurt this week both previewed the 2021 S-Class as well as a standalone EV flagship model, or merely the latter.

Up next: Mini's electric hot hatch range

Less than a month after the first mass-produced Mini Electric rolled off the assembly line, the iconic British brand is already working on the next model – and will likely include the option of an electrified hot hatch across the Cooper S and John Cooper Works ranges.

2020 Hyundai i30 N Project C revealed, not for Oz

Hyundai N has revealed its latest creation – the 2020 i30 N Project C – a "lighter, lower, more aggressive version" of the company's first hot hatch. Limited to just 600 units and exclusive to the European market, the Project C retains the N Performance variant's 202kW/353Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine (378Nm on over boost), though gets a slew of aero, cosmetic and mechanical upgrades drawn from last year's i30 N Option concept to shed 50kg from the 'standard' car.

2020 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 pricing and specs

The roll-out of Porsche 911 variants continues with the launch of the 911 Carrera 4, slated to arrive in Australia during the fourth quarter of 2019. The 992-series 911 reached Aussie showrooms this year in Carrera S and Carrera 4S guises, and later this year the Carrera 4 Coupe will arrive priced at $245,600, while the Carrera 4 Cabriolet will retail for $267,100, both prices before on-road costs.

2020 Mini Electric confirmed for Australia

British carmaker Mini will introduce an electric version of its iconic Cooper hatchback in Australian showrooms in the middle of next year. Price is yet to be confirmed however, based on the European cost of about €32,000, the Mini Electric will likely arrive at about $55,000 plus on-roads.

BMW i Hydrogen Next unveiled

The BMW i Hydrogen Next unveiled at the 2019 Frankfurt motor show is said to preview a production car coming around 2022. According to Car and Driver, the i Hydrogen Next has a driving range of between 490 and 595 kilometres. The car's hydrogen fuel tanks are reportedly located under the rear seat and in the centre tunnel, and can be refilled in around four minutes.

Mercedes-Benz Australia preparing to sell cars online

Global head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Ola Källenius this week reaffirmed the company’s projection that up to one-in-four of its sales by 2025 could be completed to some degree online, outside the conventional dealer model, and potentially with lucrative fixed haggle-free pricing.

Hyundai Veloster N ETCR: Electric race car unveiled

The Hyundai Veloster N ETCR race car has been unveiled at the 2019 Frankfurt motor show. While the road-going Veloster N is a front-wheel drive hot hatch powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 205kW of power and 352Nm of torque, the ETCR has a mid-mounted electric motor driving the rear wheels. The company has yet to provide details about the car's power, torque and other specifications.

BMW Concept 4 revealed

The attention-grabbing BMW Concept 4 has been unveiled at the 2019 Frankfurt motor show. The silhouette and overall body are what we expected for the new two-door model, with the Concept 4 featuring a long bonnet, pushed back windscreen, and short rear deck. As is the case with many cars today, the Concept 4 has large aggressively styled vents in the front bumper, and a big rear diffuser cut into the back.

Bentley Blower Continuation Series revealed

Bentley has announced it’ll build 12 replicas of its iconic 1929 Team Blower race car, in part to celebrate the brand’s centenary. It’ll take two years for Bentley and its Mulliner coachbuilding division to complete the 12-car series, though they’ll take advantage of the latest manufacturing technologies. Each car, however, will use the original moulds and tooling jigs from the 1920s.

2019 Mercedes-Benz B180 review

Of all the models spun off Mercedes-Benz's compact car platform, it's a little ironic the B-Class is the least popular in Australia. After all, it's the closest the three-pointed star has come to replicating the high-roof, compact-footprint formula it laid out with the first- and second-generation A-Classes before diverting down a sportier path.

2020 Buick Verano sedan debuts

A refreshed version of the Buick Verano sedan has debuted in China. The Verano uses the same D2XX platform as our Holden Astra and has a 2700mm wheelbase, identical to the recently discontinued Astra sedan. Unlike our Astra, however, the 2020 Verano has ditched four-cylinder engines for a pair of turbocharged three-pots. There’s a 1.0-litre mill with 92kW and 180Nm, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and a 1.3 unit with 121kW and 240Nm of torque mated to a CVT.

2019 Kia Cerato v Toyota Corolla comparison | Best small car?

Kia’s Cerato has a few rough edges, but for many buyers, these are smoothed out by the Korean hatchback’s excellent ownership credentials that start with its sharp drive-away pricing and finish with that generous factory warranty (unless owned even longer than seven years, of course).

2020 Land Rover Defender revealed, priced from $70,000

Land Rover has finally unveiled the 2020 Defender, designed to be a modern re-imagining of its off-road icon, ahead of its Australian arrival in June 2020.

2020 Land Rover Defender ‘needs to appeal to a new generation of customers’

The new Land Rover Defender has had to grow up and re-create itself to match the buyer needs and demands of the modern world, according to the brand’s head designer.

2020 Land Rover Defender: Engineering overview

The 2020 Land Rover Defender is set to redefine what a Defender can do, both on and off-road. Here, we take a deep dive into what the new super-SUV is made of – and why – with Land Rover's chief engineer, Nick Collins. The new car is based on what Land Rover calls the D7x architecture; the 'x' is for extreme. It’s a 100 per cent new aluminium monocoque, which Collins says is the right to deliver the capability required for a Defender today.

2020 Land Rover Defender: Design overview

Redesigning an automotive icon is no easy task, and there are not too many bigger icons than the Land Rover Defender. We take a journey through the design overview of the new 2020 Defender with the brand’s chief design officer, Gerry McGovern.

NEW Land Rover Defender revealed! Watch our walkaround review

Some days, we thought we'd never see another Defender. It was all taking too long, and hope was thin on the ground. Now, eight years since it unveiled the DC100 concept, Land Rover has finally come through with a new-generation Defender. What do you think? CarAdvice is at the Frankfurt Motor Show, watch Alborz Fallah walk you through the new-gen model.

Mercedes-Benz Vision EQS concept revealed

Mercedes-Benz has used the biennial Frankfurt motor show to premiere the electrified Vision EQS concept car, an obvious riposte to the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S. The company says this highly symbolic concept not only previews some of the design, drivetrain and manufacturing decisions that shape its next generation of products, but at a philosophical level offers “an outlook on future large electric luxury saloons by the brand”.

Hyundai 45 EV Concept revealed

Hyundai has revealed the face that will carry into the age of electrification, showing off the 45 EV Concept in Frankfurt. The new 45 EV is inspired by the Hyundai Pony Coupe Concept unveiled 1974, bearing a very similar fastback profile a slim, angry graphic at the front. Much like Honda with its Urban EV concept, the 45 takes classic design cues like simple quad head/tail-lights and reimagines them with LEDs for a pared-back look.

Car News Daily: Your daily download

Plenty has happened in the world of car news over the last 24 hours. If you haven't had time to read all the news on CarAdvice.com, catch up on your way home with Car News Daily, as Mandy Turner reads each news story word-for-word. Today's download: LISTEN: Car News Daily podcastLISTEN: Reverse Gear podcastLISTEN: Automotive Industry Insights podcastMORE: All CarAdvice podcasts

2020 Audi A7 Sportback 55 TFSI e quattro revealed

Audi is aiming to showcase how its products can offer the best of both worlds, backing up the reveal of its all-new RS7 performance liftback with the more eco-friendly A7 Sportback 55 TFSI e quattro plug-in hybrid.

Exclusive: 2020 Ford Focus ST priced from $44,690 and in showrooms early 2020

UPDATE: Ford officially confirmed the details below for the Focus ST at 3:00pm on Tuesday, September 10, 2019. September 1, 2019: The new 2020 Ford Focus ST hot hatch will start from $44,690 plus on-road costs when it arrives in January – and a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic transmission will be a no-cost option.

Land Rover Discovery family set to expand

The Land Rover Discovery family is likely to expand beyond its current two-model line-up, with the Defender's launch providing an opportunity for the model to reposition itself in new categories. Speaking to the media at a private unveiling of the new Defender ahead of the Frankfurt motor show, Land Rover’s chief design officer, Gerry McGovern, admitted ‘two doesn’t make a family’ when discussing the current Discovery line-up.

2016 Range Rover Evoque recalled

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) Australia has issued a recall for three 2016 model-year Range Rover Evoques over concerns vehicles may not meet emissions standards. "During testing there was greater than expected variation in CO2 emissions between vehicles," the British marque says in its notice. Three units are affected by this recall, sold between 18 December 2015 and 30 March 2016 – a VIN list is available here.

2020 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ revealed

Earlier this year, Bugatti once again broke the record for the fastest road car. Andy Wallace took a modified Chiron past 300mph (482km/h) to a record 304.77mph (490.48km/h) at the Ehra-Lessien test track in Germany. To celebrate, Bugatti is producing 30 versions of the monumental prototype, fittingly called the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+. It’s making its official debut at this month’s Frankfurt Motor Show and Bugatti has confirmed the price tag is a cool €3.5 million (A$5.6 million).

Mercedes-Benz GLC300e, GLE350de PHEVs revealed

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the GLE350de and GLC300e plug-in hybrids for the 2019 Frankfurt motor show, as the three-pointed star continues its electrification rollout. The GLC300e will launch in Australia during the second quarter of next year.

2020 Audi RS7 revealed, here next year

Audi Sport has revealed the all-new RS7 Sportback for the 2019 Frankfurt motor show, joining its wagon-bodied RS6 sibling in the revamped performance line-up. Power comes from the same stonking 441kW/800Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 as the new RS6 Avant, with peak torque available between 2100 and 4500rpm.