Cars you didn’t know you want: Toyota Crown ute

If your knowledge of Toyota utes starts and ends with HiLux, you’re in for a surprise. The Japanese giant has never shied away from workhorses, utilitarian vehicles designed to cope with light commercial duties day in, day out. And so it was with the Toyota Crown. ‘Wait? What?’ I hear you exasperate. ‘Wasn’t, indeed isn’t, the Toyota Crown an accommodating sedan primarily for the Japanese domestic market?’

Goodbye Mercedes-Benz X-Class, we hardly knew you...

Sometimes the best-laid plans go awry, and I’d never want to discourage a car manufacturer from rolling the dice and having a crack. But when it comes to automotive miscalculations, the short life of Mercedes-Benz Vans’ X-Class pickup has to rate pretty highly on the list, and serve as a lesson to others. As revealed this week, the X-Class will be axed globally from May this year, less than three years after its global reveal and two after its introduction to the vital Australian market.

Aston Martin secures financial lifeline, shakes up model plans

Aston Martin has secured £500 million ($967 million) in new funding to help see it through its current "challenging trading conditions". Overnight the automaker confirmed a group of investors, led by Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll, will purchase a new allotment of shares for £182 million ($352 million), giving them a 16.7 per cent stake in the company.

Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance present united front

The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance has outlined the basics of a plan to “reinforce its business model” after a year beset with internal and external strife following the ousting and arrest of chief Carlos Ghosn. It was ratified at an alliance of the operating board in Yokohama this week.

Can a driver be fined if their passenger is using a mobile phone?

The tale of a Sydney driver being fined because her passenger was on FaceTime incited shock and outrage in June 2019, but drivers may be interested to know similar penalties are becoming commonplace on roads across the nation. Sheree Panetta took to Facebook to vent about the $337 fine she received from NSW Police, with her post quickly going viral.

2021 Mercedes-Benz EQS prototype photographed

The Mercedes-Benz Vision EQS concept, revealed at last year’s Frankfurt motor show, was a dazzling, futuristic-looking concept car, as concept cars tend to be. If you were worried something would be lost in the transition to production EQS, Mercedes-Benz has released some official photographs of the concept and a pre-production prototype side-by-side to put your mind at ease.

2019 Subaru XV recalled over seatbelt fault

Subaru has recalled the 2019 XV to fix a problem with the locking mechanism in the rear seatbelts. According to the company, one of the two locking mechanisms in the rear seatbelts mightn't lock the belt as designed. If one of the locking mechanisms doesn't work as intended, rear passengers might not be properly restrained in an accident, increasing their risk of injury or death. A total of 721 cars are included in the campaign – a VIN list is attached here.

2020 Toyota HiLux SR d/cab 4x4 auto review

The 2020 Toyota HiLux SR flies under the radar a little when conversations turn to the success of dual-cabs in Australia – especially in relation to the pricier SR5 variant. The question here, then, is whether the more budget-friendly SR is a smarter way to spend your money?

Mercedes-Benz X-Class to be axed in May

The dual-cab Mercedes-Benz X-Class ute will be axed globally in May, less than three years after its global reveal and barely two years after its introduction to the Australian market. "It has been decided that from the end of May 2020, we will no longer produce this relatively young model," Mercedes-Benz said in a statement. "In our global product portfolio, the X-Class is a niche product which plays a great role in a few markets, including Australia and South Africa."

2020 Goodwood Festival of Speed celebrates motorsport greats

The theme for the 2020 Goodwood Festival of Speed has been announced, putting a focus on motorsport greats. Stepping away from traditional manufacturer-focused events, Goodwood has named this year’s theme “The Maestros – Motorsport's Great All-Rounders”. The theme celebrates not only drivers and riders on two and four wheels, but teams and manufacturers such as Ferrari, Porsche, Lotus, Mercedes-Benz, McLaren, Ford, Williams, Penske, and Ganassi.

Ford Europe approves the use of vegetable oil as fuel in its Transit vans

Ford has taken another step towards sustainability by approving the use of the biofuel Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) in a select number of its new Transit vans in Europe. HVO is a high-quality renewable diesel fuel made from vegetable oils and animal fats that is colourless, odourless and can technically be used in all diesel engines. It's produced in the process of hydrogenation (i.e. treatment with hydrogen) and boasts a longer shelf life than regular diesel.

Automotive Industry Insights podcast: John Bowe pays tribute to Rod Barrett

On this week's podcast are Mandy Turner, Mike Costello, and Scott Collie. In car news, the Alpine A110 Sportsx concept has been revealed, an Australian launch for Kia Stonic has been confirmed for late 2020, there's Australian interest in the Volkswagen Arteon 'Shooting Brake', and research shows school pick-up as 'the most dangerous time' to be on Australian roads. Mike talks about the all-electric 2020 MINI Cooper S E after its launch in Miami.

Have we hit peak automotive production?

Global automotive production may have already peaked and is likely to remain in a steady decline, the CEO of a top engineering company said this week. Volkmar Denner, CEO of German giant Bosch, shared his predictions during a news conference in Stuttgart while announcing plans to cut jobs in response to decreasing demand. "It could well be that we have passed the peak of automotive production," Denner told Automotive News.

2021 Jaguar XF spied

Jaguar's updated XF sedan has been snapped during winter testing, as it gets ready to take on the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The large sedan looks set to receive a smattering of small body changes, like tweaked bumpers and trim pieces up front, along with a mildly redesigned grille. A set of sharper-looking headlights are also likely, in keeping with recent changes to the F-Type and XE.

2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class recalled

Mercedes-Benz Australia has recalled the 2019 A-Class, over concerns the glass pane of the panoramic sliding sunroof mightn't be correctly bonded. According to the company, an incorrectly bonded sunroof will create wind noise in the short term, and could detach from the car in the long term. If the glass pane detaches, there's a risk of accident or injury for the driver and other road users. A total of three cars are included in the campaign – a VIN list is attached here.

2020 Mazda CX-30 scores five stars in ANCAP testing

Mazda's important CX-30 SUV has achieved five stars in ANCAP testing, returning the highest score for Adult Occupant Protection in the road safety body's history. The high-riding CX-30, which rivals the Kia Seltos, scored 99 per cent for Adult Occupant Protection. It also returned an impressive 88 per cent for Child Occupant Protection, and 80 per cent for Vulnerable Road User Protection.

Jeep, Suzuki diesels found to exceed EU emissions limits

Diesel engines used by Jeep Grand Cherokee and Suzuki Vitara models sold in the EU used "prohibited emissions strategies" to emit more oxides of nitrogen (NOx) during regular road driving than during emissions testing, according to the RDW, the road authority for the Netherlands. In a statement to Reuters, the RDW said Jeep has developed a software patch to the authority's satisfaction. The off-road brand will be ordered to recall affected Grand Cherokee models and apply the fix.

Tesla Model Y production has begun months early

Production of the Tesla Model Y crossover has already commenced at the company's Fremont factory in California. In its 2019 fourth quarter earnings report, released overnight, Tesla stated it has begun producing the Model Y this month. The company originally anticipated the car would start its way down the production line in October 2020.

GMC Hummer EV pickup confirmed, will have monster power output

Overnight GM confirmed its first-ever electric pickup truck will officially be known as the GMC Hummer EV. The automaker also revealed the new Hummer will be available with a 746kW (1000hp) and 15,592Nm electric drivetrain. This, presumably, multi-motor all-wheel drive electric drivetrain is capable of propelling the truck from 0-60mph (0-97km/h) in roughly 3 seconds.

2019 Nissan Leaf long-term review: Farewell

After nearly six months with our 2019 Nissan Leaf long-termer at the tail end of 2019, a few factors became clear. The most predominant being that electric cars do exactly what we thought they have been doing since their release – they work a treat for some people, some of the time.

Next Nissan Qashqai and X-Trail to debut this year, plug-in hybrid Qashqai planned – report

Nissan is expected to debut a redesigned Qashqai in September, while a new X-Trail could debut even sooner. Autocar reports the redesigned Qashqai should appear at this year’s Frankfurt motor show, while the next X-Trail may appear mid-year. The upcoming Qashqai won’t move to a new platform but will instead remain on the current model’s CMF platform, shared with the X-Trail, according to the report.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS400d review

The premium people-carrier battle begins in earnest from 2020, with a new-generation Mercedes-Benz GLS fresh on Aussie soil and ready to bare its teeth to the BMW X7. Of course, seven-seat SUVs from prestige brands are nothing new. The Audi Q7 and seven-seat versions of the smaller Benz GLE and BMW X5 have long offered the flexibility of ‘+2’ third-row seats, but the new flagships are grand SUVs done properly.

Watch every 2020 Super Bowl car commercial so far

Question: What do you get when you combine a former Game of Thrones star, a Grammy winner and a bunch of Boston accents? Answer: The car commercials at the 2020 Super Bowl. The annual NFL championship game traditionally attracts millions of television viewers each year – with Nielsen claiming last year's game was watched by 98.2 million viewers in the US alone.

EV startup Arrival to supply UPS with at least 10,000 battery-powered vans

UK electric vehicle startup Arrival has inked a multi-hundred-million euro deal with American logistics giant UPS to supply it with at least 10,000 battery-powered delivery vans from now through 2024. The deal comprises 10,000 vehicles the UK, mainland Europe, and North America, with UPS retaining the option of purchasing a further 10,000 during this period. This project stems from Arrival and UPS's development deal announced in 2016, just one year into the former's existence.

2021 Porsche 911 GT3 surfaces in Superbowl ad

Porsche has given the world a fleeting look at its upcoming 2021 911 GT3, ahead of a likely at the Geneva motor show in March. The company used its first Superbowl advertisement slot in more than 20 years to offer a fleeting glimpse of the as-yet unreleased GT3, which has been spied repeatedly in the last 12 months.

Renault Australia launches 1 per cent finance on Koleos

Renault Australia has announced a new finance deal as it looks to promote its Nissan X-Trail twin, the Koleos. Updated in November 2019, the Koleos competes with the Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, and the aforementioned X-Trail. Eligible customers who have their cars delivered before March 31, 2020, will be offered a 1 per cent comparison rate on the mid-sized SUV for finance terms up to 36 months.

Exploring the home of Australia's dual-cab utes in the Holden Colorado

Australian car buyers are spoiled for choice like few others in the world, with more than 60 brands competing for a slice of around one million annual sales. In the dual-cab ute market, there are 13 four-wheel drive options vying for your attention with their own brand of tough, go-anywhere attitude. Despite their differences, the majority – seven, to be precise – have something in common: they're built in Thailand.

Owners of high-status cars more likely to be 'self-centred men', study finds

Owners of cars from high-status brands like Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are more likely to be "self-centred men who are argumentative, stubborn, disagreeable and unempathetic", according to new research from the University of Helsinki. Additionally, owners of these cars were deemed to be "more disagreeable" individuals who saw themselves as "superior" to others, which could explain their tendency to flout traffic regulations.

Lotus Evora GT410 revealed, Australian plans unclear

Lotus has added a softer, more day-to-day focused GT410 to the Evora line-up in Europe. The GT410 will sit alongside the GT410 Sport in the Evora range, with a lower starting price and a raft of comfort-oriented features (by Hethel standards, at least) to make the largest Lotus a friendlier beast on the roads. The cabin houses a set of heated Sparco seats and air-conditioning, and there's a "premium" infotainment system on board with Apple CarPlay, DAB digital radio, and a reversing camera.

Renault confirms former Seat boss as its new CEO

Luca De Meo will take up the role Renault CEO on July 1, 2020, replacing interim boss Clotilde Delbos in the process. Renault's interim CEO Clotilde Delbos will remain in her current role until de Meo can join the company. When he starts on July 1, she will become deputy CEO in addition to her regular job as chief financial officer (CFO).

2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class facelift leaked undisguised

Undisguised photos of the updated Mercedes-Benz E-Class have been leaked online. These photos published on the Cochespias Instagram account seem to be taken at a Mercedes-Benz factory or development facility. If accurate, the facelifted E-Class will sport a redesigned front end with reshaped headlight units, a new bonnet with two extra bulges on either side of the centre line, and, of course, a remodelled bumper.

Alpine A110 Sportx concept revealed

The Alpine A110 Sportsx concept has been unveiled at the International Automobile Festival, at the Invalides complex, alongside a selection of cars from the brand's past. Said to be inspired by the A110 race car which won the 1973 Monte Carlo rally, the Sportsx has a jacked up suspension package for 60mm of extra ground clearance. Thanks to a broader track and extended wheel arches, the body of the Sportsx is 80mm wider than run-of-the-mill versions of the A110.

2021 Kia Sorento spied without disguise, Australian debut later this year

We first spied it, heavily camouflaged, in June 2019. Now, the new fourth-generation 2021 Kia Sorento has been caught with only minimal camouflage, just weeks out from its expected unveiling. These new shots offer an unadulterated look at the big new SUV's front and rear styling, along with a revealing look at its dashboard and front seating row.

Volkswagen Arteon 'Shooting Brake' of interest for Australia

An upcoming wagonised version of the Volkswagen Arteon liftback, which an executive has previously referred to as a 'shooting brake' design, is on the wishlist for the company's Australian arm. The long-roofed Arteon was first referenced in a 2017 interview, when executive Dr Elmar-Marius Licharz revealed that not only was the design of interest, but that plans were underway.

2021 Mitsubishi Outlander spied again

The next-generation Mitsubishi Outlander has been spied during testing in Europe. Key changes from the Engelberg concept include the addition of flagpole-style wing mirrors, visible door handles, and smaller alloy wheels. The surfacing treatment around the sides and on the tailgate also seems to be a touch fussier than on the show car.

2020 Audi A1 40 TFSI review

I’m in two minds about the 2020 Audi A1 40 TFSI S tronic, and neither one of them is terribly negative. It’s a reasonably accomplished compact city car that neatly sidesteps the 'my sister's high school graduation present' stigma, primarily through its smart styling and somewhat mature execution. And it’s also a surprisingly competent surrogate hot hatch, once you dig into its on-road capabilities. Charming and likeable? You bet.

Suzuki Jimny supply will improve... but not yet

Suzuki has invested in its Jimny production line to better meet global demand, meaning Australian buyers could see their wait-times cut from the latter half of 2020 onwards. The average wait for Australian buyers is still around nine months, though dealer stock does exist in certain colours. Some have had to hold on longer than this. In short, orders for the body-on-frame mountain goat remain sky high after 12 months on sale, and the Shizuoka factory remains at absolute capacity.

Tesla’s German Gigafactory facing opposition, Musk responds to concerns

Tesla's vehicles may be of the zero-emission variety, but, like all cars, their production can have an impact on the environment. Reuters reports some local residents who live near the site of the company’s planned German factory are protesting over concerns it will impact their water supply. Tesla announced last November it would build its first European car factory in Grünheide, in the eastern state of Brandenburg.

2020 Mini Electric review

BMW was a pioneer in the rollout of electric vehicles (EVs), but its Mini subsidiary has waited until now to begin series production of its own battery-driven car, called the Cooper SE. Well, kind of. It did make 500 units of the two-seat Mini E in 2009 and 2010 for Europe and the US, but they were lease cars designed to trial BMW's EV technology. This car is a proper production model.

2020 Mini Electric review: same, but different

Minis are a staple of well-heeled city slickers with progressive politics. So an electric one makes clear sense, and Australians can get their hands on it from July as Mike Costello finds out.

Spotify promises to curate your perfect commute with its latest launch

The daily trip to work can be hellish at best, but Spotify is attempting to improve the whole process ever-so-slightly with the launch of a customised commute playlist for Australians. Titled Your Daily Drive, the playlist promises to combat first-world problems like podcast fatigue, talkback radio anxiety and 'no new music' syndrome by offering Spotify subscribers a mix of news and pop culture updates, new music and a handful of old favourite tracks.

2021 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross facelift spied

The updated Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has been spied for the first time. Up front the revised Eclipse Cross will have a slimmer lighting array, possibly housing only driving lights, near the leading edge of the bonnet. The main and high beam units look as though they now live in an enlarged cluster of lights lower down the front bumper.

Bentley Continental GT Ice Race one-off revealed

A special Bentley Continental GT has been built to compete in the GP Ice Race in Zell am See in Austria. In order for the Ice Race Continental to meet racing safety standards, the one-off car has been fitted with a rear roll cage, fire extinguisher, and Sparco racing seats with harnesses. From the outside the most obvious modifications are the raised ride height, 15mm increase in track width and complementary wheel arch extensions, and the suite of Lazer high-performance lights.

2020 Volkswagen Passat pricing and specs

The updated 2020 Volkswagen Passat is now on sale in Australia, arriving this month in solitary 140TSI Business form – after delays kept it from reaching us sooner. That's a new variant name, and a new engine designation for the Passat, too. The familiar 132kW/250Nm 1.8-litre turbo petrol 132TSI has been replaced, as expected, by a new 2.0-litre turbo petrol unit offering 140kW (hence the name) and a big hop to 320Nm.

2020 Audi Q3 Sportback pricing and specs

Audi will follow up the October launch of its new-generation Q3 compact SUV with the Australian debut of its sibling, the 2020 Audi Q3 Sportback, in March. The first of its name, the 2020 Q3 Sportback will mirror the launch program of the regular Q3, arriving initially with one drivetrain package and two trim options. Hopping into the Q3 Sportback will start from $49,900 before on-road costs, making the regular Q3 a $3500 more affordable proposition.

School pick-up 'the most dangerous time' on Australian roads

As Australian children return to school from holidays, new research serves as an important reminder to exercise caution, with school pick-up time found to be a particularly dangerous period on our roads. According to the latest AAMI Crash Index (produced annually), over a quarter of all road incidents in Australia occur in the afternoon, around school pick-up time.

MG developing electric wagon; production E-Motion a possibility – report

MG is the fastest-growing Chinese car brand in Australia, with sales up 176.9 per cent last year largely on the back of the ZS SUV. The company hasn't given up on conventional passenger cars, though, and it's embracing both hybrid and battery-electric vehicles.

Emoji number plates could soon be coming to the United States

Drivers in the US state of Vermont may soon join Queensland in legalising number plates featuring emojis. If passed, draft legislation currently before the Vermont House of Representatives could make Vermont the first American state to allow drivers to customise their plates with the digital smileys. The bill, introduced by Democrat Rebecca White, proposes allowing motorists to choose one of six emojis to add to their plates.

2019 Skoda Octavia Sport v Honda Civic RS: small sedan comparison

The small-sedan segment does sometimes get overlooked as a fertile patch for mixing practical, enjoyable and affordable motoring for a diverse cross-section of buyers, even modestly sized families. Here we have the 2019 Honda Civic RS v Skoda Octavia Sport sedan comparison, which is our pick of these mid-priced medium-grade sporty sedans. Curt Dupriez finds out.

Kia Stonic: Australian launch confirmed for late 2020

The compact SUV segment, despite ever more competition, shows no sign of slowing down in Australia – and now Kia has confirmed the arrival of its new Stonic compact SUV for the fourth quarter of 2020.

DeLorean could bring the DMC-12 back... again

DeLorean Motor Company has confirmed the production of the iconic DMC-12 is back on the cards. Originally planned for a 2016 release, the reborn DMC-12 was halted after the presidential election, which impacted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) implementing the Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act. This not only affected DMC, but many other companies wishing to produce low-volume models.

2020 Kia Rio facelift spied

An updated version of the Kia Rio hatch has been spied undergoing testing in Europe. Given the current Rio made its debut at the 2016 Paris motor show, the city hatch is about due for its mid-cycle refresh. Although this prototype has black cladding over its entire front end, we can see a few changes. The front bumper appears to be new, and includes a redesigned lower air intake, a new body colour section around the number plate, and redesigned fog log pods.

GM's rumoured Hummer pickup truck teased

Sadly, the simple silhouette outline doesn't tell us terribly much about the GM's first-ever electric pickup truck, which is rumoured to revive the Hummer brand. Whatever it will be branded, the new full-size electric pickup will look more like traditional petrol- and diesel-powered utes, as well as the upcoming electric Rivian R1T, than the divisively angular and groundbreaking Tesla Cybertruck.

2020 Peugeot 508 GT Fastback review

In the aftermath of the RCZ sports car, which ended production in 2015, Peugeot declared it wouldn’t create a dedicated sports car again. Not because it was a bad car, but because it was resource-intensive in a shrinking market segment. Fast-forward to today, however, and the new 2020 Peugeot 508 GT looks more like a successor to the swoopy coupe that came before it, than the staid sedan of the same name that is technically its predecessor.

2021 Volkswagen Caddy sketched more realistically

The next-generation Volkswagen Caddy has been teased again ahead of its debut in February. While the sketches issued by the company last month had a much more sporty front end with a wraparound windscreen, and slim headlights with teardrop extensions, the latest images supplied by Volkswagen paint a much more conservative — and likely more accurate — picture of the upcoming van.

New Cars: 2020 New Car Calendar

Australia's new car market, it is fair to say, did not have a stellar year in 2019. Month after month, sales were down, with consumer confidence low and dealers struggling with significant changes to finance regulations.

Design Review: Toyota 2000GT (1967-1970)

It's arguably the most significant and beautiful car ever to come out of Japan: the Toyota 2000GT.

Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio with more power, less weight planned - report

With a 375kW/600Nm Ferrari-developed V6, the Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio isn't exactly underpowered, but the Italian luxury marque is reportedly planning to add a whole stable of ponies to its performance halo car. Sources have told Mopar Insiders the company is planning to launch a limited edition model in late June to help celebrate the automaker's 110th birthday.

2020 Mazda 6 Atenza wagon review

Thank goodness for Europe. The continent is single-handedly keeping the traditional wagon alive – albeit with a gradual sales decline – while it’s all but died in America, where its popularity has been crushed by SUVs. This goes a long way to explaining why the 2020 Mazda 6 wagon goes against convention to be shorter than its sedan twin. Europeans prefer their wagons to be practical without being oversized, while the longer Mazda 6 sedan panders to the large-car-loving US.

2019 Holden Acadia LT long-term review: Interior comfort

We’ve (okay, I’ve) been a bit slack with updates for our long-term 2019 Holden Acadia. The headlong rush to the end of year and then the break over Christmas conspired against us, like it does for most people. Here we are, though, at the start of a new year, and it’s time to take a look at the interior packaging of Holden’s flagship.

US senator demands Tesla rename Autopilot system

Edward Markey, a Democratic senator from Massachusetts, has called on Tesla to rebrand and change the marketing around its Autopilot driver assistance suite. In a statement released last week, Markey, a member of the Senate's Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, called on Tesla to improve Autopilot in light of videos appearing online showing drivers how to fool the system's driver monitoring processes.

2020 Lexus IS300 Luxury review

Comfortable, conservative, solid – three words that describe the 2020 Lexus IS300 Luxury mid-size sedan. It’s been around a while, the IS, and now in its third generation (XE30) that made its debut way back in 2013. An all-new model can’t be too far away. For now, though, those wanting a luxury mid-size sedan without European roots and who like large spindle grilles, then this is it.

TVR Griffith delayed again, factory still incomplete

The TVR Griffith is still, seemingly, a long way from entering production even though it made its debut back in 2017. Autocar has seen a newsletter sent by Les Edgar, TVR's chairman, to deposit-holders for the next-generation British sports car. In it Edgar talked up developments at the company, including the appointment of a new CEO, Jim Berriman, who helped to relaunch Rolls-Royce under BMW's ownership, and played a key role in getting the 2003 Phantom to market.

Sydney to host Gran Turismo virtual racing championship in February

Aussie racing gamers will soon compete in the new FIA Certified Gran Turismo Championships on home turf, in front of a live audience, with the World Tour Sydney event firing up in February. Established in 2018, the entirely virtual championship is run by Polyphony Digital – the Japanese studio responsible for the Sony PlayStation hit series Gran Turismo – and motorsport governing body FIA.

Kia forecasts record 2020 after bucking the trend during last year's market slump

Kia, the only brand inside the Top 10 to post a sales gain in 2019 – the weakest market in eight years – believes there is still room to grow in 2020 for companies that have cars buyers want at prices they're prepared to pay. Kia believes the recently-released Seltos city-SUV (pictured below) will help deliver another record year for the brand, but promises to not be complacent when it comes to the competition or the rest of its model range.

Kia says demand for its electric cars overseas could delay their arrival in Australia

Kia Australia was hoping to go electric for the 2020 Australian Tennis Open – with a fleet of electric vehicles to shuttle sports stars and support screws during the event before the cars arrived in local showrooms. However, those plans were scuttled by strong demand overseas, pushing Australia down the queue for Kia's electric-car rollout.

Jeep and Mahindra back in court over copyright claim

The US International Trade Commission has agreed to review a complaint lodged by the parent company of Jeep, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), claiming the design of Wrangler look-a-like, the Mahindra Roxor, infringed on its "trade dress". Last year legal representatives for Jeep convinced an administrative law judge the Mahindra Roxor's round headlights and vertical grille slats could infringe on Jeep's design (pictured above).

Maserati teases 2021 GranTurismo electric vehicle

Italian sports cars and grand tourers are renowned for, among other things, the amazing sounds they make. Maserati doesn’t want its upcoming electric GranTurismo and GranCabrio to be exceptions. The company has teased its upcoming battery-electric grand tourer range, assuring it’ll have a “distinctive signature sound” that’s “unique and unmistakable”. It’s certainly a very different sound to that of the model Maserati teased in November, which was distinctly petrol-powered.

2021 Mercedes-Benz SL spied

The next-generation Mercedes-Benz SL has been spied ahead of its global launch some time in 2021. Last year Tobias Moers, head of Mercedes-AMG, confirmed his division was leading development of the new SL, which rumours indicate will be available exclusively as a roadster.

2020 Volvo V60 T5 Inscription review

“Old man’s car.” There it was, the predictable cheap shot directed at the 2020 Volvo V60, and fired off like clockwork from elsewhere in the CarAdvice peanut gallery. And just before I returned fire with “Really? You think that looks like an old man’s car?”, it dawned on me that the jibe wasn’t so much directed at the Pebble Grey T5 Inscription parked up in the Sydney garage, but aimed at yours truly. The bloke who’d asked for it as a long-haul road-tripper over the summer holiday break: me.

Cars you didn’t know you want: Lancia Montecarlo

An Italian mid-engined coupe designed and built in-house by Pininfarina? What’s not to love? Originally designed by the famed Italian styling house as a replacement for the Fiat 124, the project became a Lancia when Fiat pulled the pin on the project in 1974, opting instead for the Bertone-designed wedge on wheels, the X1/9.

Volkswagen Group donates $2.5 million to bushfire relief, boss shaves 'old growth' moustache

Volkswagen Group has bolstered its existing contribution toward the relief and recovery efforts for Australia's tragic bushfires, announcing a $2.5 million donation today. The company has earmarked $500,000 for fire services and those affected by the fires, with the remaining $2 million divided equally on reforestation and organisations involved with endangered wildlife.

Automotive Industry Insights podcast: Hyundai's Scott Nargar talks hydrogen

This week you are joined by Mandy Turner, Josh Dowling, and James Ward. We cover many car news topics, including how the Ford Mustang R-Spec has sold out, the first C8 Corvette selling for USD$3 million, Honda warning 33,000 Takata-affected owners to "stop driving immediately", General Motors unveiling its first autonomous car, and how currency pressure is poised to push up the cost of cars this year.

New Ford Mondeo to debut in 2021 with leaf springs at the rear - report

Despite declining interest in its market segment, the Ford Mondeo name looks as though it will live to fight on. A parts tooling catalogue spotted by Autocar on Ford's European website shows a specialist tool designed to remove the rear leaf spring from a “2022 model year Mondeo CD542”.

2019 Jaguar I-Pace SE long-term review: Farewell

With just over 11,000km on the clock, it's time to bid farewell to our electric long-termer, the 2019 Jaguar I-Pace SE. We've been full circle with the I-Pace. We went from never living with an electric vehicle through to owning one for a little over seven months, installing EV infrastructure at home and performing a full suite of tests with the car.

Automakers impose travel bans due to deadly coronavirus outbreak

Ford and GM have imposed travel restrictions to the city of Wuhan due to a deadly outbreak of a new strain of coronavirus in the city. GM confirmed to Bloomberg it has issued a "global travel advisory" for the Chinese city, with travel limited to "business critical" issues. Ford had also issued a travel advisory for its employees, while Volkswagen has given safety advice to its staff.

Canada fines Volkswagen $218 million for Dieselgate emissions

Volkswagen and a Canadian judge have agreed to a C$196.5 million ($218.5 million) fine after the automaker pled guilty to 60 counts of illegally importing into the country diesel cars that secretly exceeded limits placed on oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions. As part of its guilty plea, Volkswagen admitted it had imported 128,000 Volkswagen and Audi cars, and around 2000 Porsche vehicles, which breached pollution standards.

2020 Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander petrol V6 review

Welcome back, petrol V6. Large SUVs need large motivation, so it’s a joyful return of the V6 petrol to the 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe range. Out is the old 2.4-litre four-pot, and in its place is Hyundai’s Lambda-II 3.5-litre V6. It’s bigger, more powerful, and just more suited to Hyundai’s flagship SUV.

Jeep Wrangler recalled in Australia due to potential fire risk

Jeep Australia is recalling 544 examples of the current generation Wrangler made in 2018 and 2019 because a battery cable could spark a fire or cause the engine to stall. A recall notice issued by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) today said the transmission harness “may have insufficient clearance” to the catalytic converter.

Former Holden boss Dave Buttner returns to Toyota

Former Toyota executive Dave Buttner – who came out of retirement to run Holden for 16 months until he stepped down last December – is back behind the wheel of a Toyota. A post on Facebook has revealed Mr Buttner has replaced the ute he once lauded – the Holden Colorado – with Australia’s top-selling vehicle, the Toyota HiLux.

One in five middle-aged drivers struggle to read road signs, study finds

Almost 20 per cent of Australians between the ages of 35 and 54 find it difficult to read road signs, while 15 per cent of all Australians admit squinting to see while driving during the day, according to a new investigation into the state of the country's eye health. What's more, 71 per cent of males and 63 per cent of females sought an eye examination after failing a driving test, with 59 per cent of all Australians revealing they're worried about the overall quality of their eyesight.

Car subscriptions in Australia: which one is the best?

As we enter a new decade, car subscription in Australia has well and truly progressed from new-age novelty to present-day reality. The automotive industry's answer to the commitment phobia that plagues plenty of millennials, services such as GoGet and Carbar are to car ownership what Spotify is to music – and they've seen massive uptake in recent years.

BMW Australia adds four new cut-price M Pure variants

BMW Group Australia is expanding its M Pure lineup by adding four new variants and trimming price and equipment to make them more affordable. Joining the M550i xDrive Pure, the new variants will be M340i xDrive Pure, X2 M35i Pure, X5 M50i Pure and X6 M50i Pure. Each model will keep the same powertrain as offered in the model they are based on, but with a different level of equipment, coming in at a lower price. All variants have an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Ford GTs are selling for eye-watering amounts

A handful of Ford GTs have started appearing on the used-car market, shortly after their two-year exclusion period ended. And they’re fetching big money. Ford originally sold the GT in 2017 with a US$450,000 price tag and a waiver stating the new owners would not sell their Blue Oval-badged supercars for two years. Now the ‘no sale’ period is over a handful of examples are beginning to appear at auction houses around the world.

Drivers parked in rest stop truck bays to face fines in NSW

Drivers in New South Wales have become some of the first in the country to face instant fines for parking in spots designated for truck drivers at highway rest stops as part of new trial restrictions implemented in parts of the state.

2021 Lucid Air to debut at New York motor show

Lucid’s rival to the Tesla Model S, an electric car called simply the Air, is set to debut in production form in April at this year’s New York motor show. The company has said its unveiling will be accompanied by specifications, pricing and configuration information for the production model. That indicates the pricing information the company revealed all the way back in 2017 is no longer accurate.

Bugatti chief rules out platform sharing and hybrid drivetrains

Stephan Winkelmann, CEO of Bugatti, has laid out his thinking for a second model, what might power it, and how it will affect the brand's exclusivity. He told Autocar any second model for the Bugatti range would be a car "to be used on a daily basis" and not "only for weekends". It has long been speculated the company is keen to add a high-performance crossover or four-door grand tourer to its lineup.

2020 Audi S3 interior spied

The interior of the next-generation 2021 Audi S3 has been spied while undergoing cold weather testing in northern Europe. The exterior of the S3 looks to be an evolution of today's hatch, albeit with an all new body, and sharper detailing, especially around the intakes and lights. By comparison, the interior of the new A3 and S3 is quite a radical reinvention. The design of the current car's free-standing infotainment screen, relatively flat dashboard and round vents have all been retired.

Tesla crosses US$100 billion valuation

Overnight the market capitalisation of Tesla broke through the US$100 billion ($146 billion) barrier. As noted by Reuters, Tesla's share price has surged a further eight or so per cent while Australians were asleep. At the time of writing, Tesla's share price is US$586 ($854), making its market capitalisation is just shy of US$107 billion ($156 billion).

Lamborghini, Laurina, and Pirelli P Zero World

Tyres can be a bit boring. They're mostly defined by talk of compounds and tread patterns, about braking distances and load ratings. Fascinating if you're the type of person who obsesses over fractions of a second at the track, or if you're really into rubber... But for the average punter, it can all be a bit mystifying. And that's not good, because car makers and tyre manufacturers are increasingly hopping into bed during the vehicle development process.

2020 Mitsubishi ASX Exceed review

The Mitsubishi ASX continues to be a successful seller for the Japanese brand. The monthly new-car sales figures show it to be consistently in the top three small-SUV bestsellers and the top 10 overall bestselling models. Its affordable pricing, practicality, and features appeal to many, and buyers don’t seem to mind that the current generation is 10 years old.

General Motors unveils autonomous car without steering wheel or pedals

US car giant General Motors has unveiled an autonomous car without a steering wheel or brake and accelerator pedals, but the company is yet to say when it will arrive in showrooms. The concept car, named “Cruise Origin”, was developed in partnership with Japanese maker Honda. General Motors and Honda have part ownership of technology start-up Cruise, a Silicon Valley company established in 2013 that specialises in autonomous vehicles.

Ferrari museum celebrates 70-years of Le Mans victories

If you couldn’t get enough of the movie, Ford vs Ferrari, then the Ferrari Museum in Maranello has just opened a new exhibition that will feed your Le Mans fix. Ferrari at 24 Heures du Mans looks at the Italian brand’s 36 triumphs over 70 years of racing at the famous Le Mans.

Gone in 60 days: Ford Mustang R-Spec sold out despite $100,000 price

Ford dealers are telling customers they have sold out of their allocations of the upcoming Mustang R-Spec – even though the price tops $100,000 by the time it’s in the traffic. The Ford Mustang R-Spec was unveiled in the lead up to the 2019 Bathurst 1000 but dealers were allocated cars within the first 60 days of the announcement. It has taken less than half that time for all examples to be accounted for. Some dealers sold out within 24 hours of informing their customers.

Wireless Apple CarPlay coming to all Volkswagen models

Volkswagen Australia will offer wireless Apple CarPlay across its wider local range "within the next 18 months" in conjunction with the global rollout of the new 'MIB3' infotainment architecture, from the Polo hatch to the Amarok ute and Transporter van.

Mitsubishi being investigated in Germany over diesel emissions defeat devices

Offices in Germany linked to Mitsubishi, including its research and development centre, have been raided as part of an investigation by the Frankfurt prosecutor’s office. The prosecutor's office says it is investigating whether Mitsubishi vehicles fitted with the company's 1.6- and 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engines used illegal software to pass emissions tests.

Fiat Australia adds new Club to 500 lineup

Fiat Australia has added a new variant to its existing 500 lineup, named the Club, priced from $23,250. Featuring a long list of standard features, it comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, fixed glass roof with sunblind, DAB+ radio, automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers, automatic climate control, and chrome front grille surround, rear bumper insert, and sill plates.

GM about to unveil its first driverless car - report

Cruise, the self-driving car firm owned by General Motors, will reportedly unveil its new dedicated autonomous vehicle by the end of the day. Sources within the company told Bloomberg Cruise will unveil the vehicle at an event in San Francisco. A spokesperson for the firm stated the vehicle at the event "is definitely not a car", but refused to elaborate any further.

Startup automaker crowdfunds solar electric car to be built at ex-Saab factory

Sono Motors has raised €53 million ($86 million) from a crowdfunding drive during the months of December and January. This figure exceeded the company's initial target of €50 million ($81 million), and will allow it to contract out production of the Sion EV people mover to National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS).

2020 Audi TTS coupe review

It’s easy to underestimate the Audi TTS as a bona-fide sports car – a model that has struggled sometimes to be taken seriously as a performance car, certainly in plain old 'TT' guise. But that is doing the TTS a disservice, because when the opportunity presents itself, where it’s just you, a stretch of winding tarmac and the limitations of your own mortality staring you in the face, the little coupe proves its mettle. Time and time again.

2019 Skoda Karoq 110TSI long-term review: Highway driving

Australians have to travel long distances – it's just the nature of our land. So, while cars from Europe and Asia tend to be focused on being urban-friendly, they also have to be comfortable for the long haul Down Under.

2021 VW Golf GTI breaks cover, due in Australian showrooms by the end of this year

The next generation Volkswagen Golf GTI has broken cover, with a photo of its rear end posted on Instagram by photographer @wilcoblok overnight. While the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI is not due to be unveiled until the Geneva motor show in March, another Instgram post has shown what appears to be a dealer presentation of the new line-up.

2021 Fiat 500e electric car caught on camera

Fiat’s next-generation 500e electric minicar has been spied by photographers in Europe more than a year before it is due to go on sale. Though the styling appears to be merely an evolution, underneath there’s been a revolution. The new Fiat 500 rides a new, bespoke electric vehicle platform developed by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. The next-generation model will launch only with an electric powertrain, though petrol-powered models may follow later.

Takata crisis: Honda warns 33,000 owners to "stop driving immediately", offers to buy back cars

Australian authorities have warned 33,000 Honda owners to “stop driving their vehicle immediately” – and the cars will be bought back by the car company – as the Takata airbag crisis continues to expand. Following two separate crashes that resulted in a death and a serious injury – suspected of being linked to a new type of faulty Takata airbag inflator – the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has ordered more cars off the road because there are no replacement parts.

Fake Ferrari sells for $396,000 in the US

A fake Ferrari famously used in iconic 1980s movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, has sold for a staggering US$396,000 (A$577,000) at auction last weekend. The replica Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder SWB is one of three cars built by Modena Design and Development for the 1986 movie, that starred a young Matthew Broderick as the eponymous hero enjoying an illicit day off from school.

2020 Volkswagen Amarok V6 manual arrives in showrooms priced under $50,000

Volkswagen's new six-speed manual V6 Amarok will cost from $48,990 drive-away, according to its website, which has published details ahead of the local launch next month. This is the less than the list price of $49,590 before on-road costs and also includes an accessory starter pack.

2021 Hyundai i30 caught on camera ahead of update later this year

Australia’s top-selling hatchback, the Hyundai i30, is getting a mild makeover inside and out. These spy photos of a camouflaged prototype testing in the European winter show the changes will be subtle but worthwhile. The overall shape of the headlights and tail-lights appears to remain the same, but top end models will wear a new LED light signature front and rear, as these images show despite the masks.

World's first street-legal all-terrain supercar revealed

An oddball vehicle labelled as the world’s first street-legal all-terrain supercar, the Laffite G-Tec X-Road, has been revealed in North America. Produced by Laffite - which specialises in auto design, concept cars, and road-ready limited editions - only 30 models will be available to order exclusively through its website.

Volkswagen Golf R Final Edition heading here soon

The Volkswagen Golf R will farewell showrooms with with a new eye-searing palette. Where VW's primo hot hatch has always rocked a sensible, buttoned-up design language when compared to outlandish offerings such as the Ford Focus RS and Honda Civic Type-R, the Golf R Final Edition - as the name suggests, the last hurrah for the seventh-generation model - doesn't stick to the script.

Tesla denies unintended acceleration claim, alleges the action was brought by a financial speculator

Electric car specialist Tesla has emphatically denied its vehicles are subject to “unintended acceleration”, claiming the petition tabled yesterday is “completely false” and was started by a financial speculator who would benefit if Tesla’s share price tanked. A prepared statement on Tesla’s blog overnight said: “There is no ‘unintended acceleration’ in Tesla vehicles. This petition is completely false and was brought by a Tesla short-seller.”

Design Review: Citroen Type H (1947-1981)

In the mid 1940s and as Europe was recovering from the catastrophic consequences of World War II, Citroen started developing a practical, strong, durable and technologically advanced light commercial vehicle to cover the ever-increasing needs of the growing market. The Citroen Type H, unveiled at the 1947 Paris Motor Show, wasn’t just ahead of its time but also set the standard for modern vans with its innovative design.

2019 Mercedes-Benz X-Class review: X250d Progressive

It took some time, but slowly, anecdotally, the Mercedes-Benz X-Class has started to appear across Australian cities – often branded with the logos of upmarket landscapers or premium building firms attached. That seems like the right fit for a Mercedes-Benz ute. While some may scoff that a tradie in a Benz is getting paid too much, there’s plenty of scope for businesses aiming a little higher to show their elite aspirations with something like the 2019 Mercedes-Benz X250d Progressive.

Subaru plans shift to an all-electric line-up by mid-2030s

Subaru claims it will shift to an all-electric line-up of cars by the middle of next decade – but initial reports out of Japan are unclear whether or not this includes petrol-electric hybrids or a complete switch to purely electric cars. A report by news agency Reuters quoted the president of Subaru, Tomomi Nakamura, as saying: “Subaru’s strong commitment and dedication toward car-manufacturing that we have cultivated throughout our history remain unchanged.”

2020 Genesis GV80 first drive: Does it hit the mark?

Curt Dupriez travelled to a chilly Seoul, in South Korea for the launch and first drive of Genesis' first SUV, the GV80. Does the SUV hit the mark?

Kia has partnered with Uber to offer free trips to the Australian Open (sponsored)

Sponsored by: Kia Australia Since 2002, Kia has been providing a fleet of cars to ferry players, coaches, media and staff to and from the Australian Open. In a fresh twist for 2020, Kia's Australian Open courtesy fleet expands, offering a designated "fan fleet" providing free trips for tennis fans in partnership with rideshare app: Uber.

Kia has partnered with Uber to offer free trips to the Australian Open

Sponsored by Kia Kia's Australian Open courtesy fleet expands for 2020, with a fresh twist: a designated "fan fleet" providing free trips for tennis fans. The fleet, comprised of 30 new Kia Seltos compact SUVs, will be available to tennis-goers via Uber's app and will offer courtesy trips to Melbourne Park from anywhere in the CBD. To utilise the cars, simply select the 'Fan Fleet' option in the app and wait for your Seltos to show up.

Queensland may join other states with harsh penalties for cigarette tossers

Queensland's LNP Opposition has called for increased penalties for drivers caught tossing cigarette butts in an effort to match harsher punishments in place in other states, where litterbugs can be fined up to $25,000 and even face jail time.

Mark Webber, Eric Bana and Pat Rafter auction a private dinner for bushfire relief

Those in the market for a one-of-a-kind night out can place bids on a private dinner with Formula One driver Mark Webber, Hollywood star Eric Bana and tennis great Pat Rafter in Melbourne. The best part? It's all in the name of bushfire relief. The three stars have teamed up with the owners of Melbourne restaurant Ezard to host a seven-course dinner for 12 people at the upmarket eatery in the city's famed Flinders Lane.

Isuzu Ute says it has no plans for hydrogen power, despite Honda technology tie-up

Don’t hold your breath for a ute that only emits water vapour from its tailpipe. Isuzu says it has no plans to adopt hydrogen power for its next generation D-Max ute, even though the company has just signed an agreement with Honda to share the technology. Last week Isuzu announced it has done a deal to draw on Honda’s expertise in hydrogen gathered over 30 years.

Road safety research shows young drivers still aren't getting the message

Deaths of drivers aged 17 to 25 have increased for the first time in three years, as the latest studies show not everyone is getting the road safety message. New data from both the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) and the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) suggests young people continue to engage in risky behaviours such as riding in a car with a drunk driver, speeding, driving while tired, or not wearing a seat belt.

Subaru issues apology over rudely-named Forester concept car

Subaru of America has issued an apology to its dealerships across North America after a special edition Forester with a rude name was revealed at the 2020 Singapore motor show this month. American publisher, The Drive, acquired a Subaru letter sent to dealers last Friday stating the car, named Forester Ultimate Customised Kit Special, was an “unfortunate situation” and that “Subaru of America Inc and Subaru Corporation had nothing to do with this.”

Tesla vehicles may accelerate unexpectedly, US petition alleges

A US government agency is reviewing a petition that claims Tesla vehicles may unexpectedly accelerate. Reuters reports the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will review the petition, which cites 127 consumer complaints to the agency involving 123 separate vehicles. These complaints include 110 crashes and 52 injuries. The petition covers the 2012-19 Tesla Model S, 2016-19 Model X and 2018-19 Model 3, asking the NHTSA to issue a recall for a total of 500,000 vehicles.

First Chevrolet Corvette C8 sells for $3 million at auction in the US

The first 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8 has sold at auction for US$3 million (AUD$4.34 million). That's a massive $2.92 million more than the North American RRP of USD$74,995 (AUD$109,000) for the C8 bearing VIN 001. Australian pricing for the new Corvette is yet to be announced, but last month Holden teased us with a photo of a car being tested at its engineering facility in Lang Lang south-east of Melbourne, ahead of its scheduled showroom arrival next year.

Victoria joins free child restraint safety checks, will other states follow?

Fitting a child restraint correctly can mean the difference between life and death in car crash, and tragically the number of poorly fitted kid seats remains high despite years of education campaigns. Soon, young families in Victoria will have access to free checks of child restraints thanks to a safety program run by Kidsafe and funded by the State Government.

Old Datsun sells for $1.1 million, breaks auction records in Japan

A buyer in Japan has paid a record AUD$1.17 million for a rare 1970s Datsun. The hammer went down on the 1970 Nissan Fairlady Z432R in Tokyo last weekend and the selling price made it one of the most expensive Japanese cars ever sold. Known as the Nissan Fairlady Z in Japan, and Datsun 240Z in other markets including Australia, the Z432R is the one that gets Japanese classic car enthusiasts hearts racing.

2020 BMW M340i xDrive review

I never really liked the previous-generation BMW 340i. It was hard to recommend over the 330i and didn’t come close to the M3. Given the success of tier-two performance models such as the Mercedes-AMG C43 and Audi S4, this was a problem.

BMW i8 production to end in April - report

Production of the BMW i8 will reportedly end in April this year as the company looks to focus on more mainstream electrified models, including the all-electric iX3 crossover, i4 fastback and iNext crossover. A company spokesperson has confirmed the impending demise of the i8 with Autocar. Reports indicate the i8 will be replaced within the next five or so years by a production version of the M Next concept.

Great Australian Companies: The story of ARB

It’s a story with humble beginnings: one man with a penchant for backyard fabrication that steadily grew into a publicly listed giant with a huge international footprint. Today, ARB is massive. With more than $1.5 billion in market capital and a presence in every corner of the globe, this specialist 4X4 brand has become a household name. The company wasn’t born this way, however. And how it has grown over the years is a fascinating story.

Great Wall buys GM's last factory in India

Great Wall Motors has confirmed it is buying Talegaon factory from General Motors, with the deal expected to complete during the second half of 2020. The Talegaon factory produces Chevrolet Beat hatches and sedans for sale in Latin America. GM's other car-making facility in India was sold to SAIC, and is currently used to produce vehicles under the MG brand.

2019 Mercedes-Benz V250d Avantgarde review

In an automotive landscape dominated by SUVs as the first choice for a family car, you could argue that something like a van could be seen as old hat. After my time with the Mercedes-Benz V250d, I saw the van as something different: a trend-bucking, alternative kind of anti-hero.

New Jaguar Land Rover shape-shifting seat mimics walking

Jaguar Land Rover’s Body Interiors research division is trialling shape-shifting seats that trick your brain into thinking you’re walking. JLR call it a ‘morphable’ seat where actuators in the foam mimic the rhythm of walking. Each seat can be suited for different drivers, much like memory seats currently found in modern cars.

Skoda sales hit 1.24 million in 2019

Skoda is one brand that always seems to generate more interest among our readers than its modest sales would suggest, so it's worth jotting down the company's 2019 deliveries for the record. The Czech-based brand chalked up 1,242,800 sales, the sixth year in a row where it's clocked over a million sales. Skoda's figure is actually 0.9 per cent lower than 2018's tally of 1,253,700 sales, a consequence of Skoda's reliance on the declining Chinese market.

Electric Mustang ute rendered: What if Ford turned out a Mach-E pick-up?

Following the 2019 reveal of Ford's electric SUV, the Mustang Mach-E, plus the confirmation of plans for an electrified version of its F-150 truck, we couldn't help but wonder: Could a more urban Mustang electric ute be on the cards? So, we tapped our friend Theophilus Chin for some speculative renderings based on the Ford Mustang Mach-E's sleek looks.

2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce review

When the Alfa Romeo Giulia sedan was reborn in 2016, it was billed as the beginning of the iconic brand's rebirth. While the late Sergio Marchionne's audacious plan has met many a stumbling block, the product itself remains under-appreciated. That is presuming you want the sportiest and sexiest four-door, with an outsider badge to kill for. The Germans may produce more accomplished all-rounders, but great love affairs are tempestuous right?

Kia's Australian Open Fleet hits the road

It's tennis time in Melbourne again, which means the streets are swarming with Kias. For the 19th consecutive year, Kia is supporting the Australian Open with a squadron of branded vehicles to transport, players, officials and VIPs to and from the Melbourne Park facility. The 130-strong fleet, made up of Kia Carnival, Sorento and Stinger, is expected to make over 20,000 trips and cover more than 300,000km over the tournament period, which concludes on February 2nd, 2020.

Beat the price rises: currency pressure poised to push up the cost of cars in 2020

After three decades of record low prices and affordability, Australia’s top-selling cars are on the brink of becoming more expensive. Car companies are warning dealers they can no longer absorb the cost of unfavourable exchange rates. They have been told prices of popular models could rise by between $500 and $1000 – and discounts will be not as generous as they have been in the recent past.

Tesla planning to make 'Chinese-style' vehicles

In a post on its official WeChat account, Tesla has started looking for candidates to work in its planned research and development (R&D) outpost in China. The company put the call out for applicants, stating: "In order to achieve a shift from 'Made in China' to 'Designed in China,' [Elon Musk] has proposed a very cool thing: set up a R&D centre in China."

Toyota is funding an electric aircraft company

Toyota Motor Corporation has pumped more than half a billion dollars into Californian aerospace company Joby Aviation, which is developing and commercialising an all-electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft. The world's biggest car-maker recently announced a $US394 million ($AUD570m) cash splash, making it the lead investor in Joby's third round of financing. It also placed its executive vice president Shigeki Tomoya onto Joby's board of directors.

Nissan 370Z replacement to get twin-turbo V6 power, according to overseas reports

The Nissan 370Z sports car is expected to have twin turbo V6 power when it eventually goes on sale some time in the next couple of years. Nissan dealer sources in the US, who have reportedly seen the new model, told Autoblog the next-generation Zed car – rumoured to launch in 2021 or 2022 – will use a version of the twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 from the Infiniti Q50 and Q60 Red Sport.

Genesis promises massive roll-out of new models, electric car coming too

Hyundai’s luxury division Genesis has teased five new or updated models – and confirmed an electric SUV – during the world premiere of its first-ever SUV, the GV80. The GV80 previews the new Genesis ‘signature face’, and horizontal dual lights front and rear.

2020 BMW 318i returns to four-cylinder power

BMW has offered a few details on its imminent range-opening 3 Series derivative, which will once agin wear the well-known 318i badge. Interestingly, the company has abandoned the strategy it used on the previous 318i iteration, which featured Mini's thrummy 100KW/220Nm three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. Instead, the G20 series 318i gets a version of the 320i's TwinPower turbo four-cylinder unit making 115kW and 250Nm, mated to the familiar eight-speed ZF auto and rear-wheel drive chassis.

Hyundai and Kia working on joint electric van rollout

Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Motors Corporation have co-invested 100 million euros (about $160m AUD) into UK electric-vehicle startup Arrival. A joint release says this venture will enable both companies to develop "competitively priced" small and mid-sized battery-powered vans for logistics, on-demand ride-sharing and shuttle service operators.

Automotive Industry Insights podcast: Corolla v Mazda3 sedans

Join Mandy Turner, Mike Costello, and Kez Casey for the first podcast back for 2020! We chat with Mike Duff about his drive in the Aston Martin DBX prototype and discuss if it feels like an Aston Martin. Mike compares the 2020 Toyota Corolla and Mazda3 sedans. We talk to CarAdvice reader Tim about his owner review of the 2017 Holden Astra RS, which he bought new.

The best cars for dogs: 10 canine-friendly vehicles

If you're a dog owner, you'll know few things are ever good enough for your four-legged friend. Top-tier dog food? You'll take it. Doggy daycare with a qualified vet? Sign us up. Pet pedicures? Okay, perhaps not.

2020 Ford Bronco teased in new video, still no closer to Australia

Ford has released a teaser video of the new Bronco off-roader ahead of its expected unveiling at the Detroit Motor Show mid year. However news for Australian fans is still not good. Ford is yet to confirm a right-hand-drive program for the US-built model, even though it is based on the Ranger ute designed and engineered in Australia.

Fiat Chrysler planning to make electric cars with iPhone manufacturer

Foxconn, the contract electronics manufacturer most closely associated with the Apple iPhone, has confirmed in a filing with authorities it is planning to start a car-making joint venture with Fiat Chrysler (FCA). In the documents discovered by Bloomberg, the two companies are looking to setup a 50/50 joint venture to manufacture electric vehicles. Initially, EVs made by this new pairing will be targeted at the Chinese market, but exports may be considered further down the track.

Tesla sales slump in California, but hits highs globally

While global sales were up in 2019 to an estimated 367,500, Tesla deliveries in California hit the brakes, with sales in the final quarter of 2019 down by 46.5 per cent compared to same time in 2018. According to the latest Dominion Cross-Sell report, seen by Reuters, which breaks down new vehicle registrations across the US by state, region or, even, ZIP code, Tesla sold 13,584 cars in California in the last three months of 2019.

2020 Genesis GV80 review

If first impressions of the 2020 Genesis GV80 are anything to go by, the fledgling South Korean luxury marque has knocked this oh-so important foray into SUV out of the stadium.

2019 Jaguar I-Pace SE long-term review: Off the beaten track

In our last update, we hit the slopes in Jaguar's first electric car. This time around, with almost 10,000km on the clock, the 2019 Jaguar I-Pace acted as a support vehicle for an off-road test we were shooting, and we wanted to see how it would go with a few light off-road obstacles thrown at it. Featuring a wading depth of 500mm, the I-Pace is surprisingly just shy of the Nissan Navara, which can wade up to 600mm of water.

Lamborghini posts all-time sales record

Automobili Lamborghini sold a record 8205 cars in 2019, up 43 per cent. It's the ninth year of growth in succession for the Italy-based, Volkswagen Group-owned super-luxury brand. A release from the company this week said that all regions - it sells cars in 51 countries via 165 dealers - set new sales peaks, with the most rapid growth coming from the Asia Pacific region (up 66 per cent).

Isuzu MU-X outsells direct rivals again

One of the most commonly asked questions accompnying each month's VFACTS sales report centres around which brand is winning the ute-based SUV sales race. These rugged body-on-frame, towing-ready offerings clearly have a dedicated following. For the sake of one argument, we do not include Toyota's pricier Prado in this sub-segment, but you could argue the case either way.

Honda Ownership Stories (sponsored)

Sponsored by: Honda Australia We interview several Honda owners, as we grab an insight into owning a Honda vehicle.

Kia plans 11 EVs by 2025, headlined by 500km-range crossover

Kia plans to have 11 battery-electric vehicles in its global stable by 2025, headlined by a dedicated EV crossover with a Porsche Taycan-matching 800V electrical architecture and 500km of driving range due next year. The ambitious company plans to sell 500,000 EVs around the world by 2026 (oddly, excluding China where it runs a joint-venture presumably with its own separate targets), equal to 6.6 per cent of global market share.

2020 Porsche Boxster and Cayman GTS 4.0 pricing and specs: six-cylinder power returns

Six-cylinder power is returning to the Porsche Boxster and Cayman line-ups, three years after the new generation 718 twins launched with four-cylinder engines. The Porsche Cayman GTS 4.0 and Boxster GTS 4.0 – powered by a slightly detuned version of the 4.0-litre six-cylinder from the upcoming Cayman GT4 and Spyder GT4 – are due to arrive in Australian showrooms in the middle of year priced from $172,400 and $175,200 plus on-road costs respectively.

Book Review: Mount Panorama by John Smailes

One very positive outcome of journalist-turned-PR guru John Smailes closing his successful and long-running business is his recent inclination to stay amused and busy writing books on subjects that have long intrigued him. So in quick succession we got to read his quite wonderful Climbing the Mountain tome on Allan Moffat, and then Race Across the World, his deeply researched and brilliantly told story of the 1968 London-Sydney Marathon.

Ford trademarks Stormtrak name in Europe

Towards the end of 2019 Ford trademarked the Stormtrak name in Europe. The filing was discovered by AutoGuide, and the publication believes the name could be used on a jacked-up Subaru Outback-style wagon model, which is rumoured to be the replacement for the fourth-generation Mondeo. If this is indeed the case, it's unclear whether the company will choose to brand the vehicle as the Ford Mondeo Stormtrak or the simply as the Ford Stormtrak.

2020 Volkswagen Tiguan facelift spotted

A refreshed Volkswagen Tiguan has been spied during a photo shoot, and looks likely to be unveiled in the not-too-distant future. This photo was posted by Coche Spias on Instagram and, despite the low resolution of the image, we can see the updated Tiguan will have a significantly revised front end.

2021 Jaguar XJ mule spied

An engineering mule for the next-generation Jaguar XJ has been spied during cold weather testing in northern Europe. Given this mule uses panels from the current XF sedan, it doesn't provide us with a look at the final design of the new XJ, but we can tease out a few details about the new range-topping sedan. Thanks the XF-derived body panels, we can see the new XJ is a larger vehicle with a longer wheelbase and a wider track. It also features a faster roof line and a long bonnet.

Audi still not planning an RS1 – report

Audi may be expanding its range of RS-badged vehicles, but an RS1 won’t be joining the burgeoning ranks. Joint managing director Julius Seebach told Autocar there won’t be an RS-badged version of the new A1, launched last year. He referred to the turbocharged five-cylinder engine in the RS3 as being “our heritage” and said the RS3 would remain the entry-level Audi Sport model.

Tesla shares have more than doubled in the last three months

Shares in US electric car maker Tesla have hit a record high this week, surging 9 per cent to pass the $US500 ($A724) mark on Monday. This means Tesla stock has more than doubled since mid-October 2019, putting it at a current market value of $US94.6 billion. This latest surge has Tesla on track to become the biggest automotive company in the world by market capitalisation.

2020 Mercedes-AMG A35 hatchback review

I had high hopes for the 2020 Mercedes-AMG A35 hatch, and not simply because colleagues made positive noises on return from its international (8.5 rating) and local (8.4) launches. It’s because $67,200 list is good money for a small hatchback with a new nameplate, even though that figure looks a pittance for a bona-fide AMG. That our test car arrived at CarAdvice HQ optioned to a touch over $75K list – or $80K-plus on roads – only ratcheted up personal expectations higher.

2020 Holden Equinox surfaces in China leak ahead of Australian debut

The new-look 2020 Holden Equinox looks to have surfaced early, thanks to what has been reported as a leak in the Chinese press – shown here in its Chevrolet-badged form. As expected, thanks to spy photos published by CarAdvice in March last year, Holden parent General Motors has worked to correct the Equinox's derided dowdy styling in this makeover.

The Toyota RAV4 that's kitted-up like a hot hatch

It's one of Australia's most popular - and sensible - cars. But some owners of Toyota's RAV4 may want the chance to make their theirs stand out from the pack. Enter this madcap update from Japanese tuning shop Kuhl Racing. The typical Toyota RAV4. Normally, the RAV4 - which was the eighth biggest selling car in Australia for 2020 and the winner of our 10-car medium SUV test - looks like a typical SUV, with a lofty ground clearance and distinctly curved edges.

2020 Jeep Gladiator review: The Wrangler-based ute you've always wanted

The Jeep Gladiator will arrive into Australia with all the fanfare you'd expect, given we've wanted a Wrangler-based ute for a long time.

2020 Jeep Gladiator review

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator fills a gap in the Jeep range that Australians have been asking for over decades now. An ill-fated effort with the Jeep J10 in the late ’70s and into the ’80s didn’t sell well, and was far from a commercial success. However, the impetus that is being directed toward the Gladiator means it’s going to be an important pillar for the brand moving into the ’20s.

Kia has partnered with Uber to offer free trips to the Australian Open

Kia Motors has debuted its Australian Open courtesy fleet for the 19th consecutive year, but with a fresh 2020 twist: a designated "fan fleet" providing free trips for tennis fans. The fleet, comprised of 30 new blue Kia Seltos compact SUVs, will be available to tennis-goers via Uber's app and will offer courtesy trips to Melbourne Park from anywhere in the CBD. To utilise the cars, simply select the 'Fan Fleet' option in the app and wait for your Seltos to show up.

2020 Genesis GV80 SUV detailed, due in Australia around July

The first Genesis SUV, called GV80, will arrive in Australia half way through 2020 with three engine options, a long list of brand-first technology, and market-specific suspension calibration. The luxury crossover will joint the G70 and G80 sedans, and mark the next phase for the fledgling Korean premium marque as it looks to pinch customers away from Lexus and Mercedes-Benz.

2020 Aston Martin DBX review: Prototype drive in Oman

Mike Duff travelled to Oman to drive a prototype vehicle of 2020 Aston Martin DBX.

2020 Aston Martin DBX review: Prototype drive in Oman

Can you hear a roulette wheel spinning? That’s not a Bond reference, despite the impending cinematic outing for Aston’s most famous licensed-to-kill brand ambassador. Rather it’s a comment on the future of the company itself.

Motorcycles join new cars in 2019 sales slump

Official figures released yesterday have confirmed that, contrary to perception in our congested cities, the drop in new-car sales is not because motorists are switching to motorcycles. According to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), sales of motorcycles dropped by 6.1 per cent last year (to 89,199) compared to the new car market which dropped by 7.8 per cent (to 1,062,877).

2020 Honda Civic hatch updates detailed

The Honda Civic hatch has been given an update for 2020, bringing it into line with the revised sedan version launched in 2019. These changes apply to the Thai-made mainstream versions, not the UK-sourced Type R mega-hatch. Chief item among the changes is the rollout of Honda Sensing active safety tech into the mid-range VTi-L and sporty RS (previously the province of the flagship VTi-LX).

Aston Martin in talks with Geely after profit warning - report

Aston Martin is reportedly talking to two potential investors as it attempts to sure up its finances. Last week, the luxury sports car maker issued a profit warning as it expects its 2019 earnings to be between £130 million ($248 million) and £140 million ($267 million), a fall of at least 43 per cent from 2018. Sources have told Bloomberg Chinese automaker Geely is holding talks about acquiring a stake and adding capital, although it's not clear how much money Geely is looking to invest.

Toyota confirms Yaris-based crossover for Europe

Toyota will beef up its crossover range with a new model which will be based on the GA-B platform used for the latest Yaris hatch. Given the as-yet-unnamed model's underpinnings, the new car will likely be smaller than the C-HR and serve as an entry point into the company's crossover range. The new Yaris-based crossover will be built at the company's French factory near Valenciennes, which also produces the Yaris for the EU and UK markets.

2020 Bentley Mulsanne 6.75 Edition marks the end of the line

The Bentley Muslanne 6.75 Edition marks the end of production of the company's flagship sedan, and with it the 6.75-litre V8 motor which has been in continuous production, albeit with significant updates and upgrades, for 60 years. Only 30 6.75 Edition cars will be made by Bentley's Mulliner customisation department, each powered by the 395kW/1100Nm version of the V8 engine used in the Mulsanne Speed.

Oslo's road toll in 2019 was one person

Oslo, the capital city of Norway, had a road toll of one person in 2019, with not a single pedestrian, cyclist or child death from road-related causes. According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the one fatality was a driver who crashed into a railing at a train station, bringing Oslo's road fatality rate to 0.1 deaths per 100,000 people. That compares to 1.9 fatalities per 100,000 people in Sydney's greater metropolitan area, The SMH reported.

Ford beats Ram and Chevy in US pickup race

Sales of utes in Australia are a regular point of discussion. About 210,000 of them found buyers last year, equating to makes share of 20 per cent, and the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger topped the overall sales charts once again. But that's nothing when compared to the USA's love of what it calls pickup trucks. I was just looking up some figures for my own edification, but figured it was worth a share.

So, which car brands are growing in Australia?

As you can read in much more detail here, overall new vehicle sales fell nearly 8 per cent in Australia year to their lowest level since 2011. Just one of the top 10 car makers managed to grow its sales - that would be Kia - and some fell away by double digits. Moreover, almost every segment (passenger, SUV and commercial) went backwards.

Every car industry player that's donated to the bushfire appeal so far

As Australia's bushfire crisis shows no sign of abating, some of the world's biggest car brands and drivers are pitching in by offering donations and support to firefighters, wildlife and affected communities.

Next-generation Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ to get turbocharged power – report

Small sports coupe fans breathed a sigh of relief last year when it was revealed the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ had been officially renewed for a second generation. Now, there’s even more good news: Autocar reports the second-generation twins will see a big bump in power. Like the current models, the new coupes will use a Subaru powertrain.

Porsche sales up 10 per cent in 2019

Porsche posted sales growth of 10 per cent last year, recording 280,800 sales worldwide on the back of particularly strong form in Europe and Asia. Driving this in large part was the Cayenne and Cayenne Coupe with 92,055 sales, up 29 per cent over the previous year's tally. That's what a new-generation model will do for a brand... The updated Macan returned 99,944 sales, up 16 per cent.

2020 Volkswagen T-Cross pricing and specs

Volkswagen’s cheapest and smallest SUV, the T-Cross, has been confirmed for an April launch priced from $27,990 before on-road costs. The 4.1m long Polo-based crossover is pitched as a European-badged competitor to the likes of Mazda’s CX-3 sTouring and Hyundai’s Kona Elite. It also rounds out VW’s formerly under-indexed SUV range, which now comprises the T-Cross, just-launched T-Roc, Tiguan and Tiguan Allspace, and Touareg. For the brand, this is T-Riffic news.

2021 Ford Bronco will feature independent front suspension, turbo four and V6 power – report

The Bronco nameplate has a rich heritage and a loyal following, especially in its homeland. Suffice it to say, a lot of Ford Bronco fans have high hopes for the revival of the nameplate. Based on reports from Car & Driver, those fans won’t be disappointed. We already know the Bronco will feature boxy styling and round headlights inspired by the first Bronco (above), which debuted back in 1965.

2020 Mazda CX-9 upgrades revealed

The Mazda CX-9 family SUV has picked up a range of upgrades to kick off 2020. All versions get a new iteration of the company's G-Vectoring software that cuts throttle input to stabilise the car in corners through weight transfer. This new system also uses brake-torque vectoring. All-wheel drive (AWD) models get a revised Off-Road Traction Assist system that adjusts the car's stability control on slippery surfaces.

2020 Volkswagen T-Roc on sale from $40,490

Volkswagen’s long-awaited T-Roc compact SUV is now available to buy - online with a $500 deposit - ahead of its conventional market launch and arrival in showrooms in April this year. While the car was unveiled way back in August 2017, Volkswagen’s underestimation of global demand meant its Australian arm had to fight hard to get stocks at all.

How did Audi break the Nürburgring lap record? We ride shotgun in the record-breaking Audi RS Q8

We had the opportunity to chat with Frank Stippler about the record-breaking lap at the Nürburgring, at the recent launch of the #Audi #RSQ8. Better yet, we rode shotgun with Stippler in the record-breaking RS Q8.

How Audi broke the Nürburgring lap record

You’d think attempting a Nürburgring Nordschleife production lap record would be a pretty straightforward affair. Book the track, turn up with your vehicle and driver, and have at it until you either set a time that sees your in-car video go viral on the internet, or head back to the workshop to try and figure out what can be improved for the next attempt.

2020 Rolls-Royce Wraith Black Badge review: Quick drive

There's something majestic about a Rolls-Royce. No matter how many times you see one, you're always stopping for a second glance. That's partly thanks to the fact you will rarely ever see two of the same vehicle. Most customers that purchase a Rolls-Royce will spend time with their dealer going over customisations to personalise their new car.

Mercedes pips BMW in global sales race, Volvo the rapid mover

All car manufacturers like to put a positive spin on things, but 2019 was a largely positive sales year for luxury brands worldwide. Most of the bigger players that have released calendar year sales figures showed growth, with the exception of Jaguar Land Rover. Mercedes-Benz recorded 1.3 per cent sales growth worldwide to 2,339,562 vehicles. This figure includes AMG models, plus the X-Class and V-Class, but not its work van range or heavy trucks.

BMW Australia launches downloadable dashcam, auto high-beam

BMW owners in Australia can now download active high-beam headlight software, and a factory in-built dashcam, through its ConnectedDrive online store. These upgrades can be downloaded onto cars fitted with the latest BMW network capable iDrive 7.0 media system. It's one of the earlier examples of a new paradigm, replacing the ticking of options boxes at purchase.

Recall roundup: Mazda, Volvo, BMW

A number of models have suffered recalls in this first month of 2020, including examples from Mazda, Volvo and BMW. The new-generation Mazda3 is the subject of two recalls in January. The first, affecting 13,768 examples of the popular small car, involves its autonomous emergency braking system. The system may incorrectly detect an object in front of the vehicle, forcing the car to brake unnecessarily.

Toyota readying Yaris-based SUV

Toyota is reportedly developing a new, entry-level crossover to slot into its line-up beneath the C-HR. Auto Express reports the new SUV is set to be revealed in the second half of this year. It’ll be the second vehicle to use the Yaris’s TNGA-B architecture, which differs from larger TNGA-C-based cars like the Corolla in using a simpler, torsion-beam rear suspension. The SUV is expected to measure around four metres long, around the same length as a Hyundai Venue.

Suzuki reveals Tokyo Auto Salon custom cars

Suzuki has previewed three custom cars ahead of this week’s Tokyo Auto Salon, although none appear at this stage to be destined for production. The mean Swift Sport Katana (pictured above) is the most dramatic of the three with its bulging fender flares, aggressive front fascia, and side-mounted exhaust outlets. It follows a tamer, though still attractive Swift Sport Katana limited edition shown in Europe last year.

2019 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid review

Once a purveyor of sports cars alone, over the past few decades Porsche has greatly expanded its range. In the process it has created a number of flagship products: the 911 is its prized sports car, the 918 Spyder was its supercar player, the Cayenne is the grandest SUV the company makes, and of course the Panamera is Porsche’s peak sedan.

Two Chevrolet Corvette C8 engineering test cars impounded, drivers arrested for street racing

Supercars are tested to extremes before they make it to showrooms, but this probably isn’t what General Motors had in mind when two engineers took a pair of yet-to-be-released Corvette C8s for a late night blast through the middle of the week. Police in Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA – where the new 2020 Chevrolet Corvette will be made – stopped two engineering test cars after they were allegedly street racing and exceeding the posted 45mph (72kmh) speed limit by more than 26mph (42kmh).

Hummer brand to be revived with electric power, claim US media reports

One of the most iconic gas guzzlers and images of excess of the modern motoring era – the military-inspired Hummer brand – could make a comeback in the US a decade after being dumped. But there is a big twist: according to reports out of the US it will aim for a more environmentally-friendly image with a line-up of electric utes and SUVs.

Design Review: Alfa Romeo 2uettottanta (2010)

The world witnessed the latest collaboration between Alfa Romeo and Pininfarina - the 2uettotanta - at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. The collaboration celebrated the 80th anniversary of the Italian design house.

Subaru Levorg STI Sport Prototype unveiled

The Subaru Levorg STI Sport Prototype has been revealed at the 2020 Tokyo Auto Salon. Being an STI Sport, rather a full-blown STI, model, the latest Prototype doesn't differ too much, at least visually, from the car shown at last year's Tokyo motor show. Changes include STI badges on the grille and tailgate, an additional set of lights above the fog lights, STI-branded exhaust finishers, and a more aggressive rear diffuser.

2020 Honda Civic Type R facelift unveiled

The updated Honda Civic Type R hatch has been revealed at the 2020 Tokyo Auto Salon. Externally, the revisions to the Civic Type R are pretty subtle. There's a larger grille for improved engine cooling, and the addition of body-colour swooshes for the fog light surround up front and the fake vents in the rear bumper. A new exclusive colour, Boost Blue, has been added to the car's palette.

Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid EV revealed at Consumer Electronics Show

The rugged Wrangler will be the next Jeep to be electrified as the brand marches toward its goal of offering electrification across its range by 2022. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid was revealed at CES 2020 this week, sharing the spotlight with the previously revealed Compass 4xe and Renegade 4xe. Visually, it's distinguished from regular Wranglers only through some subtle blue accents, 4xe badges, and a charging port on the front guard.

Ssangyong Musso XLV Ultimate 2.2TD review

South Korea’s SsangYong has returned locally under a factory-backed in-house distributor, with the hopes of re-engaging former customers and tempting a new generation of budget ute buyers. The Musso is big and bold with a premium interior, a promised high level of refinement, and a massive tub in the stretched XLV body style tested here. It's not some utilitarian farm-ready alternative to a used HiLux, then.

Original Bullitt Mustang sells for record $3.4 million in the US

The original Ford Mustang from the movie Bullitt – one of the most iconic car chase films of all time, starring Steve McQueen – has sold for a record $3.4 million at auction in the US after one of the members of the family that had owned it for 46 years finally let it go.

Underrated cars that deserve greater success

There are hundreds of cars out there to choose from, so it’s hardly a shock that many laudable ones don’t sell nearly as well as they deserve to. Based on 2019’s industry sales figures, here are some of the standouts. They may not necessarily be the very best in class, but they do deserve more sales.

Chrysler Airflow Vision concept debuts at CES 2020

Chrysler has resurrected its Airflow name with a new concept car, the Chrysler Airflow Vision, making its debut this week at the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The original Airflow was an aerodynamic sedan introduced to the US market in the 1930s, but the 2020 take is an athletic, sculptural premium crossover vehicle with distinctive looks and a strong focus on user experience.

REVIEW: 2019 Audi A1 35TFSI

The all-new Audi A1 shares a platform with the Volkswagen Polo, but offers a more premium experience, plus a cracking engine. Is it enough to justify the extra spend? Paul Maric finds out.

CES 2020: The cars of the future look like cars again

CES in Las Vegas is the world's largest technology show, with over 4000 brands attending and 150,000 media and retailers there to see them. One very large section of the show is dedicated to Automotive, and most car makers now have stands at CES.

2019 Audi A1 35TFSI review

There's a stack of prestige in owning a car with four rings emblazoned on the front of it. So, it's little surprise Audi wanted to put a lot more effort into its all-new A1 small car than it did with the old one. It's proven that getting buyers into your brand at a younger age sets them up to move through your range as their family size expands and eventually contracts.

2019 Jaguar I-Pace SE long-term review: Range anxiety... What's that?

One of the biggest hurdles electric vehicles face is punters overcoming range anxiety. The thought of being stranded out in the middle of nowhere with no charge is pretty daunting. But, if you replace the electric car with a car with an internal combustion engine (ICE), being stranded in the middle of nowhere without fuel is equally as daunting.

More than 18,000 Toyota, Mazda and Suzuki cars forced off the road in recall for new type of deadly Takata airbag

More than 18,000 Toyota, Mazda and Suzuki cars made between 1996 and 1999 have been ordered off the road due to a new type of deadly Takata airbag – in a recall estimated to cost in excess of $54 million to buy back affected vehicles. Toyota is offering to buy back vehicles or provide long-term alternative car hire until replacement airbags are available. Mazda and Suzuki are offering to buy back affected vehicles from their owners.

2020 Toyota GR Yaris: world’s most powerful three-cylinder unveiled, performance figures confirmed, still no price

The 2020 Toyota GR Yaris hot hatch has shed its disguise in a dust-covered debut that pays tribute to the brand’s world rally heritage. Although price is yet to be announced, Toyota has laid bare all the facts and figures behind its first in-house all-wheel-drive performance car in 20 years. An epic output of 192kW is believed to make the Toyota GR Yaris the most powerful three-cylinder in the world.

Renault Clio hybrid, Captur PHEV unveiled

The Renault Clio E-Tech hybrid and Renault Captur E-Tech plug-in hybrid models made their debuts at the Brussels motor show overnight. Both cars feature a new "series-parallel" hybrid drivetrain covered by around 150 patents. It features a naturally-aspirated 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with high voltage starter/generator, and a more powerful electric motor built into a "multi-mode clutch-less" transmission.

2020 BMW X2 xDrive25e plug-in hybrid revealed

The rear of the BMW X2 xDrive25e has been unveiled ahead of the car's full global debut some time in 2020. The X2 xDrive25e will use the same 162kW/385Nm all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid drivetrain as the closely related X1 model. Under the bonnet there's a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine making 92kW and 220Nm. It drives the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission.

2020 Jaguar XE R-Dynamic HSE review

When I typically see someone driving a luxury sedan, I usually smile and nod in approval. These people know they are onto something, and they know the rest of the world is not. You can almost make out a smirk on their faces as they pass by dozens of luxury SUVs.

Five best ute deals below $40,000 to kick off the new year

The Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger might have stolen the limelight in the end-of-year sales race, but there are still some bargains to be had at the bottom end of the market. There are normally slim pickings below $40,000 but a few special deals have emerged that provide buyers on a budget more options. Isuzu has given its base model D-Max SX tradie pack the limited edition treatment, creating the D-Max X-Rider.

The world's cutest Suzuki Jimnys are coming to Australia

Just in case you don’t find Suzuki’s mini-off-roader cute and charismatic enough, Japanese auto styling house DAMD Inc now offers dress-up kits to make your JB64 series Suzuki Jimny look like, well, a number of different classic off-roaders.

Sydney speed limits reduced around new light rail trams

Motorists in Sydney's CBD and surrounds will notice reduced speed limits when they return to work this week following the introduction of the city's new light rail network. In an effort to ensure safety around the recently launched routes, new speed limits came into effect on December 1, 2019, with reductions of up to 20 kilometres per hour in some areas.

Audi, Jaguar and Land Rover sales stall, BMW and Mercedes stabilise, Lexus posts record result

Audi had a year it would rather forget after being hamstrung by supply of new models due to certification delays out of Europe, while German rivals BMW and Mercedes weathered the 2019 storm by holding their own in a declining market. The other surprise to come from the luxury-car sector was Japan’s Lexus, which posted its best result since being established in Australia 29 years ago.

Why do we insist on humiliating people who aren't perfect parkers?

Reverse parking is a very specific type of public humiliation. Even for those who can do it well. As human beings, few of us can resist the innate urge to watch as one of our own attempts to slot a car (often an SUV that is disproportionately large for its surrounds) into a tight space on a congested main road.

Toyota announces plans for 'city of the future'

Toyota has fallen behind rivals in developing autonomous cars. Nevertheless, it is ploughing ahead with an ambitious plan to build a prototype “city” of the future, filled with fully autonomous vehicles. The company announced plans for the Woven City at CES this week and will break ground early next year. Designed by Danish architect Bjarke Ingels, designer of Google’s Mountain View headquarters, it will be located at the base of Mount Fuji in Japan.

Ghosn defends himself, admits to working on alliance with FCA

In a two-and-a-half-hour press conference in Beirut, Lebanon, Carlos Ghosn, the former CEO of Renault and Nissan, has given a full-throated defence against the charges he was facing in Japan. Starting with an hour-long monologue to a packed conference room, Ghosn said he was detained in an "inhumane system of hostage justice" with a 99.4 per cent conviction rate.

Aston Martin announces new V12 Speedster

British carmaker Aston Martin has announced plans to produce a new, limited-edition supercar named the V12 Speedster, releasing a stylised illustration that features neither a roof nor a conventional windshield. Aston Martin claims the two-seater, set to debut later this year, is a nod to the brand's iconic DBR1 and CC100 Speedster centenary concept car (released back in 2013).

2019 Toyota LandCruiser Prado GXL review

Toyota’s LandCruiser Prado has been around the traps for a while. Ten years, in fact, for the 150 Series that we have here today. There have been a couple of major updates along the way, granted, including the 2.8-litre driveline in 2015 and facelift in 2018. Make no bones about it, however, the Prado is an old platform.

Porsche, Ferrari and Lamborghini boost sales despite slowest market in eight years

The top end of town treated themselves to record numbers of supercars in 2019 while the rest of us did it tough. Ferrari posted its fifth record in a row – and the seventh all-time high in nine years – while Lamborghini notched up its second record in a row and the fourth in the past five years.

2020 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport pricing and specs

Mitsubishi has given its Pajero Sport large 4WD an update for the 2020 model year, adding further ammunition with which to battle the Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X, Toyota Fortuner, and Holden Trailblazer. Like the MY19 Triton ute upgrade (the Pajero Sport shares much of the pickup's running gear), the revised SUV looks tougher thanks to its 'dynamic shield' grille and headlight combination, higher bonnet, and new running lights and bumpers.

BMW plans to ethically source the raw materials that make its cars

The automotive world might be jumping on the "eco car" bandwagon, but Germay's BMW aims go a step further by signing an agreement to source raw manufacturing materials from environmentally ethical suppliers and mining companies. BMW claims it is the the first car company to join the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA).

Lexus Australia introduces capped-price servicing

Liam Murphy • Toyota’s luxury division Lexus has introduced capped-price servicing for its Australian customers. The option comes more than 11 years after Lexus’ parent company Toyota introduced capped-price servicing to the Australian market in 2008. Available on all Lexus models delivered from January 1, 2020, the initiative is an expansion of the brand’s Encore Owner Benefits Program.

Volvo XC40 tops its class in 2019

Long a luxury brand bridesmaid, Volvo outgunned all of its direct competitors in the Small SUV sales race with the XC40 last year. The Swedish-Chinese company recorded 2858 sales of its chunky little high-riding city crossover, equating to 17.4 per cent market share. It was also volume growth of 80 per cent over 2018, though it only launched halfway through that year.

Nissan unveils new twin-motor electric powertrain, and sound insulation material

Nissan will have a new "acoustic meta-material" and twin-motor all-wheel drive electric drivetrain on display at CES 2020 in Las Vegas. Dubbed e-4orce (pronounced e-Force), the new system is said to incorporate learnings from both the GT-R's ATTESA E-TS and the Patrol's 4x4 systems. Although power and torque figures have yet to be released, Nissan promises it will "deliver balanced, predictable power and handling on par with many premium sports cars".

Porsche 911? There's an App for that: putting Porsche's new TrackPrecision app through its paces

Paul Maric is at The Bend Motorsport Park in Adelaide, South Australia driving a Porsche 911 (992 generation) to tryout the new 'TrackPrecision' app.

Seat boss steps down, rumoured to become new Renault CEO

Overnight, Seat announced its boss, Luca de Meo, was leaving his post at "his own request and in common agreement with the Volkswagen Group". Interestingly, he will remain with the Volkswagen Group "until further notice". Carsten Isensee, Seat's finance chief, will temporarily take charge of the Spanish car maker. Reports in the European press before the Christmas break suggested de Meo was the leading candidate to become the next CEO of Renault.

BMW won't replace quad-turbo diesel, V8 and V12 futures uncertain

Klaus Fröhlich, the head of research and development for BMW, says the company will "streamline" its engine offerings in order to develop motors that are compatible with tougher, yet more divergent, regulations throughout the world. Speaking with Automotive News Europe, Fröhlich noted the most immediate victim will be the company's 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-diesel engine.

Porsche 911? There's an App for that

Receive an invitation to try the newest Porsche 911 at The Bend Motorsport Park, Australia's newest race track, and you don't have to ask me twice.

Honda Premier Motor Insurance (Sponsored)

Sponsored by: Honda Australia James Ward takes a look at Honda Premier Motor Insurance, how it works and how it can benefit you when the unexpected occurs.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC200 review

Mercedes-Benz recently updated the big-selling GLC mid-sized SUV in a bid to upsell existing owners and to keep others away from the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Volvo XC60. The version tested here is the most accessible in the range, the 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC200. At $66,100 before on-road costs, it's quite accessible for a family wagon rocking the coveted three-pointed star badge.

2019 Skoda Octavia Sport v Honda Civic RS: small sedan comparison

The small-sedan segment does sometimes get overlooked as a fertile patch for mixing practical, enjoyable and affordable motoring for a diverse cross-section of buyers, even modestly sized families. Here we have the 2019 Honda Civic RS v Skoda Octavia Sport sedan comparison, which is our pick of these mid-priced medium-grade sporty sedans. Curt Dupriez finds out.

Sony surprises with Vision-S concept at Consumer Electronics Show

We spent all this time waiting for Apple to unveil its heavily reported (and now dead) 'Project Titan' car, and here was Sony quietly working away at one of its own: the Vision-S electric car, unveiled at this week's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

CES 2020: Mercedes-Benz unveils Vision AVTR autonomous concept car

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a new autonomous concept car at the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, debuting what it calls the VISION AVTR as part of Daimler CEO Ola Källenius' keynote speech. Inspired by James Cameron's 2009 blockbuster film Avatar, Mercedes-Benz went so far as to partner with the film's creators to design the AVTR (an abbreviation of 'Advanced Vehicle Transformation').

Big changes coming to “demonstrator” models, here’s what you need to know

Buying a “demonstrator” model is normally a great way to save thousands on a new car. However, changes to the way the industry counts new-car sales means customers need a crash course in understanding the differences in “demonstrator” models. “Demonstrator” models were originally designed to be just that: a car the dealer registered for people to take on test drives.

CES 2020: Five future motoring technologies coming soon

The 2020 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas has once again delivered future tech for the motoring masses. But how much of it will make it to showrooms and which gadgets are nothing but a flight of fancy? As a preview to CES 2020 here is our Top Five future motoring technologies that may or may not be coming soon.

2022 Fisker Ocean revealed further, US pricing announced

Fisker has already touted its innovative, flexible leases for the upcoming Ocean SUV, but now it's revealed how much it'll cost to buy one outright. In the US, that is, although an Australian launch has been promised. The nascent brand’s electric SUV will be priced from US$29,999 (A$43,268). That price includes the U.S. government’s $7500 (A$10,817) tax credit for battery-electric vehicles.

Ferrari crashes into Sydney shopfront, cops catch three supercars during high-speed chase

A series of supercar skirmishes in the past 24 hours have proven in no uncertain terms that just because you can afford a fast car doesn't necessarily mean you know how to drive one. In the past 24 hours a Ferrari crashed into the shopfront of a jewellery store in Sydney's CBD – caught on several cameras for peak embarrassment – while a trio of exotic cars appeared on a California Highway Patrol Facebook page after being busted doing more than 160kmh (100mph).

Small car sales plummet

Sales of small hatchbacks and sedans fell at more than twice the overall market rate in 2019, as buyers continued their migration to higher-riding SUVs. Industry VFACTS data summing up 2019 showed that while the overall market fell 7.8 per cent (to depths not plumbed since 2011), the Small Car segment fell by 18 per cent compared to the previous year.

2020 Porsche 911 Belgian Legend Edition unveiled

The Porsche 911 Belgian Legend Edition was unveiled on New Year's Day to mark Jacky Ickx's 75th birthday. Designed by Porsche Exclusiv and based on the current 911 Carrera 4S, the Belgian Legend Edition has updated styling based on Ickx's blue and white helmet. The car is painted an exclusive shade of dark blue titled "X Blue". The 20- and 21-inch alloy wheel combo is also finished in the same colour with white laser engraved accents.

2020 Lamborghini Huracán Evo RWD revealed

Following the introduction of the all-wheel-drive Huracán Evo last year, Lamborghini is introducing a rear-wheel-drive version. It’s also powered by Lamborghini’s naturally-aspirated 5.2-litre V10, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, but it’s been detuned to 449kW at 8000rpm and 560Nm at 6500rpm. That’s down 21kW and 40Nm from the all-wheel-drive Huracán Evo. It has a dry weight of 1389kg, meaning it weighs 33kg less than its all-paw sibling.

Volvo and Mercedes-Benz considering joint engine development - report

It's possible, one day in the not-too-distant future, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo cars will be sold with common petrol engines. According to a report in Automobilwoche (via Reuters), Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz, and Geely, which owns Volvo, could soon jointly develop internal combustion engines and, possibly, electric drivetrains too.

2020 Lexus RX350 Sports Luxury review

Are you looking to throw down a cheeky hundred-thousand dollars on something big, comfy and luxurious? Your list of options is populated mostly by the usual suspects, and most of them German. A thorn in the side of a Teutonic monopoly, other than the odd British or Swedish incursion, comes in the form of Toyota’s luxury spin-off brand, Lexus. The RX is its large SUV, and this particular model is the 2020 RX350 Sports Luxury.

Caltex to rebrand as Ampol from 2020

Your local petrol station may be set to receive a vintage facelift this year, with news Caltex Australia will transition its name to Ampol over the next three years, commencing in 2020. The move comes after U.S. oil company Chevron terminated the licensing agreement allowing Caltex Australia to use the Caltex name.

Bushfire road closures: everything you need to know

Thousands of homes have been destroyed, 24 lives lost (at time of publishing) and millions of wildlife killed amid Australia's worst-ever bushfires, which have also seen holidaymakers and home owners stranded as a result of extensive road closures. Over six-million hectares of land have been destroyed by blazes across New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, Western Australia, Tasmania and the ACT, many of them affecting popular tourist areas and rural hubs.

VFACTS: 2019 new car sales results

Australia’s 2019 new car sales tally finished up almost 8 per cent down on the previous year, making it the worst since 2011. Self-reported Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries data counted 1,062,867 new vehicles sold. That is more more than 90,000 fewer than 2018’s tally.

Renewed calls to stamp out “fake” new-car sales results

Australian car sales statistics are being overhauled after rubbery figures inflated true customer demand for the past decade. Contrary to widespread belief, new-car sales data has historically not been counted based on actual registrations – instead the Australian Bureau of Statistics, CommSec and others have relied on “self-reported” figures supplied by car companies and dealers.

Kia the only brand inside the Top 10 to post a sales increase in 2019

Hyundai’s sister brand Kia was the only brand inside the Top 10 to report sales growth in 2019 – the slowest new-car market since 2011 – after posting its fifth record result in a row and tripling its sales in 10 years. Kia wasn’t even in the Top 10 until 2004 and 2005 – when it scraped into 10th place – when the Korean cars were imported by an independent distributor.

Holden posts lowest sales since 1954, Ford drops to 1968 levels

Holden has posted its lowest annual sales since 1954 – after a year that produced six of the slowest months since the brand was established in 1948 – while Ford wound the clock back to 1968. Both brands have struggled since shutting their local factories in 2016 (Ford) and 2017 (Holden), but vow to turn around their fortunes.

Ford Mustang posts lowest sales since it arrived in Australia

The reins have been pulled on the Ford Mustang after an initial sprint in the sales charts. Sales of the Ford Mustang muscle car have halved in three years and dropped by a third last year, proving that even icons can lose some of their lustre.

Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger top Australian car sales as utes dominate for fourth year in a row

Utes have cemented themselves as Australia’s favourite cars, with the Toyota HiLux becoming the nation’s top-selling vehicle outright for the fourth year in a row – as pick-ups filled the top two positions for the third year in succession. According to official new-car sales results for 2019 released today by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), the Toyota HiLux (47,649) cruised to a comfortable win ahead of the second-placed Ford Ranger (40,960).

Kia Picanto GT: You don’t mess with imperfection

In 1976 a car entered the automotive landscape and changed the world. Okay, not the whole world, and not overnight, but in the world of performance motoring, things would never be the same again. It produced 81kW and 140Nm from a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, started out with a four-speed manual but later picked up a five-cog 'box, weighed 830kg, and could bolt to 100km/h in a reported 9.2 seconds. That car was the Volkswagen Mk1 Golf GTI.

2020 Toyota GR Supra GTS review

Simplicity isn’t what it used to be. Modern demands make the age-old recipe harder than it used to be. That is: A bit of motor up front and power to the rear wheels, with a row-your-own shifter in between. Despite countless declarations in our comments section, stripping a car out to almost nothing doesn’t seem to move metal. Buyers want at least some comfort, convenience or tech features… Keeping up with the Joneses, I suppose.

REVIEW: 2019 Volvo XC60 Polestar Engineered

The Volvo XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered is the top of the tree in the Volvo XC60 range. It blends luxury with performance and aims to offer buyers an extremely efficient plug-in hybrid system that doubles as a sporty SUV. Timecodes: One minute wrap: 0:53 Exterior: 2:15 Bonnet: 2:37 On the road: 3:39 Interior: 8:06

Audi introducing RS-badged PHEVs and EVs, resurrected R8 e-tron

Audi Sport is embracing electrification, planning a range of plug-in hybrid and battery-electric vehicles wearing S and RS badges. Autocar reports the upcoming battery-electric e-tron GT will follow Audi’s traditional model structure by offering regular, S and RS models. The e-tron Sportback may also follow suit, according to Audi design boss Andreas Mindt. A fettled version of the regular e-tron SUV has already been spied testing at the Nürburgring.

Volvo XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered review

There's a lot to love about the Volvo product. Safety is high on Volvo's priority list, as is style, so it's no surprise that the brand is making massive strides in the SUV segment in Australia. With the brand now offering a comfortable range of SUVs for the market, it was time to step up the game and launch a product to compete within the hot SUV segment. The likes of BMW's X3 M40i, Mercedes-AMG's GLC43 and Audi's SQ5 have gone unrivalled from Volvo for some time – that is until now.

2020 Porsche Cayenne GT Coupe spied

A more powerful range-topping Porsche Cayenne Coupe, potentially bearing the GT badge, has been snapped during testing. Following in the footsteps of a red Porsche test mule we saw in 2019, this white car appears to have a centrally-mounted exhaust system. Don't be fooled by the two angular exhaust tips on the outer edges of the lower bumper, you can see the snow has melted around the centre of the 'diffuser'.

Australian road toll rises in 2019

The number of people killed on Australian roads rose again in 2019, with the national road toll finishing at 1182. Victoria had a horror year on the roads, with 50 more lives lost than the year before, while South Australia saw its death toll rise by 33. The road toll also increased in New South Wales and Western Australia, while the remaining states and territories had fewer deaths on their roads. In total, 1182 people died on the road in Australia last year – up 47 on 2018.

2019 Audi S3 sedan review

The Audi S3 has made has been a solid choice for a sports hatchback or sedan for a number of years now, and with a 2019 update of inclusions, Trent Nikolic asks the question: is the S3 still an alluring proposition? In particular, sedan format?

11 reasons Australians are among the worst drivers in the world

If you haven’t driven in Europe yet, don’t bother. You’ll only come back home to be even more frustrated at the standards of driving in Australia. Before we delve into the worst driving habits witnessed in the (Not So) Lucky Country, mitigating circumstances should be presented for the defence. The blinkered approach to speeding by Australian politicians – and in turn Australian police – means motorists in this country have effectively been bullied into being inferior drivers.

2019 Audi S3 sedan review

There’s no more mental Audi RS3 on sale, with its angry five-cylinder motor thrashing out 294kW and 480Nm. You could argue, however, that the smart money wouldn’t splash out the $85K required. Rather, it would plump for what we have here: the less ludicrous yet impressively quick 2019 Audi S3.

REVIEW: 2020 Renault Kadjar Zen

We've said this once, but we'll say it again. The Kadjar is just what the doctor ordered for Renault in Australia. We've established the top-spec Kadjar is a good thing. Does that translate down the range? Trent Nikolic finds out.

BMW i3 Urban Suite revealed

BMW has revealed the i3 Urban Suite ahead of its debut at the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Although it shares its exterior and powertrain with the mould-breaking i3 electric vehicle, the Urban Suite subs its four-seat interior for a two-seat setup designed to evoke "the relaxed feel of a boutique hotel". The rear passenger sits in a large, business class seat with a footrest, a screen that flips down from the roof lining, and a 'personal sound zone'.