CAR ADVICE

Volkswagen has released a single teaser image of an unnamed pickup concept bound for the 2018 São Paolo motor show, which kicks off on November 6. Dubbed a "near-production concept vehicle", the ute previews an upcoming vehicle destined for the South American market – namely Brazil – which will sit below the larger and more rugged Amarok in the company's line-up.

American Special Vehicles have issued another recall for the Ram 2500 and 3500 this week, over concerns "defective software" could interfere with the steering. According to the company, the fault could cause the wheel to turn in the wrong direction, posing a hazard to the driver and an accident risk to other road users. This recall affects Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks from the model years 2015 through 2018 – a VIN list is available here.

Hyundai Motor Europe has revealed the i30 Fastback N Line overnight, bringing N-inspired looks and equipment to its four-door coupe, in line with the similar package it already offers on the related hatchback. Offering the look and feel of the all-out i30 Fastback N without the all-out performance, the N Line trim level is available with the regular version's engine range, which includes a 1.0-litre three-pot turbo petrol, along with a 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol.

How do you capture the essence of a city or town? What makes a particular place hum, sing and buzz? Is it the people? The culture? The architecture? Food? It is, of course, all of these things. And more. For us at CarAdvice, it is, unsurprisingly, also the cars.

A new autonomous trial focusing on elderly and mobility-impaired people is headed to regional South Australia, in a push to show how self-driving cars can operate in a rural environment. The trial will take place in Renmark, around three hours north-east of Adelaide, and was this morning announced by Stephan Knoll, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government in South Australia at the International Driverless Vehicle Summit (IDVS).

Remember two weeks ago, when we covered a promised review of current automotive advertising standards? And remember how we said "there are some ways to get around the code" and have fun with a commercial, holding up Volkswagen's latest Amarok V6 campaign as an example? Turns out, we spoke too soon on that one.

Ferrari has commenced its Takata airbag recall, affecting various model lines across the 2014 and 2015 model years. As with all Takata-related notices, affected vehicles are fitted with airbags that could degrade over time due to exposure to high temperatures and humidity. If the condition occurs and the vehicle is involved in an accident which triggers the airbags, the metal inflator housing could rupture, shooting metal fragments into the cabin.

The Dodge Super Charger concept is a heavily modified and restored 1968 Dodge Charger coupe, and is the perfect vehicle to show off Fiat Chrysler's new Hellephant V8 crate engine. Not only does it have a wider track with flared fibreglass wheel arch extensions, the concept car also has a 51mm longer wheelbase, significantly reducing the car's front overhangs.

The first police force in the world to use a Kia Stinger - Queensland Police - has allowed Kia Australia to bring one of its operational police cars to the mecca of mechanical performance and modification - SEMA 2018. There's good reason for it too. Built in Australia almost at the last minute and shipped to the States specifically for the SEMA show, the Stinger is all about showcasing the potential of the vehicle for police operations globally.

Hyundai and Kia have confirmed they will begin offering the option of a solar roof on select models from 2019. The first-generation system, which be available from next year, will feature a silicone photovoltaic solar array attached to a standard roof on hybrid cars. Under optimum conditions, Hyundai says the solar roof can recharge 58 per cent of a hybrid's battery on a summer's day, and around 30 per cent in winter.

The upcoming Mercedes-Benz GLB has been spied once again, though this time photographers have snapped images of the new SUV's cabin. Despite the black sheets covering most of the dashboard and door details, we can see the GLB will have an almost identical cockpit to the related new-generation B-Class, incorporating a dual-screen driver and infotainment setup with the company's new MBUX intelligent software.

On this week's episode of CarAdvice, Paul Maric and Trent Nikolic discuss Merc's long-awaited new SUV, a new generation of BMW's iconic sedan, the electrifying future of Audi – and a whole lot more. In the news, we explore the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLE, launched at the Paris motor show just in time to take on BMW's new-generation X5. Which will be the more compelling premium SUV for Australian buyers?

Honda doesn't offer a dual-cab ute for the Australian market, but it's not truck-less everywhere in the world. If you live in North America, the company will sell you a Ridgeline, a monocoque dual-cab pickup designed to offer a car-like drive than its body-on-frame rivals.

Nissan has revealed its 370Z Project Clubsport 23 for this year's SEMA show, headlined by a twin-turbo engine and a range of performance accessories that could soon be available to customers. Featuring a combination of OEM, aftermarket and bespoke parts, the Clubsport 23 project car "is an ongoing parts development platform", as the company hopes it previews the potential customisation options for current owners.

Rupert Stadler, ex-chief executive of Audi, has been released from custody, according to a new report from Reuters.  The news outlet quotes a Munich court, which confirmed the executive was released on Tuesday. He was arrested in June, after prosecutors raised concerns he was trying to tamper with the ongoing Dieselgate investigation. An appeal for freedom was rejected in August, as the "danger of obstructing justice" still loomed large.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has introduced new ban on 'flex commissions' in automotive lending. When they come into force on November 1, the new rules will apply to all automotive finance lenders, including banks and car dealers. The regulation changes come on the back of an investigation into flex commissions.

The Toyota Supra will make its global production debut at the 2019 Detroit motor show in January, ending the protracted, drawn-out tease. What's more, it'll be here in the second half of next year. By this point, there are very few secrets about the reborn Toyota sports car. We've even driven it, with Paul Maric declaring it a car worthy of the legendary Supra badge, and recent leaks have offered a good look at what'll actually make up the interior.

McLaren Automotive has commenced its Takata airbag recall, affecting models sold from 2012 through 2018. As with all Takata-related notices, vehicles included in the recall could be fitted with airbags that degrade over time due to exposure to high temperatures and humidity. If the condition occurs and the vehicle is involved in an accident where the airbags are triggered, the metal inflator housing could rupture upon deployment, shooting metal fragments into the cabin.

American Special Vehicles has issued a recall for the 2015-2017 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500, over concerns about a defective tailgate latch. According to the company, the latch might disconnect while the vehicle is driving. If there's anything unrestrained in the tray, there's a risk it'll slide onto the road and create a hazard for other road users. A total of 663 vehicles built between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2017 are included in the campaign – a VIN list is attached here.

The Porsche Panamera is the answer to a question select few get to ask. How do you enjoy Porsche-like performance, with the ability to carry your family in comfort? You could, of course, opt for the Porsche Cayenne, Stuttgart’s large SUV that carries the family in high-ridin’ style with room for the dog, the cat and all your camping gear. But SUVs, as popular as they are, aren’t to everyone’s tastes. Enter the Panamera.

Mini Australia has announced another limited-run special in the form of the Countryman Blackheath Edition, which is now on sale priced from $59,990 drive-away. Just 60 units will be heading Down Under, featuring a range of black-themed add-ons and accessories from the Mini options range as standard equipment. Mini says the special model takes 'inspiration' from Blackheath in south-east London.

The all-new Volvo S60 is an excellent thing. It's engaging to drive, offers a beautiful interior with plenty of room, but it's let down by firm suspension and fidgety brakes on the high-performance S60 T8 Twin Engine Polestar Engineered. But, keep in mind that Volvo will offer the S60 featuring air suspension with adaptive dampers, which will likely solve the ride issues.

Are you bored of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4 or BMW 3 Series? Don't worry, you're not destined for a Lexus IS. Volvo may have just the car for you. The all-new Volvo S60 is the last of Volvo's new cars to be built on the modular Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform. It's a platform that spreads across sedans, wagons and SUVs, and has given the brand an opportunity to consolidate costs and reduce complexity on new models.

A new SEA Electric factory will be built in Morwell, Victoria, set to employ 500 workers manufacturing pure-electric vans and buses on a 20,000 square-metre site.

Bentley could launch its first all-electric production vehicle before 2025. Adrian Hallmark, Bentley CEO, has told Reuters the company is currently debating if it should produce its first fully electric model, with a decision due within a year. If given the green light, Hallmark says the plan is to have the car on the market "definitely before 2025".

UPDATE: Mazda has today issued a press release that confirms this story, including the price of $494.98, for the retrofit installation of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into all models equipped with the MZD Connect infotainment system. The upgrade is available now, and all new MZD Connect-equipped models entering Australia will have the two platforms installed as standard. If you are buying a brand-new Mazda, we recommend you confirm with the dealer that CarPlay and Android will be included.

Designed in collaboration with Red Bull, the Kia Forte Drift Car is now on display at SEMA 2018 in Las Vegas. Although the Drift Car started life as an off-the-shelf Forte sedan, it now has the Stinger GT's 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 crammed under the bonnet and aligned north-south thanks to "some tricky engineering".

The Ford GT Carbon Series is said to be almost 18kg (40 pounds) lighter than the standard car. Weight saving measures include carbon-fibre wheels, a titanium exhaust, a clear polycarbonate engine cover with extra vents, and titanium lug nuts. Grams have also been saved by removing the GT's cupholders and driver's side seat storage bin. The cabin comes standard with silver stitching on the steering wheel and seats, as well as anodised paddle shifters.

The Tesla Model 3 should start arriving in Australia during the middle of 2019, according to new tweets from company CEO, Elon Musk. Asked by a customer about when the 'affordable' electric sedan would be arriving locally, Musk responded with "around mid-2019" – actually sooner than the initial timeframe promised.

People often say “don’t forget where you came from”. Although we’re focused on every new car, every last detail here at CarAdvice, we have an extensive back-catalogue of news stories, lifestyle yarns and reviews. Here’s a look at what happened on the week of October 30 in years past. One year on, it's still bloody wild Would you get an Atlas over a Kluger? Three years ago our beloved founder gave the drop-top 488 a perfect score – would you do the same? Read the full review here

Mercedes-Benz Australia has issued a recall for the new-generation A200 over concerns the adaptive high-beam function could malfunction. According to the German marque, affected units could have their high-beam permanently activated – or not automatically dim – when the Adaptive High Beam Assist feature is engaged. If the condition occurs, the high-beam may dazzle oncoming road users, posing an accident risk.

The all-new 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLE is now available to order in the UK, and there are new details of a four-cylinder base model named the GLE300d. Replacing the outgoing 250d, the 300d 4Matic draws power from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel making 245hp (182kW) and 500Nm. Mercedes-Benz claims a 7.2-second sprint from 0-100, and a top speed of 140mph (225km/h).

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has confirmed the Abarth 695 Rivale will be coming to Australia in strictly limited numbers, with pricing to kick off at $44,990 before on-road costs. Just 35 units will be delivered Down Under, available in both hatchback and cabriolet forms, all featuring a number of equipment, trim and colour appointments specific to this model inspired by Riva Yachts.

Volkswagen will launch an autonomous, electric ride-hailing service in 2019, as part of a partnership with Mobileye and Champion Motors in Israel. The pure-electric cars will come from Volkswagen, a plug-and-play Level 4 autonomous kit is being supplied by Mobileye, and Champion Motors will manage the fleet control centre. Although the project launching next year is only a trial, the goal is to commercialise it by 2022.

Volkswagen's North American division is reportedly working on a new 'sub-compact' SUV to sit below the Tiguan, though it won't be the recently-revealed T-Cross or T-Roc. Car and Driver claims the German brand is keen to introduce a new model in the US to compete with the Honda HR-V and Jeep Renegade, though this new crossover looks to be specific to the US market – much like the larger Atlas, though that is also sold in China as the Terramont.

A new inquiry into the use of automation in mass-transit systems around Australia has been announced, as the Infrastructure, Transport and Cities Committee looks to make public transport "better, stronger and faster" going forward. The inquiry, which will also investigate the role new fuel sources like hydrogen and electric power can play on road, rail and point-to-point delivery vehicles going forward, is accepting submissions until December 7, 2018.

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has initiated its recall for the 2015 and 2016 Discovery Sport has part of the Takata airbag campaign, with 4806 units affected. As with all Takata-related notices, vehicles included in this recall could be fitted with faulty inflators with propellant that degrades over time as a result of exposure to high temperatures and humidity.

The US government is reportedly looking into whether aggressive production targets for the Tesla Model 3 were misleading for investors. Sources have told The Wall Street Journal the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) is investigating whether the electric car maker misled investors with its ambitious production targets for the Model 3. The FBI has reportedly asked for information from and issued subpoenas to several Tesla employees regarding this issue.

Ford and Volkswagen may join forces to develop passenger cars together as part of wide-ranging partnership talks between the two automakers. In an interview with Bloomberg Bob Shanks, Ford's chief financial officer, noted the companies are "having a very broad set of discussions about how we can help each other around the world.

The next-generation BMW M3 will reportedly be offered as both a sedan and a wagon. Sources have told Autocar the Bavarian automaker is seriously considering launching an M3 Touring model as part of the next-generation range. As with the upcoming M3 sedan, which was spied earlier this month, the M3 wagon should feature pumped up front and rear wheel arches, lowered suspension, retuned handling, sportier styling and, of course, more power if it gets approved.

The bosses of Hyundai and Kia have shed light on each brand's upcoming SUV rollout, set to complete their respective line-ups by the end of next year. Speaking with industry journal Automotive News, Woonhee Lee, CEO for Hyundai Motor Group, said two new crossovers and a light pickup truck are in the brand's plans, which should help grow Hyundai's market share in North America.

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

The just-released Holden Acadia is aimed directly at the Toyota Kluger, with a naturally-aspirated V6 engine, brash styling, and seven seats. Unfortunately for the Lion Brand, it's also dropped short of the Toyota in our latest poll, winning just 37 per cent of the 2200 votes cast.

Project Gold, an in-house restored Porsche 911 993 Turbo, made waves when it was launched in August, blending the sort of attention-to-detail we've come to expect from Singer with a proper factory budget. Turns out, Porsche's approach was a winner. The hotted-up 993 Turbo this weekend sold for US$3.08 million ($4.3 million) at auction, after a 10-minute, 37-bid battle between buyers.

Jaguar has announced the F-Type Chequered Flag, commemorating seven decades since the original XK 120 was launched in 1948. Based on the R-Dynamic specification, the special-edition F-Type can be had in both coupe and convertible body styles, and is offered with both turbocharged four-cylinder and supercharged V6 engines.

Modern cars are safer than ever before, but the complex sensors and cameras required to make features like autonomous emergency braking and lane-keeping assist work can be seriously costly to fix. That's according to a new report from the North American AAA, which found minor accidents damaging only the bumpers, door mirrors or windscreen can cost up to US$3000 ($4200) more when semi-autonomous technology is involved.

Photographers have snapped images of what is believed to be the upcoming Alpina XD7 at the Nurburgring in Germany, giving us an early preview of the tuning arm's take on BMW's largest SUV model. While little distinguishes this camouflaged prototype from the recently-revealed BMW X7, trainspotters will notice the (normally fake) intakes on each side of the front bumper are open, feeding air into a pair of intercoolers.

This is the most powerful production-series 911 ever built. No surprise, Alborz has always wanted one, and Tony owns a more 'mere mortal' variant of the 911, so he's been just as keen to experience this heroic thing. What did they think? After a comprehensive drive and an incredible meal, the lads have some thoughts. Welcome to Fast & Famished, let them tell you all about it.

There are few cars that conjure up fear and trepidation like the latest incarnation of the Porsche GT2 RS. For starters, it’s the most powerful production-series 911 ever built and harnessing massive reserves of turbo-driven grunt – like 515kW and 750Nm of torque from its flat-six.

Ford has announced it will not be attending the 2019 Geneva motor show in March, as it doesn't align with the company's upcoming product launches. Speaking with the UK's Autocar, a spokesperson for the Blue Oval confirmed the news, arguing the brand wants to spend its dollars elsewhere to get "more bang for our buck". "We looked at all the things we had to do in 2019, and we’ve got a lot of stuff coming," the Ford spokesperson said.

The BMW 8 Series Convertible is on track for a production reveal at the Los Angeles motor show next month, according to a new report. An article by Carscoops says the drop-top 8 Series will be fully unveiled at the US motor show in November, likely with the same powertrain range as its coupe twin.

Putting things nicely, the Porsche 911 range is quite... busy. There's the base Carrera and Carrera S, along with the lighter Carrera T, before the range ascends through hotter GTS models, a trio of Targa variants, motorsport cars and the Turbo range. Phew. This video, put together by Porsche itself, sets out to explain the difference between a regular 911 trim and a package is.

The Mazda CX-8 has received a refresh in its home market of Japan, in similar fashion to the smaller and related CX-5, adding two petrol engine options to the range. Like the CX-5 and the CX-9, the 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine makes a healthy 170kW of power and 420Nm of torque, mated exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The legendary Citroen 2CV is famously slow, making it an odd base upon which to build a race car. The idea of racing one for 24 hours is a bit insane as well, but that hasn't stopped a cast of crazy Citroen fans in the UK. Here, Chris Harris takes one of the cars used in endurance 2CV racing and punts it around the Top Gear test track. Harris is a card-carrying member of the 2CV fan club – he actually owns one – so it's not an unbiased review, but it makes for great viewing.

It might have a raised ride height, but the Skoda Kodiaq 132TSI Sportline is very much a city car. Besides a few road trips, that's where it has spent the majority of its time with CarAdvice, so we've got a fair bit to say about it. Buckle up. The Skoda Kodiaq 132TSI Sportline has a dual-clutch transmission, and dual-clutch transmissions tend to struggle in the cut-and-thrust of city traffic. That's the headline news here, and the element that most clearly defines the Kodiaq.

Ken Block has become one of the best-known figures in global motoring, having set the internet alight with his smokey, sideways antics. Having drifted Subaru Imprezas, Ford Focuses and a hotted-up Mustang, he's revealed his latest franken-car. Meet the Hoonitruck.

The automotive news wheel is always turning. If you’re not constantly checking CarAdvice – which you should be doing, by the way – it can be easy for some headlines to slip through the cracks. To make sure you haven’t missed anything important, we’ve gathered what we reckon are the hottest news stories from this week, right here. Check them out, and let us know what caught your eye. Volkswagen has chopped between five and 10 per cent off service plans across its range.

Volkswagen has revealed the Tiguan Offroad at the Moscow motor show, with a tougher look and (slightly) improved rough-road credentials. The new variant features a redesigned front bumper increasing the ramp angle from 16 to 24 degrees, along with styling and specification enchantments.

It has a history dating back nearly 70 years to the original Type 2 – an idea conceived by Dutch Volkswagen importer Ben Pon, who saw potential in a panel van with decent payload.

Photographers have snapped images of the upcoming Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante without camouflage this week, giving a very clear look at what to expect from the drop-top super-GT. Expect most of the coupe's running gear to feature in the Volante, with a folding fabric soft-top replacing the fixed metal roof.

Australians have always been fond of turning utes into status symbols – once of the two-doored, V8 variety. The market is quite different today, but the fundamental desires for head-turning load-luggers remain. Enter the trio of desirable workhorses you see here: the Ford Ranger Raptor, Toyota HiLux Rugged X and Volkswagen Amarok Ultimate TDI580.

An experiment from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), dubbed The Moral Machine Experiment, has shed some light on how humans think self-driving vehicles should deal with the infamous 'trolley problem'.

Much has been made of the battle between hydrogen and electric power, as the motoring world looks to wean itself off fossil fuels. Depending on who you ask, that's the wrong way of looking at things.

Ford has issued a recall for over 1.4 million examples of the Focus in North America over a stalling issue, The fault revolves around the canister purge valve, which could get stuck in an open position – if this happens, an "excessive vacuum in the fuel system could cause deformation of the vehicle’s plastic fuel tank".

BMW has been snapped testing what appears to be a more focused M5 'CS' on the Nurburgring. Although it's very similar to the 'regular' M5 visually, there are a few hints this car is packing an extra punch. For one, it's wearing a carbon gurney flap on the boot lid, something BMW fitted to the M3 and M4 CS variants released last year.

Anyone who follows market trends knows that buyers are increasingly eschewing sedans in favour of SUVs, and ditching diesel-powered passenger cars at a rate of knots. It's hard to review the upgraded 2018 Mazda 6 diesel without taking this into account, which might be why the company projects only about four per cent of buyers will go for this engine, equating to fewer than 100 sales per year at the going rate.

The wait is over, the teasers are done, and McLaren has finally whipped the covers off the three-seat Speedtail. We've seen countless previews and tasters for this car, which harks back to the legendary F1 with a central driving position and build run of just 106, but the finished product has remained a tightly-guarded secret. Until now.

Toyota Australia has confirmed it will bring five new hybrid models to our market before mid-2020, on the back of "stronger-than-expected" demand for the petrol-electric Camry. First cab off the rank will be the new-generation RAV4 SUV, due during the first half of 2019, joining the hybrid versions of the Camry, Corolla hatch, and Prius family Down Under.

BMW has announced a range of optional M Performance accessories for its upcoming 2019 X5. The range of parts bring no performance upgrades to the X5, instead focusing on interior and exterior enhancements. On the outside, enhancements include a range of components such as a larger front air intake, front and rear bumper winglets, a larger rear diffuser and unique mirror-caps; all in carbon-fibre.

Trent, I won’t go all the way and call you an imbecile, which is probably a really bad idea seeing as you’re who I report to. I’m new, and that could end really badly for me. But, I have some points to make after reading your own opinion piece about low-range. 

Nissan has recalled the 'D23' Navara and 'F15' Juke over concerns the engine could turn off unexpectedly. According to company, an internal ignition switch spring may have been manufactured with a surface defect. After 'prolonged normal usage', the issue could make the engine turn off while driving. If that coincides with an accident, the airbags might not correctly fire. A total of 2060 Navara and 14 Juke models are affected – VIN lists are attached to their respective vehicle names.

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has initiated a recall for the 2016 'X760' XE and 'X260' XF as part of the ongoing Takata airbag campaign. As with previous Takata-related recalls, affected airbag inflators could degrade over time when exposed to high temperatures and humidity over time. If the condition occurs, the airbag propellant can degrade, and if the vehicle is involved in a collision the metal inflator housing could rupture upon deployment, sending shrapnel-like fragments into the cabin.

On this week's show are Mandy Turner, Kez Casey, and Mike Stevens. In car news, Holden has halted production of the Commodore and Equinox, the Porsche Mission-E Cross Turismo has been announced for production, and the 2019 Audi R8 has been revealed. Plus, Ford has teased a possible hybrid Mustang model, and a hybrid is also on the cards for the Chevrolet Camaro.

Mercedes-Benz Australia is getting ready to take orders for the upcoming EQC electric vehicle... sort of. The company is reporting strong demand for its Audi e-tron and BMW iX3 rival, which doesn't actually touch down until late in 2019. It won't be accepting deposits, but a registration system allowing customers to get in line will go live in December.

The 2019 Volkswagen T-Cross has finally been unveiled overnight at premiere events in Amsterdam, Shanghai and São Paulo. Serving as the new entry point into the German brand's crossover family, the T-Cross measures 4.11m long and features a 2.56m wheelbase – making it smaller in physical size than a Mazda CX-3.

There’s a reason why the Sprinter is number one in its class. It’s not the cheapest van necessarily, but it’s a technology leader with a vast range of variations and an experienced network behind it. The fact so many discerning fleets choose it is a pretty telling recommendation, though go look at the Crafter and Transit too.

A trio of car manufacturers have put the call out for better buyer incentives on electric vehicles Down Under, citing nations like Norway as a guide for encouraging the technology's rollout. Jaguar, Audi and Hyundai all suggested perks for buyers of electric vehicles – things like free registration, lower tolls or priority lanes on busy roads, along with the oft-requested tax breaks – would encourage battery-electric uptake locally, where market share is currently around 0.2 per cent.

Electric cars could soon be able to store their energy within carbon-fibre body panels, enabling manufactures to conserve weight and space, according to a new study. The paper from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden found carbon fibres could function as battery electrodes. Because of this, the carbon-fibre structure of a car could act as a battery, holding charge for the electric motors.

Yes, sadly the time has come for us to bid adieu to little Ginger – our long-term 2018 Volkswagen Polo Launch Edition. After several months at the CarAdvice Melbourne office, Ginger has travelled 7000km, been piloted by various staffers, and endured various traffic and weather conditions. The Polo has always been regarded as one of, if not the most mature offerings in the light car class, and this latest generation of Volkswagen's little hatchback continues to deliver that same experience.

Ford Australia is pleading with owners of its mid-sized Mondeo to have their faulty Takata airbags fixed, having already repaired "more than 60 per cent" of the 16,701 vehicles affected locally. As first reported last week, models sold from 2007-2009 and 2014-2017 could be fitted with potentially deadly inflators on the drivers side, though they wear the less-dangerous 'beta' rating.

The Victorian State Government has followed its $1 million investment in a high-speed electric vehicle charging network with a further $2 million, announcing ultra high-speed stations will be built in Melbourne, Ballarat, Horsham, Torquay and Traralgon.

Volkswagen has announced pricing and specs for revised 2019 Golf range, now featuring fewer variants and a $24,990 starting price. The new range kicks off with the 110TSI Trendline, priced from $24,990 before on-road costs in manual guise. Speccing the seven-speed DSG adds $2500, while the DSG-only wagon is priced from $28,990 plus ORCs. You can read more on why the range has been cut back here.

Kia Australia has officially released pricing and specifications details for the refreshed 2019 Rio range, which is on sale from $16,990 before on-road costs. The outgoing Si and SLi variants have been replaced by the Sport and GT-Line locally, with the entry-level 'S' remaining unchanged for the new model year.

NIssan Australia has issued a recall for 554 examples of its Pathfinder sold during 2017 and 2018 over concerns of a brake fluid leak. The manufacturer reports affected models could be fitted with faulty ABS actuator oil seals that may leak brake fluid internally.

Concerns around unorthodox production methods, factory working conditions, build quality and delays have done little to dent interest in the Tesla Model 3, with the new more affordable car driving the brand to its first profit in years.

The Hyundai Nexo has scored a maximum five-star Euro NCAP crash safety rating, becoming the first hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle (HFCV) to do so. The Korean tech leader scored 94 per cent for Adult Occupant protection, 87 per cent for Child Occupant protection, 67 per cent for Pedestrian protection and 80 per cent for its Safety Assistance features. More here.

A leaked dealer bulletin obtained by CarAdvice this week confirms Mazda will retrofit your MZD-equipped vehicle with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for $494.98. We're still yet to get official comment from the company's local division, though the bulletin also details the costs of each part if the customer was to purchase them alone – including the hub module ($202.28) and cable harness ($101.12).

The McLaren 720S has earned a reputation for being a 'giant slayer' in terms of its straight-line performance, but how does it compare to the Bugatti Chiron? A new YouTube video published by cvdzjden - Supercar Videos aims to answer that very question, showing a modified 720S take on a black-and-red example of Bugatti's land missile.

The Kia Rio GT-Line will be coming to Australia after all, with a social media video by a Melbourne dealer confirming the sport-themed variant for the local line-up. Werribee Kia in Melbourne's west published a quick walkaround of the GT-Line on Facebook, showing the new trim level on the showroom floor.

Ford will halt production at its Spanish facility in Almussafes, near Valencia, for over a week next month due to a "lower demand for its vehicles". According to a new report by industry journal Automotive News Europe the Blue Oval will hit pause for nine days at the plant – which builds the Mondeo and Escape for our market – for nine days.

Despite the ‘sometimes boring’ barbs that get sent its way, the 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander LS keeps punching well above its perceived weight in the medium-SUV segment. Spend any time behind the wheel of one, and the reasons for its popularity become pretty clear too.

Skoda has issued some camouflaged images of the upcoming Scala hatchback, scheduled for a European market launch in the first half of 2019. The first model in the Czech company's line-up to be based on the Volkswagen Group's MQB A0 platform – shared with the likes of the Volkswagen Polo – the Scala will roughly be the same size as a Volkswagen Golf, and sport a design inspired by the Vision RS concept shown at this year's Paris motor show.

The upcoming 2019 Porsche 911 has been sighted testing alongside the current 991.2-generation model, giving us a clearer look at how the world's favourite rear-engined sports car will evolve. A few things are clear in the pictures: the new-generation car, likely to launch at the Los Angeles motor show, will have a more upright snout than the car it replaces, and it appears to have grown broader through the hips.

Audi has revealed a long-wheelbase version of the Q2 compact crossover for the Chinese market, dubbed the Q2L. Featuring a 38mm longer body than the standard model, the Q2L is 4229mm in length and offers a 2628mm wheelbase – 33mm longer than the regular Q2. The extra space between the front and rear axles offers increased leg- and kneeroom for rear-seat passengers, something prioritised in China, hence the growing amount of market-specific long-wheelbase versions of global models.

ANCAP has released its latest round of safety ratings, with the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Mazda 6 and Lexus ES all achieving five stars based on tests carried out by sister firm, Euro NCAP. The A-Class managed a high score of 96 per cent for adult occupant protection, while the Mazda and Lexus scored 95 per cent and 91 per cent in the same category respectively. James Goodwin, CEO for ANCAP, praised the Mercedes-Benz's performance, along with its high levels of standard safety features.

The decision to halt production on two of Holden's most important models comes as new boss Dave Buttner, a respected industry veteran with more than 30 years under his belt, works to reverse the company's sales slide. VFACTS figures up to the end of September show Holden registrations are down by nearly 17,000 vehicles compared to the same period in 2017, with the bulk of that – almost 10,000 cars – being the new Commodore.

BMW has extended a safety recall for diesel vehicles across various model lines over a potential fire risk – now affecting around 268,000 units in the UK and 1.6 million globally. According to the Bavarian marque, the fault could see the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler can leak glycol liquid, which could result in "smoldering particles" when combined with high temperatures in the EGR modules and "typical soot particles".

The Abarth 124 Spider is now a Guinness World Record holder, teaming up with stunt driver Alastair Moffatt to achieve the feat. Piloting a standard 124 Spider, Moffatt completed five figure eight maneuvers in succession between two other Abarth 124 Spiders, in a record 45.66 seconds.

On this week's episode of CarAdvice, Paul Maric and Trent Nikolic talk Toyota's new sports car, Nissan's special new ute concept, warranties and your rights, and much more. In the news, Toyota's legendary Supra is set to return in 2019, and we already known so much. Like, the fact that it's basically a BMW. Nissan has an extra-hot new design for its Navara ute, the Dark Sky – but, for now, it's only a show car. Here's hoping we see this sharp new concept leap to production someday…

Bugatti is prepping an even more extreme version of the Chiron for next year's Geneva motor show – according to a new report. The Supercar Blog claims sketches of this vehicle were shown to 'VIP customers' at the unveiling of the Divo, described as "a beauty of speed" and a "ground-to-ground missile". While the name isn't officially confirmed, the publication speculates this new model could be known as the Chiron Super Sport, likely to be made in very limited numbers.

The all-new Ford Focus ST has been spied without any camouflage this week near the Nurburgring in Germany, indicating an official debut isn't far away. Here we can see the more aggressive body kit compared to the ST-Line variant of the standard Focus, while large alloy wheels (a design available on the previous Focus ST) fill the arches.

The facelifted 2019 Audi R8 has been officially revealed this morning, before it goes on sale in Europe early next year. Shortly after the German marque published a teaser image on its Facebook page, we now can see the updated supercar in all its glory – headlined by a fresh exterior design, new colours, and more power (though we don't know how much just yet).

Audi Sport, the German marque's performance and motorsport division, appears to have previewed the updated version of the R8 in a teaser image on Facebook. UPDATE, 24/10/18: The 2019 Audi R8 and R8 Spyder have been revealed this morning shortly after publication of this article. Read more here Published earlier this week, the picture shows two R8s, one featuring some design elements that aren't on the current model.

The brand new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter light-commercial range is now available, with the company promising the highest level of safety, competitive running costs, and infotainment/telematics “designed for the next era”. It needs to be good. While the flagship of Mercedes-Benz Vans’ range globally – the X-Class dual-cab ute is a side-act by comparison – is clearly the best-selling big van in Australia, competition is stiffer now than ever before.

The first new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter in 12 years is a hugely important offering for the company’s van division. The X-Class ute gets the headlines, but this diverse van and cab-chassis range is the bigger seller, and technology flagship.

Mercedes-Benz has added the 2012 C-Class to the ever-expanding Takata recall, with a campaign involving 11,629 vehicles. As with all vehicles caught in the Takata recall, a combination of heat and humidity can make the airbag propellant degrade over time. If an affected vehicle is involved in a crash triggering the airbags, the metal inflator housing can rupture under pressure, sending metal fragments shooting into the cabin. There's a serious risk of injury or death if this happens.

Earlier this week, a Ford advertising campaign teased a Mustang hybrid of some sort. Now, it looks like there could be electrified competition coming from Chevrolet. According to a report from Motor Authority, which cites a forum post, a group of current Camaro owners were recently surveyed by Chevrolet about how they'd receive a hybrid, turbocharged four-cylinder or a hybrid V8 powertrain.

Dyson has confirmed it's working on an electric vehicle manufacturing facility, with the vacuum (hair-dryer, fan, hair-curler, hand-dryer) company's board approving plans to build a two-storey facility in Singapore. The factory is set for completion in 2020, and follows on from the announcement earlier this year of £200 million ($367 million) investment in new buildings and test facilities at the Dyson's campus in the United Kingdom.

People often say “don’t forget where you came from”. Although we’re focused on every new car, every last detail here at CarAdvice, we have an extensive back-catalogue of news stories, lifestyle yarns and reviews. Here’s a look at what happened on the week of October 23 in years past. Shooting Brake, Speedster, Coupe or Volante? Which would you pick? Would you buy a car in a shopping centre store?

Nissan North America has partially revealed the updated 2019 Maxima this week, before its public debut at the Los Angeles motor show next month. Scheduled to go on sale in the US from December, the updated Maxima will offer Nissan Safety Shield 360 technology, meaning a wider range of active safety systems should be offered depending on variant, including autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has sold its Magneti Marelli supplier division for US$7.1 billion ($10 billion) according to new reports from the United States. An article published in Reuters says Calsonic Kansei (owned by KKR, a private equity firm in the USA, since 2016) will turn into Magneti Marelli CK Holdings when the deal goes through, becoming the seventh-largest independent automotive supplier in the world in the process.

GM Holden has issued a recall for diesel versions of the 2018 model-year Commodore over concerns chafing engine parts could spring a fuel leak, posing a fire risk. The brand reports diesel models could feature a clip on the fuel hose bundle that could rub on the fuel pump return hose. If the condition occurs, fuel could leak onto the exhaust, which could start a fire. A total of 31 vehicles are affected by this notice – you can access the VIN list here.

Faraday Future appears to be in some strife because of conflict with its main investor, cutting salaries and laying off employees to stay afloat, according to a new report. The Verge says an email was sent to staff over the weekend, detailing a 20 per cent decrease in wages for employees effective next week, with some losing their jobs entirely.

The Renault Koleos has been awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on tests carried out by Euro NCAP. However, the rating has a 2017 date-stamp and only applies to two-wheel drive variants sold from June 2018 – a little confusing, but it coincides with the recent introduction of autonomous-emergency braking and lane-departure warning across the range.

Volkswagen has continued its long, drawn-out T-Cross tease, ahead of the car's official reveal on October 25. The latest teaser video previews the compact SUV's lights and exterior design, revealing the shape of the head- and tail-lights, along with some of the LED detailing.

The Skoda Fabia Combi Scoutline has been revealed for Europe, giving the company's smallest wagon a more rugged look. Available on all engines and colours of the regular Fabia Combi (wagon), the Scoutline brings crossover-style cosmetic upgrades like contrasting bumpers, wheel arch cladding and side sills, along with faux skid plate inserts front and rear. There's also unique 16- and 17-inch alloy wheel options available.

The next-generation Kia Soul is reportedly scheduled for a global reveal at next month's Los Angeles motor show, including the all-electric Soul EV, which could be the only version of the boxy crossover bound for markets outside of the US and Korea. A new article by The Korean Car Blog claims Kia is prepping the new Soul for a second-quarter launch in North America following its LA reveal, with both petrol and electric versions bound for the States.

Audi has been forced to delay its first all-electric production car, the e-tron quattro, by around four weeks because of a software bug. According to Automotive News Europe, a spokesperson for the brand said a new piece of software in the pure-electric Audi needs regulatory clearance before deliveries can kick off. At launch, the car was slated for a European market arrival at the end of 2018. It's meant to be touching down in Australia by the middle of 2019.