CAR ADVICE

Drivers using a mobile phone illegally have a greater chance of getting caught from today, as NSW becomes the first place in the world to introduce mobile phone detection cameras – and other Australian states are poised to follow. A mix of 10 fixed and portable mobile phone detection cameras will be installed in NSW from today (1 December 2019); another 35 are planned over the next four years.

Audi has used a number of small tweaks to free up 25km of extra range from its electric E-Tron SUV. The changes were debuted on the E-Tron Sportback revealed at the Los Angeles motor show, but have been passed on to the more practical E-Tron. According to Audi, the regenerative braking system – which uses the electric motors to harvest energy usually lost to heat when you brake – has been reworked to reduce residual brake torque, created by the brake calipers sitting close to the discs.

Jaguar has released a teaser video of the upcoming, revised F-Type coupe and convertible, set to be revealed on 2 December. There’s not much to see in the six-second video – the only part of the car visible is the gauge cluster – but you can hear the intoxicating sound of the F-Type’s V8 engine. That indicates the thunderous, supercharged 5.0-litre V8 will continue. In R guise, the V8 produces 405kW and 680Nm while the range-topping SVR ekes out an additional 18kW and 20Nm.

It’s hard to argue that the Porsche 911 remains the sports car by which all others are judged, and here we take a closer look at the 2019 Porsche Carrera 4S. It's the priciest and most elaborate Carrera of the new-generation model, and the variant for Porsche fans who absolutely must have AWD.

Toyota Australia has recalled the 2017-19 Coaster bus, over concerns about the front hazard lamps. According to the company, too much use of the hazard lamps could blow the fuse, making the hazard – or warning – lamps and indicators inoperative. If the hazard or indicator lamps are inoperative, other road users won't be able tell when the driver is turning, and the driver won't be able to warn other road users about potential danger using the hazard lights.

We are living in the age of the SUV, but many manufacturers don't seem particularly keen to emphasise the 'off-roadness' of the models they are cramming into this overstuffed part of the market. The segment is full of wishy-washy crossovers, 'lifestylish' cars – many of which seem to have been designed to look like ramped hatches and station wagons.

Reservations have opened for the new Fisker Ocean electric SUV. Touted as “the world’s most sustainable vehicle”, the Ocean will set lessees back US$379 per month (A$560) regardless of where they live. You can reserve an Ocean now through the Fisker app for a refundable US$250 (A$369) reservation fee. Customers will then pay US$2,999 (A$4,431) before delivery.

E-Type meets I-Pace? You wish. According to Electrek, Jaguar is halting its plans to convert E-Types to electric propulsion to create the E-Type Zero. Electrek obtained a copy of the letter Jaguar Land Rover Classic sent customers who expressed interest in the electrified E.

The next-generation Audi A3 and S3 sedans have been photographed, with the front of the regular three-box model seen completely undisguised for the first time. With the sheets pulled back, we can see the design of the new A3's front fascia, which includes a broader single-frame grille. In order to give the new sedan a bit more dynamism, the bulge from the front wheel arch now extends into the front door panels.

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

The new 190TDI drops the entry point into the Volkswagen Touareg by $10K. Does its cost-savvy nature cut corners on its premium SUV aspirations? Curt Durpiez finds out.

Being caught using a mobile phone while driving in Queensland is about to get a lot more expensive. The Queensland Government has announced any driver caught using a mobile phone behind the wheel will be fined $1000 and four demerit points. For drivers caught twice within 12 months, double demerit points apply and they may now lose their licence. Queensland will also trial cameras recently introduced in New South Wales to detect mobile phone usage.

New South Wales (NSW) drivers will legally be able to pay for parking and drive-through meals using a mobile phone without fear of a $344 fine. State laws have today been revised so anyone touching their phone to make a payment while they're stationary and off the road in a carpark, drive-through, or driveway, will be safe from penalty. Drivers will also be allowed to access their digital licence for a NSW Police officer.

Ford Australia has rolled out a subsidised ‘BaseCamp’ accessories pack on its Everest 4x4, bringing a claimed $6000 of extra value for a third of that price. The $2000 (fitted) package can be fitted to the top-selling Trend four-wheel drive model, and brings a 76mm nudge bar, a Ford Genuine bonnet protector and snorkel, a Ford-licensed LED light bar, black roof-mounted carry bars, a Pioneer roof platform, and a Sunseeker awning.

With Audi rolling out its line-up of latest-generation A6 sedans, Avant wagons and sporty derivatives in Australia, get set for a regular flow of fresh metal (and lots of aluminium in Audi’s catalogue) during 2020. The second quarter marks the launch of the entry front-drive A6 40 TFSI, a 140kW/320Nm version of the ubiquitous 2.0-litre TFSI four-cylinder, wearing the price-leading tag of $85,500 plus on-road costs.

This week on the podcast are Mandy Turner, Mike Costello, and Scott Collie. We catch up with Josh Dowling to discuss some of the biggest news of the week, including everything Tesla Cybertruck, and Mazda's planned guaranteed buyback deals. Also, in BMW news, the company is buying back Takata-affected cars, has a new waterproof key card, and its owners be getting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for free.

The Tesla Cybertruck is officially on sale in Australia and orders are already being taken online, as the latest figures show more than 250,000 people around the world have signed up just one week since the electric pick-up was unveiled. The order books are already open on the Tesla Australia website, with buyers asked to place a modest $150 deposit to secure a place in the queue.

Scott Collie takes us through a walkaround of the hotly-anticipated 2020 Mazda CX-30 SUV.

The Geelong company making carbon-fibre wheels for Ferrari and high-end Ford performance cars is being listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX). Based in Geelong, Victoria, Carbon Revolution employs 346 people, and in September last year more than tripled the size of its production facilities on the back of a grant from the Victorian Government.

Japanese carmaker Mazda has joined Korean rival Kia arguing against taxpayer-funded discounts on electric cars – saying customers should drive demand. However, Mazda says government assistance is crucial when it comes to the roll out of recharging networks, especially those powered by renewal energy.

The new Honda Accord has finally arrived in Australia, with hybrid power and price tag that throws it into battle with the Kia Stinger and Skoda Superb. Only one trim level will be available, with pricing to start at $47,990 before on-road costs for the Accord VTi-LX with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine making 140kW and 260Nm. It sends power to the front wheels through a CVT transmission.

Audi has recalled the 2017-20 Q5, over concerns its wheel arch trim could loosen and detach from the car. According to the company, incorrectly fastened wheel arch covers could work loose over time and detach from affected vehicles. If the covers detach, they pose an accident risk to other road users. A total of 11,140 cars are included in the campaign – a VIN list is attached here.

The Audi A6 executive saloon and its ilk are under fire from the enemy outside and within. Not only forced to wrestle with similar products from rival premium brands, they also have to fight for the attention of buyers eyeing increasingly popular, more versatile SUVs. And in the case of the A6's competition, some of these XXL SUV chunkers wear an Audi badge. Yep, they’re proliferating – these big units taking the kids to school and to sports, mum to the mall and to tennis, and dad to work.

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

Mazda has announced pricing for the hotly-anticipated CX-30 SUV, kicking off at $29,990 before on-road costs – or around $4000 more than the equivalent 3 hatchback. Not to be confused with the CX-3, the CX-30 takes the bones of the latest 3 hatchback and packs them into a high-riding SUV. It's 120mm longer and 30mm wider than the Mazda 2-based CX-3 SUV, and has an 85mm longer wheelbase – but both cars have the same roof height.

The budget-priced LDV T60 ute will soon be available with a long-wheelbase option that will give it one of the biggest trays in the class. Unlike the recently announced Volkswagen Amarok local conversion kit – available in XL and XXL sizes – the LDV T60 long wheelbase is made on the Chinese production line and arrives in Australian showrooms ready to roll.

Renault has removed the diesel engine option for its Koleos SUV, while the cost of entry has risen by $1500 at the bottom end of the range. Along with the diesel-free range, the 2020 Koleos has been treated to a minor styling update with updated chrome trim pieces, new alloy wheels, fresh skid plates, and LED fog lamps. A new red colour rounds out the changes.

A rematch of the Tesla Cybertruck tug-of-war with the Ford F-150 is not going ahead anytime soon after Ford issued an official statement dismissing the challenge as “tongue-in-cheek”. Earlier this week a senior executive at Ford had issued a challenge to Elon Musk via Twitter after a Tesla video showed a Cybertruck towing a Ford F-150 backwards up a hill. The Ford tweet said: "Send us a Cybertruck and we'll do the apples-to-apples test for you.” Musk responded: “Bring it on”.

Toyota has added a hybrid to the 2020 C-HR line-up, following in the footsteps of the Camry, Corolla, and larger RAV4 SUV. At a glance, the updated 2020 model year entry-level C-HR wears a fresh face with a new front bumper and revised LED headlights. New twin spoke 17-inch alloy wheels feature on low-grade cars, while the up-spec C-HR Koba rolls on new 18-inch alloy wheels in a two-tone finish, and scores redesigned LED tail lights.

Volkswagen Australia has recalled the 2015-16 Tiguan and 2015 Passat CC, over concerns about the condenser in their airbag control unit. According to the company, there's a risk the cars have a faulty airbag condenser. If a faulty condenser is fitted the airbag could deactivate, or the airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners could inadvertently fire, as the car interprets the faulty part as a signal there's been a crash. Both these cases increase the risk of injury or accident.

Ermenegildo Zegna has a way with suits and with Maseratis. First came the Zegna edition Quattroporte and Ghibli sedans with their woven silk seating surfaces and now comes a special Levante Zegna Edition, arriving here before year's end. Instead of Zegna’s woven silk seating surfaces – still available as an option on the Levante – the Zegna Edition uses unique Pelletessuta woven leather co-developed by the fashion house and Maserati.

The next step in the proposed US$50 billion ($73.5 billion) merger of Fiat Chrysler (FCA) and the PSA Group could be complete by the end of the year. According to internal emails seen by Reuters and Automotive News, the PSA Group and FCA have formed multiple working groups to come up with a legally-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the merger.

With the new 190TDI, it’s now 10 grand more affordable to get into the fresh-faced, new-generation Volkswagen Touareg. Whereas the outgoing Launch Edition wanted for almost prestige badge money for a fulsome premium experience, the 190TDI’s $79,490 list price represents a more genuine middle ground between mainstream and uptown large-SUV options.

The Kia Seltos might be the new and fashionably late-arriving kid to the small-SUV party, but with almost every available variant shuffling through the Sydney and Melbourne CarAdvice garages, it’s become a very familiar fixture in a very short time.

The story of the Volkswagen Golf began in 1974. Back then, in the year Australia’s road signs officially switched from imperial to metric, few would have imagined just what sort of success the practical German hatchback would become. Forty-five years later, the model conceived as an indirect replacement for the enduring Beetle has firmly established itself as the world’s best-selling car, with more than 35 million sales worldwide to date.

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

Mazda’s first electric vehicle is not yet confirmed for Australia, with head office to decide on the car’s chance of coming Down Under in 2020. Unveiled at the Tokyo motor show,the MX-30 is a compact SUV with 200km of range from a battery around 35kWh in size. "In the end, our customers need to say this is something we want," Mazda Australia managing director, Vinesh Bhindi, told CarAdvice.

The C8 series of Chevrolet Corvette is already a quantum shift from its predecessor with its mid-engine layout and the promise of twin-turbocharged DOHC V8s, all-wheel-drive and hybrid power. Nevertheless, it still has that small-block Chevy V8 goodness that appeals to loyal Corvette buyers.

Mazda is poised to expand its finance division in an attempt to address tighter credit requirements, one of the contributing factors to the biggest market slowdown since the Global Financial Crisis. Mazda Finance, which has already been rolled out to more than half of Mazda’s national network of 140 dealers, will also give the company an opportunity to offer guaranteed future buyback prices on trade-ins from early next year.

The DBS Superleggera Concorde Edition is latest in a line of limited-run vehicle from Aston Martin with links to famous aircraft. Developed by Aston Martin's Q customisation service, the Concorde Edition is distinguished by a carbon-fibre roof featuring a Concorde graphic, and a Concorde side strake milled from solid aluminium.

If you're the man running sales and marketing at Norweld, one of Australia’s better known tray and canopy manufacturers, chances are you aren’t going to leave your Toyota 79 Series LandCruiser stock. In fact, there’s a fair chance you are going to throw the kitchen sink at it. And when I was offered to sample for a quick spin, I was keen to see what kind of net result all of these modifications add up to.

US car giant Ford has issued a challenge to Tesla after the electric start-up showed a video of its new Cybertruck towing a Ford F-150 backwards uphill in a tug of war contest. Ford believes it was not a fair fight because Tesla used a heavier all-wheel-drive version of the Cybertruck to go up against a lighter, rear drive Ford pick-up. Ford executive Sundeep Madra challenged Tesla boss Elon Musk via Twitter for a rematch, claiming it was unfairly skewed in the Tesla’s favour.

After plenty of delays and conjecture, Volkswagen has finally confirmed its Polo-based T-Cross and Golf-based T-Roc crossovers will officially launch in Australia during May 2020. Speaking at the launch of the expanded Touareg range, VW Australia product marketing manager Jeff Shafer explained 2020 will be its "year of the SUV" as the T-Cross and T-Roc join the current Tiguan and Touareg to finally present a "full range" of Volkswagen family-haulers.

Volkswagen has introduced the most affordable model in its new Touareg range six months after $89,990 Launch Edition went on sale. Priced from $79,490 before on roads, the base Volkswagen Touareg 190TDI is powered by the same 190kW and 600Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, eight-speed automatic transmission, and permanent all-wheel drive system used throughout the revised range.

Mercedes-Benz is working on a battery-electric version of the new GLB SUV called EQB, but on the other side of the coin has ruled out producing a heated-up GLB45 AMG halo. The electric GLB will sit alongside the EQA, which is to be a fully-electric version of the imminent next-generation GLA. The A-Class and B-Class platform-mates to this pair will instead come as plug-in hybrids (PHEVs).

Mercedes-Benz launches new-generation cars every other week, but whole new nameplates are rarer things. Enter the family-focused GLB small SUV...

Mercedes-Benz bills the new GLB as its sensible family-focused compact offering, setting it apart from platform-mates like the GLA, A-Class and CLA. Nevertheless, the happy band of engineers at Mercedes-AMG’s home in Affalterbach have had their wicked way with it.

Mercedes-Benz has filled the gap in its range between the GLA and GLC SUVs. If the soon-to-be-replaced former is too small and car-like for you, and the latter too expensive and ‘traditional’ in its design, then you’re the target buyer.

Porsche has recalled the 2017-20 Panamera and 2018-20 Cayenne, over concerns about the 'brake pad worn' warning light on the dashboard. According to the company, the 'brake pad worn' warning light mightn't be permanently displayed when the car's brakes are worn out – instead, it can be dismissed until the car is next started. If the warning message can be too easily ignored, there's a risk drivers will continue driving around with worn brake pads, increasing their risk of injury or accident.

Audi has confirmed it will let go of 9500 workers at its German factories between now and 2025. Under the company's latest plan dubbed Audi.Zukunft, or Audi.Future in English, the cuts are projected to free up around €6 billion ($9.8 billion), which will be used to fund electric vehicle and digital technology development.

Feast your eyes on the first all-electric Volkswagen to come to Australia, the ID.4 SUV. Ignore the clever disguise – an Opel grille, how sneaky! – and you’ll see this ID.4 is identical to the EV SUV Volkswagen wrapped in camouflage earlier this year in China and shrouded in fog in Frankfurt.

If you have around $20,000 to spend on a compact city car, it's hard to look past the Kia Picanto. It's surprisingly grown-up to drive and loaded with features, which is why it's comfortably the best-selling micro car in Australia. But size matters – so we've heard – and for not all that much more money than Kia demands, you could find yourself behind the wheel of something more substantial.

Holden has revealed new Storm special editions for its seven-seat off-road Trailblazer SUV and four-wheel drive Colorado dual-cab ute. Priced from $54,990 drive-away, the Trailblazer Storm is $2000 more expensive than the mid-spec Trailblazer LTZ on which it's based. Holden claims there's $3400 of extra equipment on board. Meanwhile, the Colorado Storm is also $2000 more expensive than its equivalent LTZ model, priced at $53,990 drive-away. Holden says there's $4800 of extra gear on board.

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

The updated Bentley Bentayga has been snapped undergoing cold weather testing, as the British brand tweaks its SUV to battle the new Aston Martin DBX. Compared to our previous spy photos, the 2020 Bentayga has a revised look for the front end inspired by the new Flying Spur, with a new grille, headlights, and front bumper. The changes are more pronounced down back, where it appears the boxy taillights from the current model will be replaced with slicker, slimmer units.

The C8 Corvette is not only the first mid-engined Corvette, it’ll also be the first generation of Chevrolet’s iconic sports car to feature all-wheel drive and hybrid power. Motor Trend has revealed some insider information from a senior GM official about the upcoming Z06 and range-topping ZR1 variants. Both powertrains are a marked departure from the Corvette’s traditional pushrod power.

BMW is believed to be the first car company in Australia to buy back a batch of used cars affected by a recall of potentially deadly Takata airbags. Earlier this month BMW and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued a warning pleading with owners of 12,663 BMWs to stop driving their cars immediately following a fatality and a serious injury crash suspected of being linked to a new type of Takata airbag not previously recalled.

Mercedes-Benz will continue the rollout of compact cars based on its MFA II platform with the December 11 reveal of its new GLA. At the launch of the new A-Class, the three-pointed star promised at least eight variants based on the same chassis. So far, we've seen seven: the A-Class hatch, sedan and LWB sedan, the CLA coupe and Shooting Brake, and the B-Class and GLB. That will make the GLA the eighth model on the MFA II platform, essentially completing the set.

The fifth-generation Honda City sedan has made its debut in Thailand at the 2019 Bangkok motor show. Due to go enter Thai showrooms just before Christmas, the new City will go on sale across Asia during 2020. We're waiting to hear back from Honda Australia about local availability and timing.

Lamborghini Lambo V12 Vision Gran Turismo — yes, that it's full official name — was unveiled in Monte Carlo at the finals of the Gran Turismo Championships e-sports competition. The Lambo will be available for players to drive in Gran Turismo Sport on PlayStation 4 during the second quarter of 2020.

German car maker BMW is expected to finally roll out Apple Car Play across its entire range and scrap costly subscription fees from next year – and introduce Android Auto for the first time. BMW is the only car company to charge a hefty $479 over three years for the Apple Car Play smartphone mirroring technology – on models it is available – even though it’s standard on a $15,990 Kia Picanto.

The Isuzu D-Max has won the 2019 SuperUtes championship in the hands of young Kiwi ace Tom Alexander, who secured the title with one race remaining after establishing an unassailable lead. Last weekend’s Supercars Newcastle 500 was also the finale for diesel-powered double cabs, having trialled the format for two years following the end of local production of Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore V8 utes.

Hiding your car key under a beach towel or in your shoes could soon be a thing of the past. Most modern car keys can’t be taken into the water and contain tiny hi-tech immobilisers and cost in excess of $200 to replace. Surfers, beach-goers and bushwalkers have faced this dilemma for more than a decade as more vehicles adopted sensor keys, but an increasing number of car companies are coming up with innovative options.

The Lexus UX compact SUV has taken less than a year to comfortably install itself as one of the Japanese brand’s most popular vehicles in Australia. It has also contributed to Lexus Australia achieving some growth (up nearly seven per cent at the three-quarter mark of 2019) in a market that has gone backwards.

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

Audi created a stir at the 1991 Frankfurt Motor Show, presenting the Audi Quattro Spyder Concept - a prototype previewing a possible mid-engined sports car for production. The quattro nameplate was already recognisable thanks to the original Audi Quattro (1980-1991) and the subsequent racecar which enjoyed great success in the '80s. A high-end sports car would help Audi strengthen its image as a premium carmaker.

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? Supra + Tuner = power

Skoda has added the Virtual Cockpit digital instruments to its Kodiaq seven-seat crossover, which has been given a $700 price rise for 2020. The range is available with the existing 132TSI petrol engine, priced from $44,190 before on-road costs, and the diesel RS. Skoda also currently offers drive-away pricing, listed at the bottom of this story.

Unfortunately, the legendary and ubiquitous Aussie V8 ute has been assigned to the history books for some time now. Those wanting one will be trawling through second-handers instead of showroom floors, as the market has pivoted towards the 4X4 ute. One option is a tuned Holden Colorado by engineering outfit Harrop, who call their car the 'Superado'. Sam Purcell finds out what it is like to drive.

The BMW M550i xDrive will be a cut-price M5 alternative in Australia, with the twin-turbo V8 sedan kicking off at $134,900 before on-road costs when it arrives early in 2020. The entry-level M550i xDrive will be badged Pure, a label previously reserved for pared-back M3 and M2 variants, and will undercut the fully-specced M550i xDrive by $15,000.

Tesla boss Elon Musk has released via social media a video showing the Cybertruck’s side glass can withstand a strike from a metal ball, after two windows shattered during an embarrassing demonstration at the vehicle’s unveiling in Los Angeles. Musk was left red faced after a stunt to demonstrate the strength of the Tesla Cybertruck’s “armour glass” failed not once but twice in front of a live global audience.

General Motors (GM) has filed a lawsuit against Fiat Chrysler (FCA), claiming the rival's bribery of officials from the United Auto Workers (UAW) union caused it serious financial damage. GM alleges FCA instigated a “multi-year pattern of corruption” to “undermine the integrity of the collective bargaining process and cause GM substantial damages".

Unfortunately, the legendary and ubiquitous Aussie V8 ute has been assigned to the history books for some time now. Those wanting one will be trawling through second-handers instead of showroom floors, as the market has pivoted towards the 4x4 ute. The problem is that most of the popular utes these days are diesel-powered, and don’t really have any on-road performance or muscle bent. Other than the Ram 1500, there isn’t any V8 ute for those who still want one.

The Volkswagen Viloran people mover has been unveiled at the 2019 Guangzhou motor show. The Viloran is unlikely to ever come Down Under, and may only be built only in left-hand drive as it is built in China as part of Volkswagen's joint venture with SAIC, owner of the MG brand. When it goes on sale next year, the Viloran will compete with luxury people haulers, such as the Lexus LM and Buick GL8.

Manufacturers are increasingly shoving as many bells and whistles into their vehicles as possible, to the point where many buyers expect luxury levels of technology even from mainstream brands. In the case of our 2019 Skoda Karoq 110TSI long-termer, it offers some of the Volkswagen Group's latest and greatest driver assistance and convenience features, which are what we're having a closer look at in this latest update.

Darcy Foster • 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. Elon Musk has confirmed Tesla will build another of its huge factories in Germany. Ich bin ein Berliner

Australian sales of small cars have been falling rapidly of late. Long the most popular segment locally, the small-car class now sits in third place behind medium and small SUVs, and the large-SUV segment is nipping at its heels. The current market trends mean manufacturers are under pressure more than ever to make their small passenger cars as good and well featured as possible while maintaining a sharp pricepoint – and some are doing better than others.

Defunct marques are never gone forever as they always seem to be resurrected by the burgeoning Chinese car market. While today’s MGs look little like the MG roadsters of yore, the Morris JE dusts off another illustrious British nameplate for a slavishly faithful recreation of an old design. There is, however, a modern twist – it’s an electric vehicle.

Darcy Foster • The Bloodhound LSR has recorded a top speed of 1010km/h (628mph) in final testing for 2019 ahead of a land-speed record attempt some time in the next two years. Piloted by Air Force wing commander Andy Green, the Bloodhound LSR completed a number of tests and obtained vital data to help engineers determine the rocket’s payload size for a crack at the current land-speed record.

Germany's three major automakers, the BMW Group, Daimler (parent of Mercedes-Benz) and the Volkswagen Group, have been fined a total of €100 million ($163 million) for forming a cartel to buy certain steel products. The Bundeskartellamt, Germany's competition commission, says the three car companies met twice a year with steel makers between 2004 and 2013 to set uniform surcharges for the long steel they purchased. Illegally set prices were in use until 2016.

The 2019 Suzuki Jimny has been widely lauded (globally, not just here in Australia, mind you) for its sense of retro kitsch and old-world adherence to the ‘two-box design’ principle. The new Jimny story needs to be a lot more deeply embedded than that, though. Especially if it is to be considered a modern success story.

Darcy Foster • Ken Block is at it again. Dubbed ‘Climbkhana Two’, the latest 'khana' video sees the rally and drift ace take on the 99-turn, 11km Tianmen Mountain road in China. Ken’s ascent to ‘Heaven’s Gate’ (the literal Mandarin translation of ‘Tianmen’) required serious planning, but luckily he had one of the newest tools in his automotive arsenal for the job; the Hoonitruck.

Darcy Foster • Named after company founder Battista Farina, the all-electric Battista is set to launch late in 2020 with a price tag of US$2 million dollars (~$3 million) with 150 units slated for production. Though its body is designed in Italy, the Battista shares its electric powertrain and between 30 and 40 per cent of its components with the Rimac C Two, which calls Croatia home.

Do not adjust your eyes. This is not something from Mad Max or any other science fiction movie. This is the Tesla Cybertruck and it’s fair to say no-one expected it to look like this. Tesla claims it will be the toughest pick-up truck in the world, with a stainless steel body that can handle a 9mm bullet or a hit from a sledge hammer, and comes with super-strength glass.

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

Darcy Foster • Mercedes-Benz Australia has recalled the 2019 GLE over concerns the trim divider at the rear door windows might not meet specification. According to the company, the external trim divider at the rear windows could be incorrectly attached, which could make the divider separate from the vehicle while driving, posing a risk of injury to other road users. A total of 780 cars are affected – a full VIN list is attached here.

Lexus has revealed its first-ever pure-electric vehicle, the UX300e, aimed squarely at the EV-friendly Chinese and European markets. With a 54.3kWh lithium-ion battery pack good for a claimed 400km of range on the more lenient NEDC test cycle, the 300e is powered by an electric motor making 150kW and 300Nm. Lexus claims the car will take 50 minutes to charge from empty on a fast charger, and around seven hours on a home wall connection.

Joining Mandy Turner this week is Trent Nikolic and Curt Dupriez. We discuss the logistics and behind-the-scenes of Drive Car of the Year, with the winner being announced this week. Scott Collie reviews the 2020 Renault Kadjar. Curt talks about his experience at the BMW M Festival, and how motor show popularity is beginning to fade. We give the thumbs up or down to the Ferrari Roma, Aston Martin DBX, McLaren Elva, and Ford Mustang Mach E.

For all the good things about our long-term Hyundai Kona Electric, and there are plenty, we have one major complaint. The standard-fit tyres are a bit below par, to put it lightly. Rather than opting for rubber capable of properly harnessing the impressive torque (395Nm) available from standstill, Hyundai fits Nexen N Fera SU1 tyres measuring 215/55R17.

There was a time when a then-fledgling Hyundai and Kia had some of the lowest prices, longest feature lists and most generous warranties in the business. Now, they’ve got some cutthroat competition from a crosstown competitor – Ssangyong. The Korean-built Ssangyong Korando range is now available with petrol power and an entry price $6,000 lower than the initial diesel-powered Launch Edition models.

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has won the Car of the Year award by our sister publication Drive – the first time a petrol-electric vehicle has taken out top prize. It was unanimously voted the winner from a record field of 89 contenders and 57 finalists across 20 categories. Reflecting Australia’s changing taste in cars, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a family SUV with frugal fuel economy, previously regarded as an impossible double-act.

Mercedes-Benz’s first battery-electric vehicle (BEV) in Australia, the EQC 400, will hit showrooms on December 9, ahead of deliveries to those who’ve made deposits from early 2020. The company today announced a price of $137,900 before on-road costs for the single specification offering, placing it in line with the mid-range Jaguar I-Pace SE ($135,400), and between the Tesla Model X Long Range ($131,900) and Performance ($141,100).

Mercedes-Benz Australia has recalled the 2018-19 SL, over concerns the front passenger airbag may not have been sewn correctly. According to the company, the front passenger airbag mightn't have been sewn in accordance with company specifications. If the airbag is triggered, there could be a a crack in the seam of the airbag, potentially impacting its ability to restrain the passenger in an accident. A total of four cars are included in the campaign – a VIN list is attached here.

Another Drive Car of the Year program has just about wrapped up, with only the overall winner left to be announced. That will happen later this morning, so be sure to head to Drive.com.au. Until then, here is every winner in this year's awards. What do you think of the selection? (Above: the contenders!) Read the article here at Drive.com.au Read the article here at Drive.com.au Read the article here at Drive.com.au Read the article here at Drive.com.au

The cabin of the Faraday Future FF91 crossover has been revealed at its hometown motor in Los Angeles. Billed as a "third internet living space" to sit between the home and work or learning environment, the FF91's interior is equipped with three 4G LTE modems — one for car diagnostics and software updates, and the other two for passenger connectivity. According to Faraday Future the multiple modem setup allows for video streaming to continue even in areas where mobile reception is weak.

The all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQC has followed the Hyundai Kona Electric and Nissan Leaf in achieving a five-star safety rating from independent crash-testing authority ANCAP. The mid-sized EQC SUV, which will go head-to-head with the Audi E-Tron Quattro and Jaguar I-Pace, equalled the best-ever score for child protection. It also fared well when it came to adult occupant protection, with a 96 per cent rating.

Mustang is arguably Ford’s most iconic and well-known nameplate, globally. Now Ford's considering on capitalising on the equity in that name and expanding the Mustang stable. Murat Gueler, the design chief for Ford Europe, told Autocar, “We’ve talked about building a family.” For those already concerned about the scope creep of an electric crossover bearing the Mustang name, rest assured there are no plans for a wide range of Mustang EVs in different sizes.

The pioneering master of creating lightweight race cars was Colin Chapman, who painstakingly worked power-to-weight ratios to uncork winning pace for his Lotus formula cars. It won him world championships, but the philosophy was not always terrific for some of his drivers, who enjoyed the competitiveness while being less thrilled about the prospect of the machinery failing. Just ask Jim Clark. On second thoughts, don’t bother…

Daimler's top-shelf Mercedes-Maybach brand has revealed its long-promised ultra-luxury SUV in Stuttgart and Guangzhou, showing the world its competitor to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, Range Rover and Bentley Bentayga. The Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 joins the existing Maybach-badged S-Class limo at the top of the Mercedes range, and will be available for a small group of prosperous Australians from the third quarter of 2020.

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

The new Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid – the most powerful and quickest RAV4 to date – will go on sale in the US by the middle of next year, but Australian customers will need to wait a little longer. While Toyota is the clear market leader for regular petrol-electric hybrid cars – which charge their onboard battery pack during normal driving, but only offer a limited electric boost – the company is yet to introduce a plug-in hybrid locally despite the technology being available overseas.

Darcy Foster • Maserati has released photos of a test-mule running the firm’s all-new '100 per cent Maserati' engine. Reports suggest that this powertrain will underpin Maserati’s incoming sports car due to be unveiled in Modena in May next year. Whether that’s the new GranTurismo or a smaller offering more closely-resembling the 2014 Alfieri concept, we aren’t sure.

Volkswagen’s massive rollout of electric cars continues apace with the VW ID Space Vizzion concept unveiled at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show today. It is the seventh pure electric concept car unveiled by the German giant in the past three years – and while Australia is not likely to get this one, we will get a vehicle that looks like it.

Mini has revealed the JCW GP will be priced from $63,900 before on-road costs when it arrives in Australia. That's $12,500 more than a conventional two-door Mini JCW, and and a whopping $22,200 more than a Cooper S. It's also more expensive than conventional hot hatches like the Honda Civic Type R and Volkswagen Golf R, although it manages to undercut the pared-back Renault Megane RS Trophy-R by $11,090.

Hyundai is working on a “crazy” sports car that has largely been kept under wraps until now – and it’s likely to have hybrid or pure electric power. Speaking at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show, the global boss of research and development for Hyundai, Albert Biermann, told CarAdvice there was “something special” coming next year in the performance-car space.

Hyundai’s i30 N hot hatch is set to get a power bump and a high-performance eight-speed automatic before this generation bows out. A senior executive at the company has also confirmed the Hyundai i30 N has been so successful that it is already working on the next generation. In the meantime, the current Hyundai i30 N has about three years left to run.

The Ford Mustang Mach E electric SUV could come to Australia – the only barrier is price, and how many local buyers might want one. A Ford representative in the US confirmed to CarAdvice at the Los Angeles Auto Show overnight that the Mustang Mach E will be made in right-hand-drive. So far, the UK is the only right-hand-drive market announced to take the vehicle, however Australia is likely to follow soon after given there is no technical impediment and no emissions tests to meet.

If you think this dramatic concept vehicle looks like something from the future, you’d be right. The Hyundai Vision T plug-in hybrid might only have been built as a display model for the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show, however it is in fact a large clue about the future design direction for the Korean brand. As Hyundai designer, SangYup Lee, unveiled the car at the show he said the Vision T is a “core vehicle that will take us to the next level in SUV design”.

Darcy Foster • Mercedes-AMG has unveiled the GLE63 S and GLS63 S at the 2019 Los Angeles motor show, complete with hybrid power for the first time in an AMG V8. The performance versions of Mercedes-Benz’s two largest SUVs are both powered by Mercedes-AMG’s familiar 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, backed for the first time by mild-hybrid power. Previously the EQ Boost system has been used on AMG 53 models with an inline-six, but never a V8.

The range-topping Audi RSQ8 has finally been revealed, with power from a hulking V8 engine and Volkswagen Group's active anti-roll technology. MORE: Nürburgring Lap

Darcy Foster Audi Sport has revealed its all-new RSQ8, sitting above the SQ8 as the most hardcore version of its flagship SUV. The engine is the same one found in the new RS6 Avant and RS7, a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 unit producing 441kW of power and 800Nm of torque. Power is put to the road through Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system and an eight-speed automatic gearbox, able to direct up to 70 per cent of drive to the front wheels and 85 per cent to the rear wheels.

So a 'regular' BMW X3 is too mainstream for you? Well, the guys and girls at Alpina could have the perfect car for you. Meet the 2019 Alpina XD3, a bahn-storming twin-turbo diesel version of the Bavarian marque's mid-sized luxury crossover, pitched as the "perfect everyday companion for every lifestyle". The XD3 starts at $109,900 before on-road costs, which is a cool $9000 more than the BMW X3 M40i ($100,900), though this is a very different beast.

Volkswagen is about to bridge the size gap between the most popular types of double cab ute in Australia and the full size pick-ups from the USA. Volkswagen Australia is poised to introduce a factory-approved conversion that significantly lengthens the wheelbase and tray of its Amarok ute.

In 2019, French car maker Citroen is celebrating its centenary with a series of events around the world. Australia, although not a key market for the French brand, didn’t miss out either. At Melbourne’s recent Motorclassica concours, Citroen celebrated 100 years by taking a look back at some of its most iconic models from the past. The Royal Exhibition Centre played host to a static display of DS, SM, 2CV, AMI, 5CV, and H Van models, amongst others.

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

Mercedes-Benz has been watching Bentley, Range Rover and Rolls-Royce take up the ultra-luxury SUV mantle. Now, it's time for a German-badged entry into the segment. Mercedes has teased the next Mercedes-Maybach model, a posher, plusher version of the GLS the company is calling “the new face of ultimate luxury”. It’s set to debut this month, not at the Los Angeles motor show but instead at the Guangzhou motor show on 21 November.

Times are tough at Aston Martin. The English sports car maker’s share price has fallen by two thirds since it floated on the UK stock market last year, hit by both the uncertainties of Britain’s chaotic Brexit from the European Union and slipping demand for its traditional sports cars.

Nearly five years since it was first previewed in concept form, the covers have finally come off next year's Aston Martin DBX SUV, destined for Australia with a $357,000 price tag. When the DBX concept was unveiled, there was no Rolls-Royce Cullinan, no Bentley Bentayga, and no Lamborghini Urus. Now, with all three in the game, along with the trendsetting Porsche Cayenne, the time appears right for Aston Martin to step onto the field.