Car News

A prototype for what could be the production version of last year's Kia Imagine electric vehicle concept has appeared on German roads this week, flanked by a Tesla Model 3 and a Toyota Prius Prime. While the Prius Prime is a plug-in hybrid EV (a petrol-electric hybrid with greater electric range), the unique design of the camouflaged car suggests a standalone electric model rather than a mere hybrid or PHEV offering.

Mercedes-Benz Australia has issued a recall of 45 examples of its GLE wagon with Model Years from 2019 to 2020 (MY19-MY20) due to a faulty rear bumper bar crossmember. The recall notice, lodged with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), says the faulty crossmember "might not meet the required specification." Mercedes-Benz says if vehicles are winched using the rear towing eye, the crossmember may crack or even detach from the vehicle.

Renault will attempt to reverse a five-year sales slide with a trio of new or updated SUVs due in Australian showrooms from 2021 – and a renewed focus on vans. The French brand will drop the Renault Clio hatchback and Renault Zoe electric car, leaving the Megane RS hot hatch as the sole passenger-vehicle offering. It will also continue to sell a range of three vans, in small, medium and large sizes.

Between recent spy photos and the appearance of last year's Engelberg concept, it's easy enough to guess at the look of Mitsubishi's 2021 Outlander family SUV. Boxy. That's the first word that will come to mind for most buyers, but with a muscular look that just about puts the technically more capable Triton ute and Pajero Sport off-roaders to shame.

The 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe has been shown in its home market of South Korea with a comprehensive styling upgrade package. The Hyundai Santa Fe N-Line concept has not been confirmed for Australia, but local representatives said it is under study and has “not been ruled out”. The upgrades include a front and rear bodykit with sideskirts, to give the vehicle the perception of a lower stance. Massive 21-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin tyres also make room for uprated, performance brakes.