Car News

2018 is officially over. It’s time for sunshine and (a sometimes rose-tinted) reflection on the year gone by. Here at CarAdvice, we’re taking the chance to look back at some of the most interesting, exciting and downright strange stories published this year. Here's a look at the five most popular Car Culture stories of 2018. Watch the video and get the full written piece here Take a trip back in time with Mandy Turner here Do you agree with Alborz? Read the full article here

Toyota Australia is facing a class action lawsuit over issues with the Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) in 2015-18 HiLux, Prado and Fortuner vehicles powered by the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine. According to the legal firm considering the claim, its clients have experienced "increased fuel consumption and a loss of power of the vehicle" because "hard deposits accumulating on the DPF oxidisation catalyst" stop it reaching the necessary temperature.

The upcoming Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake has been snapped again by spy photographers this week, including new images of the swoopy estate's cabin. We already have a rough idea of what the exterior will look like despite the heavy camouflage, blending the face of the new A-Class with a miniature version of the larger CLS's rear. Being the Shooting Brake, this version gets a wagon booty compared to the sedan look of the standard CLA.

GM Holden has issued a recall for the 2014 to 2016 model-year VF Commodore, WN Caprice, and related HSV versions over concerns the power steering system could fail. The manufacturer reports "increased electrical resistance in a component within the Electric Power Steering system may result in a loss of power steering assistance". If the condition occurs, it could increase the effort required to turn the steering wheel, or even loss of steering control.

The Federal Opposition has promised to establish a National Office of Road Safety, should it win the 2019 Federal Election. The proposal was announced at the Labor Party's national conference in Adelaide, with the party arguing "after decades of decline, the road toll is again heading in the wrong direction".