Car News

BMW may have made a U-turn by embracing front-drive for its latest small passenger cars – after previously ridiculing front-drive in advertising – but high-performance models will remain exclusively rear-drive or all-wheel drive, says the boss of BMW M division. When asked whether front-wheel drive might be suitable for high-performance M-branded models, the global boss of BMW M, Markus Flasch, said “No, it’s not”.

Audi Australia has introduced a number of specification upgrades across its S3, S4 and S5 performance models, with up to $9000 of extra equipment now included as standard.

The next-generation Kia K5, the South Korean version of the car sold elsewhere as the Optima, has been teased in a series of shadowy sketches. Before local fans of the short-lived Optima line get too excited, however, Kia Australia has confirmed today that the current LHD-only (left-hand drive) program for the mid-sized sedan will continue into this new generation. Enthusiasts of global automotive movements may read on, and watch from afar.

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Hyundai Australia has detailed the updated 2020 Ioniq line-up, once again including Hybrid, Plug-in and Electric models. UPDATE, 29/10/2019: Hyundai Australia has issued an official press release with additional details and local imagery of the updated Ioniq range. "[The] 2020 Ioniq features a new dashboard boasting premium soft-touch finishes, ambient lighting in Premium and Electric versions, and a new, tablet-style multimedia unit," the company says.