Car News

It's clearly facelift season at Audi, with the reworked Q5 SUV snapped out and about during testing. The new BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC rival will get a new nose inspired by the updated Audi Q7, with a more prominent grille and pumped-up 'skid plate' in the lower bumper. The headlights look like they've been given new internals, with a metal strake running through their core, although we'll have to wait for an undisguised car for a closer look.

One of China's largest automakers has acquired a five per cent stake in Mercedes-Benz's parent company, Daimler. BAIC Group has been working with Daimler since 2003, and their Chinese joint venture sold 485,000 cars in 2018. Beijing Benz, as the JV is known, is responsible for building the E-Class LWB and C-Class. Another joint venture between the pair, known as Fujian Benz, builds the Viano, Vito and Sprinter in China.

Audi has unveiled its rival to the BMW X2 and Mercedes-Benz GLA, the Q3 Sportback, ahead of its arrival in Australia next year. It rides on the same platform as the more practical Q3 SUV, but the Sportback has been designed with style in mind rather than luggage space and headroom. The roofline is lower at the rear, and the d-pillars are flat. There's also a more pronounced rear spoiler trailing off the boot lid. How very sporty.

The updated 2020 Volkswagen Passat has been hit with delays on various models, as the local division battles with changes in production scheduled caused by the new WLTP emissions regulations in Europe. Originally scheduled to hit Australian showrooms before the end of the year, the refreshed 2020 Passat will now see a staggered launch Down Under that will see the full line-up's availability draw out into 2020.

The new-generation Volkswagen Crafter TDI410 4Motion has been priced and specified for Australia, starting at $57,590 plus on-road costs. Commanding a $4500 price increase over equivalent front-wheel drive variants, the Crafter 4Motion adds another layer of versatility in the form of its on-demand all-wheel drive system.