Car News

Volvo has announced a recall for the 2014-18 V60/S60, 2017-18 S90, 2015-19 V40/V40 Cross Country, 2017-18 S90, 2017-19 V90 Cross Country, 2014-17 XC60, and 2016-18 XC90 over concerns about an issue with the engine valve. According to the company, the valve could leak and make the intake manifold melt or deform. If the manifold is damaged, the engine could lose power. A total of 3828 vehicles are affected – a VIN list is attached here.

The Mazda 2 has been given a facelift in its home market of Japan, ahead of its launch Down Under by the first quarter of 2020. Renamed from 'Demio' to Mazda 2, the revised five-door light hatch has been given a new badge to "emphasise the brand", with other updates made to raise "visual and tactile quality in areas such as design and craftsmanship". Mazda says the new 2 has been enhanced in the areas of handling stability, ride feel and cabin quietness.

A new car-sharing service for the owners of Melbourne apartments is aiming to drive electric vehicle adoption in Australia. Residents in Melbourne's EQ Tower will be able to borrow a pair of Hyundai Kona Electrics hourly, or for an entire day. Although pricing hasn't been finalised, the starting rate will be $15 per hour, with no extra charge for distance covered.

The Federal Government has postponed sweeping rule changes that would have enabled million-dollar left-hand-drive supercars to legally be driven on Australian roads – and given a stay of execution to “grey import” used cars that were supposed to be banned.

The Mercedes-Benz X-Class ute looks set to be phased out prematurely due to slow sales that have made the vehicle unprofitable even at its comparatively high price. A report out of Europe, published overnight by respected industry journal Automotive News, cited unnamed but well-informed sources claiming the Mercedes X-Class ute “is to be dropped” as the company “seeks to reduce costs amid profit warnings”.