Car News

The 2016 Audi Q3 has been recalled over an issue with the passenger airbag. Just 25 units are affected, though the recall isn't connected to Takata – in spite of its timing. According to the company, the passenger airbag may not be filled with the necessary amount of gas because of a defective weld joint on the airbag's gas generator. In an accident, the passenger airbag may not correctly deploy, posing a heightened risk of injury. A VIN list for the affected Q3 models is attached here.

Customisation is in vogue at the moment, but choice can be seriously confusing. In our new configurator challenge, we're going to let the CarAdvice team loose on a manufacturer's website to create their ideal spec of a certain model. This week it's the Mini Cooper, as specced by three members of the team. Let us know what you think in the comments, and let us know which cars you'd like to see.

BMW Australia says it's being heard in its efforts to raise awareness about electric mobility, and is pleased about the level of discussion taking place. Speaking to media at the local launch of the new X2, BMW Australia boss, Marc Werner said the recent announcement by the South Australian Government about Stamp Duty exemptions for electric vehicles is an indication of process. “I think we are being heard,” Werner said.

McLaren Special Operations has worked its magic on the Senna, creating the 'Carbon Theme' ahead of next week's Geneva motor show. According to MSO, the carbon finish you see here took almost 1000 hours to produce. It's made up of 67 parts, offset by Sonar Yellow detailing that, according to the company, took 250 hours to apply. Coupled with the Laurel Green brake calipers, the yellow detailing is designed to pay homage Ayrton Senna's legendary helmet and, by extension, the Brazilian flag.

Spanish brand Seat has revealed a new function for its in-car DriveApp – an integrated Shazam music recognition service. Announced on the first day of Mobile World Congress, the new feature allows users to identify songs on the move "in a completely safe manner". The function will become operative from April in compatible models via the Seat DriveApp for Android Auto – sorry iPhone users, you'll have to wait.