Car News

Details of the updated 2018 Mini Hatch and Convertible ranges have been announced this week, bringing a range of cosmetic, mechanical and technology upgrades to the British icon. Headlining the changes for the new model include the availability of adaptive Matrix LED headlights, new LED tail-lights, new logos and body finishes, revised alloy wheel designs, new interior trim choices, a new dual-clutch transmission option, and upgraded infotainment options.

The third-generation Suzuki Swift Sport has arrived in Australia, priced at $25,490 before on-road costs — $2200 cheaper than the VW Polo GTI and $3500 less than the Renault Clio RS 200. The new Japanese pocket rocket picks up a new turbocharged engine shared in large part with the Vitara SUV. The 1.4 ‘Boosterjet’ unit makes 103kW of power and a much meatier 230Nm of torque between 2500 and 3000rpm. Fuel use is 6.1L/100km.

Hyundai says it’s close co-operation with Toyota in helping advance the cause of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles is of more importance than any rivalry the two brands may have.

In Las Vegas for the massive Consumer Electronics Show (CES), CarAdvice today had a taste of Mercedes-Benz's all-new smartphone-style operating system - MBUX - in, of all vehicles, the upcoming A-Class. You'd expect such clever, high-end technology to debut in something far more exotic such as a new S-Class, but according to the German Manufacturer, the all-new A-Class is the perfect platform to showcase the technology.

UPDATE (10/1): Mazda Australia has officially confirmed the CX-8 will be launched Down Under, with the new three-row crossover to arrive sometime in the second half of 2018. See bottom of article for details. The new 2018 Mazda CX-8 SUV, revealed in July last year as a slightly smaller and more sporty-looking alternative to the familiar CX-9, is on its way to Australia.