Car News

Mini has detailed the mildly-updated JCW Hatch for Europe, complete with a new particulate filter helping it meet Euro 6d-Temp emissions regulations on the tough WLTP test cycle. Power still comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine making 170kW/320Nm, hooked up to a six-speed manual transmission as standard. An eight-speed automatic is also be available.

More than half of Australia’s drivers are now “seriously considering” buying a hybrid car instead of a purely petrol-powered option, according to a Roy Morgan survey of more than 50,000 people. The organisation’s market-specific Automotive Currency Report published findings based on in-person interviews with more than 50,000 Australians at home, up to September 2018, including 37,000 current drivers and the rest aged over 14 and intending to be drivers within four years.

On this week's episode of CarAdvice, Trent Nikolic and Paul Maric look at the new Mitsubishi Triton, look into the Australia success story that is ARB, and talk about the best commercial vans on the market today. First up: Toyota has confirmed there will be three drivetrain options on the new RAV4 SUV in Australia, including a hybrid. It's due to touch down in the second quarter of 2019.

Land Rover has released the first official teaser of its new-generation Defender, ahead of a full reveal sometime next year. The above image was published on some of the company's social channels, including its North American Instagram profile. Accompanying the photo is the caption: "do not unwrap until 2019", indicating the official reveal of the much-loved nameplate will occur in the new year.

Customers of Hyundai’s luxury brand Genesis may never need to venture to a dealership or service centre under a radical plan to “reinvent” the car buying and ownership experience. After almost a year of delays, Genesis is a step closer to opening its first standalone showroom in Australia – in Sydney’s Pitt Street Mall – with cars due to go on sale in March 2019. Sites in Brisbane and Melbourne are due to follow in 2020.