Car News

On this week's podcast, you're joined by Mandy Turner, Paul Maric, and Mike Costello. The team answer Gavin's question about what a platform actually is, and why brands share them. In car news, the Hyundai i30N Fastback will be debuting in Australia in March or April, and the 2020 Mazda CX-6 (or could it be a CX-3?) SUV has been previewed.

Mazda's ever-popular convertible is turning 30. That's right, the MX-5 (Miata if you live in some parts of the world) has hit the big three-oh. To celebrate, it's been decked out in a special shade of Racing Orange, in following a theme initially laid out by the 10th Anniversary model. The unique hue is also used for the car's brake calipers, and throughout the interior, including the stitching, seat piping, vent surrounds, and door trim.

The bullbar industry is set to face a new challenge, as more utes come equipped with autonomous emergency braking systems that need a clear view over the bonnet. As is the case with the recent Ford Ranger – which is available with AEB and has a factory-approved, AEB-compatible bullbar – the new Mitsubishi Triton has a completely redesigned bullbar, so it doesn’t impede the AEB cameras in the windscreen.

Dieter Zetsche, outgoing CEO of Daimler, parent company of Mercedes-Benz and Smart, has said talks regarding electric commercial vehicles "are happening" with Tesla The two carmakers have been in contact since November, when Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, tweeted: "Maybe interesting to work with Daimler/Mercedes on an electric Sprinter. That’s a great van. We will inquire." Speaking to Automotive News, Zetsche stated the "outcome [of the talks] is open".

The countdown to the World Car Finals has begun this week, with a list of 10 finalists announced for the overall title, along with the contenders in five specialist categories. According to the firm, a jury of 86 "distinguished international automotive journalists" selected the finalists by secret ballot, based on their own assessment of the vehicle as part of their professional work. The initial list of 40 models has been shaved to 10 finalists, with representation from around the world.