Car News

Volkswagen has confirmed pricing and specs for the first 2019 Touareg coming to our shores, the Launch Edition, on the back of a dealer event in Brisbane. Overseas models pictured. Local imagery will be added when it's available. The new SUV, pitched as a more premium offering than its predecessors, will be priced from $89,990 before on-road costs. Power will come from a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine when the car arrives in dealers early in May.

Nissan has collaborated with Opus Campers to create a concept camper trailer that features second-life battery packs from the Leaf EV to offer "up to a week's worth" of off-grid power for remote adventures. Incorporating the vehicle manufacturer's new Energy Roam system, a portable weather-proof power pack with 700Wh capacity, the concept camper trailer offers both 230V and 12V circuits with enough juice for "around seven days of camping", aided by the on-board solar panel accessory.

Queensland drivers could soon be staring at an emoji on the back of another car, with the state allowing five faces on its latest range of personalised plates. Announced with an Instagram post, drivers will be able to add a classic smiley, a 'laughing cry' face, a 'heart-eyes' face, a winking face, and the cool, sunglass-wearing emoji. Unfortunately the smiling pile of poo, eggplant and peach won't be offered...

The 2013/14 Volkswagen Up! has joined the long (and ever-growing) list of cars caught in the mandatory Takata airbag recall, with 2295 micro cars called back for fresh inflators.

Honda looks likely to announce the closure of its plant in Swindon, UK, thanks to a combination of import tariffs in the USA, declining diesel demand, and uncertainty surrounding Brexit. Reports from Sky News have suggested the announcement could come as soon as this afternoon Australian time, Tuesday morning in the UK.