Car News

Suzuki has taken top spot in Canstar Blue's latest customer satisfaction survey for 2018 for new cars, beating out the likes of Mazda and Toyota. Conducted by local firm Canstar Blue, the survey rates Suzuki a maximum five stars in the areas of overall satisfaction, reliability and value for money. Not only did the Japanese brand get top gong for the entire new car industry, it also took out the award for Most Satisfied Customers – Small Cars for the third year running.

The Chinese-market Ford Escort has received a comprehensive update for 2018, likely in line with the all-new Focus also revealed overnight. Upgrades include a revised exterior, which appears to draw inspiration from the new Focus range, a new 1.5-litre 'Ti-VCT' petrol engine, and additional luxury and technology features compared to the current model.

PSA Group, parent of Peugeot, Citroen, DS and Opel, has created a new standalone electric-vehicle division as it seeks to catch the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance in the burgeoning e-mobility space. The company wants the spinoff 'business unit' to "respond to the challenges of the energy transition and to build an efficient and coherent offering of electric mobility solutions" for the ever-changing automotive landscape.

No matter how fast they are, rules and regulations mean there's always the potential for race cars to go faster. Having withdrawn from the World Endurance Championship (WEC) last year, the boffins at Porsche have set about squeezing all the potential from the all-conquering 919 Hybrid. The resulting 919 Hybrid Evo has set a new lap record at Spa Francorchamps, besting the time set by Lewis Hamilton in 2017.

The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze has been revealed for the North American market, featuring a revised design, upgraded infotainment for base models, and new interior colours. Available in both hatchback and sedan bodies, the Cruze – sold here as the Astra sedan – continues to be available with both 114kW/239Nm 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol and 102kW/240Nm 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engines. The petrol is paired with a six-speed automatic, while the diesel gets a nine-speeder.