Car News

Australian pricing and specifications have been released for the all-new 2017 Kia Picanto in conjunction with the micro hatch's local launch. As predicted in our report on the revamped Picanto's international debut at the time of the Geneva motor show, only one variant is initially being offered Down Under.

General Motors will be the first automaker to produce electric vehicles at a profit, Mark Reuss, former head of Holden and currently GM's head of global product development, has claimed. According to The Detroit Bureau, Reuss told reporters: “We know the customers would like to drive electric cars but are unwilling to pay any more for them. That’s why we’re going to be the first company to sell electric vehicles that people can afford at a profit."

If you're one of those outdoorsy types who may actually get out into nature in your new-generation Mini Countryman, a new rooftop tent unveiled in Europe could be something to put on your Christmas list. The new AirTop pop-up tent has been developed co-operatively by Mini and Autohome, with the roof-rack-mounted expanding box made of fibreglass designed specifically for the all-new Countryman SUV.

An annual survey of company reputation and consumer appeal has found Mazda to be Australia's "most reputable" automotive company, followed by Toyota and Hyundai. This year's Australian Corporate Reputation Index, published by market research firm AMR, saw Mazda land in second - up from fifth in 2016 - to trail Air New Zealand, which climbed even further from sixth.

UPDATE: Mercedes-Benz has now confirmed the new A-Class will not be revealed until early 2018, ruling out a Frankfurt motor show premiere. The Mercedes-AMG 'A40' hatchback has been spied undergoing hot weather testing in southern Europe. Compared to the A-Class hatch spied in February in the Arctic, this latest vehicle has a different front bumper treatment. Its headlights are a similar shape to the ones used on the recent Concept A Sedan.