Car News

Update - BMW Australia has confirmed the 5 Series Touring will be offered locally in the second half of 2017. See bottom of article for details The 2017 BMW 5 Series Touring has been revealed, adding a more practical option to the 5er line-up when it arrives in European showrooms this June. Measuring 4943mm long, 1868mm wide and 1498mm tall, the new 5 Series Touring is 36mm longer, 8mm wider and 10mm taller than the previous-generation, while the wheelbase is 7mm longer at 2975mm.

The Volkswagen Golf GTI three-door derivative is on the cusp of an Australian comeback, to fill the void created by the discontinuation of the Scirocco. Volkswagen Australia told us it was actively exploring the idea of bringing back the three-door hot hatch derivative after a five-year absence, potentially as a special edition.

Range Rover has issued a recall for 42 of its 2016 and 2017 model-year Range Rover, Sport and Evoque model lines over concerns the airbags may not deploy properly. The British manufacturer reports that the mixture of chemicals used in the front passenger airbags on "certain vehicles" may not meet correct specification, which could result in the inflator not functioning correctly in the event of a collision.

Plans for an Alfa Romeo Giulia wagon have been shelved, with the company believing the Stelvio will fill that market niche. Alfredo Altavilla, Alfa Romeo's head of manufacturing, has told Car the company has "decided not to do a Giulia Sportwagon". Altavilla isn't sure the brand needs a Giulia wagon, given the related Stelvio crossover drives well enough. Indeed, he believes that anyone who would have been in the market for the wagon will end up buying the Stelvio.

If you're a fan of the mighty Mazda RX-7, you've not doubt heard of New Zealand drifter 'Mad' Mike Whiddett, and surely seen – or indeed heard – his ear-melting quad-rotor Mazda RX-7. Well, after 10 years in his possession, and more than a handful of rebuilds, the professional Kiwi skidder has treated the car to another refresh. And this time it's got an old-school flavour to it.