Car News

Formula E has updated its Gen 2 racer for its upcoming season, with a range of body add-ons designed to make for a more attractive grid. The EVO will be revealed at the Geneva motor show, and features a new front wing, a new fin behind the driver, and a fresh rear wing. Unlike Formula 1, where teams invest millions developing their own aerodynamics packages, the entire Formula E grid has the same bodywork fitted to their cars.

Queensland Police have handed out fines totalling $218,000 to 218 people over six days after tougher new penalties for driver mobile phone use were implemented in the state this week. As of February 1, 2020, motorists in Queensland now face standard $1000 fines and four demerit points if they're found to be illegally using their phones while behind the wheel.

Ford has confirmed its rival to the Nissan Juke, the Puma, is bound for Australia in the second half of 2020. Revealed in June 2019, the Fiesta-sized crossover is pitched as a premium offering. The only engine available was a 1.0-litre three-cylinder EcoBoost Hybrid with 92kW or 114kW at its European launch, however conventional petrol and diesel options will also be available.

Mazda Australia has delayed a decision on whether to import the MX-30 electric car, but promises to make its plan public by the middle of this year. Australia's second-most popular car brand revealed its first EV at last October’s Tokyo Motor Show, a 4.4-metre long high-riding hatch with ‘freestyle’ rear-opening back doors, interior materials including recycled plastic and cork, and a 35.5kWh battery.

A major automotive industry body in the UK has criticised British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's announcement that his government will ban the sale of new petrol, diesel and hybrid cars in the United Kingdom from 2035. Johnson's plan, revealed at the launch of an upcoming United Nations climate summit, means the ban will be implemented a full five years earlier than the original deadline of 2040.