Car News

Land Rover has released details of the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions of its Discovery Sport mid-size and Range Rover Evoque compact SUVs, ahead of an Australian debut in the first half of 2021. Under the bonnet of both models is the same ‘P300e’ powertrain, which combines a new 147kW 1.5-litre turbocharged ‘Ingenium’ three-cylinder petrol engine with an 80kW electric motor located on the rear axle for combined outputs of 227kW of power and 540Nm of torque.

When BMW issued health warnings to 46,000 cars across Australia last week – via phone SIM cards embedded in the vehicles – the message came as a shock to many owners who didn’t know the technology existed. And while the alert advising people to “stay indoors” over the Easter break may have been stating the obvious to most owners – some of whom may have taken exception to the unsolicited message – it has revealed what is possible in the event of any future national emergencies.

The name of Subaru's all-electric SUV has potentially been revealed, with overseas media reports claiming the new arrival will be called the Subaru Evoltis. Japanese auto website Spyder7 was the first to disclose the name of the car, which will be a medium-sized crossover SUV co-developed with Toyota. The 'Evoltis' moniker is one Subaru registered as a trademark in the United States back in 2018. Spyder7 claims the vehicle could make its world debut as early as October 2021.

More than 5500 Australian motorists have signed a petition for a partial refund of their car registration and compulsory third party insurance costs as most drivers are using their vehicles less during COVID-19 lockdowns.

Suzuki cars have been the subject two separate viral videos this month, with a Suzuki Jimny caught using a pedestrian bridge to make a U-turn in China, while a Suzuki Swift in Poland was captured flying through the air in a mind-blowing roundabout accident.