Mitsubishi

There's an old saying that you should spend three months' salary on an engagement ring. According to consumer advice site finder.com.au, a similar rule applies when buying new cars. Ideally, it suggests, you shouldn't spend more than 15 per cent of your annual income on the purchase price of a car. That would mean someone on a salary of $100,000 (far more than the average Australian income) should be aiming for a car around $15,000 – not exactly achievable.

Some of the world's biggest car brands and drivers have pitched in to assist in recovery efforts following the Australian bushfire crisis – offering donations, cars and support to firefighters, wildlife and affected communities. UPDATE, 10/03/20: Hyundai has donated $300,000 to bushfire recovery efforts. Details in story.

One of the most commonly asked questions accompnying each month's VFACTS sales report centres around which brand is winning the ute-based SUV sales race. These rugged body-on-frame, towing-ready offerings clearly have a dedicated following. For the sake of one argument, we do not include Toyota's pricier Prado in this sub-segment, but you could argue the case either way.

Mitsubishi Australia has recalled the 2010 and 2012 i-MiEV electric vehicle over concerns about a corroding vacuum pump. According to the company, the electric vacuum pump could corrode when exposed to snow, ice or salt spray, and diminish the car's braking power. If the pump corrodes, the brake warning light will illuminate and an audio warning will sound. There's a risk of injury or accident, as the car might have a longer stopping distance.