Opel

Offices belonging to Fiat-Chrysler (FCA) have been searched by authorities in Germany, Italy, and Switzerland, in relation to an emissions probe by Germany authorities. According to a report by news outlet Reuters, the raids were initiated by German prosecutors looking into potentially illegal engine management software used by Fiat, Alfa Romeo, and Jeep models. The software is suspected of defeating emissions detection devices.

The future of the Holden Commodore is in doubt, with insiders claiming it is likely to come to an unceremonious end about 12 months from now, bringing down the curtain on a tumultuous 42-year run. However, Holden says the Holden Commodore is here to stay despite the shock announcement in the US overnight that its identical twin, the Buick Regal, will be phased out next year due to weak sales driven by a buyer shift to SUVs.

Independent crash-testing firm, Euro NCAP, has released its latest round of safety ratings, with the new Mazda CX-30, Ford Explorer, and Mercedes-Benz GLB all achieving five-star results. The star of the show was the Mazda CX-30, which recorded a near-perfect 99 per cent score for Adult Occupant Protection, giving it the highest score for this category against Euro NCAP's 2018-19 protocol.

With a new Ford Focus already on sale and the Volkswagen Golf Mark VIII around the corner, the PSA Group has given its Opel and Vauxhall Astra range a freshen up. Externally the differences are slight, with a new grille design incorporating shutters, and redesigned front and rear bumpers being the most obvious changes.

As was widely expected, the new Opel Corsa-e has the same drivetrain as the Peugeot 208-e. Under the bonnet, the Corsa-e has an electric motor with 100kW of power and 260Nm of torque. Opel says the electric hatchback is capable of racing from 0-100km/h in 8.1 seconds. Fitted with a 50kWh battery under the floor, the Corsa-e has an expected driving range of 330 kilometres using the WLTP cycle.