Articles by CarsGuide team

Chrysler is recalling 333 Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass vehicles for a defect that can restrict the flow of fuel. The 2012 MK Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass have a defective fuel transfer tube. The fault can restrict fuel flow, which could cause the engine to stall in certain conditions "such as high temperatures, high altitudes and the use of fuel with high vapour pressure," the recall notice says. If the vehicle stalls unexpectedly, this can pose a safety hazard to the driver and other road users. Chrysler Australia is advising affected customers by letter.  For further information please contact your local dealership.

Toyota has issued a global recall on 242,000 cars around the world, affecting the Toyota Prius and the Lexus HS 250h. The recall will include 1650 Australian Toyota Prius built between October 2008 and October 2009, however the Lexus model is not sold in Australia. The affected vehicles are fitted with a brake pressure accumulator that may develop a fatigue crack on an internal part due to vibration. The most likely outcome would be a loss of braking pressure, although Toyota hasn’t detailed what would happen if the part in question did develop a crack. The fix will involve inspection of the brake booster pump assembly to see if it is equipped with one of the suspect accumulators.  If so, the dealer will replace the brake booster pump assembly with an improved one.  

A Major review could see Queensland's top 110km/h speed limit lifted on some routes. Transport Minister Scott Emerson says he'll consider raising limits where there's a demonstrated need to do so, and if it's safe.“There is research out there which shows if you don't have the appropriate speed limit for the quality of the road, there is a tendency for people to break the law,” Mr Emerson told The Courier-Mail.“But it's not a case of ‘Look, everybody's speeding on this road so we should raise the limit,’ because the road may not be suitable for that speed.”Just as many speed limits were likely to drop, he said. Queenslanders will be invited to have their say on what speed limits should be.Currently, the Northern Territory is the only state or territory where motorists can legally drive faster than 110km/h on public roads. 

Check out Honda Australia's new ad for the 2013 Accord. 

Mercedes-Benz new GL-Class, “serious” off road machine has arrived from the USA factory to take on the likes of Toyota landCruiser, the new Nissan Patrol and the Lexus LX570.The model range includes a diesel --  the established GL 350 BlueTEC and two petrols -- the GL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY and a performance model called the GL 63 AMG.Benz pitches the GL-Class as a luxury SUV combining cutting-edge technology and driver assistance systems with high levels of comfort.It's comprehensively equipped with safety and convenience features that provide value to customers in this segment.The big Benz is a handy device in a multitude of different driving conditions right through to rock-hopping, stump pulling mud plugging duties. Then hose it off and cruise down the motorway in luxury.This second generation GL-Class is a more handsome customer than before thanks to its more pronounced frontal look and sleek side style lines. The rear end is also attractive.Though on the huge side, the new GL offers both significant reductions in fuel consumption and improved performance. The GL 350 BlueTEC is equipped with a turbocharged V6 diesel BlueTEC engine and ensures smooth ride comfort while consuming 7.7l/100km (combined).The imposing road presence of the GL 63 AMG is underlined with the 5.5-litre AMG bi-turbo petrol V8 engine, which delivers a maximum output of 410kW and up to 760Nm of torque. It's capable of 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds.In the middle is the GL500 offering nearly the same performance as the AMG model but with a softer, more comfortable focus.All variants provide a lavish, spacious interior with dynamic on/off road capabilities along with ease of operation.A host of features are standard on the new GL including 4MATIC all-wheel drive, Easy Pack tail gate, Easy-Entry third row access, Airmatic package with air suspension and Adaptive Damping System, Comand Online, Thermotronic, front and rear automatic climate control, Intelligent Light System, glass electric sunroof with slide/tilt function and an electric parking brake.The new GL-Class also incorporates a host of standard safety equipment such as Attention Assist, Pre-Safe, 360 camera, Distronic Plus cruise with braking, Brake Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist.Prices start at $129,900 for the GL 350 BlueTEC.

The Foton truck brand, as opposed to its one tonne utilities, has arrived in  Australia. The trucks have been modified for local use  in terms of performance, reliability and value for money.The range comprises two cab widths, two engines, three wheelbases and GVMs ranging from 4.5 to 8.5 tonnes and prices start at $29,990 drive away. At the heart of Foton's light trucks are the Cummins ISF3.8L and ISF2.8L engines.Renowned for their efficiency, environmental credentials and resilience, these engines are expected to provide Foton customers with the blend of low operating costs, outstanding performance and enviable reliability.Foton also works closely with a host of additional international partners, including some of the best-known component suppliers in the world such as ZF, Bosch and Continental.Foton trucks are available from 22 dealer points around the country with the number of dealer points expected to grow to 30 by the end of the year.All Foton trucks are covered by a three year 160,000km warranty and, in the unlikely event of problem, 24 hour a day seven days a week roadside assistance.

For those lucky types seeking an alternative to a Porsche or something similar, there's now a tantalising Lotus drop-top to throw into the mix. It's the fastest-ever convertible Lotus that's due to lob here in time for summer. PERFORMANCE Called the Lotus Exige S Roadster, it combines open top driving with supercar performance and the ability to clock a 0-100 kmh sprint in four seconds, a tad more with the roof off. Sitting alongside the Exige S and its race track variants, the Exige Cup and Exige Cup R, the Exige S Roadster completes the Exige line-up and enhances the track focussed collection by providing a new facet to the range. Powered by the same supercharged 3.5-litre, V6 (toyota sourced engine) as the coupe variants and weighing in at 10kg less than the Exige S at 1166kg, none of the exhilarating performance of the exciting Exige range is compromised. The driver is only “two clicks and a roll” away from cruising in open-top style thanks to the lightweight, factory-fitted soft top. BARGAIN Launched in Australia earlier this year, the Lotus Exige S hardtop is priced at a Porsche beating price of $119,990 and provides a level of performance and handling that can only be described as a bargain at this price. Achieving 0-100 kmh from a standing start in 4.0 seconds, delivering 257.5kW at 7000 , the Exige S Roadster matches the coupe's mechanical spec' but style takes an understated approach having shed its rear wing and front splitter to maximise airflow over its sleek silhouette. The Exige S Roadster is the perfect car for a “joy” ride. Exige S Roadster is now available to order and full specifications and pricing will be announced when the new model arrives in the first quarter of 2014. The Exige S Roadster  Max Power: 257.5 kW at 7000 rpm Max Torque: 400Nm 4500 rpm 0 -100 km/h: 4.0 seconds Weight: 1166 kg Engine: Mid-mounted, transverse 3.5-litre, DOHC, V6 VVTi, 24-valve equipped with Harrop HTV 1320 Supercharger. Transmission: 6-speed manual with sports ratios. Suspension: Fully independent double wishbone suspension with front and rear anti-roll bar. Bilstein high performance gas dampers and Eibach coaxial springs. Brakes: AP-Racing four-piston calipers with ventilated and cross drilled cast-iron discs. Wheels and tyres: Lightweight cast alloy wheels (17 -inch front and 18-inch rear) clad with Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tyres.

Ford's drastic decision to shut down its Australian operations - is this the beginning of the end for car manufacturing sector?Shadow Environment Minister Greg Hunt on the future of the manufacturing industry in Australia, following Ford's decision to shut down operations.Unions and industry groups call for a survival strategy for the motor industry.Joshua Dowling is on Twitter: @JoshuaDowling