Articles by Spencer Leech

Volkswagen Group Australia has streamlined its Golf range from 19 variants to 12, dropping the entry-level 110TSI hatch and wagon as well as all diesel variants.

Following the release of a vague teaser image, Skoda has revealed a better look at its Scala hatchback in camouflage, as well as a number of key details.While the camo paint scheme makes it difficult to get a proper impression of the Scala's exterior, it appears to have pinched its design from Skoda's Vision RS concept that was revealed at the Paris motor show earlier this month, if a little toned down.We have confirmation that the Czech small car will arrive in Australia sometime before the end of next year, however local pricing and specifications are still open for speculation.What is known for certain is the forthcoming Scala sits on VW Group's MQB platform that's also used for high-volume passenger vehicles like the Golf, Passat and Octavia.Boot capacity ranges from 467-1410 litres depending on how the seats are positioned, with the overall dimensions confirmed at 4362mm long, 17892mm wide, 1471mm high and with a 2649mm wheelbase.Globally, the Scala will be offered with a number of petrol and one diesel powertrain, with the former consisting of a 70kW 1.0-litre turbocharged unit with a five-speed manual, or the same engine tuned to 85kW with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.A hotter version will feature an 110kW 1.5-litre petrol engine, while an 85kW diesel set-up will be available in Europe; both optional with six- and seven-speed transmissions.As usual, it's expected Skoda's Australian wing will not import all the engine options, and considering local buyers' preference for power, will likely opt for the highest-performance 1.5-litre petrol engine.The Scala will also be offered with a 'Sport Chassis' suspension set-up, which gives the option of Normal and Sport driving modes, lowers the vehicle by 15mm and sports valve-adjustable shock absorbers for improved handling.Tech-wise, the Scala will offer a 10.25-inch virtual cockpit instrument cluster as well as a 9.2-inch multimedia system, and full LED head- and tail-lights will be available as an option.Notably, the Scala gains a number of active safety systems including ‘Multi-collision Brakes’, which prevents the car from rolling further after an accident, and an emergency call feature which then sends for assistance.Furthermore, a new ‘Crew Protect Assist’ technology is on-board which automatically shuts the windows if a crash is imminent.

Australian EV charging network company Chargefox has announced a partnership with Audi, Hyundai, Jaguar Land Rover and Mercedes-Benz, as it cut the ribbon at its first charging station.

Now that Holden exclusively imports its model line-up from overseas, the Aussie firm has been granted full access to General Motors' vehicle divisions including Buick, Chevrolet and Cadillac.

Ford Motor Company has all but confirmed an electrified Mustang is in the pipeline, with a new video advertisement published on the company's global YouTube channel providing a glimpse at the future

Following the reveal of Peugeot's pure-electric e-Legend sports car concept, the French carmaker has announced the development of a new range of electrified performance vehicles from 2020.

Holden has officially released the American-built Acadia large SUV in Australia, with a drive-away pricing structure confirmed from launch kicking off with the $42,990 entry-level LT grade.

Haval Motors Australia has cut pricing for its H2 small SUV yet again, while introducing a new entry-level variant with a six-speed manual gearbox and dropping all-wheel drive from the line-up.

Kia Motors Australia (KMAu) is in the final stages of confirming the fully electric e-Niro for a local launch, with two other battery-electric vehicles set to follow.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued its latest round of safety recalls with seven separate call backs affecting 12 Mercedes-Benz models.