Hot hatches

Subaru is rumoured to be working on an all-new hot hatch as the Japanese brand eyes a return to the World Rally Championship after 10 years out of the series.

Hyundai's incoming i30 Fastback is getting a warmed-over variant, with the brand today revealing a new performance-tweaked N Line model.

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.

My dogs don't like it when I drive enthusiastically. So I dropped them off at the kennels for the weekend when I got the 2019 VW Polo GTI. Sadly, though, I didn't get much of a chance to drive it hard

The world of high-output, high-emissions powertrains are numbered, according to Peugeot CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato.

The Skoda Vision RS has been revealed ahead of its on-stand debut at the Paris Motor Show.

We are buying a new car soon, and have a few key questions. We are buying around December this year, is December the best time to buy, or is January better? We plan on having the car for at least five years, so is the CVT
transmission best, or is a dual-clutch better? We want to buy a hatchback, which of the following is the best buy/value for money/has the least problems: Ford Focus or Fiesta, Honda Civic, Hyundai i30, Kia Cerato, Mazda 3, Mitsubishi Lancer, Renault Clio Life Turbo or Megane, Skoda Fabia, Subaru Impreza, Suzuki Baleno or Swift, Toyota Corolla.

What do you call a bonafide hot hatch when it loses its hatchback? The Hyundai i30 Fastback N.

Renault Sport has confirmed the new-generation Clio RS will not be available with a manual gearbox, instead sticking with the dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Mercedes-AMG has revealed its new entry-level model, the A35 4Matic, which will make its public debut at the Paris motor show next month before hitting Aussie showrooms in the latter half of 2019.