Spy Shots

Not expected on sale until 2016, eagle-eyed Carsguide reader Colin Ozzie Wiese snapped the two prototypes parked in Ballarat, and appear to represent entry grade 2WD and high-riding 4WD dual-cab models.The lower 2WD model is wearing ‘Caution Left Hand Drive’ signage on the rear, suggesting that the mules’ presence is part of the new HiLux’s global evaluation. The HiLux prototypes appear to be wearing production head and taillights, with the 4WD mule wearing what looks to be a Toyota Genuine Accessories bullbar with added driving lights.The frontal styling of the new model looks to follow the muscular detailing of the new Kluger SUV, while also referencing the full-size Tundra truck sold in the US.A deeper rear window can be seen, and the new model looks to continue with the current model’s slanted tailgate design, with the upright taillights featuring similar blocky detailing to the current Prado SUV.The taillights also appear to wrap around to the bodyside more than previous models, following a similar but inverted approach to the current Mazda BT-50.The two mules are pictured alongside a current-model SR5 4WD dual cab and Ford Ranger XTR dual cab, with the two production models likely being used by engineers as a benchmark for the new model.The current seventh-generation model was the third best-selling car on the Australian market in 2013, despite being on sale locally since early 2005, and continues to outsell the Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi Triton and Nissan Navara at the top end of the light commercial ute segment in 2014.

With the BMW 1 Series convertible exiting the scene, we've been waiting for the 2 Series to arrive and fill the gap. And we're now getting a glimpse of how it will look in open form with Carsguide's spy photographer snapping a prototype testing in Europe.Expected to be unveiled later this year, and possibly arrive in Australian showrooms in the first half of 2015, the convertible will echo the styling of the 2 Series coupe.The power-folding soft-top -- which in these shots is retracted into the boot -- will keep weight down, with the aim of helping retain as much as possible of the car's dynamic ability.Expect the engine line-up to largely follow that of the coupe, which arrived here in February with the options of three turbo versions: the 135kW/270Nm 2.0-litre 4-four-cylinder 220i, 135kW/380Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel 220d, and 240kW/450Nm 3.0-litre six-cylinder M235i -- all mated to eight-speed automatic transmissions driving the rear wheels. A 228i will join the range later this year.Expect the convertible pricing when it arrives to start at least $10,000 above the coupe, which kicks off at $50,500 for the 220i and tops out at $79,900 for the M235i.

Previewed by the Hazumi concept at this year's Geneva motor show, the new Mazda 2 has been caught by Carsguide's spy photographers undergoing testing ahead of a show debut – possibly as early as the Tokyo event in November .The new sub-compact hatchback's design will be taken in the same direction as the Mazda 3, 6 and CX-5, with the brand's large 'shield' grille dominating the model's face and integrating into the headlights.The Mazda 2 in production form will also feature the Hazumi's sweeping character lines, which rise sharply over the front and rear wheel arches. Where the new 2 will differ most notably from the concept is its rear bumper design. The Hazumi used two centrally mounted exhausts and a carbon-fibre diffuser, however the Mazda 2 will have its exhaust pipe hidden and its rear bumper filled with dark plastics to keep prices below $20,000. The show car's concept door handles and mirrors have also been replaced with more functional designs.A range of fuel-efficient SkyActiv four-cylinder engines, including a new 1.5-litre petrol, will power the new Mazda 2. Fuel consumption will be significantly lower than the existing model's 6.4L/100km figure, and an even more frugal diesel model could be offered, too.The new model will also come with more safety equipment than before. The car spied here is fitted with a forward facing camera which is likely part of Mazda's iActiveSense system which can detect pedestrians and stationary vehicles before applying the brakes if the driver hasn't seen the obstacle. A blind spot warning system is also believed to be an option. 

General Motors’ next Cruze world car has been scooped in a totally undisguised state in a Shanghai holding yard, previewing the model we’ll see as the replacement for the locally manufactured Holden JH Series II model.The new Cruze is expected to make its official debut at the Beijing motor show later this month, and introduces a new look for the small car lineup that will likely be little changed when it touches down locally sometime next year.We’ve already seen spy photos of the new model undergoing winter testing early last year, and this undisguised example looks to echo the shapes visible beneath that mule’s camouflage, but is the first sighting of the production model’s head and taillights.This example is wearing the Chevrolet bowtie badges used by the current model across several international markets, and the new interior features similar shapes to several recent GM models including our VF Commodore.The new model is expected to ride on a revised version of the current model’s Delta II underpinnings, and will enter a market already populated by fresh examples of the Mazda 3, Volkswagen Golf and Toyota Corolla.Under the bonnet will be new 1.4 and 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engines, following a similar reduced-displacement policy to the Volkswagen Golf.This reporter is on Twitter: @Mal_Flynn 

The basic C-Class is already being rolled out and the C63 will follow later this year with a smaller 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 in the engine bay.There’s not much to see in this winter testing picture beyond wider bumpers and wheels, but we’re expecting much larger air intakes in the nose by the time its ready for showrooms.

The new XC90 will be at least 150kg lighter and much more efficient than the original, most likely with a twin-charge 2.0-litre petrol engine as Volvo moves to a line-up that - despite its involvement in V8 Supercars racing - is totally powered by four-cylinder powerplants.It’s also likely to set a new safety standard including pedestrian detection after dark.

The Freelander replacement is significantly bigger and uses the basic package from the city-focused Evoque, but with the emphasis on family use and off-road ability.This Carparazzi picture shows a prominent grille, sloping roof and a spoiler on the tailgate. 

It arrived as an affordable Audi version of the Lamborghini Gallardo in 2006 and is about to be totally overhauled for 2015.There are rumours of a mid-munted twin-turbo V8 for the two-seater supercar, which gets an all-new body.The best pointer to development of the R8 is the new Lamborghini Huracan, the Gallardo successor that’s also providing the basic mechanical package for the new Audi hero car. Here early next year - and much cheaper than a Huracan.

Carsguide’s spy photographers captured a prototype of the new model testing ahead of its expected 2015 showroom debut. In response to the new generation Mercedes C-Class – which has moved more upmarket with cues and technology from the flagship S-Class -- the 3 LCI (Life Cycle Impulse in BMW speak) will bring refreshed styling and updated technology to the Bimmer.The changes aim to keep the popular model competitive against its newer rivals. However, in typical BMW-fashion the facelift is of the ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ variety, with exterior styling revisions limited to just the front bumper. New lower air vents are expected to give a more modern appearance while full LED headlamps replace the bi-xenons offered on existing 3 Series models.More significant changes have been made beneath the metal with the 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol and diesel engines from the new Mini becoming available in the 3 Series. The petrol version produces 100kW and 220Nm in the iconic little British hatchback, while the diesel makes 85kW, however these engines will likely receive small power bumps for their application in the larger BMW product.The updated 3 Series will also receive a host of new driver assistance technologies. These include BMW’s traffic jam assistance program which first debuted in the 5 Series. Using a forward facing camera this program automatically controls the brakes, throttle and steering at speeds of up to 40km/h, allowing the driver to relax during heavy traffic. The new BMW 3 Series is expected to debut before the end of this year, and reach our shores in 2015.

Disguised to look just like the current model, the car in these latest images taken by Carsguide’s spy photographers suggests the 2015 Cayenne will appear sportier than before, but only if you’re really paying attention - the changes are subtle.The front bumper will incorporate a larger central grille, while the smaller intakes at each corner feature sporty strakes, similar to those found on the smaller Macan SUV. The headlights are also expected to receive minor tweaks but retain their overall shape.Porsche has also given the updated Cayenne a new chunkier rear bumper which houses redesigned exhaust tips. While disguised, the taillights are also tipped to change slightly, adopting a sleeker look.Interior changes will likely be minimal with the new car possibly employing the Macan’s 918 Spyder-inspired steering wheel. Adaptive cruise control with automatic braking, traffic sign detection and lane departure warning systems will also be added to the range.Because this is Porsche, the changes beneath the metal are far more substantial. The Cayenne S will trade its 4.8-litre naturally aspirated V8 for Porsche’s new 3.0-litre twin turbo V6. And as a result power and torque will swell from 294kW and 500Nm to 319kW and 520Nm respectively, representing a minor increase in outright performance. Fuel economy and emission figures are expected to improve significantly over the outgoing V8 model though.But if it’s efficiency you’re after Porsche is also replacing the Cayenne Hybrid with the ‘E-Hybrid’ model. Combining a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine with an electric motor to give total power output of 306kW and 590Nm of torque, the E-Hybrid will probably be more environmentally friendly than most small hatchbacks. In the Panamera at least this clever drivetrain is able to use just 3.1l/100km while emitting 71g of CO2 per kilometre. We expect the new Cayenne E-Hybrid to be slightly thirstier than the petrol-electric Panamera due to its stout aerodynamic profile.The updated Cayenne range is expected to debut before the middle of this year as a 2015 model year car, possibly at next month’s New York Auto Show or the Beijing event held in the same month.