Technology

Volkswagen has revealed a “holographic module” mounted in the boot space of a concept Golf GTI in Germany.

The forthcoming SkyActiv-X engine in the new generation Mazda3 is to command a significant premium over regular models if just-released Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) pricing is to follow through to Australia. Arriving in Japanese dealerships in the third quarter of 2019 - a few months before the car is expected to land in Australia - the SkyActiv-X engine will be positioned right at the top of the Japanese Mazda3 range for now. While the current top-spec Mazda3 L-package with the 2.0-litre petrol engine (the most powerful Mazda3 offered to Japan) is priced at ¥2.65 million (AUD$35,000), the equivalent SkyActiv-X engined model is priced at ¥3.30 million (AUD$43,500) or 25 per cent more.Despite confirming an on-sale date and placing orders for the car, Mazda is still yet to announce power, torque and fuel economy figures for the engine that’s being described as ‘the holy grail' thanks to its strong performance, yet diesel-like fuel economy.Said to be 2.0 litres in capacity with a supercharger, European-spec models will reportedly produce 133kW of power and 222Nm of torque - both less than the current 2.5-litre engine that’s used in G25 models.But considering Europeans don’t get that engine, the Australian X engine could be offered with more power and torque. However, thanks to new technology called 'Spark Controlled Compression Ignition' by Mazda, the SkyActiv-X engine will reportedly consume more than 30 per cent less than other petrol Mazda3s. This means the SkyActiv-X engine will consume around 4.5L/100km on a combined cycle, and the company claims the savings are greater in the real world.Reports from Japan also indicate the SkyActiv-X engine has been engineered to work with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which could result in even more efficient driving. Mazda Australia is yet to release local details including timing for the engine's local arrival.

What are advanced safety features and how can they help protect your family?

What do you look for in a car when buying one for the family? It's not like before children (shall we call that BC?) when all you wanted was two seats and a roof that goes down.No, these days, your desires are much more practical. Well, your priorities are anyway. Here's the checklist while you're car shopping to make sure all your prerequisites are ticked off before you buy. For you in the front just as much as the kids need it in the back. Look out for leg space both in the driver and the passenger seat, and check the leg space on the passenger side while there is a baby capsule in the back seat (if that is the family stage you're up to). Rear facing capsules are big, and you'd be surprised how much the front passenger will have to compromise on leg space, so if there's not enough room and you're tall, you're in trouble.Space in the rear is important if you've got growing teenagers with long legs that need to sit behind you, too. "I think the boot is too big," said no parent ever. You won't know the joy of a big boot until you regularly drive a car with one, and then have it taken away from you. Fitting things easily into the boot and not feeling like it's a giant jigsaw puzzle every time is joyful. So you can fit prams, groceries, school bags, bikes, sporting equipment, picnic baskets, blankets, towels, beach bags, boogie boards... need I go on?Because it's 2019 and we all deserve to live like it is. Good technology today means Apple CarPlay or Android Auto which essentially sync your phone with the multimedia screen instantly connect your phone's main apps to the touchscreen just by plugging it into the USB point. It's not hard, you don't have to learn it, and you can easily navigate via the maps app or stream music via Spotify. You can also make calls and send texts by using voice control in some cars like the Subaru Outback pictured here. To me, good storage maketh a good car drive, especially when you treat your car like your living room, which is often the case. So you want a spot for your coffee/tea - cupholders are essential, you want a bottle holder in the door for hydration, and you want a spot to throw keys and a phone because they get lost easily otherwise. The centre storage bin can be useful to pop toys for the kids or iPads when they're not in use. The children also appreciate cupholders in the back.So this isn't an essential, sure, but it improves your drive dramatically. A leather-trimmed steering wheel especially feels really lovely under the hands and even if the rest of the car's interior is not up to scratch, if you're touching a leather steering wheel it won't matter.Dual-zone air conditioning is good, but even better is a functional design and easy access to the climate control that doesn't involve jumping through 10 different screens on the multimedia. There is something to be said for knobs and buttons that are within arms reach and just work when you move them, like on the Subaru Outback pictured here.Because kids get hot and if there's one thing I've learned since driving different cars on a weekly basis, it's that my children will notice when there are no air vents in the back, especially in summer.These are a must to fit children's car seats in safely, and most new cars will have both so you have the choice between an ISOFIX seat or just the top tether seats. Some cars top tether points can be on the roof, so just note where they are and if in a weird spot, see how that affects head space. I've been in cars where the kids' car seats involuntarily rolled inward, because they were at too much of an angle, so it's always good to check these things and also check the comfort level of the front seats because once you have kids, you tend to go on long, arduous road trips and you start to notice when the seats are not up to standard. You can really tell the difference when you get into a car like the Subaru Outback and everything is super comfy.  

Skoda has announced its new 'iV' electric sub-brand alongside its first plug-in hybrid vehicles at a media event in Bratislava.

Mercedes has pulled back the curtain on the future of vehicle safety, unveiling its new ESF 2019 concept in Germany.Based on the brand's GLC SUV, the ESF adds just about every key piece of safety technology currently being studied by the brand.

Mercedes-Benz is about to launch level three autonomy-equipped vehicle, promising the next generation S-Class - due next year - will tackle freeway driving all on its own.

I purchased a 2018 Mercedes-Benz A-Class in January 2019. The dealer told me at the time that I would be able to get the Mercedes Me functionality when it became available later in the year and we discussed various features I had seen in reviews and press releases. Fast forward to today and I am now being told that my car along with others may not have the functionality promised and it will be up to Mercedes as to if they will resolve it. Several other owners on the A-Class forum are in the same position so I wanted to ask if there is anything we can do? I believe the value of my car will be less than a similar car of the same spec because it doesn't have the connected functions that a 2019 will and this was not explained to us at the time of purchase.

Hyundai Motor Group has announced it will invest a total of 80 million euros (AUD$129 million) in small-volume Croatian supercar manufacturer, Rimac Automobili.

Audi is set to trial 'vehicle-to-infrastructure' network communications in its hometown of Ingolstadt, Germany.