Car news, reviews & advice

The all-new Lexus RC will make its world debut at the Tokyo motor show on November 20, with two versions unveiled – the RC 350, with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, and the RC 300h hybrid, with a 2.5-litre unit.

Kia has just announced its Rondo seven-seater SUV has achieved an ANCAP five star rating, in a move the Korean company says highlights its aim to have all Kia models top-rated, including the Carnival people mover which is currently a four-star.

Audi claims it created the premium compact segment. But does the Audi badge have sufficient clout to defeat the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class and BMW 1 Series?

The new Lexus IS, old engines apart, is a clear improvement over the old model and there is no doubt it will attract a younger demographic to the brand. But it still just fails to stir the soul the way some of its competitors do. Maybe the new engines, when they finally arrive, will fix that.

Hands up if you remember the Nissan Pulsar? Born in 1978 and sold all around the world (various generations were even built in Australia) until it disappeared in 2007, replaced by the Nissan Tiida, the Nissan Pulsar became an icon. And now it’s back. And at exactly the same price it listed for back in 1996 – $19,990 (+ORC). Clever.

The Fiat 500 has never really been a serious choice for Australian motorists, but with a price cut and cute looks that might be about to change. It also makes a strong case for itself against the other “retro” contenders such as the VW Beetle and Mini, which are bought more for image than any compelling practical reasons.