Mini designer: Our models don't have to be 'mini'

While many criticise modern Minis for not being as 'mini' as the original, the company's lead for exterior design argues the requirements of modern cars and emerging powertrain technology don't mean the brand's cars need to be 'mini' anymore.

Audi joins Takata airbag recall

Audi Australia has issued a recall for the previous-generation Q5, A3 and A5 as part of the ongoing and ever-growing Takata airbag campaign. The German marque reported that affected vehicles are fitted with the more serious 'alpha' airbags – rather the less-dangerous, but still potentially deadly, 'beta' inflators. First cab off the rank will be the '8R' Q5 from model years 2009-12, believed to be fitted with faulty driver's side airbags. This recall is active from 13 July.

US safety agency unwilling to regulate self-driving cars ... for now

The acting administrator of the US' National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says its too early in the game to begin working on regulations for autonomous vehicles. “At this point the technology is so nascent I don’t think it is appropriate today to regulate this technology,” Heidi King, the agency's acting administrator told Automotive News. “It’s not there yet, but each and every day we are open to identifying when the time is right.”

Daihatsu Copen transformed into mini-Nissan GT-R convertible

Japanese tuner Liberty Walk has unveiled a new body kit package, which turns the cute little convertible hardtop into baby Gozilla. We're not sure why Liberty Walk chose the Copen as its starting point, although the convertible's easily removable resin body panels may have played a part in the decision.

2018 Jeep Wrangler JL review: Quick drive

Alexander Stoklosa • This is the latest-generation Jeep Wrangler, in its most trail-ready Rubicon trim. Jeepers will recognize this Wrangler by its JL code name, as opposed to its predecessor’s JK nomenclature. This is worth noting, since Jeep is selling the old model concurrently with the new one and both are labeled as 2018-model-year vehicles.

2018 Volkswagen Polo Launch Edition long-term review, report three: Urban driving

Being a light car, urban environments are where our Volkswagen Polo Launch Edition long-termer should excel. Over the past few months, little Ginger has spent a lot of time stuck in traffic and navigating Melbourne's metropolitan streets. The Polo has always been praised for its refined and upmarket driving experience, and this latest iteration of the German hatchback is no different.

2018 Ford Mustang GT Eagle Squadron unveiled

The Ford Mustang GT Eagle Squadron has made its debut at the 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it will be driven up the hill climb by drifting champion Vaughn Gittin Jr. The one-off model pays tribute to Eagle Squadron, a group of volunteer pilots who flew combat missions alongside the Royal Air Force prior to the US' official entry into World War II. Fittingly, the squadron operated from airfields not far from Goodwood.