CAR ADVICE

Drivers using a mobile phone illegally have a greater chance of getting caught from today, as NSW becomes the first place in the world to introduce mobile phone detection cameras – and other Australian states are poised to follow. A mix of 10 fixed and portable mobile phone detection cameras will be installed in NSW from today (1 December 2019); another 35 are planned over the next four years.

Audi has used a number of small tweaks to free up 25km of extra range from its electric E-Tron SUV. The changes were debuted on the E-Tron Sportback revealed at the Los Angeles motor show, but have been passed on to the more practical E-Tron. According to Audi, the regenerative braking system – which uses the electric motors to harvest energy usually lost to heat when you brake – has been reworked to reduce residual brake torque, created by the brake calipers sitting close to the discs.

Jaguar has released a teaser video of the upcoming, revised F-Type coupe and convertible, set to be revealed on 2 December. There’s not much to see in the six-second video – the only part of the car visible is the gauge cluster – but you can hear the intoxicating sound of the F-Type’s V8 engine. That indicates the thunderous, supercharged 5.0-litre V8 will continue. In R guise, the V8 produces 405kW and 680Nm while the range-topping SVR ekes out an additional 18kW and 20Nm.

It’s hard to argue that the Porsche 911 remains the sports car by which all others are judged, and here we take a closer look at the 2019 Porsche Carrera 4S. It's the priciest and most elaborate Carrera of the new-generation model, and the variant for Porsche fans who absolutely must have AWD.

Toyota Australia has recalled the 2017-19 Coaster bus, over concerns about the front hazard lamps. According to the company, too much use of the hazard lamps could blow the fuse, making the hazard – or warning – lamps and indicators inoperative. If the hazard or indicator lamps are inoperative, other road users won't be able tell when the driver is turning, and the driver won't be able to warn other road users about potential danger using the hazard lights.

We are living in the age of the SUV, but many manufacturers don't seem particularly keen to emphasise the 'off-roadness' of the models they are cramming into this overstuffed part of the market. The segment is full of wishy-washy crossovers, 'lifestylish' cars – many of which seem to have been designed to look like ramped hatches and station wagons.

Reservations have opened for the new Fisker Ocean electric SUV. Touted as “the world’s most sustainable vehicle”, the Ocean will set lessees back US$379 per month (A$560) regardless of where they live. You can reserve an Ocean now through the Fisker app for a refundable US$250 (A$369) reservation fee. Customers will then pay US$2,999 (A$4,431) before delivery.