The week that was: hellholes, lemons and annoying fines

WhichCar.com.au has this week been shortlisted in three categories of the annual Mumbrella Publisher Awards: Consumer Website of the Year, Best Use of Video, and Brand of the Year.

On behalf of the hardest working and most talented team reporting on the automotive industry, we are honoured to be recognised for our commitment to empowering new car consumers and delivering the most engaging editorial and video content across digital, TV and social.

Fingers crossed!

Another sign that our compelling stories and videos are hitting the mark: WhichCar set a new audience record in July, reaching 1.36million car consumers, intenders and enthusiasts.

Okay, let's get on with the Week in Review ... and we’ll start with some real estate. If you're shopping for a new house but need a garage with capacity for 25 cars, check this dream garage out. But before you buy 24 other cars to stock it, steer clear of these machines that – inexplicably – attract Australia’s revenue raising luxury car tax.

And now for something completely different. How does a dictatorial Central Asian president who’s been in hiding prove he’s still alive? By doing donuts in a Dakar car next to Hell’s Gate, of course. Bonus points if you can pronounce his last name…

Why on earth are you expected to pay a 'Luxury Car Tax' on something as prosaic as a Toyota?

Meanwhile, we strapped into a Mercedes E-Class rival from Australia’s newest luxury brand, celebrated 20 years of a Porsche icon with a video tribute, and after learning that using your phone to pay in a drive-thru could see you fined $464, we asked you, Dear Reader, to tell us the most ridiculous and annoying traffic fine you’ve ever received. I don’t deny that police have a tough and often unappreciated job, but some coppers don’t help the situation…

It’s a battle of the EVs, but which Tesla would you spend your $91K on?

We learned how a Supercars podium stunt went from bad behaviour to charity fundraiser, how Queensland has upped the ante on Lemon Laws, and we copped an unofficial gander at the new, eighth-generation VW Golf 12 months ahead of launch. We also took the opportunity of the Tesla Model 3’s arrival Down Under to debate whether you’d buy it or a second-hand Model S.

Speaking of dubious automotive investments, Renault UK is offering a limited edition Megane RS for the equivalent of $130,000 AUD. That’s just crazy money for a hot hatch. And before you ask, no it does not come with a built-in Daniel Ricciardo.

Have a great weekend and see you next week.