Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Wednesday May 1st 2024. Notably in car news today: Chery’s latest hybrid SUV with an estimated driving range of 1200km has made its global debut, and Mitsubishi Australia introduces an update for its 2024 Pajero Sport large SUV.
While exact specification details have not yet been officially confirmed, Chery says the hybrid powertrain – which is speculated to feature a 1.5-litre petrol four-cylinder engine – can achieve a range of 1200km on a full tank and battery.
The Omoda 7 is set to include as standard a large 15.6-inch centre touchscreen, a 14-speaker sound system and ‘four-zone voice interaction’ with active noise cancellation for the cabin.
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport gets MY24 update
The 2024 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has been updated
Mitsubishi Australia has announced its MY24 updates for its Triton-based Pajero Sport large SUV which is now on sale in local dealerships.
Prices are up by as much as $2400 and price of entry is now up $6600 due to Mitsubishi dropping the 2WD variants from the local lineup. Prices now start from $51,540 before on-road costs.
Highlights of the changes include a revised front end with different grille and bumper garnishes, along with new-gen Triton steering wheel, new 18-inch alloy wheels, an 8.0-inch instrument cluster and two-tone interior for the flagship GSR.
The updated Pajero Sport comes as what is likely to be the last facelift before the all-new Pajero Sport, based off the new-generation Triton ute, is announced.
For more information, check out our standalone coverage at the link below!
Cupra Australia launches EOFY driveaway deals for Leon and Ateca
The current Cupra Ateca SUV
Cupra Australia has launched several driveaway offers for MY23 and MY24 stock of its Ateca SUV and Leon hatch.
For the Leon, Cupra is offering its entry-level V hatch at $44,888 driveaway (normally $51,990 before on-road costs), while the special-edition Leon V Tribe variant is now priced at $47,888 driveaway. The Leon VZ is now priced at $53,888 and the flagship VZx at $61,888 driveaway.
For the Ateca SUV, Cupra is offering the hi-po VZx at $58,888 driveaway. The regular before-on road cost of this vehicle is $63,490.
This offer is now available and will end on 30 June, 2024.
Ford of Europe keen on idea of non-SUV EVs, despite axing Fiesta and Focus models
Ford could build smaller, affordable EVs, but not for quite some time
Ford Europe has expressed interest in bringing in smaller, low-slung EVs to market, but only after it rolls out new electric SUVs.
According to reports by Autocar, Ford’s Europe boss, Martin Sander, confirmed that the Blue Oval would still cater for people who don’t want an SUV, saying, “there are values which have made us successful over the last couple of years, like solid quality and value for money… we are not walking away from this”.
This news comes after the brand decided to discontinueFiesta and Focus small cars, leaving the brand with just one non-SUV, the iconic Mustang sports coupe.
The brand will instead focus on its upcoming Explorer, Capri, Puma and updated Mach-E SUVs.
Ford has also established a skunkworks department to build an affordable EV and is being led by former Tesla Model Y engineer, Alan Clarke.
BMW iX2 xDrive30 2024 reviewed
Olek has reviewed the new 2024 BMW iX2 xDrive30
Chasing Cars journalist Olek Novak’s review of the 2024 BMW iX2 xDrive30 was published after going on the first drive of the new electric small SUV on Australian roads.
Novak found the first-ever electric variant of the X2 to be a competent and well-rounded premium EV which delivered strong performance and refinement, in its higher-spec dual-motor iteration at least.
Novak noted that while the coupe-like styling will no doubt stand out, there were some considerations around practicality compared to a more conventionally shaped SUV such as the iX1.
Crucially, BMW has priced both iX2 variants below the luxury car tax threshold, with the iX2 xDrive30 coming in at $85,700 before on-road costs – however a full suite of options on the test car saw this price increase to just over $100,000 driveaway.
