Thanks for joining us this Monday, January 20th 2025. Notably in car news today: Mazda 6 retired from Australian line-up, Tesla Model Y runout discounted by up to $8000, and more.
Browse this issue:
- Mazda 6 retired from Australian line-up
- Next-gen Volkswagen T-Roc leaked
- Tesla Model Y runout models discounted by up to $8000
- Victoria set to cap fuel prices for 24 hour periods
- Deepal expands dealership network
- Reviewed: 2025 Cupra Born long-term update
Mazda 6 retired from Australian line-up
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Mazda today announced plans to remove the Mazda 6 from the current Australian model range, after two decades on sale locally.
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Production has officially ceased, with nearly 150,000 units built and delivered over 22 years. The most successful sales year was back in 2005, with 15,000 units rolling out of dealership forecourts.
After 22 years, last drinks have been called on the Mazda 6.
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Mazda has said the reason for the removal of this vehicle is to do with a shift in focus and strategy. They want to see more electrification options such as plug-in hybrids including the CX-60 and CX-80, mild hybrids and ICE powertrains.
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Mazda officials state: “As we bid a fond farewell to the Mazda 6, its legacy will continue to live on as we move into the next phase of our future strategy.”
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There is still a chance the Mazda 6 could return however, with the fully electric Mazda 6e set to be sold in right-hand-drive in the UK by the end of the year – opening the door for an Aussie introduction.
Next-gen Volkswagen T-Roc leaked
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Leaked images of what appears to be the next-generation T-Roc small SUV have appeared online.
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The images, posted by rollenderreporter, show a strong resemblance to the new-generation Tiguan with a headlight design also shared with the ID4.
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Similar to the new Tiguan, the T-Roc appears to be a deep facelift rather than an all new generation but we won’t know for sure until it’s officially revealed.
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It’s expected that the T-Roc will officially break cover later this year, and likely arrive in Australia next year.
Tesla Model Y runout models discounted by up to $8000
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Tesla has announced a price reduction on the outgoing Model Y range, with prices being slashed by up to $8000 model grade depending. .
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An updated generation Tesla Model Y is expected to arrive in Australia around May 2025, meaning old stock must go.
2023 Tesla Model Y Performance will see a reduction in price of $8000 while stock lasts.
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Discounts on runout 2024 and early 2025 Model Y stock will continue until March 31st, 2025, or until stocks last. This will also depend on which State you live in, as stock will vary.
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Tesla Model Y Rear Wheel Drive will shave $4000 off the before on-road cost, Long Range All-Wheel Drive Model Y removes $7000 off the sales tag, and top-spec Performance Model Y sees a massive $8000 reduction.
Victoria set to cap fuel prices for 24 hour periods
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Fuel retailers will soon be required to lock the price of fuel each day, for 24 hour periods, in the state of Victoria.
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The Fair Fuel Plan as it’s been dubbed, requires petrol stations and retailers to lodge fuel prices the day before going on sale, and freeze this price for a 24 hour duration.
Will this scheme cause fuel prices to rise, or is it a good idea?
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This initiative is expected to be rolled out over two separate steps, however legislation still needs to be passed for the Fair Fuel Plan to go into effect.
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A tracking app highlighting fuel prices state-wide has also been mentioned, and is expected to be run through the Service Victoria App. This would allow motorists to search for the lowest price in their area, and ensure retailers are playing fairly.
Deepal expands dealership network
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Chinese auto manufacturer, Deepal, has announced news of a dealer and service network expansion, with the introduction of three new locations.
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These new dealerships will be located in Perth City, Brisbane and Adelaide. Joining four previously opened dealerships, which can be found in New South Wales, Western Australia and Victoria.
Deepal expands range of dealerships and service centres in Australia.
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Test drives of their new S07 are available at the Adelaide dealership now. Perth City to follow once it is opened towards the end of the month, with Brisbane to roll out in February this year.
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Deepal officials state that further expansion is expected in Q1 2025, with dealerships being rolled out especially through wider Queensland and the A.C.T.
2025 Cupra Born long-term review
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Chasing Cars Editor, Jez Spinks, discusses his long-term Cupra Born, with his first thoughts on the Spanish made EV.
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Jez has set out to see if the Cupra Born is an EV he can really live with daily, and has also set the mission to see if he can beat their claimed WLTP range of 511km.
Cupra Born – is it a hot hatch? Let’s find out.
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He is also pondering whether this is a genuine hot hatch like its Volkswagen stablemate, the Golf GTI.
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The big question however; is the Cupra Born too expensive coming in at over $67,000 as tested? Fear not, Jez has also put together a handy list of rival vehicles, as well as their pros and cons, for some brilliant consumer information.
READ: Link to article
WATCH: Link to YouTube video
The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Wednesday 22th January at 4.30pm Sydney time.