Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Tuesday April 9th 2024. Notably in car news today: Nissan has updated a handful of features for its Patrol large SUV, notably its infotainment and phone connections, plus Audi announces its facelifted S3 which now comes with a dedicated drift mode and more power.
Nissan Patrol receives interior tech update for 2024; prices rise
The 2024 Nissan Patrol now has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a new screen!
Nissan has announced updates to its venerable Y62 Patrol large SUV with a handful of new technologies for the 2024 model year.
The most notable enhancements for the almost 15-year-old current generation include the addition of a new 10.1-inch centre touchscreen, which runs both wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, amongst other updates.
Correspondingly, list prices have risen across the range by between $3000 and $3100 – the entry-level Ti now costs $87,900, mid-spec Ti-L$100,600, and range-topping Warrior$104,160.
There are no changes to the vehicle’s naturally-aspirated 298kW/560Nm5.6-litre V8 which will continue to serve the current Y62 generation until a much-anticipated V6-powered Y63 generation arrives, not earlier than 2025.
Facelifted Audi S3 scores more power, drift mode rear differential
The Audi S3 now gains more power and a trick diff shared with the RS3
Audi has revealed a substantial mechanical upgrade to its S3 hot hatch and performance sedan range as well as minor visual and equipment updates.
The most notable update is an 11 percent power hike for the S3’s 2.0-litre ‘EA888’ turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which now offers 245kW/420Nm.
As well as this, the S3 will also now score the RS3’stwin-clutch rear differential and corresponding drift mode capabilities. Performance is now a claimed 4.7 seconds0-100km/h (down 0.1 seconds).
There are minor exterior styling updates in line with those seen on its sibling A3 last month as well as minor material changes inside for the updated model, which is expected to arrive in late 2024.
Updated Volkswagen T-Cross to debut with refreshed styling, revised lineup
The Volkswagen T-Cross has been facelifted!
Volkswagen has revealed further details on the upcoming faceliftedT-Cross small SUV lineup, which will launch locally in September in three grades and sees the addition of range-topping R-Line in addition to the entry-level Life and mid-spec Style.
Adaptive cruise control is now standard on the entry-level Life which gains additional features such as LED headlights, rear-cross traffic alert and a digital instrument cluster amongst other features, on top of its 16-inch wheels and 8.0-inch infotainment display.
Meanwhile, the mid-spec Style scores matrix adaptive high-beam lights as standard, as well as an illuminated grille strip, wireless App-Connect and more. This grade also brings 17-inch wheels, ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control and chrome roof rails.
The top-spec R-Line comes with bigger 18-inch alloy wheels, a unique body-kit, dark tinted side and rear windows, a Beats premium audio system and drive modes. The launch of the dedicated R-Line model sees the deletion of the option packs previously offered on the Life and Style.
BYD to launch next-gen Blade battery in August with 1000km of claimed range
BYD’s current E-Platform 3.0 battery setup. Credit: Car News China
Chinese vehicle and battery builder BYD has announced it will be introducing the next generation of LFP (lithium-iron phosphate) Blade batteries, and has claimed it will allow its EVs to travel over 1000km per charge.
BYD has stated that the new battery will have an energy density of 190Wh/kg, which is higher than the current 150Wh/kg of its current batteries. The new Blade battery, which could debut as soon as August 2024, is also set to be smaller and lighter than its predecessor.
Also in the news from BYD: the company will introduce its fifth-generation DM-i plug-in hybrid system, with a targeted fuel consumption of 2.9L/100km and a claimed range of close to 2000km per tank.
The DM-i system, in an earlier iteration, is due this year in the upcoming BYD ute, providing plug-in power to the segment in what could be a first for the Australian pickup industry. The ute is reported to have up to 1000km of driving range, but further specs and efficiency numbers are not yet confirmed.
Compared: 2024 Lexus RX vs 2024 Mazda CX-60
The Lexus vs Mazda matchup!
Chasing Cars editor Tom Baker’s detailedcomparison between the 2024 Lexus RX and 2024 Mazda CX-60 was published as Chasing Cars set out to determine which “luxury” SUV is best?
Baker compared the diesel-powered CX-60 D50e Azami spec against the petrol-electric hybrid RX 350h Luxury AWD with an Enhancement Pack, which come in at $75,000 and $95,660 as-tested respectively, before on-road costs.
Baker found the RX to be the more accomplished, comfortable, roomier, and fuel-efficient vehicle and ultimate winner of the comparison.
In contrast, while Baker noted that there was the soul of a good car in the CX-60, it simply wasn’t at the same level in its current state of production, noting the well publicised issues with its ride quality and transmissioncalibration as unacceptable deal-breakers in the specification tested.
