This week on Chasing Cars: Amarok W580X goes off road, 4C’s swan song and MU-X debuts in Australia

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As far as what happened in the car world this week? Well, it was a good week for those who love to go off road with beauties such as the Walkinshaw special edition of the Volkswagen Amarok unveiled and SsangYong showed of sketches of a very cool 4×4 that’s brewing.

Trendy city cars such as the Mini Clubman and the Fiat 500 also got a bit of an update this week, providing something just a little bit different in the Australian car market.

But without further ado, let’s get into it, and bring your camping gear cause because all-paw grip is the name of the game this week.

Volkswagen Amarok W580X unveiled

A collaboration with Aussie tunning house Walkshaw could only bring good things and we saw exactly that with the previous grand-touring focused Amarok W580 and W580S variants that sold out literally within minutes.

An off-road focused version was promised and now we’ve seen the results in the W580X which features many of the same upgrades as the aforementioned versions but with a rugged twist.

This means the fitment of more absorbant MTV twin-tube dampers at all four corners and the 18-inch forged wheels wrapped in chunky all terrain tyres.

Walkinshaw has wisely fitted a whole heap of underbody protection, including a front bash plate and other accessories such as an integrated LED light bar. 

Alfa Romeo says goodbye to the 4C

It was fun while it lasted but its time to say goodbye to the Alfa Romeo 4C with the 33 Stadale Tributo of which 15 units are coming to Australia.

Consisting of 10 coupe and 5 Spidesr versions, the special editions will be available from $123,000 plus on-road costs, adding a big $34,000 premium over the regular models.

For the extra cash, Alfa has added a few goodies but only one colour combination combining the deep ‘Ville d’Este’ red hue set off by a quartet of gold alloy wheels.

Inside there is an array of carbon fibre touches and tan sports seats while a throaty titanium exhaust lets the 1.75L four-cylinder turbo breathe a bit easier.

Isuzu MU-X fully detailed

Isuzu finally revealed the second-generation MU-X which mirrors many of the changes made to its D-Max sibling, including a general boost in capability and the sheer amount of safety equipment now on offer.

Sadly the price has also gone up rather a lot, up to $9,800 on some grades, but the MU-X now drinks less fuel and has more power from its 3.0L turbodiesel and can now pull up to 3.5-tonnes braked.

The top-spec LS-T is expected to be the most popular grade and now has swish new features like electronic adjustability and a huge 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay.

But what about a hybrid version? Well that could happen, says Isuzu, how are currently investing in the technology and say they’ll bring it to the Australian market if they see there is a demand for it.

Other car and SUV news we covered this week

• Hyundai has decided to bring back the i30 Fastback N in facelifted form on an order-only basis for up to 500 units, prices starting at $49,000 and customers can expect their copy by the end of the year.

• Audi put together the RS Q e-tron prototype with the aim of being the first manufacturer to finish the Dakar rally on electric power – though it does require a petrol range extender to make the distance.

• Mercedes-Benz pledged this week that all its new models would be battery electric vehicles from 2025 and said its range will be 100 per cent EV by 2030 “where market conditions allow”.

• SsangYong released official sketches of its incoming 4×4 codenamed the KR10 which looks a lot like a Toyota FJ Cruiser but promises a lot of rough-road capability.

• Could we see a Toyota LandCruiser Prado rival from GWM? Very possibly, the Tank 600 large SUV has a ladder frame chassis, big engine and will likely be far cheaper than its Japanese counterpart.

• The Jeep Wrangler range will soon welcome the 2-door ‘Shorty’ in the serious Rubicon guise, it’s cheaper than the four door version at $64,950 plus on-roads and is more capable off road thanks to its short wheelbase

• The Mini Clubman flies under the radar somewhat but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. Sadly its price has now gone up by $3,300 this week giving it a new entry price of $49,200 plus on-road costs.

• BMW is bringing a special 8 Series Heritage Edition to Australia with a choice of three matte paint colours and in both coupe and convertible forms, expect it here before the year’s end.

• The Fiat 500 lineup got a slight refresh in Australia, starting from ​$18,950 before on-road costs with modern features like wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but it lacks many important safety features.

• Kia engineers officially started work testing out the new Sportage in Australia to properly dialling in the handling for our rough roads, it goes on sale later this year.

• Maserati announced its new customisation program by bringing the Ghibli Trofeo Corse to Australia, which is one of these styles customers can choose to specify from. 

• We gave an update on the Maserati MC20 this week which has sold out before it even touched down in Australia, which is impressive considering it costs $438,000 before on road costs – but more supply will follow.