Thanks for joining us this Monday September 16th 2024. Notably in car news today: Australian pricing for Skoda’s first electric, the Enyaq, is revealed, and Isuzu is putting the finishing touches on its harder-core Blade variant of the D-Max ute.
Browse this issue:
- Enyaq, Skoda’s first electric vehicle, priced for Australia
- Isuzu is readying its harder-core Blade version of the D-Max
- Chery Tiggo 4 Pro small SUV priced for Australia
- Nissan to lob a Navara-plus-sized ute for China
- Reviewed: 2024 Chery Tiggo 4 Pro
Skoda’s electric Enyaq SUV kicks off at $69,990
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Skoda Australia has released pricing and specifications for its long-awaited fully electric Enyaq SUV, which started from $69,990 for the entry rear-drive Sportline variant. Its range claim is 561 kilometres.
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The two-variant range will be topped by a performance-focused, all-wheel-driven RS trim that kicks off at $83,990, with Skoda Australia quoting a range of 530kms.
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The Enyaq enters the Aussie market in newly face-lifted form as the model has been sold in overseas markets for a while. Thus, the Sportline gets a 60kW boost (to 210kW) and the RS sees a 30kW rise (now 250kW) for its local debut.
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Production for Australian Enyaq’s has begun in the Czech Republic, with customer deliveries expected to commence in December. Stay tuned for our full review this Thursday, 19th September.
Isuzu’s hard-core D-MAX Blade being readied for Australia
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Isuzu is currently working with Victorian-based Walkinshaw to produce an off-road enhanced variant of the D-Max rumoured to be called the Blade.
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While details are slim, it’s expected that this special-edition ute will go head-to-head with the likes of Toyota Hilux GR Sport and Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior and make a local competitor to the likes of the Ranger Wildtrak (rather than the hi-po Raptor).
A hard-core D-Max Blade variant is being readied for Australia (X-Terrain variant pictured)
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Walkinshaw is no stranger to enhanced utes, having previously collaborated with the likes of the Amarok W580 and the Triton Xtreme with Volkswagen and Mitsubishi respectively.
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It’s likely that the Blade will retain its evergreen 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four, while featuring an array of modified rolling stock, suspension, styling and other off-road focused addenda.
Chery Tiggo 4 Pro small SUV priced for Australia
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Chery Australia has added a fourth model to its local lineup with the addition of the sharply priced, compact-sized Tiggo 4 Pro SUV.
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The two-variant range kicks off at just $23,990 driveaway for the entry Urban version, which features a 108kW/210Nm turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine.
Chery has priced its fourth model in Australia, the Tiggo 4 Pro small SUV
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A pricier Ultimate guise enters at $26,990 driveaway, which features the same front-driven, automatic-equipped powertrain, if with faux-leather trim (rather than Urban-grade cloth) and a higher specification fitout.
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Both versions fit dual 10.25-inch digital screens, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, seven airbags and a broad suite of driver assistance and safety systems.
Nissan to lob a ‘Navara plus’-sized ute for China
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A product filing with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology may preview what to expect from a new-generation Nissan Navara, according to an overseas report.
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Overseas automotive outlet CarScoops reports that the filing has unveiled what looks to be a new-generation of the Nissan ute dubbed the Yuanye Z9 based on the publication’s own translation.
Could this be the next Navara? (Image source: CarScoops)
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Images published as part of the report showcase a design which features a similarly boxy look to the new BYD Shark, and a footprint which at 5520mm long is notably larger than the current Navara and Mitsubishi Triton pickups.
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However, it is not clear if the Yuanye Z9 will indeed be a global replacement for the current Navara which dates back to 2014, or if this is a China only proposition.
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The report says that the ute will feature the option of a 2.0-litre petrol or 3.0-litre diesel under the bonnet, however Nissan has also previously stated that the next generation Navara, expected to debut in 2026, will also feature plug-in hybrid power too.
Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 2024 reviewed
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Chasing Cars contributor Nathan Ponchard’s review of the 2024 Chery Tiggo 4 Pro was published, taking a look at what the Chinese brand proclaims to be the “best-value SUV on sale in Australia today”.
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Ponchard praised several positive aspects about the small SUV, including what he deemed to be an eye-opening value equation, as well as the Tiggo 4 Pro’s respectable styling, solid packaging, decent performance, and what Ponchard described as “perversely amusing” handling.
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However, Ponchard did note a few areas of improvement including notable body roll in corners, lack of steering feel, mediocre tyre grip, numb chassis feedback and unproven ADAS systems.
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A more definitive garage review awaits when the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro goes on sale in October, however for now, Ponchard found that this latest small Chinese SUV argues a solid case for buying an affordable new vehicle over a second-hand one.
READ: Chery Tiggo 4 Pro 2024 full written review
The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Tuesday 17th September at 4.30pm Sydney time.
