Thanks for joining us this Thursday October 24th 2024. Notably in car news today: Skoda reveals a new cut-priced Select variant of the facelifted Octavia, and Mercedes-Benz Australia backflips on embracing PHEV model for the local market.
Browse this issue:
- Skoda Octavia Select priced from $39,590 list
- Mercedes-Benz and AMG set for PHEV influx in 2025
- Stellantis collaborating with US start-up for solid state batteries
- MG 3 scores three-star ANCAP safety rating
- Reviewed: 2024 BYD Dolphin Premium
Skoda reveals price-busting Octavia Select, enter from under $40K
The new facelifted Skoda Octavia
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Skoda Australia has detailed a new Select variant of its newly facelifted Octavia midsize passenger car range, which starts from $39,590 before on-roads, or $41,990 on national driveaway for the sedan version.
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The wagon version of the new Select lists for $41,090, or $43,990 on national driveaway offer. Both of these front-drive versions fit a 110kW/250Nm 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
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Features for the Select grade include 18-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting, 13.0-inch multimedia system with sat-nav, 10.0-inch digital driver’s screen, wireless phone mirroring and 15w inductive charging, and a suite of safety kit including newly introduced reversing AEB.
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The Select will be joined by a facelifted 1.4-powered Sportline grade and the performance-spec 2.0-litre turbo RS variants in Q1 2025.
Mercedes-Benz and AMG set to make a PHEV push in 2025
Mercedes-Benz Australia is set to push for PHEV models
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After stating it would largely shun the plug-in hybrid format in favour of a heavy ICE and BEV model mix moving forward, it appears Mercedes-Benz Australia is readying a bevy of PHEV models and variants to roll out through 2025.
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Now confirmed for local release is the Mercedes-AMG E 53 Hybrid 4Matic+, which melds a 330kW/560Nm 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six with 120kW/480Nm of electric motor assistance for combined outputs of 450kW (in Race mode) and 750Nm.
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Mercedes-Benz Australia confirmed to Chasing Cars that the plug-in AMG E 53 will arrive locally next year, though would not be drawn into more specific timing.
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It’s rumoured that the C350e plug-in sedan would also join the Mercedes-Benz C-Class line-up, together with other PHEV variants in 2025 that are yet to be confirmed by the local importer.
Stellantis to build solid state batteries, demonstrators on roads by 2026
The Dodge Charger Daytona will be used for the solid state demonstration
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Stellantis has confirmed it will introduce a demonstration fleet of electric vehicles using solid state battery chemistries as soon as 2026.
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The batteries will be sourced by US startup Factorial and will be fitted to the upcoming Dodge Charger Daytona, a muscle car model built on the STLA Large platform.
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According to Automotive News, Hyundai, Kia and Mercedes-Benz are also investors in this relatively new company, which was founded in 2013.
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Solid state batteries are set to be more efficient, more powerful and much safer than the current lithium-iron phosphate chemistry found in many of the world’s electric vehicles.
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The news comes after MG confirmed recently that it will bring what could be the first solid state batteries to the market, a significant 12 months earlier than Stellantis.
MG 3 scores a three-star ANCAP safety rating
The MG 3 has scored just three stars with ANCAP
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The 2024 MG 3 compact hatchback has scored a lowly three stars with the Australiasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) safety testing.
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This is the second time in 12 months that an MG model scored less than five stars, the ‘3’ following on from the headline-grabbing zero score awarded to the MG5 in late 2023. The marque’s electric MG4 and current HS SUV carry full five-star results.
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Under ANCAP’s latest protocols, the MG3 scored 72 percent for adult occupant protection, 74 percent for child protection, 76 percent for vulnerable road user and just 58 percent for safety assist. It was this last score, two points shy of a ‘60-percent four-star’ threshold, tha anchored the MG3’s overall rating to three stars.
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The MG3 competes against Toyota Yaris and Volkswagen Polo, both awarded five stars by ANCAP, as well as the Suzuki Swift Hybrid, which is yet to be tested.
BYD Dolphin Premium reviewed
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Chasing Cars journalist Zak Adkins’ written review of the 2024 BYD Dolphin Premium was published, including his thoughts and impressions on the affordable electric hatchback.
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In terms of positives, Adkins praised the model’s incredible value for money, comfortable ride quality, decent electric range and stacks of standard safety equipment.
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Things Adkins thought could be improved included the vehicle’s torque steer under acceleration, slight lack of precision and the absence of a dual-motor variant.
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All in all, Adkins concluded his review by stating that “the Dolphin is cracking good value for money. If you’re after a first car, or even a second car for the weekend, the Dolphin is about as good as it gets in terms of standard equipment, ride comfort and tech for $45K on the road”.
READ: Link to written review
The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Friday 25 October at 4.30pm Sydney time.
