Thanks for joining us this Wednesday July 17th 2024. Notably in car news today: Audi debuts its next A5 and S5 with ICE engine lineup, and the Smart brand has confirmed pricing for its #1 and #3 SUVs for Australia.
Browse this issue:
- New Audi A5 debuts on new combustion platform
- Smart #1 and #3 priced for Australia
- Isuzu and Walkinshaw to collaborate on future product
- Porsche Macan to get more variants
- Reviewed: updated 2024 Ssangyong Rexton
Audi A5 debuts on new combustion platform
The 2025 Audi S5 Avant
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Audi has revealed its 2025 A5 range which will continue use of combustion power on the brand’s new Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture. It’s been heavily redesigned inside and out over the last F5 generation.
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With sedan and Avant/wagon body styles, the new A5 will debut with four variants and will feature a range of ICE engines, all of which have MHEV mild-hybrid assistance.
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Perhaps confusingly, ‘A5’ now designates ICE versions of the former A4 range, with A4 now reserved for full-electric versions of the midsized range. This new nomenclature regime adopts even numbers for EVs while odd numbers feature internal combustion.
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Engines confirmed for Europe include a 110kW 2.0-litre TFSI petrol, a higher-output 150kW 2.0-litre TFSI petrol and a 150kW 2.0 turbo-diesel. A range-topping 3.0-litre TFSI V6 petrol engine with 270kW is reserved for the performance S5 variants.
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Standard features for the new A5 range include Audi’s panoramic display with 11.9-inch Virtual Cockpit and 14.5-inch media touchscreen, OLED tail lights and, as an option, a 10.9-inch screen for the front passenger.
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Set to launch globally in November 2024, the A5 is expected to debut in Australia sometime in the first half of 2025.
Smart #1 and #3 electric SUVs priced for Australia
The Smart #1 and #3 SUVs have had their prices locked in
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The new Smart range has been detailed and officially priced for Australia and will be distributed on Aussie shores by LSH Auto in its Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane dealerships alongside Mercedes-Benz.
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The Smart #1 will have three variants in the Pro+, Premium and Brabus, with pricing kicking off from $54,900 before on-roads for the Pro+. The Premium and Brabus will be priced from $58,900 and $67,900 respectively.
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Meanwhile, the larger Smart #3 SUV will be priced from $57,900 for the Pro+, $61,900 for the Premium and $70,900 for the top-spec Brabus.
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The Smart range will arrive in Australia in September this year.
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You can read more about the Smart range at our detailed Australian price and specification piece below.
Read out standalone piece here.
Isuzu and Walkinshaw to collaborate on potential Blade ute
The Isuzu D-Max could be getting an even tougher Blade variant
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Isuzu Ute Australia is set to collaborate in the near future with Walkinshaw Automotive Group in a new ute model, according to recently published government approval documents.
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This has revealed a new name called ‘Blade’ which is very likely to be a dedicated D-Max performance variant to target the Ford Ranger Raptor and Toyota Hilux GR Sport.
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Expect to see features like off-road focused suspension and lift kit, underbody protection and a unique wheel and tyre package for the Blade.
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Walkinshaw Automotive is known for its vehicle enhancements and performance tuning and has worked with brands such as Volkswagen and GMSV.
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Isuzu Ute Australia told Chasing Cars that “Isuzu UTE Australia (IUA) and Walkinshaw Automotive Group (WAG) are collaborating on possible future product developments — however, we are not currently able to provide any further details”.
Porsche Australia expands Macan range with two new variants
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Porsche has announced two additional variants to join its all-new electric Macan midsize SUV range, including a new entry-level variant.
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The first of the new variants is base model simply called the Macan. It’s also the first-ever rear-wheel-drive Macan, delivering maximum outputs of 265kW/563Nm and a claimed WLTP range of 641km.
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Slotting in above the Macan and Macan 4, but below the top of the range Turbo, is the new Macan 4S. This ups power to 300kW/650Nm, or a peak of 380kW/820Nm with launch control, and delivers a claimed WLTP range of 606km.
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The new entry-grade Macan is priced at $128,400 – more than $30,000 dearer than the previous entry-grade petrol-powered Macan – while the Macan 4S, which comes with standard features like active suspension management, a panoramic sunroof and four-zone climate control, asks for $149,300.
Ssangyong Rexton 2024 reviewed
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Chasing Cars production specialist Tom Place’s of the 2024 Ssangyong Rexton was published, taking a look at one of the most affordable seven-seat 4WD wagons on the market.
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The Rexton has just come in for an upgrade that brings its interior into the modern age, now boasting a big 12.3-inch touchscreen and a slew of other small but meaningful changes.
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With its latest update, the Rexton aims to build on its other key features like its 3.5-tonne towing capacity and seven-seat flexibility as it challenges traditional segment offerings like the Isuzu MU-X and more affordable rivals such as the GWM Tank 300 and seven-seat Tank 500.
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Place found that the updated Rexton is better all round with the latest upgrade, maintaining a friendly price, better interior and a sweet spot in the new Adventure grade, but he also noted fundamental deficiencies in its off-road capability, on-road competency and ageing safety tech.
The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Thursday 18th July at 4.30pm Sydney time.
