Thanks for joining us this Friday 8 November 2024. Notably in car news today: new Deepal electric SUV undercuts Tesla Model Y, and Mazda releases more details on next-gen hybrid CX-5.
Browse this issue:
- New Deepal EV will be cheaper than a Tesla in Australia
- New Mazda details: next-gen CX-5 hybrid, plus ‘Skyactiv Z’ engines
- Mercedes-AMG teases its first-ever bespoke electric SUV
- Next MX-5? Mazda has “real intent” to make the Iconic SP concept
- Reviewed: Honda HR-V e-HEV L 2024
New Deepal EV will be cheaper than a Tesla in Australia
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The latest Chinese electric vehicle to launch in Australia, the Deepal S07 midsize SUV, has been priced for Australia and will undercut its rival Tesla Model Y.
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Priced from $53,900 before on-road costs for its single-specification model, it comes in cheaper than the Tesla Model Y it wants to beat with at $55,900 (before on-road costs) price tag. It even undercuts the Model 3 sedan (from $54,990).
The new Deepal S07 SUV will undercut rival Tesla Model Y on price in Australia
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Order books open, with deliveries starting from December and the brand is also offering a year’s free charging through the EVIE network for those that order and take delivery by 31 January 2025.
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The brand has also announced plans to open its first four official retail locations, with two locations in Sydney and two in Melbourne, withs more to follow.
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As for the S07, its rear-wheel drive only, comes with a 79.97kWh battery and has outputs of 160kW/320Nm, with several more models under consideration for Australia.
New Mazda details: next-gen CX-5 hybrid, plus ‘Skyactiv Z’ engines
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Mazda has revealed further details about its next-generation CX-5 midsize SUV, which will feature new hybrid tech, as well as a new-generation of engine tech dubbed ‘Skyactiv Z’.
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A presentation on its second quarter financial results indicates that a new-generation CX-5 will be due between 2025-2027, and feature a new in-house developed ‘Mazda Hybrid System’.
The current-generation Mazda CX-5 lacks a full-hybrid powertrain option
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As well as this, the presentation detailed a new Skyactiv-Z four-cylinder engine to succeed Mazda’s Skyactiv-G and Skyactiv-X engines.
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The new engines are being developed to meet strict EU and US environmental regulations and are scheduled to debut in 2027.
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Mazda says the Skyactiv-Z engine uses the “lambda one combustion method” which “achieves high thermal efficiency by realising super lean burn combustion over a wide range from low to high RPM.”
Mercedes-AMG teases its first-ever bespoke electric SUV
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Mercedes-AMG has released a shadowy image teasing its first-ever SUV to be entirely developed in-house from scratch – much like BMW M division’s XM large SUV.
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While Mercedes-AMG has six SUV models in its portfolio, they are all AMG-tuned versions of standard Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Mercedes-AMG is teasing its first-ever in-house performance SUV
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This all-electric vehicle is said to be in its development stage and will undergo initial test drives in the European winter.
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It will be the second SUV to ride on the AMG.EA electric platform that also underpins a new four-door performance car the brand has teased undergoing winter performance testing in Sweden.
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Senior Mercedes executive Michael Schiebe said the new vehicle architecture “follows a clear philosophy: ‘AMG first, EV second’”.
Next MX-5? Mazda has “real intent” to make the Iconic SP concept
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Mazda’s rotary–powered ‘Iconic SP’ sports car concept arguably stole the show at last year’s Japan Mobility Show, and now Mazda has published comments from senior figures stating that the brand intends to produce it.
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Masashi Nakayama, general manager of Mazda’s design division, says “this concept is not just one of those empty show cars. It’s been designed with real intent to turn it into a production model in the not-so-distant future”.
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While this news could no doubt excite fans, it’s unclear exactly what it means and exactly what form a production version of the Iconic SP could take. Mazda has been teasing a new rotary sports car for years now without offering any concrete news.
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Initial reaction was split with whether the Iconic SP could preview a reborn Mazda RX-7, or perhaps preview the fifth-generation of Mazda’s MX-5.
Honda HR-V e-HEV L 2024 reviewed
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Chasing Cars journalist Zak Adkinseviewed the 2024 Honda HR-V e-HEV L, taking a close look at the freshly updated third-generation model.
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In a bid to lure more buyers away from a long list of more popular rivals – such as the MG ZS, Hyundai Kona, GWM Haval Jolion – Honda’s changes for the HR-V include sharpened pricing and a more affordable hybrid variant called the e-HEV X.
Make sure to read our full review of the Honda HR-V e-HEV L
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Our first time with the updated HR-V is the flagship e-HEV L, which now starts slightly lower at $42,900 driveaway (with some state variances).
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In this review, we find out if Honda’s updates improve a package that already had its attractions, including fuel economy, decent boot capacity, and cleve so-called ‘magic’ rear seats.
READ MORE: Honda HR-V e-HEV L written review
The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Monday 11 November 2024 at 4.30pm Sydney time.
