Thanks for joining us this Tuesday 12 November 2024. Notably in car news today: Chinese carmaker Zeekr has announced the full pricing and specifications of its electric 009 people mover, while GMC confirmed details of its own upper large, V8-powered family hauler in the form of the body-on-frame Yukon Denali.
Browse this issue:
- Zeekr 009 people mover priced from $135,900
- GMC Yukon Denali priced for Australia
- Bentley’s first-ever EV won’t be a saloon or limousine
- Jaguar to reveal new concept on December 2
- Chasing Cars dives into Chinese automakers in Australia
- Reviewed: 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric long termer
Zeekr reveals pricing and specification for its 009 electric people mover
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Zeekr, the new Chinese automaker owned by Geely, has announced pricing and specs for its Kia Carnival-rivalling 009 people mover.
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Priced to start from $135,900 before on-road costs, or $139,900 for the six seat variant, the 009 will feature dual-motor all-wheel drive with outputs of 450kW/693Nm. Powering the 009 is a large 116kWh battery pack. Electric range is 582km (WLTP).
The Zeekr 009 people mover will be priced from $135,900
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The 009 people mover will be very well-equipped as standard and will feature aviation-style second row seats, a 10.25-inch instrument cluster, 15-inch OLED centre touchscreen, a 17-inch rear OLED screen and a 35.9-inch head-up display.
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Also standard is heating, ventilation and massage for the first two rows, 30 speaker Yamaha surround sound system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, seven USB-C ports and nappa leather upholstery.
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The Zeekr 009 is now available for pre-order in Australia.
GMC Yukon Denali priced for Australia
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GMC has announced the pricing and standard specifications for its Yukon Denali large SUV.
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Priced in Australia from $169,990 before on-road costs, the Yukon will be available in a sole Denali grade and is the first time it has been offered on Australian shores.
GMC has priced the Yukon Denali for Australia
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GMSV has claimed that the Yukon Denali is the only eight-seat SUV in Australia offered with a V8 engine, however the entry-level Nissan Patrol Ti with its V8 engine has seating for eight.
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The eight seat SUV will arrive in Australia from the second quarter of 2025, with orders now open.
READ MORE: GMC Yukon Denali 2025: Australian pricing and specifications
Bentley’s first EV will be a smaller, urban SUV, due in 2026
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Bentley has confirmed it will bring full-electric power to an SUV first and foremost, but not until 2026.
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Described as an “urban SUV”, it’s set to be a smaller SUV than the current 5305mm long Bentayga.
Bentley has teased its first-ever EV
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Bentley plans to have its entire lineup battery powered, but not until 2035.
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It’ll continue to push for plug-in hybrids and pure ICE vehicles, but only for as long as the market demands it – according to Motor1.
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The brand will invest £2.5 billion (AUD$4.8 billion) in a programme dedicated for future products and a new carbon-neutral headquarters opening in 2025.
Jaguar to reveal concept car on December 2 on new JEA platform
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Jaguar is set to pull the covers off a new concept vehicle in early December and it’s set to be a four-door GT car.
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The news comes as Jaguar completely repositions its branding with the discontinuation of its entire model lineup due to poor sales, including its most popular model, the F-Pace SUV.
The only teaser image that exists for the Jaguar GT coupe so far
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Think of the new JLR concept car to be a rival to the Porsche Taycan and Audi E-Tron GT, however Jaguar has said the model will be a “copy of nothing”.
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The model will ride on a Jaguar-specific, JEA platform and will launch around 2026, with at least another two models to follow on this architecture.
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Expect to hear much more at the unveiling on December 2.
Chasing Cars takes deep dive into Chinese automakers with new guide
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If you’re a little bit daunted by all the new car Chinese brands cropping up in Australia, you’re not alone.
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To help make sense of it all, Chasing Cars has written a handy guide on the Chinese automakers in Australia, the cars they produce and their future plans.
The MG4 electric hatch is one of the best-regarded Chinese vehicles in Australia
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In the guide, we take a look at the likes of BYD, MG, Deepal, LDV, Geely, Zeekr and more.
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We have also detailed potential future brands that could arrive and which models they could sell on our local shores.
READ MORE: Check out the full guide here
Hyundai Kona Electric 2024 reviewed
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The first part of our long-term review wrap-up for our Hyundai Kona Electric was published.
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In this video, Chasing Cars journalist Olek Novak shares the first of his five hits and misses from living with the Kona Electric Standard Range for six months.
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Part one of the wrap-up focuses on Novak’s assessment of the interior, practicality and reliability of the Kona, which delivered an almost fault-free ownership experience over the test period.
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However, Novak did note a few areas for improvement including some hard cabin plastics and ergonomic issues.
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Stay tuned for part two, when Novak covers off the efficiency and range, safety features and on-road driving experience, as well as giving his final verdict: would he happily take ownership of the Kona Electric or is he happy to hand the keys back?
READ MORE: Hyundai Kona Electric Long Term Review
The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Wednesday 13 November at 4.30pm Sydney time.