Car news, 15 August ’24: Citroen calls it quits in Australia as Zeekr launches new electric SUV, and more

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Thanks for joining us this Thursday 15 August 2024. Notably in car news today: Citroen stops new vehicle sales in Australia, and Zeekr’s first EV in Australia to be priced below $60K.

Browse this issue:

• Citroen stops new vehicle sales in Australia after more than 100 years
• Zeekr’s first EV in Australia to be priced below $60K
• Skoda Karoq range updated with new variants, more features
• Audi RS6 GT priced at $399,000… and it’s already sold out
• Reviewed: Audi SQ7 2024

Citroen stops new vehicle sales in Australia

• After an unbroken sales history dating back more than a century, Citroen Australia has announced it will no longer sell new vehicles in Australia after years of dwindling sales in a growing market.

• From 1 November 2024, Citroen will no longer sell new cars in Australia but will continue to provide maintenance and servicing requirements for existing customers.

• “The decision for Citroën Australia to cease new vehicle sales was not made lightly; it was made after careful consideration of the current and future product available for our country, in the context of the local market and the preferences and requirements of Australian new vehicle buyers,” said David Owen, general manager of Citroën Australia.

• It’s the latest car manufacturer to depart Australia since Chrysler left in 2022, though a multitude of Chinese brands have arrived since then.

Zeekr’s first EV in Australia to be priced below $60K

• Zeekr’s soon-to-launch X electric SUV will be priced below $60K before on-road costs for its entry-level model when it debuts in Australia this October.

• The compact SUV will be the Chinese brand’s first vehicle in Australia and will be available in two variants – an entry-level, single-motor, rear-wheel drive (200kW/343Nm) and a dual-motor, all-wheel drive (315kW/543Nm), which the brand has confirmed will be priced below $70K before on-road costs.

• Both variants feature 66kWh (gross) batteries with a quoted WLTP range for European-spec variants of between 425km and 445km, depending on variant.

• Owned by Chinese auto-giant Geely – which also owns Volvo, Polestar and Lotus – Zeekr has confirmed it will be employing a franchise model and partnering with established dealer networks in Australia when the more premium-focused brand launches locally in October.

Skoda Karoq range updated with new variants, more features

• Skoda Australia has announced a revised Karoq midsize SUV line-up that will see new Select and Sportline 4×2 grades joining the existing Sportline 4×4, with each replacing the previous entry-level Karoq and mid-spec Style.

• The new entry-level Karoq Select adds metallic paint and advanced driver fatigue detection as standard, priced at $39,990 before on-road costs or $40,990 driveaway.

• Meanwhile, the Karoq Sportline 4×2 will be priced at $45,990 before on-road costs or $46,990 driveaway. Unlike the previous Style, the new mid-spec Sportline 4×2 now includes features such as 19-inch alloy wheels, a front spoiler and rear diffuser, black Sportline styling accents, matrix LED headlights, heated front and rear seats, and more. The front-drive Sportline will share its 110kW/250Nm 1.4-litre turbo-petrol drivetrain with the Karoq Select.

• Skoda says the range-topping 2.0-litre turbo-petrol Sportline 4×4 will also add previously optional features to the value of $7200 as standard for an extra $5300 or $57,990 driveaway – new standard features include dynamic chassis control, a 9.2-inch media display, 10-speaker audio system, hill-descent control and surround view camera.

• A $4000 Signature Pack is also available, including leather upholstery and power front seats with memory.

Audi RS6 GT priced at $399K… and it’s already sold out

• Audi has confirmed pricing for its RS6 GT high-performance wagon, but it’s already completely accounted for in Australia.

• Touted as a special edition model and future “collector’s item” by the German brand, the RS6 GT is priced at $399,000 before on-road costs in Australia, with only 660 units available as part of the model run globally.

• Only 22 of these were allocated for Australian customers, with all having already found a home.

• Powered by a twin-turbo V8 mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive system, the RS6 GT makes for 463kW and 850Nm and achieves the 0-100km/h sprint in just 3.3 seconds.

• Easily identifiable from the outside, the RS6 GT features bespoke styling features including a revised front fascia and bumpers, a carbon bonnet and reprofiled roof edge spoiler, tailgate and rear diffuser, as well as Audi motorsport-inspired decals and 22-inch Audi Sport 6-arm ‘Avus’ inspired alloy wheels.

Audi SQ7 2024 Review

• Chasing Cars contributor Nathan Ponchard’s review of the 2024 Audi SQ7 was published, taking a close look at the SUV which has been facelifted for the second time to fight off its ageing bones and retain its status as an incredible fast and luxurious large SUV.
  
  
• Armed with a rapid 373kW/770Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, the SQ7 sprints from 0-100km/h in just 4.1 seconds and thanks to a host of chassis trickery like active anti-roll bars, it also promises to be quite capable in the bends.

• Rivals include the Mercedes-Benz GLE 63 and the BMW X5 M which also make use of high-power V8 engines in a world where engines are increasingly being downsized.

• In today’s review, contributor Nathan Ponchard takes a look at the SQ7 and see how well it has aged in its current years and if its still worth buying in 2024.

The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Friday 16 August at 4.30pm Sydney time.