Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Thursday September 5th 2024. Notably in car news today: MG readying a slew of new models through to the end of 2025, Volvo cancels its strategy to go all-electric by 2030, and more.
MG to launch eight new and revised models by the end of 2025
MG Australia is preparing an avalanche of new and revised models through to the end of 2025 it told Chasing Cars at the recent launch of the new-gen HS SUV.
By year’s end, both the six-figure Cyberster sportscar and the ZS small SUV will arrive in MG showrooms.
But in 2025, MG Australia promises many surprises, including the confirmation of a seven-seat large SUV (possibly twinned off the SAIC Motor’s Roewe RX9) and a midsize sedan that’s almost certainly the MG 7. As many as eight new models could arrive next year.
Already confirmed for showrooms are hybrid versions of the just launched HS midsize SUV by the start of Q3 2025, with the potential portfolio count as high as 13 distinct models locally by the end of that year.
Volvo backpedals on its all-electric 2030 target, lobs updated XC90
Volvo is yet another manufacturer stepping away from bullish all-electric targets as global buyer demand for EVs continues to soften against predicted forecasting.
The carmaker stated in March 2021 that its lineup would be fully electric by 2030, but it announced overnight that it will now continue to offer petrol-electric hybrids beyond its self-imposed deadline.
At the same announcement Volvo unveiled yet another update of its decade-old XC90 large SUV meant to be supplanted by the new EX90 electric. The revised XC90 will now be offered alongside the EX90 as a petrol-electric hybrid alternative.
For its part, Volvo Australia stated in 2022 that it would fast-track the mothership’s EV ambitions by going all-electric by 2026. It is yet uncertain whether the local arm will also now readjust its EV strategy or, indeed, whether the newly updated hybrid XC90 will be offered in Australia at all.
Y63 Patrol/Armada spawns an off-road Pro-4X variant in the US
The paint has barely dried on the Y63 Patrol 4×4 SUV unveiled globally this week, and Nissan’s US arm has pulled the covers off a Pro-4X off-road version of the Patrol’s American twin, the Armada.
The Pro-4X treatment brings enhanced exterior styling, a higher static ride height from the standard-fit air suspension, and a host of off-roading addenda such as expanded drive modes, a standard locking rear diff and other 4×4 tweaks.
Inside, the Pro-4X brings a unique seat design and trim, a bespoke colour and material theme, and expanded 360-camera functionality with a ‘see-through-bonnet’ capability.
With Y63 Patrol unable to be even ordered until 2026 in Australia, it’s too early to predict if the Pro-4X treatment might materise locally with the 4×4 SUV, though this package has enjoyed some popularity as applied to Nissan’s Navara ute range in recent times.
Tesla Model Y six-seater on the cards for China, possibly Australia
A six-seat version of Tesla’s Model Y midsize SUV could be offered in the not-too-distant-future, according to a report from Reuters.
It’s suggested that the new variation, potentially in a novel ‘2+2+2’ three-row configuration, could begin production in China as early as late 2025, arriving in the wheel tracks of the forthcoming ‘Juniper’ update due early next year.
Tesla already offers a seven-seat version of the popular electric SUV in the US that’s built in its native country. Given that Australian Tesla Model Ys are sourced from China, there’s some chance that the six-seater could make its way Down Under.
It remains to be seen whether the new three-row Tesla adopts a more commodious body style and more generous packaging, or maintain the US configuration considered by many pundits to be extremely compromised in functional room and practicality.
2024 Ford Transit Custom Trend reviewed
Chasing Cars digital production specialist Tom Place Surname’s 1000km-plus review of the 2024 Ford Transit Custom Trend was published, including his deep dive on what it’s like as a house-moving ally.
Place complimented the Transit Custom all-round competency, polished chassis, workhorse practicality in the cabin and long-haul manners.
On the downsides, Place considers the 2.0L diesel to be merely adequate against more powerful competitors, while cargo space also isn’t exactly class leading. And the local spec misses out on some key innovations that may come later.
In summary, the Transit Custom proves to be a safer, smarter and easier-to-drive Ford van, though electro-savvy tradies might want to cool their jets and wait for the forthcoming all-electric E-Transit due to be added to the lineup in the coming month.
READ: Link to written review
The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Friday 6th September at 4.30pm Sydney time.
