Car news, 6 August ’24: RAV4 sets new monthly sales record, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV update teased, and more
Olek Novak
Journalist
Every important car news story breaking today, in one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Tuesday 6 August 2024. Notably in car news today: the Toyota RAV4 sets a new sales record, Mitsubishi teases an updated Outlander PHEV, and more.
Australians took delivery of 99,486 new vehicles in July – an all-time record for the month – while the Toyota RAV4 dominated the charts with 5933 examples rolling into customer driveways, making July ’24 the biggest ever sales month for the nameplate, 76 units ahead of the record it set in April.
The midsize SUV’s strong performance saw it bump the Ford Ranger ute into number two position (4915), though Ranger still leads the sales race year-to-date.
The Toyota RAV4 was Australia’s most popular vehicle last month
In terms of overall brand results, Toyota once again dominated with 22,705 new vehicle deliveries, followed by Mazda (8476), Ford (7749), Kia (6620), and Hyundai (6021).
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV update teased
Mitsubishi has teased an imminent facelift for its plug-in hybrid Outlander midsize SUV, set to bring styling tweaks, bolstered specs, and a “further evolved PHEV system”, according to a Japanese teaser website launched by the brand.
The first teaser images visible on the site show a glimpse of the vehicle’s updated headlights, with a larger media screen, new Yamaha audio system, and extended driving range also promised by Mitsubishi.
Mitsubishi is teasing its facelifted Outlander PHEV
So far in 2024 the Outlander has shifted 16,553 units in Australia, making it the brand’s highest-selling vehicle and Australia’s second most popular midsize SUV behind the Toyota RAV4 (31,338).
The updated Outlander PHEV is expected to be fully unveiled soon, with the changes likely to follow through for the Australian market.
Audi could drop iconic four-ring logo in China: report
Audi is preparing to launch several models in collaboration with SAIC Motor, the owner of MG, LDV and many others.
According to Autocar and Reuters, the new models will not have the iconic Audi four-ring logo for the Chinese market.
A collaboration with Chinese manufacturer SAIC could see ring-less Audis in China!
This comes as a surprise considering China’s brand loyalty, but SAIC has said that the models would be “true Audi with authentic Audi DNA”.
Audi has confirmed it will introduce three BEV models which will enter the Chinese market as soon as next year.
The exact models and their bodystyles are yet to be determined.
Maserati axes the V8 engine, signals end of its bent-eight era
Maserati has announced it will no longer produce a Maserati model with a V8 engine.
According to Autocar, both the Quattroporte sedan and Levante SUV have been axed, leaving the GranTurismo and MC20 as the sole models.
The news comes after Carlos Tavares, the CEO of Stellantis, told the media last week that “we cannot afford to have brands that do not make money”.
Maseratis with V8 power will soon be no more
The Italian automaker has offered a V8 engine in its cars since 1959 with the limited-production 5000 GT.
Maserati will reveal a new ‘super sports car’ on Friday 16 August at Monterey Car Week.
Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe reviewed
Chasing Cars contributor Dylan Campbell’s review of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe was published, including DC’s thoughts on the new model and its mechanical mix between a C- and E-Class.
In terms of positives, DC appreciated the great-to-drive CLE 200, its frugal fuel economy, handsome looks and very spacious interior for a four-seat coupe.
DC pointed out some areas to improve, including the fact the model is expensive to service, exhibits loud tyre noise on Aussie roads, and displayed minor build-quality issues.
In conclusion, DC recommended the CLE-Class to those who have loved the previous E-Class coupe and that the rear-wheel-drive CLE 200 was his favoured pick of the range.
