Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Wednesday, August 21st 2024. Volkswagen details a raft of new and updated models due over the next 12 months, while Tesla and other car markets exporting out of China have seen a reduction in the tariffs set to be imposed by the EU.
Volkswagen’s first EVs here by Christmas as part of new model onslaught
Volkswagen has detailed a raft of new and updated models to make their debut for the Australian market over the next 12 months, including the brand’s anticipated ID4 and ID5 SUVs.
Initially, the two models will arrive in two grades – ID4 Pro and ID5 GTX planned to arrive in Australia from December, with the ID4 GTX and ID5 Pro to follow next year.
As well as this, Volkswagen Australia has confirmed that the ID Buzz and ID Buzz Cargo electric vans are also now in production for Australia, with the electric vans to come to Australia in two-, three-, five- and seven-seat configurations from December, too.
A high-performance all-wheel-drive 250kW ID Buzz GTX is also confirmed arrive in Q2 2025
The model onslaught will begin with the facelifted T-Cross small SUV launching this quarter, followed by other confirmed vehicles: an all-new seven-seat Multivan for Q1 2025, as well as the all-new Tiguan and facelifted Golf range for Q2 2025, as well as an all-new Transporter van for Q3 next year.
European Union reduces planned tariffs on some Chinese-made EVs
The European Union has reduced the tariffs planned for several carmakers building and exporting electric cars from China who it believes are benefiting from an unfair advantage due to state-sponsored financial incentives in various forms
Tesla’s tariff rate was reduced from a planned 20.8 percent to 9.0 percent while Mini and Cupra will now be forced to cough up just 21.3 percent, down from 37.6 percent.
The new tariffs were decided after car manufacturers commended negotiations with the EU and the Chinese government threatened to retaliate with penalties of their own.
Although the tariffs won’t have a direct impact on the Australian market, the EU is a significant market and the penalties may have flow-on consequences for both local policy-making and/or how and where car makers will source their vehicles
MG ZS hybrid small SUV teased before August 26th debut
The new-generation MG ZS is set to be revealed on August 26th ahead of its expected arrive here in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2024.
The ZS, which has been a strong seller in Australia, is expected to feature a hybrid option which has been confirmed in the teaser released this week
Featuring a sharper and more modern design, the ZS is expected to mirror similar changes to the MG3 hatch with an enhanced safety and technology package
It remains to be seen however if the price will see a sharp increase like the MG3 or if it will continue as one of the most attainable vehicles in the small SUV segment
Kia Sportage facelift rendered
The facelifted Kia Sportage is expected to break cover in the coming months with new renders based on spotted prototypes providing insight into what to expect
The new renders created by Kelsonik show the Sportage wearing the Korean-brand’s new LED light signature with daytime running lights running across the majority of the front bonnet
While the bulk of the design is expected to remain the same, a new wheel design, lower front and rear bumper and tweaked tail-lights are expected.
Toyota RAV4 Cruiser Hybrid 2024 Reviewed
Chasing Cars journalist Olek Novak’s review of the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Cruiser Hybrid was published.
Novak praised the RAV4’s extremely frugal hybrid powertrain, comfortable ride and practical cabin.
However he noted that Australia’s favourite SUV had recently seen several price increases and lacked a full-size spare.
Novak determined the RAV4’s breadth of ability meant it would be a good fit for many Aussie buyers, especially those with families.
