Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Wednesday, September 4th 2024. Notably in car news today: strapline for Nissan has veiled the Y63 Patrol and Toyota breaks sales records in Australia.
Nissan has at long last pulled the covers off its next-generation, Y63 Nissan Patrol large SUV at an event in Abu Dhabi.
The highly-anticipated model has ditched the 5.6-litre naturally-aspirated V8 petrol engine, instead going with a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine that now produces 317kW of power and 700Nm of torque. The engine is paired to a new nine-speed automatic transmission.
But it’s not just engine changes. The new Patrol is riding on a new platform that is 35mm longer and 35mm wider than before. Air suspension is also now standard.
Inside, dual 14-inch screens have been installed for the instrument cluster and centre touchscreen, while in the rear, dual 12.3-inch screens have been added for second row passengers.
While the Patrol is set to go on sale in the Middle East later this year, Australia won’t get the model until late 2026 or early 2027. It’s understood that the existing Y62 Patrol will remain on sale until such time.
Further pricing and specification for the local Australian market is yet to be announced, but stay tuned to Chasing Cars for more updates as they happen.
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Cupra Terramar unveiled, coming to Australia
Cupra has unveiled its next model in the Volkswagen Tiguan-sized Terramar which is expected to replace the smaller Ateca in the range
Due to arrive in Australia in the third quarter of 2025, the Terramar is the sixth model in the growing Cupra portfolio
A range of powertrains will be available globally including a 195kW turbo-petrol engine and a 200kW plug-in hybrid with up to 100km of pure electric range.
Following the brand’s sporty ethos, the Terramar features a sharp design and minimalist tech-heavy interior with a 12.9-inch touchscreen sitting pride of place in the dashboard
Cupra Tavascan specifications announced for Australia
Cupra has revealed the specifications due for the Australian market, with the fully electric SUV expected to land locally in late Q4 this year
Two grades will be available; with the entry-level Endurance priced just above the circa-$66K Formentor VZx, feature a 210kW rear-wheel-drive configuration and a 77kWh battery capable of 534km of range according to WLTP testing.
The top-spec ‘VZ’ grade adds more equipment including an additional electric motor increasing power by 40kW, decreasing range to 499km and the 0-100km/h time by 1.3 seconds to 5.5 seconds.
A 15-inch touchscreen will be available on all models with the top-spec VZ scoring Matrix LED headlights and adaptive suspension.
Toyota RAV4 could be Australia’s best-selling car in 2024
Toyota has delivered 6712 RAV4s to buyers in August 2024, besting its previous record set last month of 5933 sales
It comes after a sharp increase in supply to Australia has allowed Toyota to bring in more RAV4s to meet custom demand
The RAV4 has now overtaken the Hilux in the sales charts and could overtake the Ford Ranger, which was Australia’s best-selling vehicle in 2023.
2024 Smart #1 and #3 reviewed
Chasing Cars contributor Iain Curry’s review/ of the 2024 Smart #1 and #3 models was published, amid the brand’s re-entry into the Australian market.
The broadly identical cars stood out with their Mercedes-inspired interior design and solid driving dynamics.
However Curry was quick to point out that there are only three locations in the country where they can be purchased and the warranty is limited
Curry found the #1 and #3 were generally solid vehicles that lacked the uniqueness of their predecessors but were good all-round EVs for a relatively affordable price.
