Car news, 9 August ’24: Isuzu D-Max and MU-X recalled due to computer fault, Mitsubishi adds new payload variants for Triton range, and more

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Thanks for joining us this Friday 9 August 2024. Notably in car news today: the Isuzu D-Max and MU-X models have been recalled due to a software issue, and Mitsubishi adds new payload variants for Triton range.

Browse this issue:

• Isuzu D-Max and MU-X recalled 
• Mitsubishi adds two new payload variants for Triton range
• Chery wants to be bigger than Kia in the UK: report 
• First ever electric Dodge Charger priced in the USA
• Reviewed: 2024 Mitsubishi Triton GLS

Isuzu issues recall for 150,000 D-Max and MU-Xs

• Isuzu has issued a recall notice for its D-Max ute and MU-X large SUV, affecting almost 150,000 vehicles in Australia.

• The recall notice is detailed as follows: “due to a software issue, the Engine Control Module (ECM) may incorrectly reduce the engine speed. If this occurs, the engine may stall, resulting in a loss of motive power”.

• “A loss of motive power whilst driving could increase the risk of an accident causing injury or death to vehicle occupants and/or other road users”, the notice goes on to state. 

• The brand says it will contact all affected owners in writing, requesting they make an appointment to inspect and update the software, free of charge.

• In total, 149,049 vehicles built between 2020 and 2024 are affected, with all VIN numbers available for download here. 

• The D-Max was Australia’s third most popular vehicle last year with 31,202 deliveries, while the MU-X was Australia’s 22nd most delivered vehicle, with 14,139 deliveries. 

Mitsubishi adds two new payload variants for Triton range

• Mitsubishi has added two new variants to its Triton ute range with reduced payloads.

• The Triton GLS and GSR grades will now be available with variants that offer “payloads of under 1000kg”.

• The current payloads for the GLS and GSR are 1075kg and 1030kg respectively, with these variants continuing to be offered alongside the lower payload variant options. 

• Prices for the under and over one-tonne variants will be the same at $59,090 for the GLS and $64,840 for the GSR, before on-road costs.

• The new payload options will be available on vehicles produced from August.  

Chery wants to be bigger than Kia in the UK: report 

• Chery’s UK director, Victor Zhang, has told media that the Chinese brand has bold targets and will launch Omoda and Jaecoo to that market, much like the situation in Australia.

• When asked about sales targets, Zhang said that “It’s not easy to answer, but I hope in five years time that we can get a similar market share as Kia”.

• In Australia, Chery currently has a 0.7 percent share of the new car market, compared to Kia’s 6.5 percent market share. 

• Chery sells three models in Australia, the Omoda 5 small SUV, the Tiggo 7 SUV and the Tiggo 8 Pro Max SUV. 

• Chery will launch its Jaecoo brand in Australia, along with a new BEV version of the Omoda 5, called the E5. 

First ever electric Dodge Charger priced at AUD$94K 

• Dodge has announced US pricing for its first ever electric muscle car, the Charger Daytona, with the model set to start at USD$61,950 (AUD$94,000) for the 370kW Daytona R/T. 

• Pricing will top out at USD$75,185 (AUD$114,000) for the 500kW Daytona Scat Pack. The model is set to go into production in America in the first half of 2025.  

• The Charger has been priced more expensive than the Ford Mustang Mach-E in the US, which tops out at USD$55,890 in GT guise.

• The upcoming electric Dodge Charger has not yet been confirmed by the Stellantis’ Australian division

Mitsubishi Triton GLS reviewed

• Chasing Cars journalist Zak Adkins’ review of the 2024 Mitsubishi Triton GLS was published, including his thoughts on the new-generation ute and how it stacks up against key rivals.
  

• Adkins reported several key positives for the Triton including a frugal and grunty 2.4-litre bi-turbo diesel engine, lots of practicality, impressive payload and plenty of standard safety tech.
  

• However, some things he thought could be improved in future included the very annoying driver monitoring system, a somewhat confused transmission, the loud and rattly nature of the 2.4-litre engine and it’s certainly not as cheap as it once was.
  

• In conclusion, Adkins thought that although the new Triton doesn’t shift the ute game forward astronomically, it does a solid job of offering plenty of options for the Aussie buyer.

READ: Link to full written review 

The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Monday 12 August at 4.30pm Sydney time.