Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Wednesday June 19th 2024. Notably in car news today: BMW has revealed its new, fourth-generation X3 SUV, and Hyundai Australia has announced pricing and specification for its Tucson SUV which now has hybrid power.
BMW’s new-generation X3 midsize SUV, the ‘G45’, has been unveiled globally, revealing a new look exterior and interior design for the vehicle which is set to debut in Australian showrooms in the first quarter of 2025.
The new X3 will launch locally with two variants, the 20 xDrive and the M50 xDrive, meaning the xDrive 30d and xDrive 30e plug-in hybrid will no longer be offered in Australia, for now.
Pricing information is expected to follow in the coming months, with BMW detailing specifications for the two-grade lineup which will include features like 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive suspension and BMW’s latest iDrive Operating System 9 as standard, with the top spec M50 xDrive scoring features like 21-inch alloy wheels and an M Sport package.
Both variants will be powered by BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system and feature mild-hybridisation, with the 20 xDrive featuring a 2.0-litre four cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and 13kW electric motor (153kW/330Nm total outputs), and the M50 xDrive a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six, also mated to the same 48-volt mild hybrid system and electric motor (293kW/580Nm).
Hyundai Australia announces pricing and specifications for its 2025 Tucson SUV
Hyundai has priced its 2025 Tucson SUV for Australia
Hyundai has announced pricing and features for its 2025 Tucson midsize SUV, with price-of-entry now starting $3450 more than before. The entry-level Tucson now costs $39,100 before on-road costs.
Pricing tops out at $59,600 before on-road costs for the flagship Hybrid. Hyundai has removed the pre-existing Highlander nameplate and replaced it with Tucson, Tucson Elite and Tucson Premium variants.
Speaking of hybrids, the Tucson has gained a 1.6-litre petrol four-cylinder with the addition of an electric motor for the first time. It’s very similar to the engine found in the related Kia Sportage.
Two additional powertrains will be offered, including a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol and a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder. You can no longer purchase a turbo-diesel Tucson in Australia.
Standard equipment for the 2025 Tucson includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 4.0-inch instrument cluster, wireless phone charging, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and tail lights, dual-zone climate control and a leather-appointed steering wheel.
The new Tucson SUV is now available to order from Hyundai dealerships across the country
Volvo brings back wagons to the UK due to resurgence of the body style
The current Volvo V90 Estate
In a shock move, Volvo is bringing the estate car back to the UK, according to fresh reports from Autocar.
Both the V60 and the V90 wagons are set to go back on sale with mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. Volvo reportedly took its estate wagons off the market overseas to focus instead on SUVs.
In an fairly odd shift, wagons are reportedly having a resurgence in the UK and Europe.
As for Australia, the Volvo V60 Cross Country wagon is still available in Australia, but with Volvo Australia now fully committed to an all-electric future by 2026, it remains to be seen if a potential fully electric successor makes its way to Australia where wagons are less popular.
A larger, fully electric S90 sedan, called the ES90, is expected to be announced next year, with an electric ES60 also very likely to be part of Volvo’s future plans. Both could be available in wagon form, but this is yet to be officially confirmed.
EV manufacturer Fisker files for US bankruptcy
EV manufacturer Fisker is in financial troubles
Fisker, the automotive manufacturer of the Ocean SUV and the former Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid, has filed for bankruptcy in the USA.
The EV maker and startup reported a fourth quarter loss of $463 million after issues arose with distribution and vehicle quality. Fisker registered just 2561 units of its Ocean SUV between January and April 2024.
The Fisker Ocean SUVwas built by contract manufacturer Magna Steyr who came to prominence thanks to its development of the Mercedes-Benz 4Matic all-wheel drive system.
The Ocean is a five-door SUV with either front- or all-wheel drive electric power. It has been sold in the US, Europe and Canada, but did not reach Australian shores.
It’s the second time founder Henrik Fisker has faced financial troubles, as his original Fisker Automotive company filed for bankruptcy in November 2013.
Ford Transit Custom reviewed
Chasing Cars’ digital production specialist Thomas Place’s review of the 2024 Ford Transit Customwas published, including his thoughts and feelings on the new-generation van from the Blue Oval.
Place found the Transit Custom’s independent rear suspension, wider side-loading door and adjustable tray-table-style steering wheel as some of the key positives of this new-generation van.
However, Place also found the lack of a spare wheel and relatively short driving range for the electric version as some areas for Ford to improve on in the future.
In summary, Place concluded that the Transit Custom, at least in electric form, is unlikely to be a cheap purchase, but found it was a quiet and quick way to get around in.
Place said that in terms of cargo space and practicality, there were hardly any differences between an electric and combustion Transit Custom, despite the van carrying a large battery onboard.
The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Thursday 20th June at 4.30pm Sydney time.
