Every important car news story breaking today, in one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Tuesday 27 August 2024. Notably in car news today: BYD is set to build a new model called the Seal 06 GT that could compete with the MG4 XPower, while Ford has developed a rough and ready Sasquatch package for its Bronco Sport model in the USA.
Global Chinese automaker BYD is set to build a serious rival to take on the MG4 XPower and it’s called the Seal 06 GT.
Developed as a hatchback version of the current electric Seal sedan, the BYD Seal 06 GT is very likely to use a 160kW rear-mounted electric motor in base guise, and up to a 310kW dual-motor electric model in flagship configuration, according to reports from Car News China.
That will be an almost perfect match for the MG4 XPower that produces 320kW of power and 600Nm of torque, a model which is also a dual motor.
The Seal 06 GT will also feature a 72.96kWh lithium-iron phosphate blade battery, 550km of range, 800-volt architecture, a 23,000rpm electric motor and continuous damping control suspension.
The new model is set to debut at the Chengdu Auto Show on 30 August 2024.
Ford of America debuts Bronco Sport Sasquatch off-roader we won’t get in Oz
The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport with Sasquatch package
Ford USA has developed a new Sasquatch off-road package for its Bronco Sport model, making the model a serious competitor for the likes of the Jeep Wrangler.
Think of the model a bit like a Bronco Raptor but without big power engine upgrades!
Available on the 1.5-litre Bronco Outer Banks and 2.0-litre Badlands models, the Sasquatch package adds large29-inch all-terrain tyres, off road GOAT (goes over any type of terrain) mode, a one-pedal trail mode, 360-degree camera, new Bilstein rear shock absorbers and revised front and rear springs.
The Sasquatch variant rounds out the package with a front brush guard, steel skid plates and “accessory-ready” front and rear bumpers. Four recovery points are also standard.
Inside, standard equipment includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 13.2-inch centre touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Bronco Sport with Sasquatch package will go on sale in the USA in the first quarter of 2025. We wish it came here!
Why is Chinese automaker SAIC paying twice the tariff in Europe over BYD?
MG’s parent SAIC is being hit by big tariffs in Europe
Tariffs are now in place throughout the European Union for Chinese vehicle imports from brands such as MG, Geely and BYD.
However, MG’s parent group, SAIC Motors, will be forced to pay a 36.3 percent tariff on top of existing customs duties, while BYD will only pay 17 percent.
According to Automotive News Europe, the reason for this is largely to do with cooperation with the EU and government lobbying.
BYD and Geely, in contrast, have already “pro-actively engaged international law firms and conducted thorough data collection” to provide the EU with necessary data about importing said electric cars to Europe.
Some have viewed SAIC’s heavy tariffs as “harsh”, but this won’t stop the brand from selling new vehicles in Europe, such as the luxury MG Cyberster electric sports car.
Meanwhile, in Canada, a 100 percent tariff has been announced on EVs built and imported from China.
Cupra Terramar teased, debuts September 3rd
The new teaser for the upcoming Cupra Terramar
Spanish automaker Cupra has teased its next model online, the Terramar, which will have its time on the world stage on 3 September.
Debuting as a hybrid midsize SUV, the Terramarwill begin production this year and will feature the choice of ICE engines or a plug-in hybrid system with an electric range of roughly 100 kilometres.
Cupra has stated that the Terramar integrates “the next generation of eHybrid technology, greater digitalisation and sustainability features, while enhancing driving performance”.
The Terramar will be later followed by the Urban Rebel small electric vehicle based on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform.
Chasing Cars founder Tom Baker’s written review of the 2024 BYD Sealion 6 Dynamicwas published, including his thoughts and first impressions on BYD’s first midsize hybrid SUV for Australia.
In terms of positives, Baker found the Sealion to be spectacular value for money, capable of travelling around 1500km and also possessing a smooth hybrid system.
Things that Baker thought could be improved included a weak underlying combustion engine, oversensitive safety tech and the fact that the BYD has a shorter warranty than most.
All in all, Tom Baker gave the model a rating of 8.5/10 and stated that “BYD isn’t playing around. If we were a product planner at an established marque, we’d be worried. But if we were a buyer, we’d be rejoicing for the effects this audacious new competitor should bring to the market”.
