Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Monday July 22nd 2024. Notably in car news today: new Cupra Ateca base model brings cost of entry down by $10K, Chevrolet reinvests in petrol and diesel engines, and more.
New Cupra Ateca base model brings price down by $10K
The Cupra Ateca is getting a cheaper variant!
The Cupra Ateca midsize SUV is welcoming a new entry-grade model to the range, bringing cost of entry down by more than $10,000.
Previously only available in a single specification VZx for $63,490 before on-road costs, the new entry-grade ‘V’ will be available with an introductory price offer of $49,888 driveaway at launch.
Like the entry-level Leon V hatch and Formentor V SUV, the Ateca V is powered by the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 140kW/320Nm, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, as compared to the more expensive Ateca VZx which delivers 221kW of power.
Key features include 19-inch alloy wheels, sports bumpers, LED headlights, a black leather interior, power driver’s seat with memory, wireless phone charging, heated front seats and steering wheel, 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, and 9.2-inch media system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The midsize SUV, which dates back to 2016 in its current-generation, is the brand’s second best-selling vehicle in Australia with 239 deliveries so far in 2024, behind the Formentor (949), but ahead of the Leon hatchback (224) and Born electric hatch (174).
Chevrolet joins Audi and BMW with investing in combustion platforms
The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV
Much like Audi and BMW, Chevrolet isn’t stopping internal combustion engines any time soon as interest in EVs globally drops below original expectations.
The American automaker, owned by General Motors, is investing in petrol and diesel, according to reports from Automotive News.
Both Chevrolet and GMC have not locked in timing for an all-electric future, which might just be the safe bet as some electric vehicle demand softens.
Chevrolet will continue to offer ICE versions of the Tahoe large SUV, Silverado pickup, Colorado pickup, Equinox SUVand Traverse three-row SUV, while also offering electric versions of the Silverado pickup, Blazer SUV and the Equinox SUV.
An all-electric Camaro could come in the future, while the Corvette could go all electric by around 2028.
Renault Kangoo van gains three new variants, priced from $38K
Renault has added three petrol variants to its Kangoo range
Renault Australia has confirmed pricing and specifications for an additional three petrol variants of its Kangoo van.
Pricing starts from $38,990 before on-road costs for the short wheelbase manual and up to $43,990 before on-road costs for the long wheelbase with dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Power for all variants comes from a turbocharged 1.3-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 96kW/240Nm. It’s efficiency is rated at 6.4L/100km for the manual and 6.2L/100km for the automatic variants.
Standard equipment includes a 4.2-inch driver cluster, 8.0-inch central touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED headlights, 4.2 cubic metres of cargo space, up to 756kg of payload and a 1500kg braked towing capacity.
The new Renault Kangoo variants are now available to order in Australian showrooms alongside all-electric Kangoo variants.
Honda Civic petrol vs hybrid video comparison
A new Chasing Cars comparison of the 2024 Honda Civic hybrid and petrol variants was published, testing out which had the best fuel economy of the duo.
With hybrids commanding a sizeable share of automotive sales in Australia, the team set out to test whether the high-spec hybrid Civic e-HEV RS can really justify its $7800 premium over the entry-grade non-hybrid VTi-LX through savings at the fuel pump.
In a real-world test scenario, we drove across multiple highway and urban stints to find out, delivering surprising results with combined figures of 6.39L/100km for the petrol variant (compared to a 6.3L/100km claim) and 4.47L/100km for the hybrid (compared to 4.2L/100km claim).
Our results showed that it would take some 14 years of driving at 15,000kms per year (at an average cost of fuel of $2 per litre) in order to make up the price premium for the hybrid – however, It’s important to note the hybrid Civic doesn’t only have fuel economy gains, but also adds additional features like a panoramic sunroof and full leather interior, and a more powerful powertrain.
Nissan Navara Pro-4X reviewed
The current Nissan Navara Pro-4X
Chasing Cars journalist Zak Adkins’ written review of the 2024 Nissan Navara Pro-4X was published, including his thoughts on Nissan’s dual cab ute and whether or not it can keep up with the likes of the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger.
Adkins found the willing and linear 2.3-litre turbo-diesel engine, settled ride quality and livability around town to be the strong points of the ute in 2024.
However, some points to improve included a slow steering rack, limited rear space, the need for newer infotainment and wired smartphone mirroring only.
Adkins concluded his review by recommending the Navara as a bit of an underdog and a great lifestyle ute that also looks pretty tough!
