Every important car news story breaking today, in one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Thursday 7 November 2024. Notably in car news today: GWM will bring a 342kW Haval H6 GT PHEV to Australia with 180km of EV-only range in the first quarter of 2025, and the MG 4 has outsold the Tesla Model Y for October.
GWM opens the order books for Haval H6 GT PHEV with 180km electric range
GWM Australia has confirmed it has opened order books for its Haval H6 GT PHEV, pricing the model from $55,990 driveaway.
The new hybrid variant will have an electric-only range of up to 180km thanks to a large 35.4kWh battery pack.
The Haval H6 GT PHEV has been priced from $55,990 driveaway
Power and performance for the Haval H6 GT PHEV is impressive, with the model set to produce 342kW/762Nm and is capable of sprinting to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds.
Owners will be able to charge the via AC power up to 6.6kW, or up to 48kW with DC power.
The new Haval H6 GT PHEV will arrive in Australian dealerships in the first quarter of 2025.
MG4 budget electric car outsells the Tesla Model Y in October
MG Australia has seen a sizable increase in sales for its MG4 electric car in Australia, selling 1486 units in October.
The model beat the Tesla Model Y midsize electric SUV which sold 1042 units in the same month.
The 2023 MG4 Excite 51
The MG 4 has almost tripled its sales from September, where the model sold just 385 units.
It comes after MG temporarily slashed the price of the base MG4 Excite 51kWh for $30,990 driveaway throughout the month of September.
The MG4 is currently offered from $32,990 driveaway, making it one of the most affordable new electric cars in the Australian market.
Audi Q6 E-Tron: price and specs detailed for Australia
The Audi Q6 E-Tron midsize SUV – a twin under the skin to the new Porsche Macan electric – has been priced for Australia, with a starting price of $115,500 before on-road costs for the entry-grade Performance model.
The Q6 E-Tron range will land in Australia early in 2025 with a choice of three grades, also including a mid-spec Q6 E-Tron Quattro for $122,500 and topping out with an SQ6 E-Tron for $151,400.
The Q6 E-Tron is the first Audi to be based on Volkswagen Group’s PPE (Premium Platform Electric) bespoke EV architecture which was jointly developed with Porsche.
It will compete against premium midsize SUVs like the BMW iX3 and Mercedes Benz EQB and complete Audi’s electric SUV lineup in Australia, slotting in between the smaller Q4 E-Tron and larger Q8 E-Tron, while sharing similar dimensions with the slightly smaller petrol-powered Q5.
Mercedes-Benz adds Avantgarde variant to GLC 300 SUV
Mercedes-Benz has announced pricing for a limited Avantgarde styling package edition of its GLC 300 SUV.
What exactly is an Avantgarde? It’s a higher level of specification over the existing AMG Line, and includes features such as a panoramic glass sunroof, heated front seats and a head-up display.
This is the new Avantgarde variant of the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300
Also included are bi-colour 20-inch alloy wheels, aluminium roof rails, chrome exterior finishes and aluminium-look side running boards.
Powering the GLC 300 is a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine with 48-volt mild hybrid assistance and 190kW/400Nm outputs. Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel drive system is standard.
The Avantgarde variant will be available in limited numbers with a driveaway price of $99,900.
Drive Against Depression ends successful 2024 with South Australian drive
Drive Against Depression (DAD), the Australian organisation supporting mental wellness through a love of driving, is hosting its final drive for 2024 in South Australia on 17 November.
The drive will start from Windy Point, travelling through the Adelaide Hills and on to Birdwood, with the drive programme finishing with a visit to the National Motor Museum.
Drive Against Depression has got another drive in Adelaide for the end of 2024
The drive will be supported by AnglicareSA and its Standby support programme to support those experience mental illness, as well as providing support for those impacted by suicide.
DAD is also on the lookout for event sponsorship and organisational partnerships for 2025.
For more information on the upcoming Adelaide drive and to register, head to Drive Against Depression’s website.
Land Rover Discovery celebrates 35 years with special edition, new engine
Land Rover’s Discovery SUV is turning 35 and to celebrate, the brand will sell a special edition with a new mild-hybrid diesel engine.
Priced from $133,176 before on-road costs, the XXXV Anniversary Edition uses a 3.0-litre Ingenium turbo-diesel straight-six engine with outputs of 257kW/700Nm and also utilises a mild hybrid system for a combined fuel efficiency of 7.8L/100km.
This is the Discovery 35th Anniversary model
Key specification highlights include 18-way heated electric seats, head-up display, wireless phone charging, wireless Apple Carplay and wireless Android Auto, four-zone climate control, 3500kg towing capacity and advanced tow assist.
First deliveries are expected in Australia in December 2024.
Mahindra XUV700 Black Edition reviewed
Chasing Cars deputy editor Curt Dupriez’s written review of the 2024 Mahindra XUV700was published, including his thoughts on the Indian brand’s midsize SUV challenger.
Curt discussed several positives including an enticing price, plenty of standard equipment, willing turbocharged engine and decent ride comfort.
Curt spent some time recently with the Mahindra XUV700 Black Edition
But the Mahindra had some clear downsides, such as small boot space, thirsty engine, lack of a hybrid or diesel offering and carries an unrated safety score.
In summary, Curt said this about the XUV700 Black Edition: “in what it offers for the money, particularly for certain buyer tastes and budgets, the Black Edition is quite enticing indeed. If one that’s hard to recommend against segment sales leaders, budget permitting.”
