Car news, 14 August ’24: Mazda BT-50 joins D-Max with recall, facelifted i30 hatch is $12,000 more expensive, and more

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Thanks for joining us this Wednesday 14 August 2024. Notably in car news today: the Mazda BT-50 has been recalled with over 55,000 vehicles affected, and the Hyundai i30 has been detailed and priced, but it’s more expensive than before.

Browse this issue:

• Mazda BT-50 recalled; over 55,000 vehicles affected
• Facelifted i30 hatch detailed; cost-of-entry up $12K
• Mercedes-AMG GT 63 pricing launched for Australia
• Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray price and specs announced for Australia
• Reviewed: 2024 Suzuki Jimny XL

Mazda BT-50 recalled; over 55,000 vehicles affected

• Mazda has issued a recall notice for its BT-50 ute, affecting 55,738 vehicles powered by the model’s 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine produced between 2020 and 2024.

• The recall notice states: “due to a manufacturing defect in the Engine Control Module (ECM), the fuel pump control valve may remain ‘open’ and fuel supply may be interrupted. If this occurs, the engine could stall resulting in a loss of power.”

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

• Mazda Australia says it will contact affected customers and advise them to take their vehicle to Mazda dealers to update the ECM free of charge. 

• The recall notice follows a recall notice late last week – also for an ECM issue – which affected over 150,000 Isuzu D-Max utes, a close relative of the BT-50 that shares the same powertrain and underpinnings.

Facelifted Hyundai i30 hatch detailed; cost-of-entry up $12K

• Hyundai has released details for its facelifted and significantly streamlined i30 hatchback range which has seen the discontinuation of the entry-level i30, Active and Elite grades. 

• Aside from the range-topping N-Performance model which continues unchanged, the i30 hatch will now be offered exclusively in sportier N-Line and N-Line Premium grades powered by a new 1.5-litre four cylinder turbo featuring 48-volt mild hybrid technology.

• Making for 117kW/253Nm, the new unit is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and replaces  both the 2.0-litre and 1.6-litre turbo that featured pre-facelift. 

• Now sourced from Czechia as opposed to South Korea pre-facelift, the new lineup also debuts tweaked exterior styling, new wheels and a bolstered features list which now includes a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, leather and suede appointed seats, and more.

• The N-Line and N-Line Premium are priced at $36,000 and $41,000 respectively before on-road costs, up $3500 and $3700 on their pre-facelift equivalents, however with the discontinuation of lower-grade variants, cost-of-entry has risen significantly from the previous entry-price of $24,000; there are no changes to the i30 sedan lineup which begins at $29,000. 

Mercedes-AMG GT 63 two-door coupe pricing and specs 

• Mercedes-Benz Australia has announced pricing and specifications for its AMG GT 63 two-door coupe, with pricing starting from $366,500 before on-road costs.

• Powering the AMG GT coupe is a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine that produces 430kW of power and 800Nm of torque. This engine is paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission powering all four wheels through a 4Matic system. 

• Mercedes-AMG claims the GT 63 coupe can sprint to 100km/h in just 3.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 315km/h. 

• Standard specs for the V8 coupe includes an 11.9-inch touchscreen, sports seats with inflatable bolsters, Burmester 11 speaker sound system, MBUX satellite navigation, ambient lighting, panoramic sunroof and 21-inch AMG 10-spoke alloy wheels.

• Several option packages are available in Australia for the GT, including the AMG Night Package ($9900), AMG Carbon Fibre package ($12,900) and AMG Performance seat package ($2490). 

• The GT 63 4Matic coupe is available to order in Australia starting today. 

Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray Australian pricing and specs 

• Chevrolet has confirmed pricing and specifications for its hybrid Corvette E-Ray.

• Priced at $275,000 before on-road costs, the E-Ray is $85,000 more expensive than a C8 Corvette 3LT coupe. 

• Powering the first hybrid Corvette is a 6.2-litre V8 paired with a front-axle electric motor to produce total outputs of 488kW/806Nm. This also means that the E-Ray is all-wheel drive, making it the first of its kind in Corvette history. 

• Chevrolet claims that the Corvette E-Ray will be able to sprint to 100km/h in 2.5 seconds. Assisting the E-Ray is a very small 1.9kWh lithium-ion battery pack. 

• Standard features will include staggered 20- and 21-inch alloy wheels, carbon ceramic brakes, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, performance suspension with magnetic ride control and taller rear spoiler for greater downforce on the track. 

• The first hybrid Corvette is soon to launch on local shores, with first deliveries to commence this month.

Suzuki Jimny XL 2024 reviewed

• Chasing Cars contributor Iain Curry review of the 2024 Suzuki Jimny XL 2024 was published, taking a close look at the more practical five-door variant to see if it’s a viable family 4×4 SUV?
  
• Curry noted several positives about the model including aspects such as its more practical cabin and boot, family friendly rear doors, and the fact that the larger variant maintains its lightweight off-road legend.

• In contrast, Curry noted negatives including the “underdone” engine, jittery low-speed ride, questionable safety, and noisy and bumpy highway drive experience.

• Ultimately, Curry noted how hard the vehicle was to score given the above negatives which were in complete contrast to the very high-rating the loveable vehicle achieves when driven in the environment it was designed for – so, not a family 4×4 in any respect, but “bloody brilliant” if you’re a regular off-roader!

READ: Full Suzuki Jimny XL 2024 written review

The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Thursday August 15 at 4.30pm Sydney time.