Every important car news story breaking today, in one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Wednesday 9 October 2024. Notably in car news today: Mini is bringing the new convertible Cooper hatch to Australia next year, and a divided European Union has voted in favour of additional tariffs on Chinese electric cars.
Mini bringing the convertible Cooper hatchback in Q1, 2025
Mini Australia has confirmed it will bring a new-generation Cooper convertible to local shores, with its launch officially locked in for the first quarter of 2025.
As demand for convertibles begins to soften, Mini is pushing ahead and will offer the Cooper with a drop top in C, S and a performance grade, likely to be badged as a JCW. A pure electric convertible has not been confirmed.
The new Mini Cooper Convertible
Instead, three four-cylinder engines will be available globally, including a 120kW/250Nm C, a 150kW/300Nm S and an unspecified JCW tune, likely to produce around 190kW of power.
Standard features for the convertible Mini carry on from the hard top, and will include a central OLED touchscreen display, toggle switch bar for driving modes, head-up display, and four seat layout.
Local pricing and more information on specification will be announced closer to launch.
EU approves tariffs on Chinese EVs as negotiations continue
A proposal to import additional tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles sold in European Union member countries has now obtained the required support to proceed, according to a statement from the European Commission.
The new tariffs – which would be applied by manufacturer and be as high as 40 percent – have divided the EU, with Automotive News reporting that 10 member states voted for, 12 abstained, and five others including Germany voted against.
Chinese EVs like the MG4 will be hit by EU tariffs
This latest news follows on from an EU investigation launched last year which published draft findings concluding that “the BEV value chain in China benefits from unfair subsidisation, which is causing a threat of economic injury to EU BEV producers”.
While the EU can now move forward with the tariffs, the European Commission stated that: “the EU and China continue to work hard to explore an alternative solution that would have to be fully WTO-compatible, adequate in addressing the injurious subsidisation established by the Commission’s investigation, monitorable and enforceable.”
Definitive findings from the EU investigation must be published by October 30.
Honda spruiks further detail on new ‘0 Series’ EV model lineup
The brand is promising seven new EVs from the series, going into production from 2025, with one model landing every year from 2026 to 3030.
The Honda 0 series saloon car
Crucially, the brand is spruiking technological innovations and advancements that it sees as key in combating stiff competition from Chinese manufacturers and Tesla, including new megacasting production techniques that will significantly reduce the number of components needed for the EVs and allow for a weight reduction of 100kg compared to Honda’s first EVs.
Honda says it will develop an original vehicle OS for the 0 Series as well as new advanced automated driving tech and a steer-by-wire steering system, amongst other features.
As reported in Automotive News, Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe said of its future EV strategy: “In this period of once-in-a-century change, we believe we can’t win against new rivals, such as BYD and Tesla, if we simply continue on our existing business path. Unless we create a value that is competitive globally, a company our size will not be able to survive”.
Chevrolet confirms first hybrid Corvette and hi-po Z06 local pricing
GMSV, the local distributor ofChevrolet, has announced pricing and specifications for its first ever hybrid C8 Corvette, the E-Ray, as well as the top-spec Z06 variant.
The hybrid E-Ray has been priced in Australia from $275,000 before on-road costs, while the Z06 commands an even higher premium, priced from $336,000 before on-road costs.
The new Corvette E-Ray has been priced from $275,000 plus on-road costs
Although very similar in shape and size, the E-Ray and Z06 are two different beasts, on one hand the first hybrid Corvette E-Ray uses an additional electric motor supporting a 6.2-litre V8 engine to produce outputs of 488kW/806Nm.
On another extreme, the Z06 variant utilises a smaller displacement, 5.5-litre flat-plane crank naturally-aspirated V8 engine that produces 475kW/595Nm and revs to a lofty 8600rpm.
Standard equipment on both models includes performance magnetic suspension, staggered 20- and 21-inch alloy wheels (different designs for each variant), eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, carbon-ceramic brakes and unique rear spoilers for downforce.
The new E-Ray and Z06 versions of the Corvette are available now in Australia and New Zealand.
2025 Volkswagen Tiguan reviewed
Chasing Cars contributor Daniel Gardner’s written and video reviews of the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan was published, including his thoughts on the next generation of Volkswagen midsize SUV.
In terms of positives, Gardner found the new Tiguan featured amazing digital screens, a massive boot and a sharp handling package.
In terms of some downsides, Gardner mentioned less edgy exterior styling, no hybrids available (for now) and the 110TSI lacks some performance.
Reviewer Gardner finished his written review by stating that “Anyone who has enjoyed living with a Volkswagen Tiguan for its excellent balance of practicality, right-sized dimensions and fun handling will love the third-generation model”.
