Car news, 26 Sept ’24: new hope the Ford Bronco could make its way downunder, Audi prepares new model onslaught, and more
Olek Novak
Contributor
Every important car news story breaking today, in one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Thursday 26 September 2024. Notably in car news today: right-hand-drive production could finally be on the cards for the Ford Bronco, and Audi prepares for a new model onslaught in 2025.
Currently produced in left-hand-drive only, the sixth-generation FordBronco has been ruled out for the Australian market numerous times, but there is a glimmer of hope that could change, at least according to Ford’s globalCEO, JimFarley.
Speaking to the UK’s Car magazine, Farley indicated that right-hand production could be green-lit when asked about the chances of the Bronco coming to the fellow right-hook UK market to compete with Land Rover.
There is hope that the Ford Bronco could one day make its way downunder
“The big Bronco will do right-hand drive and I think it’s worth a try”, Farley said, before then referencing Ford’s sale of Land Rover to Tata in 2008: “We had a break-up with a marriage there. The next step is to go dating again, right?”
The Bronco is closely related to Australia’s top-selling Ranger ute and Everest large SUV, part of the reason it has previously been ruled out for Australia. However, local fans of the Bronco, which has generated a glowing reception for its current retro-styled sixth-generation, will be pleased to hear the news that could fan the flames for a potential Australian release.
Audi Australia to bring three new electric models, new hybrid tech in 2025
Audi’s local arm has locked in a stack of new releases for next year, including the launch of three new electric models and updatedhybridtech, too.
The brand’s new ‘mild-hybrid plus’ system is set to feature in a range of models, including the new A5 and next Q5 SUV, and works as a beefier mild-hybrid system with a larger battery pack and two electric motors standard.
Audi is preparing for a new model onslaught
The three electric models set to arrive in Australia during 2025 will be the Q4, Q6 and A6E-Tron models. The Q6 E-Tron will be the first to use the Volkswagen Group’s new PPEplatformarchitecture (shared with the electric Porsche Macan).
Pricing is yet to be confirmed for the Q6 and A6 E-Trons, however Audi has announced that the Q4 E-Tron will have a starting price of $84,900 before on-road costs.
Electric Skoda Elroq set to make its debut on 1 October
Skoda is set to show the world its next electric car, the Elroq small SUV, on 1 October this year.
Based on the MEBplatform that underpins other Volkswagen Group models such as the VolkswagenID3 and CupraBorn, the Elroq will sit below the Enyaq electric SUV.
The Skoda Elroq will be fully unveiled in October
According to reports from Autocar, the Elroq is expected to have a price tag of around £30,000 to £35,000, or the equivalent of around AUD$60,000.
It’s speculated that the Elroq is likely to use an 82kWh battery and could introduce a more budget-friendly 58kWh pack at a later stage.
While most info on this car is still under wraps, the Elroq will use a large 13.0-inch touchscreen, while the interior will also use sustainable materials.
German tuning house turns Ferrari Purosangue into the ‘Pugnator’
Ferrari’sfirstSUV was already destined to be controversial enough, but now German luxury car modification firm Mansory has revealed the ‘Pugnator’, a modified version of the Purosangue which, ahem… well, you be the judge of the looks!
A complete vehicle conversion of the four-seat Purosangue sees it gain a bonnet made from through-coloured forged carbon, along with several other add-on parts around the body, newly designed rims, and a power increase to 563kW/730Nm for the 6.5-litre V12 that lies under the bonnet.
What do you think of the Pugnator?
Finished in a special ‘Vermillion’ paint colour the Pugnator also enjoys enlarged air intakes as part of a redesigned front apron and a two-part roof edge spoiler – a subtle overhaul this is not.
Mansory was founded in the late 1980s and has made a name for itself in the luxury car modification business.
Australia’s best midsize SUVs compared: guide content
The Chasing Cars team has recently put together a helpful comparisonguide on midsizeSUVs and the key benefits of the popular segment.
Midsize SUVs are purchased more than any other vehicle type on Australian roads, so we picked out the best of the segment to help you choose the right vehicle.
Check out the Chasing Cars midsize SUV comparison guide!
We chose the popular ToyotaRAV4 as our number one, followed by the Mazda CX-5 in second, Nissan X-Trail in third, SubaruForester fourth and the VolkswagenTiguan rounding out the pack in fifth place.
We considered the following factors when considering which midsize SUV was best: price range, fuel efficiency, interior styling and technology, passenger and cargo space and standard safety features.
You can check out more at the link to the guide below!
