Car news today: new hope the Ford Bronco could make its way downunder, Audi prepares new model onslaught, and more – 26 September 2024

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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.

Browse this issue:

• Could the Ford Bronco be making its way to Australia?
• Audi Australia to bring three new EVs and new hybrid tech in 2025
• Skoda Elroq electric to debut 1 October 
• German tuning house turns Ferrari Purosangue into the ‘Pugnator’
• Our guide for what midsize SUVs you should buy in Australia now 

Could the Ford Bronco make its way to Australia?

• Currently produced in left-hand-drive only, the sixth-generation Ford Bronco 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 global CEO, Jim Farley.

• 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. 

• “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 updated hybrid tech, 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. 

• The three electric models set to arrive in Australia during 2025 will be the Q4, Q6 and A6 E-Tron models. The Q6 E-Tron will be the first to use the Volkswagen Group’s new PPE platform architecture (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 MEB platform that underpins other Volkswagen Group models such as the Volkswagen ID3 and Cupra Born, the Elroq will sit below the Enyaq electric SUV.

• 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’s first SUV 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.

• 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 comparison guide on midsize SUVs 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.
  

• We chose the popular Toyota RAV4 as our number one, followed by the Mazda CX-5 in second, Nissan X-Trail in third, Subaru Forester fourth and the Volkswagen Tiguan 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!
  

READ: Link to in depth midsize SUV  comparison guide 

The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Friday 27 September at 4.30pm Sydney time.