Every important car news story breaking today, in one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Thursday 29 August 2024. Notably in car news today: MG has unveiled its second-generation ZS small SUV, and Renault Australia is likely to bring hot electrified models to our shores, rather than ICE ones.
MG has announced its next MG ZS small SUV, a model which has been redesigned in line with the recently-launched MG3 hatch and HS midsize SUV models.
MG in the United Kingdom has confirmed the MG ZS will share its powertrain with the MG3 hatch, a hybrid system which consists of a 1.5-litre petrol four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce a combined 144kW.
This powertrain will be assisted by a 1.83kWh battery pack and has an official fuel economy of just 4.2L/100km.
The MG ZS electric version, called simply the ZS EV, is also expected to get a new generation soon and, according to Autocar, will be based on the same MSP underpinnings as the MG4 and the Cyberster sports car.
Renault Australia could bring hybrid or electric performance cars in the future
The electric Renault 5 could come to Australia
Renault Australia is very interested in bringing hot versions of its range to market in the near future… but they likely won’t be ICE cars.
Speaking with Chasing Cars at the launch of the Arkana coupe SUV, Renault’s general manager Glen Sealey said that “I can see the investment (in Europe) will go into electrification performance with something like Alpine, as opposed to internal combustion engine performance”.
One of the first models to possibly launch in Australia is the highly-anticipated, retro-inspired Renault 5.
While Sealey would not say yes or no as to whether the model would come to Australia, he did add that “we are working on all of that right now… That’s a car I would love to own”.
Renault has a busy 12 months in Australia and will rejuvenate the existing range, as well as add new models very soon.
Smart #5 makes its debut
This is the new Smart #5 electric SUV
Smart has unveiled its #5 midsize SUV at the model’s global reveal in Byron Bay, New South Wales.
Designed as a more rugged SUV, the #5 is exclusively electric powered and uses a 100kWh lithium-ion battery pack to power what is likely to be, but yet to be confirmed, dual motor all-wheel drive.
Standard features include a 20-speaker Sennheiser sound system, 256-colour ambient lighting, 25.6-inch head-up display, a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster, two 13-inch AMOLED displays and an AI voice assistant.
Smart says its #5 will go on sale in Europe at the beginning of 2025.
Renault Australia: “Never say never” to hybrid Arkana SUV
The Renault Arkana could get a hybrid version with time
Renault Australia could be looking at options of an electrified Arkana small SUV in the future, with its general manager Glen Sealey saying “never say never” to the idea.
In Europe, the Arkana is offered with a E-Tech full hybrid model that consists of a 108kW powertrain with a four-cylinder combustion engine and two electric motors.
Fuel efficiency is as low as 4.7L/100km overseas, which would best the current Arkana’s fuel rating by more than a litre.
Renault Australia isn’t concerned about the brand’s positioning with the looming NVES (New Vehicle Efficiency Standard) that is due to go into effect in 2025. The brand has one electric vehicle in Australia currently, the Megane E-Tech.
Ford Ranger Tremor reviewed
Chasing Cars digital production specialist Tom Place’s road review of the 2024 Ford Ranger Tremorwas published, including his very first impressions on the latest variant to join Australia’s best-selling ute.
Place thought that there were several positives to the Tremor including genuine off-road capability, sub-$70K price, full-time four-wheel-drive functionality and the fact that the variant retains a 3500kg towing capacity.
In terms of places to improve, Place said that the lack of a V6 option, only 1150 units available for Australian customers and that it’s less comfortable than rivals were points worth mentioning.
All in all, Place concluded his review by recommending the Tremor as a solid offering that lies on its underpinnings, rather than adding additional luxuries that are not necessarily always needed.
