Car news, 2 October ’24: Skoda’s new-look Elroq electric SUV coming 2025, Mitsubishi’s updated Outlander PHEV unveiled, and more

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Thanks for joining us this Wednesday 2 October 2024. Notably in car news today: Skoda’s new Elroq, the electric replacement for the ICE Karoq small SUV, debuts ‘modern solid’ design, and Mitsubishi pulls the covers off its updated 2025 Outlander PHEV flagship.

Browse this issue:

• Skoda Elroq electric gets its global debut
• New Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV revealed 
• Hyundai now offering off-road-ish XRT packages for Santa Fe in Australia
• Fiat 500e: production halt extended for due to poor EV demand 
• Reviewed: Lexus GX550 Overtrail 2025

Skoda’s electric Elroq debuts ‘modern solid’ design, due 2025   

• Skoda pulled the sheets off its all-new Elroq overnight, the first production model to flaunt the brand’s new ‘modern solid’ design language.  
  

• The eventual successor to today’s Karoq small SUV, the Elroq’s edgy look demonstrates a fresher and sharper look for Skoda, one anchored by a new so-called ‘tech-deck face’ front fascia styling and ‘four-eyed’ light treatment.
  

• Built of the Volkswagen Group’s MEB electric architecture, the Elroq will be offered in four powertrain configurations globally, from 125kW to 210kW in rear-wheel drive and a yet-to-be-disclosed dual-motor AWD spec.
  

• The Elroq is set to debut in Australia in July next year, in wheel tracks of the December arrival of the larger Enyaq SUV. Local specifications are yet to be confirmed.

Facelifted Outlander PHEV and ICE variants set for 2025 launch

• Mitsubishi has revealed its updated and facelifted Outlander in flagship PHEV guise today, promising longer electric driving range from its larger battery pack.
  

• The battery upgrade from 20kWh to 22.7kWh brings an 86km electric-only WLTP claim and a drop to 0.8L/100km consumption (from 1.5L/100km) for the PHEV.
  

• Total system power is up 40kW to 225kW by way of combining a 100kW/203Nm 2.4-litre petrol four, an 85kW/255Nm front motor and 100kW/195Nm rear motor paired to its Super-All Wheel Control drive system.
  

• Updated suspension and enhanced in-cabin tech are confirmed for the Outlander PHEV’s Q1 2025 debut in Europe, though no details have been released for the subsequent PHEV and ICE variants to hit local showrooms later next year.

Hyundai now offering off-road-ish XRT packages for Santa Fe in Australia

• Hyundai Australia is now offering a pair of ‘factory’ XRT off-road-centric upgrade packages for the Santa Fe SUV, available from and fitted by its dealership network.
  

• The XRT Adventure Option Pack brings 17-inch wheels (down from the standard 20s) shod with Pirelli Scorpion all-terrain rubber, off-road suspension with a 30mm lift, an underbody skid plate and mudflaps, at a price of $6900 fitted.
  

• A broader-ranging XRT Peak Option Pack brings the above off-roading addenda while adding a roof platform, 80kg capable roof racks, black heavy-duty side steps and “stylevisors” – a bundle priced at $9900 fitted.
  

• This marks the Australian debut of Hyundai’s off-road XRT branding, which has been applied in the US market to dedicated, enhanced variants of Tucson, Santa Fe and Palisade to date. The US Santa Fe XRT variant fits a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine upgrade.

Fiat 500e: production halt extended for due to poor EV demand 

• Stellantis – the parent company that owns brands like Fiat, Jeep and Alfa Romeo – will extend a recent production halt on the mini-electric Fiat 500e hatchback, citing continued slow demand.

• Originally announced to end on October 11, the production halt for the Italian-built electric city car will now be extended until November 1.

• According to Reuters, Stellantis told trade unions in a statement earlier this week that the EV market in Europe is “in deep trouble”, with Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavaras due to appear at an Italian parliamentary committee next week to discuss the prospects of the manufacturer’s continued production in Italy.

• Chasing Cars currently has the keys to a Fiat 500e – which currently retails at $49,990 driveaway – and we look forward to reviewing very soon; stay tuned. 

Lexus GX550 Overtrail 2025 Reviewed

• Chasing Cars founder Tom Baker’s review of the 2025 Lexus GX550 Overtrail was published –  and having driven prototypes in Japan, production versions in the US, now Baker was finally able to sample an Aussie-spec version on home soil and hot-mix.
  

• The GX is now a true four-wheel drive, dripping cool with charisma and foreshadowing the upcoming Toyota Land Cruiser Prado with a Lexus twin-spin that looks more desirable on paper; and as it turns out, Baker was equally impressed with the localised GX spec in the experience.

• The twin-turbo petrol V6-powered five-seater brings Tonka Truck fun with Lexus luxury, starting from $122,250 list.        

• Not only does it prove a compelling alternative to its big brother LX and Toyota’s Prado and 300 Series, it could well be one of the best executed Lexus models in years. But is it? 

READ: Link to full written review

The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Thursday 3 October at 4.30pm Sydney time.