Car news, 2 August ’24: Toyota Land Cruiser Prado orders set to open within weeks, updated GR Corolla revealed, and more
Olek Novak
Contributor
Every important car news story breaking today, in one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Friday 2 August 2024. Notably in car news today: new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado orders are set to open by the end of the month, and Toyota takes the wraps off its updated automatic GR Corolla.
New Prado orders open by end of month; here by end of year
Toyota Australia has confirmed that orders for the new-generation Land Cruiser Pradolarge SUV will open by the end of August, with the official launch to take place in the fourth quarter of this year.
All new Prados will continue to be offered with the 1GD 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder in Australia, however the engine is now mated to Toyota’s 48-volt assisted stop-start system referred to as ‘V-Active’.
Orders for the new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado will open in August
Toyota has confirmed combined efficiency figures of 7.6L/100km, an improvement on the 7.9L/100km for the outgoing variants.
Pricing for the new Prado kicks off from $72,500 before on-road costs for the entry-level GX, stretching up to $99,950 for the top-of-the-range Kakadu – click the link below for more information.
Toyota has confirmed its updated GR Corolla hot hatch will land in Australia in the last quarter of 2024, with mechanical and styling updates, as well as an automatic transmission for the first time.
Changes include a redesigned bumper and retuned suspension, as well as updates to the 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbo engine which now produces more torque for total outputs of 221kW/400Nm, an additional 30Nm over the pre-update version.
The updated GR Corolla will now have an automatic option
As well as the current six-speed manual, the refreshed GR Corolla will be available with an eight-speed automaticoption for the first time, which Toyota says is tuned for track driving with paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel.
Further information and pricing will be revealed closer to launch.
Next-generation Y63 Nissan Patrol to be unveiled next month
The first all-new NissanPatrol large SUV in 15 years – codenamed Y63 – will be fully revealed on September 4.
Teaserimages are appearing each week on the brand’s Middle East website focusing on a different element of the new vehicle, the first being the Patrol’s new grille, which looks similar in shape to the current Y62 grille sans its chrome surrounds, and with the addition of a honeycomb-like pattern.
Nissan is teasing the Y63 Patrol ahead of its reveal next month
Headline changes for the next-generation Patrol will be the discontinuation of its famed V8 powertrain, to be replaced by a more fuel efficient twin-turbo petrol-powered V6.
Chasing Cars journalist Zak Adkins is currently spending a week with the current V8-powered Y62 Patrol in Ti-L guise, with a Patrol Warrior due into the garage next week – stay tuned for full reviews on both very soon as we begin to say farewell to the Y62 Nissan.
Updated Renault Arkana launches in Australia
Renault has updated its Arkana small coupe-style SUV for 2024 with a renamed line-up, refreshed looks and updated specifications.
The new line-up for the SUV – which has been around since 2019 – will consist of two trim levels at launch, the mid-spec Techno and top-of-the-range Esprit Alpine, replacing the Intens and RS-Line. Prices for these two variants are unchanged from their predecessors at $41,000 and $45,000 respectively, before on-road costs.
The Renault Arkana small SUV lineup has undergone a mid-life update
The current entry-level Zen is also set to be replaced by a new entry-level Evolution, however this will come at a later date, with pricing not yet confirmed.
While the 1.3-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol powertrain and other mechanical elements are unchanged, the refreshed Arkana scores additional safety and driver-assistance features and an updated interior too.
Skoda Kamiq Select 2024 reviewed
Chasing Cars journalist Zak Adkin’s review of the 2024 Skoda Kamiq Select was published, taking a close look at the updated and refreshed model in ‘Select’ entry-level guise.
The Kamiq has long been a Chasing Cars favourite, having won our Small SUV Megatest in 2022, and the positive appraisal looks set to continue for 2024.
Brimming with equipment for its persuasive $34K driveaway sticker, the turbo-triple Kamiq Select combines unexpected interior luxury and textural finishes with a terrific drivetrain and chassis.
Its 10.1-second 0-100km/h time is hardly what you’d call rapid, but the Kamiq Select is all about making the most of what it has – and having fun doing it, with Adkins praising the vehicle’s characterful persona.
