Car news, 10 Apr ’24: Toyota reveals new-gen 4Runner SUV, Ford updates its Mustang Mach-E electric SUV, and more
Olek Novak
Contributor
Thanks for joining us this Wednesday April 10th 2024. Notably in car news today: Toyota USA has pulled the covers off its new 4Runner that shares its underpinnings with the Tacoma pickup, and Ford is set to update the Mustang Mach-E for 2024 with longer range and more power available for the top-spec GT.
The first all-new Toyota 4Runner large SUV in 15 years has been revealed globally by Toyota, showcasing a new bold and chunky design inside and out.
Gone is the 4Runner’s V6, replaced by two engine options – a turbocharged 2.4 litre inline-four cylinder engine making for 207kW/429Nm and, crucially, a hybrid option for the first time which adds an electric motor and brings outputs up to 243kW/630Nm.
The sixth-generation Toyota 4Runner has been revealed overseas
A chunky exterior design is matched inside with an equally utilitarian interior which employs a large 14-inch centre touch screen on higher trim levels.
Closely related to the Tacoma pickup, the body-on-frame SUV rides on Toyota’s TNGA-F architecture that also underpins the Tundra and Land Cruiser. Sadly, the nameplate that hasn’t been sold in Australia for decades will go on sale overseas later this year, but is unlikely for local release.
Ford announces updated Mach-E electric SUV for 2024
Ford USA has announced it has updated its Mach-Eelectric SUV for 2024, adding more power as an option for the GT and extended electric range across the variant lineup.
Along with a new Rally variant of the electric midsize SUV, the Blue Oval has also created a new Performance Upgrade for the dual-motor GT flagship that adds an additional 135Nm of torque, putting the GT just shy of 1000Nm.
Ford has revealed a new Rally variant of its Mustang Mach-E electric SUV
Although Ford has not touched the battery of the Mach-E, it has managed to extract an extra 32km of range for Premium and Select variants, and an extra 16km for the GT.
Ford claims that by utilising a new rear motor, it has been able to make the electric SUV more efficient.
But will the updated 2024 Mach-E come to Australia? A Ford Australia spokesperson confirmed to Chasing Cars today that the updated electric SUV will be coming to Australia, but not until 2025.
Kia announces electric roadmap, wants to bring 15 EVs by 2027
Kia has held its 2024 CEO Investor Day and has been very clear about its goals for a fully electric future as it competes with EV juggernauts such as Tesla and BYD.
The Korean brand wants to strengthen its EV position by having 15 EV models on sale by 2027. The ultimate goal is to sell as much as 1.6 million EVs by that time.
The Kia EV5 is one of several upcoming new electric vehicles from the Korean brand
Kia is set to produce electric vehicles across 13 factories globally, with models to include the cut-priced EV2 small car, the EV3 small SUV, the EV4 coupe-like SUV and the Sportage-sized EV5.
In 2024, Kia is set to launch the next Cerato, also known as the K4 sedan, as well as the EV3. Three ‘product enhancement models’ will include the EV6, K8 sedan and the Sportage SUV.
BMW to partner with Rimac for battery technology
Rimac, the Croatia-based company behind the widely reported Nevera supercar, has secured a deal with BMW to focus on supplying batteries.
It’s been reported that Rimac could supply batteries for the Neue Klasse cars coming in 2026, though this has not yet been confirmed by the BMW Group.
Rimac could supply batteries for new-generation BMW EVs like the Neue Klasse X (concept pictured)
Rimac has said that the partnership would be “the largest and most ambitious project the company had ever undertaken” at the Rimac Campus. Battery units will be built at this very facility in Croatia.
The Rimac Group is currently owned by several different companies, including Porsche who owns 22 percent and Hyundai/Kia who holds 11 percent of ownership.
2024 Skoda Kamiq Run-Out reviewed
Chasing Cars editor Tom Baker’s review of the 2024 Skoda Kamiq Run-Out was published, including his thoughts on why the cheapest Skoda variant is ultimately the best variant.
Baker found that the Kamiq has much “maturity and sophistication” at a seriously attainable level and that it was one of the very best small SUVs in the Australian market.
Chasing Cars‘ Editor Tom Baker was impressed by the Skoda Kamiq Run-Out
There were very few downsides with the Kamiq that Baker mentioned, but the need for premium 95-octane unleaded did make the list.
Although Baker would recommend the $37,990 Kamiq Style, the $32,990 runout model “definitely deserves consideration”, with plenty of stock now available for Aussie buyers.
