Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Monday June 17th 2024. Notably in car news today: Pricing and specifications have surfaced for Hyundai’s facelifted 2025 Tucson midsize SUV range, and Audi’s full Q4 E-tron lineup revealed for Australia.
2025 Hyundai Tucson facelift pricing and specifications revealed
Pricing and specifications for the facelifted Hyundai Tucson have been revealed
Details for the facelifted 2025 Hyundai Tucson have been revealed, with revised styling, new tech, and price rise and petrol-electric hybrid power replacing the diesel option, which is now discontinued.
The monstrous 17-variant lineup kicks off at $39,100 list for the front-drive 2.0-litre petrol Tucson and tops out with the Tucson Premium N Line Hybrid at $61,100 list. The entry point is now around $5000 pricier than when this generation launched in 2021.
Three trim grades in (just) Tucson, Tucson Elite and Tucson Premium – which replaces the Highlander nameplate – are offered. While the 115kW/192Nm 2.0 N/A remains front drive only, both the 132kW/265Nm1.6 turbo petrol and 169kW/350Nm1.6 turbo petrol hybrid power units can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive.
Exterior changes include front fascia restyling and new wheel designs (in 18in and 19in), while the revised interior brings dual 12.3-inch digital displays to the lineup.
Audi Q4 E-tron full local lineup detailed
Audi has detailed the local lineup for its electric Q4 E-tron SUV
Audi Australia has revealed the full pricing and specifications for the lineup of its newcomer electric Q4 E-tron model, set to go on sale locally in (you guessed it) Q4 this year.
Logically sized between the small Q3 and midsize Q5 SUVs, the Q4 kicks off at $88,300 list for the ‘45’ trim level in choice of wagon or no-cost Sportback coupe body styles. The 45 offers 210kW and 545Nm in single-motor rear-drive form.
The higher-spec ‘55’ trim brings 250kW total power and an additional 134Nm from its dual-motor format (for a 679Nm combined peak). The 55 wagon lists for $108,500, while the sloped roof Sportback wants for an additional $1000 in flagship guise.
Both versions fit 82kWh (gross) batteries, with 135kW and 175kW DC charging rates respectively for the 45 and 55 trims. While a range of up to 562km is claimed in EU specification, Audi Australia is yet to make any range claims for its newcomer lineup.
Electric Mini Aceman confirmed for Q4 local launch
Mini will bring its Aceman five-door crossover to Australia this year
Mini Australia has confirmed that its first all-electric model, the Aceman five-door crossover, will join local showrooms by the end of the year.
The Aceman debuts with a two-variant lineup, starting with the entry Aceman E (for electric) at $55,990 list and topping out with the Aceman SE (for sport electric), priced from $60,990 before on-roads.
The entry Aceman E uses a 38.5kWh-usable battery to deliver 135kW and 290Nm. Advertised peak range is up to 310km WLTP while performance is a claimed 7.9sec 0-100km/h.
The high-spec SE produces a superior 160kW and 330Nm thanks to its larger 49.2kWh-usable battery. Its 0-100km/h performance is said to be 7.1sec.
BYD Atto 3 electric crossover gets a rolling update and pricing cut
BYD has updated its Atto 3 small SUV range with some spec changes and a price drop
BYD has given its funky Atto 3 small electric crossover a spruce up that includes a select number of spec changes and a pricing drop.
Select appearance changes include blackout detailing for some exterior trim and new ‘BYD’ tailgate logo, while a new Cosmos Black paint colour is now offered. Handling now benefits from the fitment of Continental tyres, which replace the unloved outgoing Atlas brand rubber.
Inside, the tricky rotating 12.3-inch media touchscreen has now been upsized to a larger 15.6-inch display, while a new black and blue interior scheme is available in conjunction with specific exterior finishes.
The standard-range variant is now priced at $44,499 with the Extended Range commanding a further $3000, at $47,499. Both are around $3500 more affordable in this update.
Suzuki Swift 2024 reviewed
Chasing Cars contributor Dylan Campbell’s road test of the just-launched 2024 Suzuki Swift Hybrid was published, including insight into the new petrol-electric powertrain and the newcomer’s manner as an urban runabout
Campbell found the Swift’s light weight and compact size make for a fun city machine that’s impressively frugal on consumption as a day-to-day proposition.
However, Campbell describes the ‘hybrid’ system as very mild and noted that the Suzuki offers no pure electric propulsion. Outright performance, too, is lacking for a budget-friendly machine that still requires pricey 95-octane premium fuel.
While offering an improvement for its breed, Campbell recommends not to part with cash in the Swift before cross-shopping the more powerful arch rival, the newly hybrid-ised MG3.
