Car news, 23 May ’24: Australian pricing lobs for all-hybrid Jeep Compass, Skoda previews new Elroq SUV, and more
Olek Novak
Contributor
Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Thursday May 23rd 2024. Notably in car news today: Jeep confirms local pricing for electrified Compass lineup, and Skoda teases its latest electric SUV, the compact Elroq.
Pricing confirmed for all-hybrid Jeep Compass lineup in Australia
Jeep’s all-hybrid Compass small SUV range will land this June (4xe PHEV pictured)
Jeep has confirmed pricing for its all-hybridCompasssmall SUV lineup, which will effectively replace its current pure-petrol lineup and debut in local dealerships in June with a two-grade lineup.
The new lineup sees the addition of the mild-hybrid Compass e-Hybrid and plug-in hybrid 4xe to the Australian range, with cost of entry to the nameplate now starting at $45,990 before on-road costs for the base-level Limited e-Hybrid, an increase of $4590 over the previous entry-level and now discontinued Night Eagle variant.
Stepping up to the Summit e-Hybrid – which brings additional features such as 19-inch alloys (compared to 18s for the Limited), sunroof, leather and power seats. will set you back $54,990, with the Limited 4xe and Summit 4xe asking $61,990 and $69,990 respectively, all prices before on-road costs.
The Compass e-Hybrid is Jeep’s first-venture into mild-hybridisation, powered by a 1.5-litre engine mated to a seven-speed dual clutch automatic and 48-volt battery. Total outputs for the front-wheel drive model are 96kW/240Nm, with a claimed fuel consumption of 5.1L/100km.
Meanwhile, the 4xe – a claimed 47km pure electric range – is powered by a 1.3-litre turbo engine (132kW/270Nm)with a six-speed automatic, and an electric motor mounted on the rear axle (44kW/250Nm), coupled with an 11.4kWh battery. Total power outputs are 176kW.
Skoda previews new Elroq compact electric SUV
Skoda is teasing its new Elroq compact electric SUV
Czech automaker Skoda has released its first preview of its forthcoming Elroqcompact electric SUV ahead of its full unveiling in the European Autumn.
Naturally, the teaser image of what is described as an electric counterpart to the Skoda Karoq keeps most of the car under wraps, however it reveals hints of the brand’s new ‘Modern Solid’ design language.
The more minimalist look includes a split headlight design, Skoda lettering on the bonnet in place of a regular badge, and a more contemporary, flatter and wider reimagining of Skoda’s traditional grille design.
The Elroq joins the Enyaq and EnyaqCoupe midsize SUVs as the third model based on Volkswagen Group’s MEB modular electric car platform, and is one of six new BEVs Skoda has been touting as part of its electric push, a list that already includes the two Enyaqs, and also a Kamiq-sized Epiq.
Mercedes-AMG previews exclusive Mythos range with PureSpeed concept
Mercedes-AMG has unveiled a ‘Purespeed’ concept sports car
Mercedes-AMG has pulled the covers off a PureSpeed concept, giving a detailed look at the first vehicle in a ‘highly limited’ Mythos series.
Revealed ahead of the upcoming Monaco Grand Prix, the concept car that looks closely based on the SL is a completely open-top two-seat performance car without a roof, nor windscreen.
Referred to as a ‘tribute to motor racing’ by Mercedes, the vehicle’s design is said to draw inspiration from vehicles such as the Mercedes-AMG One hypercar and also historic racing cars like the 300 SLR.
A production vehicle has not yet been revealed, nor a price or specifications, however only 250 units with production commences next year. This ‘Mythos’ branding is unrelated to the 1980s Ferrari concept car…
Lamborghini to use twin-turbo V8 hybrid powertrain for Huracan successor
Lamborghini says the Huracan’s successor will feature 4.0-litre twin-turbo hybrid V8 engine (pictured)
Lamborghini has confirmed its new engine for the Huracan successor, currently dubbed the 634, will not fit a naturally-aspirated V10 engine.
Instead, the Italian supercar maker has developed a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine that will produce as much as 588kW and 730Nm.
But if you were thinking that Lamborghini simply borrowed the existing twin-turbo 4.0-litre engine also found in Volkswagen Group vehicles such as the Porsche Panamera and the Audi SQ8, you’d be wrong – this 634-spec engine is a bespoke Lamborghini unit.
This engine will also feature a hybrid electrical system that produces 110kW/300Nm alone.
Despite being twin-turbocharged, the V8 will be capable of revving as high as 10,000rpm.
It’s expected that the 634 hybrid supercar could wear a Temerario production nameplate and is expected to debut within 12 months.
Honda CR-V Hybrid first impressions! We are testing this CR-V RS E:HEV for six months and 10,000km so let us know what you want to see. #honda#hondacrv#suv#carreview
Chasing Cars deputy editor Curt Dupriez’ long-term review of the 2024 Honda CR-V RS E-HEV was published, including his thoughts during the first month of ownership.
So far, Dupriez found that the electric drive was quite similar to that of Toyotas and the system itself was generally pretty frugal, but could be “a little thriftier”. The ability to be able to fill the hybrid Honda with 91 octane was also much appreciated.
In terms of not-so-good points, Dupriez so far has noted that the road departure mitigation is intensely frustrating (it can be turned off via the steering wheel controls and a sub menu).
All in all, Dupriez has found the experience of ‘owning’ a Honda CR-V RS Hybrid over the first month to be a largely positive and comfortable driving experience.
Chasing Cars deputy editor Curt Dupriez’ video review of the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is now live, in which he takes an in depth look at the vehicle’s price, handling, features, and x-factor.
In road-testing the circa-$200K rival to the likes of the Porsche 718 and 911, and AudiR8, Dupriez found that, amongst disappearing mid-engined sports cars, the Stingray presents mid-engined supercar charisma and performance without outrageous outlay… if you can find one at a fair price.
While Dupriez was overall impressed with what he found to be a fun, easy-to-live-with vehicle that commanded lots of attention, while noting a less-than-impressive 3-year/100,000km warranty, which isn’t the most confidence inspiring considering the Stingray’s asking price.
Dupriez also noted that the even hotter Z06 Corvette and hybrid-electric E-Ray will soon bolster the Australian Corvette lineup, making the Stingray the slowest in the lineup.
