Car news, 15 July ’24: BMW announces pricing for new-gen X3, Toyota unveils Limited Edition GR86, and more

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Thanks for joining us this Monday July 15th 2024. Notably in car news today: BMW announces pricing for new-gen X3, and Toyota unveils upgraded and Limited Edition GR86.

Browse this issue:

• BMW announced pricing for new generation X3 
• Toyota unveils upgraded GR86 and new limited edition
• Hyundai Tucson to debut fix to controversial safety systems
• Petrol-powered Jaguar F-Pace SUV given lifeline in EV transition: report
• Reviewed: 2024 GWM Tank 500 Ultra Hybrid 

BMW announces pricing for new generation X3

• BMW has announced pricing and specifications for its forthcoming new generation X3 midsize SUV, which will kick off at $84,500 before on-road costs for the entry-level 20 xDrive.

• The entry-level model will be $1400 more expensive than the previous entry-grade sDrive20i, which it replaces, while the top-spec six-cylinder M50 xDrive will cost $126,900, only $100 more expensive than the previous-generation equivalent M40i. 

• Both 20 xDrive and M50 xDrive feature 48-volt mild hybrid tech, all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission, sporting a new look inside and out. 

• Powered by a 2.0-litre inline-four cylinder turbo (140kW/310Nm), the 20 xDrive features a raft of features including adaptive suspension and heated front seats, while the more powerful M50 xDrive features a 3.0-litre inline-six cylinder turbo (293kW/580Nm) and adds a 15-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, M Sport Pro package and larger 21-inch wheels. 

• Only two grades will be available at launch for the fourth-generation SUV which will arrive in Australia for customer deliveries early in 2025.

Toyota unveils upgraded GR86 and new limited edition

• The Toyota GR86 is set to receive a number of mechanical upgrades and a new limited edition, set to land in Australia in late 2024.

• Modifications across the entire range include retuned dampers and power steering, while manual versions gain changes to engine torque and throttle control. Meanwhile, the engine-speed tolerance range during downshifting has been expanded for automatic versions. 

• In addition, the lineup will gain a GR86 Limited Edition, of which just 86 examples will be available coloured exclusively in in a ‘forest shadow’ green colour and 18-inch bronze alloy wheels.

• The Limited Edition will feature standard fitment of the Dynamic Performance Pack which adds ZF Sachs sports dampers and Brembo brakes. 

• Further information and pricing are set to be confirmed closer to launch later in 2024. 

Hyundai Tucson to debut fix to controversial safety systems

• The facelifted Hyundai Tucson will debut a fix to the brand’s controversial Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, which will make it easier to turn off audible warnings that the system generates.

• Most new Hyundais are equipped with the technology which makes audible alerts when the vehicle detects it is exceeding the speed limit, however it has drawn mixed feedback from customers and media for mis-reading speed limits and continuing to sound persistent speeding warnings.

• While the technology defaults to ‘on’ whenever a vehicle is switched on, it would previously take a minimum of three button presses to switch audible notifications off. Now, owners of the new Tucson will be able to hold the stereo mute button on the steering wheel for five seconds in a single action to switch the audible warnings off. 

• Hyundai Australia General Manager of Corporate Communications Bill Thomas said that feedback hasn’t been one-sided: “Actually most of the feedback is that it’s ok – a lot of people like the feature. But there was enough negative complaints and negative feedback from customers both here and in Europe to justify this adjustment.”

• Thomas also added: “we can guarantee that feature will be appearing on future vehicles. We also hope to introduce it to Bluelink over the air update vehicles. [However] when it comes to retrofitting it to existing cars, that’s’ another question but we’re working on that”.

Petrol-powered Jaguar F-Pace SUV given lifeline in EV transition: report

• The Jaguar F-Pace large SUV will be the last petrol-powered model standing when the brand axes the remainder of its ICE lineup by the end of this year, according to reports out of Europe.

• Automotive News Europe reports that while the brand will cease production on its XE midsize sedan, XF large sedan and wagon, F-Type coupe, E-Pace small SUV and I-Pace electric SUV this year as per previous reports, the F-Pace will be spared from the mass culling of its siblings.

• Of the five axed models, Jaguar Land Rover CEO Adrian Mardell said “none of those are vehicles on which we made any money”, with the brand’s best annual profit since 2015 being driven by the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Land Rover Defender. 

• The F-Pace is Jaguar’s highest selling vehicle globally and in Australia where it has sold 219 units year to date compared to 89 for the next highest selling E-Pace, though these lag behind segment favourites like the  BMW X5 (1604) and Land Rover Defender (1463).

• Jaguar is set to launch three new electric cars – the first of which will be revealed next year – as it transitions to full-electrification, however with the F-Pace continuing production for now, Jaguar’s status as an ‘all-electric’ manufacturer may not take place quite as quickly as originally announced.

GWM Tank 500 Ultra Hybrid 2024 reviewed

• Chasing Cars founder Tom Baker’s review of the 2024 GWM Tank 500 Ultra Hybrid was published, taking a close look at the large Chinese 4×4 SUV which has beaten Toyota and other key rivals to the punch with petrol-hybrid power.
  

• The Tank 500 takes on the likes of the Land Cruiser Prado and Fortuner as well as other towing and touring heroes such as the Isuzu MU-X and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.

• Baker was impressed by what the vehicle offers as a whole, noting what he deemed to be a very fair price point for a highly specified petrol-hybrid vehicle, combined with sound dynamics and interior. 

• The biggest negative that Baker noted were the invasive and over-zealous active safety features, notably the driver monitoring system – one of the most sensitive Baker has tested – and also the emergency lane keep system, which had to be switched off due to its over-reactiveness.

The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Tuesday 16th July at 4.30pm Sydney time.