Car news, 23 Sept ’24: BYD Shark ute to go on sale next month, Skoda details updated Scala lineup, and more

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Thanks for joining us this Monday 23 September 2024. Notably in car news today: the plug-in hybrid electric BYD Shark ute to go on sale next month, and Skoda details updated Scala lineup. 

Browse this issue:

• BYD Shark: Aussie on-sale date confirmed for PHEV ute 
• Skoda details updated Scala small-car lineup 
• Peugeot adds mild-hybrids, axes 508 
• Reviewed: 2025 BMW X3

BYD Shark: Aussie on-sale date confirmed for PHEV ute 

• Chinese automaker BYD’s first ute, the plug-in hybrid electric said to be renamed ‘Shark 6’, will go on sale in Australia next month, beating key rivals to the punch. 

• Originally expected to simply be called the Shark, the ute has been renamed inline with its fellow plug-in hybrid midsize SUV stablemate, the Sea Lion 6.

• Prices will be revealed when orders open on October 29, meaning that the Shark 6 will be the first PHEV ute to launch in Australia – ahead of key rivals including the Ford Ranger and GWM Cannon Alpha, which are yet to launch in PHEV equivalent guises.

• It has previously been confirmed that the Shark 6 will feature a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with front and rear electric motors, making for 320kW of power and a 0-100km/h sprint of 5.7 seconds, according to BYD.

Skoda details updated Scala small-car lineup 

• Skoda Australia has confirmed pricing and further details for its facelifted Scala small hatchback range, which debuts a midlife update featuring a revised lineup. 

• On sale in Australia since 2021, the updated Skoda Scala gains exterior design tweaks and an updated equipment list for its two-grade range which consists of an entry-level Select replacing the previous Ambition, and a sporty Monte Carlo replacing the previous top-spec Signature grade. 

• Priced at $32,490 before on-road costs, the Select is powered by a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine (85kW/200Nm) mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It features standard equipment such as 17-inch alloy wheels, six airbags, autonomous emergency braking, and a rear view camera.

• Meanwhile, the range-topping Monte Carlo is priced at $42,390 before on-road costs and features a 1.5-litre four cylinder powertrain (110kW/250Nm); it gains equipment such as 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, sports chassis control and heated front seats with side bolsters and integrated headrests. 

Peugeot adds mild-hybrids, axes 508 

• Peugeot Australia has announced a raft of changes to its local lineup, which includes the debut of a new-generation mild-hybrid-only 3008 ‘Fastback’ SUV, plus the discontinuation of the 508 midsize fastback and wagon.  

• The new 3008 – now available to order, and powered by a 1.2-litre three-cylinder powertrain featuring 48-volt mild hybrid technology – will be available in Allure and GT Premium grades, priced at $52,990 and $64,990 respectively before on-road costs respectively; a mid-spec GT is confirmed to join the range in the near future. 

• With the changes, Peugeot has confirmed that pure combustion and plug-in hybrid variants for the 3008 will no longer be available.

• In addition, the 308 small car, 2008 small SUV, 408 and 5008 midsize SUVs are confirmed to be receiving mild-hybrid variants joining the range in 2025, with further detail to be announced closer to launch. 

• The 508 midsize fastback and Sportswagon – which has been on sale in Australia since 2019 – is the latest in a long list of midsize cars to be axed in Australia as buyers abandon the traditional body styles for SUVs.

2025 BMW X3 reviewed

• Chasing Cars contributor Daniel Gardner’s written and video reviews of the 2025 ‘G45’ BMW X3 were published, including his thoughts on what has changed for the new, fourth-generation midsize SUV.
  

• Gardner wrote that the X3 had several positive points, including smooth and refined powertrains, excellent ZF automatic transmissions, high-quality recycled materials and, most importantly, and (almost) unchanged price tags.

• Points that Gardner thought could be improved include the fact that this X3 could be the last with six-cylinder options, while bemoaning the lack of a PHEV variant and some scratchy plastics in the interior.
  

• Gardner concluded his review by stating that “not only does it continue three generations of right-sized SUV evolution over two decades, and fun dynamics for the driver but excellent practicality for the family, it’s now wrapped up in stunning design and stuffed full of style and tech”.

READ: Click hear to read the full written review

The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Tuesday 24 September at 4.30pm Sydney time.