Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Thursday, January 23rd of 2025. Notably in car news today: Skoda Octavia RS mid-life upgrade and pricing announced, Subaru Forester Wilderness leaked online, and Mercedes-Benz EQA and EQB 250+ now available in Night Edition variants
Skoda Octavia RS mid life upgrade and pricing announced
Updated Skoda Octavia RS sedan and wagons are expected to land in Australian dealerships in March 2025.
Power figures are up for the MY25 versions, with a claimed output figure of 195kW, an increase of 15kW over the outgoing 2.0L turbo petrol engine tune.
An updated Skoda Octavia RS is coming in March.
Prices have also been reduced for 2025, with the updated wagon coming in at $1270 cheaper ($59,990 list), and the sedan reduced by $1470 ($58,490 list).
The formerly $6600 optional Premium Pack is now included as standard. Skoda tells us this package offers an additional $9415 in value to the 2025 Octavia RS.
2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness leaked online
Glimpses of the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness have leaked online. They come from an official Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid video, where Wilderness badges could be spotted.
Wilderness Packs offer more off-road friendly inclusions, making the 2026 Forester more capable in ski-fields and national parks.
2025 model shown to highlight the increase in ride height and more aggressive rubber.
This leak gives us a glimpse into what we can expect to see on the 2026 Forester, including a mild suspension lift, more aggressive tyres, power increases and even some recovery points.
Subaru has indicated that they want to have this vehicle on sale in Australia, however dates or pricing have not been confirmed.
Cupra reduces pricing and rolls out more service centres
The Cupra Born is now available through local showrooms or online sales platform, from $49,990 driveaway.
This price also includes Cupra’s upgraded Interior Pack with Blue Dinamica heated seats, and the more premium Beats sound system option.
Cupra Born now even better value for money.
Cupra’s entry-level offering, the Formentor V is now priced from $47,990 driveaway, revealing a haircut of $8500 when compared to the list price offered in Q4 of 2024.
Their dealership network is also set to expand, offering more locations to test-drive or have repairs carried out. Three new garages and nine new service centres are scheduled to open in the next few weeks.
Mercedes-Benz EQA and EQB 250+ now available in Night Edition models
This is the first time Mercedes-Benz Australia has offered Night Edition versions of its all-electric EQA and EQB 250+ compact SUVS.
Night Edition models feature Night Packaging styling upgrades, and come at no extra cost to potential customers.
Limited edition black 20-inch wheels are included on Night Edition models.
Updates are limited to styling revisions, including 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, gloss black inserts in the front and rear aprons, and gloss black mirror housing, window line and roof rails.
Numbers are limited, while Mercedes-Benz is keen to point out pricing for the Night Edition EQA or EQB 250+ will come under the Luxury Car Tax threshold, as well as being exempt from Fringe Benefits Tax.
The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Friday 24th January at 4.30pm Sydney time.
