Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Monday October 28th, 2024. Notably in car news today: Subaru confirms the Outback will soon be retired in Japan and Volkswagen officially revives the Scout brand with a range of off-road-focused electrified utes and SUVs using the Terra, Traveler and Harvester nameplates.
Subaru Japan has confirmed it will discontinue the Outback wagon in its home market, promoting concerns over its future here in Australia.
Subaru Australia sources its Outback models from the factory in Japan, however it’s understood this change will have no effect on our market, with the raised wagon proving to be strong sales success for the brand locally
It’s rare but not uncommon for vehicles to be manufactured in Japan but not sold in that domestic market – the Mazda 6 is, for example, one such vehicle.
However, the Outback’s enduring popularity in both Australia and North America is most likely to secure the future of this model going forward, though its distribution may be another story.
VW’s Scout brand revived for America
Volkswagen’s revived Scout brand has unveiled two new models in the Terra ute and the Traveler large SUV which are bound for the North American market.
The pair will be available as either fully electric vehicles offering up to 563km or with a petrol range extender that will increase the range to 805km or more.
Despite the electric basis, the Scout vehicles targeted hard-core off-roaders with a body-on-frame chassis, locking front and rear differentials and massive 35-inch tyres, with the Traveler SUV wearing a full-size spare across the rear split-fold tailgate.
Currently, the Scout brand is only confirmed for left-hand-drive markets but Volkswagen Australia has expressed interest in adopting the brand locally if right-hook production becomes available.
Mercedes Benz cuts GLE, A-Class entry prices
Mercedes-Benz has announced it is slashing the entry prices of both the A-Class hatch/sedan along with the GLE large SUV.
The entry price of the A200 has been reduced from $62,900 to $56,900 before on-road costs, while the GLE 300d takes a larger step down, from $146,900 to $134,900.
Along with the reduced prices, Mercedes-Benz has boosted the standard level of specification to make them a more enticing value proposition.
It comes as the brand looks to rebuild its popularity in Australia with sales down 19.1 percent on its results this time last year despite now offering a broader array of models.
Nissan Juke updated for 2025
Nissan has updated its fashion-focused Juke small SUV with a host of technology and cabin usability upgrades, without the usually expected price rise.
The Juke scores upgrades like a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital drivers display on some grades with the former tilted eight degrees towards the driver to make it easier to reach
Unusually for a facelift, Nissan has also added more luxurious touch points around the cabin, redesigned the armrest to be more comfortable and made the centre storage more expansive in size.
The updated model is now on sale with prices kicking off at $28,890 before on-road costs for the base ST grade, with the new ‘N-Sport’ model stilling at the top of the range from $38,390.
Hyundai i30 N-Line Premium 2025 reviewed
Chasing Cars contributor Nathan Ponchard’s road test of the new 2025 Hyundai i30 N-Line was published, including his thoughts on its new Euro build and the downsizing to a less-powerful MHEV powertrain.
Ponchard found that despite the ‘PD’ generation’s i30’s eight-year age, the new ‘Euro i30’ feels fresh, is logical and easy to use, is jam-packed with tech and value for the money and comes with a fantastic mild-hatch dynamic character.
On the downsides, Ponchard explains that the regular i30 is now only available in the sole N-Line grade within a greatly consolidated range lineup, and that the Euro-derived 1.5-litre turbochargedMHEV powertrain lobs less power than its Korean-sourced N-Line predecessor.
In his verdict, Ponchard feels that despite its age and some shortcomings, the 2025 Euro-sourced i30 N-Line is a successful and compelling offering that’s worth a serious look when shopping for a well-rounded, economical and fun hatchback.
