This is the Motoring Minute weekly news for Saturday 20 November 2021 with a roundup of all that is new or interesting in the Australian Automotive landscape.
Chrysler farewells Australia.
Kicking off the news this week is the loss of the Chrysler Brand in Australia. Reduced to selling only one model over the last few years, the large rear wheel drive 300, Chrysler, now part of Stellantis, announced that they are withdrawing from the Australian market.
This is disappointing news for a couple of reasons.
First, is that the 300 SRT provided an alternative to the growing EV and SUV evolution by having a thumping 6.4L Hemi V8 driving the rear wheels in a large sedan body. It would run from 0-100kmh in 5 seconds and top out around 280kmh.
Secondly, is the more worrying trend of manufacturers pulling out of right hand drive markets? Ever since Australia signed the LIMA agreement in the 70’s we have seen the decline and eventual extinction of local production and we are now totally at the mercy of imports. That can be a good thing but also a bad thing as we have seen over the last few years with many brands deciding that its simply not worth the cost of manufacturing for RHD markets.
Nevertheless I for one will miss the old school gangster style 300 SRT sports saloon. RIP Charger.
Citroen launches the stunning C4
In a completely opposite piece of news, Citroen has released the new C4. A true crossover style car it has elements of hatchback, coupe and SUV in its beautiful design. It heralds a reaffirmed commitment to the Australian market by the premium European brand.
Make no mistake, this is a very visually appealing design both outside and inside.
Sitting right alongside cars such as Audi Q2/Q3 35TFSI, BMX X1 sDrive18i, Mercedes Benz GLA 200, Lexus UX200, Volvo XC40 T4 and Peugeot 2008GT.
Citroen C4 joins the C3 and C5 Aircross in the Australian market and will be joined early next year by the stunning C5X and possibly and EV C4.
The real story behind the Citroen C4 is how they manage to pack as many comfort, safety and luxury features into the astonishing price of $37,990 plus the usual costs. When compared to its European counterparts its outstanding value.
Audi announces pricing for the RS3
Audi Australia has announced pricing and specification details for the all-new Audi RS 3 Sedan and RS 3 Sportback, ahead of their arrival in the second quarter of 2022.
This contemporary legend of the premium compact performance car segment will bring more torque, heightened driving dynamics, a striking new design and a raft of innovative features that set it apart from its predecessor, and its competitors.
Four option packages will be available at launch: Carbon package, Matte aluminium styling package, RS design package plus and RS dynamic package plus. The all-new Audi RS 3 Sedan and RS 3 Sportback are also offered with the comprehensive five-year service plan package, priced at $3,580.The all-new Audi RS 3 Sedan and RS 3 Sportback is expected to arrive in Audi dealerships in the second quarter of 2022.
Pricing*
| RS 3 Sportback | 294kW | $91,400 |
| RS 3 Sedan | 294kW | $93,900 |
(*Manufacturer List Pricing [MLP] – excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges)
Genesis premieres electrified GV70 at Auto Guangzhou 2021
Genesis officially unveiled the electric model of the GV70 (hereafter, the Electrified GV70) for the first time in the world at Auto Guangzhou 2021.
The Electrified GV70 is built on the heritage of the GV70, inheriting its predecessor’s spacious interior and adding outstanding performance and a host of new technologies designed exclusively for electric vehicles.
Genesis will launch three all-electric cars locally in the first half of 2022 (GV60, Electrified GV70 and Electrified G80) with more to come.
Alternative propulsion is at the core of Genesis’ product development strategy – their goal is to offer alternative propulsion in all segments of their product portfolio.
What have we been driving this week?
First up is the Range Rover Velar R-Dynamic SE D200. Powered by a 2.0L mild hybrid turbo diesel engine with an eight speed AT as well as AWD drivetrain. Priced from just under $100,000 plus the usual costs.
This is an unashamedly urban based mid-size AWD SUV that still has Range Rover capability. The ride is something else and is a delight to drive around town.
After our Kia Sorento PHEV last week we have what perhaps is the sweet spot in the Kia Sorento range.
The Sorento Sport Plus. Still with the 2.2l diesel engine, 8 speed AT and AWD drivetrain. It has enough luxury and safety features for most people and comes in at a stunning $59,690 RDAP.
And the ageing but still very capable Ford Everest in the BaseCamp limited edition. This included driving light bar, roof rack, awning, tow bar and a few more common accessories. We have the 3.2L version. Priced around $64,990 RDAP
This is the Motoring Minute weekly News
I’m Rob Fraser
Motoring Minutes are heard around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network. Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 150,000 listeners. That’s over 750,000 listeners a week.
Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive Radio Program, which is broadcast through the Community Radio Network across Australia and has a weekly audience of over 450,000
