Cheaper EVs, Loud Ford Rangers – Flipsy’s wrap – This week in Cars

Who’s got the time to follow everything happening in the world, let alone all the stories coming out of car companies here in Australia. So, welcome to “Flipsy’s Wrap” my quick look at some of the key stories that took my fancy this week and links to places with far more detail if you’re keen!

HAVAL gets sporty

A new sporty, small SUV from Haval, the Jolion S, is being released this week. The new ‘S’ features important stuff, like a new independent multi-link rear suspension – a huge upgrade from the torsion beam setup on the rest of the Jolion range – and not so important stuff, like blackened trim and wheels. How good is this, though… Haval claim that “in response to customer feedback, the Jolion S now has hard buttons for AC controls making it easier to adjust cabin temperature while on the move”. Yes! Let’s hear it for the return of buttons! Like all GWM products, the Jolion S has a seven year unlimited kay warranty and will set you back $36990. Jordan Mulach has all the details over at Drive.

ELECTRIC VEHICLES get cheaper

Electric cars are about to become a whole lot cheaper! The Government has decided to scrap import tariffs and fringe benefit tax for EVs. The Electric Vehicle Council has welcomed the deal. Electric Vehicle Council chief executive, Behyad Jafari, said, “This is a landmark moment for EV policy in Australia. It’s a powerful demonstration of how far we’ve come in just a few short years”.

FORD RANGER gets louder

If ever a group was know for their general consideration and care for others, it’s Ford Ranger drivers. Now, owners of the top of the range Raptor can change the exhaust sound at the press of a button on the steering wheel that looks like an exhaust pipe. Owners can choose from: Quiet; Normal; Sport; or, off-road use only Baja. Obviously, Baja will never be selected on the street … obviously! In what is sure to be the winner of the ‘Least Used Car Tech In History’ award, owners can select start-up to always default to ‘Quiet’ or even select times when ‘Quiet’ will be the default option. Thanks, Ford. Thanks for nothin’.

LDV gets electric

This week, LDV released Australia’s first electric ute, the eT60. Utes make up 21% of all vehicle sales in Australia but, perhaps understandably given the type of work utes are often asked to perform, a slow segment to convert to EV. The first model of eT60 to be launched is based around the Pro variant and built specifically to be the business workhorse of corporate fleets with a range of around 330km. LDV state that, “The battery can be charged via an 11kw charger in approximately 9.0 hours, while DC fast-charging takes approximately 45 minutes to charge from 20-80% full”. The big problem? Price. The eT60 will set you back around $92990! Mike Costello over at CarExpert has the full run down – https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-reviews/2023-ldv-et60-review-quick-drive.

HONDA gets the Mountain

Despite play being rain affected, Tony D’Alberto and Honda secured the 2022 SuperCheap Auto TCR Australian Series this week. Consistent results throughout the season meant that D’Alberto had a comfortable buffer going into the Bathurst round. With everything from an Alfa to a Volkswagen having a crack at the title, D’Alberto piloted his Honda Australia and Wall Racing Honda Civic Type R to victory. Our mate Rusty has an awesome interview with TCR hotshot, Lachlan Mineff, at TCR Australia.

Want your own slice of TCR action? Honda announced this week that from December 1, you will be able to form an orderly queue as you pop down a deposit for the all-new Civic Type R. Honda Australia Director, Carolyn McMahon, says that “Since the world premiere of the all-new Civic Type R in July, more than 4,000 enthusiasts and prospective customers have registered their details via the Honda website, keen to stay up to date with the latest news and information on the new model”. No doubt, the toasty hot Civic will sell out quickly, despite the $72600 price of admission. Alex Affat has all the details over at Which Car.