Customer deliveries for some 2024 Kia Sorento variants have been temporarily halted in Australia.

Kia Australia has notified dealers that it has suspended deliveries for 3.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol V6 versions of the facelifted Sorento – launched in Australia in late December – after detection of a “potential technical issue”.

A Kia Australia spokesperson told WhichCar that the brand has halted deliveries while it works to verify the potential technical fault.

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“There is a temporary halt on deliveries to customers while Kia Australia verifies a potential technical issue affecting some petrol variants,” the spokesperson said.

A bulletin seen by WhichCar states Kia Australia will advise its dealers “shortly” on when customer deliveries for petrol V6 models can resume.

Kia Australia was unable to confirm what the potential technical issue is.

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In March, a 2024 Sorento V6 customer told an owners forum that Kia Australia had provided a full refund after their vehicle entered ‘limp home mode’ at 110km/h due to an “engine system failure”, three weeks after their car was delivered on December 27.

“I managed to pull across three lanes of freeway traffic into an emergency shoulder,” said the owner.

“We signed today finally for a full refund ten weeks after the car went off the road. The part [Kia dealer] ordered apparently did not fix the issue and it’s still undiagnosed,” the owner added in a more recent update.

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The company has not yet announced a recall on vehicles already delivered, claiming there has been no impact on customer deliveries for other Sorento variants, or petrol versions of the Kia Carnival people mover which use the same 3.5-litre naturally-aspirated V6 as the Sorento.

The facelifted 2024 Kia Sorento is offered with a 200kW/332Nm 3.5-litre petrol V6, a 148kW/440Nm four-cylinder turbo-diesel, or a 169kW/350Nm 1.6-litre turbo-petrol hybrid.

Diesel accounts for around 80 to 85 per cent of Sorento sales in Australia, while around one per cent are hybrids and petrol V6 examples make up the remaining amount.

A new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Sorento will arrive in Australia between July and September 2024.

Mazda has unveiled a new electric SUV concept at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show.

The Mazda Arata concept – meaning “fresh” or “new” in Japanese – previews a production vehicle set to launch in China by the end of 2025 and provides insight into how the next-generation CX-5 midsize SUV could look.

“The concept model Mazda Arata… is scheduled to be mass-produced as the second new electrified vehicle by the end of 2025 and introduced in the Chinese market,” said Mazda.

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“In China, where electrification is rapidly advancing, Mazda will expand its line-up of electrified products so that more customers can choose them.”

Following the 2025 Mazda EZ-6 electric or plug-in hybrid sedan revealed this week – which replaces the Mazda 6 in China – the new electric SUV will be co-developed with Mazda’s Chinese joint-venture partner Changan.

The SUV derivative – codenamed J90K and likely badged ‘EZ-60’ – should be based on the midsize Changan Deepal S7, which has similar dimensions to the Tesla Model Y.

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Like the EZ-6, the EZ-60 is likely to be underpinned by Changan’s ‘EPA’ vehicle platform instead of Mazda’s dedicated ‘SkyActiv Multi-Solution Scalable Architecture’.

Mazda president and CEO Masahiro Moro said the Japanese brand will continue to work with Changan to “turn Mazda’s China business around” and sell “unique products that meet the needs of Chinese customers who prefer advanced vehicles”.

Like other foreign manufacturers – including Toyota and Nissan – Mazda faces strong competition from domestic brands who have shifted to offering ‘new energy vehicles’, the Chinese market term for electric and hybrid cars.

While the Mazda Arata concept directly previews the ‘EZ-60’ electric SUV due in 2025, it is also a look at the brand’s evolved Kodo design language that should feature in the successor to the top-selling CX-5, which is expected to debut in the next 12 to 18 months.

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It wears slimmer daytime running lights, a lower main headlight beam, a closed-off grille, ‘cross-wing’ tail-lights similar to the CX-60 and CX-90, an illuminated rear M-A-Z-D-A badge, and a more-aggressive spoiler with a vertical brake light.

There are also air tunnels “at the tips of the front end hood, on both sides of the front bumper, and on the inside of the d-pillars” to improve aerodynamics.

As detailed here, third-generation Mazda CX-5 could become the ‘CX-40’ to slot between the CX-30 and CX-50.

Local executives have confirmed the new model will retain the CX-5’s “size, packaging and value”, meaning it’ll have a similar footprint to today’s model, which competes with other midsize SUVs such as the Toyota RAV4, Mitsubishi Outlander, Hyundai Tucson, Subaru Forester and Kia Sportage.

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Under the skin, the new CX-5 would logically adopt the front- or all-wheel-drive Small Platform architecture from the latest Mazda 3 hatch/sedan, CX-30 and CX-50.

This would improve ride comfort, noise, vibration and harshness suppression, but it could see Mazda ditch the current CX-5’s multi-link independent rear suspension for a simpler torsion beam setup (including on AWD models as on the CX-30 and CX-50).

For more information on the successor to the current Mazda CX-5, click on the featured article below.

The electrified 2025 Mazda EZ-6 sedan has debuted to replace the long-running internal combustion Mazda 6 in China.

A twin-under-the-skin to the Chinese-market Deepal SL03 – a vehicle from Mazda’s joint-venture partner Changan – the EZ-6 will be offered in all-electric or range-extender plug-in hybrid forms.

While the Deepal SL03 is built in right-hand drive for Thailand – where it’s known as the Changan Deepal L07 – Changan Mazda has not announced any export plans for the EZ-6 in left- or right-hand drive.

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Like the Isuzu D-Max-related Mazda BT-50 ute sold in Australia, the EZ-6 has a unique front and rear design compared to its Deepal twin while retaining its overall frame – including the same wheelbase.

The EZ-6 measures 4921mm long, 1890mm wide and 1485mm – 56mm longer, 50mm wider and 35mm taller than the Mazda 6 sedan.

It likely adopts the same 2900mm wheelbase as its SL07 twin, 70mm more than the Mazda 6.

As with the Toyota bZ3 electric sedan – which is based on the same Toyota platform as the bZ4X but with BYD-sourced components – there are no plans to sell the Mazda EZ-6 outside of China, despite it being a rival to the world’s all-time best-selling EV, the Tesla Model 3.

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An SUV derivative – codenamed J90K and likely badged ‘EZ-60’ – should arrive in China later based on the midsize Deepal S7, which has similar dimensions to the Tesla Model Y.

Mazda plans to introduce electric vehicles for other markets – including Australia – based on its dedicated ‘SkyActiv Multi-Solution Scalable Architecture’, starting with a new electric SUV in 2025 or 2026.

The EZ-6 is the first Mazda vehicle to wear the brand’s evolved design language with slimmer, rectangular daytime running lights and a lower main headlight beam, as well as full-width tail-lights, a spelt-out rear Mazda badge, and a retractable spoiler.

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Mazda also unveiled the ‘Arata’ concept at the Beijing Auto Show this week with new styling that could reach the successor to the brand’s top-selling CX-5 due in 2025.

Inside, the EZ-6 shows its Deepal SL03 bones with several borrowed parts, including a 14.6-inch infotainment system – the largest ever fitted to a Mazda vehicle – a digital instrument cluster, touch-sensitive steering wheel controls, and an augmented reality head-up display.

It also features a 14-speaker Sony audio system, 64-colour configurable ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, and a Qualcomm SA8155 Snapdragon system-on-a-chip to control various functions.

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However, the EZ-6 adopts a similar design to the CX-60 and CX-90 with tan-coloured accents, unique air vents, more chrome lashings, perforated leather upholstery with a central stripe, and a circular steering wheel horn pad.

The Mazda 6 ended production in China in December 2023, but the venerable sedan and wagon lives on in Australia for now, with our version sourced from Japan.

Outside of China, Mazda filed to trademark the ‘Mazda 6e’ and ‘6e’ names with the European Union Intellectual Property Office on March 18, 2024, to protect its use for “automobiles and their parts” and “electric cars and their parts”.

This points to an all-electric successor for the Mazda 6 for other markets – such as Australia, Japan, Europe and North America – which could be based on Mazda’s own ‘SkyActiv Multi-Solution Scalable Architecture’ instead of the China-specific ‘EPA’ platform underpinning the Mazda EZ-6 and Deepal SL03.

An electric successor to the current Mazda 6 – which has been on sale for 12 years – would provide Mazda with a rival to the Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2 and BYD Seal.

It would also compete with premium midsize electric cars like the BMW i4 and soon-to-arrive Mercedes-Benz CLA EV.

Globally, Mazda offers two electric vehicles – the MX-30 EV and the now-axed, China-only CX-30 EV.

The MX-30 Electric was axed in Australia in late 2023 due to “Mazda Corporation’s strategy to welcome a range of new electrified models between now and 2025 – including hybrid electric vehicles, PHEVs and BEVs”.

Less than three months after the arrival of the Tank 500 large SUV, GWM is already considering putting a new flagship hero model in at the top of its pack, with the more powerful and luxurious Tank 700 on the cards for an Australian launch.

If the Chinese brand gives the green light to the potent V6 turbo hybrid model, it’ll not only become the company’s new flagship, but it’ll also set a new milestone as its most expensive model by a decent margin.

GWM Australia and New Zealand head of marketing Steve Maciver said the Tank 700 would fit into the GWM family as a new flagship and in line with the brand’s strategy to continually offer more technology, performance and features with each new generation.

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“A car with that level of technology, that powertrain, sitting within our price bracket, that’s top of the tree,” he said. “The question is do we think we can make a business case for it? I’d like to think so.”

Until confirmation is made for Australia, a price won’t be locked in, but local sales prices in China offer a guide.

A version similar to the top-of-the-range Tank 700 Limited Edition would cost close to $150,000 in Australia, however the entry-level variant costs closer to the equivalent of $90,000 and there are other drivetrain possibilities that could reduce that cost further still.

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But whether Australians are willing to pay top money for a relatively fresh brand on the scene is the ultimate question.

While the $100,000 mark would be a $26,000 jump over its current most expensive model – the Tank 500 Ultra – Maciver said the company was progressively evolving into more premium territory and Australians were happy to pay higher prices if they represent value for money.

“With every new generation of GWM products we’ve brought out in Australia, we’ve continually been pushing the quality of that product and the powertrain technology to back it up. We’ve gone from an average selling price of roundabout $25,000 four years ago, to north of $40,000 today.

“With the introduction of products like Cannon Alpha and Tank 500, that average selling price within the next 12 months is going to creep up again. And that’s an indication that Australian new car buyers are ready to buy more expensive GWMs as long as the quality, value and the technology stacks up.”

Capacity to produce the Tank 700 in right-hand drive is not yet known but, if given the go ahead, the Tank 500 could be making way for its more potent and premium sibling as early as November 2024.

Maciver explained that GWM has organised its production and development structures in a way that allows the production of new or region-specific models in record time.

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“It could happen as quickly as six or nine months. That’s how quickly this brand moves,” he said.

With a combined total output of 385kW and 850Nm, the Tank 700 would be GWM’s performance hero by a significant margin. It would also be the first model to introduce GWM’s Hi4-T all-wheel-drive transmission, which uses an electric motor on each axle powered by a 37.1kWh battery and 3.0-litre twin turbo V6 in unison.

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In pure EV mode the Tank 700 offers an electric-only range of up to 85 kilometres.

It’s also possible that a version powered by the Tank 500’s 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder hybrid drivetrain for a more affordable option in Australia, which would deliver still respectable totals of 255kW and 648Nm.

The current range also includes the Tank 300 entry-level SUV, on sale from $46,990 driveaway.

The all-electric version of the iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class has been revealed with four electric motors, a mighty torque output and a new naming convention for Mercedes EVs.

Officially known as the Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology, the electric G-Wagen debuts a new EV powertrain that uses four e-motors to produce a combined 432kW and 1164Nm.

The e-motors, which are mounted one per wheel and each have their own two-speed gearbox, are fed by a large 116kWh battery pack that provides a claimed WLTP range of 473km.

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To ensure the electric Geländewagen is just as capable off-road, the battery pack is protected by a 26mm thick, carbon-reinforced plastic bash-plate which Mercedes says is lighter and more durable than steel or aluminium.

The G580 also has a wading depth of 850mm – 150mm more than a petrol-powered G63 – and can clamber up 45-degree inclines.

Approach, departure and breakover angles are 32mm, 32.7mm and 20.3mm, respectively.

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A translucent bonnet also features and the G580 includes a reduction gear for low-range off-roading, which provides greater torque at low-speed and is limited to 85km/h.

Several new features also debut, including the highly publicised G-Turn mode that allows the G580 to quickly rotate on its axis by turning the left- and right-hand-side wheels in different directions.

If silent provision isn’t your thing, owners can also make their G580 sound like a combustion G-Glass through a new G-Roar setting. Different sounds are available for each drive modes, according to Mercedes.

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Notably, the EQ badging that has differentiated electric Mercedes models so far is missing from the EV G-Wagen.

Instead, rather than being called EQG, the G580 introduces a name naming convention that’s expected to be rolled out to all future EV versions.

Recharging-wise, the G580 comes with an 11kW AC charger and can accept up to 200kW DC charging, enabling a 10-80 per cent top-up in around 30 minutes.

Uniquely, owners can also add a storage box onto the tailgate in place of the usual spare tyre to house the charging cable and other items.

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As for straight-line performance, Mercedes claims the G580 will hit 0-100km/h in 4.7 seconds and sail on to a top speed of 180km/h. Not bad for something that resembles a house brick.

Mercedes-Benz Australia has confirmed the G580 will be coming here but is yet to confirm when it will hit local showrooms.

Pricing is also TBC, as is whether the G580 will be positioned above or below the existing V8-powered G63, which retails for $363,561.

The facelifted 2025 Tesla Model 3 Performance has debuted with more power, sportier enhancements, and a lower price than before.

Due to arrive in Australia between July and September 2024, the new Model 3 Performance has followed its less-powerful siblings with comprehensive updates inside and out – including the removal of a traditional gear shifter, indicator stalks, and wiper controls.

Tesla has invested in additional upgrades for the latest all-wheel-drive Performance variant, such as a more powerful dual-motor setup, adaptive dampers, a stiffer chassis, an updated Track Mode, and a unique design compared to the Rear-Wheel Drive and Long Range AWD.

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It is priced from $80,900 before on-road costs – down $2500 over the pre-facelift model last offered in September 2023 – following two separate price cuts applied to lower Model 3 variants in April 2024.

With a new-generation drive unit, combined power from the revised electric motors is 343kW, which allows for a 0-100km/h sprint time of 3.1 seconds – two-tenths quicker than before – and a 262km/h top speed.

Under the skin, the addition of adaptive dampers – developed in-house – allows the Model 3 to offer improved handling over the fixed suspension fitted to other variants without compromising ride quality.

Other revisions include different springs, stabiliser bars and bushings, red brake calipers and higher-performance brake pads for quicker deceleration and a better thermal limit.

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Tesla has also added staggered 20-inch alloy wheels for a sharper turn-in response, more predictability, and improved road or track traction.

Performance-specific design changes over standard Model 3 variants include revised front and rear bumpers with integrated cooling ducts and improved aerodynamics, a carbon-fibre spoiler, heated and ventilated sports bucket seats with more lateral support, and a unique Performance badge inspired by the Model S and Model X Plaid.

The 2025 Tesla Model 3 Performance is due to arrive in Australia between July and September.

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2024 Tesla Model 3 pricing

Tesla Model 3 Australian pricing history

Nissan has unveiled its all-solid-state EV battery production facility at its Yokohama Plant in Japan.

The production line is aimed to promote further development of solid-state battery technology for its upcoming electric vehicles.

Nissan said upcoming all-solid-state batteries have the potential for energy density approximately twice that of conventional lithium-ion batteries, significantly shorter charging times due to superior charge and discharge performance, and lower costs due to less expensive materials.

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The Japanese brand plans to use all-solid-state batteries in various vehicle segments, including utes.

Nissan says it is “conducting wide ranging research and development, from molecular-level battery material research to electric vehicle development , including the use of EVs as storage batteries in city development”.

Other brands are also working on the development of solid-state batteries, such as Toyota.

Vikram Gulati, head of Toyota Kirloskar Motor in India, said, “[Toyota] will be rolling out our electric vehicles with solid-state batteries in a couple of years from now”.

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What are solid-state batteries, and why should I care?

In short, solid-state batteries utilise a solid electrolyte chemical mixture rather than the liquid electrolyte found in current EV batteries.

Solid-state batteries have a faster charging time and better lifespan, with the ability to retain more than 80 per cent of their capacity after 800 charging cycles.

The production capacity isn’t quite ready for mainstream use, but we should see it in the next couple of years, with Nissan, Toyota and Honda teaming up to aid development in previous years.

A new Australian Design Rule (ADR) has been introduced, mandating that electric vehicles must emit an audible alert at low speed to improve safety.

The Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) will be introduced from November 2025, requiring new electric, hybrid and hydrogen vehicles to emit a safety alert or sound at low speeds in car parks, intersections and driveways.

Quiet electric vehicles are difficult to hear compared to internal combustion vehicles and could pose a risk to pedestrians, especially those with hearing or vision impairments and those who rely on sound to negotiate the road network independently.

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ADR 113/00 will require new electric, hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell cars, trucks and buses to be fitted with an AVAS system from November 2025.

“As more and more Australians choose to drive EVs we are committed to ensuring that they are safe for both driver and others using the road. This is a significant win for the blind and low-vision community who have long been advocating for alert systems like this to be introduced in Australia,” said Catherine King, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.

No louder than a conventional vehicle, AVAS will make EVs easier to hear by emitting a sound when travelling at low speeds, such as in car parks, intersections and driveways.

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The Federal Government expects audible alerts to prevent 68 fatalities, 2675 serious injuries and 2962 minor injuries by 2060, with an estimated saving of $208 million to the Australian community.

The AVAS was strongly supported by state and territory governments, the blind and low-vision community, and vehicle manufacturers.

“This technology will go a long way to preventing pedestrian crashes, especially for our most vulnerable,” said Carol Brown, Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport.

Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said the new rule is “another example of how making a reasonable adjustment for people with disabilities can actually make life better for everyone”.

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Vision Australia’s manager of government relations and advocacy Chris Edwards spoke of the organisation’s support for the AVAS implementation.

“Vision Australia has been calling for AVAS to be introduced since 2018. We are ecstatic and congratulate the current federal government for listening to our concerns and acting on this very important issue,” he said.

“All pedestrians should have the right to feel safe and confident when navigating public spaces and today’s announcement is a significant step forward towards protecting that for people who are blind or have low vision.”

What are your thoughts on this new rule? Let us know below!

A special edition of the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek small SUV – the 2.0X – will arrive in Australian showrooms this month.

Priced from $36,990 before on-road costs, the Crosstrek AWD 2.0X special edition is $2000 more than the entry-level 2.0L, adding some features available in the mid-spec 2.0R.

This includes a dual-function X Mode, gloss 18-inch alloy wheels, self-levelling LED headlights, LED fog lamps, premium cloth seat trim, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shifter, dark grey roof rails, and a door under garnish.

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It is available in the same exterior paint colours as other Crosstrek variants.

“Crosstrek is a versatile, capable compact SUV that delivers genuine SUV performance, and features all the right ingredients to inspire driving confidence on any journey, whether that be navigating urban streets or exploring the road less travelled on weekend getaways,” said Subaru Australia managing director Blair Read.

“We are delighted to introduce this value packed Crosstrek 2.0X special edition, expanding the options available to our customers.”

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0X special edition is now available to order in Australia.

April 23: 2024 Tesla Model Y prices dropped – again

Jordan Hickey

Prices for the 2024 Tesla Model Y electric SUV have fallen – again.

Tesla Australia has slashed a further $2700 from the Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive and $3000 from the Long Range AWD, while the Performance AWD remains unchanged after its big $8500 cut earlier this month (see earlier update).

Combined, prices for the Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive have fallen $4500 since March 31, while the Long Range AWD is also now down $8500 – matching the price cut applied to the Performance AWD.

The Model Y now starts from $60,900 before on-road costs – its lowest ever price – while the mid-spec Long Range AWD has fallen below $70,000 for the first time.

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It has been a chaotic month for the American electric vehicle brand, which has cut prices globally – including in Europe and China – as it faces increased competition and less demand than usual.

Last week, Tesla cut 10 per cent of its global workforce and announced a safety recall for the Cybertruck after owners reported a loose accelerator pedal cover could cause their vehicle to drive at full speed.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk also denied reports that it had cancelled its US$25,000 (AU$40,000) ‘Model 2’ project.

April 4: Tesla takes nearly $10K off Model Y pricing

Damion Smy

The updated Model Y RWD is down $1500 to $63,500, with the Model Y Long Range AWD $5500 cheaper at $72,900.

The biggest price reduction is saved for the flagship Model Y Performance AWD, now $82,900 – an $8500 cut – which is expected to impact both new and used electric vehicle sales.

While today’s news brings a lower starting price, the revised Australian-spec Model Y misses out on the more substantial changes seen on the latest overseas versions.

Revised styling and new colour choices are part of our market’s minor update, with a more significant upgrade similar to those applied to the Australian Model 3 Sedan in September 2023 expected for the Model Y in late 2024.

Due in local homes from April onwards, Australia’s updated Model Y brings no mechanical changes, missing out on the faster acceleration and quicker battery charging given to the Chinese-market model last year.

Instead, the minor update brings dark covers as standard for the Model Y’s 19-inch wheels, and three new exterior paint choices – Stealth Grey ($2300 extra), Quicksilver and Ultra Red (both $2600 more) – with Midnight silver metallic and red multi-coat colours dropped.

There are no interior changes – the revised fabric-like dash seen overseas and the ambient lighting not yet offered in Australia – with the same 15-inch touchscreen where the Model 3 now has a 15.4-inch version.

The Model Y also keeps its steering wheel and, notably, its indicator stalks – an item dropped from the Model 3 with its late 2023 update.

Tesla is Australia’s best-selling electric car brand – and remained so in March 2024 – with the Model 3 the most popular electric vehicle by some margin to the Model S in 2023.

This makes Tesla price changes have a noticeable impact on the overall electric vehicle market, with electric cars suffering lower retained value on the used market.

February: 2024 Model Y pricing and features detailed

The Tesla Model Y has taken Australia by storm, just as it has in Europe. It was the sixth most popular vehicle here in 2023, and the top-selling EV – outselling its sedan relation, the Model 3.

Released in mid 2022 locally – three years after the related Model 3 sedan locally – the Model Y isn’t expected to receive a refresh similar to the new Model 3 sedan until late 2024.

It still provides a more practical interior, some unique selling points (indicator stalks for one), and the availability of a flagship Performance variant which isn’t yet available for the facelifted Model 3.

Price changes for Teslas are more frequent than usual for the new-car market, which can make it tricky to keep track of how much the Model Y costs in Australia.

Here, you’ll find the exact price of every Tesla Model Y variant at the time of publishing, and how that’s changed over the years.

JUMP AHEAD

• Current pricing
• Pricing history
• Features
• Colours
• Options
• Powertrains, charging, and driving range
• Safety
• Dimensions
• Warranty and servicing
• Availability

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2024 Tesla Model Y pricing

February 2024

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Tesla Model Y price history charted

Here’s an illustration of how Model Y pricing, which inconsistently fluctuates every few months or so, has changed since orders opened in June 2022.

Tesla Australia started Model Y deliveries from August 2022, but it took until April 2023 to introduce the mid-pack Long Range variant.

As per Tesla style, it makes continuous ‘running changes’ without notice, improves manufacturing processes and vertically integrates its supply chain to cut costs. It claimed to have reduced manufacturing costs of the related Model 3 sedan and Model Y SUV by around 30 per cent between 2018 and 2022.

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2024 Tesla Model Y features

The base Tesla Model Y rear-wheel drive (RWD) is powered by a single electric motor with a 57.5kWh usable lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery pack (according to EV Database [↗]) delivering up to 455km claimed WLTP driving range.

The Tesla Model Y Long Range is powered by dual motors for all-wheel drive (AWD), with a 75kWh usable nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery (according to EV Database [↗]) providing up to 533km claimed WLTP range.

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The Tesla Model Y Performance increases the dual-motor outputs and reduces claimed WLTP range to up to 514km.

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Colours

Five exterior colours are available across the Tesla Model Y line-up, with red being the priciest.

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Options

• 20-inch Induction wheels (RWD and Long Range only) – $2400

• White and black interior – $1500

• Tesla Mobile Connector trickle charging cable – $550

• Tesla Gen 3 11kW AC Wall Connector – $750 (excludes installation fees)

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• Premium Connectivity – $9.99 per month

• Enhanced Autopilot – $5100

• ‘Full Self-Driving’ Capability – $10,100

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Powertrains, charging, and driving range

The 2024 Tesla Model Y is differentiated by standard range single-motor and long range dual-motor configurations.

The base Model Y RWD is powered by a single rear-mounted electric motor that can accelerate the electric sedan from 0-100km/h in a claimed 6.9 seconds.

Tesla doesn’t provide power figures, but according to official filings to the Australian Government’s road vehicle regulator and EV Database [↗], the RWD outputs 220kW of power output and 420Nm of torque.

Meanwhile, the Long Range has two electric motors for all-wheel drive and a claimed 0-100km/h time in 5.0 seconds. EV Database [↗] suggests it produces 378kW and 493Nm.

The flagship Performance increases its dual-motor tune to accelerate from 0-100km/h in a claimed 3.7 seconds – but this isn’t as realistic since Tesla subtracts a one-foot rollout. EV Database [↗] states it makes 393kW and 660Nm.

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Safety

The Tesla Model Y has received the full five-star safety rating by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) [↗] under the 2022 testing criteria.

According to the Model Y owner’s manual [↗], there are six airbags, but it lacks a front-centre airbag. Yet, it still achieved strong individual criteria scores by ANCAP.

The Tesla electric SUV has a Cabin Overheat Protection feature, which automatically turns on the climate control to try to keep the interior cool under a set temperature when parked. It also features ‘Keep Climate On’, camp and dog modes.

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The Model Y’s safety assistance technologies are powered by all-round cameras only, called ‘Tesla Vision’.

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• Enhanced Autopilot – $5100

• ‘Full Self-Driving’ Capability – $10,100

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Dimensions

The 2024 Tesla Model Y is classed as a medium SUV and is only sold as a five-seater in Australia.

It uses the company’s second-generation ground-up EV platform, which is shared with the Model 3 electric sedan.

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The Model Y has a 1600kg braked or 750kg unbraked maximum towing capacity.

The company offers a tow package accessory for $1970, which includes a steel tow bar with a maximum 72kg download weight. A trailer harness and tow mode software is also included.

Meanwhile, Tesla also sells a roof rack priced at $770 and is capable of carrying a of 74kg load.

The Model Y RWD has a maximum payload of 539kg, Long Range at 640kg, and Performance at 637kg.

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Warranty and servicing

The 2024 Tesla Model Y is covered by a four-year/80,000km vehicle warranty – which is shorter than the industry standard.

The battery warranty differs depending on the variant. The base RWD’s battery pack is backed for eight-years/160,000km, while the Long Range battery goes for up to eight-years/192,000km.

Both promise the pack won’t degrade by more than 30 per cent within the battery warranty period.

The touchscreen and media control unit are covered by a separate two-year/40,000 km warranty.

Tesla uses a condition-based servicing scheme, instead of traditional scheduled logbook servicing.

This means vehicle’s sensors detect when specific parts need maintenance based on usage and time, and notifies the owner via the touchscreen or mobile app to schedule a checkup. Tesla also recommends a range of routine maintenance tasks, which are listed here [↗].

Roadside assistance is included during the vehicle warranty.

Standard Connectivity for the touchscreen and mobile app is included for the first eight years.

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Availability

The 2024 Tesla Model Y is available now in Australia.

Orders must be via the Tesla website since it uses an online-only, fixed-pricing purchasing model.

The Model Y directly competes with various electric SUVs, such as the Volvo XC40 Recharge, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Ford Mustang Mach-E, BMW iX1 and Mercedes-Benz EQB.

It’s also priced in line with the Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2, Renault Megane E-Tech, Peugeot E-2008 and Kia Niro EV.

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