The Northern Rivers Times
February 15, 2024!!!
40 MOTORING NEWS
Comparison of Australia’s Three Cheapest Electric Vehicles: BYD Dolphin, MG4, and GWM Ora By Jeff Gibbs A fierce competition is underway among three Chinese automakers vying for the coveted title of Australia’s cheapest electric vehicle. The MG4 51kWh Excite initially claimed the throne last year with a price tag of $38,990 plus on-road costs, but its reign was short-lived as the BYD Dolphin Dynamic swooped in at $38,890 plus ORCs. Now, GWM-Haval Australia joins the fray with a temporary $4000 discount on its small electric hatchback range, reducing the base GWM Ora Standard Range to just $35,990 plus ORCs until March 31. To provide insight into this rivalry, let’s compare the key metrics of price, warranty, performance, range, and practicality among the three contenders. Price and Warranty: The 2024 BYD Dolphin Dynamic holds the title of the cheapest EV among the trio, priced
at $38,890 plus on-road costs. However, with GWM’s limited-time discount, the 2024 GWM Ora Standard Range takes the crown as Australia’s cheapest EV at $35,990 plus ORCs until March 31. In terms of warranty, the Ora offers an impressive seven-year/unlimitedkilometre vehicle warranty and an eightyear/unlimited-kilometre battery warranty, surpassing the MG4’s seven-year/unlimitedkilometre warranty. Performance and Range: The MG4 51kWh Excite boasts the highest
MG4
the three, with 125kW of power and 250Nm of torque, resulting in a swift 0-100km/h acceleration time of 7.7
GWM Ora Standard Range matches the MG’s power output at 126kW/250Nm, its 0-100km/h time of 8.4 seconds falls short. Meanwhile, the BYD
leads in driving range, offering 350km on a full charge compared to the BYD’s 340km and the GWM’s 310km. Practicality: In terms of practicality, the MG4 and
GWM Ora
BYD Dolphin
power output among
seconds. Although the
Dolphin Dynamic lags in power and performance, with 70kW/180Nm and a 12.3-second 0-100km/h time. The MG4 also
BYD Dolphin are closely matched, with the MG4 offering the largest boot capacity at 363 litres and the Dolphin providing
ample space when the rear seats are folded, boasting a maximum cargo volume of 1310 litres. The GWM Ora Standard Range falls behind in practicality, with a smaller boot capacity of 228 litres. Verdict: Despite being slightly pricier, the MG4 51kWh Excite emerges as the winner in this comparison, offering strong performance, the longest range, generous cargo space, and impressive warranty coverage. While the GWM Ora Standard Range may temporarily hold the title of the cheapest EV, the BYD Dolphin Dynamic presents a compelling alternative with a longer driving range, spacious cabin, and competitive pricing. In conclusion, the MG4 takes the top spot, with the BYD Dolphin closely trailing behind. However, the GWM Ora’s promotional pricing makes it a worthy contender, albeit temporarily.
Maserati Confirms Electric Supercar, Delays Sedan by 3 Years the confirmation of an electric variant of the Maserati MC20 The future of the supercar, aligning with Maserati Quattroporte Maserati’s overarching remains intact, albeit goal of transitioning to with a significant delay an all-electric lineup by in its showroom debut 2030. until 2028. This delay Furthermore, the is attributed to the next-generation Levante brand’s prioritization SUV, also slated for of electric vehicle commitment to ensuring of a complete project electrification, will development, including experience a two-year optimal performance overhaul. the introduction of a new delay, now scheduled for for the new car, the This announcement electric supercar. release in 2027 instead significant setback coincides with a series of of the previously planned Maserati has provided suggests the possibility other updates, including assurance regarding 2025 timeframe. With the cessation of production for the !""#$%&&'()*+,#-*./#0.12)' outgoing V6 and V8BROWN!"#$%&$''(&$%((( & HURLEY KYOGLE BROWN & HURLEY KYOGLE powered Quattroporte 266 Summerland Way, Kyogle 266!"#$%&'()*+,-./#0,(,)12/%&"'3#*'(2 Summerland Way, Kyogle BROWN BROWN BROWN & BROWN HURLEY BROWN &kyogle.admin@brownandhurley.com.au HURLEY & HURLEY && HURLEY KYOGLE HURLEY KYOGLE KYOGLE KYOGLE KYOGLE Ph: Ph: 0202 6632 0333 kyogle.admin@brownandhurley.com.au 6632 0333 4#,56/+78(*59:*7;7<(=78(*5>>?@A(* 266266 Summerland 266 Summerland 266 Summerland 266 Way, Way, Kyogle Way, Kyogle Way, Kyogle in late 2023, consumers Mon --Fri 8am -Summerland 5pm / Sat 8am -Kyogle 11:30am Mon Fri 8am -Summerland 5pm /Way, Sat 8am - Kyogle 11:30am )*+,-.$/0121&$$$)*+,-.$/34)(2 Lic.No MD1912 Lic.No MVRL39 Ph: 02 Ph:6632 02 Ph:6632 0333 02 Ph:6632 0333 Ph: 02 kyogle.admin@brownandhurley.com.au 6632 02 0333 kyogle.admin@brownandhurley.com.au 6632 0333 kyogle.admin@brownandhurley.com.au 0333 kyogle.admin@brownandhurley.com.au kyogle.admin@brownandhurley.com.au will face a notable Lic.No MD1912 Lic.No MVRL39 Mon Mon - Fri -Mon 8am Fri 8am -Mon Fri 5pm Mon 8am - 5pm Fri / Sat - 8am -Fri 5pm /8am Sat 8am - 5pm /8am -Sat -11:30am 5pm /8am - Sat 11:30am / Sat 8am - 11:30am 8am - 11:30am - 11:30am wait before the arrival Lic.No Lic.No MD1912 Lic.No MD1912 Lic.No Lic.No MD1912 Lic.No MVRL39 Lic.No MD1912 Lic.No MVRL39 MD1912 Lic.No MVRL39 Lic.No MVRL39 MVRL39 NEW & USED TRUCK SALES / NEW &/ USED SALES / of the all-new electric PARTS SERVICETRUCK / SMASH REPAIRS NEW NEW NEW & NEW NEW USED & USED & USED &USED TRUCK USED TRUCK TRUCK TRUCK TRUCK SALES SALES SALES SALES SALES / / / / /replacement in Maserati PARTS /& SERVICE / SMASH REPAIRS showrooms. PARTS PARTS PARTS PARTS PARTS / SERVICE / SERVICE / SERVICE / SERVICE / SERVICE / SMASH / SMASH / SMASH / SMASH / SMASH REPAIRS REPAIRS REPAIRS REPAIRS REPAIRS In the interim, !"#$%&&$'"(#$ Maserati will introduce )*++&$)%&+) the GranTurismo Folgore coupe and Grecale Folgore SUV, 3456378439:;6:<9:66=9:<>8;?>4@ both electric vehicles bearing the ‘Folgore’ moniker, with plans A/2$BC=44D4$)E=66EF$G439:; the GranCabrio KYOGLE KYOGLE | DARRA KYOGLE | DARRA | TOWNSVILLE KYOGLE | DARRA |KYOGLE TOWNSVILLE | DARRA | TOWNSVILLE | COFFS DARRA | TOWNSVILLE | COFFS HARBOUR | TOWNSVILLE | COFFS HARBOUR | COFFS ROCKHAMPTON HARBOUR | COFFS | ROCKHAMPTON HARBOUR |HARBOUR ROCKHAMPTON | YATALA | ROCKHAMPTON | YATALA ROCKHAMPTON | TOOWOOMBA | YATALA | TOOWOOMBA | YATALA | TOOWOOMBA | YATALA | CABOOLTURE | TOOWOOMBA | CABOOLTURE | TOOWOOMBA | CABOOLTURE | TAMWORTH | CABOOLTURE | TAMWORTH | CABOOLTURE | TAMWORTH | TAMWORTH |for TAMWORTH !!!"#$%&'()'*&'))+&'*"#(,"$- KYOGLE | DARRA | TOWNSVILLE | COFFS HARBOUR | ROCKHAMPTON | YATALA | TOOWOOMBA | CABOOLTURE | TAMWORTH !"#$%&'!'()**)'!'+#,-./0%%&'!'1#22.'3)*4#5*''!'")+)%)' Folgore to follow suit .$#)/((0"#(,1#$%&'()'*&'))+&'* *#1!3)67+#-'!'+##,##64)'!'1)4##%+5*&''!'+)6,#*+3 in 2024. These models By Jeff Gibbs
the future of the Quattroporte, confirming that the next-generation model will indeed be electric. However, the anticipated release of this electric iteration has been postponed until 2028, a delay of three years from the original schedule. While Maserati has refrained from elaborating on the cause of the delay beyond expressing a
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are expected to debut in Australia in the latter half of 2024, with the GranTurismo anticipated to lead the charge. Additionally, the MC20 Folgore, an electric rendition of the V6-powered supercar, is slated for production in 2025, drawing potential component similarities from the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale supercar, which is available in both V6 and electric variants. Looking ahead to 2027, Maserati plans to introduce the electric successor to the Levante, referred to in the media release as an ‘E-UV’ (electric utility vehicle), hinting at a possible name change. These updates provide reassurance amid concerns about Maserati’s transition to electric vehicles, a process marked by organizational restructuring and workforce adjustments globally, underscoring the brand’s commitment to innovation and evolution.
