The Sleuth is more than a little impressed with the design of the next-generation Santa Fe utility wagon that launches this summer as a 2019 model. At first glance, he thought he was peering at something more upscale — an Infiniti or Lexus, perhaps — instead of a moderately priced conveyance. The five-passenger version will be known simply as Santa Fe (dropping the Sport designation), while the current seven-passenger XL model carries over for 2019. Despite this, the new Santa Fe can be ordered with an “occasional-use” third row that seats two people, but a new four-cylinder turbo-diesel is mandatory with that model. Rumour has it that, for the 2020 model year, the XL will be replaced by a larger model based on the Kia Telluride concept that was first shown in 2016.
New Lexus utility model embodies tiny luxury
The Sleuth received a report from his sources a few months ago about a new small utility wagon that was in the works from Toyota’s up-market division. He can now confirm that the Lexus UX is indeed production bound and is slated for a 2019 model-year introduction. The UX will be based on the new-for-2018 Toyota C-HR, but the car’s distinctive sheetmetal, complete with giant “spindle” grille, will make it look like a scaled-down RX model. The power source will be a 2.0-litre four-cylinder (in the UX 250) while a hybrid UX 250h will use that same powerplant coupled with an electric motor.
Ford, Nissan appear wild about Raptors
The first generation of Ford’s off-road-capable F-150 — originally labelled SVT Raptor — created a significant shift in the truck universe. General Motors and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) moved to create similar, but less aggressive versions based on existing pickups. The Sleuth’s sources are now saying that Ford will introduce an additional Raptor model based on the upcoming midsize Ranger that’s already available in countries outside North America. Word is that the new mini-Raptor could end up with a 2.7-litre twin-turbo V-6. There’s no indication of power output, but the engine makes 325 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque in the Ford Fusion Sport. Meanwhile, there are whispers that Nissan is considering a similar off-road performer based on the next-generation Frontier pickup, but it's too early to speculate on powertrain details.
Fix for Envision is in at Buick
Your Intrepid Spy Guy reports that the General Motors division will tweak the made-in-China five-passenger Envision wagon for the 2019 model year. Chief among the changes is a revised turbocharged 2.0-litre engine with a torque output that climbs to 295 pound-feet from 260 (horsepower remains at 252). The turbo continues to be standard in the upper trim levels. It's connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission that replaces the six-speed. All-wheel-drive remains standard with this drivetrain. Meanwhile, the more basic Envision retains its non-turbo 2.5-litre four-cylinder that produces 197 horsepower and 192 pound-feet. The engine sticks with the six-speed automatic. All models will get new HID headlights and taillights, and a new grille.
Audi vehicles will handle your toll payments
The Volkswagen Group’s premium division plans to introduce an optional system that pays road and bridge tolls anywhere in North America. Instead of equipping your Audi with a transponder that registers toll payments, the optional Integrated Toll Module that's built into the rearview mirror can communicate with any toll authority and electronically deduct the fee from your credit card. The Integrated Toll Module is expected to be available on the 2019 Audi A8.
Hyundai sets out range for Kona
Hyundai is stating that the non-gasoline version of its small wagon that arrives later this year will provide 315 kilometres of maximum range with the standard 28 kilowatt-hour battery unit and up to 470 km when fitted with the optional 64 kilowatt-hour pack.
