{also piping hot}
Subaru’s Tribeca is planning a new Ascent: Nearly all vehicles sold by the Japan-based automaker have enjoyed rousing success over the past decade, but the seven-passenger Tribeca wagon that disappeared after the 2014 model year wasn’t one of them. However, according to The Sleuth’s sources, Subaru will give it another go with the 2018 all-wheeldrive Ascent (its current working title) that’s expected here as early as this fall. Clues as to the Ascent’s looks were revealed last November at the Los Angeles Auto Show in the shape of the Subaru VIZIV-7 SUV Concept. That vehicle’s bold look will be visible on the Ascent, but modified (toned down) a bit. Subaru’s 3.6-litre six-cylinder engine will handle the propulsion, but a hybrid drivetrain is also possible option, at some point.
Kia’s lineup comes up with a Stonic tonic: The Sleuth can now confirm that the automotive world has officially gone crossover crazy with the impending launch of the Kia Stonic. It’s an odd name for a small and tall wagon, but hey, if that’s what sells, then why not. The 2018 Stonic will follow the usual formula for such carry-alls; the platform is borrowed from Kia’s Rio small car and so is the base 138-horsepower four-cylinder engine. Manual and automatic transmissions will be available as will all-wheel-drive. Among the crop of competitors the Stonic will certainly butt heads with is the 2018 Ford Fiesta-base Ecosport. Another unveiling from the (play) book of Genesis: The Spy Guy’s operatives have sniffed out some additional info concerning a new model for Hyundai’s premium Genesis brand. The G70 sedan will join the G80 and G90 for the 2018 model year and will go head-to-head with the a number of rivals that include the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series and Cadillac ATS, to name just a few. Design-wise, the G70 will borrow some elements of the coupe-like Genesis New York Concept that Hyundai unveiled in 2016. Rearwheel-drive will also be standard on the G70, with all-wheeldrive available. A turbocharged four-cylinder engine will also come with the base version, while Hyundai’s hot twin-turbocharged 365-horsepower V-6 is expected to be optional.
The next new Cadillac takes the compact route: The success of the size-large Buick Encore hasn’t gone unnoticed by another General Motors division, thinks The Sleuth. His Motor City Moles report that Cadillac is hatching what will be called the XT4 that’s due out for the 2018 model year. The wagon will be a stepped-down from the current XT5 and will share that model’s square-ish appearance. A turbocharged four-cylinder engine connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission is the likely power source. All-wheel-drive will head the list of options as will numerous luxury features and dynamic safety technology. Apparently the XT4’s primary competitors will be the BMW X1, Lincoln MKC, Mercedes-Benz GLA and upcoming Volvo XC40, indicating that a high-$30,000 base price is likely.