{also piping hot}
Does the Yuntu foreshadow a new Jeep model?
That’s the question on The Spymaster’s mind after taking a look at the Yuntu concept that was shown at the 2017 Shanghai (China) Auto Show in late April. The sevenpassenger show vehicle could be an indicator as to the design of the Jeep Wagoneer (it might also be called the Grand Wagoneer, according to sources) that’s expected to arrive in the next two years. The design breaks new ground, but the grille is reminiscent of the current Jeep Cherokee’s. Rumours persist that the Wagoneer’s powertrain will be new and will include a plug-in hybrid system adapted from the Chrysler Pacifica.
A wagon renaissance appears to be at hand:
At least that’s The Sleuth’s take on today’s trends in the automobile business. The latest comes from Jaguar, which is planning to introduce a version based on the XF sedan that will be brought to North America. Called the XF Sportbrake, it will join other higher-end wagons such as the Volvo V90, Porsche Panamera and Audi A4 Allroad. Even Buick is getting in the game with the forthcoming 2018 Regal TourX. It’s probable that the existing powertrain choices for the XF sedan will also be available in the Sportbrake. They include the 2.0-litre turbocharged gasoline and diesel four-cylinder engines and two supercharged versions of the 3.0-litre V-6. The Sportbrake is expected to arrive by the middle of 2018.
Hyundai prepares a new small model called the Kona:
The Korea-based automaker will have a competitor to the Chevrolet Trax, Nissan Rogue Sport, Toyota CH-R and 2018 Ford EcoSport. At 12 inches shorter than the Tucson, the new Kona will apparently be the roomiest of in its class and will come in front- and all-wheel-drive (the CH-R is the only one that’s strictly a front-wheeldriver). The Kona will use the Hyundai Accent small-car platform and will come with base four-cylinder engine making 147 horsepower. A turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder will be used in upper trim levels. The Kona is expected to go on sale in March of 2018.
Acura’s newest China-market model is heading to North America:
At least that’s what The Sleuth’s moles are claiming. With the growing demand for premium-priced small wagons, it seems like a no-brainer that Honda’s up-level division would plan to sell the CDX in the United States and Canada. Based on the automaker’s HR-V, the CDX is equipped with a 190-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder used in the CR-V. Instead of the CR-V’s continuously variable transmission, an eight-speed automatic will be mated to the turbo powerplant. The CDX, which will be built at the HR-V plant in Mexico, is expected to arrive in 2018 as a 2019 model. It will be followed by yet another wagon priced and sized between the five-passenger RDX and seven-passenger MDX.