Car news, 03 June ’24: Alfa Romeo large SUV planned, Kona Electric N-Line priced and more

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Thanks for joining us this Monday, June 3rd 2024. Notably in car news today: Alfa Romeo is likely to produce a new large SUV to sit above the Stelvio and the Hyundai Kona Electric N-Line has been priced for the Australian market. 

Browse this issue:

• Alfa Romeo large SUV under consideration
• Hyundai Kona Electric N-Line: Australian pricing confirmed
• Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport revealed
• Genesis GV70 Hybrid set for 2026
• Reviewed: 2024 Mazda CX-3 G20 Touring SP

Alfa Romeo large SUV under consideration

• Alfa Romeo boss Jean-Philippe Imparato has told Autocar an ‘E-segment’ large SUV is most likely to be the fifth model to join its range in 2027
  
• The unnamed model will sit above the Stelvio, which itself straddles the midsize and large segments in Australia, along with the Junior and Tonale small SUVs
  
• It would sit on the same STLA Large platform underpinning the Jeep Wagooner S EV, which was unveiled last week with almost 500km of range
  
• “If I’m [in the premium segment] and I’m not in the E-segment, then what do I do? The alternative is to go back to a C-hatch, because we have everything – the compact, saloon, C-SUV, D-SUV,” Imparato said.

Hyundai Kona Electric N-Line: Australian pricing confirmed

• Hyundai has confirmed pricing for the new N-Line variants of the Hyundai Kona Electric range, with the sportier-flavoured models now available to order.

• Only available with the extended range battery variants which feature a 64.8kWh battery pack and 150kW/255Nm front motor, the N-Line option will carry a $3000 or $4000 premium over regular models.

• It is priced at $62,000 for the entry-level Kona Electric N-Line, and $71,000 for the in Kona Premium guise, compared to $54,000 for the entry-level standard range Kona Electric, $58,000 for the entry-grade extended range, and $68,000 for the extended range Premium. All prices are before on-road costs.

• The N-Line package brings with it a range of enhancements over non-N-Line variants including N-Line specific front and rear bumpers, unique 19-inch alloy wheels, gloss black features including mirror caps and roof spoiler, and a black leather and Alcantra interior with red accents.

Volkswagen unveils Golf GTI Clubsport special edition

• German automaker Volkswagen has pulled the covers off a more powerful, special edition Golf GTI Clubsport to celebrate 50 years of its venerable small car.

• The Clubsport, which is based on the upcoming Mk8.5 Golf, features a number of exterior and interior enhancements and also brings with it a bump in power, with its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine delivering 221kW/400Nm and a claimed 0-100km/h sprint of 5.6 seconds.

• Exterior enhancements including a new front bumper design, revised LED headlights, an illuminated Volkswagen logo on the front, large roof spoiler, revised tail lights and new 19-inch wheels.

• The interior also features a new leather steering wheel and infotainment system, as well as an exclusive ‘special’ driving mode designed around characteristics of the Nürburgring.

• While the facelifted Mk8.5 Golf is expected down under in early 2025, a Volkswagen Australia spokesman told Chasing Cars that the GTI Clubsport is not confirmed for local sale, however they are always interested in special editions of this kind. 

Genesis GV70 Hybrid set for 2026

• Genesis is said to be working on a hybrid version of the GV70 that will make a debut in the North American market in 2026, according to Korean Car Blog
  
• The system is said to deviate from those employed by Kia and Hyundai currently, which use both the combustion engine and an electric motor to drive the wheels.
  
• The system will function similarly to Nissan’s E-Power and drive the wheels using an electric motor while the combustion engine recharges the battery, the aim is to make the system significantly more fuel-efficient and refined.
  
• The GV70 will be the first to benefit from the project, referred to as JKa, though it’s unclear what vehicles will receive this system afterward
  

Mazda CX-3 G20 Touring SP 2024 reviewed

• Chasing Cars contributor Iain Curry’s review of the 2024 Mazda CX-3 G20 Touring was published, taking a fresh look at the updated version of this nearly 10-year-old SUV.
  
• Curry praised the CX-3’s fun driving dynamics and still-sharp appearance even with its aging bones
  
• However, its poor performance on rough roads and thirsty fuel consumption left much to be desired
  
• The CX-3 continues to be popular among young buyers who want an easy car to drive that is affordable to own, however never rivals like the Toyota Yaris Cross now offer strong competition
  

READ: Link to written review 

The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Tuesday 3rd June at 4.30pm Sydney time.