Each week our news roundup will bring you the automotive industry’s most important happenings, from new technology to brand new models. Remember to check back every week for all the latest updates.
This time on the weekly news roundup: Mazda turbos; Jeep torques up the Gladiator; Lincoln finds things all the same colour; Aston Martin starts building a crossover; Genesis prices their latest sedan you can buy from home; and Toyota shows a Corolla-based crossover we’d love to have.
Mazda is known for some great naturally aspirated fours, but the 2.5-turbo from the CX-9 (and more recently CX-5) looked like just the ticket for a quicker Mazda 3. The Skyactiv-G 2.5T gives the Mazda3 and Mazda3 Sport 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, boosted to 250 hp if your local service station sells 93-octane. It’s equipped with all-wheel drive and comes with Mazda’s six-speed automatic. The turbo comes only on GT-spec cars with the sedan from $32,900 and the hatch for a thousand more. This entry-lux hot hatch should compete with the likes of VW’s GTI and Golf R, and is set to arrive as a 2021 by the end of the year.
This morning Fiat Chrysler showed us a Jeep concept using a 6.4L V8, but while that fast Jeep is cool, the one that’s coming to dealers for sure is cooler. It puts the FCA 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 behind the Gladiator’s seven-bar grille. That’s 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque on Sport, Overland and Rubicon models, hooked up to a new eight-speed automatic. Jeep says it’ll offer better fuel economy, though no word yet on if it will be able to tow more than the currently offered V6.
Lincoln is adding the Monochromatic package that debuted on the Navigator last fall to the Corsair, Nautilus, and Aviator. Coming in Pristine White, Ceramic Pearl, Infinite Black, and new Asher Gray, the Monochromatic package matches the Lincoln grille and badges to the body colour. They’ll also come with unique wheels in 20-inch or 22-inch sizes (depending on model) as well as body-colour side mirrors, cladding, and wheel arch trim.
Aston Martin desperately needs its first-ever crossover to be a sales hit with customers; and this British manufacturer of primarily sports cars and sedans is now one step closer to that goal. The first DBX has rolled off of the company’s new production line in Wales bringing it one step closer to Canadian showrooms. The all-wheel drive luxury performance SUV comes with an AMG-designed and built 4.0L twin-turbo V8 making 542 hp and an interior that should rival any other SUV. Despite it being a tall four-door, the DBX is clearly an Aston from every angle, and for many buyers who wanted one of the company’s sports cars but needed more space that might be all they need. Deliveries of the DBX are set to start at home by the end of the month, and we’d expect it here a few months later.
The latest from Genesis is the all-new G80 midsize sedan. Arriving in Canada with a 2.5L turbo-four making 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, as well as a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 that’ll do 375 and 390 lb.ft. Both with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic. Both will be loaded with safety features like cruise control with machine learning, highway driving assist II, and other emergency reaction features like collision avoidance for the front, side, and rear, and driver attention monitoring. Genesis offers all-in pricing, meaning that for $66,000 you can get a 2021 G80 2.5T Advanced with Genesis at Home concierge (they’ll pick it up and drop it off wherever you want for service), complimentary scheduled maintenance, connected services, and map updates all for five years or 100,000 km. All you add to that price is your applicable sales tax. Or for the 3.5T Prestige, bring $76,000.
While it was unveiled in Thailand, the Toyota Corolla Cross is one model we think would be a big hit in Canada. The Corolla Cross fits in between the Corolla hatch and the RAV4, but offers a much more rugged appearance than the fashion-forward and overly quirky CH-R with which it shares a 2,639 mm wheelbase. In Thailand, a 140 hp 1.8L four will be offered as well as a hybrid version that offers less power from the gas engine but a combined total of 180 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque. That’d make this one as much quick as it is thrifty, and would slot in well with competitors like Mazda’s CX-30 and the Nissan Qashqai. It’s not confirmed for Canada, or North America, but we’re hearing rumours it could be bound here. It’s based on the same platform as the Prius, Corolla, and Lexus UX, so that could make the trip across the ocean an easier one.
Keyword: News Roundup: Turbo Mazda 3, Diesel Jeep Pickup, Aston DBX, More