News Roundup: All-New Outlander, Refreshed Kona, GM’s Oshawa Test Track, More

Mitsubishi has just revealed an all-new Outlander for 2022. The three-row crossover gets more length, more space, and new driver assistance tech as well as a new look in and out that moves the brand to another level. Cabin changes include seats and steering wheel with more adjustment as well as more absolute space, but it’s the materials that are the most eye-catching. Premium finishes including suede and quilted leather pair with a full-width dash that enhances the feeling of space. The aluminum trim is real aluminum, while a fully digital dash is available.

Outside, the styling is much like the Engelberg Tourer concept with an almost brutalist front end without the over-aggression of many modern crossovers as well as sharp lines nose to tail. It’s powered by a 181 hp 2.5-litre four paired with a CVT. Driver assistance features include new traffic sign recognition, as well as a new assisted driving feature that is hands-on but uses lane centering and radar cruise control to slow down for changing speed limits as well as traffic.

 

Hyundai debuted the refreshed for 2022 Kona including the Electric and a new N Line sports model. The biggest changes are to the styling, with a new wider nose and slightly more conventional headlights, though this is still certainly a standout in the looks department. Standard powertrain is a 147 hp 2.0-litre four with a six-speed auto, while Limited and N Line get a 195 hp 1.6-litre four (20 hp more than last year) with a dual-clutch gearbox. N Line also adds a body kit and some sporting trim inside including on the seats. Kona gets a new 10.3-inch touchscreen and same-sized digital gauge cluster. Changes to the EV model include some styling and the interior revisions, but the powertrain is unchanged.

 

Infiniti’s QX55 brings a crossover coupe to the company’s lineup, ready to arrive at dealers in April, so now the automaker has priced the stylish new luxury model. From $51,995, the QX55 offers all-wheel drive, 20-inch alloys, wireless Apple CarPlay, and more, including a power moonroof, heated seats, active noise cancellation, and a host of driver assistance features. Every QX55 gets a 268 hp variable compression turbocharged engine and a CVT. Essential ProAsssist adds leather, more cameras, Bose audio, and adaptive cruise for $56,998, while Sensory adds semi-aniline leather ambient lighting, and ProPilot steering assist with intelligent cruise control for $60.998.

 

General Motors has announced the opening of the CTC McLaughlin Advanced Technology Track, the autonomous and future-tech test site built on the grounds of the Oshawa Assembly Plant. The oval-shaped circuit is designed to be close to GM’s software engineers in Canada to let them get new developments on track sooner. Development work done at the new facility includes work on advanced driver assistance features (like Super Cruise), autonomous vehicle systems, and even infotainment system testing in a controlled environment.

 

The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada has announced its eight category winners in the 2021 Canadian Car and Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year awards. The list includes two repeat winners as well as a host of new winners, narrowed down from more than 250 eligible models. The final award winners will be presented in March.

 

Best Mid-Size Car in Canada for 2021

Mazda3 (repeat winner)

Best Large Car in Canada for 2021

Kia K5

Best Mid-Size Premium Car in Canada for 2021

Genesis G80

Best Small Utility Vehicle in Canada for 2021

Subaru Crosstrek

Best Mid-Size Utility Vehicle in Canada for 2021

Nissan Rogue

Best Large Utility Vehicle in Canada for 2021

Kia Telluride (repeat winner)

Best Mid-Size Premium Utility Vehicle in Canada for 2021

Genesis GV80

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