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This week’s top news stories: April 1

New York show debuts, self-driving fallout


The automotive news wheel is always turning. If you’re not constantly checking CarAdvice – which you should be doing, by the way – it can be easy for some headlines to slip through the cracks.

To make sure you haven’t missed anything important, we’ve gathered what we reckon are the hottest news stories from this week, right here. Check them out, and let us know what caught your eye.


Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak revealed in New York

The reports were true! Volkswagen used the New York motor show to unveil an MQB-based pickup truck, albeit in concept form.

Based on the seven-seat Atlas offered exclusively in North America, the Tanoak is a mid-size dual-cab designed in a similar vein to the Honda Ridgeline. Forget hauling bales of hay, this truck is about lifestyle buyers with bikes and boards to cart.


Hyundai Kona Electric coming late 2018/early 2019, long-range the priority

The Kona Electric is an exciting proposition, with a usable range and, hopefully, a sub-$50k price point when it arrives late this year or early next.

This week, the brand's local arm confirmed a few more details about the incoming plug-in SUV. Expect priority to be given to the 64kWh long-range variant, with local tuning set to start soon.


2019 Hyundai Tucson revealed

In one of three major SUV reveals, the facelifted Hyundai Tucson was unveiled in the Big Apple. It's only a mid-life refresh, but there are some substantial changes, including a significantly improved interior design.

An eight-speed automatic will be added to the Aussie line-up, too – but only if you buy the diesel.


2019 Audi RS5 Sportback revealed

Keen on an Audi RS5, but concerned the standard car's back isn't, you know, sporty enough? Audi has answered your prayers.

With the same drivetrain as the two-door RS5, but the added practicality of four doors, the RS5 Sportback looks like a winner.


2019 Toyota RAV4 revealed

What do you think of the way it looks? The RAV4 has divided opinion in the CarAdvice office and the comments, with a new look inspired by the FT-AC concept from last year.

Power will come from a range of  'Dynamic Force' engines, and three (yep, 3) all-wheel drive systems will be available across the range.


Uber self-driving permit suspended by Arizona

The fallout from Uber's self-driving crash in Tempe, Arizona has continued this week. The company, which left Californian roads because it didn't want to pay for a permit, has had its testing license revoked by Arizona Governor, Doug Ducey.



2019 Honda Insight unveiled

The production Honda Insight hybrid has been unveiled in New York, after being previewed by a 'prototype' late last year. In news that will shock no-one, the production car looks just like the concept.

Total system outputs are 113kW and 267Nm, thanks to its combination of a 1.5-litre Atkinson Cycle engine and electric motor. It runs in series most of the time, using the petrol engine to charge the lithium-ion battery.


2019 Kia Carnival revealed

Get excited mums and dads, the Kia Carnival has been facelifted! Alright, that's too excited, relax down back.

Along with a slew of minor exterior and interior design tweaks, there's a new rear-seat entertainment system and a fresh eight-speed automatic.

We're not sure how much of that will make it to Australia, but enjoy the North American details.


Nissan: 1 million annual electrified sales by end FY2022

Nissan wants to ramp up its electrified vehicle sales, and will lead the charge (pun 110 per cent intentional) with a new all-electric crossover, more e-Power hybrids and cheap Chinese battery-powered cars.

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