Latest news about Hyundai, Genesis and Kia.
Even with parts of the world essentially on lockdown during the current COVID-19 crisis, there is still some important automotive news to report.
We have put together the latest Kia news for you all, as well as some news about Genesis and Hyundai.
Let’s take a look at what has been happening throughout the month of March 2020.
1. Ioniq HEV & PHEV to be discontinued in Korea
The Hyundai Ioniq hybrid and the plug-in hybrid are set to be discontinued in the South Korean market. The other model in the range, the all-electric Ioniq EV, will still be available to domestic buyers.
This news does come as a bit of a surprise, but it does not have any bearing on the international market, where all 3 versions of the Ioniq will still be available for sale.
This move is being made due to the launch of the Elantra hybrid, with Hyundai looking to avoid competition between the two similarly sized models.
2. Hyundai 45 spy shots
Hyundai is currently in the process of developing a new electric vehicle that will ride on their brand-new EV dedicated platform known as E-GMP.
The vehicle, which is currently undergoing cold weather testing in Sweden, is referred to as the Hyundai NE (internal development codename).
The vehicle is now entering the final development stage before it gets officially unveiled in the first half of 2021. Hyundai’s goal is to have this compact 5-door hatchback/crossover model go head to head with the upcoming VW I.D. 3. (Photos: Autospy)
3. Important Genesis EV trademarks
The Genesis brand is all about luxury, but they will also soon be known as an EV brand, with all of their models set to be released in all-electric variants.
The first of the batch will be the eG80 luxury sedan, which is expected to hit the South Korean showrooms in the 4th quarter of this year.
The filled trademarks suggest us that every model in the Genesis lineup will come with an all-electric drivetrain sooner or later. Those other models are the GV70 SUV and sedan, the G80 and GV80, and the flagship G90 sedan. Rumor has it that an EV sporty coupe is also in the works.
4. Kia poaches new interior designer from BMW
Kia has acquired the services of a new lead interior designer to oversee all future interior designs of upcoming Kia models. Jochen Paesen, who formerly worked with BMW, as well as NIO, a Chinese EV startup, will be the new man in charge.
Paesen’s official title is the Vice President of the Interior Design Group. He will be working out of the Kia Design Center in South Korea and will report directly to Karim Habib, who serves as the Senior Vice President and Head of the Kia Design Center.
- Note: Mr. Karim Habib was also a former BMW employee, which means that Kia has now plucked 3 talented individuals from the Germans over the years. The other is Albert Biermann.
Paesen became a hot commodity after he helped create the interior of the BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics concept model, which would eventually become the i8.
Before working for BMW, Paesen spent 5 years with Volkswagen, where he created the interior for the Amarok pick-up truck. While at BMW, he also came up with the F12 6-Series interior design before eventually going on to become the Head of Interior Design for BMW i-series.
5. 2020 Kia Niro EV pricing leaked
In the US, Kia has (at this point) just one vehicle that is fully electric. That is the Kia Niro EV.
Latest news suggest that the Niro EV will see a slight price increase for the 2020 model year even though there are no real improvements or upgrades to speak of.
A car dealership order guide obtained by Cars Direct shows that the 2020 Kia Niro EV will be $590 more expensive than the previous model year.
What that means is that the Niro EX will come with a starting price of $40,210, while the EX Premium will start at $45,710. While the $1,120 destination fee is included in the price, state and federal tax incentives are not!
6. Hyundai Elantra hybrid 50 MPG
Hyundai recently unveiled the new 2021 Elantra during a live broadcast from California. The new model sees the Elantra enter its seventh generation.
The exterior and interior design of the new Elantra are both incredibly stylish. The vehicle also features an updated drivetrain and advanced technology, as well as a hybrid variant for the first time ever.
The 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid will look to go head to head with the Honda Insight and Toyota Corolla Hybrid models when it goes on sale in U.S.
There has not yet been an official announcement about the EPA fuel economy numbers, but Hyundai has promised that the 2021 Elantra Hybrid will deliver a combined rating of over 50 MPG. That number is very close to the fuel economy figures of the aforementioned rival models.
7. News about Hyundai Kona N
Since way back in 2018, we have been hearing rumors about Hyundai creating a sporty N version of the Kona crossover. We now have official confirmation that a high-performance version of the Kona will indeed be coming.
A heavily camouflaged prototype version of the Kona has been spotted being tested, with the exterior styling that definitely suggests a hotter, sportier N model is in the works.
A deeper front spoiler and an aggressive front end will help this model boast a sportier look, as will the large rear spoiler and new rear bumper design.
As far as the engine goes, expect the same 2.0-liter 250 HP 4-cylinder that is currently being used in the i30 N. (Photo: Autoweek.nl)
8. 2021 Genesis GV80 Priced From $48,900
Genesis introduced their first SUV, the GV80, to consumers earlier this year, but one thing that was noticeably absent was the pricing. Launched in January, the GV80 is expected to land in the US this summer.
That is not that far away, so it’s no real surprise that we now have pricing for the 3 trim levels on offer: Standard, Advanced, and Prestige.
Pricing for all trim levels of the 2021 Genesis GV80 can be found below.
| 2021 Genesis GV80 | MSRP |
| GV80 2.5T Standard | $48,900 |
| GV80 2.5T Advanced | $52,800 |
| GV80 2.5T Prestige | $57,050 |
| GV80 2.5T AWD Standard | $54,650 |
| GV80 2.5T AWD Advanced | $59,000 |
| GV80 2.5T AWD Prestige | $63,400 |
| GV80 3.5T AWD Standard | $59,150 |
| GV80 3.5T AWD Advanced | $64,350 |
| GV80 3.5T AWD Advanced+ | $65,050 |
| GV80 3.5T AWD Prestige | $70,950 |
- Genesis GV80 prices above exclude $1,025 destination charge!
