What’s new at the New York Motor Show

Due to an increasingly marked lack of interest from manufacturers in this type of event, the 2024 edition of the New York Auto Show will not go down in history. Despite the absence of major new features, certain launches still deserve attention. Here are a few that caught our attention.

Nissan Kicks

Nissan’s entry-level crossover is getting a makeover by adopting a completely new stylistic stance more oriented towards the SUV. It also grows slightly, increasing its wheelbase by around 6 cm to improve interior space. The interior is greatly rejuvenated by the design and use of a larger central screen (12.3 inches) as standard. For the first time in its career, this Kicks can also be equipped with optional all-wheel drive which includes a multi-link rear suspension. All liveries are powered by a 2.0L four-cylinder which increases power to 141 hp. On sale from summer.

Genesis Neolun Concept

Genesis presented itself in New York with the Neolun style studio. The exercise lays out the canvas for an all-new full-size electric SUV. Beyond its design which takes up the stylistic language of the Hyundai luxury brand with its superimposed lines of diodes, the Neolun stands out for the absence of central pillars, which promotes visibility and access to the passenger compartment. . Genesis specifies that this approach is ripe enough for application on a production vehicle. Nothing has been published on the technical aspect of the imposing object.

Hyundai Santa Cruz

Beyond its redesigned grille and its dashboard which adopts a horizontal “floating” screen integrating the instrumentation and multimedia navigation, there is little to say about this refresh of the Santa Cruz. The mid-size pickup continues its journey with standard all-wheel drive and its 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder (281 hp) capable of towing 2,268 kg (5,000 lb). A new version more focused on off-road is nevertheless making its debut. Named XTR, it receives “all-terrain” tires as well as specific rims and a redesigned front bumper for a better approach angle. The van will go on sale from the fall.

Hyundai Tucson

Platform cousin of the Santa Cruz, the Tucson compact SUV receives modifications similar to those of the pickup truck. The dashboard is redesigned, as is the front part which incorporates new daytime running lights. The rear also receives a light dusting and an XTR livery arrives with an image more focused on the outdoors, without having revised mechanical elements to support it. Three engines are still part of the technical sheet: a 2.5 L four-cylinder (187 hp), a 1.6 L turbo hybrid four-cylinder (231 hp) and a plug-in hybrid version (268 hp). On sale at the end of summer.

Kia K4

Kia persists and signs in the compact car segment by unveiling the replacement for the Forte, the K4. Banking on its imposing stature – for a compact – of 4.7 m, almost 4 cm longer than a Honda Civic sedan, it will try to attract customers who would have opted for the K5 intermediate sedan which is no longer part of from the Canadian portfolio. The same two engines used by the Forte will be reused under its hood, namely a 2.0L naturally aspirated four-cylinder (147 hp) coupled to a CVT and a smaller 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder with 190 hp guided by an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Infiniti QX80

Evolving in the shadow of the big names in its very lucrative segment, the QX80 is finally undergoing a complete overhaul. Gone is the V8 to make way for a new 3.5L twin-turbo V6 producing 450 hp and which sends its 515 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels. Its imposing framework has also been completely remodeled stylistically both outside and inside to project a much less divisive image. An air suspension is added to significantly improved soundproofing, according to Infiniti, to promote comfort. The first copies will arrive in the summer.