Car news, 11 Apr ’24: Alfa Romeo debuts its new Milano small SUV, Kia Tasman ute name confirmed, and more

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Thanks for joining us this Thursday April 11th 2024. Notably in car news today: Alfa Romeo has pulled the covers off its first electric car, the Milano SUV, and Kia Australia officially confirms the name Tasman for its first-ever ute.

Browse this issue:

• Alfa Romeo’s new small SUV, the Milano, debuts 
• Kia Australia confirms at last that it’s ute will be called Tasman
• Mercedes-Benz updates its EQS electric luxury sedan 
• Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 teased before imminent debut

• Reviewed: 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N 

Alfa Romeo debuts new Milano small SUV

• Alfa Romeo has today pulled the covers off its latest (and smallest) SUV, the Milano, which will launch with both hybrid combustion and full-electric powertrains. 

• The Milano is based upon the Stellantis STLA-Small platform that also underpins the new Jeep Avenger and the upcoming Fiat 600e. 

• Buyers will have the choice of either a 48-volt hybrid and turbocharged 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine producing 101kW of power, or two electric options, one 116kW and the other 178kW. Battery capacity is stated to be 54kWh. 

• Standard equipment will include dual 10.25-inch screens, 400 litres of boot capacity, 360-degree parking sensors and a partially autonomous parking system. 

• Pricing and other details for Australia have not yet been confirmed, but in Europe, the Milano will start from the equivalent of around AUD$50,000, or up to $65,000 for flagship electric variants. The Milano is open for orders in Europe now.    

Kia Australia confirms worst-kept secret – its ute is called Tasman

• Kia’s Australian arm has officially confirmed what was possibly the worst-kept automotive secret for some time – it will officially call its ute the Tasman. 

• The Tasman is set to launch in 2025 and will reportedly debut with 2.2-litre turbo-diesel power and will be directly targeting the reigning champions of the local ute market, the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger. 

• Said to be designed and ultimately manufactured in Korea, the Tasman will be offered with single- and dual-cab variants, with promises of a five-star ANCAP safety rating and 3500kg towing capacity. 

• Kia has sent out 100 prototypes across several global regions for research and development, including to Sweden for cold-weather analysis. 

• The ute is set to be globally revealed by early 2025, and will be a crucial model for the Kia brand.
  

Mercedes-Benz updates its EQS electric luxury sedan 

• Mercedes-Benz has announced a subtle facelift for its luxury EQS sedan model that arguably looks much more traditional than the outgoing version.

• One of the biggest changes has been to the grille and front fascia, which uses flush chrome slats to make the model look less futuristic and a little more classic in its design. A new hood ornament also now features.  

• The German luxury automaker has also added to the capacity of the EQS’s battery pack, now growing to 118kWh from 108.4kWh. Maximum WLTP electric range has now increased by 82km. 

• The updated EQS is set to debut at the Auto China show, and is expected that the updated model will come to Australia in time. 

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 teased before imminent debut

• If you thought the Corvette Z06 fulfilled the criteria of a classic supercar, American automaker Chevrolet has given us a brief glimpse of what is likely to be the most potent iteration of the C8 Corvette yet: the new ZR1. 

• Reported to be powered by a twin-turbo 5.5-litre V8 engine, the ZR1 could produce as much as 634kW/1100Nm, which will be put to the ground through the rear wheels exclusively. 

• The American mid-engined supercar is also set to be very aerodynamic, with a sports rear spoiler said to provide at least 330kg of downforce.

• The most-powerful Corvette to date, the 5.5-litre V8-powered Z06 currently on sale in Australia, is priced from $336,000 before on-road costs. However, it’s a limited-release variant. 

• While the Corvette ZR1 is not yet confirmed for Australia, its hybrid sibling, the E-Ray, will be offered down under. 

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N reviewed

• Chasing Cars editor Tom Baker’s review of the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N was published, including his thoughts on the performance of the EV and its fun-to-drive nature.
  
• Baker thought the Ioniq 5 N had plenty of positive points, including having the best ride quality of any Ioniq 5, powerful acceleration and braking performance, and the helpful pairing of artificial gearshifts and soundtrack.
  
• But what were some of Baker’s not-so-good points on the hot Hyundai? Limited rear-world range, nannying safety systems and the fact that it’s expensive at $111,000, took the Ioniq 5 N down a couple of notches.
  
• Baker concluded by saying that the Ioniq 5 N was a “massive achievement” for the EV to be playing in a similar ballpark to combustion rivals like the all-wheel-drive BMW M340i and its ability as a livable track car.

READ: Tom Baker’s written review 

The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Friday 12th April at 4.30pm Sydney time.