Today’s Auto Brief: KGM’s EVX crashes the family EV party, Ford tweaks Ranger/Everest, Jimny 3‑door returns, and a roofless Brabus G steals the headlines
If the car world had a group chat, today’s thread would be a mix of sensible family planning and delightful chaos. On the pragmatic side: Ford’s Ranger and Everest get meaningful MY26.5 updates, the Suzuki Jimny three-door is back with more tech, and KGM (yep, ex‑SsangYong) drops pricing and specs for the Torres EVX—aimed squarely at the Model Y crowd. On the wild side: Brabus has built a million‑dollar G‑Class Cabrio, someone stuffed a speeding McLaren into a house (miraculously, all lived), and Nissan’s sharpening its knives for a Chinese pickup truck showdown.
EV family SUV watch: KGM Torres EVX takes aim at Model Y
KGM’s Torres EVX arrives with the sort of brief that keeps Tesla honest: family‑size space, straightforward styling, and the promise of value without feeling bargain-bin. I liked the honest, slightly old‑school feel of the Torres petrol on coarse-chip roads—softly sprung, unpretentious, a bit of the “remember when SUVs were just tall wagons?” energy. If the EVX keeps that calm chassis vibe and adds the instant shove of an electric motor, it could be the sleeper pick for buyers who want an easygoing daily rather than a Nürburgring lap time.
- Positioning: Practical, value‑led EV SUV to tempt Model Y and Korean EV crossovers.
- Cabin vibe: Boxy-and-bright glasshouse, family‑friendly seating, useful boot shape.
- Ownership pitch: Ex‑SsangYong brand now under KGM; expect strong warranty support and simple spec walk.
- Reality check: Don’t expect track-hero dynamics—this is about comfort, range confidence, and price sensibility.
Pricing and specs have been detailed locally, underscoring KGM’s intent to land where households actually shop—school runs, Costco hauls, weekend trails with a mountain bike rattling in the back. I’ll be curious about charging curve stability in hot Aussie summers; that’s where value EVs can show their homework.
Utes and SUVs: Ford Ranger and Everest MY26.5 updates
Ford’s done the classic mid‑cycle tidy-up. Nothing earth‑shattering, but the needle moves where owners actually care. When I last towed with the Ranger V6, it felt like the powertrain the chassis always wanted—lazy torque, quiet cruising, barely breaking a sweat up long grades. The headline this time? That V6 diesel becomes accessible to more buyers, and there’s a new Wolftrak special if you fancy more grit without going full Raptor cosplay. Over in Everest land, there’s a new entry engine and an additional model grade, which should sharpen fleet appeal and lower the ladder for families who’ve been cross‑shopping Prado and MU‑X.
| Model | What’s new for MY26.5 | Who it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| Ford Ranger | Wider availability of the V6 diesel; new Wolftrak special with tougher look and off‑road‑leaning kit. | Towers, tourers, and buyers wanting V6 grunt without top‑spec pricing; adventurous types who like factory-ready upgrades. |
| Ford Everest | New base engine; fresh entry model grade to broaden the lineup. | Families and fleets chasing seven-seat comfort with more attainable pricing and improved running‑cost math. |
- What I’ll look for on test: Calmer throttle mapping for low‑speed maneuvering with a trailer; any suspension retune that tames corrugations; tyre choice on Wolftrak (noise matters on long days).
- Owner tip: If you’re eyeing the V6 for towing, budget for a quality brake controller and confirm GCM implications with your dealer before you sign.
Off‑road corner: Suzuki Jimny three‑door returns (with more tech, and a pricier sticker)
The Jimny three‑door is back, now with tech that should take the edge off its rough‑and‑ready charm—think smarter infotainment and a wider net of driver assistance. Prices are up (welcome to 2025), but the core recipe remains: tiny footprint, low range, big smiles. I ran one as a city/beach runabout for a month and adored the way it shrugs off potholes and kerbs. On a freeway crosswind, though, you do a little dance with the wheel. It’s part of the gig.
- Why it works: Short overhangs and light weight make it feel unstoppable on tight, rocky trails.
- Where it’s compromised: Long highway slogs and steep on‑ramps—pack patience and enjoy the view.
- Tech adds: The sort of everyday stuff owners asked for—clearer screens, slicker phone mirroring, and better active‑safety coverage.
Regulations and reality: Illegal mods blitz snags LandCruisers
Authorities ran a blitz on illegally modified vehicles, with LandCruisers among those pinged. No shock there—big 4x4s are the canvas of choice for lifts, tyres, and GVM upgrades. The line between “touring-ready” and “defect notice” can be thinner than you think.
- Know your limits: Height increases, tyre size jumps, and track changes often need engineering sign‑off—check your state rules and ADR compliance.
- GVM/gross weights: Don’t assume a GVM upgrade absolves everything; you still need to respect axle loads and braking performance.
- Insurance angle: Non‑declared mods can void cover. If you’ve fitted it, tell them.
- Road test tip: After suspension changes, get a proper alignment and brake test—saves tyres, stops the wander.
WTF (Wonderful, Terrific, Frivolous): Brabus, McLaren mayhem, and Nissan’s China pickup play
Brabus builds a G‑Class Cabrio… for about a million
Because of course they did. Take a G‑Class, remove the sensible bits above your head, add a volcano of power and couture‑grade trimmings, and you’ve got the sort of SUV that makes valets whisper. It’s the antithesis of subtle—massive presence, likely outrageous output, and the wind in your perfectly coiffed hair. Practical? As practical as a diamond‑encrusted hammer. But I’d still take the long way home.
He crashed a McLaren into a house—and everyone lived
A high‑speed McLaren collision with a house ended without fatalities. That sentence alone is wild. It’s a grim reminder that supercar speeds and suburbia simply don’t mix. Save it for a track day; I promise the apex feels better than a brick wall.
Nissan readies a Chinese‑made pickup to fight… Chinese pickups
The ute war in China is heating up, and Nissan’s bringing a locally built, electrified pickup (plug‑in hybrid is the word) to trade blows with the surging domestic brands. Makes sense: build where the battle is, price keenly, and leverage a deep dealer network. If it’s rugged enough for rural buyers and quiet enough for city delivery runs, that’s a potent one‑two.
Wrap‑up
Big picture: mainstream buyers get more choice and better trims (Ford’s MY26.5), budget‑savvy EV hunters get another real option (KGM Torres EVX), purists rejoice (Jimny 3‑door), and the circus keeps entertaining us (Brabus cabrio, McLaren miracle, Nissan’s strategic pickup play). As always, the test drives will separate spec‑sheet promises from the stuff that makes living with a car genuinely better.
FAQ
- What’s the headline change for the 2026 Ford Ranger? Wider availability of the V6 diesel and a new Wolftrak special that nudges it closer to adventure duty straight from the showroom.
- What’s new on the 2026 Ford Everest? A new base engine and an added entry model grade designed to sharpen value for families and fleets.
- Is the Suzuki Jimny three‑door really coming back? Yes—returning with tech updates and a higher price tag, while keeping its lovable off‑road character.
- Where does the KGM Torres EVX fit? It’s a family‑size EV SUV positioned as a value‑minded alternative to the Tesla Model Y and Korean rivals.
- Are lift kits and big tyres legal on my 4x4? They can be—within strict limits. Many mods require engineering sign‑off and must comply with local regulations; check before fitting to avoid defect notices and insurance headaches.
