Today in Cars: Hyundai flexes, Vegas dusts up, and a 30-year-old M car out-prices the new stuff
I love Fridays like this. The inbox is a mix of boardroom bravado, smoky Las Vegas track action, surprisingly useful EV discounts, and that eternal truth of the collector market: nostalgia appreciates faster than most portfolios. Grab a coffee. Let’s lap the headlines together.
Hyundai’s hot streak: profits to pummel and a new “Crater” to climb
Hyundai’s CEO says the brand has overtaken Volkswagen to become number two globally in profit. That’s a bit of a mic drop, and frankly, it tracks with what I’ve noticed the last few years—Hyundai and Kia have been building the kind of cars that make buyers feel savvy: punchy, well-equipped, still sensibly priced. Solid margins follow.
On the heels of that chest-out moment, Hyundai also revealed the Crater concept, a rugged mid-size off-road SUV idea-car. Think: the brand’s current sharp-edged design language dressed for the trail. I haven’t driven it (it’s a concept), but I did some light off-road testing with recent Hyundais; their traction and hill-descent tuning have come a long way. If Crater previews a production model, expect something aimed straight at the “weekend-overlander-with-a-dog” crowd.
Toyota two-step: Hilux remains the tool, China’s RAV4 gets the toys
Autocar’s latest pass at the Toyota Hilux reminds me why it’s still the default answer for anyone who asks, “I need it to start every morning.” On the last UK press loan I had, the Hilux rode a bit choppy unladen—classic pickup stuff—but settled nicely with a load in the bed. The ladder-frame feel is real, the cabin has grown-up niceties, and the thing will tow up to around 3.5 tonnes depending on spec. It’s not flashy. It’s faithful. That counts more than a TikTok launch color.
Meanwhile in China, Toyota’s RAV4 twins have landed with a much bigger screen and a much smaller price than the versions the rest of us get. Screens sell, and value sells harder. This is one of those market-specific moves that makes global buyers grumble at the dealership—“why can’t I have that?”—but it does signal where Toyota sees the mass-market tech baseline heading.
EV bargains: Leaf gets a grant, Omoda Jaecoo gets in on Black Friday
In the UK, the new Nissan Leaf lands a £3750 EV grant, pulling the entry price down to £32,249. That’s meaningful. At that money, you’re cross-shopping not just other EVs but well-specced hybrids. The Leaf has always been an easykeeper for city duty—quiet, predictable, stress-free. When I ran one for a month, it was the school-run assassin: heat on, podcasts up, zero drama.
And if you’re watching the calendar, Omoda Jaecoo is rolling out range-wide Black Friday savings. If you’ve been EV- or SUV-curious but allergic to MSRP, this weekend might be your test-drive moment. Bring your deal-face and a calculator.
Regulation beat: Australia turns the volume down on loud mods
Australian police have been busy, with reports of Commodore and Skyline drivers stung in a crackdown on modified and noisy vehicles. Exhausts, ride heights, the usual suspects. I get the enthusiast frustration—I’ve owned a droney exhaust or three—but there’s a line between character and headache-inducing chaos at 2 a.m. on a suburban street. If you’re rolling a modded car Down Under, keep it tidy and carry your compliance paperwork.
Old metal, new money: an E36 M3 spikes; a Microbus rises from the ashes
Collector heat check: a 1990s E36 BMW M3 is pulling bids that would make new M4 owners wince. Remember, the E36 carried 240 hp in the U.S. and up to 321 hp in Europe, but numbers aren’t the point; it’s the way the chassis breathes with a road. I drove one through the Brecon Beacons years ago—thin pillars, perfect pedals, steering that talked even when the radio was off. People are paying for that feeling, scarcity, and the right color/interior combo.
On the other end of the emotional spectrum, a VW Microbus that burned in the Palisades Fire has been restored. I’ve seen post-fire rescues at shops—the smell of cooked paint and wiring looms lingers forever—but the best fabricators can resurrect anything with time, sheet metal, and stubbornness. This one is less about concours points and more about putting a family memory back on the road. That’s the kind of story that reminds you why cars matter.
Paddock notes: Vegas gets dusty, Lando lights it up, and an FIA shake-up
Las Vegas GP practice opened on a slippery, dusty surface with Charles Leclerc topping FP1. As the track rubbered in, FP2 turned scrappy—red flags and all—yet Lando Norris rose to the top. It’s the sort of circuit evolution that keeps engineers glued to tire temps while drivers mutter about grip on the radio. Also in the headlines: FIA head of aero Jason Somerville has resigned amid links to Alpine F1. Technical brain-drain in-season is always spicy; watch that space for where he lands and how quickly knowledge can be put to use under the regs.
At a glance: what happened and why it matters
| Story | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Hyundai says it’s now #2 globally in profit; unveils Crater off-road SUV concept | Confirms Hyundai’s momentum; hints at a new rugged model to challenge adventure-focused rivals |
| Toyota Hilux review refresh; China’s RAV4 gets bigger screens and lower prices | Hilux stays the dependability benchmark; China shows where mainstream tech/price is trending |
| Nissan Leaf gets £3750 grant, starts at £32,249 (UK) | Improves EV affordability and keeps the Leaf competitive in value-driven segments |
| Omoda Jaecoo rolls out Black Friday savings | Another push to move metal before year-end and tempt first-time buyers |
| Crackdown on noisy/modified cars in Australia | Enforcement uptick could reshape local tuner culture and aftermarket choices |
| E36 M3 auction bids surge; VW Microbus restored after wildfire | Classic market stays hot; feel-good restoration wins hearts |
| Vegas GP: Leclerc tops FP1; Norris tops red-flag-hit FP2; FIA aero boss exits | Pacesetters emerge on a changing track; technical leadership shuffle could ripple into 2026 |
Feature highlights and quick takes
- Hyundai’s profit news underscores a product mix that buyers actually want: efficient powertrains, sharp design, easy tech.
- Hilux remains the “buy it once, forget about it” pickup. Ride comfort improves with weight in the bed—plan accordingly.
- Nissan Leaf’s new UK price with grant makes it a compelling urban runabout without premium-brand anxiety.
- China’s RAV4 move: large screen, small sticker. Expect ripple effects in global infotainment expectations.
- Collector tip: Originality and provenance are pushing E36 M3s skyward. Buy the best; cheap cars get expensive fast.
- Vegas setup: Early form is one thing; qualifying after more rubber goes down is another. Keep an eye on long-run pace.
Conclusion
From Hyundai’s big profit flex to Vegas’s dusty drama, today’s theme is momentum. Brands that read the room—on price, tech, or feel—are winning. The rest are taking notes. And somewhere, a freshly restored Microbus is trundling toward a beach at sunset, reminding us that the best stories survive the worst days.
FAQ
- Did Hyundai really overtake Volkswagen in profit? According to Hyundai’s CEO, yes—the company says it has moved into the #2 global profit spot.
- What is the Hyundai Crater? A newly revealed rugged mid-size off-road SUV concept that previews Hyundai’s trail-ready ambitions.
- How much does the new Nissan Leaf cost in the UK? With a £3750 EV grant applied, it starts at £32,249.
- Why are E36 BMW M3s selling for so much? Desirability, nostalgia, and limited top-condition examples—plus a chassis and steering feel modern cars often can’t match.
- Who was fastest in Vegas practice? Charles Leclerc topped a dusty FP1, and Lando Norris led a red flag-interrupted FP2.
