Today’s Drive: Discounts, final editions, EV whispers, and a factory back online
Some days in carland splash you with numbers and lap times. Today’s more of a mood board: deals for the holidays, a couple of farewells, one promising EV headline, and a small but mighty off-roader getting smarter. I’ve stitched the lot together after a morning of coffees, emails, and the odd double-take at a camouflaged crossover. Let’s get into it.
Deal watch: Kia trims, VW bundles
Kia’s throwing a lifeline to its new ute. The Tasman X-Line gets a reported A$3000 discount and extra kit after a slower-than-hoped start. I’ve said it before: the ute segment is a shark tank, and value moves the needle. The added gear should help the X-Line feel less “fleet special” and more weekender-ready. If you were fence-sitting, this is the nudge.
Meanwhile, Volkswagen is lining up drive-away offers on its EV range in time for the Christmas rush. Clever timing. The number of friends who’ve asked me, “Is now the time to finally go electric?” has doubled as electricity prices and fuel bills play tug-of-war. Seasonal deals that bake in on-road costs can shrink the mental math.
| Item | Market | What’s happening | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Tasman X-Line ute | Australia | A$3000 discount plus extra equipment | Sharper value in a brutally competitive ute segment |
| Volkswagen EV range | Australia | Drive-away deals for the holiday period | Lower barrier to EV ownership before year’s end |
| VW Touareg | Australia | Final Edition confirmed for 2026 | Last chance to buy one new; the end of an era |
| Suzuki Jimny (3-door) | Australia | Tech upgrades ahead of relaunch | Fan-favorite gets the modern touches people asked for |
New metal and the ones in disguise
Renault Megane E-Tech facelift spotted
Renault’s electric Megane E-Tech has been sighted in Spain wearing the usual makeup. Expect a tidier nose, lighting tweaks, and—if Renault reads the room—snappier infotainment and driver-assistance polish. When I last hopped between compact EVs on a rain-slicked mountain route, the Megane’s steering feel stood out; a light refresh could keep it relevant as rivals go on diet-and-tech blitzes.
That “boring” mule might be a hot Toyota
A very plain test mule is doing the rounds, and the chatter says it could be hiding Toyota’s sporty crossover coupe. I’ve learned to trust boring mules; they’re the ones that surprise you later with a proper chassis tune and just-enough attitude. Think of it as a raised hatch with the gym membership paid up.
End of the line: Volkswagen Touareg’s graceful exit
Volkswagen has confirmed a 2026 Final Edition for the Touareg in Australia, drawing a line under one of the brand’s stealth-luxury heroes. On a recent family haul—kids, luggage, dog crate—the Touareg reminded me why it quietly built a following: long-legged refinement, proper tow confidence, and none of the “look at me” of pricier badges. A final edition typically means curated colors and all the good toys ticked. If a two-row luxury SUV with real highway stamina sounds like your kind of road trip partner, start planning.
Fan favorites: WRX milestone and a smarter Jimny
Subaru WRX celebrates a major Australian milestone
The WRX has hit a big marker in Australia. Whatever the number, it tracks with what I keep seeing on Saturday morning cars-and-coffee runs: old bugeyes parked next to new ones, all with that same mischievous stance. The recipe still works for people who want everyday usability with a weekend-glint in the eye.
2026 Suzuki Jimny 3-door gets tech upgrades
Before the Aussie relaunch, the three-door Jimny is picking up tech. Owners have told me two things repeatedly: “Don’t touch the charm” and “Please, just give us better infotainment and driver aids.” Sounds like Suzuki’s listening. The Jimny doesn’t need massive screens; it needs an easy Bluetooth connection, clear nav, and safety aids that stay out of the way when the trail turns rocky. I ran one up a corrugated fire road last year—low-speed control and visibility were its party tricks. A little tech polish should only help on the commute back.
- Likely improvements: infotainment responsiveness and connectivity
- Expect added driver-assistance features suited to urban duty
- Relaunch timing aimed at keeping demand hot for the 3-door
Industry beat: JLR production restarts
Jaguar Land Rover’s final factory has restarted after the recent cyber attack disruptions. Everyone in the supply chain breathes a bit easier when the last domino stands back up. If you’ve been waiting on a new Range Rover or Defender build slot, this is the kind of backstage news that eventually translates to fewer delays at the dealership.
Big EV promise: New BMW i3 headline figure
Autocar reports a new BMW i3 is on the way, promising “sheer driving pleasure” and a headline-grabbing 500-mile range. If that figure holds in real-world use, it’s a marker in the sand. The first i3 taught us how weight, packaging, and feel can trump raw numbers. If BMW can pair that ethos with true long-legged range, it could be the family EV that shrinks highway-range anxiety to a footnote. Caveat, of course: promises are easy; winter range is not. I’ll be watching how it charges from 10–80% and how it rides on crummy surfaces. That’s where EVs either sing or squeak.
Hyundai on the mind: brand push and a bargain classic
Visibility play
Hyundai’s leadership is talking up a push for bigger brand visibility—because, as they put it, being the second choice is just the first car not to be bought. They’ve won the spec-sheet war plenty of times; the next battle is hearts and eyeballs. A coherent design story and cleaner trim walk would help shoppers say “yes” faster on the forecourt.
Used-car corner: Time to snag a Hyundai Coupe?
Autocar floated the idea that the humble Hyundai Coupe—the £1k wonder many of us ignored in classifieds—is maturing into a wee classic. I’m inclined to agree. Find a tidy one, keep a little budget for suspension refresh and a decent set of tyres, and enjoy 90s-coupe vibes without the 90s-coupe tax. Nothing wrong with a slow car that looks like it’s having fun.
A sober note: police chase incident
Carscoops highlighted a high-speed chase that ended with police running over a motorcyclist. Details are under investigation. It’s a grim reminder that road drama has real stakes. If you watch any footage (where available), consider skipping it and reading summaries; nothing to learn there that defensive-riding training won’t teach you more constructively. Stay safe. Give yourself and others an out.
What it means for your week
- Shopping soon? Shortlist the Kia Tasman X-Line and ask dealers about the new price and added kit.
- Considering an EV? Have a look at VW’s drive-away packages while end-of-year incentives stack.
- Touareg fan? Final Edition means timelines—get your deposit ducks in a row.
- Trail toy on the brain? The updated Jimny 3-door could be the sweet spot between classic charm and modern sanity.
- EV futurists: keep an eye on BMW’s i3 claims and how they translate to real roads, not test cells.
FAQ
- Is the Volkswagen Touareg being discontinued in Australia?
- Volkswagen has confirmed a 2026 Final Edition for Australia, signaling the end of the current Touareg’s run there.
- What’s changing with the 2026 Suzuki Jimny 3-door?
- It’s getting tech upgrades ahead of its Australian relaunch, aimed at better infotainment and added driver-assistance, without messing with the core off-road charm.
- Are there discounts on the Kia Tasman X-Line ute?
- Yes. Kia has introduced a reported A$3000 discount plus extra equipment to boost appeal amid softer-than-expected sales.
- Did VW announce EV deals for the holidays?
- Volkswagen is offering drive-away deals on its EVs in time for Christmas, lowering upfront costs for buyers considering a switch.
- Is a new BMW i3 really claiming 500 miles of range?
- According to reports, BMW is promising up to 500 miles. Real-world verification will be key once cars are on the road.
That’s the lot for today. If you’re test-driving this weekend, bring your favorite playlist and a notepad. The car that makes you forget to take notes? Usually the right one.
