Ram Rampage aims for Europe: ute chess moves, tiny Twingo tease, and Lightning rumor mill

I clocked the headline about the Ram Rampage going to Europe just as I was heading out for a coffee, and it stopped me mid-step. The small Ram—that Latin American-built lifestyle pickup—finally eyeballing the Continent? That’s not just a headline; that’s a strategy shift. And for Australia, it could be the opening play in a proper compact-ute chapter. Today’s brief has that, a croissant-sized EV from Renault, a big-rig update, and a few industry bits you’ll actually care about the next time you’re standing in a dealership with a latte in one hand and a pen in the other.

Ram Rampage to Europe: why this small ute could be the big story

CarExpert says the Ram Rampage is lining up a European entry. That’s significant because the Rampage is a half-size down from the Ranger/HiLux class—think “city-friendly weekday tool, beach-weekend hauler” rather than hardcore tradie. I’ve run this sort of compact ute through inner-city laneways and weekend surf runs, and honestly, the format just works. Shorter wheelbase, easier parking, a tray that’s perfect for a stroller, a Weber, or two mountain bikes standing up. If Ram nails a right-hand-drive conversion and tight pricing, Australia suddenly looks like fertile ground.

I noticed right away in similar Latin American-market utes that the cabin vibe is more “daily driver” than “worksite bunker.” If the Rampage follows suit—with decent NVH and a properly tuned automatic—it could be the “just enough ute” we don’t get here. Not everyone needs a one-tonne payload and tow ratings that rival a suburban locomotive. Some of us just want to chuck a wet suit in the back and grab a fish taco before sundown.

Ram Rampage: the Aussie sweet spot we’ve been missing

• Size that actually fits supermarket car parks without a three-point ballet.
• Likely lower running costs than full-size pickups.
• Enough payload for weekend toys and the odd reno run.
• Potential for RHD now that Europe’s in the frame.

Ute and truck watch: Ram Rampage, Chery’s spear, and Lightning wobbles

Chery is sharpening a new dual-cab to square up against HiLux and Ranger, with a top-five sales ambition that’s not just puffery. The game plan—clear, “pub test” promises and launch-and-hold pricing—will resonate with anyone tired of whiplash RRPs and mystery dealer fees.

Meanwhile, over in Detroit, Car and Driver says Ford’s F-150 Lightning could be headed for a rethink. I’ve towed with big EV pickups and loved the torque-on-tap, but margins and use-case anxieties (charging with a boat on the back in a cold southerly squall—good luck) make this a tough spreadsheet. Don’t write electric trucks off. This is phase two: fewer fireworks, more economics.

Heavy-duty quick take: 2026 Ram 2500 still the king of calm

Local tests suggest the 2026 Ram 2500 remains the tow-and-tour benchmark. When I hauled a tandem-axle caravan across ribbed country roads last winter, the stand-out trait wasn’t brute force—it was serenity. Steering that doesn’t saw in your hands, a rear end that settles over corrugations, and brakes you trust on a downhill off-camber with two tonnes pushing you. The latest truck doubles down on that calmness without losing the big-shouldered stuff people actually buy them for.

• Cabin comfort is now properly long-haul; think broad seats and effective lumbar, not a vinyl penalty box.
• Tech is getting there, but big-screen infotainment needs faster responses when you’re wearing work gloves.
• Parking a 2500 in a multi-storey? Still an adventure. Measure twice, turn once.

City car charm: Renault Twingo EV wants to be the people’s plug-in

Renault’s 2026 Twingo lands like a croissant in a world of protein bars—small, light, and unexpectedly satisfying. The pitch is simple: keep it affordable, make it easy to park nose-first in a space the size of a pizza box, and let buyers spend money on pastries instead of petrol. I hopped into a similar prototype in Europe a while back, and the vibe was perfect for school runs and cafe-hopping; quiet enough to hear your kids arguing about who gets the AUX. The bad news? We might miss out in Australia, if the early whispers hold true.

Trust issues: Aussies and new safety tech

A study flagged by CarExpert says Aussies are still cagey about driver aids. Not shocking. I still meet owners who switch off lane-keeping on country lanes after one too many ham-fisted nudges, and I’ve had a false-forward-collision alert in a tight carpark that nearly launched my coffee into the footwell. The fix isn’t magic: clearer explanations, calmer tuning, and better dealer demos that go beyond “here’s the on/off button.”

• Lane-centering should be a guiding hand, not an arm wrestle.
• Tone down the casino of beeps—make alerts meaningful and sparing.
• Insist on a proper handover drive; five minutes at the kerb isn’t enough.

Retail therapy: Ford’s loungey showrooms and Chery’s “pub test” playbook

Carscoops says Ford’s next-gen showrooms will feel less “fluoro-tile service bay,” more boutique cafe. I popped into a concept space with lounge seating and softer lighting—it does lower the blood pressure. But the lattes only matter if the paperwork is clean: plain talk on pricing, wait times, and service costs.

Chery, for its part, is leaning into that “would it pass the pub test?” ethos. Launch-and-hold pricing, fewer gotchas, and straightforward policies you can explain over a schnitty without blushing. If the aftersales support matches the pitch—warranty clarity, parts availability—they’ll win first-time buyers and keep them.

Policy jitters: Denmark’s “kill switch” bus scare

Carscoops reports Denmark is worried about remote-disable capabilities in Chinese-built buses. It reads like a paperback thriller, but it’s a fair question in a connected world: who’s got the keys to your fleet? Expect more audits, tighter contracts, and local oversight on imported hardware and software. Less exciting than power figures, infinitely more important.

Stage notes: Rally Japan bites back

Autosport says Kalle Rovanperä had an early off in Rally Japan—shiny tarmac, damp patches, and leaf mulch can humble anyone. I’ve tip-toed those sorts of stages during media shakedowns; if you’re two inches wide, you’re gardening. Keeps Sunday spicy, at least.

What it means for your next test drive (yes, including the Ram Rampage)

• Shopping utes? Keep the Ram Rampage and Chery’s newcomer on your watchlist—competition tightens spec sheets and pricing.
• EV-curious but truck-shy? City-sized EVs like the Twingo (if we get them) are the friendliest gateway.
• Annoyed by driver aids? Ask the dealer to customise settings and demonstrate on your usual route.
• Showroom vibes are nice; clear, written out-the-door pricing is nicer.

Conclusion

The market is splitting at both ends—pint-sized EVs for city life, heavy-duty tow rigs for big weekends—and in the middle sits the intriguing Ram Rampage, now Europe-bound and eyeing right-hand-drive viability. Keep an ear to the ground on its Aussie prospects, don’t sleep on Chery’s confidence play, and remember: the best driver aid still wears good shoes and looks far down the road.

FAQ

Will the Ram Rampage come to Australia?

Europe is reportedly next, which improves the RHD business case. Australia isn’t confirmed, but the odds just nudged upward.

When will the Ram Rampage reach Europe?

Timing hasn’t been formally announced, but the move is in motion per CarExpert reports. Expect a phased rollout, then clarity on RHD markets.

Is the Ford F-150 Lightning being discontinued?

Car and Driver says it may be “on the chopping block,” but Ford hasn’t confirmed. More likely: a strategy reset as the EV truck market enters its second act.

Is the new Renault Twingo EV coming to Australia?

Early indications suggest we may miss out. If you want a small EV, watch for other compact city-focused models stepping into the gap.

Why don’t drivers trust safety tech yet?

Clunky calibration, false alerts, and rushed handovers. Smoother tuning and proper demos usually win sceptics over.