Today’s Drive: Big EV Discounts, A 1,000-hp Jaguar Tease, and a Navara Price Surprise
I spent the morning ping-ponging between inbox alerts and coffee refills, and the auto world hasn’t been slacking. We’ve got a mega deal on a runout EV, a triple-motor Jaguar GT that sounds like a velvet-wrapped missile, a freshly priced Nissan Navara that’s dearer than its twin, and even a whisper of Toyota bringing back a convertible you probably forgot you loved (or even knew existed). Let’s take a spin through it all.
- Smart is chopping more than $10,000 off its runout electric SUVs.
- Jaguar’s ultra-luxury electric GT is targeting over 735 kW via three motors.
- 2026 Nissan Navara pricing lands—up to $6000 more than its Mitsubishi Triton sibling.
- Hyundai’s Ioniq 3 breaks cover in spy shots, channeling baby-Genesis vibes.
- Zeekr X update with more power heads toward Australia.
- Renault Kangoo gets recalled—owners should book in with dealers.
- Subaru’s January was soft; only two models eked out growth.
- A once-$151k super sedan now costs Camry money—maintenance realities apply.
Deals and Market Moves
Smart offers over $10,000 off runout electric SUVs
Bargain hunters, this is your window. Smart is clearing the decks and slashing more than $10,000 from its electric SUVs in Australia. Runout deals like this don’t pop up often, and when they do, they’re usually gone by the time your mate has finished “thinking about it.” If you’re city-based or doing school runs within a 30-km radius, these compact, premium-leaning EVs make a ton of sense. When I’ve used similar small EVs around town, it’s the quiet torque and easy parking that win you over; on rougher suburban roads, the short wheelbase can get a touch fidgety, but you quickly learn to smile and ride the torque wave.
This former $151k super sedan is now priced like a Camry (but you’ll pay later)
The used market is full of siren songs, and here’s a loud one: a once $151,000 super sedan now listed for family-sedan money. Tempting? Absolutely. But performance cars depreciate faster than your New Year’s resolutions, and old invoices don’t get cheaper. Before you pounce, budget for inspections, fluids, brakes, tires, and any dreaded “lifetime fill” transmissions that aren’t. I’ve seen buyers save $20k on the sticker and spend $12k in the first year sorting deferred maintenance. Still want it? Good. Just go in with eyes open and a good independent specialist on speed dial.
Subaru’s January slump: Only two models grew
Subaru had a slower January—only two models managed to grow, and one barely moved the needle. That tracks with what I’ve heard from a few retailers grumbling about inventory timing and shoppers waiting for updated trims. If you’re a patient buyer, downturns like this can yield sharper deals on the lot. If you’re picky on color and spec, though, best to move quickly when your unicorn shows up.
Electric and Future Tech
Jaguar’s ultra-luxury GT: three motors, over 735 kW
Jaguar’s next big statement piece is an all-electric grand tourer with three motors and more than 735 kW (call it 985+ hp) on tap. That’s hyper-sedan power in a tailored suit. If they nail steering feel the way the F-Type could on a good day, this could be a deeply charismatic alternative to the Tesla Model S Plaid, Taycan Turbo GT, and Lucid’s spicy stuff. The promise here is hushed velocity, long-legged comfort, and the kind of interior that makes you want to detour the long way home just to sit in it longer.
2026 Zeekr X update nears Australia with more power
Zeekr’s compact premium EV, the X, is getting an update with extra grunt as it edges closer to Australian showrooms. The current car already feels tightly packaged and city-friendly; a power bump should give it more highway confidence for those Friday coastal exits. I’m hoping the update also brings a bit more polish to ride comfort at low speeds—small EVs can occasionally thump over expansion joints.
Hyundai’s new Ioniq 3 spied, wants to be a Genesis when it grows up
Hyundai’s baby EV—likely the Ioniq 3—has been caught testing and it looks ready to crash the entry-premium party. Clean lines, upscale surfacing, hints of Genesis swagger. Expect it to slot beneath the Ioniq 5 in size and price, aimed squarely at urban users who still want design flair. If Hyundai can deliver its usual ergonomic sanity—clear controls, quick infotainment—it’ll be a commuter sweetheart. Bonus points if the ride is tuned for speed bumps and cratered inner-city lanes.
Geely EX5 finally gets a key missing feature
Geely’s EX5 has been updated with a long-requested feature that was conspicuously absent until now. It’s a reminder that the rapid-fire pace of Chinese EV development sometimes means first editions arrive a bit undercooked, with critical adds landing in early updates. For shoppers, the takeaway is simple: if you can wait a model year, you often get a more complete package.
Toyota brings back a convertible you probably forgot existed
Convertibles aren’t dead—they’re just rare enough to be surprising. Toyota is reviving a drop-top nameplate from the archives, the kind of car you remember when you see one cruise by on a warm evening. Expect niche volumes and high smiles-per-mile. I’m all for it; the world needs more cars that encourage detours along the scenic route, roof stowed, radio low, world temporarily on mute.
Utes and Vans: The Work (and Weekend) Crew
2026 Nissan Navara: price and specs land—dearer than its twin
Nissan’s 2026 Navara is officially on the books, and it will cost up to $6000 more than its closely related Mitsubishi Triton. Platform sharing brings efficiencies, but brand tuning can create meaningful character differences. In past back-to-back drives of related utes, I’ve felt one skew toward comfort and cabin polish while the other leans into payload pragmatism and value. Expect the Navara to pitch a slightly more premium angle—useful if your weekdays are job sites and weekends are surf runs with friends in the back.
| Model | Relationship | Pricing Position | Buyer Pitch |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Nissan Navara | Shares underpinnings with Triton | Up to $6000 more than Triton | More premium tilt; brand-specific tuning and trim |
| Mitsubishi Triton | Navara’s platform twin | Lower starting price | Value-focused workhorse with strong fundamentals |
Which should you buy? If your commute includes a lot of city miles and you value cabin refinement and brand-specific features, the Navara’s premium might be worth it. If you mainly need a tough, budget-friendlier tool, the Triton continues to be an easy recommendation. Either way, check tow setups, driver assistance calibration, and rear-seat comfort if you’ve got growing kids—those details matter on a three-hour holiday run.
Renault Kangoo recalled
Renault’s Kangoo van has been recalled. If you own one, get your VIN handy and book in with your dealer for the fix. Vans are the backbone of a lot of small businesses; a quick service visit now is better than downtime later. If you rely on the Kangoo for deliveries, ask about loaner options while yours is being sorted.
Conclusion
Today felt like a snapshot of the modern car market: EVs racing forward (and on sale), a halo GT promising ridiculous power with proper manners, and the eternal ute equation of value versus polish. If a deal on a runout EV suits your life, don’t overthink it—go drive one today. If that used super sedan is calling your name, bring a healthy maintenance budget and a great mechanic. And if you’re Navara-curious, test-drive it back-to-back with a Triton; your right foot and your ears will tell you which one fits your week.
FAQ
How big is the Smart discount on its electric SUVs?
Smart is offering over $10,000 off runout electric SUVs in Australia. Stock is limited, so move quickly if you’re keen.
How much more expensive is the 2026 Nissan Navara than the Mitsubishi Triton?
Up to $6000 more, depending on variant. The Navara aims for a slightly more premium pitch versus its platform twin.
What’s the headline spec for Jaguar’s upcoming electric GT?
Three electric motors and over 735 kW of output—roughly 985+ hp—positioning it among the quickest luxury GTs.
What is Hyundai’s Ioniq 3?
A new, smaller EV spied testing that’s set to sit beneath the Ioniq 5. Expect urban-friendly dimensions with upscale design cues.
Is that heavily depreciated $151k super sedan a smart buy?
It can be—if you budget for inspections and maintenance. Cheap to buy doesn’t mean cheap to own; plan for running costs and get a specialist to check it over before you sign.
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