Today’s Auto Brief: MG’s supermini EV, Outback goes Wilder, Rivian’s Aussie headache, and the rise of in‑car ads
I spent the morning hopping between press calls and owners’ DMs, and it felt like peeking into the near-future garage: a tiny MG EV locking horns with BYD’s urban runabout, a boxier Subaru Outback that finally brings the Wilderness badge Down Under, and a Rivian you can now buy in Australia… if you can convince your local registry to play along. Oh, and those pop-up ads on your dashboard? They’re multiplying. Let’s unpack the lot.
Small EVs, big intent: MG 2 EV confirmed to chase BYD’s Atto 1
MG has green-lit the 2 EV, a pint-sized electric city car positioned to tangle with BYD’s Atto 1 in the “affordable, park-anywhere” corner of the market. Think urban errands, school runs, and tight-apartment charging cables coiled by the front door. MG’s play here is obvious: slide something below the brand’s larger EVs, hit a keen price, and keep the ownership math simple for first-time EV buyers.
What I’ll be watching for when I drive it: cabin packaging (does the rear bench feel adult-viable?), curb-to-curb agility, and real-world efficiency on a 50–60 km errand loop with air-con running. If MG nails those, it could be the gateway EV a lot of metro buyers have been waiting for.
Quick glance: today’s headline models
| Model | Segment | Today’s headline | Availability notes | Key takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MG 2 EV | City EV | Confirmed; aimed at BYD Atto 1 | Timing and specs to be detailed | MG wants the entry-EV sweet spot |
| Subaru Outback (2026) | Midsize crossover | Boxier redesign; Wilderness sub-brand lands in Australia | Confirmed for AU with higher prices | More trail cred, likely more kit |
| Toyota Corolla (2026) | Compact car | More space, sleeker styling | Not slated for Australia | Global Corolla grows up, but AU misses out |
Recall radar: Hyundai Ioniq 6
Hyundai has issued a recall for the Ioniq 6. If you own one, this is your nudge to check your VIN and contact your dealer for guidance and the fix procedure. I’ve run a few of these cars on commuter duty—lovely aero-silent cabins and relaxing range readouts—so it’s worth getting yours squared away quickly to keep that easygoing vibe intact. Dealers can confirm whether your build is affected and book you in.
Familiar name, fresh sheet metal: 2026 Toyota Corolla gets bigger—but not for Australia
Globally, the 2026 Corolla grows into a sleeker, roomier shape—the kind of tweak that makes highway weekends and child seats less of a Tetris exercise. The twist? Australia isn’t on the rollout list. For Aussie shoppers wanting Corolla sensibility with more space, that likely nudges cross-shopping toward Corolla Cross or stepping up to a Camry. It’s a strange miss for a perennial best-seller, but regional product plans can be quirky like that.
Outback gets wilder: Subaru’s 2026 redesign and Wilderness debut for Australia
Two headlines for Subaru fans: the 2026 Outback heads to Australia with a boxier new look and higher prices, and the Wilderness sub-brand finally joins the party. If you’ve followed the U.S.-market Wilderness, you’ll know the vibe: extra ground clearance, chunkier rubber, tougher underbody protection, and a “go on then” spirit for the fire road you’d normally skip. On the last Outback I took down a washed-out track, hill-descent earned its keep; Wilderness kit should widen the envelope without turning the car into a rock-crawler. As ever, roof rails and cargo versatility remain the Outback’s secret sauce for ski weekends and IKEA binges.
Mitsubishi builds its toughest Triton yet—just not for everyone
Mitsubishi has revealed its most rugged Triton to date, a proper work-and-weekend special. The catch is availability: not every market gets the keys. It reads like a brand reminding the ute world it still knows how to do tough—exactly the kind of truck you want when the campsite is beyond a few cattle grids and a rutted climb. If it does come to your region, expect instant dealer waitlists.
Market watch: Rivian lands in Australia, Buick Envision weathers tariffs
Rivian: You can buy one in Australia—registering it is the real trick
The headline is tantalizing: Aussies can finally buy a Rivian. The fine print: actually getting it registered isn’t straightforward. Compliance and state-by-state rules loom large, which means your delivery-day joy may be followed by a folder of paperwork and a few phone calls. If you’re keen, talk to your dealer or a specialist importer early; every jurisdiction loves a different stamp.
Buick Envision: survives tariffs, pays in price
Buick’s Chinese-built Envision stays on sale in the U.S. despite tariffs, but with a significant price hike. It’s a reminder that supply chains and policy can hit the driveway. If you’re shopping compact luxury crossovers, this might push you to cross-shop adjacent badges—or hunt for remaining inventory at pre-hike pricing if any’s left. Either way, the Envision isn’t the value lay-up it was last year.
Tech trend: the new irritation in your car is a pop-up ad
We’ve reached the part of the timeline where your car is an app platform—and the apps want your attention. During recent test drives I’ve had subscription prompts and “recommended” services surface mid-journey. Not unsafe, just… tacky. A few owners told me similar stories, one even figuring out the exact roundabout where a prompt reliably appeared. Here’s how I tame it:
- Dig into settings: opt out of marketing communications and “personalized recommendations.”
- Disable push notifications for non-safety items, especially in the infotainment section.
- Use CarPlay/Android Auto to sidestep native app nags—fewer OEM prompts, cleaner UI.
- Ask your dealer to apply any software updates that include notification controls.
Manufacturers, if you’re reading: we’ll happily pay for useful features. Just don’t turn the morning commute into a banner ad.
What stood out today
- MG is clearly gunning for the entry-EV crown with the 2 EV.
- Subaru’s Outback gets more off-road swagger in Australia, but you’ll pay more for it.
- Rivian’s Australian story is classic “so close, yet so paperwork.”
- Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 recall is a quick dealer call—don’t put it off.
- Corolla grows up abroad; Australia has to look elsewhere for that extra space.
Conclusion
From pint-sized EVs to beefed-up wagons, today’s news shows the market stretching at both ends—simpler urban electrics on one side, tougher adventure gear on the other. The bit nobody asked for? Ads in your dash. The bit many did? A wilder Outback and a cheaper way into EV ownership. Now, if someone could sort Rivian’s Australian red tape, that’d be great.
FAQ
When will the MG 2 EV go on sale?
It’s confirmed, but detailed timing and specs haven’t been announced yet. Expect more info soon as markets firm up launch plans.
What is the Subaru Outback Wilderness?
A tougher-trim Outback with off-road-focused upgrades (think protection, traction, and hardware tuned for trails). It’s debuting in Australia with the 2026 Outback lineup.
Is the Hyundai Ioniq 6 recall serious?
Any recall is worth acting on. Contact your Hyundai dealer with your VIN; they’ll confirm if your car is affected and arrange the fix.
Why isn’t the 2026 Toyota Corolla coming to Australia?
Toyota’s regional product strategies vary. The new, roomier Corolla has been revealed, but Australia isn’t on the rollout list at this stage.
Can I actually drive a Rivian in Australia now?
You can buy one, but registration and compliance can be challenging and may vary by state. Talk to your dealer or a specialist about the process before committing.
