Today in Cars: EV Bargains, Police RAV4 Drama, and a Mid‑Engined £2k Gem

I started the morning digging through a fresh crop of stories with a double espresso and that familiar question: what actually matters if you wrench, commute, or sneak out for a dawn drive? A union calling out police-spec RAV4s, a sub-$30k Bolt making EVs interesting again, Cupra sharpening the Formentor for Australia, and—because life needs balance—an MG TF that’s mid-engined and money‑saving. Oh, and a coachbuilt Mercedes with suicide doors that only eight people will ever explain to their valets.

Toyota RAV4 Police Cars Under Payload Scrutiny

CarExpert reports that a police union has flagged payload concerns with Toyota RAV4s used as patrol vehicles. It’s a fair question: compact SUVs aren’t inherently designed to lug bull bars, light bars, radios, laptops, cages, and a full shift’s worth of kit—plus two officers.

• Why it matters: Exceeding payload can stress brakes, tires, and suspension and can affect crash performance and handling.
• In practice: I’ve loaded a RAV4 press car with adults and camera gear; the stance and ride quality change quickly as mass piles on.
• The fix: Fleet managers typically counter with upgraded springs, spec discipline (ditch the heavy non-essentials), or move up to a platform with more headroom.

The broader takeaway is simple: match duty cycle to vehicle. A RAV4’s efficiency and compact footprint are great for urban beats—but only if the total equipment count stays within the car’s designed payload window.

GWM Boss Makes Waves With Political Praise and Profit Pitch

Also via CarExpert, GWM’s top brass reportedly called Donald Trump “the one” and told audiences the brand would “make you rich.” You don’t often hear that level of chest‑thumping from an automaker in public, especially one growing aggressively in value segments.

• Why it matters: Political winds can shape tariff policy, EV incentives, and import timelines. If you sell budget‑friendly utes and crossovers, that’s not small talk.
• Dealer angle: That “make you rich” line sounds aimed at investors and retailers more than customers.
• Consumer lens: Brash talk doesn’t change test‑drive reality—fit, finish, safety tech, and aftersales support do.

2026 Cupra Formentor: New Engines Teed Up for Australia

CarExpert says the 2026 Formentor will bring fresh engines for Australia. Cupra’s playbook has been clear: blend sharp dynamics with a mix of combustion and electrified powertrains. If past is prologue, expect more electrification—mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid options—alongside the punchier performance tunes.

I’ve run the current Formentor over lumpy backroads and it’s a proper driver’s crossover—fast steering, tied-down body control, and a cabin that feels a half-step edgier than the mainstream. A bit firm over coarse-chip highways, yes, but that’s the price of poise. If the update brings stronger EV range on the PHEV and a calmer infotainment experience, it could be the sweet spot for buyers who park sports sedans in their heads and prams in their trunks.

• What to watch for: Longer electric-only range in PHEVs, refined driver assists, and simplified interior controls.
• Australian angle: Towing and heat performance matter here—expect local validation to be a talking point.

2027 Chevrolet Bolt Confirmed at $29,990: Affordable EVs Get a Jolt

Carscoops reports the next Bolt is locked in for 2027 with a $29,990 starting price. Sub-$30k is the psychological (and financial) threshold that gets fence-sitters to finally ditch the pump—especially if charging at home is on the table.

Context helps. Here’s how “affordable” EVs have framed the conversation lately:

• Why this is big: If GM pairs that price with decent range and Ultium-fast charging manners, it undercuts many rivals on driveway cost of entry.
• Buyer tip: Check for home charging rebates and time-of-use electricity rates; they can swing ownership math more than you’d think.

Only Eight Built: The Coachbuilt Mercedes With Suicide Doors

Carscoops also flagged an ultra-limited coachbuilt Mercedes with rear-hinged doors and a look that screams “concours lawn at 7, club dinner at 8.” Only eight will be made. Which, depending on your taste for bespoke bodywork, is either merciful or tragic.

• Design drama: Suicide doors are great theater—just make sure the valet knows how they close.
• Reality check: Ultra-short runs prioritize sculpture over practicality. Bring an umbrella and patience.

MG TF: Mid-Engined Fun for £2k? Yes, Really

Autocar reminds us the MG TF is a £2k back‑road bargain. Mid-engine layout, rear drive, darty steering—there’s a reason it still hooks keen drivers. Compared to an MX‑5, the MG feels more pointy at turn‑in and a bit more demanding when the road surface gets cheeky. That’s part of the charm.

• What I watch for when buying: Cooling system health, head gasket history, and rusty subframes. A sorted car drives like it’s worth three times the money.
• Weekend fantasy: Roof down, B-road to the seaside, a coffee that’s too hot, and a steering feel you can’t buy in crossovers.

Porsche Faces EV Owner Lawsuit—But Not About the Cars

Lastly, Carscoops notes EV owners have sued Porsche over an issue that isn’t about the vehicles themselves. That suggests a dispute tied to the brand experience—think services, policies, or non-vehicle systems. The lesson for every premium marque is evergreen: in the EV era, the “ownership stack” (apps, charging access, subscriptions, events) is part of the product.

Quick Hits and Takeaways

• Fleet fit matters: The RAV4 payload conversation is a reminder to spec police cars like tools, not wish lists.
• EV price wars aren’t over: A $29,990 Bolt pressures everyone from Nissan to Hyundai.
• Cupra’s cadence: Formentor’s upcoming engines signal more electrification without ditching driver appeal.
• Enthusiast bargains exist: The MG TF is proof that good steering needn’t cost big money.

Conclusion

From union halls to design studios to your driveway spreadsheet, today’s stories all share a theme: the right tool for the job. Whether that job is patrolling city streets, cutting your commute costs, or stealing a Sunday morning, the details—payload limits, price tags, powertrains—make the difference. Choose accordingly, and enjoy the drive.

FAQ

• Is the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt really under $30k?
  Carscoops reports a $29,990 starting price. Final range and charging specs are still to be detailed.
• Are Toyota RAV4s suitable as police cars?
  They can be for certain roles, but equipment weight must stay within payload limits. Overloading impacts safety and durability.
• What’s changing with the 2026 Cupra Formentor in Australia?
  CarExpert reports new engines are coming. Expect a push toward more electrified options alongside performance variants.
• Is the MG TF a good cheap sports car?
  Yes—if you buy wisely. Look for strong cooling system maintenance and tidy underpinnings; then enjoy mid‑engine balance for pub‑quiz money.
• What’s the Porsche lawsuit about?
  According to Carscoops, EV owners have sued Porsche over a non-vehicle issue tied to the ownership experience rather than the cars themselves.