Today in Cars: Skoda Kodiaq PHEV locks in for Australia, Scorpio gets safer, hydrogen taxis roll, and a semi hangs over a bridge

I spent the morning hopping between press briefings and owners’ chats, and the vibe is unmistakable: the plug-in family hauler is going mainstream, old‑school 4x4s are finally taking safety seriously, hydrogen’s quietly earning its keep in fleet life, and—because the real world is chaotic—a semi was left dangling off a bridge while rescue crews pulled off a miracle. Buckle up.

Skoda Kodiaq PHEV priced for Australia: the family plug-in that finally fits

Skoda has confirmed Australian pricing and timing for the plug-in Kodiaq arriving in 2026, and honestly, it feels like the moment this big, sensible seven-seater clicks into the “charge at home, save in town” groove. I’ve always liked how the Kodiaq settles into a stride on the Hume—grown-up damping, light but accurate steering, none of that faux-sport posturing. With the Skoda Kodiaq PHEV, you add quiet EV commuting and still keep the freedom to head interstate without a whiteboard of charging stops.

Skoda’s latest plug-in setup is designed for real suburban life: run the errands electrically, lean on petrol for the holidays. On my last stint in a Kodiaq, the coarse-chip roar that bothers some rivals was impressively muted; with electric drive around town, it should feel silkier still—like driving in slippers, but with seven seats and a tow rating.

Skoda Kodiaq PHEV: highlights I’m keen to try

• Everyday EV running with a petrol safety net for long trips
• Seven-seat family space plus Skoda’s “Simply Clever” touches (hooks, cubbies, umbrellas, the lot)
• Modern driver assists: adaptive cruise, lane guidance, proper forward-collision mitigation
• Fast home charging support; DC top-ups likely for a quick boost while grabbing a flat white
• Refined, quietly confident ride—current Kodiaq is already calm; this should be calmer

Why it matters? The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV proved Aussies will plug in if the ownership is painless. The Skoda Kodiaq PHEV aims for the same sweet spot with European polish, a calmer cabin, and less fuss. I’ll be towing with it and hitting some pockmarked backroads when local cars land to check if the extra battery mass ruffles the ride—or if Skoda’s engineers have quietly nailed the tune.

Skoda Kodiaq PHEV vs family plug-in rivals: who suits what?

Mahindra Scorpio 2026: the charming bruiser learns new safety tricks

Mahindra’s body-on-frame Scorpio has always been an honest tool—tough over corrugations, unbothered on a muddy paddock, and with the low‑end shove to haul a tinny up a ramp without drama. On a hinterland tow last year I never doubted the chassis, but I did wish for more active safety in CBD traffic. The 2026 update fixes the big bits: more airbags and a meaningful suite of active aids like AEB and lane support.

What off-roaders and families will appreciate

• Stronger active safety tech for urban peace of mind
• Ladder-frame toughness and decent clearance for the weekend track
• A cabin that shrugs off muddy boots and sandy towels

If Mahindra pairs these upgrades with the brand’s usual no-nonsense running costs, the Scorpio remains one of the best-value ways into a proper 4x4—without needing a ute tray.

Road rules and realities

Drug-driving crackdown ramps up

One Australian state plans broader roadside drug testing with tougher penalties. Translation: more checkpoints on commuter corridors and near nightlife. If you’re a shift worker—I keep hearing from nurses on 4 a.m. runs—bake in a few extra minutes for the next little while.

Zipcar exits the UK, and policy gets a nudge

Zipcar pulling out is more than one brand calling time—it’s a policy canary. Car-sharing thrives when cities guarantee bays, keep fees predictable and keep the service reliable. I’ve had blissfully easy one-way Zipcar dashes to meetings in London, and I’ve also circled boroughs hunting for a legal spot. When friction beats convenience, people drift back to private cars or ride-hailing. Simple as that.

EVs, hydrogen and the fast-changing leaderboard

Did Kia just tease an electric Stinger successor?

A shadowy teaser from Kia hints at a low-slung, long-wheelbase EV with proper rear-drive proportions. Stinger vibes? Strongly. The Stinger’s real trick was its relaxed grand-touring gait, not just numbers. Get the EV’s thermal management right and it could make a Sydney–Canberra run feel even easier. I’ll be watching—wallet trembling slightly.

Zeekr outsells Volvo, thanks to a Model Y rival

In a very Geely plot twist, Zeekr has reportedly edged past Volvo after tripling sales, carried by a compact electric SUV targeting Tesla Model Y buyers. The prototypes I’ve sampled felt well-finished and quietly plush. If they maintain that while scaling, expect to see more Zeekrs plugged in beside Teslas and BYDs at suburban chargers.

Toyota Crown hydrogen sedan goes taxi and police in Japan

Toyota’s hydrogen Crown is clocking on for cab duty and police work—two jobs that play to hydrogen’s strengths: fast refuelling and high uptime. I jumped in a hydrogen taxi in Tokyo a while back; it felt like a quiet, slightly sci‑fi Camry, which is exactly what you want in gridlock. With the refuelling network in place, operators love the no-fuss cadence.

Passion project: an Italian restomod reimagines the Honda NSX

Somewhere in Italy, a design house has given the original NSX a respectful glow-up—lighter materials, sympathetic aero, and an interior retrim that adds polish without erasing the car’s soul. The first‑gen NSX still has one of the sweetest steering racks I’ve felt. Preserve that telepathy, add better braking and cooling, and I’m all in. Bonus points for not slamming it. NSXs deserve to breathe on a good B-road.

Roadways and oddities

• A semi spent hours dangling over a bridge before a jaw‑clenching rescue. The photos add five years to your life; the save takes them right back.
• An angry airport parker allegedly phoned in a fake bomb threat over a fee dispute. Note to self: that’s not how you validate your ticket.
• A gloriously impractical Kaiser‑Jeep build surfaced. I measured my garage. Twice. My partner is not amused.

Powertrains in today’s headlines: where the Skoda Kodiaq PHEV fits

Editor’s take

Two things pop from today’s batch. First, electrification is just… normal now. When a big, pragmatic family SUV like the Skoda Kodiaq PHEV is locked in for Australia, that’s mainstream. Second, tech works best when it serves the job: hydrogen shines for fleets that can refuel fast; a tough 4x4 gets meaningfully better when it keeps your crew safer in town. As for the dangling semi—next time you see a highway patrol officer, maybe offer a coffee.

Quick FAQs

• When will the 2026 Skoda Kodiaq PHEV arrive in Australia?
  Skoda has confirmed pricing with local launch timing set for 2026. Expect dealer demos closer to that date.
• What safety upgrades are coming to the 2026 Mahindra Scorpio?
  A beefed-up package including additional airbags and modern active driver aids like AEB and lane support.
• Is Kia really replacing the Stinger with an EV?
  Kia has teased a sleek electric flagship with Stinger-like proportions. Not officially “the Stinger,” but the intent is clear.
• How do hydrogen taxis work day to day?
  Fuel-cell sedans refuel in minutes and run quietly—perfect for high‑mileage fleets where hydrogen stations exist.
• Who is Zeekr and why are they outselling Volvo?
  Zeekr is Geely’s premium EV brand. A strong push with a compact electric SUV aimed at Model Y buyers has spiked volumes.

If you’re torn between a plug‑in like the Skoda Kodiaq PHEV and a diesel 4x4, you’re not alone—I’ve had three emails this week from readers juggling exactly that. Different tools, different jobs. Pick the one that fits your life, not the loudest headline.