Today’s Auto Brief: KGM Torres EVX crashes the family EV party, Ford tweaks Ranger/Everest, Jimny 3‑door returns, and a roofless Brabus G steals the headlines

If the car world had a group chat, today’s thread would ping between school runs and utter madness. Sensible hat first: Ford tidies up Ranger and Everest for MY26.5, the Suzuki Jimny three‑door returns with more tech, and the KGM Torres EVX shows up with a clear target on the Tesla Model Y. Then the circus rolls in: Brabus has built a million‑dollar G‑Class Cabrio, a McLaren tried to become open‑plan architecture (everyone walked away, somehow), and Nissan’s revving up for a Chinese pickup brawl.

EV family SUV watch: KGM Torres EVX takes aim at Model Y

The KGM Torres EVX arrives with a brief I wish more brands followed: build a calm, roomy, honest electric SUV that doesn’t mistake firm ride tuning for sportiness. When I last drove the petrol Torres on coarse‑chip backroads, it rode with that old‑school “tall wagon” serenity—softly sprung, easy to place, no drama. If the KGM Torres EVX keeps that demeanor and adds clean, instant EV shove, it could be the quiet achiever for families who want a stress‑free daily rather than a Nürburgring time attack.

• Positioning: Value‑led family electric SUV to tempt Model Y, Ioniq 5, and EV6 shoppers.
• Cabin vibe: Big, boxy glasshouse with proper shoulder room and a boot that looks designed by someone who’s actually wrestled a pram.
• Ownership pitch: Ex‑SsangYong, now KGM—usually strong warranty coverage and simple trims without upsell fatigue.
• Reality check: Expect comfort and range confidence, not razor‑edge dynamics or track‑mode theatrics.

Pricing and specs were dropped locally with a focus on where people live—not the spec sheet. Think school runs, Costco hauls, bikes and dogs, rinse and repeat. The big question I’ll put to it on test? Charging curve consistency in summer heat. Some value EVs go a bit shy when the mercury climbs, and that’s when road‑trip patience thins fast.

KGM Torres EVX vs Model Y (and friends): quick take

Utes and SUVs: Ford Ranger and Everest MY26.5 updates

Ford’s done the classic mid‑cycle tidy‑up—no fireworks, just useful tweaks. Last time I towed with the Ranger V6, it felt like the engine the chassis always wanted: relaxed torque, hushed cruising, zero drama up long grades. Headline this round? The V6 diesel reaches more trims, and there’s a new Wolftrak for folks who want grit without full Raptor cosplay. Over at Everest, there’s a new entry engine and an additional model grade to sharpen the value pitch for families and fleets cross‑shopping Prado and MU‑X.

• What I’ll watch for: Smoother throttle mapping for low‑speed trailer work, any suspension retune to calm corrugations, and tyre choice on Wolftrak—drone on coarse chip can wear you down on big days.
• Owner tip: If you’re eyeing the V6 for towing, budget for a quality brake controller and confirm GCM/axle load implications with your dealer before signing.

Off‑road corner: Suzuki Jimny three‑door returns (still silly fun, now with more tech)

The Jimny three‑door is back, now with infotainment that doesn’t feel like a retro games console and a wider safety net. Prices climbed (it’s 2025; everything did), but the recipe’s intact: tiny footprint, low range, giant grin. I ran one as a city/beach runabout for a month—laughed at potholes, hopped kerbs like they owed me rent. On a freeway crosswind, you do a little steering shuffle. Part of the charm, if you ask me.

• Why it works: Short overhangs and light weight make it feel unstoppable on tight, rocky trails.
• Where it’s compromised: Long highway slogs and steep on‑ramps—pack patience and a good playlist.
• Tech adds: Clearer screens, slicker phone mirroring, better active‑safety coverage.

Regulations and reality: Illegal mods blitz snags LandCruisers

Authorities ran a blitz on illegally modified vehicles, with LandCruisers among those pinged. No surprise—big 4x4s are the canvas of choice for lifts, tyres, and GVM upgrades. The line between “touring‑ready” and “defect notice” is thinner than it looks at the campsite.

• Know your limits: Height increases, tyre size jumps, and track changes often need engineering sign‑off—check your state rules and ADR compliance.
• Weights matter: A GVM upgrade isn’t a free‑for‑all; mind axle loads and braking performance.
• Insurance angle: Non‑declared mods can void cover. If you’ve fitted it, declare it.
• Road test tip: After suspension changes, get a proper alignment and brake test—saves tyres and cures the highway wander.

WTF (Wonderful, Terrific, Frivolous): Brabus, McLaren mayhem, and Nissan’s China pickup play

Brabus builds a G‑Class Cabrio… for about a million

Because of course they did. Take a G‑Class, remove the sensible bits above your head, add a volcano of power and couture trim, and you’ve got an SUV that makes valets whisper. Practical? About as practical as a diamond‑encrusted hammer. Would I still take the long way home? Obviously.

He crashed a McLaren into a house—and everyone lived

A high‑speed McLaren met a suburban wall and, somehow, there were no fatalities. It’s a vivid reminder that supercar speeds and cul‑de‑sacs don’t mix. Do a track day. The apex is friendlier than masonry.

Nissan readies a Chinese‑made pickup to fight… Chinese pickups

The ute war in China is heating up, and Nissan’s rolling in with a locally built, electrified pickup (sounds like plug‑in hybrid) to scrap with fast‑rising domestic brands. Smart play: build where the battle is, price keenly, lean on a deep dealer network. If it’s tough enough for rural buyers and quiet enough for city drops, that’s a strong hand.

KGM Torres EVX ownership bits I’ll be checking

• Real‑world range with the A/C cranked and a full family on board.
• Seat comfort after two hours—parents know the pain points.
• Infotainment lag and phone mirroring reliability. Nothing sours the school run like a frozen map.
• Ride and tyre noise on coarse chip—will it keep the cabin whisper‑quiet?

Wrap‑up: Where the KGM Torres EVX lands in a busy week

Big picture: mainstream buyers get more choice (Ford’s MY26.5 updates), budget‑savvy EV hunters get a genuinely interesting alternative in the KGM Torres EVX, purists rejoice at the Jimny three‑door’s return, and the circus keeps us entertained (that Brabus G‑Cabrio is gloriously unhinged). As ever, the test drives will separate spec‑sheet promises from cars you actually enjoy living with.

FAQ

• How does the KGM Torres EVX compare to a Tesla Model Y on daily use? The KGM Torres EVX leans comfort and simplicity, with a boxier, family‑friendly cargo area. The Model Y feels sharper and taps into Superchargers and slick trip planning. Your choice comes down to ride feel and ecosystem.
• Is the Suzuki Jimny three‑door really coming back? Yes—now with better screens and more driver‑assist tech. It’s still tiny, still charming, and still happier off‑piste than in a gale‑blown freeway lane.
• What’s the headline change for the 2026 Ford Ranger? Wider access to the V6 diesel and a new Wolftrak grade that brings tougher looks and off‑road‑leaning kit without going full Raptor.
• What’s new on the 2026 Ford Everest? A new base engine and an added entry model to sharpen the value play for families and fleets.
• Are lift kits and big tyres legal on my 4x4? They can be—within limits. Many mods need engineering sign‑off and must meet local rules. Declare them to your insurer to avoid headaches later.