Today’s Drive: Kia Tasman X-Line discount, final editions, EV whispers, and a factory back online

I started the day with a flat white and a press inbox doing its best impression of a fruit machine. The headline that made me sit up? The Kia Tasman X-Line getting a proper A$3000 haircut. In a market where utes are judged with tape measures and bank calculators, that’s the kind of trim that moves metal. Around it, there’s a Touareg farewell tour, a smarter Jimny, whispers of a long-range BMW i3, and a car factory quietly humming again. Good day for shoppers; busy day for my notebook.

Deal watch: Kia Tasman X-Line discount and VW bundles

Kia’s new ute has found itself shoulder-to-shoulder with the usual suspects—Ranger, HiLux, Triton—aka Australia’s apex predators. So the Tasman X-Line scoring a reported A$3000 discount plus extra kit is exactly the sort of shove it needed. I popped into a local dealer on the way to the office—early demo cars feel solid, and the X-Line’s stance says “work first, weekend later.” The value play helps; the ute crowd notices when you bring more gear for less.

Meanwhile, Volkswagen is cueing drive-away deals on its EV range just as the Christmas lights go up. Clever. I’ve had more “is it finally time to go electric?” chats in the last month than in the last year, and rolling on-road costs into the sticker helps that mental math. If your driveway is EV-curious, now’s a decent window to kick some tyres—silently, of course.

Kia Tasman X-Line: what the A$3000 cut means

• Stronger driveway maths against Ranger/HiLux/Mazda BT-50 peers.
• Extra kit (dealer-confirmed items vary by stock) helps it feel more “weekender-ready” than “fleet special.”
• If you tow or tour, every saved dollar buys better rubber, a canopy, or a long-range tank—your call.

New metal and the ones in disguise

Renault Megane E-Tech facelift spotted

Renault’s Megane E-Tech has been papped in Spain in light mascara. Expect a tidier nose, sharper lighting, and (hopefully) faster infotainment and calmer driver aids. Last time I hopped between compact EVs on a wet mountain loop, the Megane’s steering feel was a pleasant surprise—light but keyed-in. A gentle refresh could keep it relevant as rivals go on crash diets and software sprints.

That “boring” mule might be a hot Toyota

There’s a plain-Jane prototype doing the rounds that, if the whispers are right, hides Toyota’s sporty crossover coupe. I’ve learned to watch the mules that look like they’ve given up—those often mask the best chassis tunes. Picture a raised hatch with gym membership and a decent set of lungs. Sounds like school-run stealth fun to me.

End of the line: Volkswagen Touareg’s graceful exit

Volkswagen has circled 2026 for a Touareg Final Edition in Australia. I did a long family haul in one a while back—kids bickering, dog snoring, bikes rattling—and the Touareg just simmered along with that unflappable, big-car gait. No flash, just proper refinement and tow confidence. A Final Edition usually means curated colours and the toybox thrown in. If a two-row luxury SUV that just eats highway feels right, put your name down early.

Fan favorites: WRX milestone and a smarter Jimny

Subaru WRX celebrates a major Australian milestone

The WRX has ticked off a big Aussie milestone. It tracks with what I see at cars-and-coffee: a first-gen “bugeye” parked next to the latest, both wearing that “let’s misbehave a bit” stance. Fast enough, comfy enough, and still the right size for a B-road you know too well.

2026 Suzuki Jimny 3-door gets tech upgrades

Before the Aussie relaunch, the three-door Jimny is getting smarter. Owners keep telling me: “Don’t touch the charm—but do fix the infotainment and driver aids.” From what I’m hearing, Suzuki is listening. When I trundled a Jimny up a corrugated fire road last year, the low-speed control and sill-to-sill visibility were its party tricks. A little tech polish will help on the commute back to the suburbs—without spoiling the fun.

• Likely improvements: quicker infotainment and more seamless Bluetooth
• Added driver-assistance for city duty, tuned not to nag off-road
• Relaunch timing aimed at keeping the 3-door wait lists spicy

Industry beat: JLR production restarts

Jaguar Land Rover’s last paused factory has restarted after the recent cyber attack disruption. Dry news, big impact. If you’ve been waiting on a Range Rover or Defender build slot, this is the sort of backstage fix that turns into fewer dealer delays and fewer apologetic phone calls.

Big EV promise: New BMW i3 headline figure

Autocar says a new BMW i3 is on the way, with a headline 500-mile range and the usual “sheer driving pleasure” line. If that number holds anywhere near real-world, it’s a marker in the sand. The first i3 proved that clever packaging and feel matter as much as kilowatts. If BMW can stitch that ethos to genuine long legs, it’ll soothe highway-range anxiety to a murmur. Caution, though: promise is one thing; winter range and 10–80% charge curves are another. I’ll be watching both—plus how it rides on scruffy tarmac where EVs often squeak instead of sing.

Hyundai on the mind: brand push and a bargain classic

Visibility play

Hyundai’s leadership wants bigger brand visibility. Fair. The spec-sheet wars have been kind; now it’s about hearts and eyeballs. A simpler trim walk and a design story that flows from i10 to Ioniq would help buyers say “yes” faster. Right now, a few models still feel like talented students wearing mismatched uniforms.

Used-car corner: Time to snag a Hyundai Coupe?

Autocar floated a lovely thought: the humble Hyundai Coupe might be ripening into a £1k modern classic. I’m in. Find a tidy one, budget for bushings and tyres, and enjoy the ’90s coupe vibe without the ’90s tax bill. Slow car fast is still the best recipe on a Sunday morning.

A sober note: police chase incident

Carscoops highlighted a high-speed chase that ended with police running over a motorcyclist. Details are under investigation. It’s grim, and it’s a reminder that the drama we watch online can have real, irreversible stakes. If you’re tempted to hunt down the footage, maybe skip it and book a defensive-riding course instead. Proper skills are the best kind of insurance.

Kia Tasman X-Line: quick shopping checklist

• Confirm the A$3000 Kia Tasman X-Line discount in the written drive-away quote.
• Clarify the “extra kit” fitted on the specific stock unit you’re eyeing.
• Test the ride unladen and with some weight in the tray—ute suspensions can feel very different.
• Ask about accessory bundles (tow packs, bed protection, all-weather mats) while leverage is on your side.

What it means for your week

• Shopping soon? Shortlist the Kia Tasman X-Line and make the dealer walk you through the new price and added kit.
• Considering an EV? VW’s drive-away packages are worth a look while end-of-year incentives stack.
• Touareg fan? Final Edition means timelines—get your deposit ducks in a row.
• Trail toy on the brain? The updated Jimny 3-door strikes a neat balance between classic charm and modern sanity.
• EV futurists: keep an eye on BMW’s i3 claims and how they translate to real roads, not test cells.

FAQ

Is the Volkswagen Touareg being discontinued in Australia?

Volkswagen has confirmed a 2026 Final Edition for Australia, signaling the end of the current Touareg’s run there.

What’s changing with the 2026 Suzuki Jimny 3-door?

It’s getting tech upgrades ahead of its Australian relaunch, aimed at better infotainment and added driver-assistance—without spoiling its off-road charm.

Are there discounts on the Kia Tasman X-Line ute?

Yes. The Kia Tasman X-Line has a reported A$3000 discount plus extra equipment to boost appeal amid softer-than-expected sales. Confirm specifics with your dealer.

Did VW announce EV deals for the holidays?

Volkswagen is offering drive-away deals on its EVs in time for Christmas, lowering upfront costs for buyers considering the switch.

Is a new BMW i3 really claiming 500 miles of range?

According to reports, BMW is targeting up to 500 miles. Real-world testing will be the proof—especially in cold weather.

That’s the lot for today. If you’re test-driving this weekend, bring your playlist and your gut. The car that makes you forget to take notes? Usually the right one. And if the Kia Tasman X-Line is on your list, now’s the time to go kick its tyres—politely.