Today’s Auto Brief: MG 2 EV goes hunting for BYD Atto 1, Outback gets Wilder, Rivian’s Aussie maze, and yes—ads in your dash

I ping‑ponged between embargoed briefings and owner messages this morning, coffee in one hand and a charger in the other. The theme? Real-world stuff. The MG 2 EV Confirmed to Challenge BYD Atto 1 in the bargain city‑EV lane, Subaru finally giving Australia the Outback Wilderness treatment, Rivian arriving Down Under with a paperwork asterisk, and infotainment systems that have discovered pop-up ads. Buckle up—lots to like, a few eye-rolls.

Small EVs, big intent: MG 2 EV Confirmed to Challenge BYD Atto 1

MG has signed off on the MG 2 EV, a shoebox-sized electric city car squaring up to BYD’s rumored Atto 1. Picture tight urban streets, parallel parks that don’t trigger a sweat, and a charging cable coiled by the apartment door. MG’s play is clear: slide beneath its bigger EVs on size and price, get first-time electric buyers into the brand, and keep the math simple—low running costs, usable range, and no silly subscription tricks.

When I take it on my usual inner-city loop—50 to 60 km with the air-con on, a supermarket stop, and two school pickups—I’ll be looking for three things: rear-seat realism (can grown-ups last 20 minutes back there?), low-speed tightness (that fingertip agility you miss when you hop into a crossover), and honest efficiency. Nail those, and the MG 2 EV could be the gateway EV that gets people off fuel for good.

MG 2 EV vs BYD Atto 1: city-car showdown (the early read)

• Price positioning: both gunning for “first EV” money, not premium circles.
• Footprint: expect tiny—think “fits where your neighbor’s scooter usually sits.”
• Range reality: enough for a workweek of errands if you top up casually.
• Charging: AC overnight is the plan; DC fast-charging is a nice-to-have, not a lifeline.
• Cabin tech: keep it simple; laggy screens are unforgivable in cars this honest.

MG 2 EV quick compare: where it needs to land

Small ask to both brands: give us physical buttons for the essentials. Volume, demist, drive modes. On a wet Tuesday, hunting through submenus feels like punishment.

Quick glance: today’s headline models

Recall radar: Hyundai Ioniq 6

Hyundai has issued a recall for the Ioniq 6. If you own one, run your VIN with the dealer and book the fix. I’ve done school runs in a few of these—whisper‑quiet cabins, aero-slick efficiency—and a recall shouldn’t dent that calm if you handle it promptly. Five minutes on the phone today saves faffing around later.

Familiar name, fresh sheet metal: 2026 Toyota Corolla grows—just not for Australia

Globally, the 2026 Corolla gets bigger and sleeker, which should make child seats and weekend bags less of a Tetris challenge. The curveball? Australia isn’t on the rollout plan. If you’re an Aussie buyer craving Corolla sensibility with more room, you’ll be nudged toward Corolla Cross—or the ever-patient Camry. Odd call for a staple nameplate, but product plans don’t always care about our spreadsheets.

Outback gets wilder: Subaru’s 2026 redesign and Wilderness debut for Australia

I took the last Outback down a washed-out fire trail with two mountain bikes on the roof and a skeptical spaniel in the back; hill descent earned its keep that day. The 2026 car looks boxier and more purposeful—and Australia finally gets the Wilderness sub-brand. Expect extra clearance, chunkier tires, underbody protection, and suspension tuned for the bits of road your sensible side usually vetoes. You’ll likely pay more, but the recipe stays golden: big boot, brilliant roof rails, easy road manners. Minor gripes? Subaru’s portrait screen can bury simple settings, and the driver’s seat still sits a shade higher than I prefer.

Mitsubishi builds its toughest Triton yet—just not for everyone

The most rugged Triton yet has broken cover, a ute for tradies who head straight from the jobsite to the campsite. The snag is market availability. If it comes to your region, expect long waitlists and plenty of accessories at launch. If not, brace for a wave of envy as the social feeds roll in.

Market watch: Rivian lands in Australia, Buick Envision weathers tariffs

Rivian in Australia: buying is easy, registering… not so much

Yes, you can now buy a Rivian in Australia. The trick is navigating registration and compliance, which vary by state and can turn delivery day into a scavenger hunt for the right stamps. If you’re serious, loop in your dealer or a specialist importer early and budget time for the admin. I’ve watched two owners get it done—the second one learned from the first’s paperwork maze.

Buick Envision: survives tariffs, takes a price hit

Built in China, the Buick Envision stays on U.S. lots despite tariffs, but prices have crept north. If you were eyeing one as a value play in the compact luxury crossover set, sharpen the pencil—neighbors like Acura, Lincoln, and even higher-spec mainstream SUVs start to look tempting. A friendly tip: hunt remaining inventory that hasn’t fully absorbed the hike.

Tech trend: your car now serves pop-up ads (and how to tame them)

We’ve entered the era of in-car upsells. On recent drives I’ve had subscription prompts and “recommended” services appear mid-journey. Not dangerous, just tacky. A few owners told me they can predict the exact roundabout where a notification pops up—equal parts funny and infuriating. Here’s how I calm the cabin:

• Dig into settings and opt out of marketing “recommendations.”
• Disable non-safety push notifications in the infotainment menu.
• Run Apple CarPlay/Android Auto; it cuts the OEM nagging and cleans up the UI.
• Ask your dealer about software updates that add notification controls.

Who should wait for the MG 2 EV?

• City dwellers parking on-street or in tight stacks who want a proper turning circle.
• First-time EV buyers who value low costs over Nürburgring lap fantasies.
• Households running it as a second car for school runs, markets, and train-station hops.

What stood out today

• The MG 2 EV is a clear shot at the BYD Atto 1 for the entry‑EV crown.
• Subaru’s Outback grows more trail‑ready in Australia—expect to pay for the privilege.
• Rivian’s Aussie launch is real; the registration dance is also real.
• Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 recall is a quick dealer fix—don’t procrastinate.
• Corolla gets roomier elsewhere; Australia sits this one out (for now).

Conclusion

The market is stretching at both ends—stripped-back urban electrics and tougher adventure wagons. The thing nobody asked for? Ads in your instrument cluster. The thing many did? The MG 2 EV Confirmed to Challenge BYD Atto 1, which could give city buyers a simple, affordable route into EV life. Now, if someone could also streamline Rivian’s Australian red tape, that’d be grand.

FAQ

When will the MG 2 EV go on sale?

It’s confirmed, but timing and specs are still to come. Expect more detail as markets lock in launch plans.

How will the MG 2 EV compare to the BYD Atto 1?

Both target city-friendly size and price. The deciders will be real-world range, cabin packaging, charging speed, and in-car tech that doesn’t get in your way.

Is the Hyundai Ioniq 6 recall serious?

Any recall is worth acting on. Call your Hyundai dealer with your VIN—they’ll confirm whether your car is affected and arrange the fix.

What’s special about the Subaru Outback Wilderness?

It adds clearance, protection, and off-road tuning to expand the Outback’s comfort zone without turning it into a rock crawler.

Can I actually drive a Rivian in Australia now?

Yes, but registration and compliance vary by state. Talk to your dealer or an importer early to map out the process before you put money down.