Morning Drive: EVs Muscle In, Sedans Strike Back, and the MR2 Stirs
I brewed the strong stuff today and opened the garage door to a week that feels like a turn signal clicking toward the future. EVs are moving up a size, hybrids are losing their last alibis, and—somewhere deep in Toyota HQ—someone has dusted off the MR2 nameplate. Meanwhile, a rare Pontiac reminds us why provenance still matters, and a viral police chase shows why you never, ever run back to the getaway car.
Big EV Energy: Kia Niro EV Winds Down, Nissan NX8 Arrives
According to CarExpert, Kia’s runout Niro EV stock is almost gone, and whispers say the Hybrid’s days are numbered. Having lived with a Niro EV for a week of daycare runs and supermarket car parks, I always liked its clean ergonomics and easygoing demeanour—charging speeds weren’t class-leading, but the car felt cheerfully honest. The bigger headline is the direction: Kia trimming the hybrid sails and letting the EV flag fly higher.
On the other end of the carpark, Nissan has revealed the 2026 NX8, positioned as an electric rival to Toyota’s Kluger/Highlander. If you’ve ever tried stuffing ski gear, two kids, and a mildly embarrassed Labrador into a two-row EV, you’ll know why a three-row electric SUV matters. Family range anxiety isn’t just about kilowatts—it’s “can I get everyone and their helmets in without playing Tetris?” The NX8 aims to say yes.
- Segment shift: Two-row compact EVs were the appetizer; three-row EVs are the main course.
- Use case: Think school runs, Ikea, and winter road trips—without tailpipe fumes.
- Buyer tip: Third-row knee room varies wildly. Bring the tallest teenager to the test drive.
Value Playmakers: Chery Tiggo 9 and MG 7 Take on the Family and the Freeway
CarExpert also dropped a review of the 2026 Chery Tiggo 9, the kind of big, value-forward SUV that’s been quietly winning over budget-conscious buyers. In recent Cherys I’ve driven, steering tends to be light and cabins surprisingly plush for the money. If the Tiggo 9 follows that pattern, it’ll make a strong first impression on a Saturday dealer drive—just make sure you check ride quality over broken suburban streets, where some rivals feel more tied down.
Then there’s the 2026 MG 7—priced and pitched squarely at Toyota Camry and Hyundai Sonata shoppers. A low-roof fastback with a bit of swagger. I’m a sucker for a good midsize sedan; less wind noise than most SUVs, better efficiency, and you don’t feel like you’re sitting on a bar stool. If MG nails front-seat comfort and infotainment responsiveness (lag is the fastest route to buyer’s remorse), the MG 7 could be the bargain-luxe wildcard in commuter carparks.
Who’s Doing What Today: Quick Compare
| Model | Type | Today’s Takeaway | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan NX8 (2026) | Electric three-row SUV | Revealed to challenge Toyota Kluger/Highlander in the EV space | Growing families going electric |
| Kia Niro EV | Electric compact crossover | Runout stock nearly cleared; Hybrid reportedly on borrowed time | City commuters, downsizers, first-time EV buyers |
| Chery Tiggo 9 (2026) | Large SUV | Reviewed with a value-first proposition | Budget-conscious family haulers |
| MG 7 (2026) | Sporty midsize fastback | Priced to take on Camry and Sonata | Long-distance commuters who still love a proper sedan |
Enthusiast Pulse: Toyota MR2 Name Returns to the Rumor Mill
CarExpert reports fresh trademark filings around the MR2 name. Does a trademark guarantee a car? No. Does it make my inner twenty-something imagine a small, light, tossable Toyota that I can heel-and-toe down a country road at dawn? Absolutely. The last time I drove an MR2 on a mountain loop, it felt like a pocket-sized truth serum—mid-engine balance, quick reactions, and not a single wasted kilogram. Whether the next chapter is hybrid, electric, or cleverly turbocharged, the world could use a simple, smile-first sports car again.
Software Is the New Wrench: Porsche “Bricked” Reports in Russia
CarExpert highlights fears around Porsches reportedly being “bricked” in Russia. The details are still murky, but it’s a timely reminder that our cars are now rolling computers, entangled with over-the-air updates, regional services, and security layers. I’ve seen owners lose features when subscriptions lapse and get them back with a phone call—amusing in a streaming app, less so when it’s your daytime headlights and navigation.
- Keep your car’s software updated through official channels.
- Avoid unauthorized modifications that could trigger security protocols.
- Ask your dealer to explain what features are permanent, subscription-based, or region-locked.
From the Bizarre to the Beautiful: Viral Chase and a Unicorn Pontiac
Carscoops served up a cartoonish police chase starring a Dodge Charger suspect who fled on foot—then ran back to the car. Pro tip: that move only works in Looney Tunes. It didn’t here.
On a sweeter note, another Carscoops piece spotlights an ultra-rare Pontiac: only 24 built, and reportedly the only surviving example with matching numbers. I’ve watched bidding rooms go silent when a truly original car rolls in—the air changes. Whether you’re in it for nostalgia or spreadsheets, originality plus scarcity is collector rocket fuel.
Today’s Standouts at a Glance
- EVs scale up: Nissan NX8 goes three-row, while the Niro EV runout wraps.
- Value surge: Chery Tiggo 9 and MG 7 push hard on features-per-dollar.
- Hope springs sporty: MR2 trademark filings rekindle a beloved name.
- Software stakes: Reported Porsche lockouts underline digital-era risks.
- Car culture: A slapstick chase and a unicorn Pontiac remind us why we watch—and wrench.
Conclusion
As the market tilts toward larger EVs and feature-packed value cars, the edges remain wonderfully human: an MR2 whisper here, a rare Pontiac there, and a reminder that your car’s code matters as much as its camshafts. If you’re shopping, measure the third row, test the infotainment for lag, and don’t be afraid to buy the sedan—your ears (and hips) might thank you.
FAQ
When will the Nissan NX8 be available?
It’s been revealed for the 2026 model year. Regional launch timing will become clearer as we move through 2025 and into 2026.
Is the Kia Niro Hybrid being discontinued?
CarExpert reports the Hybrid’s days are numbered as runout Niro EV stock clears. Check with local dealers for exact timing and availability in your region.
Is Toyota really bringing back the MR2?
Trademark filings suggest interest but don’t guarantee production. Still, it’s the strongest sign yet that Toyota is exploring the idea.
What should I know about the 2026 MG 7?
It’s a sporty fastback sedan priced to rival the Toyota Camry and Hyundai Sonata. Market availability and exact specs will vary by region.
Could my car be “bricked” by software?
Issues are rare but today’s cars rely on software and connected services. Keep updates official, ask what’s subscription-based, and avoid unauthorized changes.
