Today’s Drive: RAV4 sticker shock, EX60 on the horizon, split takes on Model Y Performance, and a fond farewell to Focus ST

I brewed the strong stuff this morning because the news cycle went from school-run sensible to track-day spicy in about four headlines. We’ve got price realities for the world’s favorite family hauler, a new Swedish EV gunning for Tesla, divided opinions on the latest Model Y Performance, a surprise pickup-shaped patent from Volkswagen, and a proper curtain call for the Ford Focus ST. Plus: race cars, muscle-car hope, and a used Stelvio that still knows how to dance.

Family staples meet price reality: Toyota RAV4 is gearing up—and pricing up

CarExpert is flagging big price hikes for the next-gen 2026 Toyota RAV4 in Australia. Not shocking—safety kit, hybrid hardware, and materials aren’t getting cheaper—but it’s still the sort of news that makes you glance at the driveway and think, “Do I trade sooner?” When I last hustled a RAV4 Hybrid over broken suburban tarmac, it felt like a car that had quietly outgrown the “appliance” label—smoother, more planted, and less shouty than its spec sheet would suggest. If Toyota adds more tech and refinement again (it will), expect the price to follow suit.

• What’s changing: New generation due 2026 with more tech and likely broader electrification.
• Why prices rise: Added safety, hybrid complexity, and market pressures. Even mainstream isn’t immune.
• Buyer tip: If you like the current RAV4’s value equation, keep an eye on late-run deals before the new one lands.

EV chessboard: Volvo EX60 timing set, Model Y Performance splits reviewers, Alfa Junior eyes sharper pricing, BYD stumbles

Volvo EX60 sets its sights on Model Y

Volvo’s 2026 EX60 has its arrival timing set, per CarExpert, and the target is painted squarely on the Tesla Model Y. Think clean Scandi design, a safety-first cabin, and the kind of quiet confidence Volvo’s been nailing with the EX30/EX90 playbook. In traffic, the current Volvo lane-keeping and driver monitoring are among the least naggy systems I’ve used—if that DNA carries over, the EX60 could be a calm antidote to the “always beta” vibe elsewhere.

2026 Tesla Model Y Performance: love it or not quite

Carscoops notes early reviews of the 2026 Model Y Performance are mixed. That tracks with my long-term impressions of earlier Ys: the speed and efficiency are intoxicating; the ride quality and NVH can be mood-dependent. If Tesla’s latest chassis tweaks don’t soothe secondary ride or steering feel, you’ll see the split: some want the sledgehammer shove, others want more polish. Either way, the “fast family EV” bar has moved—rivals like the EX60 will need both speed and serenity.

Alfa Romeo Junior EV: price move incoming?

CarExpert reports the new Alfa Romeo Junior EV could see Jeep Avenger-style price cuts. That’s smart. The Junior’s appeal is emotional—steering feel, design, that little flick of the hips mid-corner—and getting the sticker right makes the heart-versus-head argument much easier. If Alfa can keep the charm and trim the MSRP, this could be the driver’s EV in the small-premium class.

BYD sales slip in China

BYD’s home-market sales have cooled recently, according to CarExpert, as rivals pile in with fresh metal and sharper deals. It’s a reminder that even the pace-setters can’t coast. For buyers outside China, it likely means more aggressive spec and pricing globally as everyone jockeys for share.

Enthusiast heartbeat: Honda’s new race toy, BMW M3 still snorts petrol, Focus ST takes a bow, Camaro whispers grow louder

Prelude steps into Japan’s top series

CarExpert says Honda’s new Prelude will take over from the Civic Type R in Japan’s top racing series. That’s a neat bit of branding symmetry—the road car is returning, the race car carries the torch. If it inherits the Civic racer’s ferocity with a sleeker aero profile, expect a sharp, stable front end that rewards commitment. I’ve stood pit-side in that series; the way these cars change direction is addictive.

BMW M3 prototype: four tailpipes, very much alive

Carscoops spotted the next-gen BMW M3 prototype with four open pipes. Translation: despite the tech-heavy Neue Klasse era, the M3’s internal-combustion soul isn’t done singing yet. I’ll take the mid-corner adjustability of a well-tuned ICE M3 all day long—if BMW couples that with modern damping magic, the legend continues.

Final Ford Focus ST leaves the line

CarExpert confirmed the last Focus ST has rolled off the line. End of an era. My final drive in an ST—damp B-roads, tire shoulders warm—was a reminder of how good the breed became: eager front end, stout brakes, that feisty 2.3 that always felt bigger than the badge. Hot hatches taught a generation to love corners. We’ll miss this one.

Renewed hope for a Chevrolet Camaro successor

There’s fresh optimism for a Camaro successor, per CarExpert. No one’s saying exactly what form it’ll take—pure EV, hybrid, or some clever middle ground—but there’s clearly appetite to keep the nameplate in the conversation. If they can deliver the Camaro’s visibility fix (you know what I mean) and keep the chassis honesty, sign me up.

Ute, but make it electric: VW ID. Buzz dual-cab patent

Volkswagen has patented a dual-cab ute design based on the ID. Buzz, reports CarExpert. Picture the retro-futurist van morphing into a lifestyle pickup: surfboards, bikes, and that smug grin you get driving an electric thing that looks like a postcard. Patents aren’t production promises, but given how ute-mad markets like Australia are, I’d say the idea’s commercially irresistible.

Used buy of the day: Alfa Romeo Stelvio (2017–2025)

Autocar’s comprehensive review of the Stelvio as a used proposition reminds me why I still point keen drivers at them. A few notes from my notebooks and owner chats:

• Pre- and post-facelift feel: Early cars were already sharp; later ones gained a calmer infotainment interface and nicer cabin touches.
• Spec sweet spot: Mid-trim cars with the active suspension are the daily-driver heroes; Quadrifoglio remains a bucket-list blast if your budget stretches.
• What to check: Electrical gremlins crop up (sensors, screens), and wheel alignment matters—these cars are sensitive to setup.
• Why it’s worth it: Steering feel that embarrasses most crossovers and a chassis that invites a Sunday dawn drive.

Big-tech cars, small-tech patience

Autocar posed a good question: are buyers ready for everything their new cars can do? My take: only if the helpful stuff is easy, the flashy stuff is optional, and the car doesn’t nag. When I coach friends through driver aids, three things matter most—clear labeling, predictable behavior, and a big, obvious “off” switch. Carmakers: less menu-diving, more common sense. Especially as prices rise.

Quick hits

• RAV4 2026: price increases coming; shop late-run current-gen deals if you’re sensitive to MSRP creep.
• Volvo EX60: arrival timing set; promises discreet speed and serenity.
• Model Y Performance: early reviews split; try before you buy if ride quality is your sore spot.
• Alfa Junior EV: possible price cuts could make it a segment dark horse.
• BYD: sales slow in China; expect sharper global competition as a result.
• Focus ST: production ends; a toast to the hot hatch that punched above its weight.
• BMW M3: quad pipes on prototype say ICE isn’t gone yet.
• Honda Prelude racer: stepping into Japan’s top series with big shoes to fill.
• Camaro: the name might live on—watch this space.
• VW ID. Buzz ute: patented and plausibly perfect for beach-town life.

Conclusion

From mainstream SUVs getting pricier to EVs finding their balance, from race grids to used-car lots, today’s theme is continuity through change. Some badges bow out, others double down. The sweet spot—always—lies where engineering meets empathy. Test the tech, feel the chassis, and buy the car that makes you want to take the long way home.

FAQ

Will the 2026 Toyota RAV4 be significantly more expensive?

CarExpert reports notable price increases are coming with the new generation. Expect more standard tech and electrification to drive the climb.

Is the 2026 Tesla Model Y Performance worth it over rivals?

Early reviews are split. It’s very quick, but ride and steering feel may sway you. If comfort matters, cross-shop and take a long test drive.

When is the Volvo EX60 arriving?

Volvo has set the arrival timing for 2026, positioning the EX60 directly against the Tesla Model Y and other midsize premium EVs.

Is a new Chevrolet Camaro really coming?

There’s renewed hope for a successor, according to CarExpert, but final form and timing haven’t been confirmed.

Did Ford really stop making the Focus ST?

Yes. The last Focus ST has rolled off the line, marking the end of production for the hot hatch icon.