Daily Drive: BYD edges Tesla, Dacia doubles down on bargain EVs, Nissan plots a tough new SUV, and racing gets rowdy
I’ve had three coffees, two inboxes, and one set of muddy boots in the trunk from a weekend test loop. Here’s what matters today if you’re the sort who checks battery percentages and tire pressures with equal zeal.
EV pulse check: BYD’s momentum, Dacia’s value blitz, Mahindra’s Aussie move, and a whisper about a Leaf Nismo
BYD is outselling Tesla in the EV sales race
According to reports out of Australia, BYD has moved ahead of Tesla in the headline EV sales race. The specifics shift month to month, but the trajectory is clear: BYD’s swelling lineup and aggressive pricing (especially in China and fast-growing export markets) are turning charts blue-and-white with a slash of red. It tracks with what I’ve noticed on the ground: more Atto 3s and Seal U’s in suburban driveways, and a steady drumbeat of new variants. Tesla still feels like the default in a lot of Western cities, but the center of gravity is tilting east.
- Why it matters: More choice, downward pressure on pricing, and faster tech cycles.
- Buyer takeaway: If you’re cross-shopping, expect feature creep at lower prices—360 cams, V2L, heat pumps—where a few years ago you’d be paying extra.
Dacia goes big on small: Spring, Sandero, and the wonderfully odd Hipster
Autocar flags a trio of updates from Dacia for 2026. The petite Spring EV gets handling tweaks and up to 99 bhp. I drove an earlier Spring on the cobbles around Montmartre last year; charming, simple, a little bouncy, and painfully honest about what it is. More power and better chassis composure should make it less “city-only” and more “ring road without gritted teeth.”
The Sandero also resurfaces with a hybrid option—sensible, because that car’s sweet spot has always been thrift without feeling punitive. And then there’s the curveball: the Dacia Hipster, an 800-kg electric car reportedly targeting sub-£15k. Featherweight EVs are rare these days; hit that price and you’ve got a proper people’s runabout.
- Spring (2026): Handling updates, up to 99 bhp, still city-friendly footprint.
- Sandero (2026): Adds a hybrid option for wallet-friendly commuting.
- Hipster: 800 kg, sub-£15k target—EV minimalism done with a wink.
Mahindra’s cut-price EV SUVs edge closer to Australia
CarExpert notes Mahindra is moving its electric SUVs a step closer to Aussie showrooms. If pricing lands where Mahindra usually plays, these could become the “first EV” for families who don’t want to toss big money at a daily. When I tried Mahindra’s latest ICE SUVs on rough country roads, the basics—seat comfort, suspension travel—were there. If they pair that with fuss-free charging and decent nav, you’ll see them in school queues soon enough.
Nissan Leaf Nismo if fans ask loudly enough
A sporty Leaf? Reports suggest Nissan’s open to a Nismo-flavored variant if demand is there. I’m into it. The current Leaf’s instant torque already does “urban dart” well—add firmer dampers, stickier tires, some chassis bracing, and you’ve got a grin machine for city sprints. The only caveat: don’t let the ride go full shopping cart on broken pavement. I noticed the standard car’s damping gets upset by rapid-fire potholes; a Nismo tune would need finesse, not just firmness.
MG’s “QS” range: a growing alphabet
MG appears to be fleshing out a QS-branded lineup. Details are still forming, but the direction is obvious: more variants, more niches. MG’s recent hit rate on value features is strong; if QS keeps that up, expect well-specced trims and straightforward pricing—two things that win hearts in showrooms.
Trucks and tough stuff: MG targets BYD Shark 6 and Ranger PHEV, Nissan readies a Toyota fighter
MG’s plug-in pickup plan
MG is reportedly plotting a plug-in hybrid ute aimed straight at the BYD Shark 6 and the upcoming Ford Ranger PHEV. This is precisely the moment electrification needed for tradies and weekend warriors—quiet early-morning departures, torque-rich towing at low speeds, and the smug joy of running power tools off the truck at a campsite. I’ve hauled gravel in a few hybrids; the immediate pull off the line is addictive, and the fuel gauge moves like molasses rather than espresso.
Nissan’s new off-road SUV to take on Toyota
There’s word Nissan is working on a new off-road SUV to square up to Toyota’s stalwarts. If that means body-on-frame bones and the kind of approach and departure angles you brag about over a campfire, sign me up. The last time I took a modern Nissan 4x4 through rutted fire trails, it felt rugged but wanted a bit more suspension travel and underbody protection. Hopefully this new one arrives trail-ready, not merely trail-styled.
| Model | Powertrain | Status | Primary Markets | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BYD Shark 6 | PHEV | On sale in select markets | Global rollout in stages | Strong low-end torque, efficiency focus |
| Ford Ranger PHEV | PHEV | Announced/rolling out depending on region | Europe, Australia, others | Familiar Ranger usability with EV-only short trips |
| MG (unnamed) | PHEV | In development | Likely Asia-Pacific first | Value-led spec with everyday electrified utility |
- Buyer tip: If your commute is short and you tow on weekends, a PHEV ute might be the sweet spot—charge daily, sip fuel on long hauls.
- Watch for: Payload/towing ratings with battery packaging, bed liner durability around charge ports, onboard power features.
Motorsport corner: mentors, mayhem, and playoff pressure
Ricciardo’s quiet hand behind Lawson
Autosport highlights how Daniel Ricciardo supported Liam Lawson during last year’s post-Singapore seat shuffle. It’s the kind of paddock story that never makes the highlight reels but matters deeply to young drivers finding their feet. I’ve always said the best veterans are part coach, part therapist, and part bulldozer when it’s time to clear noise so the kid can just drive.
NASCAR’s playoff frenzy at the ROVAL
Road & Track points to Ross Chastain’s all-or-nothing move at the ROVAL as Exhibit A for how the playoff format breeds desperation. Watching it live, I winced, then grinned, then said a small prayer for brake ducts. You can argue about purity, but you can’t argue about drama—the format delivers it by the bucket. If you’re bringing kids to their first race, a playoff afternoon will hook them for life.
Curbside culture: the secret Porsche 911 that wasn’t meant to exist
Carscoops unearthed a 911 that was never meant for public eyes, the sort of skunkworks piece that keeps Porsche nerds awake. I’ve seen a few of these “what if” 911s over the years—odd aero, parts-bin witchcraft, beautiful mistakes that make the production cars better. It’s a reminder that behind every tidy Carrera spec is a back room full of half-mad experiments and coffee-fueled epiphanies.
What it means for you
- Budget EVs are getting better: Dacia’s tweaks show you don’t need big money for a usable electric daily.
- Utes are going electric the practical way: PHEV pickups promise quiet, torque-rich everyday driving without range anxiety.
- Choice is exploding: From Mahindra’s value EVs to MG’s QS range, the middle of the market is where the action is.
Quick specs and notes I’ll be watching
- Dacia Spring ride/handling vs. the outgoing car on rough urban roads.
- Real-world EV-only range on upcoming PHEV pickups with a loaded bed.
- Charging solutions and cable storage in value-focused EVs (no more trunk spaghetti, please).
- Whether a Leaf Nismo keeps daily comfort while adding genuine grip.
Conclusion
The week opens with a predictable theme: more EVs, cheaper EVs, and tougher electrified trucks. Sprinkle in a bit of racing chaos and an illicit 911, and you’ve got a proper enthusiast’s buffet. As ever, I’ll keep the boots muddy and the battery topped up—reporting back when these promises turn into test drives.
FAQ
Is BYD really outselling Tesla now?
Recent reports indicate BYD has pulled ahead in the EV sales race in the latest tallies. The margins and timeframes vary, but BYD’s momentum is unmistakable in several key markets.
How much power does the updated Dacia Spring get?
Up to 99 bhp is being quoted for the 2026 update, alongside handling improvements.
Will there be a Nissan Leaf Nismo?
It’s not confirmed, but reports suggest Nissan is open to a Nismo variant if there’s sufficient demand from fans.
When can I buy a plug-in hybrid pickup like the Ranger PHEV?
Availability varies by region. The Ranger PHEV is rolling out depending on market, BYD’s Shark 6 is already in select markets, and MG’s entrant is in development.
Is the Dacia Hipster a real car?
Yes, it has been revealed as an ultra-light (around 800 kg) electric car targeting a sub-£15k price point, according to early reports.
