Today’s Drive: Safety Stars, Boxy Tucsons, Budget MGs, and a Subaru With a Need for Speed

I woke to the sort of news brew I like: a fresh round of five-star safety results for some up-and-comers, a boxier Hyundai Tucson peeking out from camouflage, a cheaper MG ZS for the budget-conscious, and Subaru waving a big “fastest-ever” flag in Australia. Toss in union headlines, a subscription eyebrow-raiser from BMW, and a Rolls-Royce lawsuit that underscores EV growing pains, and you’ve got a proper automotive tapas plate.

Safety First: Geely, Kia, Leapmotor, Zeekr Score Five Stars

CarExpert reports a cluster of five-star safety ratings this round, and the names aren’t a surprise if you’ve been paying attention: Geely, Kia, Leapmotor, and Zeekr. I’ve watched the Chinese brands ramp from promising to genuinely polished in the span of a few model cycles; the safety performance catching up to (and sometimes matching) the stalwarts is the headline.

What it means if you’re shopping:

• Consider the new guard — they’re not just good value anymore, they’re testing well.
• Active safety tech is increasingly standard. I still recommend spending an hour with the menus to tailor lane assist, sensitivity, and alerts; when I did that on a recent long-term tester, the car calmed down and so did I.
• Don’t forget the basics: tire quality, child-seat fit, and headlight performance matter just as much in the real world as a crash test score.

New Metal on the Horizon

2027 Hyundai Tucson: Trading Origami for Square Jaw

Spy shots picked up by CarExpert suggest the next-gen Tucson is going more box and less blade. The current car’s angular surfacing always looked like it was designed with a steel rule; the new one reads tougher and more upright. That usually pays dividends for rear headroom and cargo usability. If Hyundai keeps its habit of over-delivering on tech (and fixes the occasional infotainment lag I’ve noticed on rough roads), this could stay a family favorite.

2026 MG ZS: New, Cheaper Base Model

MG’s ZS already punches above its price tag for first-car buyers and ride-share duty. The 2026 update adds a more affordable base variant, according to CarExpert. A lower entry price is great news for anyone watching monthly repayments. Just remember: check the equipment list carefully. I always bring my own cable and test the charging/USB layout, because nothing torpedoes a commute like nowhere to stash your phone or a slow port.

Nissan Teases Four New Off-Road SUVs and a Ute

Per CarExpert’s report, Nissan previewed a slate of off-roaders — four SUVs and a ute — with clear intent to poke the Ranger and Prado. If Nissan goes back to its rugged roots (proper low-range, decent payload, lockers that aren’t just stickers), this could be a return to form. I’ll be watching approach/departure angles and tow ratings. And seats. A long gravel slog will tell you everything you need to know about seat foam.

Subaru Trailseeker: Brand’s Fastest Road Car (in Australia)

Subaru and “fastest-ever road car” don’t usually share a sentence unless there’s an STI badge involved, but CarExpert says the Trailseeker is coming to Australia wearing exactly that title. No hard numbers yet, but if it’s their quickest to 100 km/h, it’ll have to outpace the old heroes. Expect symmetrical AWD to do the heavy lifting. My wishlist: steering that talks, brakes with bite, and an interior that feels more rally stage than rental desk.

Industry & Labor

VW and UAW Reach a Tentative Deal

Carscoops reports Volkswagen and the UAW have a tentative agreement, with workers set to make meaningful gains if ratified. Beyond pay packets, this matters for the EV transition: stable labor frameworks typically mean smoother plant retools and fewer supply hiccups. Translation for buyers: better odds that promised timelines stick.

Tech, Subscriptions, and the Fine Print

BMW iX3’s 360 Camera… Behind a Monthly Paywall

BMW’s feature-gating returns to the spotlight via Carscoops: the iX3 has a 360-degree camera, but you’ll pay monthly to unlock it. I’ve parked enough hefty EVs in tight city garages to know a surround view is more than a toy — it’s bumper insurance. But subscriptions for hardware already bolted to the car? It’s like buying a Swiss Army knife and renting the scissors.

Before you sign, ask your dealer:

• Which features are permanent versus subscription-based?
• What’s included in year one, and what renews at what price?
• If you cancel, what functionality remains?
• Can software packs be bundled at purchase to avoid monthly fees?

Legal & Consumer Watch

Rolls-Royce Spectre Lawsuit Highlights EV Teething Issues

Carscoops details a lawsuit from a Spectre owner claiming her $546K EV suffered issues within four months and hasn’t been fixed. Allegations are just that — allegations — but the story underscores a truth I’ve heard from both owners and techs: first-generation EVs, even ultra-lux ones, can hit complex snags. If you’re in that world, document everything, keep service receipts, and know your local consumer protections. Quiet, swift, and serene is the promise; consistent support is the product.

Road Safety Oddity of the Day

License Gone… and Then They Told Mom

From Carscoops: after a teen was nailed speeding in Australia, police reportedly didn’t stop at taking the license — they contacted his mother too. As a deterrent, that’s powerful. From personal experience riding along on learner sessions, fear of parental judgment trumps fear of fines every time.

Quick Hits

• Safety stars for Geely, Kia, Leapmotor, Zeekr keep the pressure on established rivals.
• Hyundai Tucson goes boxier; expect better space and a tougher face.
• MG ZS undercuts itself with a cheaper base — perfect for tight budgets.
• Nissan’s off-road salvo hints at a more rugged showroom.
• Subaru Trailseeker aims to be the brand’s quickest road car in Australia.
• VW–UAW tentative deal could steady EV-era production.
• BMW iX3’s subscription 360 cam is a sign of the software-times.
• High-end EVs aren’t immune to growing pains, as the Spectre case shows.

What’s Worth Watching Next

Final Thoughts

It’s a split-screen kind of day: safety scores rising, rugged trucks on the comeback trail, and software-era ownership questions nipping at our heels. If you’re shopping soon, keep your eyes on total cost of ownership — not just the sticker price, but the subscriptions and the service backstop. The good news? The mainstream’s getting safer, the affordable is getting more affordable, and the interesting stuff looks properly interesting.

FAQ

Are the new five-star safety ratings directly comparable across brands?

They’re comparable within the same test program and year. Different programs use different protocols, and standards tighten over time. Always check the specific testing body and model year.

Will the next Hyundai Tucson be larger inside?

Camouflage hints at a boxier shape, which typically helps space. Exact dimensions and packaging details will come closer to launch.

Is the new MG ZS base model missing important features?

It’s designed to hit a lower price, so expect some trade-offs. Check for essentials like safety aids, smartphone integration, and wheel/tire spec before you buy.

What does Nissan’s off-road push mean for buyers?

More choice in the rugged SUV and ute space. If Nissan delivers genuine off-road hardware and competitive pricing, it could shake up a very loyal segment.

Should I avoid cars with subscription-based features?

Not necessarily. Just run the math. Some buyers prefer a lower upfront price and optional features later; others want everything unlocked permanently. Get it in writing before you sign.