Today in Cars: Cheap Home Chargers, Tough New SUVs for Oz, a 641-hp EV Riot, and One Very Real “Pajero”

I brewed the good coffee this morning and the inbox rewarded me: Australia just made home charging almost impulse-buy cheap, a handful of fresh SUVs are headed down under (some with proper grit), Genesis turned the wick right up on its petite EV, and yes—Mitsubishi’s strangest “Pajero” is back in the headlines. Let’s take a proper spin through it all.

Australia Plugs In for Less: Home EV Chargers from $95

CarExpert flagged a big one: under the ARENA scheme, home EV chargers are now available from just $95. That’s not a typo. Hardware for less than a dinner out, though—just to be clear—installation will still be the bigger chunk.

From living with wallboxes in three different houses (old terrace, new build, and a creaky rental), my quick advice if you’re eyeing this deal:

• Ask for load management up front. It saves tripping breakers when the dryer and the charger become “best frenemies.”
• Think cable reach. A neatly placed unit can save you coiling and uncoiling every single night.
• Consider your future car. If you’re likely to upgrade, choose a unit that can scale with higher current or smarter software.

Bottom line: this pricing knocks down the front door to EV adoption. Good policy colliding with real-world convenience—finally.

New Metal for Australia: Value, Grit, and a PHEV Camper

BYD Atto 3 Evo Confirmed

The Atto 3 has been the quiet commuter hero on my suburban test loop—easygoing ride, quirky-green cabin, no drama. CarExpert reports an “Evo” version is officially on the way for Australia. Expect BYD to polish the formula rather than reinvent it. If you’re eyeballing an urban crossover with sensible running costs, keep this on your shortlist.

Nissan X-Trail Rock Creek + Cheaper e-Power Variants

Also via CarExpert, Nissan’s X-Trail Rock Creek is bound for Australia, bringing a tougher aesthetic and weekend-warrior vibe. Pair that with cheaper e-Power variants joining the range and you’ve got a family SUV that covers the school run and the fire trail. I’ve spent time with e-Power before—Nissan’s series-hybrid trickery delivers smooth, electric-like drive without charging cables. Perfect for the “I want EV feel, but I rent an apartment” crowd.

Mahindra XUV 3XO Black Edition Priced

The XUV 3XO already scores well on value, and the new Black Edition gives it the stealth look to match—think date-night-friendly, wallet-friendly. In the last Mahindra I drove, the ride had a surprising layer of compliance over potholes, though cabin plastics could feel a smidge honest. At the likely sharp pricing CarExpert hints at, that trade-off often makes sense.

2027 Volkswagen Multivan & California PHEV Confirmed

Volkswagen’s beloved vans—Multivan and California—are coming in plug-in hybrid form for Australia in 2027, per CarExpert. I once did a long weekend in an older California and loved the “just-add-tea-kettle” freedom. A PHEV version could unlock silent campsite arrivals and low-emission city errands, all while keeping the “let’s disappear to the coast” energy intact. Yes, 2027 feels distant, but these are worth waiting for if you’re a pop-top romantic.

Luxury and Lunacy: G-Wagen Goes Topless, BMW Keeps the Crown

Mercedes-Benz G-Class Cabriolet Returns, with AMG G63 Flagship

CarExpert confirms the G-Class Cabriolet is coming back, with an AMG G63 flagship to boot. Roof down, upright windscreen, and a big personality—that’s your open-air alpine pass fantasy. I’ve driven a few high-riding convertibles and there’s always a bit of buffeting, but honestly, you don’t care. You buy this because nothing else feels like it. Consider this the loudest way to watch the sunset from the dunes.

Why BMW Still Sets the Luxury SUV Standard

CarExpert also makes the case for BMW’s SUV dominance. I’m inclined to agree. Whenever I slide into an X5 or X7, it’s the seating position that wins first—ergonomics that quietly disappear under you. The ride control has matured too; plush without getting floaty, and body motions kept tight when you lean on it. Others catch up in single areas—infotainment glitz, leather quilting—but BMW stitches the whole experience together better than most. The benchmark remains the benchmark.

EV Heat: Genesis GV60 Magma Lands with 641 HP (In Just Three States)

Carscoops reports the Genesis GV60 Magma arrives with a very serious 641 horsepower—but you can only get it in three states at launch. I’ve hustled the standard GV60 on a favorite backroad; it’s already brisk and unflappable. At Magma levels, you’re basically wielding a silent sledgehammer. Just remember: fast EVs are ruthless about showing weak tires and marginal brake cooling on hot track days. Budget for consumables, and you’ll have a riot.

Used EV Watch: MG 4 Hits £10k—A Proper Bargain

Autocar points to used MG 4s dropping to around £10k in the UK. That’s a watershed moment. The MG 4 has always punched up on dynamics—rear-drive balance, playful enough to keep a keen driver interested. If you’re prowling classifieds, here’s my quick-buy checklist:

• Battery health report: ask for it. It’s your new equivalent of a compression test.
• Charging history: frequent DC fast charging isn’t a deal-breaker, but data helps you price risk.
• Software updates: cars evolve; make sure yours is up to date for features and fixes.

A few owners I’ve chatted with love the value and low running costs; most gripes land around infotainment quirks. At £10k, that’s an easy trade.

Safety Snapshot: Muscle, Sports, and Small Cars Top Driver Death-Rate List

Road & Track highlights a sobering report: muscle cars, sports cars, and small cars dominate the highest driver death-rate rankings. Not exactly shocking—power tempts, size loses out in physics. A reminder, then:

• Assist tech helps, but tires and driver habits matter more.
• Small cars can be perfectly safe in daily life—just give yourself margin and buy the best safety kit you can.
• Track days scratch the speed itch in a safer sandbox than public roads.

Stats are averages, not destinies. Choose well and drive well.

Oddball Corner: Yes, This “Pajero” Is Real

From Carscoops’ hall of curios: a genuine Mitsubishi oddity known as the Pajero “Flying Pug” is making waves again, headed to auction. If you’ve never seen one, imagine a compact Mitsubishi with retro British roadster vibes grafted on—equal parts cosplay and charm. It’s the kind of thing I’d park just to watch people smile. Proof that car culture is better when it’s a bit weird.

Feature Highlights at a Glance

• Home EV chargers from $95 under ARENA bring real affordability to Australian driveways.
• BYD Atto 3 Evo, Nissan X-Trail Rock Creek (plus cheaper e-Power trims), and Mahindra XUV 3XO Black Edition bolster value and variety.
• VW Multivan and California PHEV confirmed for 2027: the camper dream goes plug-in.
• Mercedes G-Class Cabriolet returns; BMW’s luxury SUV mojo remains intact.
• Genesis GV60 Magma debuts with 641 hp—limited to three states initially.
• Used MG 4s at ~£10k look like the EV deal of the season.

Conclusion

This was a “clear your calendar” news day: cheaper home charging to get more Aussies into EVs, a stack of fresh SUV choices, a gloriously unnecessary open-top G-Wagen, and an EV that’ll melt your socks off. Sprinkle in a genuinely affordable used EV and a safety reality check, and you’ve got the modern car market in one sitting: practical, playful, and occasionally delightfully odd.

FAQ

How do I get a home EV charger for $95 under the ARENA scheme?

Check eligibility and participating providers in your state, and note that the $95 typically covers hardware after subsidies—installation costs are separate. Get a quote that includes load management.

When will the BYD Atto 3 Evo arrive in Australia?

It’s confirmed for Australia. Timing and final specs will come via local BYD channels, so register interest with your dealer.

Is the Nissan X-Trail Rock Creek available with e-Power?

CarExpert confirms Rock Creek is coming and that cheaper e-Power variants will join the range. Exact trim combinations will be clarified by Nissan Australia.

Where can I buy the Genesis GV60 Magma?

At launch it’s limited to three states, per Carscoops. Check with your nearest Genesis retailer for local availability and allocations.

Is a used MG 4 at £10k a good buy?

Potentially excellent value. Prioritize battery health reports, software update history, and a careful inspection—price in any fast-charging-heavy past use.