Today in Cars: Hyundai i30 N Lives On, Toyota’s Busy Playbook, and a Grenadier Built for Safari Sunburns

I spent the morning bouncing between a hot hatch that refuses to die, a Toyota news cascade, and an Ineos with more sky than roof. Europe’s EV chessboard is shifting, Mercedes’ GLB got a Smart-ish face, and—because racing never sleeps—Jack Doohan is off to sample some Suzuka downforce. Let’s get into it.

Hyundai i30 N: The Hot Hatch That Won’t Quit (and Might Go Hybrid)

Reports say Hyundai’s i30 N is sticking around, potentially with hybrid help. Good. The i30 N remains one of the few cars that still feels like it’s winking at you every roundabout. When I last hustled one over battered B-roads, the 2.0-litre turbo’s shove (think roughly 206kW/276hp in current guise) mixed with that cheeky diff made it a proper point-to-point weapon. If Hyundai adds hybridization—likely mild or a small electrified assist—I’m picturing smoother torque fill and better economy, with the eternal question mark: how much weight creeps in?

• What could improve: off-boost lag and urban economy.
• What must not be lost: steering feel, playful rear, manual option character (yes, DCT fans, you’re still catered for).
• Real-world wish: keep the exhaust theatrics but ditch the drone at 110km/h.

Hot hatches are thinning like hairlines at a school reunion. I’m thrilled this one’s still fighting.

Toyota Tuesday: Security Fixes, HiLux Hybrid Hints, Tacoma for Australia, and Century with a Lexus Lanyard

Toyota acknowledges security issues

Toyota has acknowledged ongoing security concerns and says updates are rolling out. If you’ve ever returned to your SUV in a dimly lit carpark with that half-second of panic, you’ll appreciate the candor here. Expect a mix of software tweaks and, in some cases, hardware changes. In the meantime, the usual advice still stands:

• Use the car’s deadlocks; don’t leave the key by the front door.
• Consider a steering lock—low-tech, high-deterrent.
• Park nose-in against walls where possible to block access to vulnerable areas.

HiLux Hybrid being considered

Hybrid HiLux? Being seriously weighed up—though not across every variant. Toyota already dabbles with 48V assistance in some markets, and a fuller hybrid is the logical next step for tradies and tourers who hate fuel stops more than they hate Monday. I’ve done long Outback slogs in diesels; a clever hybrid that trims consumption in town and adds a pinch of low-speed torque off-road would be handy—as long as payload and towing creds don’t suffer.

Tacoma’s Australian future is still in play

New-gen Tacoma on TNGA-F underpinnings, hybrid “i-FORCE MAX” available overseas, and a stance that screams weekend surfboard plus midweek Bunnings run. The lingering question: right-hand drive and price positioning versus HiLux. If they can bring it here without cannibalising the faithful, that’s a ute one-two punch.

Ultra-luxe Century could be sold via Lexus in Australia

The Century badge—Japan’s quiet, tailored, white-glove flagship—may be retailed by Lexus locally. Picture Lexus hospitality, Toyota’s most discreet luxury, and a chauffeur-ready cabin with hush-hush ride quality. I’ve sat in a Century in Tokyo traffic; it’s less “look at me” and more “don’t even notice me.” Perfect for embassy driveways and fancy hotel porte-cochères.

Australia’s Powertrain Tipping Point: Electrified Nears 30% of New-Car Sales

CarExpert reports electrified vehicles (HEV, PHEV, BEV combined) are approaching 30% of the Australian market. That tracks with what dealers have been whispering to me: hybrids are the stealth winners, BEVs are hot in metro postcodes with reliable home charging, and PHEVs… somewhere in between.

• What’s driving it: better choice, sharper prices, and heaps of real-world fuel savings.
• What still hurts: public charging consistency outside the capitals.
• What’s next: more hybrid utes and small BEVs priced to tempt Corolla buyers.

Ford’s European Strategy: Renault Bones for Affordable EVs, and a Facelift You Can’t Have

Ford to use a Renault platform for two affordable EVs

Autocar says Ford will tap a Renault-developed platform to push two budget-friendly EVs into Europe. Sensible. The cost of doing EVs solo is eye-watering, and Renault’s small-to-compact EV know-how is no joke. Think city-friendly footprints, sensible range targets, and pricing that doesn’t scare Fiesta alumni.

Explorer’s bold new face (not for America)

Meanwhile, a refreshed Explorer has surfaced—just not for the U.S. market. Ford’s global patchwork can be confusing: different faces, different tech stacks, same badge. If you’ve ever rented an Explorer in Europe and thought “this isn’t the one from back home,” you’re not going mad. It isn’t.

Quick detour: the Ford sports car that nearly was

A gorgeous Ford prototype almost became the brand’s first true sports car, and I can’t stop thinking about it. Every company has a “what if” drawer; this one sounds like it would’ve been a proper halo for the Blue Oval faithful. Somewhere, a dusty clay model is quietly judging us all.

Ineos Grenadier Game Viewer: The Roof? Optional.

Ineos has built exactly the thing your safari guide orders: the Grenadier “Game Viewer,” with a chopped/raised roofline, open sides, and seating configured for wildlife spotting—not latte commuting. I drove a standard Grenadier across corrugations and it shrugged off punishment like a cattle dog; this version doubles down on purpose-built simplicity.

• Open-air viewing with a chopped or elevated roof section.
• Utility-first interior—hose it out, carry the kit, no drama.
• Mechanicals remain Grenadier-tough; think low-range and ladder frame.

What I love: the honesty. What you’ll miss: sound insulation. Sunscreen is standard equipment; a hat is your headliner.

Design Watch: The New Mercedes GLB Looks… a Bit Smart

Fresh GLB, and I can’t unsee it: hints of Smart’s bubbly cues in the lamps and surfacing. Within the Mercedes/Smart family tree, design DNA was bound to mingle. For city families, that’s not a bad thing—the GLB’s packaging remains a sweet spot: compact footprint, boxy utility, occasional third row, easy to park near the school run chaos.

Macro Moves: Could Chinese Brands’ Influence in Europe Shrink?

Autocar’s analysis suggests the tide may be turning. Between tariffs, anti-subsidy scrutiny, battery rules-of-origin, and a rush by European brands to localize or partner cleverly (see Ford-Renault above), the price gap may narrow. My read: Chinese brands will stay competitive on tech and value, but easy wins won’t be as easy. Expect more European assembly, closer dealer oversight, and fewer fire-sale sticker prices.

Motorsport Minute: Jack Doohan Heads to Super Formula Testing at Suzuka

Jack Doohan is a late addition to Super Formula’s Suzuka test. Smart move. The series is blisteringly quick—close to F1 in cornering—and a sublime place to sharpen racecraft. If you like your single-seaters loud, light, and fast, Suzuka is a cathedral.

Holiday Reality Check: Four in Five Aussies Report Road Rage

As Christmas traffic ramps up, nearly 80% of Australians say they’ve copped or dished out road rage. I’ve watched perfectly reasonable adults unravel in a Westfield carpark queue. A few survival tips:

• Leave 10 extra minutes. It’s cheaper than therapy.
• Window up, mouth closed. You won’t win the argument anyway.
• Snacks and water in the car. Low blood sugar breeds bad decisions.

Bottom Line

Hyundai keeps the hot-hatch flame lit, Toyota’s juggling security and hybrid ambitions, Ford is shopping smart for EVs, and Ineos built the ultimate open-air safari truck. The market’s going electrified whether we’re ready or not—so bring a charger map and a sense of humour.

FAQ

• Is the Hyundai i30 N definitely going hybrid? It’s being reported as a possibility. Expect some form of electrified assistance rather than a full EV pivot.
• Will Australia get a hybrid HiLux? Toyota says it’s under consideration, but not for every trim. Timing and specs are still to be confirmed.
• Is the new Tacoma coming to Australia? The brand says the door is open. Right-hand-drive availability and pricing will decide it.
• What’s the Ineos Grenadier Game Viewer for? Safari and wildlife work—open roof, rugged underpinnings, and maximum visibility. It’s not your daily school run car.
• Why are electrified cars nearing 30% in Australia? More model choice, better value, and drivers chasing fuel savings. Hybrids are leading the charge for many buyers.