Daily Drive: Pajero Goes Plug-In, Recon Ruffles Feathers, Bronco’s Aussie Twist, and Supra’s VIN-ale

I spent the morning with a long black and a longer list of headlines, and it’s one of those days when off-roaders and icons elbow their way to the top. Mitsubishi’s Pajero is back in the chat—electrified and pricier. Jeep’s Recon EV is making noise for the right reasons and a couple of awkward ones.

Ford’s Bronco Basecamp is packing for Australia—but not in the flavor some hoped. And Toyota is sending off the GR Supra MkV with a tidy bit of numerology. Let’s dig in.

Mitsubishi Pajero: Back with Batteries, Bigger Sticker, and a Ralliart Tease

Reports out of Australia say the new Mitsubishi Pajero will be offered with hybrid and plug-in hybrid power. That tracks with what I’ve been hearing from Mitsubishi folks for a while: go where the buyers are—toward torque-rich electrification—without abandoning the go-forever, go-anywhere ethos that made old Pajeros cult favorites among caravaners and red-dust romantics.

• Electrified choices: hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants are planned.
• Higher pricing: Mitsubishi is defending a significant move upmarket, citing tech and capability.
• Ralliart possibility: a “hardcore” Pajero Ralliart is under study. File that under yes, please.

When I ran an old-gen Pajero across corrugated tracks years ago, the suspension felt indestructible but the cabin tech felt 10 years older than it was. If the new one nails the PHEV package—quiet glide in town, diesel-like shove off-road, proper cooling for hot climbs—it’ll justify that price jump for plenty of buyers.

And if Ralliart puts proper boots and brains on it—think tuned suspension, better rubber, cooling, and maybe a stern look for the stability control—that could be the halo Pajero’s needed since the Dakar days.

What it means for real life

• Weekday thrift, weekend range: plug it in for the commute; keep a full tank for the high-country hut run.
• Caravan crowd: PHEV torque should help, but the tow rating and battery packaging will be the make-or-break details to watch.
• Pricing pain: expect sticker shock; the trade is modern safety, bigger screens, and batteries that earn their keep.

Off-Road EV Crossroads: Jeep Recon vs Ford Bronco Basecamp (and Why Australia’s Confused)

Jeep’s 2026 Recon EV just landed early drive impressions, and the headline isn’t coy: low range and high price are the obstacles. I’ve sampled enough early EV off-roaders to know the rhythm: instant torque, big smiles on climbs, and then you start doing range math the moment the trail tilts up. The Recon appears to nail the attitude—trail-ready stance, no-nonsense vibe—and

the interior/exterior previews suggest it’s properly purposeful. But this segment is unforgiving if you can’t go far enough or cost too much.

Meanwhile, Ford’s Bronco Basecamp story split the room. One report says the Bronco Basecamp is headed to Australia, another clarifies the EV version is ruled out there—for now. Translation: expect an ICE-flavored Basecamp to show up down under; the electric one will sit out this round. That tracks with what I’ve heard from dealers: appetite is strong for Bronco character, but EV supply, price, and charging coverage still need to catch up outside core markets.

Model	Powertrain	Australia Status	Today’s Headline
Jeep Recon	EV	TBA	Early drives praise capability but flag low range and high price
Ford Bronco Basecamp	ICE	Reportedly headed to Australia	China-born Basecamp spec is breaking out to new markets
Ford Bronco Basecamp	EV	Ruled out for now	Australia won’t get the Basecamp EV in the short term

If you’re shopping: the Recon looks like the purist’s EV trail toy with a caveat—plan your loops, not your coast-to-coast epics. The Bronco Basecamp ICE is the comfort pick for folks who want the look and the lifestyle without waiting on EV infrastructure. Different tools, different jobs.

Recall Watch: Peugeot 308, 3008, and 408

A fresh recall has been issued for the Peugeot 308, 3008, and 408. The specifics vary by build, so here’s the practical bit:

• Check your VIN with your dealer or the brand’s customer service line.
• Follow the recall notice for inspection or parts replacement.
• If you’re planning a road trip, get it booked now—recall slots fill fast.

I’ve learned the hard way that a five-minute VIN check can save a five-hour detour on the Hume. Do it once, do it right.

Farewell, Friend: Final Toyota GR Supra MkV (VIN 99999) Heads to Auction

The last Toyota GR Supra of the current MkV generation is set to cross the Barrett-Jackson block, and it’s wearing VIN 99999—a neat, collectible coda for a polarizing but undeniably important sports car. I remember the first media launch drives: plenty of hot takes about BMW bones, and then everyone got quiet after a few hot laps. The Supra always felt like a car better than the arguments around it. Expect this final one to draw big eyes and bigger paddles.

Debate Club: The Greatest Rear Wing Ever?

Someone lit the fuse on the eternal question: which car had the greatest rear wing of all time? I’ll start the fight and walk away:

• Porsche 911 Carrera RS “ducktail” — subtle threat, maximum cool.
• Subaru WRX STI — the everyday skyscraper we all tried to see over in traffic.
• Lamborghini Countach — it made no sense and all the sense.
• Ford Sierra RS Cosworth — homologation swagger, double-take silhouette.

There’s no right answer, only good stories. Mine involves a multi-storey car park, a too-steep ramp, and a wing that left with less paint than it arrived with. Your move.

Quick Hits and Takeaways

• Pajero is going electrified and pricier; a Ralliart variant is on the whiteboard.
• Jeep Recon EV brings attitude; range and price are the practical hurdles.
• Bronco Basecamp ICE looks set for Australia; the EV is benched there for now.
• Peugeot recall: 308, 3008, 408 owners should check VINs and book inspections.
• Last GR Supra MkV is VIN 99999 and bound for Barrett-Jackson—collector catnip.

Bottom line

Electrification is threading its way into the off-road and adventure space, but wallets and range anxiety still have veto power. In the meantime, brands are hedging—keeping ICE fun alive while hybrids and EVs sharpen their game. Not a bad time to be a buyer, really. Just pick your flavor, and plan your weekend accordingly.

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