Today’s Auto Brief: Amarok’s big pivot, Mitsubishi’s two-step, China’s bold plays, and a pothole reality check

Some days the car world hums along. Today it crackles. I’ve been bouncing between calls with engineers, a coffee with a dealer principal, and a quick spin in a ute over some gloriously terrible suburban tarmac. Here’s what matters, and what it might mean for your driveway.

• Volkswagen Amarok: could jump off the Ford Ranger platform and onto a Chinese architecture next-gen.

• 

  Mitsubishi: new EV spotted in Australia; long-awaited Pajero revival officially slated for 2027.
• China in Oz: Chery’s boxy sub-brand confirms its first model; Hongqi mulls a million-dollar limo; Xpeng court case dismissed; KGM cops fresh safety-spec heat.
• Experts say EVs and SUVs aren’t to blame for potholes (your council might be).
• UFC x Ram to auction a 900-hp Rumble Bee for charity because America.

Utes and SUVs: Australia in the spotlight

Next Volkswagen Amarok may sever Ford ties for a Chinese platform

File this under “plot twist”. Reports suggest Volkswagen is exploring a Chinese-sourced platform for the next Amarok—an about-face from the current model that’s a close relative of the Ford Ranger. If that happens, it would be a seismic supplier shift for one of Australia’s favourite utes.

Context: the current Amarok shares bones with the Ranger and, on the road, that’s mostly a blessing. When I hauled a tandem trailer last month with a V6 Amarok (184 kW/600 Nm), the chassis felt taut and the calibration tidy—proper one-hand-on-the-wheel stability at 100 km/h. Moving to a new platform could unlock cost advantages, faster tech cycles, or even alternative powertrains (strong hybrids, anyone?). But it raises questions:

• Capability parity: Can the next architecture match the towing, payload, and off-road robustness Aussies expect?
• Service network and parts: Will VW’s dealer footprint absorb any supplier change without hiccups?
• Perception: Some buyers still equate provenance with durability—fair or not.

I’d expect Volkswagen to maintain familiar touchpoints—ladder-frame toughness, a torquey diesel (or diesel-like torque), and the crisp ergonomics the current model nails. If they pull it off, it could be Amarok’s most interesting chapter yet.

Mitsubishi’s two-step: new EV spotted locally, Pajero return dated

Mitsubishi’s upcoming EV has been seen testing Down Under ahead of its Australian launch. No full spec-sheet in sight yet, but the timing tracks with the brand’s pivot to electrified family cars that still feel tough enough for gravel shortcuts and school-run curbs. The last time I lived with a Mitsubishi long-termer (an Outlander PHEV), it impressed with real-world thrift when I actually plugged in—school runs on electrons, weekends on petrol. If the new EV inherits that usable simplicity and better DC charging, it’ll land well in our market.

Separately, Mitsubishi has confirmed the revived Pajero will be revealed in 2027. The nameplate hasn’t graced Aussie showrooms since the last-gen bowed out, and I still miss its honest, boxy charm. Expect a ladder-frame heart, likely some degree of electrification, and a clear brief: carry the tribe, tow the toys, shrug off corrugations. If they blend Prado-aimed civility with that old Pajero pluck, it could be the comeback story of the decade.

China’s expanding footprint in Australia

Chery’s boxy sub-brand locks in its first Aussie model

Chery’s “boxy SUV” offshoot has green-lit its first Australian-bound model. The segment’s buzzing right now—think city-friendly footprints with chunky, adventure-by-aesthetic vibes. If pricing is sharp and crash-test results are clean, it’ll find driveways. A few owners of recent Cherys have told me they’re pleasantly surprised by cabin tech and warranty support; consistency is key from here.

Hongqi eyes a million-dollar flagship sedan for Australia

China’s storied Hongqi brand (the state limousine lineage runs deep) is reportedly considering bringing a seven-figure sedan to Australia. That’s Maybach territory. Think chandelier-grade interiors, monolithic presence, and a chauffeur-first philosophy. Will they sell many? Doesn’t matter—halo products broadcast intent. If it lands, expect every valet in Double Bay to learn the badge fast.

Xpeng court case dismissed; distributor weighs appeal

On the legal beat, a case concerning Xpeng was dismissed in Australia, with the local distributor said to be weighing an appeal. Translation: the paperwork may delay showrooms, but don’t confuse courtroom timelines with product readiness. The cars themselves—judging by overseas drives I’ve had in rivals—tend to be software-forward and spec-rich. The question is timing, not talent.

KGM faces fresh criticism over an advertised safety feature

KGM (formerly SsangYong) is again under scrutiny for a model reportedly lacking an advertised safety feature. It’s a reminder to triple-check the spec sheet at delivery. I carry a nerdy little checklist: lane-assist actually functions, blind-spot lights illuminate, the camera washers work. Don’t be shy—press the buttons, ask the salesperson to demo it. You’re paying for the tech; make sure it’s present and correct.

Potholes: it’s not your EV’s fault

Experts in the UK have reiterated what many road engineers have said for years: EVs and SUVs aren’t the main culprits behind our cratered roads. The real villains are aging surfaces, poor drainage, freeze–thaw cycles, and heavy commercial traffic. Yes, EVs tend to be heavier than like-for-like petrol cars—often 200–300 kg more—but at passenger-car axle loads, that difference is marginal compared with what a neglected road endures from trucks and the weather.

From the driver’s seat, what matters is mitigation. I’ve smacked a few sharp edges during photo shoots, and learned to protect the alloys:

• Run the right pressures—low psi magnifies rim damage.
• Consider a taller sidewall if you’re constantly on broken surfaces.
• Schedule alignments; pothole hits can nudge geometry out and chew tyres.
• Report the worst offenders—some councils reimburse proven damage.

Fast toys for a cause: 900-hp Ram Rumble Bee heads to auction

Over in the land of burnouts and belt buckles, Ram and the UFC have cooked up a 900-horsepower Rumble Bee one-off for charity. That number alone files it under “why not?” territory, but there’s real heart here—raising money by leaning into America’s muscle-truck mythos. If it’s anything like the supercharged rigs I’ve wrangled, expect noise like thunder in a steel drum and acceleration that makes passengers invent new swear words. The right garage will pay handsomely, and good causes will be better for it.

Lighter note: do you say Skoda or “Shhhhkoda”?

An evergreen pub debate bubbled up again: the proper pronunciation of Škoda. Purists lean toward the Czech “Shko-da,” while plenty of English speakers keep it simple with “Sko-da.” My rule? Say it with respect and buy the wagon. The Octavia and Superb estates remain two of the most sensible cars you can drive—regardless of consonant clusters.

Conclusion

Big swings everywhere you look: Volkswagen contemplating a new Amarok lineage, Mitsubishi sharpening its electrified playbook and dusting off a legendary nameplate, and Chinese brands expanding in two directions at once—value and ultra-luxury. Meanwhile, the pothole blame game gets a reality check, and a 900-hp truck reminds us cars can still be joyous, ridiculous, and useful all at once. Busy week. Good week.

FAQ

• Is the next Volkswagen Amarok still based on the Ford Ranger?
  Reports suggest Volkswagen is exploring a Chinese-sourced platform for the next-gen Amarok, which would be a shift away from the current Ranger underpinnings. Details and timing are yet to be confirmed.
• When will the new Mitsubishi Pajero be revealed?
  Mitsubishi has confirmed a reveal in 2027. Expect body-on-frame toughness with some form of electrification.
• Are EVs causing more potholes?
  Experts say no. Road degradation is primarily about maintenance, weather, and heavy commercial traffic. EV weight differences among passenger cars are a minor factor.
• Which Chinese brands are entering or expanding in Australia?
  Chery’s boxy sub-brand has locked in its first model, Hongqi is considering a million-dollar flagship sedan, and Xpeng’s legal situation may affect timing. KGM is under scrutiny over a safety-spec issue.
• What’s special about the 900-hp Ram Rumble Bee?
  It’s a one-off, mega-power truck created with the UFC to be auctioned for charity—equal parts spectacle and goodwill.