
Good morning and thank you for joining The Downshift, or simply TDS.
Concise, well-informed, and void of fluff, TDS compiles the latest automotive news from around the world into one convenient location. Articles are condensed into a single sentence paired with a link for those wanting more details.
🔊 Episode 6 of The Drivecast was released yesterday, focusing on Rivian’s RAD. You can catch the latest episode on our website by heading to the Podcasts tab or through Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
🚨 Just to reiterate what Senior Editor Adam Ismail stated yesterday, we are implementing some scheduling adjustments that will have Mr. Ismail assuming TDS responsibilities every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. You can still enjoy your full dose of Feder on most Tuesdays and Thursdays.
With that, my first cup of coffee is finished, definitely ready for another, and it’s nearly time to take my daughter to school. Let’s dive in.
🚘 Current ride: Spending the week with the 2026 Volkswagen Golf GTI, and I am genuinely impressed by this iconic hot hatch. However, the control interfaces, especially the touch-sensitive sliders for climate and volume, are dreadful to use and it’s perplexing how anyone deemed these a good choice. At least they are now illuminated.
💨 Scott Lawrence, General Manager of Subaru Australia, mentioned, “we have received a notable amount of feedback” regarding the need for a new STI, adding “the frequency of news and activities from STI publicly is increasing;” this remark comes shortly after Subaru showcased two STI-branded concepts (one electric and one gasoline-powered) in Japan in October, followed by another STI-branded vehicle in January. “As those concepts indicated, there’s significant work happening in that area – STI isn’t finished,” remarked Lawrence.
🔋 Lexus has revealed the pricing for the new 2026 ES lineup, with the EV priced lower than the hybrid model.
🎉 The inaugural new Alpina model under BMW’s ownership is set to launch on March 6 at the Amelia Concours event in Florida.
🤖 Subaru’s complimentary hands-free driver-assist technology for highway travel has made its debut with the 2026 Outback.
🚨 Honda and Acura have recalled 65,135 EVs due to two separate software-related problems that will necessitate a visit to the dealership for updates.
📈 For the first time, retail leader Honda plans to direct some attention towards fleet sales in order to boost volume while aiming to protect used-car values.
🗓️ The BMW i3 is scheduled to be unveiled on March 18.
🪦 The Kia EV6 GT has been suspended until further notice for the U.S. due to declining sales and tariffs affecting the performance variant of the mainstream EV.
😳 The Honda Insight has made a comeback, but not in the manner you may recall; the Insight name has been revived as an electric crossover for the Japanese market.
🚨 Ford has issued a recall for 604,533 vehicles due to potential issues with their windshield wiper motors.
🚕 The NTSB stated that Waymo robotaxis did indeed illegally pass stopped school buses in several incidents.
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