Powered by the i-FORCE  MAX twin-turbo V6 performance hybrid powertrain. This provides a maximum combined output of 341kW of power and 790Nm of torque.

The new performance hybrid delivers 114kW more power and 90Nm more torque than the LandCruiser 300 series 3.3-litre V6 turbo-diesel, making it the most powerful LandCruiser ever.

To put this in perspective that’s slightly more than the Tundra Pickup Truck.

Toyota’s performance hybrid system is a parallel hybrid system that combines a V6 petrol engine with a single electric motor-generator, placed between the engine and ten-speed automatic transmission.

With two power sources that can operate in tandem or individually, the performance hybrid system is able to deliver powerful, responsive and linear acceleration, high-speed cruising, and the strong torque needed under heavy load or when towing.

Other features for the GR Sport include:

• Electric power steering
• an upgraded 200V/1500W rear auxiliary power socket
• a 40/20/40-split rear seat back
• Fully lockable front and rear differentials
• and electronically-controlled E-KDSS suspension

I wonder if Toyota could fit this hybrid engine to the HiLux GR Sport. Now that would be something to see and put an end to Ranger Rator dominance in that segment.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the LandCruiser 300 GR Sport – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE LandCruiser 300 GR Sport – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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In today’s fast paced world, Listeners often want a quick update or a piece of quirky Automotive news. Listening to Motoring Minute provides that as well as the latest Automotive news and reviews.

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 120 radio channels. 

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Step inside and prepare to be confused — in the best possible way. The completely flat floor, tall roofline, and clever packaging make it feel like a Tardis. Two rear passengers get genuine six-foot legroom. In a car under four metres long.

Dual 10.25-inch screens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and — remarkably — full Vehicle-to-Load capability. You can power household appliances straight from the car.

In the city? It’s an absolute joy. Just 1,305 kilograms, a 10.6-metre turning circle, and go-kart agility. Parking spaces that defeat other drivers? Not a problem.

327 kilometres of WLTP range. Ten-to-eighty percent in around 30 minutes. Five-year unlimited warranty. Lifetime roadside assistance.

All from around $36,000 drive-away.­

The Hyundai Inster. Proof that going electric doesn’t have to mean going big.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Zac Hough

Readers can find all the specifications for the Hyundai Inster HERE

Readers can find more details about the Hyundai Inster – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Hyundai Inster – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Hyundai Inster – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Hyundai Inster are looking in the micro car segment. It’s an odd place with a true mix of engine choices. Petrol hybrid and BEV.

Potential choices could be Alfa Romeo Junior, Jeep Avenger, Kia Stonic, Fiat 500e, MG S5, BYD Atto 2

Some more left field choices could be Toyota Yaris Cross hybrid, VW T-Cross, Mazda CX-3, Nissan Juke

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In today’s fast paced world, Listeners often want a quick update or a piece of quirky Automotive news. Listening to Motoring Minute provides that as well as the latest Automotive news and reviews.

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 120 radio channels. 

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. 

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Priced from $38,140 plus the usual costs it has a lot going for it. Even though it has manual seat adjustments and fabric seats. It does however have electronic lumbar support, something my aching back appreciates.

The model update for the ST includes:

• Nissan’s Connected Car Services
• Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite
• 3-inch Infotainment Screen and
• Wireless Apple Car Play^>and Android Auto^> as standard.

With some design improvements the X-Trail looks reasonably stylish.

Inside its spacious for the class and reasonably comfortable.

Powered by the 2.5L 4 cylinder petrol engine. This provides 135 kW of power and 244Nm of torque. Driving the front wheels through a 7 step CVT.

Economy is claimed at 7.4l/100k but as we spent most of the week driving around town, we were quite a bit higher than that.

The X-Trail is also rated to tow 2000kg. But if you are looking to tow something, get the AWD version.

One advantage of being a five seat model is large boot space.

I mentioned that it is well equipped even though it’s the entry model.

Features include.

• 17 inch alloy wheels
• Automatic headlights with high beam assist
• rain sensing wipers.
• Heated external mirrors
• Two isofix attachment points and three top tether points for the second row seats.
• Rear air conditioning vents

Overall, the Nissan X-Trail ST 2WD model is neither exciting nor dull. It just does what is asked of it without fuss.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find all the specifications HERE.

Readers can find more details about the X-Trail ST 2WD  – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE X-Trail ST 2WD – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Nissan X-Trail ST 2WD – Buyers could also look at:

Competition in medium size SUVs is huge.

The X-Trail ST 2WD has strong competition with:

• Subaru Forester
• Hyundai Tucson
• Kia Sportage
• Toyota RAV 4
• Mazda CX-5
• Honda CRV
• Mitsubishi Outlander
• Haval H6
• KGM Torres
• Skoda Karoq
• VW Tiguan
• BYD Sealion 6
• MG HS

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

In today’s fast paced world, Listeners often want a quick update or a piece of quirky Automotive news. Listening to Motoring Minute provides that as well as the latest Automotive news and reviews.

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 120 radio channels. 

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. 

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This will join the Solterra and the recently released Trailseeker.

This smaller SEV is powered by a 74.7 kWh CATL lithium-ion battery. It has a claimed WLTP range of 522km. Charging through a 150 kW DC fast charging outlet will take 30 minutes from 10-80% capacity.

Having the Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive to distribute power to all four wheels, in real time, the Uncharted will go from 0-100 km/h in 5 seconds.

So, its relatively quick, has good range and quick charging.

It’s also capable for adventurous buyers with Dual-mode X-Mode with Grip Control and  Downhill Assist Control

What does it look like.

Well quite stylish. It has a sleek fastback design that is immediately appealing.

Inside it appears to be well equipped, with:

• 14-inch high-definition centre touchscreen
• Panoramic 360° View Monitor
• wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto connectivity
• Dual wireless phone charging

As you would expect from Subaru safety is a key feature with:

• Subaru Safety Sense
• Vision Assist and
• Driver Monitoring System

The all-new Subaru Uncharted arrives in Australia mid-year in a single, feature-packed variant — Uncharted AWD — priced at $59,990 plus the usual costs. Two options are available at additional cost. Options include a panoramic roof or a panoramic roof with two-tone paint pack.

Pre orders are available now.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Subaru Uncharted – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Subaru Uncharted – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

In today’s fast paced world, Listeners often want a quick update or a piece of quirky Automotive news. Listening to Motoring Minute provides that as well as the latest Automotive news and reviews.

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 150 radio channels. 

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. 

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 As one of Audi’s bestselling models it’s easy to see why.

Visually the updated model is more muscular, with prominent wheel arches. At the rear there is a full width light strip and illuminated Audi rings.

Inside the base model you will find  Audi’s latest interior design language. With

• leather-appointed upholstery,
• electrically adjustable front seats with memory for the driver,
• heated front seats and three-zone climate control all fitted as standard.

The digital experience is led by the new curved display incorporating the 11.9-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus and a 12.8-inch central MMI touchscreen.

This is supported by Audi smartphone interface, digital radio and wireless phone charging with cooling functionality.

Audi Q3 features  the most comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance systems ever offered on an Audi in this segment.

The latest models come with a choice of two body shapes. The SUV and Sportback. There is a choice of three different engines as well across the models. All up there are nine different versions to choose from.

Pricing is from $61,600 dollars through to $84,400 dollars plus the usual costs.

We will have  more details when we have a chance to drive the latest models as unfortunately, we couldn’t attend the recent launch.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Audi Q3 – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Audi Q3 – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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In today’s fast paced world, Listeners often want a quick update or a piece of quirky Automotive news. Listening to Motoring Minute provides that as well as the latest Automotive news and reviews.

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 120 radio channels. 

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. 

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This five seat 4WD retains all the robust qualities that define a true rugged 4WD.

• Body on ladder frame chassis
• Coil front and leaf spring rear live axle suspension.
• Front and read diff locks.
• Excellent approach, rampover and departure angles and more

There are some concession to modernising the beast.

Increased safety features, a central touch screen, small though it is. Reverse camera, LED headlights and a few more.

Yet even with these there is no denying its roots.

It’s a basic workhorse designed to take owners far from the main roads to where few vehicles dare to go.

Gone is the V8 engine, in its place is a modified 4 cylinder turbo diesel engine with 1650kW of power and 500Nm of torque.

The model I drove was one of the recent manual versions. It comes with a solid 5 speed MT. There are two things to note. One is that it’s better than similar older version but could do with a sixth gear.

The Second is that with a dodgy hip, my days of driving a manual may well be behind me.

Its also ridiculously expensive at around $77,800 plus the usual costs. Yet despite all its faults I love the fact that this vehicle still exists.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Previous Motoring Minute LC 70 Series Reviews

• Toyota LC79 Work Mate Single Cab Chassis Ute 2025 review
• Toyota LC79 Workmate Single Cab Chassis 4WD Ute driven
• Toyota LC79 GXL Dual Cab 4WD Ute driven for 2025
• Toyota LC79 Dual Cab GXL Ute 2024 Review
• Toyota LandCruiser LC79 Series Ute reasons not to buy
• We drive the 2024 Toyota LC70 series at the launch.

Full specifications can be found HERE.

Readers can find more details about the LC 76 GXL – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE LC 76 GXL Wagon – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Toyota LC 76 GXL – Buyers could also look at:

Competition in true 4WD wagon segment is tight .

The LC 76 GXL has competition with:

• INEOS Grenadier
• JEEP Wrangler Rubicon
• Nissan Patrol Warrior

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

In today’s fast paced world, Listeners often want a quick update or a piece of quirky Automotive news. Listening to Motoring Minute provides that as well as the latest Automotive news and reviews.

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Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. 

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I do like the design, one that has evolved over the years. Inside the first impression is spaciousness.

It’s also well-equipped along with option packs that add even more features.

The front seats are especially comfortable and supportive.

Driver ergonomics are excellent.

Rear seats have plenty of knee, leg and shoulder room. Boot space again is large, capable of swallowing a family’s luggage.

The key point is the PHEV powertrain.

The Škoda Kodiaq Select PHEV delivers 150kW of power and 350Nm of torque. From its combination of a 1.5 TSI engine and 85kW/330Nm electric motor.

The combination drives the front wheels through a 6 Sp DSG transmission. While it zippy it’s not a sports SUV with 0-100km/h in 8.4 seconds.

The claimed EV only range is 112km. But we didn’t see anything over 100km.

Customers can select E-mode electric drive or hybrid drive options in the vehicle touchscreen, with a choice of low, high or automatic brake energy recuperation.

Additionally, there are two battery power usage methods – automatic, with engine recharging and manual that waits until the vehicle is plugged in.

Pricing from $63,490 plus the usual costs is quite reasonable.

Overall, the Kodiaq PHEV offers the benefits of EV only driving without the range anxiety.

This is a Motoring Minute’

Im Rob Fraser

Skoda Kodiaq Select PHEV Motoring Minute Video Review

Readers can find more details about the Kodiaq Select PHEV – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Kodiaq Select PHEV – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Kodiaq Select PHEV – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Kodiaq Select PHEV are in an unusual segment. There are a few to choose from.

Better potential choices could be Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Kia Sorento PHEV, Peugeot 408 PHEV, Jaecoo J7 PHEV

HEV alternatives could include: Mazda CX-70, Mazda CX-60, Kia Sorento, Toyota Kluger, Peugeot 5008 GT Hybrid,

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In today’s fast paced world, Listeners often want a quick update or a piece of quirky Automotive news. Listening to Motoring Minute provides that as well as the latest Automotive news and reviews.

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Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. 

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At its heart, the RS3 is a performance car. It will go from 0-100kmh in 3.8 seconds. That’s quick. However, the quattro system ensures that the driver is in control at all times.

Performance comes from a 294kW 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that also produces  500Nm of torque from. This drives through a seven speed S Tronic transmission.

Top speed is limited to 250 km/h which is mostly irrelevant in Australia.

Additional performance features include.

• Audi drive select.
• a torque splitter rear differential,
• special adaptive-damping suspension,
• semi-slick Pirelli P Zero tyres and
• huge red brake calipers.

Along with its stunning performance, comfort hasn’t been ignored.

Inside the front sports seats are heated and ventilated. They have multiple electronic adjustments as well as a handy massage function. The 12.3 inch virtual Audi cockpit allows recording of lap times, sprints, and ‘g’ forces.

If the delicious engine sounds isn’t enough there is also a SONOS 3D premium sound system with 15 high-performance loudspeakers

The real appeal of the Audi RS3 Sportback is in how easy it is to live with every day. Priced from around $109,000 plus the usual costs it’s also a performance bargain.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Other Audi RS3 Motoring Minure Reviews

• Audi RS3 Sportback driven for 2026
• Audi RS3 Sedan and Sportback updated for 2025.
• Audi Sport Drive day Philip Island Grand Prix Circuit

Readers can find more details about the RS3 Sportback – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Audi RS3 Sportback – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Audi RS3 Sportback – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the RS3 Sportback are in unusual territory. It’s a premium sports hatch.

They could look at :  Toyota Supra GT, Ford Mustang GT, Mercedes Benz AMG GLA35 .

EV’s could possibly come into the decision process. DEEPAL E07 AWD, Kia EV6 GT, Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, Mustang Mach e ,

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In today’s fast paced world, Listeners often want a quick update or a piece of quirky Automotive news. Listening to Motoring Minute provides that as well as the latest Automotive news and reviews.

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Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. 

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For the YTD EV sales are around 13% of sales. I still believe that at year end they will be 9-10%

This surge is driven by three factors.

• Higher petrol pricing simply because successive Australian governments have failed to secure adequate supplies of local refined fuel.
• Continued government incentives for EV purchases with the electric car discount
• The ridiculous NVES legislation starting to penalise and affect manufacturers.

All three of these factors show extremely poor government policy, that ultimately you and I, the taxpayers will pay for.

Currently there are around 110 EV models available for sale. With more brands and models joining almost every month.

The problem with increased EV sales is everything that revolves around that.

Yes, EV have zero localised driving emissions. However, to produce them they are worse that normal vehicles.

Also increased EVs mean more charging infrastructure is needed, and Australia is lagging in that respect. Our vast distances will always be a problem. Inner city is a different issue.

On top of that charging cars consumes electricity at a rate that is frightening.

Given the increasing reliance of wind and solar power, Australia is incapable of meeting that demand.

As usual successive governments have proven to be short sighted in their policy making and again we the taxpayer will be affected.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

 Readers can find more details about the Car Sales  – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Car Sales  – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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In today’s fast paced world, Listeners often want a quick update or a piece of quirky Automotive news. Listening to Motoring Minute provides that as well as the latest Automotive news and reviews.

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