On the road, the X-Trail ST-L delivers a smooth and composed driving experience. Its suspension is tuned to absorb bumps effectively, providing a comfortable ride around town and on longer highway journeys. The steering is light and responsive, making parking and manoeuvring easy, while the elevated driving position offers excellent visibility for the driver.

In terms of design, the X-Trail ST-L features a modern and stylish appearance. The bold front grille, sleek LED lighting, and sculpted body lines give the SUV a contemporary look that stands out without being overly aggressive.

Inside, the cabin is spacious and thoughtfully designed, with quality materials and a practical layout.

The ST-L grade adds premium touches such as leather-accented seats, a large infotainment display, and advanced driver-assistance technologies that enhance comfort and convenience.

Powering the X-Trail ST-L is a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that provides a balance of performance and efficiency. The engine delivers smooth acceleration and enough power for daily commuting, family trips, and highway overtaking.

Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the powertrain focuses on refined operation and fuel economy. Overall, the Nissan X-Trail ST-L offers an appealing combination of driving comfort, attractive design, and dependable performance.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the X-Trail ST-L – HERE

You can download the full Nissan X-Trail Brochure HERE 

TO LISTEN TO THE Nissan X-Trail ST-L – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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

Competition in medium size SUVs is huge.

The X-Trail ST-L  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

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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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Its powerful V8 engine became a defining feature, delivering the kind of performance, sound, and character that many believe cannot be replicated by smaller turbocharged engines.

There is a genuine sense of sadness surrounding the decision to stop production. The V8 Patrol represented more than just a vehicle; it symbolised adventure, durability, and a distinctly Australian love for large-capacity engines.

The deep rumble of the V8, combined with the Patrol’s rugged design, created an experience that owners proudly identified with. For many families, a Patrol was present during camping holidays, towing trips, and countless memories made on the road.

Understanding the reasons behind the change does little to lessen the disappointment felt by loyal fans. Many enthusiasts worry that future models, while more advanced and environmentally friendly, may lack the raw personality and mechanical simplicity that made the V8 Patrol so beloved.

While new vehicles will bring innovation and improved efficiency, the V8 Nissan Patrol will be remembered as one of the great icons of Australian motoring, leaving behind a legacy that few four-wheel drives can match.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find all the specifications HERE.

A full product brochure can be found HERE 

Readers can find more details about the Nissan Patrol V8– HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Nissan Patrol V8– RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Nissan Patrol V8– Buyers could also look at:

This is a popular segment with strong competition form a lot of brands. Some of the better choices are: 

• Toyota LandCruiser 300
• Land Rover Defender
• Land Rover Discovery
• Lexus LX Overtrail 
• Toyota Prado, 
• INEOS Grenadier,
• Hyundai Palisade XRT

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.

Listeners will find Motoring Minute syndicated through various news sites around Australia. Additionally on the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post Nissan Patrol V8– the end of an Era appeared first on Motoring Minute.

A new entrant is coming soon. The Chery Stockman. They derived the name from a National competition where more than 20,000 suggestions Australians across the country were submitted.

Responses from motorists, tradies, families, Ute enthusiasts and regional communities nationwide.

Following an extensive review and public voting process, ‘Stockman’ emerged as the winning name.

I have to say its kind of a cool name and very Australian.

We don’t know much about the Stockman yet. Based on overseas information it will arrive with a 2.5-litre PHEV diesel engine producing 260kW of power and 680Nm of torque combined. It will have over 100km of EV only range and operate as a normal hybrid otherwise.

It is safe to say it will have a 3500kg towing capacity and over 100kg payload. Along with that, It will also have dual range 4WD capability along with front and rear diff locks.

With the GWM Cannon Alpha and BYD Shark 6 also having over 100 km EV range, they make the Ford Ranger PHEV claimed 50km range look a bit pathetic really.

Further details, including specifications, pricing and launch timing for Stockman, will be announced closer to market introduction.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find all the specifications HERE.

Readers can find more details about the Chery Stockman – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Chery Stockman – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Chery Stockman – Buyers could also look at:

This is a growing segment with competition form a few brands. Some of the better choices are:

• BYD Shark 6
• GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV
• JAC Hunter PHEV Ute
• Ford Ranger PHEV

Other Utes include.

• FOTON Tunland mild hybrid
• KGM Musso
• LDV Terron 9
• MG 9

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.

Listeners will find Motoring Minute syndicated through various news sites around Australia. Additionally on the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post Chery Stockman dual cab 4WD Ute coming soon appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Overall, the styling is appealing, with a bold grill, sleek profile and smooth  rear.

Quite a few people stopped to ask what is was.

Inside there are comfortable front seats with electronic adjustments. The heating function is excellent.

With a height and reach adjustable multifunction steering wheel it’s easy to find a relaxed driving position.

A large central screen dominates the cabin. With outstanding clarity and resolution. The reverse camera choices are an added bonus. There is a mix of button and screen adjustments, and it takes a little time to work out.

In the rear there is ample room for tow large adults and a third when needed. The amount of leg , head and shoulder room is impressive for this size vehicle.

Powered by a 1.5L turbo hybrid petrol engine with electronic AWD AND A dedicated hybrid transmission. Its smooth, zippy and economical as we averaged 5.9l/100k over the week across all driving conditions.

There are a few little quirks, but I have to say the Haval H6 Hybrid is definitely worth a drive. Especially at a price that starts from less than $44,000 driveaway.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find all the specifications HERE.

Readers can find more details about the Haval H6 Ultra  – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Haval H6 Ultra – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Haval H6 Hybrid  – Buyers could also look at:

This is a popular segment with strong competition form a lot of brands. Some of the better choices are: 

• KGM Torres Hybrid
• BYD Sealion 6 
• Subaru Forester Hybrid
• Toyota RAV 4 HEV
• Honda CRV, 
• Nissan X-Trail, 
• Hyundai Tucson, 
• Kia Sportage, 
• Mazda CX-5, 
• Peugeot 3008, 

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.

Listeners will find Motoring Minute syndicated through various news sites around Australia. Additionally on the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post Haval H6 Ultra Hybrid driven for 2026. appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Smart phone connectivity is one of those pieces of technology that has become integral to everyday use in cars.

Lets chat about an incredibly frustrating problem had with a car recently.

I have a process when I pick up a press car. Connecting my Apple CarPlay wirelessly is part of that. Over the last 18 years its fair to say that I’ve done that a few times.

This car wouldn’t connect my apple car Play . I just got an endless scrolling wheel.

So, I turned the car off and on again, often called the Microsoft adjustment.

It still wouldn’t connect. The Bluetooth connected just fine. I checked the list of other connections and there were Apple CarPlay connections for other people.

But mine was a no go zone.

So, I turned it off, deleted the connection, got out of the car, and walked away. Went back and tried again – still no joy.

Ok I thought I will just use a wired connection. It asked me if I wanted to use Apple CarPlay – I said yes – the car said no.

I gave up.

Over that week I was in and out of 6 different vehicles, five of which connected no problem. Every time I jumped into this car the Bluetooth connected but not CarPlay.

The gremlins had a fun time.

This is a Motoring Minute’

Im Rob Fraser

TO LISTEN TO THE Technology Gremlins – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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

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The post Technology Gremlins – What happens when technology glitches appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Its somewhere in the middle of the model range and top for the HEV models. So is cones well equipped.

First impressions is that, like many of us as we get older, we put on weight. The RAV4 is definitely getting bigger.

Externally it’s a design that has evolved over time. Stylish and practical. A few people commented n the new grill , not being fans.

Inside the RAV4 Cruiser is well laid out and comfortable. Being 190cm tall with long legs, I find the foot well slightly cramped, but overall, I fit easily.

There is a larger central screen, with excellent clarity. However, Toyota now has an annoying driver monitor system . It’s a pain having to remember to turn off the driver monitor, amongst other intrusive features every time you start the car.

Little features like wireless smart phone connectivity and charging tray, Heads u display and heated seats are appreciated. All RAV4’s come with the upgraded next generation of Toyota Safety Sense features.

As you would expect from Toyota the latest Hybrid engine is smooth, economical and has enough performance for everyday needs. I averaged around 5.3l/100km over the week across all driving conditions.

Pricing for the Toyota RAV4 Cruiser starts from $56,990 plus the usual costs.

Its easy to see why the RAV4 is so popular.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find all the specifications HERE.

Readers can find more details about the RAV4 Cruiser – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE RAV4 Cruiser – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

RAV4 Cruiser – Buyers could also look at:

This is a popular segment with strong competition form a lot of brands. Some of the better choices are: 

• Subaru Forester Hybrid
• Honda CRV, 
• Nissan X-Trail, 
• Haval H6, 
• Hyundai Tucson, 
• Kia Sportage, 
• Mazda CX-5, 
• Peugeot 3008, 

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.

Listeners will find Motoring Minute syndicated through various news sites around Australia. Additionally on the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post Toyota RAV4 Cruiser Hybrid 2wd driven for 2026. appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Of these some 21,000 were electric cars. This 20% surge has been driven by panic buying by the recent petrol pricing. YTD EVs account for about 14% of deliveries.

Overall petrol remain the dominant fuel choice followed by diesel then hybrids and PHEVS, then EVs.

SUVs continue their dominance followed by LCV, however there is a slight decline in Ute sales.

Toyota continues its run as number one brand but with 16% market share compared to 20% at the same time last year.

The next five are Kia, BYD, Mazda and Ford. The next top five brands are Hyundai, GWM, Mitsubishi, Cherry and MG.

BYD was the second top selling brand in May, and it continues its meteoric rose with new models and increasing buyer popularity.

Its plain to see the growing influence Chinese brands are having on consumer demands.

Of the top ten models three were Utes and the rest were SUVs.

Again, delving deep into the past and trying to remember bits of my economics degree. Falling sales, with increasing brand supply spells trouble for some brands.

It seems that every month a new Chinese brand launches, and eventually not all brands will find that sustainable.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

TO LISTEN TO THE new 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.

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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The post New Car sales results YTD May 2026 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

It’s been a while since I have driven one, so I jumped at the opportunity.

The adage – the more things change the more they stay the same,  comes to mind.

There is a familiarity about the design, it’s become more stylish and sleeker but yet unmistakably Golf.

Look inside and it still has the Houndstooth cloth seat fabric. I’ve never been a fan, but enthusiasts love it. Manual seat adjustments again not a fan, but the seats are especially supportive and comfortable.

For a smallish hatch, it fits my lager than average bear sized frame easily.

Start the engine and that familiar rasp from the exhaust beckons driver engagement.

With a 2.0L turbo petrol engine, 7 speed DSG transmission and front wheel drive, we are all set.

The Golf GTi will do 0-100km/h in around 6 seconds.

But the appeal isn’t outright speed. It’s the balance.

Very few cars feel as balanced as the Golf GTi.

Its pure driver heaven. Even around town its fun. Head out to longer windy stretches of road and its almost euphoric. This is the type of car you go for a drive and come back feeling happy. Its that simple

VW Golf GTi is priced from $59,890 plus the usual costs and that’s a performance bargain.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find all the specifications HERE.

Readers can find more details about the VW Golf GTi – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE VW Golf GTi – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

VW Golf GTi – Buyers could also look at:

• Hyundai i30N, 
• Subaru WRX Sportswagon, 
• Toyota Corolla GR Sport
• Honda Type R, 
• Renault Megane RS,
• Audi S3.

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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.

Listeners will find Motoring Minute syndicated through various news sites around Australia. Additionally on the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post VW Golf GTi driven for 2026. appeared first on Motoring Minute.

They have been absent for few years now but have just announced they are the naming rights partner of the 2026 Rally Tasmania.

Now officially renamed the Subaru Wilderness Rally Tasmania.

Taking place in August as the fourth round of the 2026 EROAD Australian Rally Championship (ARC), the Subaru Wilderness Rally Tasmania will once again bring the country’s best rally drivers to the picturesque beachside town of Burnie.

The partnership celebrates the arrival of the all-new Subaru Outback Wilderness to Australia – the most rugged and adventure-focused iteration of the iconic Subaru Outback range – while reinforcing Subaru’s long-standing connection with rallying and Tasmania’s unique gravel roads.

I have been a couple of time s as a spectator to this rally, and I have to say its awesome fun. So, if you are planning a trip to Tasmania in August this year, make sure to take in some stages of the rally circuit as well.

It makes sense as everywhere you drive in Tasmania you see Subaru’s, mainly Outback’s. They are extremely popular there.

The 2026 Subaru Wilderness Rally Tasmania takes place throughout the forests surrounding Burnie, Tasmania, from 14-16 August 2026.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more Subaru Wilderness Rally Tasmania – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Subaru Wilderness Rally  – 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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Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. 

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