Forester comes in a choice of two engines 2.5 L boxer engines. One a normal petrol and the other a hybrid. Model choices include four petrol and three hybrid versions.

We have just spent a couple of weeks in the top spec hybrid Touring model, and I have Ive come away really impressed.

The new Forester looks the goods. Strong design combined with practical features.

Hybrid fans will be happy. The 2.5 litre e-boxer engine has a lithium ion hybrid battery. Total output is a handy 135kW of power and 276Nm of torque. This drives all four wheels through an Electronically Controlled AWD Coupling and Lineartronic CVT.

Fuel economy is excellent and we averaged 6.4l/100k over the two weeks which included a mix of driving conditions. It’s not s sports SUV but has more than enough power delivery to keep most drivers happy.

It’s also an ideal small family SUV with room for two rear child seats with isofix and top tether points. The boot shape also allows plenty of room all the baby gear.

A Five Star ANCAP safety rating provides peace of mind for owners. However, that only tells half the story. The Forester is one of the safest vehicles on the road. We will chat more about that next week.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find all the specifications of the Subaru Forester Hybrid HERE.

You can find the full Subaru Forester review  HERE 

TO LISTEN TO THE Subaru Forester Hybrid – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Buyers could also look at:

This is becoming a very popular segment. Buyers of the Subaru Forester Hybrid could also look at the following:

• Kia Sportage, 
• KGM Torres Hybrid
• Haval H6 Hybrid
• Toyota RAV 4 HEV
• Honda CRV, 
• Nissan X-Trail, 
• Hyundai Tucson, 
• Mazda CX-5, 
• Peugeot 3008, 
• Jaecoo J7
• VW Tiguan

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 Subaru Forester Hybrid Touring driven for 2026 week one. appeared first on Motoring Minute.

The first is when you go to overtake a slower moving car they speed up.

I drive a lot on motorways and almost always on cruise control. So im driving at a constant speed. Often, I will come up behind a slower moving vehicle, pull out to overtake in the passing lane and – yep, they speed up.

But I just stay on cruise control and inevitably when I start to pull ahead, they go back to their previous speed and fade away.

The question is why? I don’t know if it’s because they realise they were going slow. Or it’s a fear of something in their peripheral vision. Or they are just bad drivers .

It’s the same when you are on a single lane road and there is a passing lane ahead. All of a sudden, the car that’s doing 20km under the limit will speed up to 5 km over the limit simply because they don’t want to be passed, only to slow again to 20 km below the limit again when it returns to single lanes.

And the third scenario is the right hand lane hugger. They refuse to move over even when there is no car they are passing.

Yep, compulsory standardised driver education can’t come soon enough

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

TO LISTEN TO THE Bad Drivers   – 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 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 Bad Drivers – Why do drivers speed up when being overtaken appeared first on Motoring Minute.

With a smooth hexagonal grill that seamlessly incorporates dual LED headlights. Fog lights and DRLs,  it presents well. Lower body coloured bumper adds to the appeal.

From the side, the V9 looks equally impressive. A large body, raised stance and chunky wheel arches, with black fender flares give it plenty of road presence. The gloss black 18-inch alloy wheels suit the design well, adding to its rugged appearance without making it look overly aggressive.

The proportions of the Tunland V9 are another highlight. At over 5.6 metres long and more than two metres wide, it is a large Ute, and you can definitely see that in its design.

The high ground clearance makes it look ready for rougher terrain, while features such as the side steps, sports bar and roof rails add to its practical, adventure-ready appearance.

Around the back, the V9 keeps the design clean and functional, with integrated LED taillights, sculptured bumper and a large tray that reminds you this is still a working Ute.

Overall, the exterior combines rugged styling with modern details surprisingly well. It may not have the badge recognition of some of its rivals, but the Tunland V9 certainly has the looks to stand alongside them.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can see the full specifications Foton Tunland HERE 

A full review of the Foton Tunland can be found HERE.

 TO LISTEN TO THE Foton Tunland V9 – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

What is good?

• Absolutely stunning value for money
• Stylish mid-sized design
• Interior space, comfort, and ambience.

What is not so good?

• It’s underpowered for heavy duty work. Would love 20% more power.
• No front massage seats ( I know that’s fussy ????)
• Rated for 3500kg towing but better suited to 2500kg.

Foton Tunland – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Foton Tunland are in a rapidly growing segment.

Potential choices could be.

• KGM Musso XLV
• GWM Cannon Alpha
• MGU9
• LDV Terron 9
• Chery Stockman
• JAC Hunter PHEV
• Ford Ranger 2.0L XL
• Isuzu D-Max 2.2L
• Mazda BT-50 2.2L

Some other Foton Tunland Articles

• Part one Foton Tunland Long Term test
• Foton Tunland – Everything you need to know
• FOTON Tunland V7 C 2WD Ute driven for 2026.
• 2026 FOTON Tunland V7 and V9 review 
• Foton Tunland first drive for 2025
• FOTON TUNLAND details released including stunning pricing.

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 Foton Tunland V9 Exterior – Long term test week 1 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

It reminded me of the Volvo 1800 wagon which was a very cool car indeed.

However, being a Kia and a  GT Line version, you expect it to come fully equipped and it does.

The Cerato was a good car, the K4 is better.

Driving it around town, the first thing I noticed was that the zippy acceleration. It’s not sports car fast but does encourage some enthusiastic driving, There is minimal lag, sharp steering  and responsive handling.

The ride is firm. Not punishing, and I never found it uncomfortable, but you do feel what’s under you. It makes the school runs and shopping centres a bit of fun.

Parking was easy. Good visibility, and the cameras and sensors made squeezing into spaces straightforward. Space genuinely surprised me — there’s more in it than most people would think, especially with the middle seats down. I managed to fit a few longer folding tables from Bunnings in there. That’s impressive.

Most controls are intuitive and driver ergonomics are simple. It’s an easy car to live with, not having to think too much.

Priced from a bit under $4,000 plus the usual costs its good value.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find all the specifications of the Kia EV5 HERE.

You can find the full Kia K4 GT-Line review  HERE 

TO LISTEN TO THE Kia EV5 GT-Line  – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Kia K4 hatch could also look at the following:

• Subaru Impreza, 
• Toyota Corolla, 
• Mazda3, 
• Hyundai I30, 
• Peugeot 308, 
• Cupra Leon, 
• Honda Civic
• GAC EmZoom

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 Kia K4 GT Line hatch – driven for 2026. appeared first on Motoring Minute.

First impressions are of luxury and space. Remember the V7 is the entry level model, aimed at tradies, workers and ruffed 4WD adventures.

However, it feels more like a luxury SUV inside. With synthetic leather  trim, supportive seats and large digital driver instrument panel.

Even though the front seats have manual adjustments its easy to find a comfortable driving position. With enough seat slide and height and reach adjustable steering wheel im right at home.

The 12.3 inch drivers instrument panel  is configurable with a number of options.  Most drivers will find what they like and leave it there.

The 14.6 inch central touch screen has excellent clarity. There has been a lot of work done to make the user interface easy and intuitive. Wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity is a bonus, but it does miss out on Android Auto.

Rear seats have enough room for my 190cm frame to sit comfortably. There are isofix and top tether points on the two outer seats. With a long wheelbase and abundant rear seat room, placing a bay seat there is so much easier than a normal Ute.

The rear seats lift up and fold down for greater practicality and flexibility.

Overall, the interior of the V7 is a cut above what you would expect for a work Ute.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can see the full specifications Foton Tunland HERE 

A full review of the Foton Tunland can be found HERE.

 TO LISTEN TO THE Foton Tunland V7 Interior – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

What is good?

• Absolutely stunning value for money
• Stylish mid-sized design
• Interior space, comfort, and ambience.

What is not so good?

• It’s underpowered for heavy duty work. Would love 20% more power.
• No front massage seats ( I know that’s fussy ????)
• Rated for 3500kg towing but better suited to 2500kg.

Foton Tunland – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Foton Tunland are in a rapidly growing segment.

Potential choices could be.

• Ford Ranger 2.0L XL
• Isuzu D-Max 2.2L
• Mazda BT-50 2.2L
• KGM Musso XLV
• GWM Cannon Alpha
• MGU9
• LDV Terron 9
• Chery Stockman
• JAC Hunter PHEV

Some other Foton Tunland Articles

• The Foton Tunland V7 4WD capability
• Part Two – Foton V7 4WD Dual Cab Ute exterior features
• Part one Foton Tunland Long Term test
• Foton Tunland – Everything you need to know
• FOTON Tunland V7 C 2WD Ute driven for 2026.
• 2026 FOTON Tunland V7 and V9 review 
• Foton Tunland first drive for 2025
• FOTON TUNLAND details released including stunning pricing.

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 The Foton Tunland V7 Interior – Spacious and comfortable appeared first on Motoring Minute.

It seems like there are new car brands every month coming and in fact over the last three years there have been almost 20 new brands arriving here.

These are.

• Ineos
• Zeekr
• Leapmotor
• Deepal
• Geely
• Xpeng
• Cadillac
• GMC
• GAC,
• Jac
• Jaecoo,
• Lepas
• Omoda,
• Farizon
• Foton,
• Forthing
• Denza and
• IM Motors

And im sure I’ve missed a few.

What does this do to the market here. Well, many of these brands are Chinese. They are supported by head office with subsidies for competitive pricing. We have a fairly consistent market size here. It is growing ever so slightly year by year, but demand is consistent.

However, Economics 101 says that with increased supply and consistent demand there will be casualties. Pricing will start to be affected, this flows to profits. Businesses need profits to survive. There are issues with finding suitable distribution outlets with dealer facing increased pressure and squeezing margins.

They will look to replace some of the poorer legacy brands for the new shiny ones. But that may not end well. Some brands will do almost anything to get themselves in the top ten list. Like bringing in lots of vehicles, registering them and then looking to shift older models as new vehicles.

Its interesting times indeed.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

TO LISTEN TO THE New Car Brand   – 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 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 How many new Car Brands have come to Australia since 2024. appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Defender Rally made history on its competitive debut at the 2026 Dakar Rally. After 14 days of gruelling competition, the three D7X-Rs finished in first, second and fourth places in the new Stock class, as well as achieving a ‘1,2,3’ result on 10 of the 13 demanding stages

Land Rover  Defender is building a road-legal evolution of its 2026 Dakar Rally-winning race car, representing the pinnacle of durability and performance forged in the heat of competition.

The exclusive limited-run 4×4 is a race-bred evolution of the victorious D7X-R. It brings trailblazing rally-raid capability to the road. A combination of 75 years of off-road innovation and competition-derived design.

Special features include:

• Wider track, increased ride height and rally suspension inspired by the winning D7X-R
• Retains the body architecture, transmission, driveline, and 4.4-litre twin turbo V8 engine of the rally car – all of which is based on Defender OCTA
• Colour options led by signature Dakar Sand and Yanbu Turquoise combination
• Interior features rally-inspired details including unique race seats
• Defender Dakar will be available to reserve from early 2027.

Further technical details and specifications will be revealed at the 2027 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia. And its fair to say there is a lot of interest on the model.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

More details about the Defender Dakar Rally Car can be found HERE

To LISTEN TO  THE Defender Dakar Rally – 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 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 Defender Dakar – 2026 Dakar Rally-winning race car, now road legal appeared first on Motoring Minute.

 This 4WD capability comes from the combination of

• A Borg Warner dual range 4WD system,
• Dana Axles and diffs with a Rear diff lock, a
• ZF 8 speed Automatic transmission, and
• All Terrain tyres as standard
• Foton Tunland combines the best of available technology.

For off-road driving, the Tunland V7 offers a useful 28-degree approach angle, allowing it to climb steep embankments and obstacles with less risk of the front bumper making contact. At the rear, its 26-degree departure angle helps when driving down steep slopes or over uneven terrain. The 21-degree ramp-over, or breakover, angle indicates how well the Ute can cross a crest without the centre underside of the vehicle touching the ground.

Ground clearance is a solid 240mm, providing useful space between the underbody and rocks, ruts and other obstacles. The V7 also has a quoted 700mm wading depth, and excellent wheel articulation, further highlighting its off-road credentials.

To put that into perspective the ground clearance is more than most Ford Ranger or Toyota HiLux models.

Also, the Tunland V7 has a larger tub capacity, higher payload and substantially more interior room.

Priced from $42,990 plus the usual costs.  You could buy a Tunland V7 and a camper trailer for the price of a mid-spec Ford Ranger.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can see the full specifications Foton Tunland HERE 

A full review of the Foton Tunland can be found HERE.

 TO LISTEN TO THE Foton Tunland V7 4WD – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

What is good?

• Absolutely stunning value for money
• Stylish mid-sized design
• Interior space, comfort, and ambience.

What is not so good?

• It’s underpowered for heavy duty work. Would love 20% more power.
• No front massage seats ( I know that’s fussy ????)
• Rated for 3500kg towing but better suited to 2500kg.

Foton Tunland – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Foton Tunland are in a rapidly growing segment.

Potential choices could be.

• Ford Ranger 2.0L XL
• Isuzu D-Max 2.2L
• Mazda BT-50 2.2L
• KGM Musso XLV
• GWM Cannon Alpha
• MGU9
• LDV Terron 9
• Chery Stockman
• JAC Hunter PHEV

Some other Foton Tunland Articles

• Part Two – Foton V7 4WD Dual Cab Ute exterior features
• Part one Foton Tunland Long Term test
• Foton Tunland – Everything you need to know
• FOTON Tunland V7 C 2WD Ute driven for 2026.
• 2026 FOTON Tunland V7 and V9 review 
• Foton Tunland first drive for 2025
• FOTON TUNLAND details released including stunning pricing.

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 The Foton Tunland V7 4WD capability appeared first on Motoring Minute.

This brings up many questions about what the best vehicle is to take to the snow. What should I do before I go, how do I drive in snowy and icy conditions.

Over the years we have done quite a few Motoring Minutes on these topics and here are a few highlights

My first choice of vehicle is without a doubt a Subaru AWD. They are the only true AWD. That is where all four wheels have continual drive sent to them all the time.

The Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is perhaps the best AWD available. Followed closely by Audi’s quattro system.

This would be followed by any model that has full time 4WD like a Land Rover or Toyota Prado.  After that any dual range 4WD that has shift on the fly changes that allows you to drive on bitumen in 4WD high. Then any dual range 4WD model

No matter what vehicle you take, make sure it’s in good condition, get a service done before you go. Extreme cold and icy conditions will quickly find any problems with your car you didn’t know you had.

And don’t forget to fill up with Alpine diesel if that’s your fuel of choice.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about Snow driving tips – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE snow driving tips  – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Quick snow driving tip highlights

• Make sure your car is serviced, and everything is in good order. Extreme cold will find any problems very fast
• Check your tyres. They are all that is providing grip for you when it gets bad
• If needed fill up with Alpine diesel when you get closer to the snow fields. This has a higher freezing temperature.
• If needed use antifreeze in your radiator
• If you need to take snow chains practice with them before you go. The side of the road in freezing conditions isn’t the place to learn
• When in the snow if you can, park facing slightly downhill
• Leave your wipers up when parked
• If you have snow covering your vehicle let your car idle for a while to heat up the windows. NEVER pour hot water on frozen glass.

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 Tips for snow driving this winter appeared first on Motoring Minute.