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

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.

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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.

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 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

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 Wilderness Rally Tasmania August 2026 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

I managed to squeeze a drive in for some thoughts.

I’ve always been fan of the Outlander. It manages to strike a good balance between interior space, safety and comfort and price.

Both the models I drove come with a 2.5 litre, 4 cylinder petrol motor. This provides 135kW of power and 244Nm of torque. Driving all four wheels through an On Demand 4WD system and an 8 step CVT.

It’s definitely no powerhouse but has adequate performance for its purpose.

The latest styling also appeals to many people. It has the advantages of SUV practicality without the bulk that some have.

Inside both these top spec  models come well equipped.

The Outlander Exceed comes with

• heated and ventilated front seats,
• heated exterior mirrors that dip in reverse, and
• aluminium pedals and more.

The Exceed Tourer has upgraded Semi-aniline Leather seat Trim – quilted brown and a 12 Speaker Dynamic Sound System.

Both have comprehensive safety features as well as wireless smart phone connectivity.

One thing I appreciate is the large boot space being a five seat version and a full size alloy spare wheel for both.

Pricing for the Outlander Exceed is from $55,890 and the Exceed Tourer from $58,740, both plus the usual costs and that’s excellent value.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find all the specifications HERE.

Readers can find more details about the Outlander Exceed  – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Outlander Exceed – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed – Buyers could also look at:

The Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed/ Tourer  has strong competition with:

• Haval H6
• Peugeot 3008 GT
• Nissan X-Trail
• Honda CRV
• Kia Sorento
• Hyundai Santa Fe
• BYD Sealion 6
• Mazda CX-70
• Skoda Kodiaq

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 Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed review 2026. appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Unlike many others the 10 Deserts Edition strikes a subtle exterior. About the only nod is the label on the side panel.

Limited to 300 vehicles, the 10 deserts edition boasts a number of practical enhancements such as:

• Amarok 40mm lift kit.
• 275mm ground clearance
• Upgraded underbody protection.
• Continental Cross Contact ATR tyres
• Exclusive Satin Black 17” alloy wheels
• Black Sports bar and Soft tonneau cover.
• 10 Deserts Edition decal
• ‘Diamond’ embossed fabric seat package
• Amarok branded all-weather floor mats.

Powered by a 2.0 litre Bi-Turbo diesel engine, which provides 154kW of power and 500Nm of torque.

This drives all four wheels through a part time shift on the fly 4Motion system and a 10 speed Sports Automatic transmission.

The combination works well and you never seem to be in the wrong gear or wanting more performance.

I took the Amarok on both suburban and motorway driving, some dirt tracks and on the beach. It seemed to take all in its stride without fuss.

The steering is slightly heavy weighted but with good return to centre which I like, It feels more controlled. Suspension soaked up almost every bump and pothole.

Im not sure how many are left but it’s definitely worth a look as VW is now pricing them at around $60,000 driveaway and that’s outstanding value.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find all the specifications HERE.

Readers can find more details about the Amarok 10 Deserts  – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Amarok 10 Deserts – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Amarok 10 Deserts Special Edition – Buyers could also look at:

The Amarok 10 Deserts Special Edition has strong competition with:

• Isuzu D-Max Blade $80,990 *MLP
• Toyota HiLux Rogue $71,990 *MLP
• Mazda BT-50 SP $73,490 *MLP
• Mitsubishi Triton Raider $74,990 *MLP
• Nissan Navara Pro 4X Warrior $71,643 *MLP (old model)
• Ford Ranger Tremor $75,090 *MLP

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)

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 Volkswagen Amarok 10 Deserts Special Edition review 2026 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Based on the top model GSR the Triton Raider adds both functional and cosmetic appeal.

This is achieved by implementing a unique front and rear suspension damper package.

With the front damper utilising an internal rebound spring to maximise suspension control, was developed for Raider. A front spring and bump stop was also deployed.

There is also an upgraded frontal bash plate that is laser cut with Raider wording.

Premcar engineering team selected the Bridgestone AT002 all-terrain tyres, matched to a heavier-duty ROH ‘Assault’ 18-inch alloy wheel. These wheels are finished in a distinctive Brushed Bronze with specific ‘Raider’ hub caps.

Overall front clearance has increased by 25 mm from the combination suspension and wheel and tyres. The rear sees a 15mm lift from the wheels and tyres.

Overall wheel track has also widened by 20mm front and back.

The YAMAHA Performance Damper system which debuted in the 26MY Triton GSR is retained. This horizontally-mounted damper connects to the chassis to further enhance NVH performance.

There are some other cosmetic exterior additions to enhance the appeal.

Inside, the Triton Raider enjoys all the key equipment found in the top-spec GSR.

The black leather seats feature orange stitching, with the addition of Raider branded front headrests and a further Raider badge fitted to the centre console.

Available by mid-June in dealer showrooms, the Triton Raider will be priced from $74,990 plus the usual costs.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Triton Raider – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Triton Raider – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Mitsubishi Triton Raider – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Triton Raider  are in an unusual segment. There are  few to choose from.

• Isuzu D-Max Blade $80,900*
• Nissan Navara PRO 4X Warrior $70,765* (old model)
• Toyota HiLux Rogue $71,990*
• Mazda BT-50 SP $73,490*
• Ford Ranger Tremor $75,090*
• Remember to ask the dealer as special pricing can appear from time to time.

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges). Pricing is from Redbook as at date of article or from the manufacturer’s website.

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. 

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

The post Mitsubishi Triton Raider 4WD Ute pricing announced. appeared first on Motoring Minute.

A few brands even as far as to state that in a few years they would be EV only. Others like Jaguar committed brand suicide by immediately stopping production of normal engines cars and going all in on EVs.

Well global EV demand has plateaued. Many brands are now saying they will keep going with normal Internal Combustion engines, alongside EVs. After losing billions of dollars in sunk costs.

In amongst all this sat Toyota. The largest car brand in the world. They openly stated that there approach will be to continue with hybrids and ICE cars  and cautiously approach EVs.

They were openly criticised for it. Many journalists, yes even many of my colleagues in Australia, questioned their sanity. A few mentioned that they would fall because of it.

Fast forward to today and Toyota’s decision appears as one of the smartest corporate moves ever.

They stated that the future shouldn’t be EVs only, that buyers should have a choice of car that suits their needs. And that Hybrid’s have more benefit for the global environment than EV’s do.

Their hybrid sales are  continuing to grow. They have a small but competent stable of EVs that have shared development costs. And their ICE vehicles are still in demand.

Toyota sat back and watched and are still in the lead.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

TO LISTEN TO THE Toyota was right – 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. 

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The post Toyota was right – Global EV demand is tanking appeared first on Motoring Minute.

It’s well known that their target was 20,000 sales in a full year. But  YTD end April 2026 they have sold 1658 Utes. Ute buyers are very parochial.

At the first reveal and later at the launch I thought three things

1. It’s a bit expensive for new model. In some cases, by up to $10,000 I felt
2. It doesn’t have an engine that excites. There is nothing wrong with what it has, but they needed something different at launch to grab people’s attention and
3. It is ugly. There is no getting away from that. I don’t mind it as its different, but it turns buyers off more than anything else.

So now after 12 months of sales failing to meet expectations, Kia is looking to bring forward updates.

There is much speculation as to what these are, but only time will provide confirmation.

It’s also well-known im a big fan of the Tasman.

• It has SUV like on road ride and handling,
• With an interior far superior to almost every other Ute available.
• It’s capable off road and in the heavy duty stuff as well.

Whatever Kia has up its sleeve for the updates, lets hope they get it right this time.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Kia Tasman  – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Kia Tasman – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Kia Tasman X-Pro – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Tasman X-Pro could look at : Isuzu D-Max Blade, Ford Ranger Tremor, Toyota HiLux Rogue, Nissan Navara Pro 4-X Warrior, Mazda BT-50 SP, Mitsubishi Triton GSR.

Other Kia Tasman Motoring Minute Segments

• Kia Tasman X-Pro 4WD Ute driven for 2026 review
• X-Pro Kia Tasman first drive 2025
• Kia Tasman – addressing the negative comments
• Pricing confirmed Kia Tasman Ute
• Kia Tasman – Best of 2024
• Revealed in all its design glory – Kia Tasman
• Kia Tasman 4WD Ute – what we know so far

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 Can Kia improve Tasman Ute sales or is it destined to be an also ran appeared first on Motoring Minute.

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

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 LandCruiser 300 GR Sport quick details appeared first on Motoring Minute.