As I mentioned I have driven the top spec MUX-X-Terrain. A new model with all the luxuries and the 3.0 litre turbo diesel engine along with a six speed automatic transmission.

The other model I drove is the next one down, the LS-T but with the 2.2 litre turbo diesel engine and an eight speed automatic transmission.

Both of these are 4WD models. There is a base two wheel drive model with the smaller engine available.

Around town you do notice more changing between the gears in the smaller engine model. Economy is marginally better.

On highway cruising both engines hum along nicely. Again, you notice that the smaller engine will hunt more between the gears on hills etc. It’s also about one litre per 100 kilometres better in fuel.

I haven’t towed anything or taken them off road, using them purely as  family transport.

Pricing for the Isuzu MU-X starts at around $49,900 dollars through to $77,100 dollars all plus the usual costs. There is usually about $2,000 dollars difference between the engine choices.

Overall, I found the MU-X an ideal family SUV. It has the practicality of seven seats, the promise of 4WD adventures and the safety features to keep the family protected.

Isuzu MU-X gets the mum and bub tick of approval.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Brianna Fraser

Some other Isuzu MU-X Motoring Minute reviews:

• Isuzu MU-X X-Terrain 2025 review
• Touring holiday to Byron Bay –  X-Terrain
• 2025 Model update
• Touring review – LS-U 4×4 1.9L
• Isuzu MU-X 2024 MY driving impressions.

Readers can find all the specifications HERE.

Readers can find more details about the Isuzu MU-X – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Isuzu MU-X – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Isuzu MU-X – Buyers could also look at:

Competition in 4WD Recreational Ute segment is tight .

There is strong competition with:

• KGM Rexton
• Toyota Prado
• Ford Everest
• GWM Tank 500

Alternative SUVs include:

• Kia Sorento
• Hyundai Santa Fe
• Peugeot 508 GT Hybrid
• Mazda CX-70
• Mitsubishi Outlander
• Nissan Pathfinder
• Skoda Kodiaq
• Subaru Outback
• Toyota Kluger
• VW Tayron

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 Isuzu MU-X week three on Mum and Bub duties appeared first on Motoring Minute.

With a five star ANCAP safety rating the MU-X has a good base to work from. All models have a complete list of safety features as standard. That’s good news if buyers are looking for the bargain models.

Some of the key features that I appreciate include:

• Full side curtain airbags, keeping the little ones safe in the second seat row,
• Three point seats belts for all seats along with a safety alert if they aren’t used.
• See through surround cameras so that I don’t scratch the side of the car in car parks.
• Blind spot warning in case I missed a car when changing lanes.
• Driver attention warning. For those days after a sleepless night and
• Rear cross traffic alert and braking, ideal for when im backing out of a carpark or driveway.

Keeping our precious bub safe is key to buying decisions for family cars.

Alongside those more recognised safety features little things such as auto wipers and headlights help with keeping you focused on driving.

Other comfort features like cup and bottle holders, wireless smart phone connectivity, seat pockets on the back of the front seats and decent interior lighting all add to making the MU-X easy to live with daily.

In the two vehicles I drove the front seats came with electronic adjustment and heating. Again, making driving more comfortable.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Brianna Fraser

Some other Isuzu MU-X Motoring Minute reviews:

• Isuzu MU-X X-Terrain 2025 review
• Touring holiday to Byron Bay –  X-Terrain
• 2025 Model update
• Touring review – LS-U 4×4 1.9L
• Isuzu MU-X 2024 MY driving impressions.

Readers can find all the specifications HERE.

Readers can find more details about the Isuzu MU-X – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Isuzu MU-X – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Isuzu MU-X – Buyers could also look at:

Competition in 4WD Recreational Ute segment is tight .

There is strong competition with:

• KGM Rexton
• Toyota Prado
• Ford Everest
• GWM Tank 500

Alternative SUVs include:

• Kia Sorento
• Hyundai Santa Fe
• Peugeot 508 GT Hybrid
• Mazda CX-70
• Mitsubishi Outlander
• Nissan Pathfinder
• Skoda Kodiaq
• Subaru Outback
• Toyota Kluger
• VW Tayron

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 Isuzu MU-X – Mum and Bub duties week two appeared first on Motoring Minute.

This seven seat SUV comes in a choice of four different trim levels and on selected models a choice of two engines. There is also one two wheel drive version available.

I drove the top model MU-X X-Terrain with the 3.0 litre turbo diesel engine as well as the LS-T with the new 2.2 litre diesel engine.

We will chat about the differences later.

But my first impressions are that the MU-X is quite a stylish design.

There is plenty of room for both front occupants.

Rear seat leg, head and shoulder room is ok.

With two isofix compatible anchor points in the second row and three top tether points and wide opening doors, it’s well suited to baby seats.

I found that placing bub in his seat was comfortable .

Third row seats are for two smaller people only and access is tight. Using them also restricts boot space and packing  a pram and other gear becomes more difficult. As a five seat SUV its excellent.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Brianna Fraser

Some other Isuzu MU-X Motoring Minute reviews:

• Isuzu MU-X X-Terrain 2025 review
• Touring holiday to Byron Bay –  X-Terrain
• 2025 Model update
• Touring review – LS-U 4×4 1.9L
• Isuzu MU-X 2024 MY driving impressions.

Readers can find all the specifications HERE.

Readers can find more details about the Isuzu MU-X – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Isuzu MU-X – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Isuzu MU-X – Buyers could also look at:

Competition in 4WD Recreational Ute segment is tight .

There is strong competition with:

• KGM Rexton
• Toyota Prado
• Ford Everest
• GWM Tank 500

Alternative SUVs include:

• Kia Sorento
• Hyundai Santa Fe
• Peugeot 508 GT Hybrid
• Mazda CX-70
• Mitsubishi Outlander
• Nissan Pathfinder
• Skoda Kodiaq
• Subaru Outback
• Toyota Kluger
• VW Tayron

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 Isuzu MU-X on Mum and Bub duties week one appeared first on Motoring Minute.

First impressions are that Genesis has nailed the SUV Coupe design. It looks elegant, proportional and sporty all together. The black overtones along with dark 22 inch alloys stand out.

Inside its as you would expect. Opulence everywhere. Nappa lather seats with suede highlights welcomes all occupants. Heated and ventilated seats add to the luxury.

The large all in one drivers’ instruments and central screen is familiar to many models in the lineup. Its clear and easy to read. User interface is simple.

Finding a comfortable driver’s position is simple.

While it may not lay claim to being a sports SUV it is aimed at enthusiastic drivers.

Powered by the familiar 3.5L twin turbo V6 petrol engine, which delivers 279kW of power and 530 Nm or torque. This drives all wheels through an eight speed sports AT.

Maximum speed is 240 kmh and it will zip along from 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds. But it’s the everyday driving that enhances the sporty feel. Its quite responsive for such a big SUV.

Priced from $141,500 plus the usual costs its actually great value compared to other European prestige SUVs.

I have to say im a big fan of the Genesis GV80 Coupe.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find all the specifications for the Genesis GV80 Coupe HERE 

Readers can find more details about the GV80 Coupe Black – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE GV80 Coupe Black – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Genesis GV80 Coupe Black – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the GV80 Coupe Black are in an unusual segment. There are a few to choose from.

Better potential choices could be Audi Q8, Audi Q7, BMW X6, Mercedes Benz GLE Coupe , Lexus RX 450H, Mazda CX-90, Peugeot 5008 GT Hybrid

Some more left field choices could be Peugeot 408 GT Hybrid,  VW Touareg

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 Genesis GV80 Coupe Black driven for 2026. appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Inside, the comfort and little touches—especially in the Calligraphy model—are exactly what you’d hope for. That said, even the lower-spec versions are still really well equipped, which is great to see.

The front seats are both heated and cooled, with plenty of electric adjustments, so it’s easy to get comfortable no matter how long the drive (or how little sleep you’ve had!).

In the top-spec model, you also get twin wireless charging pads, which I found surprisingly handy—no more fighting over who gets to charge their phone.

I also love the one-touch power windows with an anti-pinch feature. It’s one of those small things that makes a big difference when you’ve got little ones in the car.

Another standout is how quiet it is inside, thanks to the acoustic glass. It’s almost whisper-quiet, which means you can play that all-important music or white noise softly to help bub drift off to sleep—without road noise getting in the way.

And of course, as mums know, having enough space for all the gear is necessary. The boot space is fantastic when you’re using it as a five-seater. That boxy shape really works in your favour—there’s plenty of room for the pram, bags, groceries, and everything else that comes with mum life. The tailgate opens nice and high too, so no bumped heads (even my husband fits comfortably underneath!). Packing everything in felt easy and stress-free.

If I had to pick, I’d go for the Calligraphy seven-seat all-wheel-drive hybrid. It really feels like the best of everything—space, comfort, efficiency, and all the features you could want.

It is starting to get up there in price, from around $77,000 plus on-road costs—but it does feel worth it for what you get.

This is a Motoring Minute.
I’m Brianna Fraser.

Previous Hyundai Santa Fe Motoring Minute reviews 

• Hyundai Santa Fe – Baby duties week 2
• Hyundai Santa Fe – Baby duties week 1
• Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy revisited for 2025
• Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander Hybrid 2023 Review

Readers can see the full specifications HERE 

Readers can find more details about the Hyundai Santa Fe – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Hyundai Santa Fe – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Hyundai Santa Fe – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Hyundai Santa Fe are in a crowded segment. There is a LOT to choose from.

Better potential choices could be Mazda CX-90, Mazda CX-80, Kia Sorento, Toyota Kluger, Peugeot 5008 GT Hybrid, Nissan Pathfinder

Some more left field choices could be Subaru Outback, KGM Rexton, GWM Tank 500 HEV,

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 Hyundai Santa Fe – baby duties week 3 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

As you’d expect, the Santa Fe has a five-star ANCAP safety rating, which is reassuring straight away. But it’s the everyday safety features that really stood out to me.

For starters, there are front and side curtain airbags that extend right through to the second row, helping keep bub nicely protected.

The driver display is clear and easy to read, and the controls for the main screen are simple to use without taking your eyes off the road—something you really notice when you’ve got precious cargo on board.

Parking is also much less stressful thanks to the sensors and the surround-view camera, which is a lifesaver in tight car parks (especially when you’re juggling kids and distractions).

One feature I really love is the blind spot monitor, which shows up right in the driver’s display when you indicate—super handy for lane changes. There’s also a warning if you go to open the door and a car is coming, which is such a thoughtful touch when you’ve got little ones in the back.

I also appreciate that things like the headlights, high beams, and even the wipers are automatic. It’s one less thing to think about, so you can stay focused on driving safely.

And honestly, part of safety as a mum is just having enough space to store everything properly. The boot space in the Santa Fe is fantastic when you’re using it as a five-seater. That boxy shape really comes in handy—there’s plenty of room for the pram, nappy bags, groceries, and all the extras. The tailgate opens nice and high too, so no bumped heads (even my husband fits comfortably underneath!). Packing up for the day felt really easy.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Brianna Fraser

Hyundai Santa Fe – Baby duties week 1

Readers can see the full specifications HERE 

Readers can find more details about the Hyundai Santa Fe – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Hyundai Santa Fe – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Hyundai Santa Fe – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Hyundai Santa Fe are in a crowded segment. There is a LOT to choose from.

Better potential choices could be Mazda CX-90, Mazda CX-80, Kia Sorento, Toyota Kluger, Peugeot 5008 GT Hybrid, Nissan Pathfinder

Some more left field choices could be Subaru Outback, KGM Rexton, GWM Tank 500 HEV,

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 Hyundai Santa Fe – Baby duties week 2 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

It’s a brand-new model, and it really stands out on the road. The front is sleek, while the back has more of a boxy shape. I actually really like this look—and it turns out that boxy rear is super practical too.

There are three different versions to choose from, with the top model offering either six or seven seats.

You can also pick between two engines: a 2.5L turbo petrol or a 1.6L turbo petrol hybrid. Personally, I’d go for the hybrid—it’s a great mix of power for family road trips, while still being fuel-efficient for everyday mum life.

Inside, the Santa Fe feels really spacious and comfy. The front seats are lovely, but it’s the back that really shines for mums. The rear doors open nice and wide, making it much easier to get a baby seat in and out—or gently place a sleeping bub without too much hassle (a big win!).

It also comes with ISOFIX and top tether points for both the second and third row seats. So, you’ve got that extra peace of mind when it comes to safety.

Like most SUVs this size, the third row is better suited for occasional use rather than everyday seating, especially for older kids or adults.

We will chat more about the Sant Fe next week.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Brianna Fraser

Readers can see the full specifications HERE 

Readers can find more details about the Hyundai Santa Fe – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Hyundai Santa Fe – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Hyundai Santa Fe – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Hyundai Santa Fe are in a crowded segment. There is a LOT to choose from.

Better potential choices could be Mazda CX-90, Mazda CX-80, Kia Sorento, Toyota Kluger, Peugeot 5008 GT Hybrid, Nissan Pathfinder

Some more left field choices could be Subaru Outback, KGM Rexton, GWM Tank 500 HEV,

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 Hyundai Santa Fe – Baby duties week 1 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Palisade comes in one highly specified model. The Calligraphy.

Performance comes from a 2.5-litre petrol hybrid engine paired with a six-speed transmission. For a large SUV, it feels surprisingly smooth and economical, especially around town — which is where most of my driving seems to happen these days.

The all-wheel drive system also adds a layer of reassurance in wet or slippery conditions, something I definitely value more now that I’ve got precious cargo on board.

For a large SUV, and it is large, it doesn’t feel that big when driving it. That comes from how quiet and smooth the hybrid engine is and how well it responds to driver inputs.

Tight  suburban car parks aren’t an issue, and the surround view monitor makes reversing into carparks so easy.

One thing I haven’t mentioned is the audio quality. While a 14-speaker BOSE sound system might be slightly over the top for nursery rhymes, I have to admit it does make those baby playlists sound beautifully soothing on longer drives.

Pricing for the Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy is from around $90,000 dollars plus the usual costs. That’s a lot, but you get a lot for your money.

Overall, the Palisade is a safe, comfortable and pleasant vehicle to drove. It definitely gets the mum and bub tick of approval.

Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid is Mum life Upgraded

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Brianna Fraser

All the specifications can be found HERE 

Readers can find more details about the Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid– RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Hyundai Palisade – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Hyundai Palisade could look at :

• Mazda CX-90, 
• Nissan Pathfinder, 
• Peugeot 5008 GT Hybrid, 
• Subaru Outback, 
• Lexus RX, 
• Toyota Kluger Grande

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 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid Baby Duties week three appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Mazda CX-90 comes in a choice of three models. The Touring, GT and Azami On top of that there are two option packs which have either tan or white leather interiors.

Each model comes with a choice of a 3.3 litre straight six petrol or diesel engine that has mild hybrid technology.

All come with the same 8 speed automatic transmission and all wheel drive for when roads get wet or slippery.

I’ve driven both the petrol and diesel engines. Both have plenty of performance. The diesel is more economical and perhaps better suited for those that take longer drives. I found myself thinking that a full hybrid especially in petrol form would be better for urban driving.

Buyers of the entry level Touring model won’t be disappointed as they come well equipped.

One feature I haven’t mentioned yet is that the CX-90 is also fitted with Mazda’s Driver Personalisation System, which automatically adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel and cockpit setup to the ideal position for each driver.

Pricing for the CX-90 ranges from $69,300 through to around $90,000 dollars plus the usual costs.

Overall the Mazda CX-90 is a safe, comfortable and spacious SUV that provides a level of comfort for new mums. Mazda CX-90 is mum and bub approved.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Brianna Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Mazda CX-90 Azami – HERE

You can download the full Mazda CX-90 Azami Brochure HERE 

TO LISTEN TO THE Mazda CX-90 Azami – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Mazda CX-90 Azami – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers could also look at : Toyota Kluger, Nissan Pathfinder, Genesis GV80, Hyundai Palisade, Lexus RX, Peugeot 5008 GT Hybrid

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 Mazda CX-90 Azami – Baby duties week 3 appeared first on Motoring Minute.