These popular 4WD vehicles have been so popular that Toyota had to place a hold on orders because of global component supply issues. The backlog is now clearing, helped by the introduction of the 4 Cylinder version.

The LC70 Series comes in four body styles the single cab chassis and dual cab chassis, troop carrier and wagon.

It comes with a choice of two engines that defines the transmission choices.

• The traditional 1VD-FTV 4.5-litre turbodiesel V8 engine and five-speed manual transmission.
• The modified 1GD 2.8-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The benefits of the 1GD 2.8-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder engine

• Same power and 70Nm more torque
• Same torque at 1200rpm as V8 peak torque
• Automatic transmission with torque converter
• More functionality, with DAC, 2^nd gear start, PWR haul functionality.
• Better economy and lower emissions
• Lighter body weight and more payload
• Around $4,000 cheaper in every model variant.

The LC70 Series 4WD’s are legendary for a reason, they are awesome.

But They are expensive, very expensive.

Buyers now have a choice between the traditional V8 and the cheaper, modified 4 Cylinder with an Automatic transmission and a bunch of extra functionalities that comes with that.

It’s a no brainer really, the 4 Cylinder is better in almost 99% of applications.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find a complete review HERE 

TO LISTEN TO THE TOYOTA LC70 RADIO REVIEW, CLICK BELOW

Toyota LC70 Upgrade Video

Toyota LC70 Series Final thoughts

The LC70 Series 4WD’s are legendary for a reason, they are bloody awesome.

They are expensive, very expensive.

I have always loved the 4.5L V8 in the 70 series. And always wanted an AT for it. It sounds angry and that’s a good thing.

Most of what is good about the upgrades are because of the automatic transmission fitted. This came about because of the 1GD-FTV 2.8-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder engine.

Buyers now have a choice between the traditional V8 and the cheaper, modified 4 Cylinder with an Automatic transmission and a bunch of extra functionalities that comes with that.

It’s a no brainer really, the 4 Cylinder is better in almost 99% of applications.

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The CX-8 was upgraded earlier this year and now has a larger 10.25-inch central screen along with wireless smart phone connectivity.

The new screen has excellent clarity, but no touch screen functionality. That’s annoying as its controlled by a dial on the centre console. This means that Apple CarPlay use is complicated rather than easy.

In front of the driver is a larger 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a head up display.

Seats are comfortable, and, as always, I appreciated the heating and ventilation and used them both in the one week. The middle row seats are better for two people and the third row are for the occasional passenger.

The 2.5L petrol engine and six speed transmission provide enough performance but is a little thirsty.

Overall, the Mazda CX-8 is an ideal urban family SUV. The Asaki petrol version is priced from $61,810 plus the usual costs.

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I’m Brianna Fraser

TO LISTEN TO THE MAZDA CX-8 ASAKI RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Some more thoughts about the Mazda CX-8 Asaki

• It’s not a bad looking SUV.
• Good overall size outside and inside
• Build quality is excellent.
• Front seats are comfortable with heating and ventilation.
• There are soft touch points everywhere your elbows go.
• The drivers’ instruments are clear and easy to read.
• Central screen also has particularly good clarity.
• However, the dial controls are old school now and dated.
• It makes the user interface more complicated than it needs to be.
• This is made more frustrating as it now has wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity.
• Little things like the audio, adaptive headlights, 360 degree camera all add to the quality feel.
• Middle row seats have plenty of room for taller passengers.
• Third row seats are like most in this segment, best for occasional trips for teens.
• Boot space as a five seat SUV is good, not so much as a seven seat.
• Middle seats don’t fold flat.
• Engine is ok for everyday driving, but not engaging and it’s a little thirsty.
• Its good in suburban carparks, fits nicely.

Mazda CX-8 Asaki specific features

• 19-inch wheels in bright silver
• Bright metallic grille
• Body-coloured mirror caps
• Body-coloured lower cladding
• Black Nappa leather seat trim with pattern stitching
• Cooled front seats (ventilated)
• 360-degree camera system

Some other Mazda CX-8 articles

• Mazda CX-8 model update 2023
• Mazda updates the CX-8
• 2021 Mazda CX-8 Asaki LE 2021 AWD SUV Review
• Mazda CX-8 Sport 2021 Review
• 2018 Mazda CX-8 Review
• Mazda CX-8 2018 Sport Review
• 2018 Mazda CX-8 SUV Launch Review
• 2018 Mazda CX-8 Diesel Review

Also look at.

The CX-8 Asaki sits in possibly the most crowded and competitive segment in the market. The list of alternatives is long.

So let’s look at some of the better ones.

Buyers could look towards Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, Peugeot 508 GT, Skoda Kodiaq, Toyota Kluger, Mitsubishi Outlander.

Mazda CX-8 Asaki final thoughts

Mazda CX- 8 has been around for a while now. The Asaki is the top spec, other than captains chairs in the middle row.

The overall feel is spacious, comfortable, and easy to live with. Its practical and functional.

It’s also a mixture on new technology and dated. The dial infotainment controls need updating quickly.

If I was buying one I would go for the AWD diesel version, mainly for better economy and for snow trips with the family.

But it definitely should be on your list for a test drive.

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Audi is one of many companies that run such a charitable foundation and their attest fundraising activity involves raffling off a Q5 Sportback TFSI e. The stunning Q5 in Navara Blue is valued at around $135,000 drive away. This is their new PHEV version of the ever-popular Q5 SUV.

Since its inception the Audi Foundation has given away over $6 million dollars to its charity partners.

Tickets in the latest raffle cost $50 each and are on sale until the 6^th December and its drawn on the 8^th December. That could make for a pretty good Christmas present for someone, not to mention the help the Foundation provides to those in desperate need.

Foundation partners include R U OK?, ReachOut, The Children’s Cancer Institute, and the Humpty Dumpty Foundation.

Unfortunately, our listeners in WA apparently cant participate, due to some archaic state laws.

There is a link to the Foundation on our website on Motoring Munute.com.au

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

TO LISTEN TO THE AUDI FOUNDATION RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

More Audi Foundations raffle details

• Proceeds from the raffle go to Audi Foundation’s eight deserving charity partners
• Mannering: “Purchasing a ticket not only gives you a great chance of winning a brand new Audi Q5, it helps us support many great charities within the community”
• Raffle tickets are $50 and are available for purchase now until 6th December

Audi Foundation has launched its latest fundraising raffle, with the lucky winner taking a brand-new plug-in hybrid; an Audi Q5 Sportback TFSI e in Navarra Blue, valued up to $125,148 (driveaway)*.

Since its inception in 2017, Audi Foundation has donated a staggering $6 million to charity partners advancing medical treatment and technology, shaping education and career futures, driving positive mental health outcomes, and supporting sustainable communities.

With the support of Audi Australia and the contributions of the national Audi dealer network, the Foundation has impacted countless individuals and families through its fundraising efforts, helping to make a difference to drive positive change in Australia.

Audi Foundation’s 11th raffle will offer ticket-holders the chance to win a brand-new plug-in hybrid Audi Q5 Sportback TFSI e in Navarra Blue, worth $125,148 (driveaway)*.

Who gets the money?

Tickets are priced at $50 and proceeds go to the Foundation’s charity partners and programs including; The Smith Family, R U OK?, ReachOut, The Children’s Cancer Institute, Humpty Dumpty Foundation, Youth Opportunities, Zephyr Education Inc. and Country Education Foundation of Australia.

“We are incredibly grateful to those that support the Audi Foundation prize draws,” said Jeff Mannering, Director Audi Australia and Chairman of Audi Foundation.

“Purchasing a ticket not only gives you a great chance of winning a brand new Audi Q5, it helps us support many great charities within the community. We are overjoyed that year on year we are able to provide vital funding to our charity partners, but this would not be possible without the support of our Audi dealer network and those who purchase tickets in the Audi Foundation prize daws.”

“Of course, we are thrilled to be able to see someone lucky enough to drive away in an Audi Q5 Sportback TFSI e, and grateful to everyone who enters the prize draw.”

Audi Q5 Sportback TFSI e

The Audi Q5 Sportback TFSI e showcases the brand’s expertise in both electrification and highly-efficient internal combustion technology. Combining all of the attributes of the brand’s most popular SUV with the convenience and efficiency of a plug-in hybrid electric car, the vehicle is powered by the powerful yet extremely efficient 2.0-litre TFSI engine and electric motor. Delivering outstanding performance and tremendous fuel efficiency, it also has the capacity to drive on fully-electric power for up to 53km.

The engine produces 195kW and 370Nm of torque paired with an electric motor outputting 105kW and 350Nm of torque, producing a combined output of 270kW and an impressive 500Nm. This makes the Q5 plug-in hybrid the most powerful Q5 model ever, and with its seven-speed S tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive with ultra technology, delivers a blistering 5.3 second sprint from standstill to 100km/h.

How to buy tickets

Tickets are priced at $50, available to purchase online at https://audifoundation.com.au/prizedraw. All entrants go in the draw to win a brand new plug-in hybrid Audi Q5 Sportback TFSI e in Navarra Blue, valued at $125,148 (driveaway)*. The draw is open to all Australian residents, with the exception of those in Western Australia. Entrants must be 18 years old or over.

The raffle concludes on Wednesday 6 December, 2023 at 17:00 (AEST). Winners will be drawn randomly from all eligible entrants on Friday 8 December 2023 3:00PM (AEST). Location at Audi Centre Sydney, 895 South Dowling Street, Zetland, New South Wales. Winners of the draw will be announced at https://www.audifoundation.com.au

• Audi Foundation Raffle 11 Prize Draw
• Audi Foundation Website

*All registration and on-road costs included. No optional extras or accessories included unless stated. No vehicle insurance provided. Prize value based on registration of the vehicle in NSW.

This prize can be collected from any Audi Australia dealer (See www.audi.com.au for a list of dealer locations). This Prize is not transferable or redeemable for cash. Conditions apply – see terms and conditions.

Note: Images do not depict the actual prize and some features shown may differ.

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Held over the weekend of 22-24 September, the EV Expo was an opportunity for interested buyers to have a close look at many vehicles at the one time.

Many of the key EV Brands were there including Audi, Peugeot, Kia, Lexus, Polestar, Cupra and more. Some were noticeable by their absence, such as BYD and Tesla, although there was an owners stand.

By all accounts it was a success with many manufacturers reporting a lot of interest. This is all part of the ongoing education of the buying public about EVs and their place in the automotive landscape.

Along with EV manufacturers the expo was well supported by businesses involved in charging outlets and energy .

One interesting aspect was the number of stands showcasing electric scooters and motorbikes, as well as bicycles, skateboard and stand-up scooters. In all the discussions about electric cars, these viable alternatives are often overlooked.

Unfortunately, the yearly Motor Shows have died off in recent years, but they may be resurrected in this new format now.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

TO LISTEN TO THE EV SHOW RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network.

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. They are also syndicated through various news sites around Australia.

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Sean is a man that is passionate about the Auto industry in Australia, passionate about Toyota customers and the brand itself.

One of our favourite topics is the ever-changing world of alternative fuel sources.

Toyota has a philosophy that no one fuel source will solve every customer’s needs. A philosophy I agree with.

At their recent showcase, Toyota unveiled several different vehicles with different fuel sources. These included mild hybrid, full hybrid, EVs, and Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

Over the next 15 months or so we will see Toyota with a complete complement of vehicles that cover these fuel sources.

One topic we briefly touched on is the emergence of Bio Fuel as an alternative. It has a lot of promise, but not necessarily the flavour of the month with the politicians. However, the infrastructure is already there. The fuel is relatively easy to produce and has no or little exhaust emissions.

Over 24 years Toyota has probably done more for the environment than any other manufacturer with their National Tree Day. tree planting program. This year the aim is planting 1,000,000 trees. That, there listeners, does more for reducing CO2 than any electric car available.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

TO LISTEN TO THE CHAT WITH SEAN RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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 Number five was a surprise. People that can’t park in between the lines in car parks. Apparently, the car space lines are merely suggestions as to where to park for some people.

Number four is people that do 70kmh in a 90kmh zone then keep doing 70kmh when it changes to 60kmh. Driving slowly and safely are often two different things.

Number three is P Plate drivers restricted to 80 or 90 kmh on the freeway. Survey responders felt that this was extremely dangerous for the P Plate driver and other drivers.

Number two is drivers that don’t indicate left in roundabouts We’ve all been there stopping for a car on our right only to have them zip around left without an indicator. Its frustrating and illegal.

And finally, the top spot, number one annoying driving habit is drivers that fail to move over. They stay in the right-hand lane on motorways or dual lane roads and clog up the flow of traffic.

Yes, listeners there are a lot of bad drivers out there. That’s why a lot of caution and respect goes a long way for al of us to be safer drivers.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

TO LISTEN TO THE BAD DRIVERS RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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The LS Black Edition sits right in the middle of the range and is priced from $35,490 plus the usual costs.

It comes in Two-wheel drive version with a 1.5L 4-cylinder petrol engine and a CVT. It has reasonable performance and economy.

The LS Black Edition comes with additional safety features, black highlights everywhere on the outside, including 18-inch alloy wheels. It also benefits from lots of black inside but the best feature for me is the heated front seats. The driver’s seat also has electric adjustments.

The Eclipse Cross is a good size urban based SUV. Its priced well and comes with lots of features. It’s easy and comfortable to drive around town. Parking is a breeze.

But its also large enough for two people to go on extended weekend trips or holidays with enough room for their luggage.

The Eclipse Cross also comes in a PHEV version, which adds the benefit of daily EV only driving.

All up there are some 20 plus versions of the Eclipse Cross so its easy to find one that suits you.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Brianna Fraser

TO LISTEN TO THE ECLIPSE CROSS LS BLACK RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross LS Black Edition details

The Eclipse cross was updated earlier in 2023. At this time they introduced the LS Black Edition as a separate model.

Production for 23MY Eclipse Cross commences from January 2022, with first deliveries expected from March 2023.

Some general thoughts about the LS Black Edition

• Good exterior design
• Interior starting to feel dated
• Infotainment connectivity and technology also feeling dated
• The extra bling looks good
• Especially inside its noticeable
• I appreciated the heated front seats
• Its quite spacious inside and practical.
• The dash layout works well and is easy to read and understand
• There is an upright ‘tall’ seating position for the driver
• Plenty of storage and cupholders, but the slot for the phone isn’t big enough for larger phones
• Rear seats are spacious and comfortable
• Boot is generous
• There is only a space saver tyre though.
• 8.0 inch central screen has good clarity
• Wired smart phone connectivity
• No inbuilt GPS on the LS though.
• Overall, its easy and comfortable to zip around town in

Also look at.

The Eclipse Cross sits in a competitive small/medium SUV segment.

crosses a few categories. full on AWD SUV, family wagon or city runabout.

Buyers could look towards Mazda CX-30, Kia Seltos, Subaru Crosstrek, Toyota Corolla Cross, Nissan QASHQAI, Citroen C4 and Haval Jolion

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross LS Black final thoughts

The LS Black edition goes a long way to freshen up an ageing design.

Its good value for money and bring some style and flair to an otherwise normal SUV.

Around town its zippy enough as well as frugal.

Inside the Black bling adds comfort.

The LS Black Edition feels good at everything, great at nothing. Its reliable and robust but not outstanding. That’s why they sell so well I guess.

Overall, the LS Black Edition is an ideal urban SUV for a couple or single that wants some extra room and practicality.

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We also took the Sport to the farm and drove around there for a few days.

It was cold out there, around 2 degrees, so the toasty seat warmers were appreciated. The full-time symmetrical AWD and X Mode ensured that the XT Sport handled the dirt roads, icy tar roads and around farm driving with ease.

On a particularly long stretch, I was in the car driving for seven hours and the cabin ergonomics and comfortable seats meant that I was relaxed and not tired when I arrived.

The more powerful engine in the XT responds beautifully to all situations. Economy was around 8.8L/100k for the time we had the vehicle.

The Outback XT Sport may miss out on a few cosmetic features of the Touring Model like sunroof and memory front seats but is well equipped and priced from $52,190 plus the usual costs its outstanding value.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find full details about the Subaru Outback XT HERE 

TO LISTEN TO THE SUBARU SPORT XT RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Some quick thoughts about the Outback Sport XT 

• Sport XT sits below the Touring model and misses a few cosmetic, bling and convenience features.
• However, they aren’t really missed as it has all the safety and drive features you want.
• More power and torque are always a good thing
• Revised suspension means improved handling without compromising ride.
• It’s needed for greater towing performance.
• 2400kg is about best in class for towing.
• Over 1700km in the two weeks I had the Sport XT, and it was particularly comfortable, and relaxing to drive.
• Long distances were a breeze.
• The Autumn Green Metallic, or Olive as I call it, gathered quite a few comments from people. They seemed to really like it.

Also look at

The Outback crosses a few categories. full on AWD SUV, family wagon or city runabout.

Buyers could look to  Nissan Pathfinder, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-8, Skoda Kodiaq RS, Kia Sorento, 

As an alternative there is the Audi A4 All Road, Landrover Discovery Sport, Skoda Superb Scout AWD

Subaru Outback Sport XT Final thoughts’

Since the Outback XT introduction, it’s been a huge success. I’m a little confused how Subaru can offer such stunning value for money in  their models.

I am a fan of the Subaru Outback. The Outback XT is better.

The Outback Sport XT may miss out on a few cosmetic and bling features that the Touring model has. But it doesn’t really miss them.

It, however, is excellent value for money and perhaps the smarter buy.

The more powerful engine overcomes the shortfalls in the original Outback model. Its adequate but the XT is substantially better again.

You can buy a Subaru Outback XT and a decent all terrain camper trailer or hybrid van for about the same as a full 4WD in many instances.

For most people this will completely satisfy their adventurous spirit.

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There are three things that you immediately notice.

The first are the external changes, wider track, lifted suspension, better approach angles etc.

These second is that once you hop in and drive, the tightness of the suspension. It soaks up the little road bumps while feeling more in tune with road conditions. It also has more articulation and rebound dampening.

The third is the engine. That’s something you feel.

The extra power and torque, some 10% improvement, is immediately felt. Its how the HiLux should be. More responsive, more engaging more effective.

I drove the GR Sport over forest trails, rutted tracks and a specialised 4WD track run by the Canobolas 4WD Club. Throughout it all the GR Sport made it all look effortless.

Priced from a touch under $74.000 plus the usual costs the GR Sport is the best HiLux built so far.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Everything you need to know about the Toyota HiLux GR Sport, and more driving impressions,  can be FOUND HERE 

TO LISTEN TO THE HILUX GR SPORT RADIO REVIEW, CLICK BELOW

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