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. 

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

 With LEDs that glow around where the grille used to be, and a spoiler that rises out of the boot when you unlock the car.

Inside, it’s a step above — warm beige seats, silver accents, and a 14-speaker Sony sound system that sounds like it belongs in a car three times the price.

Now the numbers. 190 kilowatts to the rear wheels — rare these days, rarer still in an EV. A 78 kilowatt-hour battery, 560 kilometres of claimed range, and ten-to-eighty percent charging in around 24 minutes.

On the road, one word — it glides. Smooth, planted, and so quiet that even on the highway there’s barely a sound.

Five-star ANCAP. Five-year unlimited warranty. Just eighteen hundred dollars of servicing over five years. From $49,990.

The Mazda 6e. The sedan’s not dead. It just went quiet.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Zac Hough

Readers can see the full specifications Mazda 6e  HERE 

A full review of the Mazda 6e can be found HERE.

 TO LISTEN TO THE Mazda 6e  – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Mazda 6e Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Mazda 6e  have a few choices.

These could be.

• DEEPAL EO7
• IM5
• Kia EV4
• Tesla Model 3, 
• Polestar 4, 
• Hyundai IONIQ 6,

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 2026 Mazda 6e sedan driven for 2026. 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

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The post Bad Drivers – Why do drivers speed up when being overtaken appeared first on Motoring Minute.

A wider, stronger face, 18-inch alloys with privacy glass. Gives a real presence at the kerb.

Inside, the tech is the star. Everyone else chases wide screens, the ASX runs a portrait one that doesn’t block your view, with Google Maps in the driver’s display.

Under the bonnet, a 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine. 113 kilowatts, 270 newton-metres, with a seven-speed dual-clutch. It claims 6.4 litres per hundred k and over my week of testing it matched almost exactly.

Here’s the bit I didn’t see coming. I enjoyed the dual-clutch. Hold a gear, feel the shift land and ease back into the power. A flow an EV never quite replicates.

A soft, settled ride. Physical buttons that survived the touchscreen age. Up to ten years of warranty, servicing and roadside assistance.

From around $42,000 before on-roads.

The Mitsubishi ASX . Sharp to look at, sensible to drive and covered for longer than most people keep a car.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Zac Hough

Readers can see the full specifications Mitsubishi ASX  HERE 

A full review of the Mitsubishi ASX can be found HERE.

 TO LISTEN TO THE Mitsubishi ASX – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Mitsubishi ASK Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Mitsubishi ASX have a few choices.

These could be.

• Subaru Crosstrek
• Honda HR-V,
• Suzuki Vitara
• GAC EMZOOM
• Chery C5
• Nissan Qashqai
• Kia Seltos
• Hyundai Kona,
• Mazda CX-30
• Toyota Corolla
• Skoda Kamiq
• Peugeot 2008

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 2026 Mitsubishi ASX driven for 2026 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. 

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But step inside, and that’s where the money went. Twin 12.3-inch screens, a head-up display, Harman/Kardon sound, and front seats that heat, cool, and massage. There’s even a cooled box in the back — a genuine little fridge for your drinks.

Underneath sits an 88-kilowatt-hour battery driving all four wheels. That’s 230 kilowatts, 480 newton-metres, and zero to 100 in around 6.3 seconds, with a claimed 470 kilometres of range.

And on the road, it glides. The all-wheel drive adds real grip, yet the ride stays comfortable, even on those big wheels. Smooth, settled, effortless.

Five-star ANCAP. Seven-year warranty. 513-litre boot. From around $76,000 drive-away.

The Kia EV5 GT-Line. The EV5 you’ll enjoy the most, even if it’s not the one that travels the furthest.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Zac Hough

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

You can find the full Kia EV5 GT-Line review  HERE 

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

Kia EV5 GT-Line  – Buyers could also look at:

Mis sized EV SUVs are becoming more available. Buyers  could look at :

• Subaru Solterra
• DEEPAL S07
• Peugeot e-2008
• Nissan Aryia
• Hyundai IONIC 5
• LEAPMOTOR C10
• VW ID4
• IM5
• Toyota BZ4X
• BYD Sealion 7

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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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

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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.

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.

A tidy, upright small SUV that looks like a shrunken C10. Full-width LED light bars, flush door handles, clean surfacing. Nothing gives away how little it costs.

Step inside, and the best bit is overhead. A fixed panoramic glass roof with an electric blind over both rows. Below it, a 14.6-inch touchscreen and perforated seats that punch above the price.

Now the numbers.

• 160 kilowatts,
• 240 newton-metres,
• zero to 100 in 8 seconds.
• The 67 kilowatt-hour battery covers just over 400 kilometres
• and DC charging runs 30 to 80 percent in around 20 minutes.

But here’s the thing. It’s rear-wheel drive, where nearly every rival at this money drives the front wheels. It pushes you along rather than pulling, quiet and settled.

Five-star ANCAP. Six-year warranty. 360-degree camera. And 13.1 kilowatt-hours per hundred k over my week.

From around $40,000 before on-roads.

The Leapmotor B10. The easiest way yet to find out whether an EV suits you.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Zac Hough

Readers can see the full specifications Leapmotor B10 HERE 

A full review of the Leapmotor B10 Design can be found HERE

 TO LISTEN TO THE Leapmotor B10 Design – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Buyers could also look at:

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

• Alfa Romeo Junior
• BYD Atto 3
• Cupra Tavascan
• Peugeot e-2008
• Subaru Uncharted
• Kia EV3

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.

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

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