A hybrid Vitara makes a lot of sense. The Vitara Hybrid is powered by Suzuki’s Smart Hybrid system that combines a 1.4L turbo petrol engine and lithium-ion battery with 48V mild hybrid technology.

Improvements in acceleration, fuel efficiency and emission reductions are the result.

There are two versions available The Vitara Turbo Hybrid and the Vitara Turbo Hybrid ALLGRIP

Designed with versatility in mind, the ALLGRIP all-wheel drive system offers drivers enhanced traction and confidence across varying road and weather conditions.

With selectable driving modes including Auto, Sport, Snow and Lock, ALLGRIP allows the Suzuki to adapt to everyday commuting as well as weekend adventures, reinforcing its position as a capable and confidence-inspiring compact SUV.

All models come with an impressive range of safety features and are well equipped.

Pricing for the Vitara hybrid start at $39,990 drive away for the base model and $45,990 drive away for the All Grip model.

This is a clever move by Suzuki as smaller SUVs are becoming more popular making up the largest segment of SUV sales.

Having a hybrid model available allows buyers greater choice.

It sits in a competitive segment that includes vehicles like

• the capable Subaru Crosstrek,
• Honda HRV,
• Toyota Corolla Cross,
• Nissan QASHQAI and
• Kia Seltos.

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Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Suzuki Vitara Hybrid  – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Suzuki Vitara Hybrid  – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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The Palisade is available in one beautifully appointed model, the Calligraphy. You can choose between seven or eight seats, and we tested the seven-seat version with mid-row captain’s chairs.

There’s one petrol hybrid engine option, and it strikes a lovely balance between being powerful enough for family road trips while still remaining economical for everyday mum life.

Inside, the Palisade feels spacious thanks to its long wheelbase and large SUV design. The rear doors open wide, which makes installing a baby seat and putting a sleeping bub in the seat much easier — something every mum will appreciate.

Of course, there are ISOFIX and top tether points for added safety and peace of mind.

There are even pull-up window shades to help protect little ones from the harsh sun.

If you need to sit in the second row, the captain’s chairs mean you’re slightly further away from the other seat, but they’re roomy, comfortable, and supportive — ideal for longer trips.

The third row is surprisingly practical too.

With slide and recline functions, plus heated seats, it doesn’t feel like an afterthought.

It’s clearly designed for regular use, whether that’s older kids, grandparents, or carpooling.

When used as a four-seater, there’s plenty of boot space for prams, nappy bags and all the baby gear that somehow multiplies overnight.

If you’re using all seven or eight seats, luggage space does reduce, but it’s still better than many other large SUVs.

Around town, it can feel big in tight car parks. Otherwise, it’s smooth, quiet, and easy to drive, which is exactly what you want when you’ve finally got a sleeping baby in the back.

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Im Brianna Fraser

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

TO LISTEN TO THE Hyundai Palisade – 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

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The updated MY26 X-TRAIL range boasts design enhancements, advanced technology features, and an increase in service intervals, boosting the appeal that has made it a standout in Australia’s competitive medium SUV segment.

Some of the highlights include:

• refreshed front and rear styling,
• updated 18- and 19-inch wheel designs on select grades,
• enhanced interior materials and finishes, and
• the introduction of Nissan’s Connected Car Services^#(CCS 1.0) technology across the entire range.
• All grades now also offer a 12.3-inch Infotainment Screen and Wireless Apple Car Play^>and Android Auto^> as standard.

• In what will be a cost saving for owners Service intervals increase on both the e-POWER and ICE MY26 X-TRAIL models to 15,000km/12 months (previously 10,000km/12 months).

I’ve been a big fan of the e-power hybrid system. This essentially has the X-Trail driving more like an EV without the hassles of charging as the petrol engine acts as a generator essentially. That’s a simple explanation.

The MY26 X-TRAIL will be available across 5 model grades, with both conventional ICE and e-POWER e-4ORCE variants offered. The range continues to provide five-seat and seven-seat configurations to suit varying family requirements.

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I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Nissan X-Trail – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Nissan X-Trail – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Nissan X-Trail – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers could also look at : Subaru Forester,  Toyota RAV 4 , Honda CRV,  Haval H6, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Peugeot 3008, 

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As such it ticks the boxes for a new mum car.

To be specific we had the CX-90 B 8A G50E AZAMI TAKUMI AWD. This included the optional package with all white leather – perhaps not the best for babies, and captains’ seats in the middle row.

Wide opening doors allowed easy access for placing bub in the baby seat. Installing the baby seat is easy with isofix and top tether points. There is still plenty of room for the front seat passenger. Zoned air conditioning allows drivers to tailor the airflow to the back for more comfort.

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 four or five seat SUV its excellent.

Being the top model Mazda has every luxury, comfort, and safety feature in there that you could ask for. That’s comforting for families.

Next week we will chat about safety and engine choices.

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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

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Pricing ranges from $99,900 through to $156,400 all plus the usual costs

Built on a new EV specific architecture that is shared with Porsche the Q6 heralds a step forward for the brand.

Q6 e-tron offers a choice of drive configurations: from a single motor rear-wheel-drive variant to dual-motor all-wheel drive, with performance-oriented models like the SQ6 e-tron at the top of the range.

All versions use a 94.9 kWh useable battery pack capable of fast DC charging, meaning you can recharge a large percentage of the battery in around 20 – 25 minutes at high-power charging stations.

Range is strong too, with many versions rated over 600 km on the WLTP cycle, helping ease range anxiety. However, like fuel consumption figures real world range often differs. And low 500km is more realistic.

As you would expect the premium interior is driver focused. There is reasonable space thanks to the new platform.

Technology is a focus as well with a departure from the central stacked screens to a large horizontal design. It is practical and well laid out.

Audi are drivers’ cars and the Q6 e-tron displays a combination of quiet, refined electric driving with responsive performance. They will happily potter along but scoot along when asked, especially the SQ6 versions.

Over the next few weeks, we will have a look at some individual models we have tested.

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Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about Audi Q6 HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Audi Q6 e-tron – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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A traditional hybrid like the Toyota Camry uses regenerative braking and its petrol engine to recharge a small battery. The main benefit is convenience: drivers never need to plug in, and fuel efficiency is significantly better than a conventional car.

Hybrids are especially efficient in city driving, where stop-and-go traffic allows frequent energy recovery. They also tend to cost less upfront than plug-in hybrids and require no changes to driving habits. However, their electric-only range is very limited, meaning they still rely heavily on fuel and cannot operate for long without emissions.

In contrast, a plug-in hybrid such as the Mitsubishi Outlander  has a larger battery that can be charged from an external power source. This allows drivers to travel moderate distances—often 50 to 70 km—on electricity alone.

For short daily commutes, a PHEV may use little or no petrol, reducing fuel costs and tailpipe emissions. The downside is higher purchase price, increased vehicle weight, and the need for regular charging access. If not charged consistently, a plug-in hybrid may offer little advantage over a regular hybrid.

Ultimately, hybrids prioritize simplicity and efficiency, while plug-in hybrids offer greater electric capability but require more commitment and infrastructure.

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Im Rob Fraser

Hybrid Electric Vehicles vs Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicles 

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Built on the next-generation e-Subaru Global Platform that supports higher outputs, extended range and AWD capability.

It comes with a 74.7 kWh CATL battery, delivering a driving range of up to 533 kilometres. With 150 kW DC fast-charging, Trailseeker can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in approximately 30 minutes^.

With 280 kW of power the Trailseeker will go from 0-100kmh in 4.4 seconds. That’s relatively quick and places it alongside EVs like the Kia EV6 GT, DEEPAL E07 AWD and Hyundai IONIQ 5 N. Anything sub five seconds for the sprint is enough.

Subaru’s famed AWD capability hasn’t been forgotten. Trailseeker comes with 211mm of ground clearance, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and low centre of gravity.

Trailseeker also comes with a 1500kg braked towing capacity for lifestyle and everyday practicality

With its commanding stance, high-riding confidence and intelligently managed electric performance.  Trailseeker will stand as Subaru’s flagship electric SUV for Australia. Blending genuine adventure-ready capability with an even more refined and exhilarating driving experience.

There are very few genuine adventure ready electric SUV’S and Subaru has two of them

Interested buyers can register now at the SUBARU Website. There are no details on pricing yet so stay tuned for more information.

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Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Subaru Trailseeker – HERE

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The e VITARA will be available in two variants – Motion and Ultra.

Suzuki will equip the Ultra variant with an electric 4WD system “ALLGRIP-e,” which provides not only off-road capability but also powerful performance. The e VITARA builds on Suzuki’s newly developed HEARTECT-e platform, designed specifically for battery electric vehicles.

They offer battery capacity configurations of either 49kWh 2WD (motion) with 106kW of power or 61kWh 4WD with ALLGRIP-e (Ultra) with 135 kW available. The Ultra also has 114Nm of additional torque available.

Available with the Ultra variant, ALLGRIP-e is Suzuki’s newly developed electric four-wheel drive system, utilising separate front and rear electric motors for precise torque control. The rear eAxle also helps boost traction when required in slippery conditions.

The e VITARA supports both AC and DC charging, with fast-charging capability enabling convenient top-ups and reduced charging times.

e VITARA offers a Heat Pump as standard equipment across the range which plays a key role in optimising battery performance, driving range and charging efficiency in varying temperatures.

Pricing will be released closer to launch dates.

Suzuki Vitara has undergone many design and functional changes over the years. From a compact true dual range 4WD through to a soft urban SU, and now an all-electric SUV.

I have owned tow Vitara’s in the past. A soft top and a hard top version. Needless to say, they were the true 4WD versions.

It will be interesting to see how this all electric version stacks up

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find full details of the Suzuki e-Vitara HERE  

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Electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) both reduce fuel use, but they differ significantly in benefits and challenges.

A fully electric vehicle such as the Kia EV5 runs entirely on battery power. Its main advantage is zero tailpipe emissions, which helps reduce localised air pollution. EVs can be cheaper to operate because electricity may cost less than petrol, and they have fewer moving parts, leading to lower maintenance needs. However, they are significantly more expensive to buy.

They also provide smooth, quiet performance and instant torque. However, EVs can have limited driving range compared to petrol or diesel vehicles, and long-distance travel depends on access to charging infrastructure. Charging times can also be longer than refuelling a gas tank, which may be inconvenient for some drivers.

In contrast, a plug-in hybrid like the Haval H6 GT combines a battery-powered motor with a petrol engine. This setup allows drivers to travel short distances on electricity alone while relying on fuel for longer trips. The main benefit is flexibility: there is no “range anxiety” because the petrol engine provides backup.

PHEVs can be ideal for commuters who drive short distances daily but occasionally travel far. On the downside, You have to charge them for maximum efficiency, they still produce localised driving emissions when using petrol  and require maintenance for both the electric system and the internal combustion engine. They are also often more complex mechanically.

Overall, EVs maximize localised environmental benefits, while PHEVs balance electric efficiency with petrol -powered convenience.

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Im Rob Fraser

Battery Electric Vehicles vs Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicles 

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