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

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Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners.

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The post Leapmotor B10 Design driven for 2026 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

It seems like there are new car brands every month coming and in fact over the last three years there have been almost 20 new brands arriving here.

These are.

• Ineos
• Zeekr
• Leapmotor
• Deepal
• Geely
• Xpeng
• Cadillac
• GMC
• GAC,
• Jac
• Jaecoo,
• Lepas
• Omoda,
• Farizon
• Foton,
• Forthing
• Denza and
• IM Motors

And im sure I’ve missed a few.

What does this do to the market here. Well, many of these brands are Chinese. They are supported by head office with subsidies for competitive pricing. We have a fairly consistent market size here. It is growing ever so slightly year by year, but demand is consistent.

However, Economics 101 says that with increased supply and consistent demand there will be casualties. Pricing will start to be affected, this flows to profits. Businesses need profits to survive. There are issues with finding suitable distribution outlets with dealer facing increased pressure and squeezing margins.

They will look to replace some of the poorer legacy brands for the new shiny ones. But that may not end well. Some brands will do almost anything to get themselves in the top ten list. Like bringing in lots of vehicles, registering them and then looking to shift older models as new vehicles.

Its interesting times indeed.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

TO LISTEN TO THE New Car Brand   – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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The post How many new Car Brands have come to Asutralia since 2024. appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Defender Rally made history on its competitive debut at the 2026 Dakar Rally. After 14 days of gruelling competition, the three D7X-Rs finished in first, second and fourth places in the new Stock class, as well as achieving a ‘1,2,3’ result on 10 of the 13 demanding stages

Land Rover  Defender is building a road-legal evolution of its 2026 Dakar Rally-winning race car, representing the pinnacle of durability and performance forged in the heat of competition.

The exclusive limited-run 4×4 is a race-bred evolution of the victorious D7X-R. It brings trailblazing rally-raid capability to the road. A combination of 75 years of off-road innovation and competition-derived design.

Special features include:

• Wider track, increased ride height and rally suspension inspired by the winning D7X-R
• Retains the body architecture, transmission, driveline, and 4.4-litre twin turbo V8 engine of the rally car – all of which is based on Defender OCTA
• Colour options led by signature Dakar Sand and Yanbu Turquoise combination
• Interior features rally-inspired details including unique race seats
• Defender Dakar will be available to reserve from early 2027.

Further technical details and specifications will be revealed at the 2027 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia. And its fair to say there is a lot of interest on the model.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

More details about the Defender Dakar Rally Car can be found HERE

To LISTEN TO  THE Defender Dakar Rally – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 120 radio channels.

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 This 4WD capability comes from the combination of

• A Borg Warner dual range 4WD system,
• Dana Axles and diffs with a Rear diff lock, a
• ZF 8 speed Automatic transmission, and
• All Terrain tyres as standard
• Foton Tunland combines the best of available technology.

For off-road driving, the Tunland V7 offers a useful 28-degree approach angle, allowing it to climb steep embankments and obstacles with less risk of the front bumper making contact. At the rear, its 26-degree departure angle helps when driving down steep slopes or over uneven terrain. The 21-degree ramp-over, or breakover, angle indicates how well the Ute can cross a crest without the centre underside of the vehicle touching the ground.

Ground clearance is a solid 240mm, providing useful space between the underbody and rocks, ruts and other obstacles. The V7 also has a quoted 700mm wading depth, and excellent wheel articulation, further highlighting its off-road credentials.

To put that into perspective the ground clearance is more than most Ford Ranger or Toyota HiLux models.

Also, the Tunland V7 has a larger tub capacity, higher payload and substantially more interior room.

Priced from $42,990 plus the usual costs.  You could buy a Tunland V7 and a camper trailer for the price of a mid-spec Ford Ranger.

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 4WD – 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

• 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.

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This brings up many questions about what the best vehicle is to take to the snow. What should I do before I go, how do I drive in snowy and icy conditions.

Over the years we have done quite a few Motoring Minutes on these topics and here are a few highlights

My first choice of vehicle is without a doubt a Subaru AWD. They are the only true AWD. That is where all four wheels have continual drive sent to them all the time.

The Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is perhaps the best AWD available. Followed closely by Audi’s quattro system.

This would be followed by any model that has full time 4WD like a Land Rover or Toyota Prado.  After that any dual range 4WD that has shift on the fly changes that allows you to drive on bitumen in 4WD high. Then any dual range 4WD model

No matter what vehicle you take, make sure it’s in good condition, get a service done before you go. Extreme cold and icy conditions will quickly find any problems with your car you didn’t know you had.

And don’t forget to fill up with Alpine diesel if that’s your fuel of choice.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about Snow driving tips – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE snow driving tips  – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Quick snow driving tip highlights

• Make sure your car is serviced, and everything is in good order. Extreme cold will find any problems very fast
• Check your tyres. They are all that is providing grip for you when it gets bad
• If needed fill up with Alpine diesel when you get closer to the snow fields. This has a higher freezing temperature.
• If needed use antifreeze in your radiator
• If you need to take snow chains practice with them before you go. The side of the road in freezing conditions isn’t the place to learn
• When in the snow if you can, park facing slightly downhill
• Leave your wipers up when parked
• If you have snow covering your vehicle let your car idle for a while to heat up the windows. NEVER pour hot water on frozen glass.

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Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 120 radio channels. 

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The post Tips for snow driving this winter appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Surrounded by the Remarkables mountain range and located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, the town offers spectacular views in every season.

We just spent 10 days there and visitors can enjoy a wide range of adventures, including bungee jumping, skydiving, jet boating, and skiing during the winter months. For those who prefer a slower pace, there are scenic walks, lake cruises, and relaxing wineries to explore.

A trip to Queenstown is not complete without riding the Skyline Gondola, which provides stunning panoramic views of the town, lake, and surrounding mountains.

Nearby attractions such as Arrowtown offer a glimpse into New Zealand’s gold mining history, while Milford Sound, one of the country’s most famous natural wonders, can be visited on a day trip.

The region is also well known for its excellent restaurants, cafés, and fresh local produce. In fact, Queenstown is a gourmet delight.

Whether you are seeking adventure, relaxation, or beautiful landscapes, Queenstown has something for everyone.

Its friendly atmosphere, world-class attractions, and unforgettable scenery make it an ideal destination for families, couples, and solo travellers.

A tour around Queenstown creates lasting memories and showcases the natural beauty that makes New Zealand famous around the world.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

A full review of the Touring around Queenstown  can be found HERE

 TO LISTEN TO  THE Queenstown NZ   – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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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.

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 Total sales for the first seven months of the year are up 1.6 per cent year on year.

Toyota remained comfortably Australia’s best-selling brand. Followed by BYD, Ford, Kia and Mazda.

The next top five brands are Hyundai, GWM, Chery, Mitsubishi and MG.

SUVs remain the most popular choice of vehicle and Utes are still a buyer favourite.

Toyota RAV 4 was the top selling model followed by two Utes.

Hybrids, PHEVs continue to grow in popularity and pure EVs are having a moment on the sun.

What we are seeing is a shift in buyer choices.

For those that have been around for a while and can remember when Japanese brands first started to be imported, the quality wasn’t the best, they improved. The same with the Korean brands, the original Hyundai excels were terrible, they improved. We are seeing this with the Chinese brands that are making rapid progress in quality.

They are starting to dominate the smaller EV and Hybrid sales. The shift to EVs levels the engineering playing field a touch, where engine tuning becomes irrelevant.

Where the Chinese brands have the real advantage is price. The next five months are going to be very interesting indeed.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

TO LISTEN TO  THE Car Sales YTD July results – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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With the arrival of new models including its first-ever RAV4 plug-in hybrid, an all-electric HiLux and LandCruiser 300 Series performance hybrid.

In addition to the new powertrain offerings in current vehicle lines, it is also expanding its fully-electric SUV range with the bZ4X Touring now on sale alongside the upgraded bZ4X SUV.

Toyota now offers seven different powertrains across its entire Australian range to ensure it continues provide  Australian customers with the right vehicle, with the right powertrain that meets their needs.

The expansion of Toyota’s powertrain choice reflected the diverse needs of Australian motorists and will further drive its target to achieve 30 per cent of its total sales being zero and low-emission vehicles by the end of 2030.

Toyota has firmly been of the belief that there is no “one-size fits all’ when it comes to customer needs.

Along with Honda, Toyota was a pioneer of hybrid technology with the Prius way back in 2001. Toyota hybrid technology is now recognised as world leading as vehicles like the Camry Hybrid demonstrates.

Unlike a few brands that have gone all in on the EV trend and had to pull back again, Toyota has adopted a slowly- slowly approach that hindsight has proven to be prudent.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

TO LISTEN TO  THE Toyota powertrain diversity – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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But the IONIQ 5 has settled into being the sensible, grown-up choice, not the showstopper.

Inside is where it quietly earns its keep. A flat floor, a sliding console, and a three-metre wheelbase, longer than a LandCruiser, mean genuine limousine-grade legroom for the family.

The numbers are honest, not thrilling. An 84 kilowatt-hour battery, 168 kilowatts, 570 kilometres of range, and zero to 100 in a perfectly fine 7.5 seconds. But the clever bit isn’t any single number, it’s how complete it is. The physical buttons are back, it finally has a rear wiper, and there’s simply no flaw left to forgive.

On the road, it’s the ultimate cruiser, ironing out our roads with a planted, luxurious calm. Phenomenally quiet, too.

520-litre boot. Vehicle-to-Load. Five-star ANCAP. Five-year unlimited warranty. Around $84,000 drive-away.

The IONIQ 5. It doesn’t need to be exciting to be easy to recommend.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Zac Hough

Readers can see the full specifications Hyundai IONIQ 5 Elite HERE 

A full review of the Hyundai IONIQ 5 Elite can be found HERE

 TO LISTEN TO THE IONIQ 5 Elite – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

 Hyundai IONIQ 5– Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the IONIQ 5 Elite are in unusual territory. The number of sedans is reducing with many crossover style vehicles moving into the space.

Potential choices could be.

• Deepal SO7
• Kia EV5, 
• Peugeot e-3008
• Suzuki e-Vitara
• Subaru Solterra,
• LeapMotor C10 
• Toyota BZ4X
• Xpeng G6

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Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners.

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