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.

Unlike many others the 10 Deserts Edition strikes a subtle exterior. About the only nod is the label on the side panel.

Limited to 300 vehicles, the 10 deserts edition boasts a number of practical enhancements such as:

• Amarok 40mm lift kit.
• 275mm ground clearance
• Upgraded underbody protection.
• Continental Cross Contact ATR tyres
• Exclusive Satin Black 17” alloy wheels
• Black Sports bar and Soft tonneau cover.
• 10 Deserts Edition decal
• ‘Diamond’ embossed fabric seat package
• Amarok branded all-weather floor mats.

Powered by a 2.0 litre Bi-Turbo diesel engine, which provides 154kW of power and 500Nm of torque.

This drives all four wheels through a part time shift on the fly 4Motion system and a 10 speed Sports Automatic transmission.

The combination works well and you never seem to be in the wrong gear or wanting more performance.

I took the Amarok on both suburban and motorway driving, some dirt tracks and on the beach. It seemed to take all in its stride without fuss.

The steering is slightly heavy weighted but with good return to centre which I like, It feels more controlled. Suspension soaked up almost every bump and pothole.

Im not sure how many are left but it’s definitely worth a look as VW is now pricing them at around $60,000 driveaway and that’s outstanding value.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find all the specifications HERE.

Readers can find more details about the Amarok 10 Deserts  – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Amarok 10 Deserts – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Amarok 10 Deserts Special Edition – Buyers could also look at:

The Amarok 10 Deserts Special Edition has strong competition with:

• Isuzu D-Max Blade $80,990 *MLP
• Toyota HiLux Rogue $71,990 *MLP
• Mazda BT-50 SP $73,490 *MLP
• Mitsubishi Triton Raider $74,990 *MLP
• Nissan Navara Pro 4X Warrior $71,643 *MLP (old model)
• Ford Ranger Tremor $75,090 *MLP

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)

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 Volkswagen Amarok 10 Deserts Special Edition review 2026 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Based on the top model GSR the Triton Raider adds both functional and cosmetic appeal.

This is achieved by implementing a unique front and rear suspension damper package.

With the front damper utilising an internal rebound spring to maximise suspension control, was developed for Raider. A front spring and bump stop was also deployed.

There is also an upgraded frontal bash plate that is laser cut with Raider wording.

Premcar engineering team selected the Bridgestone AT002 all-terrain tyres, matched to a heavier-duty ROH ‘Assault’ 18-inch alloy wheel. These wheels are finished in a distinctive Brushed Bronze with specific ‘Raider’ hub caps.

Overall front clearance has increased by 25 mm from the combination suspension and wheel and tyres. The rear sees a 15mm lift from the wheels and tyres.

Overall wheel track has also widened by 20mm front and back.

The YAMAHA Performance Damper system which debuted in the 26MY Triton GSR is retained. This horizontally-mounted damper connects to the chassis to further enhance NVH performance.

There are some other cosmetic exterior additions to enhance the appeal.

Inside, the Triton Raider enjoys all the key equipment found in the top-spec GSR.

The black leather seats feature orange stitching, with the addition of Raider branded front headrests and a further Raider badge fitted to the centre console.

Available by mid-June in dealer showrooms, the Triton Raider will be priced from $74,990 plus the usual costs.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Triton Raider – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Triton Raider – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Mitsubishi Triton Raider – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Triton Raider  are in an unusual segment. There are  few to choose from.

• Isuzu D-Max Blade $80,900*
• Nissan Navara PRO 4X Warrior $70,765* (old model)
• Toyota HiLux Rogue $71,990*
• Mazda BT-50 SP $73,490*
• Ford Ranger Tremor $75,090*
• Remember to ask the dealer as special pricing can appear from time to time.

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges). Pricing is from Redbook as at date of article or from the manufacturer’s website.

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 150 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 Mitsubishi Triton Raider 4WD Ute pricing announced. appeared first on Motoring Minute.

A few brands even as far as to state that in a few years they would be EV only. Others like Jaguar committed brand suicide by immediately stopping production of normal engines cars and going all in on EVs.

Well global EV demand has plateaued. Many brands are now saying they will keep going with normal Internal Combustion engines, alongside EVs. After losing billions of dollars in sunk costs.

In amongst all this sat Toyota. The largest car brand in the world. They openly stated that there approach will be to continue with hybrids and ICE cars  and cautiously approach EVs.

They were openly criticised for it. Many journalists, yes even many of my colleagues in Australia, questioned their sanity. A few mentioned that they would fall because of it.

Fast forward to today and Toyota’s decision appears as one of the smartest corporate moves ever.

They stated that the future shouldn’t be EVs only, that buyers should have a choice of car that suits their needs. And that Hybrid’s have more benefit for the global environment than EV’s do.

Their hybrid sales are  continuing to grow. They have a small but competent stable of EVs that have shared development costs. And their ICE vehicles are still in demand.

Toyota sat back and watched and are still in the lead.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

TO LISTEN TO THE Toyota was right – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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 Toyota was right – Global EV demand is tanking 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.

Under the hood lies a perky 1.2-litre turbo petrol paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The 107 kilowatts, 230 newton-metres, and a 4.1 litres per hundred k fuel average makes this remarkable for a non-plug-in hybrid.

But here’s the thing — it drives like an Alfa. Weighted steering, an alert chassis, and three DNA drive modes that actually change how the car feels. Running in Dynamic mode makes the junior come alive.

Five-year unlimited warranty. Wireless CarPlay. Hands-free tailgate. From around $51,000 drive-away.

The Junior Ibrida isn’t just a light SUV. It’s a unique car feel with a distinct feel in an increasing bland market.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Zac Hough

Readers can find all the specifications for the Alfa Romeo Junior HERE

Readers can find more details about the Junior Ibrida – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Junior Ibrida – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Junior Ibrida are looking in the micro car segment. It’s an odd place with a true mix of engine choices. Petrol hybrid and BEV.

Potential choices for buyers could be Jeep Avenger, Kia Stonic, Fiat 500e, Hyundai Venue, MG S5, BYD Atto 2, Toyota Yaris Cross hybrid, VW T-Cross, Mazda CX-3, Nissan Juke

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 Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida. Small SUV. Big attitude. appeared first on Motoring Minute.

It’s well known that their target was 20,000 sales in a full year. But  YTD end April 2026 they have sold 1658 Utes. Ute buyers are very parochial.

At the first reveal and later at the launch I thought three things

1. It’s a bit expensive for new model. In some cases, by up to $10,000 I felt
2. It doesn’t have an engine that excites. There is nothing wrong with what it has, but they needed something different at launch to grab people’s attention and
3. It is ugly. There is no getting away from that. I don’t mind it as its different, but it turns buyers off more than anything else.

So now after 12 months of sales failing to meet expectations, Kia is looking to bring forward updates.

There is much speculation as to what these are, but only time will provide confirmation.

It’s also well-known im a big fan of the Tasman.

• It has SUV like on road ride and handling,
• With an interior far superior to almost every other Ute available.
• It’s capable off road and in the heavy duty stuff as well.

Whatever Kia has up its sleeve for the updates, lets hope they get it right this time.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Kia Tasman  – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Kia Tasman – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Kia Tasman X-Pro – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Tasman X-Pro could look at : Isuzu D-Max Blade, Ford Ranger Tremor, Toyota HiLux Rogue, Nissan Navara Pro 4-X Warrior, Mazda BT-50 SP, Mitsubishi Triton GSR.

Other Kia Tasman Motoring Minute Segments

• Kia Tasman X-Pro 4WD Ute driven for 2026 review
• X-Pro Kia Tasman first drive 2025
• Kia Tasman – addressing the negative comments
• Pricing confirmed Kia Tasman Ute
• Kia Tasman – Best of 2024
• Revealed in all its design glory – Kia Tasman
• Kia Tasman 4WD Ute – what we know so far

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 Can Kia improve Tasman Ute sales or is it destined to be an also ran appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Powered by the i-FORCE  MAX twin-turbo V6 performance hybrid powertrain. This provides a maximum combined output of 341kW of power and 790Nm of torque.

The new performance hybrid delivers 114kW more power and 90Nm more torque than the LandCruiser 300 series 3.3-litre V6 turbo-diesel, making it the most powerful LandCruiser ever.

To put this in perspective that’s slightly more than the Tundra Pickup Truck.

Toyota’s performance hybrid system is a parallel hybrid system that combines a V6 petrol engine with a single electric motor-generator, placed between the engine and ten-speed automatic transmission.

With two power sources that can operate in tandem or individually, the performance hybrid system is able to deliver powerful, responsive and linear acceleration, high-speed cruising, and the strong torque needed under heavy load or when towing.

Other features for the GR Sport include:

• Electric power steering
• an upgraded 200V/1500W rear auxiliary power socket
• a 40/20/40-split rear seat back
• Fully lockable front and rear differentials
• and electronically-controlled E-KDSS suspension

I wonder if Toyota could fit this hybrid engine to the HiLux GR Sport. Now that would be something to see and put an end to Ranger Rator dominance in that segment.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the LandCruiser 300 GR Sport – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE LandCruiser 300 GR Sport – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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 Toyota LandCruiser 300 GR Sport quick details appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Step inside and prepare to be confused — in the best possible way. The completely flat floor, tall roofline, and clever packaging make it feel like a Tardis. Two rear passengers get genuine six-foot legroom. In a car under four metres long.

Dual 10.25-inch screens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and — remarkably — full Vehicle-to-Load capability. You can power household appliances straight from the car.

In the city? It’s an absolute joy. Just 1,305 kilograms, a 10.6-metre turning circle, and go-kart agility. Parking spaces that defeat other drivers? Not a problem.

327 kilometres of WLTP range. Ten-to-eighty percent in around 30 minutes. Five-year unlimited warranty. Lifetime roadside assistance.

All from around $36,000 drive-away.­

The Hyundai Inster. Proof that going electric doesn’t have to mean going big.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Zac Hough

Readers can find all the specifications for the Hyundai Inster HERE

Readers can find more details about the Hyundai Inster – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Hyundai Inster – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Hyundai Inster – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Hyundai Inster are looking in the micro car segment. It’s an odd place with a true mix of engine choices. Petrol hybrid and BEV.

Potential choices could be Alfa Romeo Junior, Jeep Avenger, Kia Stonic, Fiat 500e, MG S5, BYD Atto 2

Some more left field choices could be Toyota Yaris Cross hybrid, VW T-Cross, Mazda CX-3, Nissan Juke

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 Hyundai Inster. Tiny car. Massive surprise. appeared first on Motoring Minute.