This five seat 4WD retains all the robust qualities that define a true rugged 4WD.

• Body on ladder frame chassis
• Coil front and leaf spring rear live axle suspension.
• Front and read diff locks.
• Excellent approach, rampover and departure angles and more

There are some concession to modernising the beast.

Increased safety features, a central touch screen, small though it is. Reverse camera, LED headlights and a few more.

Yet even with these there is no denying its roots.

It’s a basic workhorse designed to take owners far from the main roads to where few vehicles dare to go.

Gone is the V8 engine, in its place is a modified 4 cylinder turbo diesel engine with 1650kW of power and 500Nm of torque.

The model I drove was one of the recent manual versions. It comes with a solid 5 speed MT. There are two things to note. One is that it’s better than similar older version but could do with a sixth gear.

The Second is that with a dodgy hip, my days of driving a manual may well be behind me.

Its also ridiculously expensive at around $77,800 plus the usual costs. Yet despite all its faults I love the fact that this vehicle still exists.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Previous Motoring Minute LC 70 Series Reviews

• Toyota LC79 Work Mate Single Cab Chassis Ute 2025 review
• Toyota LC79 Workmate Single Cab Chassis 4WD Ute driven
• Toyota LC79 GXL Dual Cab 4WD Ute driven for 2025
• Toyota LC79 Dual Cab GXL Ute 2024 Review
• Toyota LandCruiser LC79 Series Ute reasons not to buy
• We drive the 2024 Toyota LC70 series at the launch.

Full specifications can be found HERE.

Readers can find more details about the LC 76 GXL – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE LC 76 GXL Wagon – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Toyota LC 76 GXL – Buyers could also look at:

Competition in true 4WD wagon segment is tight .

The LC 76 GXL has competition with:

• INEOS Grenadier
• JEEP Wrangler Rubicon
• Nissan Patrol Warrior

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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I do like the design, one that has evolved over the years. Inside the first impression is spaciousness.

It’s also well-equipped along with option packs that add even more features.

The front seats are especially comfortable and supportive.

Driver ergonomics are excellent.

Rear seats have plenty of knee, leg and shoulder room. Boot space again is large, capable of swallowing a family’s luggage.

The key point is the PHEV powertrain.

The Škoda Kodiaq Select PHEV delivers 150kW of power and 350Nm of torque. From its combination of a 1.5 TSI engine and 85kW/330Nm electric motor.

The combination drives the front wheels through a 6 Sp DSG transmission. While it zippy it’s not a sports SUV with 0-100km/h in 8.4 seconds.

The claimed EV only range is 112km. But we didn’t see anything over 100km.

Customers can select E-mode electric drive or hybrid drive options in the vehicle touchscreen, with a choice of low, high or automatic brake energy recuperation.

Additionally, there are two battery power usage methods – automatic, with engine recharging and manual that waits until the vehicle is plugged in.

Pricing from $63,490 plus the usual costs is quite reasonable.

Overall, the Kodiaq PHEV offers the benefits of EV only driving without the range anxiety.

This is a Motoring Minute’

Im Rob Fraser

Skoda Kodiaq Select PHEV Motoring Minute Video Review

Readers can find more details about the Kodiaq Select PHEV – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Kodiaq Select PHEV – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Kodiaq Select PHEV – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Kodiaq Select PHEV are in an unusual segment. There are a few to choose from.

Better potential choices could be Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Kia Sorento PHEV, Peugeot 408 PHEV, Jaecoo J7 PHEV

HEV alternatives could include: Mazda CX-70, Mazda CX-60, Kia Sorento, Toyota Kluger, Peugeot 5008 GT Hybrid,

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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At its heart, the RS3 is a performance car. It will go from 0-100kmh in 3.8 seconds. That’s quick. However, the quattro system ensures that the driver is in control at all times.

Performance comes from a 294kW 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that also produces  500Nm of torque from. This drives through a seven speed S Tronic transmission.

Top speed is limited to 250 km/h which is mostly irrelevant in Australia.

Additional performance features include.

• Audi drive select.
• a torque splitter rear differential,
• special adaptive-damping suspension,
• semi-slick Pirelli P Zero tyres and
• huge red brake calipers.

Along with its stunning performance, comfort hasn’t been ignored.

Inside the front sports seats are heated and ventilated. They have multiple electronic adjustments as well as a handy massage function. The 12.3 inch virtual Audi cockpit allows recording of lap times, sprints, and ‘g’ forces.

If the delicious engine sounds isn’t enough there is also a SONOS 3D premium sound system with 15 high-performance loudspeakers

The real appeal of the Audi RS3 Sportback is in how easy it is to live with every day. Priced from around $109,000 plus the usual costs it’s also a performance bargain.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Other Audi RS3 Motoring Minure Reviews

• Audi RS3 Sportback driven for 2026
• Audi RS3 Sedan and Sportback updated for 2025.
• Audi Sport Drive day Philip Island Grand Prix Circuit

Readers can find more details about the RS3 Sportback – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Audi RS3 Sportback – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Audi RS3 Sportback – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the RS3 Sportback are in unusual territory. It’s a premium sports hatch.

They could look at :  Toyota Supra GT, Ford Mustang GT, Mercedes Benz AMG GLA35 .

EV’s could possibly come into the decision process. DEEPAL E07 AWD, Kia EV6 GT, Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, Mustang Mach e ,

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.

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For the YTD EV sales are around 13% of sales. I still believe that at year end they will be 9-10%

This surge is driven by three factors.

• Higher petrol pricing simply because successive Australian governments have failed to secure adequate supplies of local refined fuel.
• Continued government incentives for EV purchases with the electric car discount
• The ridiculous NVES legislation starting to penalise and affect manufacturers.

All three of these factors show extremely poor government policy, that ultimately you and I, the taxpayers will pay for.

Currently there are around 110 EV models available for sale. With more brands and models joining almost every month.

The problem with increased EV sales is everything that revolves around that.

Yes, EV have zero localised driving emissions. However, to produce them they are worse that normal vehicles.

Also increased EVs mean more charging infrastructure is needed, and Australia is lagging in that respect. Our vast distances will always be a problem. Inner city is a different issue.

On top of that charging cars consumes electricity at a rate that is frightening.

Given the increasing reliance of wind and solar power, Australia is incapable of meeting that demand.

As usual successive governments have proven to be short sighted in their policy making and again we the taxpayer will be affected.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

 Readers can find more details about the Car Sales  – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Car Sales  – 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 EV Sales surge in April 2026, but will it last appeared first on Motoring Minute.

As you’d expect, the Santa Fe has a five-star ANCAP safety rating, which is reassuring straight away. But it’s the everyday safety features that really stood out to me.

For starters, there are front and side curtain airbags that extend right through to the second row, helping keep bub nicely protected.

The driver display is clear and easy to read, and the controls for the main screen are simple to use without taking your eyes off the road—something you really notice when you’ve got precious cargo on board.

Parking is also much less stressful thanks to the sensors and the surround-view camera, which is a lifesaver in tight car parks (especially when you’re juggling kids and distractions).

One feature I really love is the blind spot monitor, which shows up right in the driver’s display when you indicate—super handy for lane changes. There’s also a warning if you go to open the door and a car is coming, which is such a thoughtful touch when you’ve got little ones in the back.

I also appreciate that things like the headlights, high beams, and even the wipers are automatic. It’s one less thing to think about, so you can stay focused on driving safely.

And honestly, part of safety as a mum is just having enough space to store everything properly. The boot space in the Santa Fe is fantastic when you’re using it as a five-seater. That boxy shape really comes in handy—there’s plenty of room for the pram, nappy bags, groceries, and all the extras. The tailgate opens nice and high too, so no bumped heads (even my husband fits comfortably underneath!). Packing up for the day felt really easy.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Brianna Fraser

Hyundai Santa Fe – Baby duties week 1

Readers can see the full specifications HERE 

Readers can find more details about the Hyundai Santa Fe – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Hyundai Santa Fe – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Hyundai Santa Fe – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Hyundai Santa Fe are in a crowded segment. There is a LOT to choose from.

Better potential choices could be Mazda CX-90, Mazda CX-80, Kia Sorento, Toyota Kluger, Peugeot 5008 GT Hybrid, Nissan Pathfinder

Some more left field choices could be Subaru Outback, KGM Rexton, GWM Tank 500 HEV,

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.

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Ignoring heavy commercial vehicles there were 91,463 vehicles delivered in April.

Of these Petrol remains the dominant fuel choice followed by diesel then hybrids and PHEVs. Then EVs. However, they accounted for around 17% of sales for April, which is about double what was expected.

SUVs continue their surge in  popularity with 8 of the top ten models. The other two were Utes.

Toyota remains the dominant brand with slightly under 16% but that is down from 20% last year.

They are followed by Mazda, Kia, Ford and BYD. The next top five brands are Hyundai, GWM, Mitsubishi, Chery and MG.

Going back even five years, few would have picked that brand makeup.

It seems that almost every month there is a new Chinese brand making its debut in Australia. With them they bring even more EVs, hybrid and PHEVs.

We seem to be the testing ground for models at times. Or some would say the dumping ground.

However, my now long forgotten economics degree tells me that when you increase supply and demand remains fairly constant, something has to happen. That will either be better pricing, some established brands disappearing. Ot even worse some new brands are here today and gone tomorrow.

There are interesting times ahead.

This is a motoring Minute.

Im Rob Fraser

 Readers can find more details about the Car Sales  – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Car Sales  – 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. 

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The D-Max Blade is aimed at more adventurous buyers that like to explore far from  normal roads.

I’ve had one for a few weeks now and like all D-Max  Utes it does everything I ask of it without fuss. It’s so easy to live with every day.

Blade specific additions include:

• a 29mm lift, courtesy of new 35mm MTV twin-tube suspension tuned for local conditions.
• Larger wheel and tyre package of 275/65R17 Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT all-terrain
• 0mm steel bash plate, with integrated, rated, dual recovery points
• Integrated 112-Watt lightbar,
• Side steps and tub sports bar
• Lots of Blade bling
• And more.

Overall, the D-Max Blade looks pretty cool. Especially with the range of colours available.

It comes with the standard engine and transmission combination, which is good, but more power and torque would have been appreciated.

Cruising on the motorway, the Blade drives better than you would expect with less tyre noise and better steering response.

On dirt roads it simply goes about its business without fuss. On sand it excels.

The suspension is compliant and responsive.

The integrated nature of the addition’s shines. That’s what makes it worthwhile.

Pricing is from $80,900 its expensive but comparable to doing everything yourself.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Previous Motoring Minute Reviews

• Isuzu D-Max Blade revisited 2025
• We drive the Isuzu D-Max Blade for 2025
• Isuzu D-Max Blade 4WD Ute first drive

Readers can find more details about the D-Max BLADE – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE D-Max BLADE – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

D-Max BLADE – Buyers could also look at:

Competition in 4WD Recreational Ute segment is tight .

The D-MAX BLADE has strong competition with:

• Nissan Navara PRO 4X Warrior 
• Toyota HiLux Rogue
• Mazda BT-50 SP
• Ford Ranger Tremor 

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 D-Max Blade 4WD Ute driven for 2026. appeared first on Motoring Minute.

This is a special edition, limited to 1000 vehicles.

Key highlights for the Wildtrak include :

• 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel engine
• Full-time 4WD
• Gloss black ‘H-Bar’ front bumper.
• Gloss black grille bar accented by signature Ignite Orange “nostrils.”
• Matrix LED headlamps with auto-levelling and dynamic bending
• Power-folding third row
• Signature Ignite Orange accents and
• 20-inch alloy wheels, finished in black with Ignite Orange inserts, wrapped in all-season tyres.
• Leather-accented¹seats featuring WILDTRAK lettering and contrast Ignite Orange stitching.
• A panoramic roof with a power blind and
• ambient interior lighting as standard.

Buyers can also choose from three options.

• Prestige Paint: $750
• Premium Towing Pack: $2,500
• 18-inch Alloy Wheels with All-Terrain Tyres: No Cost Option (NCO)

Ford says the Everest Wildtrak is for “ customers seeking an adventurous road presence without compromising on capability or technology.”

I do have to say the Wildtrak does look good. It certainly stands out.

Production for the Everest Wildtrak commences in May and orders can now be placed on the Ford website.

Pricing is from $79,990 plus the usual costs. I guess it all depends on how much value buyers place on visual aspects of their vehicles. My guess is that the special edition will be sold out quickly.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Everest Wildtrak – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Ford Everest Wildtrak – 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. 

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Here are my top three reasons why im such a big fan of the D-Max X-Terrain

First, it looks good. Especially in the Sunstone Orange colour I had. That contrasting with black grill, side steps, sports bar and tub roller cover really stands out. The matte grey 18 inch alloys also add to the appeal.

Second is the practical performance capability. The 3.0L turbo diesel engine is reliable, robust and will last for hundreds of thousands of kilometres. With 140 kW of power and 450 Nm of torque, it’s under stressed. This torque comes in from a low 1600 rpm.

This is combined with the 6sp Automatic transmission, 3500 kg tow rating and select on the go 4WD system.

There are more powerful Utes available, but the Isuzu 3.0L allows for easy driving no matter what the situation.

Third is the standard safety features. The D-Max was the first with a comprehensive suite of safety features across the range. They are still class leading.

Over the years I driven the D-Max X-Terrain in almost every situation you could think of. And every time the overall impression was that it’s so easy to live with and does everything without fuss.

Yes, the Isuzu D-Max is a favourite Ute of mine, especially in the X-Terrain specification.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the D-Max X-Terrain – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE D-Max X-Terrain – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

D-Max X-Terrain – Buyers could also look at:

Competition in 4WD Recreational Ute segment is tight .

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

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 Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain 4WD Dual Cab Ute driven for 2026. appeared first on Motoring Minute.