I recently drove the dual cab HiLux Workmate version. This comes in a single cab tray back as well as dual cab trayback and pickup style. I drove the pickup model.

The main difference is the redesigned grill and bonnet. It has divided opinions, but I like it.

Inside the new model benefits from:

• a 12.3-inch touchscreen,
• wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability,
• DAB+ digital radio.
• embedded satellite navigation and voice commands.

Further technology upgrades for WorkMate include:

• a new 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster,
• two USB-C ports,
• a 12V accessory port and two-speaker audio system

Toyota has also improved the standard safety features across the range. So, the WorkMate gets a boost there as well.

Powered by a 2.8L turbo diesel engine and 6 Sp AT. This provides a healthy 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque from 1600 rpm.

This is a substantial improvement over the previous model and is class leading for work Utes.

One feature that is appreciated is the tailgate dampers to assist with opening and closing.

There is still the issue of having no lower tie points in the tub like many brands.

Pricing for the HiLux WorkMate Pickup is from $53,990 plus the usual costs, which for a work Ute is a little expensive.

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Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Hilux WorkMate  – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Hilux WorkMate – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Toyota Hilux WorkMate – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the  Hilux WorkMate  are in good company. There is a LOT to choose from.

Potential choices could be Mazda BT-50 ,  KGM Musso, FOTON Tunland, GWM Cannon, Mitsubishi Triton GLX, Nissan Navara SL,

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All designed to meet the draconian NVES rules imposed on manufacturers.

Available in a limited range of models both 2wd AND 4wd, I recently drove the 4WD X-Rider version.

This model sits somewhere in the middle of the range.

The main difference is the engine. With 120kW and 400Nm from 1600 – 2400 rpm its certainly less than buyers are used to.

It does come with an eight speed sports AT which helps cover for the loss of performance.

Isuzu also claim better fuel economy but its less than 1 l/100km and in real world situations that would probably be negated by working the engine harder.

Aart from slightly less kerb weight which means marginally more payload. The 2.2L and 3.0L Utes have the same GCM and towing ratings.

So, the question remains – Why would someone buy the 2.2L over the 3.0L version D-Max.

Well price is one reason. It’s about $2,000 cheaper before the usual costs.

CO2 emissions may be another. However, the difference is marginal at best.

So, my answer is that I really cant see any real reason why. For me I would take the 3.0L versions every time.

They have proved themselves to be robust, reliable long life engines.

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Im Rob Fraser

Readers can see the full specifications HERE. 

Readers can find more details about the D-MAX X-RIDER 2.2L  – HERE.

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D-MAX X-RIDER 2.2L – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the  Isuzu D-MAX X-RIDER 2.2L are in a crowded segment. There is a LOT to choose from.

Potential choices could be Mazda BT-50 2.2L,  KGM Musso, FOTON Tunland, GWM Cannon,

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I am a big fan of the liftback design. Audi builds some beautiful cars and the S5 is amongst them.

The metallic Daytona grey colour combined with 20 inch sports alloy wheels, low profile performance tyres and red brake calipers looks awesome.

Inside contrasting arras red leather seats with grey trim sets a premium ambience.

Front seats are supportive and comfortable I appreciate the heating and massage functionality. Perfect for my aging back.

The new dash and instrument layout is different. It works well and having controls for the air-conditioning visible at all times is welcomed.

Im not a fan of the new push button controls on the steering wheel though. They aren’t as direct as the previous design.

Performance comes from a sublime straight six mild hybrid TFSI petrol engine. That’s a mouthful. This provides 270kW of power and 550 Nm of torque. Driving all four wheels through a 7 speed S Tronic transmission and Audis brilliant quattro drove system.

It will go from 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds yet remain placid around town and economical.

Priced from around $115,000 plus the usual costs it’s a performance bargain. And as I mentioned, one of my all-time favourite cars,

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Im Rob Fraser

Readers can see the full specifications HERE 

Readers can find more details about the Audi S5 Sedan – HERE

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Audi S5 Sedan  – Buyers could also look at:

Unfortunately, premium sedans are becoming less available.

Buyers of the Audi S5 Sedan could look at : Genesis G70, BMW 3 series, Peugeot 408 GT, Lexus ES.

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Aimed almost purely at mine sites, councils and other corporate buyers. I really don’t see many private buyers lining up.

The reason is that many businesses are looking to tick boxes for reduced tailpipe emissions.

Development work done in mine sites across Australia, reinforces this thought.

Due for release in May, there are two dual cab models available. The SR with a tray back and pickup versions and the SR5 with a Pickup style.

HiLux BEV is underpinned by a 59.2kWh lithium-ion battery and dual-motor all-wheel-drive system.

Combined system output for the HiLux BEV is 144kW, with torque distribution variably controlled between the front and rear axles during on-road driving to provide high-traction full-time AWD.

Driving range for the pick-up grades is rated at 315km on the NEDC cycle, while the SR cab-chassis is rated at 245km. Real world range will differ obviously.

Toyota has upgraded the suspension to accommodate the extra weight of the battery.

Towing is rated at 2000kg.

For off-roading, Toyota’s sophisticated Multi-Terrain Select traction control system offers six different drive modes to suit the conditions underfoot.

Pricing is from $74.990 through to $82.990 plus the usual costs.

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I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the HiLux BEV – HERE

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It’s quiet easy to work out the road rules for scooters. There are none. In Thailand , as in most Asian countries, they simply go where they want to.

It’s nothing to see scooters running against the traffic, cutting across roads, weaving in and out of traffic and just doing their own thing. But the interesting observation is that no one seems to mind. There is a level of simple acceptance and patience that Australia could benefit from adopting.

The other thing that was noticeable was the diverse uses that scooters have. From young teens riding to school, families of three to four sitting happily. Young children learn a sense of balance early in life.

Also, there were side cars, not as you would expect, but a cage style that carried everything from moving house, to cooking stalls to entire families.

The scooter culture in Asian countries seems different to European cities. There is its chaotic, and almost overwhelming. In Asian countries it seems natural.

Another observation is that there are no electric bicycles. That’s probably because as mentioned before young teens simply ride scooters. Also, unlike Australia where teens in electric bukes cause traffic issues darting in and out of traffic and riding in groups, in Thailand everyone is simply going about their daily life.

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Im Rob Fraser

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With its larger 25.9 kilowatt-hour battery, you can commute up to 100 kilometres on pure electric power, while Audi’s legendary quattro all-wheel drive ensures precision in every corner.

Step inside the “Digital Stage.” A stunning, curved OLED panoramic display wraps around the driver, featuring a 14.5-inch touchscreen and the iconic Audi Virtual Cockpit.

From the sustainable, high-end cabin materials to the world-first panoramic sunroof with switchable transparency, every detail is engineered for luxury and innovation.

The 2026 Audi A5. It’s a bold new chapter for the brand, and the new benchmark for the performance hybrid.

Readers can see the full specifications HERE 

Readers can find more details about the Audi A5 e-hybrid – HERE.

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Audi A5 e-hybrid – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Audi A5 e-hybrid are in unusual territory. The number of sedans is reducing with many crossover style vehicles moving into the space.

Potential choices could be Toyota Camry SL Hybrid, Peugeot 408 GT Hybrid, Genesis G70, Lexus ES, Alfa Romeo Giulia,

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Most of the time was spent on the Thailand Laos border town and while busy it was also relaxed.

It took me a few days to realise that there may be some road rules, but few drivers seem to know them.

Also, there aren’t any delivery vans here. So, the ubiquitous Ute has broadened its appeal.

They all seem to have an attached cage that either is roof height or much higher. This keeps the loads somewhat restrained.

Also, They have a unique cover that converts the Ute to a small delivery truck.

Most Utes are the space cab style. I would say 80% that I saw.

There are few single cab Utes and more dual cab Utes.

Like many similar countries, I also saw some loads that made me wonder just how they didn’t tip over. Im talking 2-3 metres above the cabin height all tied down with ropes.

And of course, there were workers everywhere and even families riding in the back either on top of the loads or in the tubs.

Yes, it’s a little different to Australia.

What was interesting is the models available. Toyota have a work Ute called the HiLux Champ. It’s a different looking Ute that was everywhere. And given that it’s missing all but the most basic safety features, I can see it coming here anytime soon.

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Im Rob Fraser

TO LISTEN TO THE Driving in thailand  – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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Overall, 108,103 vehicle sales were recorded in March 2026, which is slightly lower than last year.

Petrol remained the dominant fuel choice followed by diesel. Hybrid and PHEV sales continue to grow. Electric vehicle sales almost doubled in March compared to last year. YTD they are around  10% of sales.

The surge can be attributed to changes to a review of the FBT rules and surging petrol prices. However I feel that many buyers will have buyer regret down the track for reacting to short term influences.

SUVs continue their seemingly unstoppable growth followed by LCV which includes Utes and delivery vans.

Passenger car sales continue to decline, but there may be hope yet with a umber of manufacturers introducing new models into the segment.

Of the top ten models sold in March 3 were Utes, and the rest were SUVs.

Toyota remains the dominant brand with double the sales of number two brand Mazda, However they are 20% down on last year.

Kia, Ford and Hyundai make up the top five brands.

The next five are BYD, GWM, Mitsubishi, Chery and MG

This brand mix would be unthinkable even three years ago.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the New Car Sales  – HERE

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Mazda CX-90 comes in a choice of three models. The Touring, GT and Azami On top of that there are two option packs which have either tan or white leather interiors.

Each model comes with a choice of a 3.3 litre straight six petrol or diesel engine that has mild hybrid technology.

All come with the same 8 speed automatic transmission and all wheel drive for when roads get wet or slippery.

I’ve driven both the petrol and diesel engines. Both have plenty of performance. The diesel is more economical and perhaps better suited for those that take longer drives. I found myself thinking that a full hybrid especially in petrol form would be better for urban driving.

Buyers of the entry level Touring model won’t be disappointed as they come well equipped.

One feature I haven’t mentioned yet is that the CX-90 is also fitted with Mazda’s Driver Personalisation System, which automatically adjusts the driver’s seat, steering wheel and cockpit setup to the ideal position for each driver.

Pricing for the CX-90 ranges from $69,300 through to around $90,000 dollars plus the usual costs.

Overall the Mazda CX-90 is a safe, comfortable and spacious SUV that provides a level of comfort for new mums. Mazda CX-90 is mum and bub approved.

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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 

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Mazda CX-90 Azami – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers could also look at : Toyota Kluger, Nissan Pathfinder, Genesis GV80, Hyundai Palisade, Lexus RX, Peugeot 5008 GT Hybrid

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