Given the hype around Utes and larger SUVs, the SsangYong models can sometimes be overlooked.

That’s a shame as both the Rexton and Musso are pretty good. We have driven both on many occasions and they always impress us.

The Musso has perhaps the best ride on road of any Ute around now. It’s comfortable, practical, and aimed at the more urban based adventurer.

The Rexton is a large seven seat 4WD that rides more like a luxury SUV. It has true 4WD capability.

SsangYong Musso and Rexton provide a viable and value-based alternative to the mainstream brands for buyers that wan the practicality of a Ute or seven seat 4WD without necessarily wanting to delve deep into the harshest regions of Australia.

You get a lot for your money with these vehicles.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

TO LISTEN TO THE SSANGYONG CANCER RADIO REVIEW, CLICK BELOW

SsangYong Musso (Recommended Driveway)

SsangYong Rexton Pricing (Recommended Driveway)

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The post SsangYong 2024 Rexton and Musso model details appeared first on Motoring Minute.

They have now launched a large SUV – the Scorpio N.

It is designed as a true four wheel drive with a ladder frame chassis, low range gear box and a rear axle mechanically locking differential and it serves this function well.

Scorpio N has a 2.2 litre four cylinder turbo diesel with moderate power but quite good torque and a six speed automatic gearbox.

It has a tall upright stance with above average window area on the sides.

Low pricing will have the benefit of enticing customers to a little known brand. At launch pricing which is schedule to last to 30 June 2023 has the base model Z8 at a drive away price of just $42,000 and the up market Z8L at $45,000 driveaway. These prices are around $8,000 to $20,000 + cheaper than their likely competition.

The All-New Scorpio is a 5 Star Global NCAP rated vehicle and is powered by 129kw / 400 Nm Turbo Diesel engine with 6 speed Aisin Automatic Transmission. In keeping with its adventure capabilities, it will be offered with true 4×4 capability.

TO LISTEN TO THE SCORPIO N RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Mahindra Scorpio N 4WD Capability

True 4×4 Capability featured on all Australian specification Scorpio Variants include:

• Body on Frame Ladder Frame Chassis
• Rear Wheel Drive / Part Time 4×4
• Shift on Fly 4×4 between 4WD High and 2WD
• Rear Axle with Mechanical locking differential
• Electronic Brake Locking Differential
• 4XPLOR Intelligent 4×4 System with selectable Terrain Modes

Z8 Features:

• Sunroof
• Coffee Black Leatherette Interior
• LED Light Package

Z8L Features (Over and above Z8):

• SONY 3D Immersive Audio 12 Speakers with Sub-woofer
• 6-Way Electric Driver’s Seat
• 7 in Colour TFT Drivers Side Cluster
• Front Offroad Camera with Parking Sensors

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network. 

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. They are also syndicated through various news sites around Australia.

Additionally Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive Radio Program. This is broadcast through the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post Scorpio N – a New Mahindra 4WD SUV appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Sitting under the focussed Trailhawk, the Compass S Limited combines true 4WD capability with luxury and comfort. Perfect for forest trails, beach driving or trips to the snow as well as daily safety in the wet.

The Compass is powered by a 2.4L petrol engine with a smooth 9 speed automatic transmission and Jeep Active Drive 4×4 and Selec-Terrain (Tm) System. It can be a little thirsty around town but not bad on the freeway. Overall it’s easy, smooth, and zippy to drive.

The Compass S Limited we drove came with optional heated and ventilated front leather seats with electronic adjustments, 10.25-inch digital driver instrument cluster, Wireless charging and connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as updated advanced driver assist safety features. The 10.1 inch central touch screen houses the Jeep U Connect system for infotainment connectivity and additional technology.

Overall the Jeep Compass is a stylish 4WD SUV that allows the more adventurous owners the ability to explore further from the blacktop in comfort.

Priced from $46,500 plus the usual costs

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Im Rob Fraser

TO LISTEN TO THE COMPASS S LIMITED RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

More Details

Also Look At

True dual range 4WD SUV in this size are rare. Buyers could look at the Subaru Forester  or the Toyota RAV4 Edge

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network. 

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. They are also syndicated through various news sites around Australia.

Additionally Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive Radio Program. This is broadcast through the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post We drive the Jeep Compass S Limited 4WD SUV appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Obviously, there is more bling and features as you go through the models, but the Limited was well equipped and particularly comfortable. It is priced from $88,750 plus the usual costs.

It comes with premium heated front and middle leather seats, additional electric lumbar support for the front occupants, 10.1 inch Uconnect central touch screen with wireless phone charging.

Jeep Grand Cherokee is powered by the familiar 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, producing 210 kW and 344 Nm of torque.

It drives all four wheels through the renowned Jeep Quadra-Trac I active 4×4 system with Selec-Terrain traction management system on the Limited and an 8 Sp AT.

Towing is limited to around 2800kg and the V6 can get thirsty at times. There is a PHEV version coming.

Room for the front two rows of occupants is spacious, the third row is like most seven seat 4WD’s, tight.

Jeep have had their share of problems over the years, but hopefully the latest Grand Cherokee will be a worthy competitor to the Prado which is the segment leader.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

TO LISTEN TO THE GRAND CHEROKEE RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Quick Jeep Grand Cherokee L thoughts

Brief notes

• The new model looks quite stylish both inside and out.
• However, style is subjective of course.
• Inside its particularly comfortable and spacious.
• Even the third-row seats aren’t too bad.
• While Jeep has legendary off-road capability the approach and departure angles of the Limited means that this isn’t the vehicle you would buy for serious outback adventures.
• The latest version seems like it’s trying to trade off the Jeep heritage but in reality it’s a capable SUV more than a rugged 4WD
• Let’s wait for the rated Trailhawk for that!
• The engine was found wanting at times, a turbo V6 or V8 would be better.
• It was also thirsty especially around town.
• The PHEV version may improve this but I’m thinking a hybrid might be a better solution for the economy.
• Ride was almost pillowy but that transferred into handling as well, and it almost felt disconnected at times.
• The dramatically reduced towing capacity is an issue and will turn many buyers off I believe. Again, its heralds where the focus is for the Grand Cherokee.
• Jeep had build quality issues for a few years especially with the Grand Cherokee and I was particularly keen to see if that has been rectified.
• Unfortunately, there were a few little niggles and ill-fitting trim etc. That was disappointing.
• Given the history with the vwhicle, I would have thought that Jeep would have gone all out to compensate perception in the market and had a 7-year unlimited kilometre warranty.

Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited final thoughts

I am a big Jeep fan, but the latest Grand Cherokee seems to fall short in a few areas.

Its is better suited to a family that wants the rugged look and Jeep heritage, without the actual need for the ability.

It makes a comfortable family wagon, ideal for snow trips and trips to the beach.

If you are after a rugged true 4WD for adventurous outback travel, there are other vehicles better suited to that criteria.

Some other Jeep Grand Cherokee Articles

• 2020 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE TRACKHAWK
• Jeep SRT Night confirmed for Australia
• 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT 6.4L V8 Review
• 2015 Jeep Cherokee in black for 2015
• Jeep SRT 2015 Review
• 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland V6 Review
• Jeep  Laredo V6 Review
• 2013 Jeep Special Edition 
• Jeep  Overland V6 Diesel Review
• Limited Edition 2013  Trailhawk
• Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo V6 Diesel Review
• Award-winning Jeep Grand Cherokee now number one for Luxury SUV’s in 2011
• Jeep® Launches 2011 Turbo Diesel Grand Cherokee
• 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo Review

Also Look At

The larger true 4WD segment is competitive and Jeep is aiming for the more premium end.

Buyers could look at the Toyota Prado, Ford Everest, Land Rover Defender, Nissan Patrol.

However, the Grand Cherokee L is more SUV like and buyers may look at the Hyundai Palisade, VW Touraeg, or the Genesis GV80

*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)

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network. 

Our Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners and they are also syndicated through various news sites around Australia.

Additionally Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive Radio Program, which is broadcast through the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited 4WD 2023 review appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Everest comes with two engines, the familiar 2.0L Bi Turbo or the new (to ford) 3.0L V6 that is so popular in the VW Amarok. Both come with a smooth 10 Sp sports AT and dual range 4WD.

The Everest Trend comes with an impressive list of standard features such as leather steering wheel, leather seats with electronic adjustment for the driver, 12 inch central touchscreen.

The front two seat rows are comfortable and I managed to plonk my bear like frame in the back seat when we went to look at Christmas lights.

The third row seats are tiny and access is tight.

We drove the 2.0L version which is the only engine option for the Trend. This has 154kW and 500Nm which is about the same as the HiLux. It drives smoothly thanks to the 10 speed transmission and has enough get up and go when needed. Importantly the peak torque is at 1750 rpm which allows for relaxed cruising.

Everest will tow 3500kg and is relatively economical as well.

The Everest Trend is priced from $65,290 for the 4WD version, plus the usual costs.

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I’m Rob Fraser

with an

TO LISTEN TO THE EVEREST TREND RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Everest Trend specific details

(incremental to Ambiente)

Exterior

• Privacy glass on rear windows
• Power liftgate (no handsfree)
• Auto power fold mirrors with heater & puddle lamps
• Wheels 18-inch Alloy Wheels & matching spare

Interior

• Leather accented seats
• 7-seats standard
• 8-way power driver seat
• Leather wrapped steering wheel
• Floor mats (Driver + Passenger)
• 2nd upper glove box in lieu of open shelf
• 12-inch Colour Touchscreen

Engine and Transmission

• 2.0L Bi-Turbo Diesel (inc Stop Start)
• 10-speed automatic
• Auto Shifter
• 4×2 conventional mechanical
• 4×4 e-Shifter
• Off-road screen (4×4 model only)
• Selectable Drive Modes
• Push Button 4×2
• Rotary Dial 4×4 (Additional off-road modes – Sand, Mud / Ruts)

Some quick Everest thoughts

• The new Everest brings a completely fresh design that is appealing
• Ford is the latest manufacturer to move towards the vertical central screen that mirrors a smart phone and it works well.
• 18 inch tyres on nice looking alloys is practical if you are looking for genuine off road tyres.
• The balance between appointments and price seems spot on for the Trend.
• Off road the Everest is at home.
• On sand it simply almost floated.
• On road the ride and handling has improved, the suspension is a little harsh over some of what our governments call roads though.
• On the freeway it cruised quietly and effortlessly
• Off road its better
• The driver instrument layout is a little different and takes getting used to but when you do it flows.
• Front row seats are comfortable
• Middle row big enough for my bear like frame to fit comfortably, but the seat sqaub is a little flat.
• Third row seats are tight and access is painful.

Also Look At

The Medium 4WD Wagon segment has been popular over the last few years and is extremely competitive.

Perhaps you could look at Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk, SsangYong Rexton, Isuzu MU-X and Toyota Prado

If your tastes go more to the AWD SUV direction, look at Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, Nissan Pathfinder.

*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)

*Towing and AWD capability is measured against similar vehicles in the same class.

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network. 

Our Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners and they are also syndicated through various news sites around Australia.

Additionally Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive Radio Program, which is broadcast through the Community Radio Network across Australia

The post Ford Everest Trend 2.0L 4WD 2023 Review appeared first on Motoring Minute.