The D-Max is a popular towing vehicle. It has a 3.0L turbo diesel engine with 145kW of power and 450Nm of torque that comes in at a low 1600rpm. This mated to a robust 6Sp Aisin AT makes it an ideal towing vehicle. It will also easily tow 3500 kg.

Its one of my favourite towing vehicles.

The package includes:

• a tow bar tongue and 50mm ball,
• 12-pin wiring harness,
• electric brake controller,
• Clearview extendable heated and power-fold compact towing mirrors,
• a canopy with dual lift-upside windows,
• slimline weather shields, and
• unique TOUR MATE badging.

This is a well thought out package. Many vans these days have 12 pin wiring, and every tow vehicle needs an electronic brake controller. Every Isuzu D-Max comes with  genuine tow hitch as well.

The Clearview extendable mirrors are the best on the market. The canopy looks great and adds another dimension for load carrying. Also going old school with the slim line window shields is a clever touch.

This is definitely a package that is worth looking at for prospective towers.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the D-MAX Tour Mate  HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE D-MAX Tour Mate  – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Instead of the D-MAX Tour Mate  – buyers could look at:

This is a popular segment: Buyers could look at: Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger 2.0L,  Mazda BT-50, Nissan Navara, SsangYong Musso, LDV T60, Mitbushi Triton GLS 

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I’ve had the Musso Ultimate XLV with Luxury pack, for a few weeks and I really enjoy driving it.

Priced from an unbelievable $50,500 drive away its outstanding value.

It comes with a list of luxury items you would normally pay much more for. Such as

• Heated and ventilated front and heated outer rear seats
• 12.3-inch-high resolution central touch screen
• Touch screen climate control dual zone A/C
• Walk up sensor system with puddle lamps,
• Soft opening tailgate and much more.

Powered by a 2.2L turbo diesel engine Musso delivers 133kW of power and 420Nm of torque from a low 1,600 rpm. This drives through a six speed Aisin AT and dual range 4WD with rear diff lock. The Musso is rated to tow 3500kg.

One key feature of the XLV is the 300mm longer tub measuring 1.6m long. The wheelbase is also 110mm longer.

Overall, It’s a handy size and with around 880kg payload.

The SsangYong Musso is an ideal weekday worker, weekend adventurer Ute. It’s a lifestyle Ute that won’t break the bank and comes with a full 7-year unlimited km warranty.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the SsangYong Musso  – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE SsangYong Musso  – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

 Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the SsangYong Musso could also look at the following: Nissan Navara ST-L, Mazda BT-50, Toyota HiLux SR5, Kia Tasman SX Plus, LDV T60 Max, FOTON TUNLAND V9, MG U9 

The post SsangYong Musso Ultimate XLV with Luxury Pack 2025 review appeared first on Motoring Minute.

The latest updates include changes to styling, safety, capability comfort. There is a new front grill, wheels and body coloured flares.

Now available in one model only. The Gladiator Rubicon.

As a 4WD ready Ute straight from the showroom, the Gladiator Rubicon sits in its own class.

Jeep Gladiator enhances off-road capability with an electronic front sway-bar disconnect for improved articulation. It also has a 77:1 crawl ratio. Its Rock-Trac® system ensures optimal grip with full-time torque management. To enhance the grip there are 32-inch off-road tyres on 17-inch aluminium wheels. Critical components are safeguarded by three skid plates and steel rock rails.

In addition, there are front and rear diff locks for when the terrain becomes more difficult.

The Gladiator Rubicon is powered by the familiar 3.6 L Pentastar V6 Petrol engine. This provides 209kW of power and maximum torque of 347Nm. This drives all wheels through a selectable 4X4 system and an eight speed automatic transmission.

The previously optional ‘Lifestyle Adventure Group’, consisting of lockable under-seat storage, trail rail system, auxiliary switch bank, 240 Amp alternator, Bluetooth® speaker and spray-in bedliner, is now standard with premium paint and body colour hard top options available at an additional cost.

Priced from $82,990 plus the usual costs, Jeep Gladiator Rubicon is good value.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Gladiator Rubicon – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Gladiator Rubicon could also look at the following: INEOS Quartermaster, Toyota LC79, Toyota HiLux GR Sport, Ford Ranger Tremor, Nissan Navara Pro 4X Warrior, Isuzu D-Max Blade , Mazda BT-50 SP, Mitsubishi Triton GSR, Kia Tasman X-Pro,

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Yet being a large SUV vehicle, it often is bought by families.

The first thing I noticed was how high the access is. Even the side steps were high , great for ground clearance, not so much for shorter mums.

In the front its spacious and quite comfortable. With a new central screen, the Patrol has become more updated. The new infotainment system also allows wireless smart phone mirroring as well as a wireless charging tray.

The middle row seats have lots of knee and leg room. There are two top tether points in the middle row of seats. But access is difficult. You need to be acrobatic. One advantage is the rear air vents for localised air flow. There are also plenty of little storage areas.

Third row of seats is best left for pre-teens.

Boot space is huge with five seats and not bad with eight seats in use.

Overall, I would say the Nissan Patrol Warrior is great for families that are adventurous. But best for kids when they are out of baby seats.

Priced from around $105,000 dollars plus the usual costs its actually good value.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Brianna Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Nissan Patrol Warrior  – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Nissan Patrol Warrior – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

What is good?

• Internal space
• Delicious sounding V8
• Reasonable value for money

What is not so good?

• Large in tight car parks
• V8 can be thirsty
• No reach adjustment for steering wheel

Patrol Warrior buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Nissan Patrol Warrior could also look at the following: Land Rover Defender, Toyota LandCruiser, Toyota Prado, INEOS Grenadier, Hyundai Palisade XRT

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The engine remains the familiar 3.0L turbo diesel with 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque. This will run to all four wheels through a 6 Sp Aisin transmission and selectable 4WD. The Blade also retains the handy 3500 kg towing capacity.

On the launch we took the Blade over some interesting tracks at a 4WD park and some beach driving.

On my recent drive I was able to do more beach driving, lots of motorway cruising and some fast dirt road sections.

As I suspected it excels on the dirt roads. Its composed, with the larger diameter dampers soaking up most of the bumps. The steering is responsive and not prone to negative feedback from the potholes.

Priced from $76,990 drive away its getting up there in price and there is a lot of competition. However its definitely worth the test drive

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

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

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

Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the D-Max Blade could also look at the following: Toyota HiLux GR Sport, Ford Ranger Tremor, Nissan Navara Pro 4X Warrior, Kia Tasman X-Pro, Mazda BT-50 SP, Mitsubishi Triton GSR

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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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Inspired by iconic Trophy and Challenge events of the past, entrants from across the world will have the chance to reach the global final held in Africa, in 2026

2026-2027 Trophy Competition is available for Australian entrants.

Winners get the chance to leave a lasting legacy by undertaking a unique mission with Defender conservation partner Tusk.

To coincide with this, Land Rover have released details of a special model. The Defender 110 Trophy Edition.

The adventure-ready specification includes the 258kW D350 mild hybrid six-cylinder turbocharged powertrain.

Other features include.

• Select colour scheme.
• Electronic Air Suspension,
• a twin-speed transfer (high/low) box, and
• Terrain Response, which adjusts the vehicle to engage optimum settings for any given driving conditions.

The Trophy Edition is also equipped with.

• new Gloss Black 20-inch alloy wheels wearing rugged All-Terrain Tyres
• a Dark Rear Scuff Plate and
• Gloss Black Wheelarch Protection,
• and a Black front under shield.

There are of course a number of option packs for buyers to individualise their vehicle.

Available to order now, priced from $118,900  plus the usual costs. The first deliveries will be in the last quarter this year.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Defender Trophy – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Defender Trophy – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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There are five models that will be available, and the Timing of arrival is Dual Cab Pickup Utes first, followed by Dual Cab Chassis models and finally the Single Cab Chassis models later this year.

The Dual Cab Pick-Up range opens with a competitive $42,990 RRP for the S 4×2 trim and tops out at $74,990 RRP for the X-Pro 4×4 flagship that has been specifically engineered for enhanced off-road performance characteristics.

All models come with a payload exceeding 1000kg but can be optioned with a lower payload to fit the Novated Lease requirements.

Performance comes from the familiar 2.2L turbo diesel engine that sits in the Sorento, Carnival and many other models. It has reasonable power of 154kW, but torque seems a bit low for a Ute at 440Nm. It remains to be seen if that is enough on the first drive.

The Tasman is rated to tow 3500 kg with a 350 kg tow ball rating.

Kia Tasman has certainly created some online chat about its styling and Kia seems to be spending a bit of marketing dollars with some outlets to craft the story that the looks are a bonus.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Kia Tasman – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Kia Tasman  – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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While its capable off road, the Kakadu is destined to spend most of its time around town  and doing the school run. With trips to the snow or weekend retreat as a break from the daily routine.

The new Prado comes with a completely new exterior style and interior makeover. But with many familiar underpinnings.

The 2.8 litre turbo diesel 48Volt mild hybrid engine is a carry-over from the previous model. It has reasonable performance and economy. Full time 4WD and an eight-speed automatic transmission complete the picture.

Little luxuries like:

• heated and ventilated front and outer rear seats
• electric front seats with adjustable lumbar support
• wireless smart phone connectivity and charging and a
• 20-inch alloy wheels

All add to the ambience.

The outer middle row seats have isofix and to tether points for baby seats. Boot space using five seats is reasonable, but the high load level is a bit of a pain if you are trying to lift a heavy stroller.

The new Prado remains a favourite family 4WD Wagon.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Brianna Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Prado Kakadu  – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Prado Kakadu  – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 100 radio channels.  

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Listeners will find Motoring Minute syndicated through various news sites around Australia.

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It was a bit of a touring holiday with stops at Nelson Bay on the way up and a couple of places on the way back down to Sydney for a friends wedding.

So, a couple of thousand kilometres later what’s my thought. – I love it.

The XT looks quite stylish, and the bold grill stands out. I do like the styling changes for the updated model.

Inside its spacious and particularly comfortable. Visibility for the driver is good. There is plenty of room for a family. Boot space is large and flexible. Plenty of room for luggage or baby strollers.

The rear seats will all fold down to form a cavernous flat area. But like a lot of seven seat wagons there is minimal room if you use all three rows of seats.

The outer middle row seats have two isofix points that are easily accessible. As well as top tether points that but they are a bit fiddly.

The 3.0 litre diesel engine has enough performance and economy is excellent. Of course, it will tow whatever you want and its 4WD ability is great.

The Isuzu MU-X X-Terrain could be the perfect family wagon.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Brianna Fraser

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

TO LISTEN TO THE MU-X X-Terrain  – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 100 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 Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive – Cars Transport Culture Radio Program. 

Listeners can find this program weekly on the Spotify, SoundCloud and the Community Radio Network across Australia.

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