Let’s chat about the Outback Wilderness. It comes in two versions, Wilderness and Wilderness Apex.

Outback Wilderness has a big bold, chunky design. It certainly looks the part of a capable AWD SUV.

However, due to some Australian Design Rules, it is missing some chunky all terrain tyres to match. Im guessing that will be the first thing prospective buyers add.

The interior matches the exterior appeal.  There is a redesigned horizontal central touch screen. Air conditioning controls have reverted to physical press buttons, which I like. In addition, there is a new large digital instrument cluster and even more controls on the steering wheel with the addition of X-Mode.

Outback Wilderness comes with 240m of ground clearance. Lets put that into perspective the new Prado GX has 210 mm. Wilderness also features dual-mode X-Mode, and a clever redesigned suspension system that works in tandem with X-Mode.

The Outback Wilderness is powered by a  2.4 L turbo petrol boxer engine, delivering 194 kW of power and 382 Nm of torque. Driving all four wheel through the brilliant symmetrical AWD system. It comes with an eight step Lineartronic CVT.  The extra performance over the normal Outback is noticeable and appreciated.

As you would expect from Subaru, the Outback Wilderness is class leading in safety features as well.

Pricing is from $59,690 through to $62,690 plus the usual costs

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can see the full specifications HERE 

Readers can find more details about the Subaru Outback – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Outback Wilderness – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Subaru Outback – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Outback Wilderness are in unusual territory. It’s a premium AWD SUV, but has five seats and superior adventure capability.  Choices are limited you almost have to look for a 4WD to match it.

They could look at: Land Rover Discovery Sport, KGM Rexton, Toyota Kluger,  GWM Tank 500 Hybrid, Isuzu MU-X 2.2L, 

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 Subaru Outback Wilderness first drive for 2026 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Lets chat about the normal Outback. It comes in three versions, Outback, Premium and Touring

The first thing you notice is that the wagon profile has gone. Its more SUV like now, standing taller.

I like the new design but do miss the quirkiness of the capable wagon concept.

Inside there is a new 12.1-inch horizontal infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster as standard.

This also heralds a return to touch controls for things like air conditioning. Rather than on the screen.  Surprisingly, for the first time there is no CD drive.

I was a fan of the vertical screen in the last model, but the new design brings a fresh appeal.

Another change is the controls for X-Mode are now on the steering wheel.

Subaru certainly likes to pack a lot of controls on their wheels.

The Outback is powered by the familiar 2.5 L non turbo petrol horizontally opposed boxer engine. This provides 137 kW of power and 254 Nm of torque driving all four wheel through the brilliant symmetrical AWD system. It comes with an eight step Lineartronic CVT.

As you would expect from Subaru, the Outback is class leading in safety features as well.

Pricing is from $48,990 through to $56,990 plus the usual costs

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Subaru Outback – HERE

Readers can see the full specifications HERE 

TO LISTEN TO THE Subaru Outback – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Subaru Outback – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Subaru Outback are in unusual territory. It’s a premium AWD SUV, but has five seats and impressive adventure capability.  Choices are limited.

They could look at: Land Rover Discovery Sport, Peugeot 5008 GT, Mazda CX-60 OR Mazda CX-80, Skoda Kodiaq, KGM Rexton, Toyota Kluger 

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 Subaru Outback – seventh generation first drive appeared first on Motoring Minute.

But not all hybrids are the same. I drove the Nissan X-Trail e-power last week. This hybrid drives more like an EV as the petrol engine is designed to charge the battery and only kick in when necessary.

I had the Ti X-Trail. This is a high spec model that is well equipped and comfortable. It comes with

• E-4orce all-wheel drive,
• Panoramic sunroof,
• motion activated tailgate, and
• 19-inch alloy wheels amongst other features.

The X-Trail is smooth and quiet to drive. It has a 1.5 litre three-cylinder petrol engine combined with an electric motor that turns the wheels. Its economical and my fuel use was around 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres. That’s not bad.

The five seat X-Trail is also a decent size for a family and comes with two isofix points and top tether points for a baby seat. The boot is large enough to hold the baby stroller and more as well.

Priced from around $55,500 plus the usual costs there are driveaway deals at local dealers so have a chat to them.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Brianna Fraser

Readers can find more details about the X-Trail e-power  – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE X-Trail e-power – 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 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 on the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post Nissan X-Trail TI e-power e-4orce SUV 2025 Review appeared first on Motoring Minute.

It’s smooth and safe around town with all wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Like all the new, larger Mazda’s, the CX-70 is stylish and particularly comfortable inside. It has almost every luxury, comfort, and safety feature you could ask for. My favourite are the heated front seats and wireless smart phone connectivity and charging.

Being a five-seat version, the boot space is huge and practical. The second-row seats will fold flat in a 40/20/40 format to allow longer items to be carried with ease. The boot is large enough for lots of luggage or baby strollers etc.

The middle seats come with two isofix points and three top tether spots as well. Fitting baby seats is easy.

The car I had was in the unusual Melting Copper Metallic colour, which ironically was the same as the other car we had for the week. They looked great together.

Priced from $78,220 dollars plus the usual costs The Mazda CX-70 GT is getting expensive but as a family SUV or for a new mother its ideal and worth the test drive.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Brianna Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Mazda CX-70 GT – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Mazda CX-70 GT  – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

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.

The post Mazda CX-70 GT D50e AWD SUV 2025 review appeared first on Motoring Minute.

I’m a big fan of the GV70.

I particularly like the performance. The 3.5 litre turbo petrol engine provides an engaging driver experience. It encourages you to adopt a sporty driving style.

It can be a little bit thirsty though, but cruises effortlessly.

I also like the exterior styling. It has quite a sleek design that was certainly appealing to lots of people that chatted to me about it.

Inside its comfort and luxury all the way. From the thick flat bottomed steering wheel, super comfortable and supportive front seats right down to the ability to select interior fragrance.

The large drivers’ instruments blend seamlessly to the central screen. And the overall layout is  kind of cool.

There is a huge moonroof and just about everything an owner could want as standard.

Rear seat leg room is a little restricted, but boot space is good.

Overall the GV70 3.5T Signature Sport gets a big tick and a price of $100,000 dollars plus the usual costs shows its great value compared to its European competitors

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Brianna Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Genesis GV70 3.5T  – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE GV70 3.5T  – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

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.

The post Genesis GV70 3.5t Signature Sport Review appeared first on Motoring Minute.

There are a few models, and this is the top model in the range. It comes with everything you would expect Lexus to put in it for luxury, comfort and safety.

Its stylish, in a conservative way, and very luxurious inside. The RX seems to cocoon the occupants, making them feel relaxed instantly.

I do like the interior dash and central screen layout, and the nice thick F Sport leather steering wheel. Another chich feature is the door handles with simple one touch functionality.

The RX 500h comes with a 2.4 litre turbocharged petrol hybrid engine. This allows for plenty of performance, without being an outright sports SUV. It also comes with either front wheel drive or all-wheel drive.  I would choose the All-Wheel Drive version every time.

It does feel a little big to drive and over bonnet visibility is restricted, but overall, it’s a delight to be in. It smooth, quiet and comfortable. Everything you would expect.

Lexus hybrid engines are excellent, and we averaged around 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres for the week.

The Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance is priced around $125,000 dollars plus the usual costs. That is about $40,000 dollars over the entry model, but you do get a lot for your money.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Brianna Fraser

Readers can find more details about the RX 500h F Sport HERE 

TO LISTEN TO THE RX 500h F Sport RADIO SEGMENT, CLICK BELOW

Instead of the Lexus RX 500h F Sport buyers could look at:

This size SUV as a hybrid or PHEV makes sense. It’s also an increasingly popular segment.

Buyers could look at the: Peugeot 5008 GT, Audi Q5 PHEV, Mercedes Benz GLC 300,  Peugeot 408 PHEV, Toyota Kluger Grande Hybrid, Citroen CS-X PHEV, Mazda CX-90 GT,

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

Listeners can hear Motoring Minute segments 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.

You can also find Motoring Minute segments syndicated through other 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.

The post Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance driven for 2024 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

A few weeks ago, we went to the Hunter Valley and took a Toyota Kluger Grande Hybrid. This came in an all-wheel drive version, which is necessary for snow trips.

On the Hunter weekend we had three people aboard with luggage and it swallowed all that with ease.

Snow trips often mean more luggage and maybe skis, boots etc.

The Kluger is large enough for four people and all the gear, though Skis will need to go on the roof.

Being a Grande, means lots of little luxuries like heated front leather seats and climate controlled multi zone air conditioning.

It also has wireless Apple Car Play connectivity and charging.

On our recent Hunter Valley trip, we found the 2.5 litre hybrid petrol engine had enough performance along with excellent economy. We averaged around 6.5 litres per 100 kilometres.

Its also smooth, comfortable and easy to drive. That means everyone arrives feeling relaxed and ready to enjoy the holiday.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Brianna Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Kluger Grande Hybrid HERE 

TO LISTEN TO THE Kluger Grande Hybrid RADIO SEGMENT, CLICK BELOW

Instead of the Kluger Grande Hybrid  buyers could look at:

AWD SUVs in hybrid form are becoming more popular. It’s the sweet spot for family buyers.

Buyers could look at the: Kia Sorento GT Line Hybrid, Hyundai Santa Fe, Nissan X-Trail, Peugeot 5008 GT,  Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV,

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

Listeners can hear Motoring Minute segments 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.

You can also find Motoring Minute segments syndicated through other 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.

The post Toyota Kluger Grande Hybrid – ideal for snow trips appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Subaru builds good cars and the Crosstrek, released earlier this year is excellent.

The latest model is well styled with good street appeal.

Inside its comfortable for taller drivers. Front seats are heated with enough leg room for my taller frame. One standout feature is the tall central screen that mirrors a smart phone. Its informative and functional.

Powered by a 2.0L boxer engine that has reasonable power and torque and a CVT. Its adequate, but the platform could easily cope with much more. I would love to see the 2.5L engine that other markets get.

Where the Crosstrek has an advantage over every other SUV in its segment is the symmetrical AWD with X Mode functionality.

This allows for class leading on road dynamics. As well as the ability to drive straight from the road to forest trails, beach tracks or to the snow without fuss.

Crosstrek is stylish, comfortable, and safe. It’s the thinking persons SUV for adventurous buyers.

I drove the top spec model the 2.0S which is priced from around $41,500 plus the usual costs and considering the practicality and versatility, that’s awesome value

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details on Subaru Crosstrek HERE 

TO LISTEN TO THE Crosstrek RADIO SEGMENT, CLICK BELOW

Instead of the Subaru Crosstrek, buyers could also look at.

Serious adventure AWD SUVs or even 4WD SUVs in the smaller size are few and far between.

Buyers could look at the Jeep Compass, Suzuki Jimny,  Toyota RAV4 Edge,

Other SUVs that aren’t quite as adventure focused but worth a look at include: Nissan QASHQAI, Kia Seltos, Mazda MX-30, Audi Q2, Toyota Corolla Cross, Peugeot 2008 GT, Citroen C4, Haval Jolion HEV.

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

Listeners can hear Motoring Minute segments 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.

You can also find Motoring Minute segments syndicated through other news sites around Australia.

Additionally Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive – Cars Transport Culture Radio Program. 

The post Subaru Crosstrek 2.0 S AWD SUV revisited appeared first on Motoring Minute.

It has a somewhat edgy appearance with a boxy tailgate. It’s a look that grown on you.

Inside the layout is practical and comfortable.

I particularly like the heated front seats with electric adjustment for the driver and the vertical style central touch screen.

The driver feels at home with a thicker steering wheel and clever and different transmission lever.

Rear seats are spacious and comfortable. There is good rear leg and head room for this size vehicle. Boot space is equally spacious.

The XC40 B5 is powered by a mild hybrid 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine. There is reasonable power with 183 kilowatts and torque of 250 newton metres. This drives through an all-wheel drive system and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

At times around the suburbs, it felt a little slow to start with, but was smooth and easy to drive. Economy is rated at 7.2l/100k but we used around 10 litres per 100 kilometres around town.

The Volvo XC40 Ultimate B5 Dark we tested was priced at $69,690 including options, plus the usual costs.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Brianna Fraser

Readers can find more details on the Volvo XC40 HERE 

TO LISTEN TO THE XC40 Ultimate RADIO SEGMENT, CLICK BELOW

Instead of the XC40 Ultimate buyers could also look at.

Smaller mid-size SUVs are seemingly everywhere now. The choice can be a bit daunting.

Buyers could look at the Audi Q3 Sportback, Citroen C5 Aircross Sport, Lexus UX, Peugeot 5008 GT, Subaru Outback XT, Citroen C5-X.

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

Listeners can hear Motoring Minute segments 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.

You can also find Motoring Minute segments syndicated through other news sites around Australia.

Additionally Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive – Cars Transport Culture Radio Program. 

The post Volvo XC40 Ultimate B5 SUV review revisited appeared first on Motoring Minute.