A hybrid Vitara makes a lot of sense. The Vitara Hybrid is powered by Suzuki’s Smart Hybrid system that combines a 1.4L turbo petrol engine and lithium-ion battery with 48V mild hybrid technology.

Improvements in acceleration, fuel efficiency and emission reductions are the result.

There are two versions available The Vitara Turbo Hybrid and the Vitara Turbo Hybrid ALLGRIP

Designed with versatility in mind, the ALLGRIP all-wheel drive system offers drivers enhanced traction and confidence across varying road and weather conditions.

With selectable driving modes including Auto, Sport, Snow and Lock, ALLGRIP allows the Suzuki to adapt to everyday commuting as well as weekend adventures, reinforcing its position as a capable and confidence-inspiring compact SUV.

All models come with an impressive range of safety features and are well equipped.

Pricing for the Vitara hybrid start at $39,990 drive away for the base model and $45,990 drive away for the All Grip model.

This is a clever move by Suzuki as smaller SUVs are becoming more popular making up the largest segment of SUV sales.

Having a hybrid model available allows buyers greater choice.

It sits in a competitive segment that includes vehicles like

• the capable Subaru Crosstrek,
• Honda HRV,
• Toyota Corolla Cross,
• Nissan QASHQAI and
• Kia Seltos.

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Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Suzuki Vitara Hybrid  – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Suzuki Vitara Hybrid  – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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The Palisade is available in one beautifully appointed model, the Calligraphy. You can choose between seven or eight seats, and we tested the seven-seat version with mid-row captain’s chairs.

There’s one petrol hybrid engine option, and it strikes a lovely balance between being powerful enough for family road trips while still remaining economical for everyday mum life.

Inside, the Palisade feels spacious thanks to its long wheelbase and large SUV design. The rear doors open wide, which makes installing a baby seat and putting a sleeping bub in the seat much easier — something every mum will appreciate.

Of course, there are ISOFIX and top tether points for added safety and peace of mind.

There are even pull-up window shades to help protect little ones from the harsh sun.

If you need to sit in the second row, the captain’s chairs mean you’re slightly further away from the other seat, but they’re roomy, comfortable, and supportive — ideal for longer trips.

The third row is surprisingly practical too.

With slide and recline functions, plus heated seats, it doesn’t feel like an afterthought.

It’s clearly designed for regular use, whether that’s older kids, grandparents, or carpooling.

When used as a four-seater, there’s plenty of boot space for prams, nappy bags and all the baby gear that somehow multiplies overnight.

If you’re using all seven or eight seats, luggage space does reduce, but it’s still better than many other large SUVs.

Around town, it can feel big in tight car parks. Otherwise, it’s smooth, quiet, and easy to drive, which is exactly what you want when you’ve finally got a sleeping baby in the back.

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Im Brianna Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Hyundai Palisade – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Hyundai Palisade – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Hyundai Palisade could look at :  Mazda CX-90, Nissan Pathfinder, Peugeot 5008 GT Hybrid, Subaru Outback, Lexus RX, Toyota Kluger Grande

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The updated MY26 X-TRAIL range boasts design enhancements, advanced technology features, and an increase in service intervals, boosting the appeal that has made it a standout in Australia’s competitive medium SUV segment.

Some of the highlights include:

• refreshed front and rear styling,
• updated 18- and 19-inch wheel designs on select grades,
• enhanced interior materials and finishes, and
• the introduction of Nissan’s Connected Car Services^#(CCS 1.0) technology across the entire range.
• All grades now also offer a 12.3-inch Infotainment Screen and Wireless Apple Car Play^>and Android Auto^> as standard.

• In what will be a cost saving for owners Service intervals increase on both the e-POWER and ICE MY26 X-TRAIL models to 15,000km/12 months (previously 10,000km/12 months).

I’ve been a big fan of the e-power hybrid system. This essentially has the X-Trail driving more like an EV without the hassles of charging as the petrol engine acts as a generator essentially. That’s a simple explanation.

The MY26 X-TRAIL will be available across 5 model grades, with both conventional ICE and e-POWER e-4ORCE variants offered. The range continues to provide five-seat and seven-seat configurations to suit varying family requirements.

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I’m Rob Fraser

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

TO LISTEN TO THE Nissan X-Trail – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Nissan X-Trail – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers could also look at : Subaru Forester,  Toyota RAV 4 , Honda CRV,  Haval H6, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Peugeot 3008, 

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As such it ticks the boxes for a new mum car.

To be specific we had the CX-90 B 8A G50E AZAMI TAKUMI AWD. This included the optional package with all white leather – perhaps not the best for babies, and captains’ seats in the middle row.

Wide opening doors allowed easy access for placing bub in the baby seat. Installing the baby seat is easy with isofix and top tether points. There is still plenty of room for the front seat passenger. Zoned air conditioning allows drivers to tailor the airflow to the back for more comfort.

Third row seats are for two smaller people only and access is tight. Using them also restricts boot space and packing  a pram and other gear becomes more difficult. As a four or five seat SUV its excellent.

Being the top model Mazda has every luxury, comfort, and safety feature in there that you could ask for. That’s comforting for families.

Next week we will chat about safety and engine choices.

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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 

TO LISTEN TO THE Mazda CX-90 Azami – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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

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

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Built on the next-generation e-Subaru Global Platform that supports higher outputs, extended range and AWD capability.

It comes with a 74.7 kWh CATL battery, delivering a driving range of up to 533 kilometres. With 150 kW DC fast-charging, Trailseeker can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in approximately 30 minutes^.

With 280 kW of power the Trailseeker will go from 0-100kmh in 4.4 seconds. That’s relatively quick and places it alongside EVs like the Kia EV6 GT, DEEPAL E07 AWD and Hyundai IONIQ 5 N. Anything sub five seconds for the sprint is enough.

Subaru’s famed AWD capability hasn’t been forgotten. Trailseeker comes with 211mm of ground clearance, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and low centre of gravity.

Trailseeker also comes with a 1500kg braked towing capacity for lifestyle and everyday practicality

With its commanding stance, high-riding confidence and intelligently managed electric performance.  Trailseeker will stand as Subaru’s flagship electric SUV for Australia. Blending genuine adventure-ready capability with an even more refined and exhilarating driving experience.

There are very few genuine adventure ready electric SUV’S and Subaru has two of them

Interested buyers can register now at the SUBARU Website. There are no details on pricing yet so stay tuned for more information.

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Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Subaru Trailseeker – HERE

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The e VITARA will be available in two variants – Motion and Ultra.

Suzuki will equip the Ultra variant with an electric 4WD system “ALLGRIP-e,” which provides not only off-road capability but also powerful performance. The e VITARA builds on Suzuki’s newly developed HEARTECT-e platform, designed specifically for battery electric vehicles.

They offer battery capacity configurations of either 49kWh 2WD (motion) with 106kW of power or 61kWh 4WD with ALLGRIP-e (Ultra) with 135 kW available. The Ultra also has 114Nm of additional torque available.

Available with the Ultra variant, ALLGRIP-e is Suzuki’s newly developed electric four-wheel drive system, utilising separate front and rear electric motors for precise torque control. The rear eAxle also helps boost traction when required in slippery conditions.

The e VITARA supports both AC and DC charging, with fast-charging capability enabling convenient top-ups and reduced charging times.

e VITARA offers a Heat Pump as standard equipment across the range which plays a key role in optimising battery performance, driving range and charging efficiency in varying temperatures.

Pricing will be released closer to launch dates.

Suzuki Vitara has undergone many design and functional changes over the years. From a compact true dual range 4WD through to a soft urban SU, and now an all-electric SUV.

I have owned tow Vitara’s in the past. A soft top and a hard top version. Needless to say, they were the true 4WD versions.

It will be interesting to see how this all electric version stacks up

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Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find full details of the Suzuki e-Vitara HERE  

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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.

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Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the RS3 Sportback – HERE

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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 ,

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The only real difference between them is the level of performance.

The RWD version will go from 0-100kmh in 6.7 seconds. Not bad., However the AWD version has a sub 4 second time. That’s quick.

I have to say few cars have attracted as much attention as these did. It was noticeable that  people were staring as I drove past When I parked people came up to me to ask what it is.

That’s because it has very unusual styling. It’s a blend of Coupe, SUV, Liftback and more. I am a big and It is one of the coolest designed cars available today.

Inside the cool theme continues with minimalist design and a spacious ambience.

Front seats are exceptionally supportive and comfortable.

In front of the driver is a sleek steering wheel, no drivers’ instruments, just a comprehensive HUD.

The central screen is the control centre of the vehicle.

It tilts towards you as you enter.

It takes a while to become familiarised with the menus. But they are generally intuitive.

There is so much technology that it’s a little intimidating. Combine this with the unique slide open boot and lay down seats and you are looking at a vehicle like no other.

It’s actually one of my favourite cars and impossible to describe in a minute.

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Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the E07 Multitruck – HERE

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DEEPAL E07 Multitruck – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the E07 Multitruck could look at : Kia EV6 GT, Hyundai IONIQ 5 N,  Ford Mustang Mach e GT , Audi SQ6 e-tron Sportback, Genesis GV60 , IM6 Performance

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The CX-60 comes in a choice of three engines. A plug in Hybrid and inline 6 cylinder petrol and my favourite an inline six cylinder turbo diesel.

This provides some 187 kW of power and 550 Nm of torque driving all four wheels on demand through an eight speed sports automatic transmission.

I like the driving characteristics of this engine and its balance between performance and economy is excellent. I wish Mazda would put this engine in the BT-50 as an option.

The CX-60 has clean, conservative styling. With a high roofed rear end, it also allows practical internal boot space  and a high opening hands free tailgate.

Inside the Azami has all the luxuries you would expect as well as a premium ambience.

Front seats are especially comfortable  with heating and ventilation, electronic adjustment  and additional lumbar support for my aging back.

Overall, the revamped CX-60 is a genuine contender for buyers in the mid-sized premium SUV segment.

Pricing for the CX-60 Azami starts from $68,440 plus the usual costs. Given the premium competition that’s well priced.

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Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Mazda CX-60 Azami – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Mazda CX-60 Azami – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Mazda CX-60 Azami – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the  CX-60 Azami could also look at the following: Lexus NX, Genesis GV70, Audi Q5, Peugeot 5008 GT,

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