Inside it has a practical layout but it seems a touch dated these days.

Surprisingly it also has wired smart phone mirroring.

The GT model comes with a few luxuries like

• Black leather seats,
• Front seats are heated
• Front parking sensor
• 8 way electrically adjustable driver’s seat with additional lumbar support
• Heated external mirrors for those cold or icy days and
• Remote engine start

Performance comes from a 3.0L turbo diesel engine with 140 kW of power and 450 Nm of torque available from 1600 rpm. This drives through a selectable 4WD system and a 6 Sp AT.

Towing capacity is 3500 kg and it’s a popular choice for that.

With prodigious 4WD capability, the BT-50 GT is equally at home around the suburbs, forest trails, on the beach and outback touring.

The Mazda BT-50 GT is one of those Utes you jump I  and immediately feel at home in. Its comfortable capable and easy to live with

With pricing deals from $66,990 driveaway it’s not bad value as well.

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Im Rob Fraser

You can download the full brochure HERE 

Readers can find more details about the Mazda BT-50 GT – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Mazda BT-50 GT – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Mazda BT-50 GT – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers could look at : Nissan Navara, Isuzu D-Max, Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger,  KGM Musso 

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I had the Ultimate XLV version for a few weeks. That is the top spec model with the extended wheelbase and tub length.

Along with upgraded specs for most models the Musso also underwent some design changes that make it more streamlined and styling.

I like the new front end with the sleek LED headlights on the Ultimate model. Other features I appreciated were the comfortable front seats with additional lumbar support for the driver. Both front seats are heated and ventilated.

There is plenty of room both front and back with the extended wheelbase.

One unusual feature is the steering wheel, thick at the bottom and thin on top. It takes a little adjustment to feel comfortable.

Powered by a 2.2L four cylinder turbo diesel engine. It provides some 133kW of power and 420Nm of torque from 1600 rpm. This runs through a part time 4WD system and a six speed sports automatic transmission.

On road ride and handling is good and smooth for a Ute. Off road the suspension seems to be complaint and soaks up most of the track corrugations.

Overall, the KGM Musso is easy to live with and practical. Priced from $53,000 drive away for the top models it’s also better value than many more popular Japanese branded Utes.

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Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the KGM Musso – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE KGM Musso – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

KGM Musso Buyers could also look at:

The KGM Musso crosses between the Chinese Utes and the more mainstream brands. It sits somewhere in the middle.

Buyers could look at : LDV T60, GWM Cannon, Nissan Navara, Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger Black Edition, FOTON Tunland, Isuzu D-Max, Mazda BT-50, Mitsubishi Triton

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This all new Ute was released late in 2024 and has a retro design.

In fact, its retro meets modern, without a lot of the painful safety stuff.

Im a bit if a fan of the boxy styling and it certainly attracted a lot of attention when I was driving it. Probably because people didn’t really know what it was.

It comes in three models, with a choice of two straight six 3.0L BMW engines, one diesel and one petrol. Thos is combed with an 8 speed ZF AT and permanent 4WD. Both engines provide plenty of power and torque with reasonable economy.

Around town it drives ok. With reasonably compliant suspension it doesn’t quite suffer the same bouncy ride many Utes have. One major issue though is the huge turning circle. That provided some interesting times in tight suburban car parks over the Christmas shopping rush.

I did use the Quartermaster to move a couple of loads of pavers, and it handled that quite well.

I’ve driven the INEOS Quartermaster around town, on motorways, outback highways, desert tracks, on forest trails, and beaches. I’ve also towed with it.

Overall, the Quartermaster makes an excellent outback tourer, whether towing or not. It feels at home out there.

While there are a couple of niggly issues, I have to say I love driving the Quartermaster.

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Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the INEOS Quartermaster Ute – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE INEOS Quartermaster Ute – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

INEOS Quartermaster Ute – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the  INEOS Quartermaster Ute are in unusual territory. There isn’t a real direct competitor.

However, I would suggest buyers also look at: Toyota LC79 series Utes, Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, Ford Ranger Super Duty.

At full price, the Quartermaster is nudging smaller American Pickup truck territory, but the internal space amongst them makes that a mute comparison.

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There are four models. These include the work style V7 in both 2wd and 4WD versions. The V9 comes in two different 4WD spec versions.

All comes with the same 2.0L 48V mild hybrid turbo diesel engine. This provides 120kW of power and 450Nm of torque from a low 1500rpm.

This is combined with a specially calibrated 8 speed ZF Automatic Transmission.

Some would say that 120kW isn’t enough power. And im amongst them, But for all but very few situations its adequate. Interestingly with the draconian NVES legislation, many Ute manufacturers are now offering a 120kW version.

Over the last four weeks I’ve driven each version.

For testing I’ve towed a smaller camper trailer, driven them on forest trails and the beach. Taken a longer motorway based trip. Used them for everyday transport and moved heavy loads in the Ute tub.

I’ve used the tailgate as a picnic table to watch sunsets over the beach and even put the grandsons baby seat in the back.

With a SUV like interior and abundant space for five occupants the FOTON Tunland is definitely different.

The big surprise if the stunning pricing. From $39,990 through to $49,990 plus the usual costs its outstanding value.

Overall, the FOTON Tunland may just be the perfect lifestyle Ute.

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Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the FOTON Tunland  – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE FOTON Tunland – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Foton Tunland Buyers could also look at:

While the Ute segment is growing in terms of participants, there is a definite development of subsections.

The first is on size. The mid-sized segment includes the: MGU9, GWM Cannon Alpha and LDV Terron9,

However, if you also look at pricing and engine figures there are some other alternatives such as: KGM Musso XLV Ultimate, the new Isuzu D-MAX 2.2L powered Utes and the same for 2.2L Mazda BT-50,

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It’s a bit of an understatement to say the design is polarising. Im not a big fan but I had plenty of people stop me and chat and they loved the styling.

My initial thoughts were.

• It drives more like a SUV than a Ute.
• Inside it’s also more SUV like
• There is plenty of power and enough torque for all but carrying or towing the heaviest loads.
• Kia have sorted the suspension to be spot on.

On the launch we didn’t get a chance to drive on sand, so that’s what I did. As well as my favourite corrugated and potholed dirt track that leads to my favourite fishing spot.

I can confirm that the Tasman absolutely loves driving on sand. It simply hummed along and I never switched out of 4A for the drive. When it started to slow, a simple adjustment to the throttle kept it happy. The low torque delivery and excellent calibration of the transmission were on full display.

Its interesting just how many people online and in person have such strong opinions against the Tasman. But one thig I have found in common with all of them is that they haven’t driven it.

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Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Tasman X-Pro – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Kia Tasman X-Pro – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Kia Tasman X-Pro – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Tasman X-Pro could look at : Isuzu D-Max Blade, Ford Ranger Tremor, Toyota HiLux Rogue, Nissan Navara Pro 4-X Warrior, Mazda BT-50 SP, Mitsubishi Triton GSR.

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Powered by a 2.4L Turbo diesel engine delivering 135kW of power and  480Nm of torque, it’s responsive to drive . With a GWM  9-speed automatic transmission it’s also reasonably economical as well.

The Canon isn’t a bad looking Ute and the XSR comes with extra style additions. These include full underbody protection, front and rear steel bumpers, black alloys, sports bar, roof rails, and a black snorkel.

Inside the Canon is comfortable and well laid out. The drivers’ instruments and large central screen have good resolution and easy to read. The heated and ventilated front seats are electrically adjustable. I do like the separate USB input on the rear view mirror for dash cams.

The XSR also comes with a Borg Warner 4WD system, front and rear diff locks, adjustable steering, 700 mm wading depth and other 4WD features.

I took the Canon XSR on some dirt roads that are heavily corrugated and potholed. The rear suspension is a little harsh, but it coped well. On sand it’s easy to drive and the low torque delivers when needed.

Rated to tow 3500kg I didn’t get a chance this time, but it certainly feels as if it will be a handy tow vehicle.

The best news is the price. From $51,990 plus the usual costs its pretty good value for money

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Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Canon XSR – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Canon XSR – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

GWM Canon XSR – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the  Canon XSR could also look at the following: KGM SsangYong Musso, FOTON Tunland, LDV T60, Nissan Navara STX, Isuzu D-Max, JAC T9

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Im a bit of a fan of the Triton styling. It seems to blend the smooth and masculine trends just right.

My Ute came with a stylish front bull bar that wrapped around the lights as well as a tow bar. Ready for work and recreation.

Inside the GLX comes with hard wearing cloth trim, nine inch central touch screen and wireless smart phone connectivity. It also came with an old school key start and  vinyl floor covering with rubber mats. Very practical.

One feature I appreciated was the additional electronic lumbar support, perfect for my aging back.

Powering the Triton is a 2.4L bi-turbo diesel engine. This provides 150 kW of power and 470 Nm of torque. Peak torque comes in around 1500 rpm, which allows for controlled low speed work and easy cruising.

This drives through a six speed AT and easy select 4WD system. The GLX also comes with a rear diff lock.

This combination is simple, robust, and reliable.

Being a work Ute, it has heavy duty rear leaf springs, which can be a touch bouncy unladen. Payload is a bit over 1000kg.

Currently Mitsubishi is pricing the Triton GLX dual cab Pickup from $46,490 drive away and that’s excellent value.

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I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Triton GLX – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Triton GLX – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Buyers of the Triton GLX  could also look at:

Buyers of the  Triton GLX  could also look at the following:   Isuzu D-MAX, Mazda BT-50, Nissan Navara, Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, KGM Musso, GWM Cannon

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This is a real workhorse of the range. Yet adds some comfort features. There are four models,  the GLX, GLX Plus, GLS and GSR.

Most models come with fabric seats, seats for five and a large work tray. The GSR comes with leather interior and a host of additional comfort bling.

On the GLS model I drove I appreciated the

• wireless charging tray for my phone,
• additional electronic lumbar support
• LED headlights and fog lights
• and the rear diff lock. Not that I needed it this time.

It’s a good looking Ute, especially with the contrast between the deep Impulse Blue body colour and dark grey 18 inch alloys, silver highlights, and black grill.

I find the Triton very easy to live with. With a 2.4 l bi turbo diesel engine it provides 150 kW of power and 470 Nm of torque. Interestingly the peak torque comes in around 1500 rpm and combined with a 6 speed AT it feels like you always have enough performance.

Some Utes, even though the headline figures read better, you have to work the engine. The Triton seems to just flow smoothly.

The Mitsubishi Triton strokes a good balance between work horse, off road performance and on road ride and handling.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Triton Tray back  HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Triton Tray back – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Instead of the Triton Tray back – buyers could look at:

This is a popular segment: Buyers could look at: Isuzu D-Max, Toyota HiLux, Nissan Navara, GWM Cannon, Kia Tasman

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It sits in that mid-sized Ute segment. Larger than the usual HiLux or Ranger, but smaller than the American pickup Trucks. Other Utes in this sub segment include the sister Ute LDV Terron9, Cannon Alpha PHEV, and the upcoming FOTON V9.

The launch included some reasonable 4wd tracks, shallow water crossings, a towing loop, and some forest trail driving. Strangely there was no on road section.

My overall impression of the MGU9 is that I actually liked it a lot.

It has big, bold styling, although Im not fussed on the grill design. Its spacious and comfortable inside. I could set the drivers seat for me and sit behind myself with my knees lightly brushing the front seat. That’s a bonus.

Its well laid out with some quirky features like the aeroplane style transmission lever. The other bonus is that the top spec model comes with both front and rear diff locks.

It comes with a 2.5 L turbo diesel engine that provides some 160kW of power and 530 Nm of torque. That’s a handy amount and it allows a towing ability of 3500kg.

The big news is the pricing. From $52,990 through to $60,990 drive away the MGU9 is stunning value.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the MGU9  HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE MGU9– RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Instead of the MGU9– buyers could look at:

This is a popular segment: Buyers could look at: LDV Terron9, KGM Musso XLV, GWM Cannon Alpha, FOTON V9.

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