Based on the top model GSR the Triton Raider adds both functional and cosmetic appeal.

This is achieved by implementing a unique front and rear suspension damper package.

With the front damper utilising an internal rebound spring to maximise suspension control, was developed for Raider. A front spring and bump stop was also deployed.

There is also an upgraded frontal bash plate that is laser cut with Raider wording.

Premcar engineering team selected the Bridgestone AT002 all-terrain tyres, matched to a heavier-duty ROH ‘Assault’ 18-inch alloy wheel. These wheels are finished in a distinctive Brushed Bronze with specific ‘Raider’ hub caps.

Overall front clearance has increased by 25 mm from the combination suspension and wheel and tyres. The rear sees a 15mm lift from the wheels and tyres.

Overall wheel track has also widened by 20mm front and back.

The YAMAHA Performance Damper system which debuted in the 26MY Triton GSR is retained. This horizontally-mounted damper connects to the chassis to further enhance NVH performance.

There are some other cosmetic exterior additions to enhance the appeal.

Inside, the Triton Raider enjoys all the key equipment found in the top-spec GSR.

The black leather seats feature orange stitching, with the addition of Raider branded front headrests and a further Raider badge fitted to the centre console.

Available by mid-June in dealer showrooms, the Triton Raider will be priced from $74,990 plus the usual costs.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Triton Raider – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Triton Raider – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Mitsubishi Triton Raider – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Triton Raider  are in an unusual segment. There are  few to choose from.

• Isuzu D-Max Blade $80,900*
• Nissan Navara PRO 4X Warrior $70,765* (old model)
• Toyota HiLux Rogue $71,990*
• Mazda BT-50 SP $73,490*
• Ford Ranger Tremor $75,090*
• Remember to ask the dealer as special pricing can appear from time to time.

*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). Pricing is from Redbook as at date of article or from the manufacturer’s website.

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The D-Max Blade is aimed at more adventurous buyers that like to explore far from  normal roads.

I’ve had one for a few weeks now and like all D-Max  Utes it does everything I ask of it without fuss. It’s so easy to live with every day.

Blade specific additions include:

• a 29mm lift, courtesy of new 35mm MTV twin-tube suspension tuned for local conditions.
• Larger wheel and tyre package of 275/65R17 Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT all-terrain
• 0mm steel bash plate, with integrated, rated, dual recovery points
• Integrated 112-Watt lightbar,
• Side steps and tub sports bar
• Lots of Blade bling
• And more.

Overall, the D-Max Blade looks pretty cool. Especially with the range of colours available.

It comes with the standard engine and transmission combination, which is good, but more power and torque would have been appreciated.

Cruising on the motorway, the Blade drives better than you would expect with less tyre noise and better steering response.

On dirt roads it simply goes about its business without fuss. On sand it excels.

The suspension is compliant and responsive.

The integrated nature of the addition’s shines. That’s what makes it worthwhile.

Pricing is from $80,900 its expensive but comparable to doing everything yourself.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Previous Motoring Minute Reviews

• Isuzu D-Max Blade revisited 2025
• We drive the Isuzu D-Max Blade for 2025
• Isuzu D-Max Blade 4WD Ute first drive

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

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

D-Max BLADE – Buyers could also look at:

Competition in 4WD Recreational Ute segment is tight .

The D-MAX BLADE has strong competition with:

• Nissan Navara PRO 4X Warrior 
• Toyota HiLux Rogue
• Mazda BT-50 SP
• Ford Ranger Tremor 

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The post Isuzu D-Max Blade 4WD Ute driven for 2026. appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Here are my top three reasons why im such a big fan of the D-Max X-Terrain

First, it looks good. Especially in the Sunstone Orange colour I had. That contrasting with black grill, side steps, sports bar and tub roller cover really stands out. The matte grey 18 inch alloys also add to the appeal.

Second is the practical performance capability. The 3.0L turbo diesel engine is reliable, robust and will last for hundreds of thousands of kilometres. With 140 kW of power and 450 Nm of torque, it’s under stressed. This torque comes in from a low 1600 rpm.

This is combined with the 6sp Automatic transmission, 3500 kg tow rating and select on the go 4WD system.

There are more powerful Utes available, but the Isuzu 3.0L allows for easy driving no matter what the situation.

Third is the standard safety features. The D-Max was the first with a comprehensive suite of safety features across the range. They are still class leading.

Over the years I driven the D-Max X-Terrain in almost every situation you could think of. And every time the overall impression was that it’s so easy to live with and does everything without fuss.

Yes, the Isuzu D-Max is a favourite Ute of mine, especially in the X-Terrain specification.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

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

TO LISTEN TO THE D-Max X-Terrain – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

D-Max X-Terrain – Buyers could also look at:

Competition in 4WD Recreational Ute segment is tight .

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

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All designed to meet the draconian NVES rules imposed on manufacturers.

Available in a limited range of models both 2wd AND 4wd, I recently drove the 4WD X-Rider version.

This model sits somewhere in the middle of the range.

The main difference is the engine. With 120kW and 400Nm from 1600 – 2400 rpm its certainly less than buyers are used to.

It does come with an eight speed sports AT which helps cover for the loss of performance.

Isuzu also claim better fuel economy but its less than 1 l/100km and in real world situations that would probably be negated by working the engine harder.

Aart from slightly less kerb weight which means marginally more payload. The 2.2L and 3.0L Utes have the same GCM and towing ratings.

So, the question remains – Why would someone buy the 2.2L over the 3.0L version D-Max.

Well price is one reason. It’s about $2,000 cheaper before the usual costs.

CO2 emissions may be another. However, the difference is marginal at best.

So, my answer is that I really cant see any real reason why. For me I would take the 3.0L versions every time.

They have proved themselves to be robust, reliable long life engines.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can see the full specifications HERE. 

Readers can find more details about the D-MAX X-RIDER 2.2L  – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE D-MAX X-RIDER 2.2L – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

D-MAX X-RIDER 2.2L – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the  Isuzu D-MAX X-RIDER 2.2L are in a crowded segment. There is a LOT to choose from.

Potential choices could be Mazda BT-50 2.2L,  KGM Musso, FOTON Tunland, GWM Cannon,

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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.

This is a Motoring Minute

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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The post Mazda BT-50 GT 4WD Pickup driven for 2026 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

It’s like you think you have done everything and yet there are another 20 boxes.

Well enter the Ford Transit Custom Sport. This van comes in a choice of seating arrangements; This time we had the long wheelbase five seat version.

Surprisingly practical and comfortable the Transit allowed us to swallow huge loads of boxes and gear as well as people.

It was put to good use over the two weeks we had it.

Up front there are five individual seats, all comfortable, and with plenty of room for most people. The front outer two seats are heated, which was fantastic for my aching back.

With features more like what you expect from a SUV, the Transit is well equipped for a family of five.

On top of that add the cavernous cargo area and you start to question choices of buying a SUV.

One minor issue is that you cant access the front of the cargo area from the side, so someone has to step in to retrieve luggage etc. It provided comical relief to the family seeing my 190cm tall dad doubled up inside the cargo area.

The Transit is easy to drive, with reasonable performance and economy.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Transit Custom Sport  HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Transit Custom Sport – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Instead of the Transit Custom Sport – buyers could look at:

This is a popular segment: Buyers could look at: Hyundai Staria Load, Toyota HiAce, LDV Deliver7, Peugeot Expert, Renault Trafic

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I appreciate the power and responsiveness of the 3.0 litre turbo diesel engine. Its good around town, fairly economical and great for when you want to go on a longer trip. I averaged about 7.4 litres per hundred kilometres for the two weeks I had the Ute.

Being able to select from adaptive or normal cruise control is handy. Running boards make getting in easy.

I also like the interior comfort. Front heated leather seats provide plenty of support. Wireless Apple CarPlay is convenient, but I would like a wireless charging tray. There is room for it.

Rear seats are tight for taller people, but comfortable. There is a handy bag hook on the back of the front seats. There are 2 childseat tethers and ISO FIX compatible anchor points.

The X-Terrain is all about the look. With darkened alloys, decals, sports bar and hard roller cover for the tub.

This last one is as weatherproof as you can get. But it does have some limitations, like all covers.

Priced from $70,500 plus the usual costs its good value.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Brianna Fraser

Readers can find everything you need to know about the D-Max X-Terrain HERE 

TO LISTEN TO THE D-MAX X-Terrain – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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

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

The post Isuzu D-Max X-TERRAIN 2025 model driven appeared first on Motoring Minute.

They have just announced the 2025 upgrades, and the latest model is available from now in dealerships.

These include improvements in the engine, technology and interior fit out.

The 4WD Cannon Ute now comes with a 2.4l turbo diesel engine with 135kW of power and 480Nm of torque. This places it amongst the main competitors. Interestingly it also comes with a 9 Sp AT as well. Peak torque is between 1500-2500 rpm which helps with the 3500kg towing rating.

Equipped with a new generation of selectable intelligent all-terrain drive modes.  Depending on the grade, up to seven modes are available, including Normal, Eco, Sport, Snow, Mud, and Sand.

Inside the redesign highlights a large, high-definition 12.3-inch touchscreen display. This  enables seamless wireless smartphone connectivity. There is also a wireless charging tray.

I have to say the touch sensitivity of the GWM screens has improved substantially over the last few years.

There are four model variants available priced from $40,490 through to $49,990 drive away. This is why they are so popular, they represent excellent value for money

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Cannon Ute  – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Cannon Ute – 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 can find this program weekly on the Spotify, SoundCloud and the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post Cannon 4WD Ute updated for 2025 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

These include:

• Body decals
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Roof rails
• Integrated Lightforce light bar
• roller tonneau cover and inbuilt liner.
• black sports bar.
• and a host of other grey or black external bling

The BT-50- SP has a smooth and sleek look.

It has excellent 4WD and towing capability.

The familiar turbocharged 3.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine powers the Mazda BT-50, generating 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque.

The fact that the maximum torque comes in between 1,600 to 2,600rpm is why it’s a great towing and 4WD Ute.

My model also came with the SP Pro enhancement pack. This adds Nitrocharger suspension which is specifically tuned the vehicle. It incorporates upgraded springs that lift up to two inches.

These twin tube shock absorbers provide extra ride comfort, both on the bitumen and off the beaten track.

Priced from around $68,500 plus the usual costs, the Mazda BT-50 SP Pro is terrific value.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

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

TO LISTEN TO THE BT-50 SP Pro – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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