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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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.

This is a Motoring Minute

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.

This is a Motoring Minute

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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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.

This is a Motoring Minute

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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 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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The thing I really like about Isuzu Utes is that they all come with the full set of safety features, right from the entry level model through to the top model.

They all come with wireless connectivity for smart phones and all have height and reach adjustments for the steering wheel

So the basics are covered. The X-Rider comes with:

• A soft cover and sports bar for the tub
• 10 inch infotainment system
• Black exterior and interior highlights

The fabric seats appear hard wearing, but the manual adjustment means that it’s a little difficult to find a really comfortable position.

The Ute I drove comes with the 3.0 litre 4 cylinder turbo diesel engine and a reliable 6 speed automatic transmission. Of course, dual range 4WD and a 3500 kg towing capacity.

The X-Rider comes with the upgraded rear springs that allows better payload with a slightly softer on road ride when unladen. Slightly is the key word here.

Priced at $59,500 plus the usual costs, the Isuzu D-MAX X-Rider is great value as you would expect from Isuzu

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Brianna Fraser

Readers can find more details about the D-MAX X-Rider  – HERE

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

Instead of the D-MAX X-Rider – buyers could look at:

This is a popular segment: Buyers could look at:

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The workhorse 4WD Utes come in a wide range. With Single Cab, Club Cab, and Double Cab chassis styles as well as a double cab pickup. These are the GLX, GLX  Plus and GLX – R

The more recreational 4WD vehicle styles include the GLS and GSR. Unusually buyers can opt for these with a dual cab chassis format. These also come with a slightly different suspension setup aimed for more comfort.

All models come with a 2.4L bi turbo diesel engine. This provides some 154kW of power and 470Nm of torque.

The entry level 2WD work Ute comes with a 6 Sp manual transmission. Every other model comes with a 6 Sp automatic transmission. This is tried and tested reliable transmission.

4WD models come with a version of the Mitsubishi Super Select 4WD system.

Triton is rated to tow 3500 kg along with a 350 kg tow ball rating.

Pricing for the Mitsubishi Triton ranges from $34,490 through to $63,840 plus the usual costs. Given the pricing of other Utes the Triton remains excellent value.

However, the Triton remains a dependable, robust, 4WD Ute that is comfortable to drive around town. As well as capable of heading to the most remote parts of Australia.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Mitsubishi Triton – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Mitsubishi Triton – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Instead of the Mitsubishi Triton – buyers could look at:

This is a popular segment: Buyers could look at: Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, Mazda BT-50, Nissan Navara, KGM Musso, Kia Tasman, GWM Cannon, LDV T60

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The road test included many kilometres of highway and winding hilly roads. Lots of gravel and an interesting 4WD section that included everything you could possibly want to test its capability.

With a wide stance, Australian designed suspension and dual pinion steering, the Tasman could lay claim to the best on road riding Ute in Australia. Bold words but it would be dam close.

Enter the potholed tar and dirt roads and the Tasman remained composed at all times. Even when savagely turned to avoid unseen holes.

Off road the Tasman excelled. The track included lots of rutted descents and climbs, moguls that tested the chassis and articulation and crossovers plus more.

I covered the track first time in 4L with the rear diff locked and controlling everything on my right boot. It simply went about its business with minimum fuss.

The second time I exclusively used the sophisticated X-Trek system so that all I did was steer. I have to admit its even better than I am.

Just for giggles I tried a particularly nasty section in 4H with no diff locks and again it simply did what was asked, with minimum wheel spin.

The key to the Tasman is how it does everything asked without fuss.

Definitely worth a test drive

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 X-PRO – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

What is good?

• On road ride and handling combined with off road articulation
• Internal layout is comfortable and clever.
• X-Pro 4WD capability

What is not so good?

• Questionable styling
• Would love 500Nm of torque.
• Plastic dash honeycomb is a bit naff

Buyers could also look at:

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

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Overwhelmingly negative along three lines.

Too expensive, underpowered and ugly.

Lets take a minute to address these

First – underpowered. My question is compared to what. Every mid-sized Ute is underpowered compared to the Ranger Raptor. Most Utes are underpowered compared to the V6 3.0 litre turbo diesel found in some rangers.

The HiLux GR Sport has more power and torque than most.

The key here is – does it have enough power and torque for what you need it to do. If so great, if not buy something else.

Too expensive. Well, the prices range from about $40,000 through to about $75,000 plus the usual costs. Surely there is a Ute in there that suits a buyers pricing. Also the top spec Tasman X-Pro is well priced against its main competitors and is actually good value.

Lastly – too ugly. Well, the saying is that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Do I think it’s a good looking Ute – not really. Do I think it’s ugly – not really. It does grow on you.

And as I always say if Ugly was a criteria, my wife would never have picked me because I am a bog old ugly bear, but she does have good taste.

My advice is not to listen to keyboard critics and go and drive it for your self

This is a Motoring Minute

Im 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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What is good?

• On road ride and handling combined with off road articulation
• Internal layout is comfortable and clever.
• X-Pro 4WD capability

What is not so good?

• Questionable styling
• Would love 500Nm of torque
• Plastic dash honeycomb is a bit naff

Buyers could also look at:

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

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