I do like the design, one that has evolved over the years. Inside the first impression is spaciousness.

It’s also well-equipped along with option packs that add even more features.

The front seats are especially comfortable and supportive.

Driver ergonomics are excellent.

Rear seats have plenty of knee, leg and shoulder room. Boot space again is large, capable of swallowing a family’s luggage.

The key point is the PHEV powertrain.

The Škoda Kodiaq Select PHEV delivers 150kW of power and 350Nm of torque. From its combination of a 1.5 TSI engine and 85kW/330Nm electric motor.

The combination drives the front wheels through a 6 Sp DSG transmission. While it zippy it’s not a sports SUV with 0-100km/h in 8.4 seconds.

The claimed EV only range is 112km. But we didn’t see anything over 100km.

Customers can select E-mode electric drive or hybrid drive options in the vehicle touchscreen, with a choice of low, high or automatic brake energy recuperation.

Additionally, there are two battery power usage methods – automatic, with engine recharging and manual that waits until the vehicle is plugged in.

Pricing from $63,490 plus the usual costs is quite reasonable.

Overall, the Kodiaq PHEV offers the benefits of EV only driving without the range anxiety.

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Im Rob Fraser

Skoda Kodiaq Select PHEV Motoring Minute Video Review

Readers can find more details about the Kodiaq Select PHEV – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Kodiaq Select PHEV – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Kodiaq Select PHEV – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Kodiaq Select PHEV are in an unusual segment. There are a few to choose from.

Better potential choices could be Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Kia Sorento PHEV, Peugeot 408 PHEV, Jaecoo J7 PHEV

HEV alternatives could include: Mazda CX-70, Mazda CX-60, Kia Sorento, Toyota Kluger, Peugeot 5008 GT Hybrid,

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Well, BYD, hoping to expand the appeal have just announced two additional models.

A trade ready Shark 6 Dynamic Cab-Chassis and a new range-topping Shark 6 Performance pickup.

These will sit alongside the existing Shark 6 Premium pickup.

The designers expanded the line-up to meet the needs of trade, fleet, and Aussie families.

They offer superior Dual Mode (DM) Super Hybrid performance, improved all-wheel drive capability, and refined on-road comfort.

Ironman is developing an optional tray for the trade ready cab chassis.

The new 2.0-litre turbo DM Super Hybrid in the Shark 6 Performance boosts total system power and torque to 350kW and 700Nm, respectively. That will allow a 3500kg towing rating.

Shark 6 customers benefit from three intelligent driving modes.

• EV Pure Electric Mode: the petrol engine is switched off.

• HEV Series Mode: the petrol engine does not drive the wheels. Instead, it acts like a portable power station.
• HEV Parallel Mode: The motors and the petrol engine work together in harmony to drive the wheels at the same time.

With 6.6kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability and multiple 230V outlets (one in-cabin, three in the tub) plus a V2L adaptor adding two more sockets, Shark 6 can power tools, appliances and camping gear on the go.

Pricing is from $55,900 through to $62,900 plus the usual costs.

This s a Motoring Minute

Im  Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the BYD Shark 6  – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE BYD Shark 6 – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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Aimed almost purely at mine sites, councils and other corporate buyers. I really don’t see many private buyers lining up.

The reason is that many businesses are looking to tick boxes for reduced tailpipe emissions.

Development work done in mine sites across Australia, reinforces this thought.

Due for release in May, there are two dual cab models available. The SR with a tray back and pickup versions and the SR5 with a Pickup style.

HiLux BEV is underpinned by a 59.2kWh lithium-ion battery and dual-motor all-wheel-drive system.

Combined system output for the HiLux BEV is 144kW, with torque distribution variably controlled between the front and rear axles during on-road driving to provide high-traction full-time AWD.

Driving range for the pick-up grades is rated at 315km on the NEDC cycle, while the SR cab-chassis is rated at 245km. Real world range will differ obviously.

Toyota has upgraded the suspension to accommodate the extra weight of the battery.

Towing is rated at 2000kg.

For off-roading, Toyota’s sophisticated Multi-Terrain Select traction control system offers six different drive modes to suit the conditions underfoot.

Pricing is from $74.990 through to $82.990 plus the usual costs.

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I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the HiLux BEV – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE HiLux BEV – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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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.

This is a Motoring Minute

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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Pricing ranges from $99,900 through to $156,400 all plus the usual costs

Built on a new EV specific architecture that is shared with Porsche the Q6 heralds a step forward for the brand.

Q6 e-tron offers a choice of drive configurations: from a single motor rear-wheel-drive variant to dual-motor all-wheel drive, with performance-oriented models like the SQ6 e-tron at the top of the range.

All versions use a 94.9 kWh useable battery pack capable of fast DC charging, meaning you can recharge a large percentage of the battery in around 20 – 25 minutes at high-power charging stations.

Range is strong too, with many versions rated over 600 km on the WLTP cycle, helping ease range anxiety. However, like fuel consumption figures real world range often differs. And low 500km is more realistic.

As you would expect the premium interior is driver focused. There is reasonable space thanks to the new platform.

Technology is a focus as well with a departure from the central stacked screens to a large horizontal design. It is practical and well laid out.

Audi are drivers’ cars and the Q6 e-tron displays a combination of quiet, refined electric driving with responsive performance. They will happily potter along but scoot along when asked, especially the SQ6 versions.

Over the next few weeks, we will have a look at some individual models we have tested.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about Audi Q6 HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Audi Q6 e-tron – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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The post Audi Q6 e-tron – what is it really like appeared first on Motoring Minute.

A traditional hybrid like the Toyota Camry uses regenerative braking and its petrol engine to recharge a small battery. The main benefit is convenience: drivers never need to plug in, and fuel efficiency is significantly better than a conventional car.

Hybrids are especially efficient in city driving, where stop-and-go traffic allows frequent energy recovery. They also tend to cost less upfront than plug-in hybrids and require no changes to driving habits. However, their electric-only range is very limited, meaning they still rely heavily on fuel and cannot operate for long without emissions.

In contrast, a plug-in hybrid such as the Mitsubishi Outlander  has a larger battery that can be charged from an external power source. This allows drivers to travel moderate distances—often 50 to 70 km—on electricity alone.

For short daily commutes, a PHEV may use little or no petrol, reducing fuel costs and tailpipe emissions. The downside is higher purchase price, increased vehicle weight, and the need for regular charging access. If not charged consistently, a plug-in hybrid may offer little advantage over a regular hybrid.

Ultimately, hybrids prioritize simplicity and efficiency, while plug-in hybrids offer greater electric capability but require more commitment and infrastructure.

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Im Rob Fraser

Hybrid Electric Vehicles vs Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicles 

TO LISTEN TO THE HEV VS PHEV – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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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

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

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

TO LISTEN TO THE Suzuki e-Vitara – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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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.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Subaru Trailseeker – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Subaru Trailseeker – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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Electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) both reduce fuel use, but they differ significantly in benefits and challenges.

A fully electric vehicle such as the Kia EV5 runs entirely on battery power. Its main advantage is zero tailpipe emissions, which helps reduce localised air pollution. EVs can be cheaper to operate because electricity may cost less than petrol, and they have fewer moving parts, leading to lower maintenance needs. However, they are significantly more expensive to buy.

They also provide smooth, quiet performance and instant torque. However, EVs can have limited driving range compared to petrol or diesel vehicles, and long-distance travel depends on access to charging infrastructure. Charging times can also be longer than refuelling a gas tank, which may be inconvenient for some drivers.

In contrast, a plug-in hybrid like the Haval H6 GT combines a battery-powered motor with a petrol engine. This setup allows drivers to travel short distances on electricity alone while relying on fuel for longer trips. The main benefit is flexibility: there is no “range anxiety” because the petrol engine provides backup.

PHEVs can be ideal for commuters who drive short distances daily but occasionally travel far. On the downside, You have to charge them for maximum efficiency, they still produce localised driving emissions when using petrol  and require maintenance for both the electric system and the internal combustion engine. They are also often more complex mechanically.

Overall, EVs maximize localised environmental benefits, while PHEVs balance electric efficiency with petrol -powered convenience.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Battery Electric Vehicles vs Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicles 

TO LISTEN TO THE BEV VS PHEV – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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