It’s been a while since I have driven one, so I jumped at the opportunity.

The adage – the more things change the more they stay the same,  comes to mind.

There is a familiarity about the design, it’s become more stylish and sleeker but yet unmistakably Golf.

Look inside and it still has the Houndstooth cloth seat fabric. I’ve never been a fan, but enthusiasts love it. Manual seat adjustments again not a fan, but the seats are especially supportive and comfortable.

For a smallish hatch, it fits my lager than average bear sized frame easily.

Start the engine and that familiar rasp from the exhaust beckons driver engagement.

With a 2.0L turbo petrol engine, 7 speed DSG transmission and front wheel drive, we are all set.

The Golf GTi will do 0-100km/h in around 6 seconds.

But the appeal isn’t outright speed. It’s the balance.

Very few cars feel as balanced as the Golf GTi.

Its pure driver heaven. Even around town its fun. Head out to longer windy stretches of road and its almost euphoric. This is the type of car you go for a drive and come back feeling happy. Its that simple

VW Golf GTi is priced from $59,890 plus the usual costs and that’s a performance bargain.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find all the specifications HERE.

Readers can find more details about the VW Golf GTi – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE VW Golf GTi – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

VW Golf GTi – Buyers could also look at:

• Hyundai i30N, 
• Subaru WRX Sportswagon, 
• Toyota Corolla GR Sport
• Honda Type R, 
• Renault Megane RS,
• Audi S3.

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Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners.

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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.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Other Audi RS3 Motoring Minure Reviews

• Audi RS3 Sportback driven for 2026
• Audi RS3 Sedan and Sportback updated for 2025.
• Audi Sport Drive day Philip Island Grand Prix Circuit

Readers can find more details about the RS3 Sportback – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Audi RS3 Sportback – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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 ,

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

In today’s fast paced world, Listeners often want a quick update or a piece of quirky Automotive news. Listening to Motoring Minute provides that as well as the latest Automotive news and reviews.

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 120 radio channels. 

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. 

Listeners will find Motoring Minute syndicated through various news sites around Australia. Additionally on the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post Audi RS3 Sportback revisited for 2026. appeared first on Motoring Minute.

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.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the RS3 Sportback – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Audi RS3 Sportback – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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 ,

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

In today’s fast paced world, Listeners often want a quick update or a piece of quirky Automotive news. Listening to Motoring Minute provides that as well as the latest Automotive news and reviews.

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 120 radio channels. 

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. 

Listeners will find Motoring Minute syndicated through various news sites around Australia. Additionally on the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post Audi RS3 Sportback driven for 2026 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Obviously the first thing I noticed was just how low the GR Corolla is. These old knees and hips strained getting in and out.

However once inside it was comfortable with plenty of room for the front occupants. The sports seat kept you snug, but I would have liked some electronic adjustment.

Even though it’s a sports hatchback, there are still some comfort features like heated front seats, wireless apple CarPlay connectivity and a Head up Display.

Performance comes from a 1.6 L three-cylinder turbo petrol engine that provides 221 kW of power and 400 Nm of torque. This drives through a clever GR-FOUR all-wheel-drive system, supported with Torsen®² limited-slip differentials on both the front and rear axles.

The six-speed manual is slick and easy to use and allows you enjoy the raspy exhaust note.

First gear is incredibly short, and you are grabbing second almost immediately. Around town you find yourself driving mainly in fourth and fifth gear.

This is a fun car to drive. That’s its main purpose for me. Simple, performance-based fun.

Drivers can achieve better performance from some of the EV’s running around. But they lack the personality and soul of the GR Corolla.

Pricing for the six speed GR Corolla is from $67,990 plus the usual costs.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the GR Corolla GTS – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE GR Corolla GTS – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

What is good?

• Sporty performance and adjustable AWD
• Fun, personality, and soul
• Smooth six speed MT

What is not so good?

• Ride can be a little harsh at times.
• Starting to get a little expensive
• No full-size spare

GR Corolla GTS buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the GR Corolla GTS could look at:  Subaru WRX Sportswagon, Hyundai i30N, Honda Type R, Renault Megane RS, Audi S3.

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In today’s fast paced world, Listeners often want a quick update or a piece of quirky Automotive news. Listening to Motoring Minute provides that as well as the latest Automotive news and reviews.

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 120 radio channels. 

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. 

Listeners will find Motoring Minute syndicated through various news sites around Australia. Additionally on the Community Radio Network across Australia

The post Toyota GR Corolla GTS 6 Speed manual 2025 review appeared first on Motoring Minute.

The Cerato is a popular midsized passenger car that comes in both sedan and hatchback designs. The hatchback design is both stylish and practical.

Typical of Kia, the GT Hatchback comes with a long list of standard features, many that other brands have as options.

Inside its well laid out, comfortable and very easy to live with. I like the thick steering wheel, heated seats, and overall ambience of the interior.

Front seats have plenty of room, the rear seats are what you would expect for a hatch this size, but the boot is large and practical.

It also comes with a sporty 1.6L turbo petrol engine and 7 speed DCT transmission. This combination drives the front wheels and provides reasonable performance and economy.

The Cerato isn’t what you would call a hot hatch, yet its engaging and a bit of fun to drive every day,

The Kia Cerato GT Hatch is priced from $36,860 plus the usual costs. Its one of those cars that just feels right when you sit inside. It does everything you ask of it, it’s well priced and is a solid alternative to an SUV

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Brianna Fraser

Readers can find more Cerato reviews HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE CERATO GT HATCH RADIO REVIEW, CLICK BELOW

Kia Cerato GT Hatch Video Review

Coming Soon

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Motoring Minute segments are heard around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network.

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. They are also syndicated through various news sites around Australia.

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The post We drive the Kia Cerato GT Hatch 2024 Review appeared first on Motoring Minute.

For those that don’t really know much about the Cupra brand, its an offshoot of VW. And the Leon is like the Golf.

Now the VZx model is the sports version with a healthy 221 kilowatts of power and 400 Newton metres of torque running through a seven-speed direct shift gearbox driving the front wheels.

Its reasonably quick at a time of 5.7 seconds from 0-100kmh. It also happens to be economical as well. This is a good combination.

What is more impressive is how it drives. It’s relaxed around town but transforms when asked. This is a car that is fun to drive. Its responds well and driver engagement is excellent.

Inside its comfortable and familiar to anyone that knows what a VW looks like. There are many shared parts. The flat bottom steering wheel feels great, and the sports style seats are supportive.

Rear seats are a bit tight and boot space is aimed more for two people.

The Cupra Leon VZx is priced from $65,690 dollars plus the usual costs. This is a few thousand dollars less than its VW sister. But the VW has a slightly different engine tune. Overall I really enjoyed the time in the Cupra. They have something different about them.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Brianna Fraser

TO LISTEN TO THE CUPRA LEON VZX RADIO REVIEW, CLICK BELOW

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First up it looks the part with low sleek 4 door hatchback design, huge rear spoiler, ultra-low profile tyres and a tri exhaust system.

I have to say it certainly attracted a lot of attention when I was driving it.

It also has a delightful exhaust note courtesy of the tri exhaust outlets.

The Civic Type R is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that delivers up to 235kW of power and 420 Nm of torque. This drives the front wheels through a smooth six speed manual transmission.

While there isn’t an official 0-100kmh time it should do mid to high 5.0 second times.

The interior is sports car focused with red sports seats and trim, an abundance of information available through the 9-inch central touch screen and an Alcantara sports steering wheel.

Overall, the Civic Type R is responsive and a lot of fun to drive.

The latest model is priced from $72,600 plus the usual costs.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

TO LISTEN TO THE CIVIC TYPE R RADIO REVIEW, CLICK BELOW

Honda Civic Type R Video Review

Honda Civic Type R more thoughts

Many years ago, I owned a Honda CRX, a 1989 or 90 model I think it was. It was a practical hot hatch style vehicle. Essentially it was a go cart. Low to the ground, gripped corners like a limpet and useable performance when you worked the transmission. It wasn’t the fastest, but it was HUGE fun.

The hatchback styling was also immensely practical. We used to pack a lawn mower and whipper snipper in it and head to the beach house to mow the lawn.

Fast forward to 2023 and the latest Type R feels similar. It retains the hatch practicality; it grips like a limpet and is FUN to drive.

I must be getting a bit older (obviously), but the suspension sometimes feels a little harsh for everyday driving and the torque steer adds to the excitement.

Civic Type R features highlights

Honda Civic Type R is equipped with a wide-ranging list of new features and technologies, including:

• Newly developed 2.0-litre VTEC Turbo engine with increased power and torque
• Individual drive mode in addition to Comfort, Sport, and +R
• Active exhaust valve
• Wider 265/30/R19 size Michelin Pilot 4S tires
• Customisable 10.2-inch high-definition full colour digital driver information display
• Traffic Sign Recognition System
• Intelligent Speed Limiter
• Driver Attention Monitor
• Knee Airbags- driver and front passenger
• 9-inch Advanced Display Audio touchscreen system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay
• Wireless phone charger
• Honda Connect
• In-built Honda LogR
• Satellite navigation
• Acoustic windscreen
• ‘Smart Clear Wiper’ windscreen wiper/ washer system
• Auto-retractable door mirrors
• Full suede-effect seat trim
• Ambient door trim and front footwell lighting

Also look at.

Unfortunately, the small sports car segment is slowly contracting. Hot hatches were huge many years ago but are now being replaced by small SUVs or even electric cars.

Buyers could look at the Toyota GR Corolla, Subaru WRX, Hyundai i30N, Audi S3, Renault Megane RS, or even the Audi SQ2.  

If you don’t mind having no exhaust blip, then you could look at the Kia EV6 GT Line, Subaru Solterra, or Hyundai IONIQ5.

Honda Civic Type R final thoughts

In a world that is heading towards SUVs and EVs, cars like the Civic Type R restore order.

It looks great, feels awesome to drive and isn’t too expensive.

It’s a practical sports hatch that provides enormous fun.

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Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network.

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. They are also syndicated through various news sites around Australia.

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The post We drive the Honda Civic Type R 2023 Review appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Well, we took it for a run up the freeway and through the Hunter Valley in NSW for a day out. Apart from firm suspension it was a lot of fun.

And he exhaust note has a rewarding crisp burble.

People commented on it everywhere we went. Even the police at the roadside breath testing were interested in it. I found myself chatting to three of them about what it was like to drive.

Inside its well-equipped and comfortable, however I would ask for an additional adjustable lumbar support for my ageing back.

The GR Sport is all about the engine and it’s a gem. A 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine tuned to produce a boosted 221kW of power, close ratio six speed manual transmission and GR-FOUR all wheel drive system

It will happily potter around town and cruise the freeway without fuss. But switch the drive mode to Sport and your set for some fun driver engagement.

The GR Corolla GTS is priced from $62,300 plus the usual costs.

A full drive review can be found HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE GR COROLLA RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

More Toyota GR Corolla GTS thoughts

• The GR Corolla has a split personality
• It looks cool. We were constantly stopped and asked about it.
• The number of comments about how cool it looked was surprising
• Its a lot of fun to drive
• As well as easy to potter around town
• The sports seats hold you firmly in place
• The crisp raspy exhaust adds to the overall sporty ambience.
• Suspension can be a little firm on our goat track back roads.
• with a 0-100km/h time of 5.9 seconds its quick enough.
• The real beauty is in how it simply grips the road like a limpet. It will go around the tightest corners almost perfectly flat.
• Responsiveness from throttle, steering and brake inputs is impressive
• A slick short shift 6 speed manual transmission focusses drivers attention
• However underneath its still a Corolla.
• I’m probably not the target market, but the lack of additional lumbar support for the driver was uncomfortable.
• The 8.0 inch central touch screen is a little behind the market these days
• Its missing a central storage bin, which means no left elbow rest and a lack of storage places for glasses etc.
• The boot is small

Also look at.

Sports hatchbacks are few and far between these days.

Buyers could look at the Subaru WRX Sportswagon, Hyundai i30N, Honda Type R, Renault Megane RS, Audi S3.

Toyota GR Corolla final thoughts

Toyota GR Corolla is cool.

Its quick and fun to drive, providing levels of driver engagement that often costs many thousands of dollars more.

This is Toyota at its best. The best GR model available.

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Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. 

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Both the Golf GTi and its sibling the 110TSI R Line are coming later this year after considerable delays. Due to, yes you guessed it, supply constraints globally.

In its pure form, the Golf GTi is so well balanced as a sports hatch that outright speed and acceleration aren’t all that important. Like the Mazda MX-5 and the Subaru WRX. The Golf is for those windy roads that engage the driver and provide simple fun.

The Golf GTI features a 180kW and 370Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. And the latest 7-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) with twin wet clutches. The GTI will go from 0-100km/h in 6.4 seconds and sip fuel at an ADR figure of 7.0 litres per 100km.

It features

• a choice of 18- and 19-inch wheel and tyre packages,
• 15-stage adaptive suspension and
• an electronically controlled mechanical locking front differential with ESC Sport for maximum comfort with driving fun.

Find that quiet, windy road on a sunny day and all is forgiven about the Tartan seats.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details on the Golf GTi  HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE VW GOLF GTI RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 120 radio channels. 

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. 

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