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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The Palisade is available in one beautifully appointed model, the Calligraphy. You can choose between seven or eight seats, and we tested the seven-seat version with mid-row captain’s chairs.

There’s one petrol hybrid engine option, and it strikes a lovely balance between being powerful enough for family road trips while still remaining economical for everyday mum life.

Inside, the Palisade feels spacious thanks to its long wheelbase and large SUV design. The rear doors open wide, which makes installing a baby seat and putting a sleeping bub in the seat much easier — something every mum will appreciate.

Of course, there are ISOFIX and top tether points for added safety and peace of mind.

There are even pull-up window shades to help protect little ones from the harsh sun.

If you need to sit in the second row, the captain’s chairs mean you’re slightly further away from the other seat, but they’re roomy, comfortable, and supportive — ideal for longer trips.

The third row is surprisingly practical too.

With slide and recline functions, plus heated seats, it doesn’t feel like an afterthought.

It’s clearly designed for regular use, whether that’s older kids, grandparents, or carpooling.

When used as a four-seater, there’s plenty of boot space for prams, nappy bags and all the baby gear that somehow multiplies overnight.

If you’re using all seven or eight seats, luggage space does reduce, but it’s still better than many other large SUVs.

Around town, it can feel big in tight car parks. Otherwise, it’s smooth, quiet, and easy to drive, which is exactly what you want when you’ve finally got a sleeping baby in the back.

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Im Brianna Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Hyundai Palisade – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Hyundai Palisade – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Hyundai Palisade could look at :  Mazda CX-90, Nissan Pathfinder, Peugeot 5008 GT Hybrid, Subaru Outback, Lexus RX, Toyota Kluger Grande

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The updated MY26 X-TRAIL range boasts design enhancements, advanced technology features, and an increase in service intervals, boosting the appeal that has made it a standout in Australia’s competitive medium SUV segment.

Some of the highlights include:

• refreshed front and rear styling,
• updated 18- and 19-inch wheel designs on select grades,
• enhanced interior materials and finishes, and
• the introduction of Nissan’s Connected Car Services^#(CCS 1.0) technology across the entire range.
• All grades now also offer a 12.3-inch Infotainment Screen and Wireless Apple Car Play^>and Android Auto^> as standard.

• In what will be a cost saving for owners Service intervals increase on both the e-POWER and ICE MY26 X-TRAIL models to 15,000km/12 months (previously 10,000km/12 months).

I’ve been a big fan of the e-power hybrid system. This essentially has the X-Trail driving more like an EV without the hassles of charging as the petrol engine acts as a generator essentially. That’s a simple explanation.

The MY26 X-TRAIL will be available across 5 model grades, with both conventional ICE and e-POWER e-4ORCE variants offered. The range continues to provide five-seat and seven-seat configurations to suit varying family requirements.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Nissan X-Trail – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Nissan X-Trail – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Nissan X-Trail – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers could also look at : Subaru Forester,  Toyota RAV 4 , Honda CRV,  Haval H6, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Peugeot 3008, 

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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 

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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.

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Im Rob Fraser

Battery Electric Vehicles vs Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicles 

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Firstly, I really like the styling. Somehow, Kia has managed to make a large SUV look sleek rather than bulky. I’m also a fan of the interior design and overall ambience. Everything is well laid out and feels premium. One small gripe is that the air-conditioning controls sit within the large central touchscreen and can be a little awkward to use. That said, the 25-inch display itself is impressive.

There are some clever design touches too, like the front sunshades with a slide-out section that offers extra protection when pulled to the side. The wireless charging tray means no cables cluttering up the cabin, and wireless smartphone connectivity makes staying connected easy. Dual-zone climate control also allows me to keep bub at a comfortable temperature, which every mum will appreciate.

My music taste has definitely shifted from my usual playlists to a steady stream of nursery rhymes, but I still love the premium BOSE sound system — and so does bub.

Priced from around $86,000 plus on-road costs, the Sorento GT-Line PHEV is expensive — about $12,000 more than the regular hybrid, which I would choose.

Aside from the price, the Kia Sorento GT-Line PHEV AWD gets the mum-and-bub approval.

This has been a Motoring Minute.
I’m Brianna Fraser.

You can download the full brochure HERE. 

Readers can find more details about the Kia Sorento GT-Line PHEV – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Kia Sorento GT-Line PHEV – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Kia Sorento GT-Line PHEV – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the GT-Line PHEV could look at : Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Kluger Hybrid, Peugeot 5008 GT Hybrid, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Touring, Mazda CX-80, Subaru Outback,

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 The Kia Sorento comes with a five-star ANCAP safety rating, which is reassuring when your precious bub is on board. That peace of mind really matters.

One feature I especially like is the 360-degree camera system. Suburban car parks can be tight, and it makes reversing much easier. The digital centre mirror is another standout — even when the boot is packed full of baby gear, I can still clearly see what’s behind me.

Blind spots are always a concern, and with blind-spot monitoring and blind-spot collision-avoidance, I’m alerted if I’ve missed something. There are curtain airbags covering the first and second rows, although not the third row.

New mums are often tired, so I appreciate the little things that quietly help without needing extra thought. If it rains, the wipers activate. When it gets dark, the headlights come on. The large head-up display keeps important information right in my line of sight, helping me stay focused on the road.

The front seats are particularly comfortable and supportive, with heating and cooling. When I’m in the back seat with bub, there are USB ports for convenience, and rear pull-up sunshades.

Legroom can feel a little tight when sitting beside bub, but there’s plenty of headroom.

Overall, the Kia Sorento GT-Line gets a big tick from mum and bub for safety.

This is a Motoring Minute.
I’m Brianna Fraser.

You can download the full brochure HERE. 

Readers can find more details about the Kia Sorento GT-Line – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Kia Sorento GT-Line – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Kia Sorento GT-Line – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the GT-Line PHEV could look at : Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Kluger Hybrid, Peugeot 5008 GT Hybrid, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Touring, Mazda CX-80, Subaru Outback,

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PHEV stands for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle, which allows drivers to use it as a fully electric SUV for short trips, up to 50 kilometres. Once the battery is depleted, it operates like a normal hybrid.

The top-spec model offers seven seats and packs numerous features. I’ve always enjoyed the Sorento as a family SUV — it’s well thought out and very easy to live with.

Installing the baby seat was straightforward, with ISOFIX and top tether points, and doors that open wide enough to make access easy. What did stand out, though, was just how much space a baby seat takes up. With it installed, rear-seat room felt a little tight.

As a five-seater, there’s plenty of boot space for all the baby gear. However, if you need to use all seven seats, luggage space becomes very limited — something mums will definitely want to factor in.

Around town, the Sorento is easy and comfortable to drive. The 1.6-litre petrol hybrid engine feels smooth and economical.

With an EV only range of about 50k  it’s a bit impractical. Having recently driven the regular hybrid Sorento, I actually prefer that option — it’s simpler to live with and more affordable too.

This is a Motoring Minute.
I’m Brianna Fraser.

Readers can find more details about the Kia Sorento GT-Line – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Kia Sorento GT-Line – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Kia Sorento GT-Line – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the GT-Line PHEV could look at :  Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota Kluger Hybrid, Peugeot 5008 GT Hybrid, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Touring, Mazda CX-80, Subaru Outback,

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

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I had this compact hybrid SUV over the Christmas break.

Not only does it have stylish design, but its elegant interior is class leading.

I particularly liked the configurable 3D I-cockpit design. This raised digital dash and unique steering wheel suits my driving position perfectly.

There is a panoramic opening glass roof, 360 degree camera and classy 18 inch black alloy wheels.

Both front seats are heated, and the driver’s seat has an electric lumbar support and relaxing massage function.

Powering the 2008 GT is a 1.2L turbo petrol engine paired with a 48V hybrid system. It’s zippy around town and engaging to drive. I didn’t take it on a longer drive this time. That’s because the Air Conditioning wasn’t working and driving longer distances on 40 plus degree days didn’t seem like fun.

It is however economical and we got around 5.0l/100k over the time we had it.

The Peugeot 2008 GT Hybrid has an almost perfect blend of size, performance, and economy. It also brings an element of style and sophistication and has a premium ambience. At around $49,500 plus the usual costs its great value compared to its European rivals.

The Peugeot 2008 GT Hybrid is ideal for buyers that want something just a little bit different.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the 2008 GT Hybrid – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE 2008 GT Hybrid – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Peugeot 2008 GT Hybrid – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the 2008 GT Hybrid could also look at the following: Audi Q3, BMW X2, Cupra Formentor, Lexus UX, Mercedes Benz GLA, MINI Countryman,

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