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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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 Isuzu D-MAX X-Rider 4WD Dual Cab Ute revisited appeared first on Motoring Minute.

It was a bit of a touring holiday with stops at Nelson Bay on the way up and a couple of places on the way back down to Sydney for a friends wedding.

So, a couple of thousand kilometres later what’s my thought. – I love it.

The XT looks quite stylish, and the bold grill stands out. I do like the styling changes for the updated model.

Inside its spacious and particularly comfortable. Visibility for the driver is good. There is plenty of room for a family. Boot space is large and flexible. Plenty of room for luggage or baby strollers.

The rear seats will all fold down to form a cavernous flat area. But like a lot of seven seat wagons there is minimal room if you use all three rows of seats.

The outer middle row seats have two isofix points that are easily accessible. As well as top tether points that but they are a bit fiddly.

The 3.0 litre diesel engine has enough performance and economy is excellent. Of course, it will tow whatever you want and its 4WD ability is great.

The Isuzu MU-X X-Terrain could be the perfect family wagon.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Brianna Fraser

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

TO LISTEN TO THE MU-X X-Terrain  – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the MU-X X-Terrain could also look at the following: KGM Rexton, Subaru Outback XT, Peugeot 5008 GT Hybrid, Toyota Fortuner, Nissan Pathfinder, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento

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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. 

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

The post Isuzu MU-X X-Terrain 2025 review appeared first on Motoring Minute.

The engine remains the familiar 3.0L turbo diesel with 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque. This will run to all four wheels through a 6 Sp Aisin transmission and selectable 4WD. The Blade also retains the handy 3500 kg towing capacity.

On the launch we took the Blade over some interesting tracks at a 4WD park and some beach driving.

On my recent drive I was able to do more beach driving, lots of motorway cruising and some fast dirt road sections.

As I suspected it excels on the dirt roads. Its composed, with the larger diameter dampers soaking up most of the bumps. The steering is responsive and not prone to negative feedback from the potholes.

Priced from $76,990 drive away its getting up there in price and there is a lot of competition. However its definitely worth the test drive

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

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

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

Buyers could also look at:

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

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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. 

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

The post Isuzu D-Max Blade revisited 2025 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

In other words, the most basic work Ute offered  by Isuzu. It’s priced from $32,490 drive away and that’s simply outstanding value.

The actual vehicle I drove has a few options added which took the price up to around $35,200 drive away

How is it you may ask. Well considering that as I get older, I like my space and little luxuries in my Utes. It’s been ok actually.

I can see a specific appeal for this vehicle. Especially for tradies that need  to carry bulk rather than weight.

Having said that the 2.55mtr long tray will fit most loads in it and the Ute has a 1400kg payload in manual version.

The issue here is that the 1.9L turbo diesel engine has only 110KW of power and 350Nm of torque available. It does struggle with a heavy load. I know this because I filled it with a load of recycled bricks and took then north on the freeway and it really struggled on hills.

Not everyone needs or wants a powerful diesel engine. The 1.9L Isuzu D-Max SX Cab Chassis provides a practical choice for workers that need basic Ute with a sterling reputation.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

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

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

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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 SX Single Cab Chassis 4X2 1.9L Ute review appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Driven by consumer desire for a multi-purpose vehicle that can cross the boundaries between work, family, and recreation.

In fact, Utes have been amongst the top selling models for years. These include the Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, and Isuzu D-Max.

Up until the start of 2025, diesel was the main source of fuel. However, with the NVES legislation introduced by the Government, under the misguided belief that we need to reduce our CO2 emissions, manufacturers have started offering alternative technologies.

This NVES legislation will see the price of our favourite Utes increase over time, simply because of the penalties levied against manufacturers.

However, as a bonus, this year will see the introduction of more Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEV), as well as some notable Plug IN Hybrid Vehicles (PHEV).

Due for release this year are the FOTON V7 and V9 MHEV, Ranger PHEV, LDV Terron 9 and JAC Hunter PHEV. And we have already seen the BYD Shark 6 PHEV earlier this year.

We mustn’t forget the traditional diesel Kia Tasman that is due mid-year.

This year it’s an absolute Ute bonanza,  with many contemporary brands bringing innovative technologies.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Ute buyers– HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Ute buyers  – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 100 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 Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive – Cars Transport Culture Radio Program. 

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

The post 2025 is like Christmas all year for Ute Buyers. appeared first on Motoring Minute.

It was a bit of a touring holiday with stops at Nelson Bay on the way up and a couple of places on the way back down to Sydney for a friends wedding.

So, a couple of thousand kilometres later what’s my thought. – I love it.

The XT looks quite stylish, and the bold grill stands out. I do like the styling changes for the updated model.

Inside its spacious and particularly comfortable. Visibility for the driver is good. There is plenty of room for a family. Boot space is large and flexible. Plenty of room for luggage or baby strollers.

The rear seats will all fold down to form a cavernous flat area. But like a lot of seven seat wagons there is minimal room if you use all three rows of seats.

The outer middle row seats have two isofix points that are easily accessible. As well as top tether points that but they are a bit fiddly.

The 3.0 litre diesel engine has enough performance and economy is excellent. Of course, it will tow whatever you want and its 4WD ability is great.

The Isuzu MU-X X-Terrain could be the perfect family wagon.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Brianna Fraser

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

TO LISTEN TO THE MU-X X-Terrain  – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 100 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 Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive – Cars Transport Culture Radio Program. 

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

The post Isuzu MU-X X-Terrain – Touring holiday to Byron Bay appeared first on Motoring Minute.

This comes with revised dampers and raised suspension, better off road tyres, more underbody protection and some cosmetic additions.

The engine remains the familiar 3.0L turbo diesel with 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque. This will run to all four wheels through a 6 Sp Aisin transmission and selectable 4WD. The Blade also retains the handy 3500 kg towing capacity.

On the launch we took the Blade over some interesting tracks at a 4WD park and some beack driving.

On my recent drive I was able to do more beach driving, lots of motorway cruising and some fast dirt road sections.

As I suspected it excels on the dirt roads. Its composed, with the larger diameter dampers soaking up most of the bumps. The steering is responsive and not prone to negative feedback from the potholes.

Priced from $76,990 drive away its getting up there in price and there ios a lot of competition. However its definitely worth the test drive

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

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

TO LISTEN TO THE Ranger PHEV  – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 100 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 Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive – Cars Transport Culture Radio Program. 

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

The post Isuzu D-Max Blade driven for 2025 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Similar to the D-Max, the MU-X now has an X-Terrain model, which is the most comprehensively equipped ever. With a distinctive dark theme interior and exterior highlight design.

Across the range the standard ADAS suite now includes a host of undated features, making it one of the safest in its segment. On selected models there is now a 360 degree surround view camera which is excellent for off road driving, hitching a van or boat or even parking in the shopping centre.

There is also a slight suspension re-tune to make the MU-X 2025 more compliant at higher speeds on motorways. Its subtle but effective.

What hasn’t changed is the MU-X robustness and reliability. It remains a truly capable 4WD, which we proved yet again on the launch taking it on tracks that most standard 4WDs wouldn’t go. Its also an ideal towing vehicle with the 3.0L turbo diesel engine and the low torque delivery. Many brands have proven the six-speed Aisin AT over many years.

The new model is available from March 1^st. Pricing starts from a touch under $44,000 plus the usual costs and there are two driveaway specials for the LS-T model at $69,990 and the new X-Terrain at $73,990 RDAP. These are great value.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find everything you need to know about the MU-X 2025 HERE 

TO LISTEN TO THE MU-X 2025 – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 100 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 Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive – Cars Transport Culture Radio Program. 

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

The post Isuzu MU-X 2025 Model update appeared first on Motoring Minute.