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

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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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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 Kia Sorento GT-Line PHEV AWD – Baby duties Week 2 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

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,

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 Kia Sorento GT-Line PHEV AWD – Baby duties Week 1 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

It’s a bit of an understatement to say the design is polarising. Im not a big fan but I had plenty of people stop me and chat and they loved the styling.

My initial thoughts were.

• It drives more like a SUV than a Ute.
• Inside it’s also more SUV like
• There is plenty of power and enough torque for all but carrying or towing the heaviest loads.
• Kia have sorted the suspension to be spot on.

On the launch we didn’t get a chance to drive on sand, so that’s what I did. As well as my favourite corrugated and potholed dirt track that leads to my favourite fishing spot.

I can confirm that the Tasman absolutely loves driving on sand. It simply hummed along and I never switched out of 4A for the drive. When it started to slow, a simple adjustment to the throttle kept it happy. The low torque delivery and excellent calibration of the transmission were on full display.

Its interesting just how many people online and in person have such strong opinions against the Tasman. But one thig I have found in common with all of them is that they haven’t driven it.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Tasman X-Pro – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Kia Tasman X-Pro – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Kia Tasman X-Pro – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Tasman X-Pro could look at : Isuzu D-Max Blade, Ford Ranger Tremor, Toyota HiLux Rogue, Nissan Navara Pro 4-X Warrior, 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 Kia Tasman X-Pro 4WD Ute driven for 2026 review appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Obviously, it has a strong safety cell protecting everyone inside. But there are little features that give me that warm safe feeling.

Things like

• Rear view camera with guidelines – always helpful when parking
• Blind spot monitor and collision avoidance function
• It’s a big car so backing out of car parks is helped by the Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
• Emergency braking for pedestrians, cars and turning a corner if needed and
• The best one for me is a safe exit warning.

On top of those there are airbags everywhere, even for the third row seats. Also, if you do happen to get in an accident the door locks unlock, making access easier.

The hands free automatic tailgate opening on the top three models is a handy feature. So often you have bub in your arms and need to access the boot area. I really like that idea.

Also lets mention that unlike many people movers in the past, This people mover is kind of cool for kids. As they get older, they love the space.

So, my overall impressions of the Kia Carnival is that it is Mum and Bub approved.

Motoring Minute Video – Kia Carnival part three

Other Kia Carnival Reviews for new mums

• Kia Carnival GT-Line HEV – search for the best new mum car part two
• Part one – Kia Carnival GT-Line HEV – search for the best mum car part one 
• Kia Carnival GT-Line – is this the best family car available
• Family holiday – GT Line driven to the Gold Coast
• Kia Carnival – Why it is so good for a family

Readers can find more details  HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Kia Carnival – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Instead – buyers could look at:

This is a popular segment: Buyers could look at: Hyundai Staria, LDV Mifa, Ford Tourneo

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 Kia Carnival – best new mum car Part 3 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

First up is the space inside. Theres room for eight people if needed. On top of that there is still plenty of room for luggage. That’s something many SUVs don’t have.

Also keeping the driver and front passenger comfortable are electric adjusted seats with heating and on some model’s – ventilation.

There are five isofix and top tether points for baby seats. And with the middle row of seats able to slide you can adjust how much room you need. The seating is practical and flexible.

Little comfort features like air vents for all the seats, cup holders and storage everywhere, are appreciated.

There’s space for everything – pram, nappy bag, groceries – plus plenty of room for more kids down the line.

I’ve said it before, but what really seals it for me? The sliding doors. Whether it’s getting a capsule in or helping kids climb into the back seats without hitting the car next to you – it’s honestly a lifesaver.

The Kia Carnival makes it all so easy.

If you’re starting or growing your family, the Carnival just gets it. It’s the mum car I keep coming back to. The Kia Carnival is Mum life Upgraded.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Brianna Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Kia Carnival  HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Kia Carnival – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Kia Carnival GT-Line HEV Motoring Minute Video Part 2

Instead of the Kia Carnival – buyers could look at:

This is a popular segment: Buyers could look at: Hyundai Staria, LDV Mifa, Ford Tourneo

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 Kia Carnival GT-Line HEV – search for the best new mum car part two appeared first on Motoring Minute.

The Carnival comes in a choice of five different models with three different engines. There is a petrol, a diesel, and a petrol hybrid version. The Hybrid comes with a six speed automatic transmission. The others with the familiar 8 speed automatic.

The Hybrid is available in the base, middle and top spec models.

Being a Kia, even the entry level model the “S” is well equipped. However, as you go up the grades the level of features grows.

I’ve driven all of the engine choices over the years. For the next three weeks im driving a GT-Line hybrid version.

This comes with almost everything you could want and is a luxurious family transport.

The hybrid engine is quiet and smooth to drive. Its reasonably economical, more so around town, rather than on longer trips.

Here the diesel excels. However, the difference between these two isn’t that much to be honest. The pure petrol version isn’t that great on fuel economy and probably should be avoided as a choice.

Pricing for the Kian Carnival ranges from around $52,000 dollars through to $76,630 dollars for the Hybrid GT-Line im driving. All plus the usual costs

Over the next two weeks we will look at just what makes the Kia Carnival so popular for larger families.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Brianna Fraser

MotoringMinute Kia Carnival Video part one.

Readers can find more details about the Kia Carnival  HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Kia Carnival – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Instead of the Kia Carnival – buyers could look at:

This is a popular segment: Buyers could look at: Hyundai Staria, LDV Mifa, Ford Tourneo

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 Kia Carnival GT-Line HEV – search for the best mum car part one  appeared first on Motoring Minute.

I had the Sorento GT-Line all wheel drive hybrid electric vehicle.

This is the top spec model that comes equipped with everything you could possibly want in terms of comfort, safety and luxury features. It also looks quite smart with the design refresh last year.

Priced from around $73,300 plus the usual costs the Sorento Hybrid GT-Line is actually great value.

I really like the huge screen that seems to flow from in front of the driver through to the central stack area. Its clear and easy to read.  Especially the reverse camera.

Other features I Like are the exceptionally comfortable front seats. Heated, ventilated and supportive.

Middle row seats are great for taller people, but the third row is really for early teens. There are five top tether and 4 isofix Child Restraint Anchorage Points. The flexibility of rear folding seats is another plus point.

The 1,6 litre hybrid petrol engine has enough performance for most drivers and is particularly economical. I averaged around 6.5 litres per hundred kilometres for the time I was driving. With a new dial transmission, it takes a little getting used to but works well when you do.

Its easy to see why the Sorento is so popular with families. It is so easy to live with.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Brianna Fraser

Readers can find everything you need to know about the Sorento Hybrid HERE 

TO LISTEN TO THE Sorento Hybrid GT-Line RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Instead of the Sorento Hybrid GT-Line  – buyers could look at:

This is a popular segment: Buyers could look at:Hyundai Santa Fe, Peugeot 5008 GT, Toyota Kluger, Mazda CX-80,

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 Kia Sorento Hybrid GT Line revisited for 2025 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

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

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 Kia Tasman X-Pro first drive 2025 appeared first on Motoring Minute.