First impressions are of luxury and space. Remember the V7 is the entry level model, aimed at tradies, workers and ruffed 4WD adventures.

However, it feels more like a luxury SUV inside. With synthetic leather  trim, supportive seats and large digital driver instrument panel.

Even though the front seats have manual adjustments its easy to find a comfortable driving position. With enough seat slide and height and reach adjustable steering wheel im right at home.

The 12.3 inch drivers instrument panel  is configurable with a number of options.  Most drivers will find what they like and leave it there.

The 14.6 inch central touch screen has excellent clarity. There has been a lot of work done to make the user interface easy and intuitive. Wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity is a bonus, but it does miss out on Android Auto.

Rear seats have enough room for my 190cm frame to sit comfortably. There are isofix and top tether points on the two outer seats. With a long wheelbase and abundant rear seat room, placing a bay seat there is so much easier than a normal Ute.

The rear seats lift up and fold down for greater practicality and flexibility.

Overall, the interior of the V7 is a cut above what you would expect for a work Ute.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can see the full specifications Foton Tunland HERE 

A full review of the Foton Tunland can be found HERE.

 TO LISTEN TO THE Foton Tunland V7 Interior – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

What is good?

• Absolutely stunning value for money
• Stylish mid-sized design
• Interior space, comfort, and ambience.

What is not so good?

• It’s underpowered for heavy duty work. Would love 20% more power.
• No front massage seats ( I know that’s fussy ????)
• Rated for 3500kg towing but better suited to 2500kg.

Foton Tunland – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Foton Tunland are in a rapidly growing segment.

Potential choices could be.

• Ford Ranger 2.0L XL
• Isuzu D-Max 2.2L
• Mazda BT-50 2.2L
• KGM Musso XLV
• GWM Cannon Alpha
• MGU9
• LDV Terron 9
• Chery Stockman
• JAC Hunter PHEV

Some other Foton Tunland Articles

• The Foton Tunland V7 4WD capability
• Part Two – Foton V7 4WD Dual Cab Ute exterior features
• Part one Foton Tunland Long Term test
• Foton Tunland – Everything you need to know
• FOTON Tunland V7 C 2WD Ute driven for 2026.
• 2026 FOTON Tunland V7 and V9 review 
• Foton Tunland first drive for 2025
• FOTON TUNLAND details released including stunning pricing.

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 The Foton Tunland V7 Interior – Spacious and comfortable appeared first on Motoring Minute.

 This 4WD capability comes from the combination of

• A Borg Warner dual range 4WD system,
• Dana Axles and diffs with a Rear diff lock, a
• ZF 8 speed Automatic transmission, and
• All Terrain tyres as standard
• Foton Tunland combines the best of available technology.

For off-road driving, the Tunland V7 offers a useful 28-degree approach angle, allowing it to climb steep embankments and obstacles with less risk of the front bumper making contact. At the rear, its 26-degree departure angle helps when driving down steep slopes or over uneven terrain. The 21-degree ramp-over, or breakover, angle indicates how well the Ute can cross a crest without the centre underside of the vehicle touching the ground.

Ground clearance is a solid 240mm, providing useful space between the underbody and rocks, ruts and other obstacles. The V7 also has a quoted 700mm wading depth, and excellent wheel articulation, further highlighting its off-road credentials.

To put that into perspective the ground clearance is more than most Ford Ranger or Toyota HiLux models.

Also, the Tunland V7 has a larger tub capacity, higher payload and substantially more interior room.

Priced from $42,990 plus the usual costs.  You could buy a Tunland V7 and a camper trailer for the price of a mid-spec Ford Ranger.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can see the full specifications Foton Tunland HERE 

A full review of the Foton Tunland can be found HERE.

 TO LISTEN TO THE Foton Tunland V7 4WD – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

What is good?

• Absolutely stunning value for money
• Stylish mid-sized design
• Interior space, comfort, and ambience.

What is not so good?

• It’s underpowered for heavy duty work. Would love 20% more power.
• No front massage seats ( I know that’s fussy ????)
• Rated for 3500kg towing but better suited to 2500kg.

Foton Tunland – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Foton Tunland are in a rapidly growing segment.

Potential choices could be.

• Ford Ranger 2.0L XL
• Isuzu D-Max 2.2L
• Mazda BT-50 2.2L
• KGM Musso XLV
• GWM Cannon Alpha
• MGU9
• LDV Terron 9
• Chery Stockman
• JAC Hunter PHEV

Some other Foton Tunland Articles

• Part Two – Foton V7 4WD Dual Cab Ute exterior features
• Part one Foton Tunland Long Term test
• Foton Tunland – Everything you need to know
• FOTON Tunland V7 C 2WD Ute driven for 2026.
• 2026 FOTON Tunland V7 and V9 review 
• Foton Tunland first drive for 2025
• FOTON TUNLAND details released including stunning pricing.

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 The Foton Tunland V7 4WD capability appeared first on Motoring Minute.

The sculpted bonnet adds to its muscular stance, enhancing both aesthetics and the impression of strength.

The front of the V7 is equipped with LED headlights and distinctive daytime running lights, providing excellent visibility while giving the vehicle a sharp, modern look.

Integrated front fog lamps improve visibility in poor weather conditions, adding both practicality and safety.

Along the sides, the V7 features pronounced wheel arches, stylish alloy wheels, and strong body lines that emphasise its robust pickup design. Side steps provide easier access to the cabin while complementing the vehicle’s rugged appearance.

Body-coloured door handles and mirrors contribute to a more premium finish, while power-adjustable mirrors improve convenience for the driver.

At the rear, the V7 includes a durable cargo tub designed for work and recreational use, complete with a sturdy tailgate and integrated rear bumper. LED taillights enhance visibility and provide a modern final addition.

Roof rails and practical tie-down points further increase versatility, making the Foton V7 suitable for transporting equipment, luggage, or outdoor gear while maintaining an attractive and confident exterior design.

Next week we look at inside the Foton V7

Readers can see the full specifications Foton Tunland HERE 

A full review of the Foton Tunland can be found HERE.

 TO LISTEN TO THE Foton Tunland V7 – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

What is good?

• Absolutely stunning value for money
• Stylish mid-sized design
• Interior space, comfort, and ambience.

What is not so good?

• It’s underpowered for heavy duty work. Would love 20% more power.
• No front massage seats ( I know that’s fussy ????)
• Rated for 3500kg towing but better suited to 2500kg.

Foton Tunland – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Foton Tunland are in a rapidly growing segment.

Potential choices could be.

• Ford Ranger 2.0L XL
• Isuzu D-Max 2.2L
• Mazda BT-50 2.2L
• KGM Musso XLV
• GWM Cannon Alpha
• MGU9
• LDV Terron 9
• Chery Stockman
• JAC Hunter PHEV

Some other Foton Tunland Articles

• Part one Foton Tunland Long Term test
• Foton Tunland – Everything you need to know
• FOTON Tunland V7 C 2WD Ute driven for 2026.
• 2026 FOTON Tunland V7 and V9 review 
• Foton Tunland first drive for 2025
• FOTON TUNLAND details released including stunning pricing.

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 Foton V7 4WD Dual Cab Ute exterior features appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Fiat has just announced the arrival of the new Fiat Scudo Series 3, launching in dealerships from February 2026.

The Scudo comes in both short and long wheelbase as well as two trim levels. They provide up to 6.6 cubic metre of load space and 1.3T payload. They also have handy dual sliding doors for maximum access.

Powered by a 2.0L MultiJet diesel engine delivering 110kW of power and 370Nm of torque. For convenience, they pair this with an intuitive 8-speed e-toggle automatic transmission. They claim a combined fuel consumption of 6.3L/100km.

Inside comfort and safety features include:

• heated driver seat and steering wheel,
• rain-sensing wipers, and a
• 10” Uconnect infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto.
• Primo trim adds premium touches like dual-zone climate control, keyless entry/start, full LED headlights, and Mobile Office functionality.

To keep drivers safe on the roads there is a Comprehensive ADAS Suite standard across the range.

For peace of mind the Scudo is backed by a 5 years / 200,000km warranty and 5 years roadside assistance.

Pricing is from $48,490 through to $52,990 plus the usual costs. Buyers can also take advantage of fleet pricing available for small businesses, corporates, government, and rental purchases.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Fiat Scudo – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Fiat Scudo – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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 Fiat Scudo Professional Series 3 released for 2026. appeared first on Motoring Minute.

I spent a week in the latest Ford Transit Custom Sport. This is the short wheelbase version with the cool bonnet stripes.

It’s hard to make delivery vans look sleek, but the Transit is reasonably stylish.

Inside the driver’s seat has electronic adjustment and a much appreciated additional lumbar support.

I like the odd shape of the steering wheel. There are the usual controls on the spokes, and the wheel doesn’t impede visibility of the driver’s instruments.

The passenger seats are fixed but the middle seat does have a flat fold down table for clipboards etc.

There are some practical design features such as

• a wireless charging tray
• Wireless smart phone connectivity,
• large 13 inch central touch screen
• full headboard
• heated front outer seats
• 180 degree opening rear barn doors.
• 0M load length with 6 tie down points
• A heap of active and passive safety features.

Powered  by a 2.0L turbo diesel engine with 125 kW of power and 390 Nm of torque. This drives the front wheels through an 8 Sp AT

This provides reasonable performance and economy. It’s zippy to drive and apart from the commercial rear suspension, its ride and handling is great for a van.

Priced from around $60,000 plus the usual costs it’s a practical and comfortable choice for workers.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Ford Transit  – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Ford Transit – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Ford Transit – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Ford Transit Custom Sport could look at : Hyundai Staria Load, Peugeot Expert,  Fiat Professional Scudo,   LDV Deliver7,  Toyota HiAce

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 Ford Transit Custom Sport driven for 2025. appeared first on Motoring Minute.

SUVs remain the most popular vehicle with 57% of the total.

Light Commercial vehicles, driven by our love affair with dual cab Utes was next with 22% of sales.

Passenger cars continue to decline in popularity now accounting for only 17% of sales and trucks make up the rest.

The most popular fuel source is petrol with 44%. The next is diesel with 30%. Hybrids had a fantastic year, reflecting the practicality. They grew from 8% to 14% of sales. PHEVs also grew more than double and now are almost 2% of sales.

The fuel source that dropped is the one that the government is trying to force us into. That’s EVs that declined from 7 to 6% of sales.

Outside the urban jungles EVs simply don’t make sense in Australia. Hybrids and PHEVs on the other hand make a lot of sense. They improve fuel economy, take five minutes to fill up and place no restrictions on consumers lifestyles. And with the PHEVs for many buyers , if they have a convenient charging place, they can drive on EV power daily.

No I can’t see Australians buying not the EV hype too much any time soon.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the type of cars sold – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Type of Cars Sold – 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 What type of cars are Australians buying appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Well, enter the Hyundai Staria Load Premium. This Commercial vehicle is based on the same platform and diesel engine as the Palisade. It drives like a big SUV and brings a host additional functional and comfort features to the segment.

The 2.2L diesel engine matched to the familiar 8 Sp AT is an economical, powerful and responsive combination. Plenty of zip around town, handles a load with ease and sips fuel while its doing it.

Highlights are

• 25-inch driver instrument cluster and
• 25-inch central touch screen,
• LED headlights,
• 17-inch alloy wheels,
• automatic climate control,
• smart key with push button start,
• and a smart power tailgate.

It does have a wireless charging slot for smart phones which is excellent, but wired mirror connectivity unfortunately.

Overall the Staria Load Premium version makes for a pleasant place to spend the day working

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details on Staria Load Premium HERE 

TO LISTEN TO THE Staria Load Premium RADIO SEGMENT, CLICK BELOW

Instead of the Staria Load buyers could also look at.

The medium work van segment is popular but competitive.

Buyers could also look at the Toyota HiAce, Peugeot Expert, Renault Traffic,   VW Multivan, LDV G10+

Some other Staria Load articles

• We test the Hyundai Staria Load Premium 2023
• Hyundai STARIA-LOAD Premium arriving soon
• 2022 Hyundai Staria Load 2022 Review
• Hyundai STARIA 2022 Motoring Minute Review
• Staria – Facing the floods in a people mover
• Another Hyundai Staria Load 2022 Review
• 2021 Hyundai Motor reveals additional design details of STARIA
• 2019 Hyundai STARIA-LOAD launched
• Hyundai iMax and iLoad Series II updates

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

Listeners can hear Motoring Minute segments 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.

You can also find Motoring Minute segments syndicated through other news sites around Australia.

Additionally Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive – Cars Transport Culture Radio Program. 

The post Staria Load Premium – driven for 2024 appeared first on Motoring Minute.