These include:

• 18-inch machined alloy wheels
• Front LED fog lamps
• LED headlamps with auto-levelling
• Power-folding exterior mirrors
• Side-steps
• Signature daytime running lamps (DRL)
• Tow bar with receiver, tongue and wiring harness (pickup models only)
• Tub liner (pickup models only)
• 9-inch full-colour touchscreen
• Advanced keyless entry
• Dual-zone climate control
• Satellite navigation
• Tyre-pressure monitoring system (TPMS)

The BT-50 XTR  comes with the same robust 3.0 litre diesel engine with 6 speed automatic transmission. It will still do all the towing and 4WD activities that the BT-50 is well known for.

While the front seats and dash are spacious and well laid out, rear seat leg room is a touch restricted. Like most Utes this size. There are two isofix and top tether points for baby seats. But to be honest a Ute isn’t perhaps the best choice for everything you need for a baby.

Priced from  $62,750 plus the usual costs it’s not bad value.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the BT-50 XTR – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE BT-50 XTR – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

What is good?

• Subtle exterior styling
• 4WD and towing capability
• Interior layout and ergonomics

What is not so good?

• No hybrid version
• Rear space restricted for child seats.
• No tie down points in front of tub

Mazda BT-50 buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the BT-50 GT could look at: Toyota HiLux SR, Isuzu D-Max , Ford Ranger Sport, Kia Tasman SX+, Nissan Navara -STX, Mitsubishi Triton GLS. SsangYong Musso XLV

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

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The post Mazda BT-50 XTR 4WD Dual Cab Ute 2025 review appeared first on Motoring Minute.

This was mainly because it has been pouring rain for the time we had it.

The SP comes with black and tan coloured seats. They are particularly comfortable, especially with electronic adjustment. The heating was appreciated on the cold winter mornings.

Other SP additions are mainly cosmetic. Gloss black features a lot, with sports bar, side steps, fender flares, roof rails, door handles etc. The SP also comes with a roller cover for the tub.

It is the bling model of the range.

Around town it was smooth and comfortable to drive without all of the bumping that usually comes from hard suspension Utes.

While the front seats and dash are spacious and well laid out, rear seat leg room is a touch restricted. Like most Utes this size. There are two isofix and top tether points for baby seats. But to be honest a Ute isn’t perhaps the best choice for everything you need for a baby.

Priced from  $71,500 plus the usual costs it is starting to get a little expensive.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Brianna Fraser

Readers can find more details about the BT-50 SP – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE BT-50 SP – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

What is good?

• Subtle exterior styling
• 4WD and towing capability
• Interior layout and ergonomics

What is not so good?

• No hybrid version
• Rear space restricted for child seats.
• No tie down points in front of tub

Mazda BT-50 SP buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the BT-50 GT could look at: Toyota HiLux Rogue, Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain, Ford Ranger, Kia Tasman X-Pro, Nissan Navara Pro-4x Warrior, Mitsubishi Triton GLS.

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 Mazda BT-50 SP 4WD Dual Cab Ute 2025 drive appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Features specific top the GT model include

• Heated exterior mirrors
• Black leather seats
• Electric driver’s seat with eight-way power adjustment
• Heated front seats
• Remote engine start
• Front parking sensors

These features make the GT model a lot more comfortable for an urban daily driver. I especially appreciated the heated seats in the cold and wet weather we had for the week.

Other features for the update include:

• A revised and larger central screen
• Revised layout for the drivers multi information display
• Easy down tailgate, which is welcome and
• New front end with LED lights.

The Mazda comes with the proven 3.0L 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine with 140 kW of power and 450Nm of torque. This is matched to an Aisin six speed AT and selectable 4WD system. It is also Rated to tow 3500kg.

The Mazda BT-50 GT is smooth riding on road. The suspension seems to soak up many of the daily bumps and it’s a comfortable place to sit.

There are two isofix and top tether points for baby seats but the rear room is tight like most Utes

Off road it remains very capable. Forest trails and dirt roads are a breeze, sand driving is easy and when it gets really rough the BT0-50 shines.

Priced from  $66,170 plus the usual costs it also represents good value.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the BT-50 GT – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE BT-50 GT – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

What is good?

• Subtle exterior styling
• 4WD and towing capability
• Interior layout and ergonomics

What is not so good?

• No hybrid version
• Rear space restricted for child seats.
• No tie down points in front of tub

Mazda BT-50 buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the BT-50 GT could look at: Toyota HiLux Rogue, Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain, Ford Ranger, Kia Tasman X-Pro, Nissan Navara Pro-4x Warrior, Mitsubishi Triton GLS.

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

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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 Mazda BT-50 GT 4WD Dual Cab Ute 2025 review appeared first on Motoring Minute.

I drove the top spec Azami with the SP option pack. This adds luxury and comfort features like:

• 21 inch alloy wheels,
• Gloss black exterior highlights
• Tan Nappa leather seat trim
• Suede finish on the dash and two tone colour steering wheel.

It certainly adds some pizzaz to the interior.

The CX-70 comes with either  a 3.3 litre mild hybrid petrol or diesel engine. Both are suitable and provide plenty or performance and the diesel has much better economy. That’s what I drove and I really appreciated the driving style.

The CX-70 Azami is quite large but doesn’t feel like it while driving. It is easy to park in tight suburban car parks. I also like the styling.

There is plenty of room for both front seat occupants and you feel comfortable immediately.

Rear seats have reasonable leg , knee and head room. There are two isofix and top tether points for a baby seat. Being a five-seat model, the boot space is huge and there is plenty of room for luggage or baby stroller and more.

Priced from a little under $89,000 dollars plus the usual costs it’s a touch expensive. The quality is there but the question is, will people spend that much on a Mazda SUV.

I would.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Brianna Fraser

Readers can find more details about the CX-70 Azami SP – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE CX-70 Azami SP – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the CX-70 Azami SP could look at: Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, Peugeot 5008 GT, Toyota Kluger, Subaru Outback XT, Genesis GV70, Lexus RX

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 100 radio channels. 

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

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I drove the Atenza version a few weeks ago. This comes in either a sedan or wagon and both are a beautiful design.

The Mazda6 comes with a 2.5L turbo petrol engine with a six speed AT and FWD. There is reasonable power and torque and it also fairly economical.

The Mazda has a smooth and comfortable ride. Its very quiet and makes long distance driving relaxed. You could say it has a sporty edge to it.

Inside the Atenza is all comfort. Heated and ventilated front leather seats with Alcantara inserts and electric adjustment. Multi zone climate-controlled A/C. Digital instruments and HUD.

The large central screen and infotainment connectivity allows for wireless smart phone charging and wireless Apple CarPlay. However, Mazda’s insistence on the dial controls means that the functionality is dated now.

Personally I would opt for the wagon over the sedan as I’m a bit of a wagon fan, but either would make owners happy.

The Mazda6 Atenza sedan is priced from $52,440 plus the usual costs and that’s actually good value.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can see the original full review of the Mazda6 Atenza HERE 

TO LISTEN TO THE MAZDA6 RADIO REVIEW, CLICK BELOW

Also look at.

Sedans are a dwindling market unfortunately.

The segment is dominated by the Toyota Camry Hybrid. Other choices include Hyundai Sonata, Citroen C5-X, Peugeot 508 GT, Genesis G70, or the Audi A4.

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

Additionally Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive – Cars Transport Culture Radio Program. This can be found weekly on the Spotify, SoundCloud and the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post Best of 2023 – Mazda6 Atenza review appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Mazda2 has been around for a while and despite the market moving away from this type of vehicle its still popular as a first car or urban runabout. It comes in a stylish hatch design and sedan

The car I had came in an Airstream Blue colour which many people liked. You can also coordinate the internal fascia to match.

Even though I am larger than the average bear and the Mazda2 is tiny, I found I was able to get comfortable.

The fabric seats were supportive and there was plenty of head room and leg room.

The internal layout was convenient with thick steering wheel, clear drivers’ instruments and 6 inch central screen Thanks fully this is both touch and dial controlled. But on wired Apple CarPlay its dial control only.

I did miss a central storage bin as an arm rest and an additional lumbar support would be good.

The Mazda2 comes with a 1.5L 4-cylinder motor and a choice of 6 Sp MT or AT. This reasonably zippy around town and cruises well on the motorway. Economy was about 5.0L/100 over the week.

I actually enjoyed the Mazda2 for the week. It was kind of cool to drive.

The Mazda2 is an ideal first car and is priced from around $22,400 through to $27,600 plus the usual costs.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find out everything you need to know about the MAZDA2 HERE 

TO LISTEN TO THE MAZDA2 HATCH RADIO REVIEW, CLICK BELOW

Also look at

Small passenger cars are becoming scarcer these days. Buyers could look at: Kia Rio, Toyota Yaris, Fiat 500, Citroen C3, Hyundai i20, MG3,

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The BT-50 Ute is a robust and capable 4WD with a 3.0L turbo diesel engine that provides 140kW of power and 450Nm of torque. It drives though a shift in the fly dual range 4WD system and a 6 speed AT. The BT-50 makes an excellent towing vehicle with 3500kg rating and low torque delivery.

The BT-50 SP pack comes with stylish Black and driftwood leather seat trim, 18-inch alloy wheels and roof rails. In addition, there is upgraded lifted suspension with twin tube shock absorbers.

Up front there is an integrated Lightforce light bar that has excellent brightness but needs better calibration with the automatic headlights.

The BT-50 SP comes with wireless smart phone connectivity, heated front seats, and a comfortable thick rimmed steering wheel.

Its compliant around town and was at home on dirt roads, forest trails and the beach.

The Mazda BT-50 SP is priced from around $68,500 plus the usual costs and is a reliable, robust 4WD Ute.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Listeners can find more Mazda BT-50 articles HERE 

TO LISTEN TO THE MAZDA BT-50 SP RADIO REVIEW, CLICK BELOW

Mazda BT-50 SP Motoring Minute Video

BT-50 SP Also look at:

The recreational Dual Cab Ute segment is packed. And the top end is the most popular.

Buyers could look at the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain, Nissan Navara Pro 4X Warrior, Toyota HiLux Rogue, or the HiLux GR Sport, Ford Ranger Wildtrak, or the all new Mitsubishi Triton

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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.

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The post Mazda BT-50 SP 4WD Dual Cab Ute driven for 2024 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

The CX-90 is big. To gain a perspective of its size its some 19 cm longer in wheelbase than the CX-9.  That’s a lot.

The new Mazda comes in three grades and with a choice of inline 6 cylinder 3.3L mild hybrid petrol or diesel engines. Pricing is from $74,400 through to a hefty $94,500 dollars plus the usual costs.

We drove the mid spec GT model with the petrol engine.

It is stylish, has presence and spacious inside.

The overall ambience is definitely premium with luxury touches everywhere. Seats are supportive and comfortable; drivers positioning is particularly good and there is room for the family behind.

The six-cylinder petrol engine provides plenty of performance and the dynamic handling is what you would expect of a premium SUV. However, the ride is a little harsh on country roads. This is a little disappointing given how good the CX-9 is.

It will be interesting to see if buyers will favour the big Mazda against the likes of a Genesis or Audi.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find out everything you need to know HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE MAZDA CX-90 GT RADIO REVIEW, CLICK BELOW

Quick Mazda CX-90 GT thoughts

Some other Mazda CX-90 articles

• Mazda CX-90 all you need to know
• Mazda CX-90 MHEV coming in August
• Mazda CX-90 details revealed and available for order
• Mazda announces the CX-90 coming third quarter 2023
• 2024 Mazda CX-90 in new Artisan Red paint

Also look at.

The CX-90 GT sits at the upper end of the large SUV segment. It’s a bold move upmarket by Mazda.

Buyers could look towards Nissan Pathfinder Ti-L, Hyundai Palisade Highlander, Genesis GV80, Kia Carnival, Audi Q7, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Kluger,

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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. 

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The post Mazda CX-90 GT SUV Driven 2023 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Good design, reasonable room inside and practical boot space.

The 2.2 litre diesel engine has enough performance for most drivers and excellent economy. It’s matched to a 6 speed automatic transmission and all wheel drive system.

Think of this as an additional safety feature and good for snow trips rather than venturing too far off road.

Inside the Akera is packed with goodies. Leather seats with electric adjustment for the front two with heating and ventilation. Wireless Apple CarPlay on the ten and a quarter inch central screen.

One little thing is the central screen doesn’t have touch functionality and that makes it a little awkward to use. It needs updating.

Mazda CX-5 Akera diesel is priced from a little over $55,000 plus the usual costs.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Brianna Fraser

TO LISTEN TO THE MAZDA CX-5 AKERA RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Quick Mazda CX-5 Akera thoughts

• Looks good with appealing style.
• Akera has almost everything you could ask for in it.
• Comfortable inside and well laid out.
• Front seats are relaxing and supportive.
• I appreciated the heated front seats and LED headlights
• Driver positioning is more upright than some others but feels alright.
• Thick steering wheel fits nicely in the hands
• Diesel engine is smooth, powerful enough and economical.
• 6 Sp AT works well with the engine but some competitors have oved to an 8 Sp AT
• Its an urban SUV and works well there.
• Mazda continuing with the dial controls for the central screen is confusing.
• It makes the user interface more convoluted than it should be.
• Rear seat and boot are a little tight.

Some other Mazda CX-5 articles

• Mazda CX-5 2023 update
• Mazda CX-5 MY23 Updates
• 2022 Mazda CX-5 2022 update – What’s New?
• Mazda CX-5 Akera Turbo awd SUV 2022 Motoring Minute Review
• Mazda CX-5 GT SP Turbo 2021 Review
• 2019 Mazda CX-5 SUV Lifestyle Review
• 2019 Mazda CX-5 2.5 GT Review
• 2018 Mazda CX-5 GT Review
• Mazda CX-5 GT Diesel AWD Review
• 2013 Mazda CX-5 2.5-litre Akera AWD Review
• 2102 all new Mazda CX-5 AWD SUV Launch Review
• 2012 Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport FWD Review

Also look at.

The CX-5 Akera sits in a very crowded and competitive segment in the market. The list of alternatives is long.

So let’s look at some of the more interesting ones.

Buyers could look towards Kia Sportage, Subaru Forester, Hyundai Tucson, Peugeot 3008 GT, Toyota RAV 4, Citroen C5 Aircross, Skoda Karoq,  Jeep Compass.

Mazda CX-5 Akera final thoughts

Mazda CX- 5 is the brands most popular vehicle and for good reason.

It seems to get the balance of size and space right for the urban environment.

CX-5 Akera comes well equipped, but it also comes with a slight premium price.

With a choice of petrol or diesel engine buyers can be satisfied. I like the diesel, its responsive yet economical.

Overall the CX-5 Akera gets a big tick from me. .

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