We had a Defender 130 available. It got consigned to baby duties for the week.

The Defender 130 is a linger version which allows for an extra row of seats in the rear. We didn’t need them, but we did appreciate the extra space in the middle row seats.

Installing the baby seat was easy, with the isofix and top tether points. The rear doors opened wide to allow easy access and with plenty of head room, my Husband had plenty of room for the installation.

When the time came to take baby home, we were nervous. But the Defender 130 just made us feel so safe. It’s quiet, smooth, spacious, and luxurious.

What better vehicle for baby’s first trip.

I sat in the back seat next to the baby seat all the way home and felt like I was being chauffeured.

This particular vehicle has a lot of features that we will discuss in a full review elsewhere, but for the time being, thank you Land Rover for providing the safest transport for our precious cargo.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Brianna Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Defender 130  – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Defender 130 – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Instead of the Defender 130 – buyers could look at:

This is a popular segment: Buyers could look at: Toyota LandCruiser Sahara, Nissan Patrol Ti-L, Hyundai Palisade,  Genesis GV80

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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.

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I’m Brianna Fraser

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

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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

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There are five models in the line up with two new ones joining the list.

They start with the entry level Pure model, then the Evolve, Touring, GT, and Azami. On top of these there are two option  packs that can be added. The Takumi which has a white interior or the SP which has a tan interior.

There is a choice of three engines.

• G40e 3.3L Turbocharged Petrol
• D50e 3.3L Turbocharged Diesel
• P50e 2.5L PHEV

Both the petrol and diesel are 48V mild hybrids while the PHEV engine has about 70 km EV Only range.

Mazda has also revised the Skyactiv-Drive eight-speed automatic transmission for 2025. They have also updated the suspension for a more balanced ride and handling, with examples including softer rear spring and firmer shock absorber settings that align with recalibrated stability systems to improve overall handling and comfort balance.

On top of that there are a host of technological and safety upgrades across the range.

The revised CX-60 is now available form dealers across Australia, and it complements the full CX model range with the CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90

Pricing for the Mazda CX-60 start at $50,240 through to $81,490 plus the usual costs.

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I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Mazda CX-60  – HERE

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It’s smooth and safe around town with all wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Like all the new, larger Mazda’s, the CX-70 is stylish and particularly comfortable inside. It has almost every luxury, comfort, and safety feature you could ask for. My favourite are the heated front seats and wireless smart phone connectivity and charging.

Being a five-seat version, the boot space is huge and practical. The second-row seats will fold flat in a 40/20/40 format to allow longer items to be carried with ease. The boot is large enough for lots of luggage or baby strollers etc.

The middle seats come with two isofix points and three top tether spots as well. Fitting baby seats is easy.

The car I had was in the unusual Melting Copper Metallic colour, which ironically was the same as the other car we had for the week. They looked great together.

Priced from $78,220 dollars plus the usual costs The Mazda CX-70 GT is getting expensive but as a family SUV or for a new mother its ideal and worth the test drive.

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I’m Brianna Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Mazda CX-70 GT – HERE

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While its capable off road, the Kakadu is destined to spend most of its time around town  and doing the school run. With trips to the snow or weekend retreat as a break from the daily routine.

The new Prado comes with a completely new exterior style and interior makeover. But with many familiar underpinnings.

The 2.8 litre turbo diesel 48Volt mild hybrid engine is a carry-over from the previous model. It has reasonable performance and economy. Full time 4WD and an eight-speed automatic transmission complete the picture.

Little luxuries like:

• heated and ventilated front and outer rear seats
• electric front seats with adjustable lumbar support
• wireless smart phone connectivity and charging and a
• 20-inch alloy wheels

All add to the ambience.

The outer middle row seats have isofix and to tether points for baby seats. Boot space using five seats is reasonable, but the high load level is a bit of a pain if you are trying to lift a heavy stroller.

The new Prado remains a favourite family 4WD Wagon.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Brianna Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Prado Kakadu  – HERE

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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.

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I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Ute buyers– HERE

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The First-Ever Mazda CX-90 introduces a three-row seating configuration at the very top end of the Mazda models.

It’s a full seven seat model for larger families for the weekday activities as well as weekends away and family holidays.

It will come in three models, the of Touring, GT and Azami. All come with a choice of either a turbocharged, inline-six cylinder petrol or diesel engine, both of which employ 48-volt M Hybrid Boost MHEV technology

Both engines come with Mazda’s Skyactiv-Drive eight-speed automatic transmission (developed without a torque converter and transmitting torque directly), which sends drive to all four wheels via full-time i-Activ All-Wheel Drive – a rear-biased drive system that balances engaging and adventurous driving characteristics.

The CX-90 comes with four different switchable driving modes, ranging from Normal, Sport, Off-Road and Towing

The Mazda CX-90 is priced from around $74,500 through to a bit under $94,000 plus the usual costs.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Full details on the CX-90 can be found HERE 

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