One of its best features is Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which provides excellent traction and stability on wet roads, gravel, and challenging surfaces.

This makes the Forester Sport a great choice for both everyday city driving and weekend adventures.

The Forester Sport also stands out for its comfortable and spacious interior. There is plenty of room for passengers, while the large cargo area provides useful space for shopping, sports equipment, luggage, or outdoor gear. Its excellent visibility is another advantage, making parking and navigating busy roads easier.

Another key feature is Subaru’s focus on safety. Depending on the model and market, the Forester Sport is equipped with advanced driver-assistance technology, including Subaru’s EyeSight system, which can help monitor traffic and support the driver in avoiding potential collisions.

The Sport variant also has distinctive exterior styling that gives the Forester a more adventurous appearance. Its practical design, higher ground clearance, and capable all-wheel-drive system make it suitable for light off-road driving as well as normal roads.

Inside, modern technology, comfortable seating, and convenient controls add to the driving experience. Overall, the Subaru Forester Sport is an excellent all-round SUV for drivers who value safety, practicality, comfort, reliability, and adventure-ready performance.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find all the specifications of the Subaru Forester Sport  HERE.

You can find the full Subaru Forester review  HERE 

TO LISTEN TO THE Subaru Forester Sport  – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Buyers could also look at:

This is becoming a very popular segment. Buyers of the Subaru Forester Hybrid could also look at the following:

• Kia Sportage, 
• KGM Torres Hybrid
• Haval H6 
• Haval H6 Hybrid
• Toyota RAV 4 HEV
• Honda CRV, 
• Nissan X-Trail, 
• Hyundai Tucson, 
• Mazda CX-5, 
• Peugeot 3008, 
• Jaecoo J7
• VW Tiguan

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 Subaru Forester Sport driven for 2026. appeared first on Motoring Minute.

First impressions are of luxury and space. Remember the V9 comes in two models with the top spec packed with standard luxury, comfort features.

We are definitely in premium SUV territory here.

Supportive and comfortable seats with side bolsters and electronic adjustments and additional lumbar support. Front seats are heated and ventilated and the outer rear seats are heated.

Adding to the premium feel is the highlight stitching and mood lighting with more than 200 variations.

The 12.3 inch drivers instrument panel  is configurable with multiple 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 currently there is no 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 baby 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 V9 is what you would expect from an SUV that costs many thousands of dollars more.

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 V9 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 Foton Tunland V9 – Spacious and comfortable interior appeared first on Motoring Minute.

The Toyota LandCruiser 300 GR Sport is a premium off-road SUV designed to combine serious four-wheel-drive capability with comfort, technology, and distinctive styling. One of its most unique features is its GR-tuned suspension, which is designed to improve handling and control when driving on challenging terrain.

The GR Sport also features front and rear differential locks, helping provide excellent traction when tackling mud, rocks, sand, and steep tracks.

Under the bonnet, the LandCruiser 300 GR Sport is powered by a strong twin-turbo diesel V6 engine, delivering impressive torque for towing, overtaking, and off-road driving.

Its advanced four-wheel-drive system and Multi-Terrain Select allow the driver to adapt the vehicle to different surfaces and conditions.

The GR Sport has a distinctive appearance, including unique GR badging, a bold grille, sporty bumpers, and special alloy wheels.

Inside, it combines rugged capability with a premium cabin featuring comfortable seats, modern technology, and a high level of convenience.

Another standout feature is Toyota’s advanced safety technology, which provides driver assistance and added confidence on the road.

With its combination of luxury, durability, powerful performance, and genuine off-road ability, the LandCruiser 300 GR Sport is an exceptional vehicle. For drivers who want a capable SUV that is equally comfortable on highways and demanding off-road adventures.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the LandCruiser 300  – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE LandCruiser GR Sport – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Buyers of the LandCruiser GR Sport  could also look at:

Buyers of the  LandCruiser GR Sport could also look at the following:   Nissan Patrol, Land Rover Defender, Land Rover Discovery, Yukon Denali, GWM Tank 500

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 Toyota LandCruiser GR Sport twin-turbo diesel V6 driven for 2026. appeared first on Motoring Minute.

But now based on the Triton platform, it will be available from December this year.

Interest has been strong with over 3000 potential buyers registering.

It will come in three different versions. The entry GLS with a choice of either five or seven seats. The Exceed and the sporty GSR.

All come with

• 4L Euro 6 turbo diesel engine with 150kW of power and 480Nm of torque.
• This drives all wheels through the respected Super Select 4WD-II system
• Supporting this is Super-All Wheel Control with 7 drive modes with Active Yaw Control
• An updated eight speed Automatic Transmission
• And rear diff locks.

The modern design pays homage to the original Pajero’s while bringing futuristic style elements.

Inside its spacious, comfortable and luxurious. Especially in the Exceed version.

Seating design is inspired by rally experience, offering exceptional support in the bolsters to reduce fatigue and a range of adjustability to tailor the experience.

Powered lumbar support is available across the range. Something my ageing back appreciates.

All models get the full suite if safety features as well.

Pajero offers a 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity, while Trailer Load Assist (TLA) actively enhances stability while towing.

Many regular listeners will know I own a Pajero as my personal car. Its over 23 years old now, has something like 250,000km on it and has been to most outback places in Australia.

Im a big fan of the true 4WD capability. Even though its old it still remains a robust reliable 4WD.

Pricing for the new Pajero starts from around $68,500 through to around $85,000 all plus the usual costs.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

A full review of the Mitsubishi Pajero can be found HERE.

 TO LISTEN TO THE Mitsubishi Pajero  – 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 Mitsubishi Pajero returns to the Australian market 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 on the V9-L and front and rear diff locks on the V9-S,
• ZF 8 speed Automatic transmission, and
• All Terrain tyres as standard
• Foton Tunland combines the best of available technology.

Its quite capable off road. With double wishbone front suspension. And Multi-Link Rigid Axle rear suspension for a smoother ride. It’s  closer to an SUV feel with elevated off-road capability.

Other key 4WD features include

• 28 degree approach angle,
• 21 degree rampover and
• 26 degree departure angle.
• 240mm of ground clearance.
• To put that into perspective the ground clearance is more than most Ford Ranger or Toyota HiLux models.
• Wading depth of 700mm
• And excellent wheel articulation.

Give all this capability comes at a price of less than $50,000 plus the usual costs. Buyers should start to question why they would buy a normal sized 4WD Ute for $60-$70,000 plus .

The Tunland has more space inside, seating for five in comfort and more luxurious interior trim. Add to that a larger tub and in many cases more payload.

Priced from $49,990 plus the usual costs.  You could buy a Tunland V9 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 V9 – 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.

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

Some other Foton Tunland Articles

• Foton Tunland V9 Exterior – Long term test week 1
• 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 Tunland V9 4WD Capability appeared first on Motoring Minute.

With a smooth hexagonal grill that seamlessly incorporates dual LED headlights. Fog lights and DRLs,  it presents well. Lower body coloured bumper adds to the appeal.

From the side, the V9 looks equally impressive. A large body, raised stance and chunky wheel arches, with black fender flares give it plenty of road presence. The gloss black 18-inch alloy wheels suit the design well, adding to its rugged appearance without making it look overly aggressive.

The proportions of the Tunland V9 are another highlight. At over 5.6 metres long and more than two metres wide, it is a large Ute, and you can definitely see that in its design.

The high ground clearance makes it look ready for rougher terrain, while features such as the side steps, sports bar and roof rails add to its practical, adventure-ready appearance.

Around the back, the V9 keeps the design clean and functional, with integrated LED taillights, sculptured bumper and a large tray that reminds you this is still a working Ute.

Overall, the exterior combines rugged styling with modern details surprisingly well. It may not have the badge recognition of some of its rivals, but the Tunland V9 certainly has the looks to stand alongside them.

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 V9 – 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.

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

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 Tunland V9 Exterior – Long term test week 1 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

The latest to arrive is the JAC Hunter PHEV.

Priced from below $50,000 plus the usual costs, the Hunter plug-in hybrid dual-cab Ute provides a healthy 360kW of power and a claimed 1,000Nm of torque. Those are stunning figures. Towing is rated at 3500 kg as well.

JAC also claim that the Hunter will have an EV only range of up to 100km and a range of over 1000km from a fully charged battery and petrol engine.

JAC claims that they have tuned the Hunter for Australia’s harsh conditions with over 100,000 km of localized testing.These include ling distance durability, towing heavy loads, hit weather, dirt roads and city and motorway driving.

There are two models available and the top spec includes standard features like:

• Front and rear differential locks (optional for Hunter Pro)
• Electronic adjustable and Heated front seats
• Five off road drive modes
• 360° panoramic view camera and a
• Rear 220V accessory socket

There is strong competition, with models like BYD Shark 6, Cannon Alpha PHEV, Foton Tunland, MG U9 and others.

One thing is for sure, Ute buyers in Australia have never had as much choice as now. They just need to make the right choice for their needs and not be lured by headline figures and low prices.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find all the specifications HERE.

Readers can find more details about the JAC Hunter PHEV – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE JAC Hunter PHEV – 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 JAC Hunter PHEV Dual Cab Ute now available appeared first on Motoring Minute.

While both models share the same rugged platform and powertrain, they are designed to appeal to different buyers.

The V7 is the work-focused option, available in both 4×2 and 4×4 configurations with leaf-spring rear suspension for durability and load-carrying ability.

The V9 is aimed at buyers wanting extra comfort and refinement, featuring standard 4WD, multi-link rear suspension and a more premium interior with additional technology and convenience features.

Powering both Utes is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The engine produces 120kW of power and 450Nm of torque, with drive sent through a smooth ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.

The mild-hybrid system improves efficiency and assists with low-speed performance while maintaining a claimed combined fuel consumption of around 8.0L/100km. Both models also offer a braked towing capacity of up to 3,500kg.

Pricing starts from around AUD $39,990 for the Tunland V7 4×2, with the V7 4×4 priced from $42,990. The V9 range begins at $45,990, while the flagship V9-S is available from $49,990 before on-road costs, making the Tunland range a competitively priced alternative in the Ute segment.

Over the next few weeks, we will be chatting about all the models and features.

Thai sis 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 – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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

• 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 Tunland Dual Cab Ute details Long term test 2026 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Named Rubicon after the famous trail  which is a 22-mile-long route, part road and part 4×4 trail, located in the Sierra Nevada of the western United States, due west of Lake Tahoe.

The Rubicon is perhaps the most capable standard 4WD available.

Standard features include:

• Rock-Trac® Active On-Demand 4×4 System
• Front and rear diff locks.
• 252mm of ground clearance
• Electronic Front sway bars disconnect.
• Heavy duty Dana front and rear axles
• Outstanding approach, rampover and departure angles

The biggest criticism in the past with Jeeps is that while they are awesome off road, they were only just ok on road. That’s also improved. With levels of comfort and luxury more like a large SUV and better ride and handling, they make travelling to your favourite 4WD track pleasurable.

Another recent improvement is the engine, now a 2.0L turbo petrol engine with plenty of performance and a lot better fuel economy.

In a word that is becoming sanitised, homogenised, and electrified, The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon will always have a place in my garage.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find all the specifications HERE.

Readers can find more details about the Wrangler Rubicon – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Wrangler Rubicon – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Some other Wrangler Reviews

• Jeep Wrangler Overland 4WD built for adventure and fun
• Jeep Wrangler Overland 4WD driven for 2025
• Best of 2023 – Jeep Wrangler Rubicon review
• Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4WD  2023 Review
• We drive the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4WD 2023
• Jeep Wave – Jeep Wrangler driver culture

Jeep  Wrangler Rubicon – Buyers could also look at:

This is a popular, yet small segment with strong competition. Some of the better choices are: 

• INEOS Grenadier
• Land Rover Defender
• Toyota Prado Altitude
• Toyota LandCruiser 70 series Wagon
• GWM Tank 300

Other more conservative alternatives include:

• Isuzu MU-X X-Terrain
• Ford Everest Tremor
• Nissan Patrol Warrior (Y62 model)

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 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4WD driven for 2026. appeared first on Motoring Minute.