A traditional hybrid like the Toyota Camry uses regenerative braking and its petrol engine to recharge a small battery. The main benefit is convenience: drivers never need to plug in, and fuel efficiency is significantly better than a conventional car.

Hybrids are especially efficient in city driving, where stop-and-go traffic allows frequent energy recovery. They also tend to cost less upfront than plug-in hybrids and require no changes to driving habits. However, their electric-only range is very limited, meaning they still rely heavily on fuel and cannot operate for long without emissions.

In contrast, a plug-in hybrid such as the Mitsubishi Outlander  has a larger battery that can be charged from an external power source. This allows drivers to travel moderate distances—often 50 to 70 km—on electricity alone.

For short daily commutes, a PHEV may use little or no petrol, reducing fuel costs and tailpipe emissions. The downside is higher purchase price, increased vehicle weight, and the need for regular charging access. If not charged consistently, a plug-in hybrid may offer little advantage over a regular hybrid.

Ultimately, hybrids prioritize simplicity and efficiency, while plug-in hybrids offer greater electric capability but require more commitment and infrastructure.

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Im Rob Fraser

Hybrid Electric Vehicles vs Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicles 

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Electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) both reduce fuel use, but they differ significantly in benefits and challenges.

A fully electric vehicle such as the Kia EV5 runs entirely on battery power. Its main advantage is zero tailpipe emissions, which helps reduce localised air pollution. EVs can be cheaper to operate because electricity may cost less than petrol, and they have fewer moving parts, leading to lower maintenance needs. However, they are significantly more expensive to buy.

They also provide smooth, quiet performance and instant torque. However, EVs can have limited driving range compared to petrol or diesel vehicles, and long-distance travel depends on access to charging infrastructure. Charging times can also be longer than refuelling a gas tank, which may be inconvenient for some drivers.

In contrast, a plug-in hybrid like the Haval H6 GT combines a battery-powered motor with a petrol engine. This setup allows drivers to travel short distances on electricity alone while relying on fuel for longer trips. The main benefit is flexibility: there is no “range anxiety” because the petrol engine provides backup.

PHEVs can be ideal for commuters who drive short distances daily but occasionally travel far. On the downside, You have to charge them for maximum efficiency, they still produce localised driving emissions when using petrol  and require maintenance for both the electric system and the internal combustion engine. They are also often more complex mechanically.

Overall, EVs maximize localised environmental benefits, while PHEVs balance electric efficiency with petrol -powered convenience.

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Battery Electric Vehicles vs Plug in Hybrid Electric Vehicles 

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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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The post Kia Sorento GT-Line PHEV AWD – Baby duties Week 3 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

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

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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,

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It’s called the C10 REEV, for range extender electric vehicle.

The 1.5L petrol engine acts as a generator for the 28.4 kWh battery. Its constantly charging the battery rather than driving the SUV.

There are a few vehicles like this and it’s an unusual variation, one that seems to work well.

With conservative styling and plenty of interior space the C10 is a convenient family sized SUV.

What is an issue for me is that everything is controlled by the central screen and things are not where you expect them to be. Nothing is intuitive for me. Perhaps younger drivers will like it, but for an old bloke like me its annoying.

For example, the hazard lights switch is on the roof bank of switches for the sunroof. Also, there is no start or stop button. You lock unlock the car by placing the credit card style key over the sensor on the exterior mirror.

That also starts and stops the car. Two other frustrating features are that you have to find the menus to turn off the intrusive safety features every time you drive. And surprisingly there is no apple CarPlay or Android Auto  functionality.

Once you get past the quirks and frustrations, the C10 REEV actually drives nicely. Its smooth, responsive, and quiet. The seats are especially comfortable and there’s plenty of room in the rear seats and boot.

Its also economical and with a range of over 1000kms handy for the budget.

Priced from $43,888 plus the usual costs for the entry model it’s also outstanding value.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

A special thank you to the Wanderers Retreat One Mile Beach for the use of their charging facilties and landscape for images

Readers can find more details about the LeapMotor C10 REEV – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE LeapMotor C10 REEV – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

LeapMotor C10 REEV – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the C10 REEV could look at DEEPAL E07, Kia EV5, Nissan X-Trail e-Power, Jaecoo J7 SHS PHEV, Geely Starray,

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Both these vehicles are built on the BYD’s advanced DM-O (Dual Mode Offroad) super-hybrid platform, combining dual-motor 4WD, patented Blade Battery technology, and intelligent drivetrain systems.

The DENZA B5 will launch in two variants: the standard B5 and premium B5 Leopard. Both feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain delivering 425kW and 760Nm of torque through a dual-motor 4WD system.

Powered by a 31.8kWh Blade Battery, they also offer up to 90km of pure electric range (WLTP) and support DC fast charging up to 100kW.

The flagship DENZA B8 will be offered in 6-seat (6S) and 7-seat (7S) configurations, both powered by a plug-in hybrid dual-motor 4WD system and boasting 450kW and 760Nm.

Both also feature a 31.8kWh Blade Battery, DC fast charging up to 120kW, and a 91L fuel tank for extended range, providing versatility for both long-distance touring and travel throughout remote destinations.

According to Denza – They’re purpose-built, premium SUVs that offer something the market hasn’t seen before – combining cutting-edge tech, serious off-road capability, and luxury that doesn’t ask you to compromise.”

Pricing and more details will follow closer to the local launch

It will be interesting how the market reacts

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the DENZA B5 and B8– HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE DENZA B5 & B8– RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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The styling is confident without being flashy, and the drivetrain offers up to 83 kilometres of pure electric driving with a total rated range of 443 kilometres. Performance is steady rather than sporty, reaching 100 kmh in eight seconds.

Inside, the Inspire model we tested presents well with quality materials and a modern layout. Information comes via two large screens plus a head-up display. Climate control is kept simple with separate switches rather than multiple touch menus.

It offers 400 litres of luggage space, expanding to over 2,000 with the seats folded. At just under forty thousand dollars before on-roads, it’s sharply priced in a very competitive SUV market.

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Im David Brown

Readers can find more details about the Geely Starray EM-i  HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Geely Starray EM-i – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Instead of the Geely Starray EM-i  – buyers could look at:

This is a popular segment: Buyers could look at: BYD Sealion6, Jaecoo J7, Cherry Tiggo 7

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I do like the design of the Velar; its elegant and subtle style creates a presence on the road.

Inside the ebony interior provides immediate ambience.

Sitting in the front seats you appreciate the sense of luxury and comfort. The 3D surround sound system makes you feel like you are at a live concert.

Rear seats are a little cramped for leg room and not ideal for a baby seat. I’m still sitting in the back with my little boy, and it’s not really designed for that.

Boot space is reasonable, but with a sloping roof line you do lose some capacity.

With a two litre Plug in Hybrid petrol motor, there is plenty of performance. The electric only range is about 60 kilometres, and it will easily charge overnight.

Driving the Velar Autobiography is so smooth and quiet. Ride and handling is what you would expect from Range Rover.

Few car brands have suspension as smooth as this.

Given the levels of luxury, it’s strange to think about taking this car off road, but it is capable. I just don’t think any owners will.

Snow trips and weekends away at the country estate are more its style.

Pricing for the Range Rover Velar Autobiography P400 e starts from a bit under $139,000 dollars plus the usual costs.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Brianna Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Velar P400 e.

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Instead of the Range Rover Velar P400 e – buyers could look at:

This is a popular segment: Buyers could look at: Audi Q8, Audi Q7, Lexus RX 450 h,  Hyundai Palisade,  Genesis GV80 . Kia EV9

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

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