This takes the total RAV4 model range to 12 different grades with a choice of trim, 2WD or AWD and hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid powertrains.

The mid-range GXL 2WD PHEV grade joins the XSE 2WD, AWD PHEV and top-of-the range RAV4 GR Sport AWD PHEV that launched in Australia in July as part of Toyota’s expanding electrified vehicle range.

RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid powertrain  combines a 2.5-litre petrol engine with a 151.4kW/272Nm front electric motor for a maximum combined power output of 201kW.

The Plug-in Hybrid system uses a 22.7kW/h lithium-ion battery that offers 50kW DC and 11kW AC charging capacity and provides the RAV4 GXL 2WD with an EV-only driving range of 121km on the WLTP test cycle.

Like all new RAV4 grades, the new GXL 2WD PHEV features the latest generation Toyota Safety Sense driver assistance features and Connected Services.

In addition to the new grade, all 2WD models, with both hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid powertrains, gain

• an upgraded Drive Mode Select system
• that adapts engine, steering, and transmission mapping parameters
• according to the mode selected that now includes
• Normal, Eco, Sport, Snow and Custom modes.

Toyota continues to keep the RAV4 at the forefront of developing technology, that’s why its so popular.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Toyota RAV4 GXL 2WD PHEV HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE RAV4 GXL 2WD PHEV – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW.

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Called the Navara Pro PHEV, it pairs a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a high-output electric motor integrated into an 8-speed automatic Transmission.

Estimated power is 300kW and 800 Nm of torque.

Unlike a few PHEV Utes Its off-road capability is underpinned by a mechanical 4×4 system, extensively tuned terrain and drive modes, and mechanical differential-lock capability.

The Navara Pro PHEV will offer four selectable drive modes and seven terrain modes. Each mode adjusts the vehicle’s powertrain, steering and traction-control mapping to optimise performance across a broad range of driving conditions and requirements.

With over 20,000km of localised testing, Nissan has validated mechanical front, rear, and combined differential-lock configurations, alongside different suspension and tyres, to establish a specification suited to the local conditions.

Highlighting its work and recreation capabilities it comes with approximately 1,000kg of payload* and a 3,500kg braked towing capacity. As traditionally expected by buyers in this segment, subject to final homologation.

More information, will be provided closer to the launch . This includes final specifications, equipment, pricing, and estimated EV-only driving range. .

It looks like in 2027 there will be s few more PHEV Utes available, all driven by the draconian NVES rules.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Nissan Navara Pro PHEV HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Nissan Navara Pro 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.

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Space is one of its biggest strengths. There’s plenty of room for kids, car seats, bags, prams and all the everyday extras that seem to come with having little ones. The spacious cabin means everyone can spread out comfortably, while the generous boot makes school runs, shopping trips and weekend getaways much easier.

The PHEV powertrain helps mums keep an eye on running costs. For shorter everyday trips, the ability to use electric power can help reduce fuel consumption, particularly when doing those endless school drop-offs and errands around town.

For longer family trips, the petrol engine provides added flexibility without the need to constantly plan around charging.

I did notice though, that when the electric range runs out it can get pretty thirsty around town, so its good to remember to charge it up often.

The TANK 500 Ultra PHEV has a premium feel, with a beautifully appointed interior, comfortable seating and plenty of technology to make family driving feel less like a chore. It’s spacious, efficient and indulgent—a family SUV that doesn’t make you compromise on style.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Brianna Fraser

GWM Tank 500 Ultra PHEV  – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers could also look at a wide selection including: 

• Mazda CX-80
• Toyota Kluger,
• Nissan Pathfinder,
• Genesis GV80,
• Hyundai Palisade,
• Lexus RX,
• KGM Rexton,
• Peugeot 5008 GT Hybrid,
• BYD Sealion 8 Hybrid   

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 Tank 500 Ultra PHEV drives Baby Duties appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Inside, leather-appointed seats, twin 12.3-inch screens, and a panoramic roof. The back seat swallowed two adults and their gear without a complaint.

Here’s how it works. A 2.4-litre petrol engine, two electric motors, 221 kilowatts all up. The 22.7 kilowatt-hour battery gives 103 kilometres of electric range — so the school run, the shops and the commute all happen on electricity. Charge it overnight from an ordinary power point.

On the road it just coasts along nicely — smooth, quiet, with Australian-tuned suspension that irons out the bumps.

Five-star ANCAP. Up to ten years of warranty. All-wheel drive. From $71,640 before on-roads.

The Outlander PHEV. Electric savings, without the range anxiety.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Zac Hough

Readers can find all the specifications HERE.

Readers can find more details about the Outlander Exceed  – HERE.

A full review of the Outlander PHEV can be found HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

What other choices are there?

Buyers of mid-sized PHEV SUVs could also look at.

• Haval H6 PHEV
• Kia Sorento PHEV
• Skoda Kodiaq PHEV
• Mazda CX-60 PHEV
• Toyota RAV 4 PHEV
• Peugeot 3008 PHEV
• Jaecoo J7 PHEV

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 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV – driven for economy. appeared first on Motoring Minute.

With the arrival of new models including its first-ever RAV4 plug-in hybrid, an all-electric HiLux and LandCruiser 300 Series performance hybrid.

In addition to the new powertrain offerings in current vehicle lines, it is also expanding its fully-electric SUV range with the bZ4X Touring now on sale alongside the upgraded bZ4X SUV.

Toyota now offers seven different powertrains across its entire Australian range to ensure it continues provide  Australian customers with the right vehicle, with the right powertrain that meets their needs.

The expansion of Toyota’s powertrain choice reflected the diverse needs of Australian motorists and will further drive its target to achieve 30 per cent of its total sales being zero and low-emission vehicles by the end of 2030.

Toyota has firmly been of the belief that there is no “one-size fits all’ when it comes to customer needs.

Along with Honda, Toyota was a pioneer of hybrid technology with the Prius way back in 2001. Toyota hybrid technology is now recognised as world leading as vehicles like the Camry Hybrid demonstrates.

Unlike a few brands that have gone all in on the EV trend and had to pull back again, Toyota has adopted a slowly- slowly approach that hindsight has proven to be prudent.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

TO LISTEN TO  THE Toyota powertrain diversity – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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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.

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Step inside, and it punches above its badge. A 14.6-inch touchscreen, a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, and a nine-speaker stereo, a class above what the price suggests.

Now the clever part. Plug it in and you get around 100 kilometres of electric-only range, enough to cover most people’s week without burning a drop. Run the battery flat and it’s still a frugal hybrid. It’ll even power your appliances with vehicle-to-load.

But here’s the thing. It’s beautifully smooth. The switch between electric and petrol is so seamless you barely notice it, quiet around town and settled at speed. And with all-wheel drive, there’s genuine pace on tap, though that’s a bonus, not the point.

Seven-year warranty. Eight years on the battery. From $45,990 drive-away.

The GWM Haval H6. An easy-going family SUV that just happens to barely see a petrol station.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Zac Hough

Readers can see the full specifications Haval H6 Ultra PHEV  HERE 

A full review of the Haval H6 Ultra PHEV can be found HERE.

 TO THE Haval  H6 Ultra PHEV – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Haval H6 Ultra PHEV – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the H6 Ultra PHEV are in unusual territory. The number of sedans is reducing with many crossover style vehicles moving into the space.

Potential choices could be.

• Toyota RAV 4 , 
• Honda CRV, 
• Nissan X-Trail, 
• Subaru Forester 
• Hyundai Tucson, 
• Kia Sportage, 
• Mazda CX-5, 
• Peugeot 3008, 
• Nissan X-Trail

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 Haval H6 Ultra PHEV driven for 2026 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

In dark grey, it means business: that wide Singleframe grille, 20-inch Audi Sport wheels, red brake calipers, and a full-width light bar stretched across a low, fastback tail.

Inside, it’s every bit the Audi. An 11.9-inch Virtual Cockpit, a 14.5-inch touchscreen angled to the driver, ambient lighting through the doors, and a lit door release that greets you every time you reach for the handle.

Now the numbers. 270 kilowatts, 500 newton-metres, zero to 100 in 5.1 seconds. The 25.9 kilowatt-hour battery gives up to 97 kilometres on electric, with quattro all-wheel drive putting it all down.

But here’s the thing. Around town, it’s a hushed electric commuter. Drop it into Sport, and it wakes up: planted, sharp, and genuinely quick.

Five-year unlimited warranty. Eight years on the battery. And priced the same as the petrol A5, from $89,900 before on-roads.

The Audi A5 e-hybrid. Quiet when you want it, quick when you don’t, and priced like it has nothing to prove.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Zac Hough

Readers can see the full specifications Audi A5 e-hybrid HERE 

Readers can find more details about the Audi A5 e-hybrid – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Audi A5 e-hybrid – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Audi A5 e-hybrid – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Audi A5 e-hybrid are in unusual territory. The number of sedans is reducing with many crossover style vehicles moving into the space.

Potential choices could be

• Toyota Camry SL Hybrid, 
• Peugeot 408 GT Hybrid, 
• Genesis G70, 
• Lexus ES, 
• Alfa Romeo Giulia,

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 Audi A5 e-hybrid Sedan quattro driven for 2026 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Mazda CX-80 comes in a choice of three models. The Pure, Touring, GT and Azami.

On top of that there are two option packs.

Each model comes with a choice of a 3.3 litre straight six petrol or diesel engine that has mild hybrid technology. There is a PHEV version available as well.

I’ve driven both and they have plenty of performance. The diesel is more economical and perhaps better suited for those that take longer drives. I found myself thinking that a full hybrid especially in petrol form would be better for urban driving.

All come with the same 8 speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive for when roads get wet or slippery.

Buyers of the entry level Pure  model won’t be disappointed as they come well equipped.

Being a narrower SUV than the CX-90 it is a little tight if you try to fit two adults and a baby seat in the middle row seats.

But for a family of four with even two baby seats its ideal.

Pricing for the CX-80 ranges from $62,700 through to around $87,950 dollars plus the usual costs.

Overall, the Mazda CX-80 is a safe and comfortable SUV that provides a level of comfort for new mums. Mazda CX-80 is mum and bub approved.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Brianna Fraser

Readers can find more details about the CX-80 Azami SP  – HERE

You can download the full Mazda CX-80 Azami Brochure HERE 

TO LISTEN TO THE Mazda CX-80 Azami SP– RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Mazda CX-80 Azami – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers could also look at a wide selection including: 

• Toyota Kluger,
• Nissan Pathfinder,
• Genesis GV80,
• Hyundai Palisade,
• Lexus RX,
• KGM Rexton,
• GWM Tank 500 Hybrid,
• Peugeot 5008 GT Hybrid,
• BYD Sealion 8 Hybrid    

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 CX-80 AZAMI SP AWD Baby duties week 3 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Being the Azami model with the SP option pack, the CX-80 is packed with every conceivable comfort, luxury and safety feature.

It comes with a five star ANCAP safety rating, which is a good place to start and comforting for parents.

Apart from all the three letter icons you expect there are other features that I particularly appreciate. Things like

• Blind spot monitor in case I miss a car when changing lanes.
• See through surround monitor which allows you to see if there are toddlers about
• Driver attention alert, perfect for mums that may be sleep deprived.
• Adaptive cruise control, for keeping a safe distance from the car in front.
• Comfortable heated and ventilated seats with electronic adjustments to get that driving position just right and
• Wireless smart phone connectivity and charging

I’m not a fan of the rotary control dial for the central screen. I find I have to glance down and focus more than I’d like when scrolling through menus. Personally, I think a full touchscreen would be easier and more intuitive.

Overall, the level of safety in the Mazda CX-80 is reassuring for parents that are doing the best they can for their family.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Brianna Fraser

Readers can find more details about the CX-80 Azami SP  – HERE

You can download the full Mazda CX-80 Azami Brochure HERE 

TO LISTEN TO THE Mazda CX-80 Azami SP– RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Mazda CX-80 Azami – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers could also look at a wide selection including: 

• Toyota Kluger,
• Nissan Pathfinder,
• Genesis GV80,
• Hyundai Palisade,
• Lexus RX,
• KGM Rexton,
• GWM Tank 500 Hybrid,
• Peugeot 5008 GT Hybrid,
• BYD Sealion 8 Hybrid

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.

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