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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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. 

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Let’s recap a few highlights.

• Fitting the baby seat is so easy with isofix and top tether points.
• There is room for me to sit in the back seat when needed but it’s a bit tight .
• The boot is large enough for the pram, bassinet and all the mum and bub gear. But that fills it and there isn’t much room for other gear.
• Rear air conditioning keeps bub happy.
• Access is easy to the back seat and boot area. The handsfree kick sensor opening tailgate is handy.

• The front seats are exceptionally comfortable with heating and ventilation, massage function and multi electric adjustments.
• It feels so good and relaxing sitting in them, especially when you are tired as all new parents are.
• I like the steering wheel and drivers’ instruments. It’s different yet practical.
• Like all Peugeots, the 5008 is stylish and classy looking. I’ve had quite a few mums at group sessions come up and chat about the Peugeot. They all love the style and interior ambience.

Pricing for the Peugeot 5008 GT premium Hybrid is from a little under $68,000 dollars plus the usual costs. This is great value compared to other premium SUVs.

So overall the Peugeot 5008 Hybrid gets the mum and bub approval.

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I’m Brianna Fraser

Readers can find more details about the 5008 GT Premium Hybrid – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE 5008 GT Premium Hybrid – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Peugeot 5008 GT Premium Hybrid – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the  5008 GT Premium Hybrid could also look at the following: Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-70, Genesis GV80,

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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. 

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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.

TO LISTEN TO THE Velar P400 e – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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

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. 

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The 35^th Anniversary model is based on the Dynamic SE with technology, styling, towing and comfort upgrades.

With the relaunch of the Defender, the Discovery seems to have been pushed to the background a touch. It has however morphed into a premium 4WD SUV.

I like the latest design, it’s sleek with smooth lines and purposeful.

Inside its luxury and comfort all the way. The front seats are particularly supportive, and heating was appreciated on cold mornings.

Driver ergonomics are excellent with the only grumble being the steering wheel control buttons are a bit cumbersome.

The Discovery is powered by an inline six cylinder turbo diesel engine. This provides a combination of both powerful performance and economy. This drives all four wheels through an eight speed AT.

The key to the Discovery’s appeal is just how smooth and responsive it is to drive. While its quiet and comfortable around town, it excels on the open road.

Very few manufacturers sort their suspension as compliant as Land Rover. It seems to just soak up all the bumps and road irregularities without fuss.

Pricing for the 35^th Anniversary Discovery is from $132,090 plus the usual costs. The vehicle we had also had the capability pack for more 4WD activities that added another $5000.

Overall if you are in the market for a premium family based SUV then the Discovery should definitely be on your list.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Land Rover Discovery D350  – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Land Rover Discovery D350 – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Instead of the Land Rover Discovery D350– buyers could look at:

This is a popular segment: Buyers could look at: Audi Q8, Audi Q7, Lexus RX 450 h,  Toyota LandCruiser Sahara, Nissan Patrol Ti-L, Hyundai Palisade,  Genesis GV80

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.

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

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One thing I can say is that the large square back design certainly is practical for space. The boot area is cavernous.

I had the Six seat Calligraphy version with the hybrid engine.

This is especially luxurious and comfortable inside. I love the comfort of the front seats and the wide dashboard that includes the drivers’ instruments and central screen.

Everywhere you turn there is a reminder that this has everything you want. Its absolutely packed with standard features.

The six seats, with separate twin seats in  the middle row are a practical solution to the middle seat that is never rally big enough for somebody in most cases.

The 1.6 litre hybrid petrol engine is powerful and economical. It is so smooth and quiet. Around town or on the Motorway its an ideal choice, with no range anxiety.

I would always opt for the All-Wheel Drive version. The other key feature for safety is a full-sized alloy spare wheel. Thank you, Hyundai.

Priced from $81,720 dollars plus the usual costs it’s a little bit expensive but you do get excellent value for money.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Brianna Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Santa Fe Calligraphy  – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Santa Fe Calligraphy – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Santa Fe HEV could also look at the following: Kia Sorento, Peugeot 5008 GT, Toyota Kluger, Mazda CX-80,

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. 

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The post Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy revisited for 2025 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

It was a bit of a touring holiday with stops at Nelson Bay on the way up and a couple of places on the way back down to Sydney for a friends wedding.

So, a couple of thousand kilometres later what’s my thought. – I love it.

The XT looks quite stylish, and the bold grill stands out. I do like the styling changes for the updated model.

Inside its spacious and particularly comfortable. Visibility for the driver is good. There is plenty of room for a family. Boot space is large and flexible. Plenty of room for luggage or baby strollers.

The rear seats will all fold down to form a cavernous flat area. But like a lot of seven seat wagons there is minimal room if you use all three rows of seats.

The outer middle row seats have two isofix points that are easily accessible. As well as top tether points that but they are a bit fiddly.

The 3.0 litre diesel engine has enough performance and economy is excellent. Of course, it will tow whatever you want and its 4WD ability is great.

The Isuzu MU-X X-Terrain could be the perfect family wagon.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Brianna Fraser

Readers can find more details about the MU-X X-Terrain – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE MU-X X-Terrain  – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the MU-X X-Terrain could also look at the following: KGM Rexton, Subaru Outback XT, Peugeot 5008 GT Hybrid, Toyota Fortuner, Nissan Pathfinder, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento

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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. 

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This vehicle is specifically designed for family transport  around the city. Being the GT-Line it is fully equipped with everything Kia can fit in there including:

• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Heated rear outer seats
• Digital rear view mirror and
• Bose surround audio system

Its especially comfortable inside and with the large expanse of screens, the driver has all the information they need at their fingertips

There is also a 10-inch Head up display above the thick rimmed steering wheel. Although this does polarise out with sunglasses on.

The real story is the 1.6 litre petrol hybrid engine. It has reasonable performance and excellent economy. I averaged around 6.5 litres per 100 kilometres for the week. Not bad for a large SUV.

For new families there are isofix and top tether pints for baby seats and the boot is large enough with the rear seats folded, for all the gear you need. Rear seats have plenty of leg and knee room for adults and baby seats. The rear seats are best left for shorter occupants.

Priced from $70,330 dollars plus the usual costs its also pretty good value.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Brianna Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Sorento HEV GT Line FWD – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Sorento HEV GT Line FWD – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Kia Sorento could also look at the following: Hyundai Santa Fe, Peugeot 5008 GT, Toyota Kluger HEV, Mazda CX-80.

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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 100 radio channels. 

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

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The post Kia Sorento HEV GT Line Front Wheel Drive 2025 review appeared first on Motoring Minute.

The Prado is due to be replaced soon, but the current model is still definitely worth a drive. In fact, the current model has been removed from the Toyota website.

The Prado is a seven-seat dual range 4WD that is equally at home dropping the kids to school as it is on an outback holiday. That’s why they have been so popular.

The Kakadu comes with a heap of additional technology to assist off road driving as well as comfort , luxury, and safety features.

Unfortunately, the smart phone connectivity is wired, and the central screen is small by today’s standards, but it’s a very comfortable place to sit and drive the vast distances in Australia.

Prado comes with the 2.8L Turbo diesel that has some 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque. This is matched to a 6 speed sports automatic transmission.

The Prado Kakadu is priced from around $87,500 plus the usual costs, but you may be able to get a runout price from your local dealer.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Listeners can find more details on the Landcruiser Prado HERE  

Readers can also find a full review of the LandCruiser Prado Kakadu HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Prado Kakadu RADIO REVIEW, CLICK BELOW

Instead of the LandCruiser Prado Kakadu buyers could also look at:

Mid to large 4WDs have become more popular in recent years. There is a crossover between them and larger AWD SUVs.

Buyers could look at the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X, Toyota Fortuner, Land Rover Defender and the SsangYong Rexton. 

Alternatively buyers could look at AWD SUVs like the Hyundai Palisade, Nissan Pathfinder, 

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The key details we have chatted about before. Highlights are that the Prado will come in five different model grades. GX, GXL, VX, Kakadu and for the more adventurous buyers an new model the Altitude.

Some models have 5 seats some seven.

All models will come with a large 12.3-inch central screen. This accommodates wireless smart phone connectivity, embedded navigation, and digital radio.

All models will feature the full suite of Toyota Safety Sense technology including.

• a panoramic view monitor,
• nine airbags,
• trailer sway control and a
• pre-wiring harness for the tow hitch.

All Prado variants are powered by the same 150kW, 500Nm 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder powertrain with 48-volt technology, paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Every Prado offers full-time all-wheel drive with a lockable torque-sensing Torsen®⁹ centre differential and low-range gearing, with a strong 3,500kg braked towing capacity¹¹ across the range.

More details and pricing will be available closer to the launch

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

More details about the all new Toyota LandCruiser Prado can be found HERE 

TO LISTEN TO THE Toyota Prado RADIO REVIEW, CLICK BELOW

Quick Highlights

• Five-variant LandCruiser Prado introduces 48-volt technology across model range
• New Altitude variant delivers enhanced off-road performance and rugged styling
• All-new LandCruiser Prado range arrives in Australia mid-year

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