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.

The post Mazda CX-80 G40E AZAMI SP AWD Baby duties week 2 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

This means that it has almost every bit of luxury and comfort Mazda can put in their SUVs.

Being designed for the European market the CX-80 has a refined style that is quite appealing.

It comes in a choice of 6 or 7 seats, and either will suit a mum and bub.

One thing I found annoying was the lack of a touch screen. Mazda persists with the dial control for the central screen, and it takes both time to use and your attention away from the road.

Other than that, there is certainly little to complain about . The level of comfort and luxury is what mums appreciate.

Installing the baby seat is easy with wide opening doors as well as isofix and top tether points. There is still plenty of room for the front seat passenger. Zoned air conditioning allows drivers to tailor the airflow to the back for more comfort.

Third row seats are for two smaller people only and access is tight. Using them also restricts boot space and packing  a pram and other gear becomes more difficult. As a four or five seat SUV its excellent.

Next week we will chat about safety and engine choices.

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 G40E AZAMI SP AWD Baby duties week 1 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Its powerful V8 engine became a defining feature, delivering the kind of performance, sound, and character that many believe cannot be replicated by smaller turbocharged engines.

There is a genuine sense of sadness surrounding the decision to stop production. The V8 Patrol represented more than just a vehicle; it symbolised adventure, durability, and a distinctly Australian love for large-capacity engines.

The deep rumble of the V8, combined with the Patrol’s rugged design, created an experience that owners proudly identified with. For many families, a Patrol was present during camping holidays, towing trips, and countless memories made on the road.

Understanding the reasons behind the change does little to lessen the disappointment felt by loyal fans. Many enthusiasts worry that future models, while more advanced and environmentally friendly, may lack the raw personality and mechanical simplicity that made the V8 Patrol so beloved.

While new vehicles will bring innovation and improved efficiency, the V8 Nissan Patrol will be remembered as one of the great icons of Australian motoring, leaving behind a legacy that few four-wheel drives can match.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find all the specifications HERE.

A full product brochure can be found HERE 

Readers can find more details about the Nissan Patrol V8– HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Nissan Patrol V8– RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Nissan Patrol V8– Buyers could also look at:

This is a popular segment with strong competition form a lot of brands. Some of the better choices are: 

• Toyota LandCruiser 300
• Land Rover Defender
• Land Rover Discovery
• Lexus LX Overtrail 
• Toyota Prado, 
• INEOS Grenadier,
• Hyundai Palisade XRT

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 Nissan Patrol V8– the end of an Era appeared first on Motoring Minute.

As I mentioned I have driven the top spec MUX-X-Terrain. A new model with all the luxuries and the 3.0 litre turbo diesel engine along with a six speed automatic transmission.

The other model I drove is the next one down, the LS-T but with the 2.2 litre turbo diesel engine and an eight speed automatic transmission.

Both of these are 4WD models. There is a base two wheel drive model with the smaller engine available.

Around town you do notice more changing between the gears in the smaller engine model. Economy is marginally better.

On highway cruising both engines hum along nicely. Again, you notice that the smaller engine will hunt more between the gears on hills etc. It’s also about one litre per 100 kilometres better in fuel.

I haven’t towed anything or taken them off road, using them purely as  family transport.

Pricing for the Isuzu MU-X starts at around $49,900 dollars through to $77,100 dollars all plus the usual costs. There is usually about $2,000 dollars difference between the engine choices.

Overall, I found the MU-X an ideal family SUV. It has the practicality of seven seats, the promise of 4WD adventures and the safety features to keep the family protected.

Isuzu MU-X gets the mum and bub tick of approval.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Brianna Fraser

Some other Isuzu MU-X Motoring Minute reviews:

• Isuzu MU-X X-Terrain 2025 review
• Touring holiday to Byron Bay –  X-Terrain
• 2025 Model update
• Touring review – LS-U 4×4 1.9L
• Isuzu MU-X 2024 MY driving impressions.

Readers can find all the specifications HERE.

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

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

Isuzu MU-X – Buyers could also look at:

Competition in 4WD Recreational Ute segment is tight .

There is strong competition with:

• KGM Rexton
• Toyota Prado
• Ford Everest
• GWM Tank 500

Alternative SUVs include:

• Kia Sorento
• Hyundai Santa Fe
• Peugeot 508 GT Hybrid
• Mazda CX-70
• Mitsubishi Outlander
• Nissan Pathfinder
• Skoda Kodiaq
• Subaru Outback
• Toyota Kluger
• VW Tayron

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 Isuzu MU-X week three on Mum and Bub duties appeared first on Motoring Minute.

With a five star ANCAP safety rating the MU-X has a good base to work from. All models have a complete list of safety features as standard. That’s good news if buyers are looking for the bargain models.

Some of the key features that I appreciate include:

• Full side curtain airbags, keeping the little ones safe in the second seat row,
• Three point seats belts for all seats along with a safety alert if they aren’t used.
• See through surround cameras so that I don’t scratch the side of the car in car parks.
• Blind spot warning in case I missed a car when changing lanes.
• Driver attention warning. For those days after a sleepless night and
• Rear cross traffic alert and braking, ideal for when im backing out of a carpark or driveway.

Keeping our precious bub safe is key to buying decisions for family cars.

Alongside those more recognised safety features little things such as auto wipers and headlights help with keeping you focused on driving.

Other comfort features like cup and bottle holders, wireless smart phone connectivity, seat pockets on the back of the front seats and decent interior lighting all add to making the MU-X easy to live with daily.

In the two vehicles I drove the front seats came with electronic adjustment and heating. Again, making driving more comfortable.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Brianna Fraser

Some other Isuzu MU-X Motoring Minute reviews:

• Isuzu MU-X X-Terrain 2025 review
• Touring holiday to Byron Bay –  X-Terrain
• 2025 Model update
• Touring review – LS-U 4×4 1.9L
• Isuzu MU-X 2024 MY driving impressions.

Readers can find all the specifications HERE.

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

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

Isuzu MU-X – Buyers could also look at:

Competition in 4WD Recreational Ute segment is tight .

There is strong competition with:

• KGM Rexton
• Toyota Prado
• Ford Everest
• GWM Tank 500

Alternative SUVs include:

• Kia Sorento
• Hyundai Santa Fe
• Peugeot 508 GT Hybrid
• Mazda CX-70
• Mitsubishi Outlander
• Nissan Pathfinder
• Skoda Kodiaq
• Subaru Outback
• Toyota Kluger
• VW Tayron

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 Isuzu MU-X – Mum and Bub duties week two appeared first on Motoring Minute.

This seven seat SUV comes in a choice of four different trim levels and on selected models a choice of two engines. There is also one two wheel drive version available.

I drove the top model MU-X X-Terrain with the 3.0 litre turbo diesel engine as well as the LS-T with the new 2.2 litre diesel engine.

We will chat about the differences later.

But my first impressions are that the MU-X is quite a stylish design.

There is plenty of room for both front occupants.

Rear seat leg, head and shoulder room is ok.

With two isofix compatible anchor points in the second row and three top tether points and wide opening doors, it’s well suited to baby seats.

I found that placing bub in his seat was comfortable .

Third row seats are for two smaller people only and access is tight. Using them also restricts boot space and packing  a pram and other gear becomes more difficult. As a five seat SUV its excellent.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Brianna Fraser

Some other Isuzu MU-X Motoring Minute reviews:

• Isuzu MU-X X-Terrain 2025 review
• Touring holiday to Byron Bay –  X-Terrain
• 2025 Model update
• Touring review – LS-U 4×4 1.9L
• Isuzu MU-X 2024 MY driving impressions.

Readers can find all the specifications HERE.

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

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

Isuzu MU-X – Buyers could also look at:

Competition in 4WD Recreational Ute segment is tight .

There is strong competition with:

• KGM Rexton
• Toyota Prado
• Ford Everest
• GWM Tank 500

Alternative SUVs include:

• Kia Sorento
• Hyundai Santa Fe
• Peugeot 508 GT Hybrid
• Mazda CX-70
• Mitsubishi Outlander
• Nissan Pathfinder
• Skoda Kodiaq
• Subaru Outback
• Toyota Kluger
• VW Tayron

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 Isuzu MU-X on Mum and Bub duties week one appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Palisade comes in one highly specified model. The Calligraphy.

Performance comes from a 2.5-litre petrol hybrid engine paired with a six-speed transmission. For a large SUV, it feels surprisingly smooth and economical, especially around town — which is where most of my driving seems to happen these days.

The all-wheel drive system also adds a layer of reassurance in wet or slippery conditions, something I definitely value more now that I’ve got precious cargo on board.

For a large SUV, and it is large, it doesn’t feel that big when driving it. That comes from how quiet and smooth the hybrid engine is and how well it responds to driver inputs.

Tight  suburban car parks aren’t an issue, and the surround view monitor makes reversing into carparks so easy.

One thing I haven’t mentioned is the audio quality. While a 14-speaker BOSE sound system might be slightly over the top for nursery rhymes, I have to admit it does make those baby playlists sound beautifully soothing on longer drives.

Pricing for the Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy is from around $90,000 dollars plus the usual costs. That’s a lot, but you get a lot for your money.

Overall, the Palisade is a safe, comfortable and pleasant vehicle to drove. It definitely gets the mum and bub tick of approval.

Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid is Mum life Upgraded

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Brianna Fraser

All the specifications can be found HERE 

Readers can find more details about the Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid– RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Hyundai Palisade – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Hyundai Palisade could look at :

• Mazda CX-90, 
• Nissan Pathfinder, 
• Peugeot 5008 GT Hybrid, 
• Subaru Outback, 
• Lexus RX, 
• Toyota Kluger Grande

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 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid Baby Duties week three appeared first on Motoring Minute.

It comes in one beautifully finished luxury model, the Calligraphy, and my first impressions were incredibly positive.

As a new mum, comfort suddenly isn’t a “nice to have” — it’s essential. The front seats are supportive and seriously comfortable, with both heating and ventilation (which feels like a small miracle after sleepless nights).

I’ve also really come to appreciate the little things.

Automatic headlights and wipers mean one less thing for my tired brain to think about.

The digital rear-view mirror is genius — even if the boot is completely packed with pram, nappy bag and everything else that seems to travel with a baby, I can still clearly see what’s behind me.

One feature I genuinely love is the full-size alloy spare wheel. Getting a flat tyre is stressful enough without also trying to figure out where to put a bulky damaged wheel when your boot is already full of baby gear. It’s practical details like this that really matter.

Another clever addition is the rear camera cleaning system, so you’re never reversing blind because of dirt on the lens — especially helpful during messy winter weather.

From a new mum’s perspective, the Palisade feels safe, practical, and just that little bit luxurious — which makes everyday outings feel a whole lot easier.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Brianna Fraser

All the specifications can be found HERE 

Readers can find more details about the Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Hybrid – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Hyundai Palisade – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Hyundai Palisade – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Hyundai Palisade could look at :

• Mazda CX-90, 
• Nissan Pathfinder, 
• Peugeot 5008 GT Hybrid, 
• Subaru Outback, 
• Lexus RX, 
• Toyota Kluger Grande

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 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy Baby Duties week two – Safety appeared first on Motoring Minute.