The LS Black Edition sits right in the middle of the range and is priced from $35,490 plus the usual costs.

It comes in Two-wheel drive version with a 1.5L 4-cylinder petrol engine and a CVT. It has reasonable performance and economy.

The LS Black Edition comes with additional safety features, black highlights everywhere on the outside, including 18-inch alloy wheels. It also benefits from lots of black inside but the best feature for me is the heated front seats. The driver’s seat also has electric adjustments.

The Eclipse Cross is a good size urban based SUV. Its priced well and comes with lots of features. It’s easy and comfortable to drive around town. Parking is a breeze.

But its also large enough for two people to go on extended weekend trips or holidays with enough room for their luggage.

The Eclipse Cross also comes in a PHEV version, which adds the benefit of daily EV only driving.

All up there are some 20 plus versions of the Eclipse Cross so its easy to find one that suits you.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Brianna Fraser

TO LISTEN TO THE ECLIPSE CROSS LS BLACK RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross LS Black Edition details

The Eclipse cross was updated earlier in 2023. At this time they introduced the LS Black Edition as a separate model.

Production for 23MY Eclipse Cross commences from January 2022, with first deliveries expected from March 2023.

Some general thoughts about the LS Black Edition

• Good exterior design
• Interior starting to feel dated
• Infotainment connectivity and technology also feeling dated
• The extra bling looks good
• Especially inside its noticeable
• I appreciated the heated front seats
• Its quite spacious inside and practical.
• The dash layout works well and is easy to read and understand
• There is an upright ‘tall’ seating position for the driver
• Plenty of storage and cupholders, but the slot for the phone isn’t big enough for larger phones
• Rear seats are spacious and comfortable
• Boot is generous
• There is only a space saver tyre though.
• 8.0 inch central screen has good clarity
• Wired smart phone connectivity
• No inbuilt GPS on the LS though.
• Overall, its easy and comfortable to zip around town in

Also look at.

The Eclipse Cross sits in a competitive small/medium SUV segment.

crosses a few categories. full on AWD SUV, family wagon or city runabout.

Buyers could look towards Mazda CX-30, Kia Seltos, Subaru Crosstrek, Toyota Corolla Cross, Nissan QASHQAI, Citroen C4 and Haval Jolion

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross LS Black final thoughts

The LS Black edition goes a long way to freshen up an ageing design.

Its good value for money and bring some style and flair to an otherwise normal SUV.

Around town its zippy enough as well as frugal.

Inside the Black bling adds comfort.

The LS Black Edition feels good at everything, great at nothing. Its reliable and robust but not outstanding. That’s why they sell so well I guess.

Overall, the LS Black Edition is an ideal urban SUV for a couple or single that wants some extra room and practicality.

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network.

Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners. They are also syndicated through various news sites around Australia.

Motoring Minute is also part of the Overdrive Radio Program. This can be found weekly on the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post We drive the Eclipse Cross LS Black Edition from Mitsubishi appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Subaru Forester 2.5i Sport has a heap of style enhancements as well as better towing ability, but the turbo version remains on the wish list.

2.5i Sport gets the orange highlight treatment amongst its added features with:

18″ alloy wheels (dark metallic finish)
LED front fog lights, with black coloured surround
Black coloured front grille surround and rear garnish
Front, side and rear under guards with orange highlight
Roof rails with orange inserts
Exterior Sport badging
Electric sunroof

https://www.anyauto.com.au/subaru-forester-2-5i-sport-2021-radio-review/

Inside continues the orange treatment with:

• Water repellent grey cloth trim with orange stitching
• Orange highlights –air vents, shift panel
• An LED rear internal light and cargo area.

Forester 2.5i Sport AWD is the only Forester variant available in Dark Blue.

Subaru Forester Sport and all non-hybrid Foresters can now tow 1800kg making it even more appealing for the adventurous buyers.

Forester 2.5i Sport AWD is priced from $41,990, plus the usual costs and is actually pretty good value.

Im Rob Fraser

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

Listeners can hear Motoring Minute segments around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network.

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

You can also find Motoring Minute segments syndicated through other news sites around Australia.

Additionally Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive – Cars Transport Culture Radio Program. 

Listeners can find this program weekly on the Spotify, SoundCloud and the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post Subaru Forester 2.5i Sport 2021 – Motoring Minute – Episode #13 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

VW Touareg has a number of models in the range topping out with barnstorming V8 R Line. However the sweet spot in the range is probably the 210 R Line version.

More than enough performance and dynamics to keep most drivers happy along with the luxury and comfort features of the R Line to allow occupants to relax in style.

The 3.0L V6 Turbo diesel pumps out a respectable 210 kW and a healthy 600 Nm at just 1750rpm. Driving all four wheels through the 4motion system and a ZF 8 Speed auto transmission. Its reasonably economical using around 8.8l/100k during our test.

It is no slouch either running from 0-100km/h in 6.1 seconds about the same as a Golf GTi. However it’s as a long distance cruiser that the Touareg excels. It will accommodate 5 in comfort along with their luggage.

You have to actually drive the Touareg to appreciate just how good it is.

The Touareg 210  is priced from $108,490 plus the usual costs and is fully equipped in R-line specification.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

VW Touareg R Line

What is good?

• Performance, ride, handling
• Exceptional comfort
• Standard features

What is not so good?

• Have to go into screen for A/C controls
• Not a fan of transmission lever
• ACC not selectable

Also Look At

• Audi SQ8
• Jaguar F-PACE SVR
• Jeep Grand Cherokee Track Hawk
• Range Rover Velar SV Autobiography
• Porsche Macan

VW Touareg was originally launched some 10 years ago and was a little long in the tooth of late lagging the competition. VW launched the all new version in June and Rob Fraser has just spent some time in one

The latest model Touareg is a major improvement and my first impressions were overwhelmingly favourable.

Initially available as one model, the Launch Edition, the Touareg is set to shake up the dwindling, yet very competitive Prestige SUV market.

https://www.anyauto.com.au/volkswagen-touareg-awd-suv-radio-review/

#VW

The post Volkswagen Touareg R Line Edition – Motoring Minute – Episode #12 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

A purely urban based front wheel drive the Stonic comes with a plethora of safety features, class leading multi Bluetooth connectivity as well as having its ride and handling retuned for the Australian market.

Top of the range is the GT Line comes with a 1.0L Turbo petrol engine that produces 74kW and 172Nm and drives the front wheels through a 7 speed DCT.

In addition it gets

• Sport suspension tuning
• 17-inch alloys,
• Different body package,
• MFR LED headlights,
• two tone colour or sunroof,
• cloth and artificial leather seats,
• climate control air conditioning,
• Privacy glass and electrochromic mirror.

Driving the Stonic around town, you can see why it will be popular, it’s comfortable with lots of standard features and adequate ride around our bumpy suburban streets.

TO LISTEN TO THE Kia Stonic RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

KIA has entered an ultra-competitive segment, the urban 2WD SUV with a competitive model, and the GT Line priced at $29,990 drive away is a good price.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

What is good?

• Economy
• Looks stylish
• AWD safety

What is not so good?

• Overpriced
• Tacky interior
• C-HR is better and cheaper

Kia Stonic – Also Look At

• Subaru XV Hybrid
• Peugeot 2008
• Suzuki S Cross
• ŠKODA Karoq
• Hyundai Venue
• Mazda CX-3
• Toyota C-HR
• Toyota Yaris Cross
• VW T-Cross

Kia Stonic joins the already impressive SUV line up for KIA in Australia. Do we really need yet another small urban SUV like the Stonic, Stick around for a minute and we will find out.

A purely urban based front wheel drive the Stonic comes with a plethora of safety features, class leading multi Bluetooth connectivity as well as having its ride and handling retuned for the Australian market.

https://www.anyauto.com.au/kia-stonic-gt-line-urban-suv-review/

#Kia #KiaStonic #Kia2021

The post Kia Stonic GT-Line Urban SUV 2021 Review – Motoring Minute – Episode #11 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

• Audi Q3 Sportback 40 TFSI (including Q3 40TFSI video
• Audi RS Q3

We promised a Sportback review, so here it is.

The exterior is identical to her hatched sisters forward of the B pillar. Sportback is a hatch too, of sorts. From the B pillar back, it morphs into a high-set coupe, albeit with 5 doors.

I’m not normally a fan, but Q3 carries it off well. It has style and class, and eschews the current trend for over-design.

Are the looks any good?

Q3 Sportback is restrained and understated inside and out.

There are no unnecessary embellishments. Q3 Sportback is smooth, with rounded corners and subtle muscular lines.

The roof arches gently towards the rear, and here is where it differs from the regular Q3. The profile has a coupe-like look. None the less, it is handsome and beautifully executed.

Is there AWD to be had?

Q3 Sportback QUATTRO AWD in the 40TFSI, but the 35 TFSI misses out. That’s a shame, but you only notice it on wet roads.

Front wheel drive scrambles for grip. As the weather turns septic. Never fear, as the bucking starts at the front, the dash lights up like a Christmas tree. The nannies have kicked in to sort out your misdemeanour..

Is the cabin comfortable?

Even in entry level Audi, you expect a cert level of luxury, and it certainly delivers.

Powered front seats are, come with heating, lumbar support, and a nifty pull-out extension for the front of the seat cushion. That’s excellent for longer legged drivers.

Dual climate settings have a sync feature. Most functions are controlled through the touch-screen MMI system, and the drivers scores a fully-digital LCD dash. It can display navigation maps among other things.

Rear seats split 40/20/40 for those who like a ski or two. Ride is good, and the 19” wheels look classy. I don’t know why people like big wheels when smaller ones ride better, but fashion is fashion.

What Gadgets does Q3 have?

Apple CarPlay is completely wireless, but you have to plug in for Android Auto.

There are a bevy of airbags. AEB, active lane control, and smart cruise control are also standard, as is blind spot monitor with lane change assist. 360° sensors and cameras help you park. Or, Q3 Sportback will park by itself, while You take care of the brakes and gears.

How’s the performance?

It may only be a 1.4 4-cylinder but a spot of force air induction will turbo your fun into a frenzy. The automatic only has 6 speeds, which feels a trifle miserly, but it still does the job, and does it well. You get a decent 110kw/250Nm, and smooth effortless acceleration.

Handling, how’s the handling?

Steering is famously  precise, yet easy and comfortable. You change directions instantly, and no amount of provocation seems to unsettle Q3 Sportback.

Paddles would be nice. Throwing the little hatch into tight corners often gets the automatic into the wrong gear. Savvy drivers who fancy themselves as an Andretti, can shift-em-yaself by pulling the gear lever over, then moving forward and back. Gear positions are shown in the driver’s data.

2020 Audi Q3 35 TFSI Sportback

• Price: $56,490 MLP*
• Engine: 1.4 Turbo 4cyl
• Power: 110kw/250Nm
• Trans: 6 sp S-tronic
• 0-100: 9.3 sec
• Econ: 7.3L/100k
• Colour: Tango Red
• Interior: Black on Black

*MLP – Manufacturers List Price includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of any options.

Also Look At

• Peugeot 3008 GT Line
• Subaru Forester
• Range Rover Evoque

We promised a Sportback review, so here it is.

The exterior is identical to her hatched sisters forward of the B pillar. Sportback is a hatch too, of sorts. From the B pillar back, it morphs into a high-set coupe, albeit with 5 doors.

I’m not normally a fan, but Q3 carries it off well. It has style and class, and eschews the current trend for over-design.

Q3 Sportback launch sees the arrival of the first Q3 40 TFSI quattro models.

Are the looks any good?

https://www.anyauto.com.au/2020-audi-q3-35-tfsi-sportback-video-review/

The post Audi Q3 35 TFSI Sportback 2020 – Motoring Minute – Episode #9 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Toyota Prado Kakadu Horizon is the ultimate Prado costing around $89,590 which could be a touch problematic because it will nearly get you into a GXL Landcruiser 200 Series.

However, not everyone wants or needs a vehicle the size of a ‘Cruiser so this top of the line Prado could be tempting especially if you don’t necessarily want to tow a small town.

The Horizon driven had the lower output 130kW/450Nm 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine and would benefit from having the newer 150kW/500Nm power plant especially when towing.

However, as a go anywhere, ridgey didge, fourbie touring wagon, you can’t look past the Prado.

It has adequate performance and good fuel economy and makes an ideal back blocks touring vehicle which is precisely what we did in the test vehicle.

Covid restrictions

Covid restricted us to NSW so we did a 3000km road trip to “The Corner”, back through Lightening Ridge then down through Armidale, South West Rocks and back to Sydney.

We weren’t towing which gave us access to plenty of remote scenic places along dirt tracks and roads which the Prado traversed without any trouble at all.

Comfy too as the supple adaptive air suspension soaked up potholes and ripples as if they weren’t there.

The test car had an under mounted spare which cuts tank capacity to about 90 litres. Personally, I would go for the tailgate mounted spare with a 150 litre tank.

The latest Prado scores a raft of advanced driver assist tech’ some of which is too intrusive but can be switched off.

We didn’t need the third row, cream leather or the middle row DVD players but they are in the Horizon package.

That package adds about six grand to Kakadu’s price and consists of mainly dress-up parts I and a few bits and pieces. It makes this model arguably the best looking Prado ever…in my opinion.

Quick Prado Horizon recap

Toyota has dressed up its top-of-the-range Prado with the launch of a Prado Kakadu Horizon special edition featuring more external bling. Priced from $89,590 plus the usual costs, the Horizon adds a front bumper spoiler and bling for the rear bumper, chrome side moulding and mirror covers, metallic/pearl paint finish, clear rear combination lights and an exclusive Horizon badge…

https://www.anyauto.com.au/toyota-prado-kakadu-horizon-2020-radio-review/

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

Listeners can hear Motoring Minute segments around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network.

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

You can also find Motoring Minute segments syndicated through other news sites around Australia.

Additionally Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive – Cars Transport Culture Radio Program. 

Listeners can find this program weekly on the Spotify, SoundCloud and the Community Radio Network across Australia.

The post Toyota Prado Kakadu Horizon 2020 – Motoring Minute – Episode #8 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

First launched in 2009 then with an all new version in 2017, the latest update brings a fresh style while continuing the Audi traditions.

What does the new Audi Q5 look like?

Styling has undergone some subtle refreshment to bring the model in line with the new design language.

There is a bolder single frame front grill, 19 or 20 inch alloy wheels model specific,

new LED headlights and daytime running lights, alloy wheels and a claimed world first digital OLED tail lights as an option.

Add to this some profile line highlights and the new model seems quite fresh and stylish.

What is the Q5 like inside?

The refresh continues inside. Q5 has always been exceptionally comfortable.

The driver’s seat is great especially the sport model with electronic adjustment and heating. A thick rimmed multi function leather steering wheel frames the Audi virtual cockpit.

Couple of highlights.

The MMI touch screen now means that there is room for another small pocket ion the transmission tunnel where the touch pad was previously.

There is a single line that separates the upper dash from the lower section, that is silver as standard but can be optioned as carbon fibre of woodgrain and adds to the overall ambience as well as a bringing a feeling of space.

Rear seats are more for two but have adequate room and are again very comfortable. Otherwise not much has changed inside since the last time we reviewed the Q5 HERE.

The luggage compartment can store up to 520 litres (1,520 litres with the backrests folded flat). The rear seat can be split 40:20:40 and optionally slides fore/aft to create additional luggage space or legroom, as desired.

Audi Q5 is the brands bestselling SUV

Q5 is the brands bestselling SUV and keeping it ahead of the competition is an updated model range, with improved connectivity, technology and a revised engine line-up.

Audi Q5 2021 45 TFSI GRILLFirst launched in 2009 then with an all new version in 2017, the latest update brings a fresh style while continuing the Audi traditions.

What does the new Audi Q5 look like?
Styling has undergone some subtle refreshment to bring the model in line with the new design language.

There is a bolder single frame front grill, 19 or 20 inch alloy wheels model specific,

new LED headlights and daytime running lights, alloy wheels and a claimed world first digital OLED tail lights as an option.

Add to this some profile line highlights and the new model seems quite fresh and stylish….

https://www.anyauto.com.au/audi-q5-quattro-my-2021-update-released/

The post Audi Q5 Quattro MY 2021 update released – Motoring Minute – #1 Episode appeared first on Motoring Minute.