Inside it has a practical layout but it seems a touch dated these days.

Surprisingly it also has wired smart phone mirroring.

The GT model comes with a few luxuries like

• Black leather seats,
• Front seats are heated
• Front parking sensor
• 8 way electrically adjustable driver’s seat with additional lumbar support
• Heated external mirrors for those cold or icy days and
• Remote engine start

Performance comes from a 3.0L turbo diesel engine with 140 kW of power and 450 Nm of torque available from 1600 rpm. This drives through a selectable 4WD system and a 6 Sp AT.

Towing capacity is 3500 kg and it’s a popular choice for that.

With prodigious 4WD capability, the BT-50 GT is equally at home around the suburbs, forest trails, on the beach and outback touring.

The Mazda BT-50 GT is one of those Utes you jump I  and immediately feel at home in. Its comfortable capable and easy to live with

With pricing deals from $66,990 driveaway it’s not bad value as well.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

You can download the full brochure HERE 

Readers can find more details about the Mazda BT-50 GT – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Mazda BT-50 GT – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Mazda BT-50 GT – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers could look at : Nissan Navara, Isuzu D-Max, Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger,  KGM Musso 

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There are four models. These include the work style V7 in both 2wd and 4WD versions. The V9 comes in two different 4WD spec versions.

All comes with the same 2.0L 48V mild hybrid turbo diesel engine. This provides 120kW of power and 450Nm of torque from a low 1500rpm.

This is combined with a specially calibrated 8 speed ZF Automatic Transmission.

Some would say that 120kW isn’t enough power. And im amongst them, But for all but very few situations its adequate. Interestingly with the draconian NVES legislation, many Ute manufacturers are now offering a 120kW version.

Over the last four weeks I’ve driven each version.

For testing I’ve towed a smaller camper trailer, driven them on forest trails and the beach. Taken a longer motorway based trip. Used them for everyday transport and moved heavy loads in the Ute tub.

I’ve used the tailgate as a picnic table to watch sunsets over the beach and even put the grandsons baby seat in the back.

With a SUV like interior and abundant space for five occupants the FOTON Tunland is definitely different.

The big surprise if the stunning pricing. From $39,990 through to $49,990 plus the usual costs its outstanding value.

Overall, the FOTON Tunland may just be the perfect lifestyle Ute.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the FOTON Tunland  – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE FOTON Tunland – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Foton Tunland Buyers could also look at:

While the Ute segment is growing in terms of participants, there is a definite development of subsections.

The first is on size. The mid-sized segment includes the: MGU9, GWM Cannon Alpha and LDV Terron9,

However, if you also look at pricing and engine figures there are some other alternatives such as: KGM Musso XLV Ultimate, the new Isuzu D-MAX 2.2L powered Utes and the same for 2.2L Mazda BT-50,

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The post FOTON Tunland V7 and V9 review 2026 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

It’s a bit of an understatement to say the design is polarising. Im not a big fan but I had plenty of people stop me and chat and they loved the styling.

My initial thoughts were.

• It drives more like a SUV than a Ute.
• Inside it’s also more SUV like
• There is plenty of power and enough torque for all but carrying or towing the heaviest loads.
• Kia have sorted the suspension to be spot on.

On the launch we didn’t get a chance to drive on sand, so that’s what I did. As well as my favourite corrugated and potholed dirt track that leads to my favourite fishing spot.

I can confirm that the Tasman absolutely loves driving on sand. It simply hummed along and I never switched out of 4A for the drive. When it started to slow, a simple adjustment to the throttle kept it happy. The low torque delivery and excellent calibration of the transmission were on full display.

Its interesting just how many people online and in person have such strong opinions against the Tasman. But one thig I have found in common with all of them is that they haven’t driven it.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Tasman X-Pro – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Kia Tasman X-Pro – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Kia Tasman X-Pro – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Tasman X-Pro could look at : Isuzu D-Max Blade, Ford Ranger Tremor, Toyota HiLux Rogue, Nissan Navara Pro 4-X Warrior, Mazda BT-50 SP, Mitsubishi Triton GSR.

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The interior space and ambience is impressive.

There are four models available. Catering more for the commercial market, the V7 comes in both 2WD and 4WD versions. They have leaf spring rigid axle rear suspension for heavy-duty work.

Catering more for the recreational market is the V9. Two models are available both with 4WD. The V9 comes with multi-link coil rear suspension for enhanced ride, comfort, and handling.

Both models come with a 2.0L four cylinder turbo diesel engine with 48V mild hybrid system, . providing 120 kW of power and 450 Nm of torque. This is matched to an eight speed ZF automatic transmission.

Depending on the model there is selectable 4WD and up to six selectable drive modes.

Overall, the Tunland has excellent ride and handling and is comfortable of main roads, motorways, forest trails, beaches, and more adventurous drives.

The real surprise is the pricing. From $39,990 for the 2WD V7 through to $49,990 for the top spec 4WD V9. All plus the usual cists. Those prices are absolutely stunning value for money.

The FOTON Tunland is definitely worth a test drive.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

FOTON Tunland specifications sheet can be found HERE 

FOTON Tunland dimensions and weights can be found HERE 

Readers can find more details about the FOTON Tunland   HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Foton Tunland – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Foton Tunland Buyers could also look at:

While the Ute segment is growing in terms of participants, there is a definite development of subsections.

The first is on size. The mid-sized segment includes the: MGU9, GWM Cannon Alpha and LDV Terron9

However, if you also look at pricing and engine figures there are some other alternatives such as: KGM Musso XLV Ultimate, the new Isuzu D-MAX 2.2L powered Utes and the same for 2.2L Mazda BT-50,

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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This is a real workhorse of the range. Yet adds some comfort features. There are four models,  the GLX, GLX Plus, GLS and GSR.

Most models come with fabric seats, seats for five and a large work tray. The GSR comes with leather interior and a host of additional comfort bling.

On the GLS model I drove I appreciated the

• wireless charging tray for my phone,
• additional electronic lumbar support
• LED headlights and fog lights
• and the rear diff lock. Not that I needed it this time.

It’s a good looking Ute, especially with the contrast between the deep Impulse Blue body colour and dark grey 18 inch alloys, silver highlights, and black grill.

I find the Triton very easy to live with. With a 2.4 l bi turbo diesel engine it provides 150 kW of power and 470 Nm of torque. Interestingly the peak torque comes in around 1500 rpm and combined with a 6 speed AT it feels like you always have enough performance.

Some Utes, even though the headline figures read better, you have to work the engine. The Triton seems to just flow smoothly.

The Mitsubishi Triton strokes a good balance between work horse, off road performance and on road ride and handling.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Triton Tray back  HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Triton Tray back – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Instead of the Triton Tray back – buyers could look at:

This is a popular segment: Buyers could look at: Isuzu D-Max, Toyota HiLux, Nissan Navara, GWM Cannon, Kia Tasman

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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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It sits in that mid-sized Ute segment. Larger than the usual HiLux or Ranger, but smaller than the American pickup Trucks. Other Utes in this sub segment include the sister Ute LDV Terron9, Cannon Alpha PHEV, and the upcoming FOTON V9.

The launch included some reasonable 4wd tracks, shallow water crossings, a towing loop, and some forest trail driving. Strangely there was no on road section.

My overall impression of the MGU9 is that I actually liked it a lot.

It has big, bold styling, although Im not fussed on the grill design. Its spacious and comfortable inside. I could set the drivers seat for me and sit behind myself with my knees lightly brushing the front seat. That’s a bonus.

Its well laid out with some quirky features like the aeroplane style transmission lever. The other bonus is that the top spec model comes with both front and rear diff locks.

It comes with a 2.5 L turbo diesel engine that provides some 160kW of power and 530 Nm of torque. That’s a handy amount and it allows a towing ability of 3500kg.

The big news is the pricing. From $52,990 through to $60,990 drive away the MGU9 is stunning value.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the MGU9  HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE MGU9– RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Instead of the MGU9– buyers could look at:

This is a popular segment: Buyers could look at: LDV Terron9, KGM Musso XLV, GWM Cannon Alpha, FOTON V9.

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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. 

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 The D-Max is a popular towing vehicle. It has a 3.0L turbo diesel engine with 145kW of power and 450Nm of torque that comes in at a low 1600rpm. This mated to a robust 6Sp Aisin AT makes it an ideal towing vehicle. It will also easily tow 3500 kg.

Its one of my favourite towing vehicles.

The package includes:

• a tow bar tongue and 50mm ball,
• 12-pin wiring harness,
• electric brake controller,
• Clearview extendable heated and power-fold compact towing mirrors,
• a canopy with dual lift-upside windows,
• slimline weather shields, and
• unique TOUR MATE badging.

This is a well thought out package. Many vans these days have 12 pin wiring, and every tow vehicle needs an electronic brake controller. Every Isuzu D-Max comes with  genuine tow hitch as well.

The Clearview extendable mirrors are the best on the market. The canopy looks great and adds another dimension for load carrying. Also going old school with the slim line window shields is a clever touch.

This is definitely a package that is worth looking at for prospective towers.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the D-MAX Tour Mate  HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE D-MAX Tour Mate  – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Instead of the D-MAX Tour Mate  – buyers could look at:

This is a popular segment: Buyers could look at: Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger 2.0L,  Mazda BT-50, Nissan Navara, SsangYong Musso, LDV T60, Mitbushi Triton GLS 

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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.

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

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The thing I really like about Isuzu Utes is that they all come with the full set of safety features, right from the entry level model through to the top model.

They all come with wireless connectivity for smart phones and all have height and reach adjustments for the steering wheel

So the basics are covered. The X-Rider comes with:

• A soft cover and sports bar for the tub
• 10 inch infotainment system
• Black exterior and interior highlights

The fabric seats appear hard wearing, but the manual adjustment means that it’s a little difficult to find a really comfortable position.

The Ute I drove comes with the 3.0 litre 4 cylinder turbo diesel engine and a reliable 6 speed automatic transmission. Of course, dual range 4WD and a 3500 kg towing capacity.

The X-Rider comes with the upgraded rear springs that allows better payload with a slightly softer on road ride when unladen. Slightly is the key word here.

Priced at $59,500 plus the usual costs, the Isuzu D-MAX X-Rider is great value as you would expect from Isuzu

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Brianna Fraser

Readers can find more details about the D-MAX X-Rider  – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE D-MAX X-Rider – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Instead of the D-MAX X-Rider – buyers could look at:

This is a popular segment: Buyers could look at:

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The workhorse 4WD Utes come in a wide range. With Single Cab, Club Cab, and Double Cab chassis styles as well as a double cab pickup. These are the GLX, GLX  Plus and GLX – R

The more recreational 4WD vehicle styles include the GLS and GSR. Unusually buyers can opt for these with a dual cab chassis format. These also come with a slightly different suspension setup aimed for more comfort.

All models come with a 2.4L bi turbo diesel engine. This provides some 154kW of power and 470Nm of torque.

The entry level 2WD work Ute comes with a 6 Sp manual transmission. Every other model comes with a 6 Sp automatic transmission. This is tried and tested reliable transmission.

4WD models come with a version of the Mitsubishi Super Select 4WD system.

Triton is rated to tow 3500 kg along with a 350 kg tow ball rating.

Pricing for the Mitsubishi Triton ranges from $34,490 through to $63,840 plus the usual costs. Given the pricing of other Utes the Triton remains excellent value.

However, the Triton remains a dependable, robust, 4WD Ute that is comfortable to drive around town. As well as capable of heading to the most remote parts of Australia.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Mitsubishi Triton – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Mitsubishi Triton – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Instead of the Mitsubishi Triton – buyers could look at:

This is a popular segment: Buyers could look at: Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, Mazda BT-50, Nissan Navara, KGM Musso, Kia Tasman, GWM Cannon, LDV T60

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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.

The post Mitsubishi Triton model range overview 2025   appeared first on Motoring Minute.