The D-Max Blade is aimed at more adventurous buyers that like to explore far from  normal roads.

I’ve had one for a few weeks now and like all D-Max  Utes it does everything I ask of it without fuss. It’s so easy to live with every day.

Blade specific additions include:

• a 29mm lift, courtesy of new 35mm MTV twin-tube suspension tuned for local conditions.
• Larger wheel and tyre package of 275/65R17 Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac RT all-terrain
• 0mm steel bash plate, with integrated, rated, dual recovery points
• Integrated 112-Watt lightbar,
• Side steps and tub sports bar
• Lots of Blade bling
• And more.

Overall, the D-Max Blade looks pretty cool. Especially with the range of colours available.

It comes with the standard engine and transmission combination, which is good, but more power and torque would have been appreciated.

Cruising on the motorway, the Blade drives better than you would expect with less tyre noise and better steering response.

On dirt roads it simply goes about its business without fuss. On sand it excels.

The suspension is compliant and responsive.

The integrated nature of the addition’s shines. That’s what makes it worthwhile.

Pricing is from $80,900 its expensive but comparable to doing everything yourself.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Previous Motoring Minute Reviews

• Isuzu D-Max Blade revisited 2025
• We drive the Isuzu D-Max Blade for 2025
• Isuzu D-Max Blade 4WD Ute first drive

Readers can find more details about the D-Max BLADE – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE D-Max BLADE – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

D-Max BLADE – Buyers could also look at:

Competition in 4WD Recreational Ute segment is tight .

The D-MAX BLADE has strong competition with:

• Nissan Navara PRO 4X Warrior 
• Toyota HiLux Rogue
• Mazda BT-50 SP
• Ford Ranger Tremor 

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Here are my top three reasons why im such a big fan of the D-Max X-Terrain

First, it looks good. Especially in the Sunstone Orange colour I had. That contrasting with black grill, side steps, sports bar and tub roller cover really stands out. The matte grey 18 inch alloys also add to the appeal.

Second is the practical performance capability. The 3.0L turbo diesel engine is reliable, robust and will last for hundreds of thousands of kilometres. With 140 kW of power and 450 Nm of torque, it’s under stressed. This torque comes in from a low 1600 rpm.

This is combined with the 6sp Automatic transmission, 3500 kg tow rating and select on the go 4WD system.

There are more powerful Utes available, but the Isuzu 3.0L allows for easy driving no matter what the situation.

Third is the standard safety features. The D-Max was the first with a comprehensive suite of safety features across the range. They are still class leading.

Over the years I driven the D-Max X-Terrain in almost every situation you could think of. And every time the overall impression was that it’s so easy to live with and does everything without fuss.

Yes, the Isuzu D-Max is a favourite Ute of mine, especially in the X-Terrain specification.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

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

TO LISTEN TO THE D-Max X-Terrain – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

D-Max X-Terrain – Buyers could also look at:

Competition in 4WD Recreational Ute segment is tight .

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

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

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Well, BYD, hoping to expand the appeal have just announced two additional models.

A trade ready Shark 6 Dynamic Cab-Chassis and a new range-topping Shark 6 Performance pickup.

These will sit alongside the existing Shark 6 Premium pickup.

The designers expanded the line-up to meet the needs of trade, fleet, and Aussie families.

They offer superior Dual Mode (DM) Super Hybrid performance, improved all-wheel drive capability, and refined on-road comfort.

Ironman is developing an optional tray for the trade ready cab chassis.

The new 2.0-litre turbo DM Super Hybrid in the Shark 6 Performance boosts total system power and torque to 350kW and 700Nm, respectively. That will allow a 3500kg towing rating.

Shark 6 customers benefit from three intelligent driving modes.

• EV Pure Electric Mode: the petrol engine is switched off.

• HEV Series Mode: the petrol engine does not drive the wheels. Instead, it acts like a portable power station.
• HEV Parallel Mode: The motors and the petrol engine work together in harmony to drive the wheels at the same time.

With 6.6kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability and multiple 230V outlets (one in-cabin, three in the tub) plus a V2L adaptor adding two more sockets, Shark 6 can power tools, appliances and camping gear on the go.

Pricing is from $55,900 through to $62,900 plus the usual costs.

This s a Motoring Minute

Im  Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the BYD Shark 6  – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE BYD Shark 6 – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 120 radio channels. 

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Driven by the need to meet the draconian NVES rules in Australia, a few brands are now offering PHEV Utes.

The JAC Hunter PHEV is based on the T9 Dual Cab Ute.

Powered by a  powerful plug-in hybrid petrol-electric engine. It  combines an efficient all-new 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. This has front and rear electric motors and  delivers 385kW of power and 1000Nm of torque.

On paper those figures are substantial. But recent history has shown us that in PHEVs that doesn’t always translate to real word driveability.

JAC is targeting an electric-only driving range of at least 100km* from Hunter’s state-of-the-art lithium-iron phosphate battery pack.

This will allow reasonable range for daily drives.

Also available is a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) system. Allowing owners to power tools, appliances, and even provide emergency backup power from the vehicle’s battery.

As well as an extensive localised testing regime and suspension tuning, the JAC Hunter comes with front and rear differential locks alongside five off-road drive modes.

Inside there is a 10.4-inch digital touchscreen and infotainment system. With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. For the driver there is a fully digital 10.25-inch instrument cluster.

Reservations for the JAC Hunter PHEV are available from 5^th of May, with vehicles arriving in dealerships from mid-2026.

For the first 1000 orders there is a free home charger on delivery of their Hunter.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the JAC Hunter PHEV  – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE JAC Hunter PHEV – 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. 

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I recently drove the dual cab HiLux Workmate version. This comes in a single cab tray back as well as dual cab trayback and pickup style. I drove the pickup model.

The main difference is the redesigned grill and bonnet. It has divided opinions, but I like it.

Inside the new model benefits from:

• a 12.3-inch touchscreen,
• wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability,
• DAB+ digital radio.
• embedded satellite navigation and voice commands.

Further technology upgrades for WorkMate include:

• a new 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster,
• two USB-C ports,
• a 12V accessory port and two-speaker audio system

Toyota has also improved the standard safety features across the range. So, the WorkMate gets a boost there as well.

Powered by a 2.8L turbo diesel engine and 6 Sp AT. This provides a healthy 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque from 1600 rpm.

This is a substantial improvement over the previous model and is class leading for work Utes.

One feature that is appreciated is the tailgate dampers to assist with opening and closing.

There is still the issue of having no lower tie points in the tub like many brands.

Pricing for the HiLux WorkMate Pickup is from $53,990 plus the usual costs, which for a work Ute is a little expensive.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Hilux WorkMate  – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Hilux WorkMate – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Toyota Hilux WorkMate – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the  Hilux WorkMate  are in good company. There is a LOT to choose from.

Potential choices could be Mazda BT-50 ,  KGM Musso, FOTON Tunland, GWM Cannon, Mitsubishi Triton GLX, Nissan Navara SL,

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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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All designed to meet the draconian NVES rules imposed on manufacturers.

Available in a limited range of models both 2wd AND 4wd, I recently drove the 4WD X-Rider version.

This model sits somewhere in the middle of the range.

The main difference is the engine. With 120kW and 400Nm from 1600 – 2400 rpm its certainly less than buyers are used to.

It does come with an eight speed sports AT which helps cover for the loss of performance.

Isuzu also claim better fuel economy but its less than 1 l/100km and in real world situations that would probably be negated by working the engine harder.

Aart from slightly less kerb weight which means marginally more payload. The 2.2L and 3.0L Utes have the same GCM and towing ratings.

So, the question remains – Why would someone buy the 2.2L over the 3.0L version D-Max.

Well price is one reason. It’s about $2,000 cheaper before the usual costs.

CO2 emissions may be another. However, the difference is marginal at best.

So, my answer is that I really cant see any real reason why. For me I would take the 3.0L versions every time.

They have proved themselves to be robust, reliable long life engines.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can see the full specifications HERE. 

Readers can find more details about the D-MAX X-RIDER 2.2L  – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE D-MAX X-RIDER 2.2L – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

D-MAX X-RIDER 2.2L – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the  Isuzu D-MAX X-RIDER 2.2L are in a crowded segment. There is a LOT to choose from.

Potential choices could be Mazda BT-50 2.2L,  KGM Musso, FOTON Tunland, GWM Cannon,

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Aimed almost purely at mine sites, councils and other corporate buyers. I really don’t see many private buyers lining up.

The reason is that many businesses are looking to tick boxes for reduced tailpipe emissions.

Development work done in mine sites across Australia, reinforces this thought.

Due for release in May, there are two dual cab models available. The SR with a tray back and pickup versions and the SR5 with a Pickup style.

HiLux BEV is underpinned by a 59.2kWh lithium-ion battery and dual-motor all-wheel-drive system.

Combined system output for the HiLux BEV is 144kW, with torque distribution variably controlled between the front and rear axles during on-road driving to provide high-traction full-time AWD.

Driving range for the pick-up grades is rated at 315km on the NEDC cycle, while the SR cab-chassis is rated at 245km. Real world range will differ obviously.

Toyota has upgraded the suspension to accommodate the extra weight of the battery.

Towing is rated at 2000kg.

For off-roading, Toyota’s sophisticated Multi-Terrain Select traction control system offers six different drive modes to suit the conditions underfoot.

Pricing is from $74.990 through to $82.990 plus the usual costs.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the HiLux BEV – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE HiLux BEV – 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.

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Most of the time was spent on the Thailand Laos border town and while busy it was also relaxed.

It took me a few days to realise that there may be some road rules, but few drivers seem to know them.

Also, there aren’t any delivery vans here. So, the ubiquitous Ute has broadened its appeal.

They all seem to have an attached cage that either is roof height or much higher. This keeps the loads somewhat restrained.

Also, They have a unique cover that converts the Ute to a small delivery truck.

Most Utes are the space cab style. I would say 80% that I saw.

There are few single cab Utes and more dual cab Utes.

Like many similar countries, I also saw some loads that made me wonder just how they didn’t tip over. Im talking 2-3 metres above the cabin height all tied down with ropes.

And of course, there were workers everywhere and even families riding in the back either on top of the loads or in the tubs.

Yes, it’s a little different to Australia.

What was interesting is the models available. Toyota have a work Ute called the HiLux Champ. It’s a different looking Ute that was everywhere. And given that it’s missing all but the most basic safety features, I can see it coming here anytime soon.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

TO LISTEN TO THE Driving in thailand  – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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

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The post Mazda BT-50 GT 4WD Pickup driven for 2026 appeared first on Motoring Minute.