Based on the top model GSR the Triton Raider adds both functional and cosmetic appeal.

This is achieved by implementing a unique front and rear suspension damper package.

With the front damper utilising an internal rebound spring to maximise suspension control, was developed for Raider. A front spring and bump stop was also deployed.

There is also an upgraded frontal bash plate that is laser cut with Raider wording.

Premcar engineering team selected the Bridgestone AT002 all-terrain tyres, matched to a heavier-duty ROH ‘Assault’ 18-inch alloy wheel. These wheels are finished in a distinctive Brushed Bronze with specific ‘Raider’ hub caps.

Overall front clearance has increased by 25 mm from the combination suspension and wheel and tyres. The rear sees a 15mm lift from the wheels and tyres.

Overall wheel track has also widened by 20mm front and back.

The YAMAHA Performance Damper system which debuted in the 26MY Triton GSR is retained. This horizontally-mounted damper connects to the chassis to further enhance NVH performance.

There are some other cosmetic exterior additions to enhance the appeal.

Inside, the Triton Raider enjoys all the key equipment found in the top-spec GSR.

The black leather seats feature orange stitching, with the addition of Raider branded front headrests and a further Raider badge fitted to the centre console.

Available by mid-June in dealer showrooms, the Triton Raider will be priced from $74,990 plus the usual costs.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Triton Raider – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Triton Raider – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Mitsubishi Triton Raider – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Triton Raider  are in an unusual segment. There are  few to choose from.

• Isuzu D-Max Blade $80,900*
• Nissan Navara PRO 4X Warrior $70,765* (old model)
• Toyota HiLux Rogue $71,990*
• Mazda BT-50 SP $73,490*
• Ford Ranger Tremor $75,090*
• Remember to ask the dealer as special pricing can appear from time to time.

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges). Pricing is from Redbook as at date of article or from the manufacturer’s website.

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The post Mitsubishi Triton Raider 4WD Ute pricing announced. appeared first on Motoring Minute.

It’s well known that their target was 20,000 sales in a full year. But  YTD end April 2026 they have sold 1658 Utes. Ute buyers are very parochial.

At the first reveal and later at the launch I thought three things

1. It’s a bit expensive for new model. In some cases, by up to $10,000 I felt
2. It doesn’t have an engine that excites. There is nothing wrong with what it has, but they needed something different at launch to grab people’s attention and
3. It is ugly. There is no getting away from that. I don’t mind it as its different, but it turns buyers off more than anything else.

So now after 12 months of sales failing to meet expectations, Kia is looking to bring forward updates.

There is much speculation as to what these are, but only time will provide confirmation.

It’s also well-known im a big fan of the Tasman.

• It has SUV like on road ride and handling,
• With an interior far superior to almost every other Ute available.
• It’s capable off road and in the heavy duty stuff as well.

Whatever Kia has up its sleeve for the updates, lets hope they get it right this time.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Kia Tasman  – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Kia Tasman – 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.

Other Kia Tasman Motoring Minute Segments

• Kia Tasman X-Pro 4WD Ute driven for 2026 review
• X-Pro Kia Tasman first drive 2025
• Kia Tasman – addressing the negative comments
• Pricing confirmed Kia Tasman Ute
• Kia Tasman – Best of 2024
• Revealed in all its design glory – Kia Tasman
• Kia Tasman 4WD Ute – what we know so far

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 Can Kia improve Tasman Ute sales or is it destined to be an also ran appeared first on Motoring Minute.

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 

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 D-Max Blade 4WD Ute driven for 2026. appeared first on Motoring Minute.

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.

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 D-Max X-Terrain 4WD Dual Cab Ute driven for 2026. appeared first on Motoring Minute.

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

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 BYD Shark 6 expanded model range for 2026 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

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

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 JAC Hunter PHEV Ute coming soon for 2026. appeared first on Motoring Minute.

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,

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 Toyota HiLux Workmate 4WD Dual Cab Ute driven for 2026. appeared first on Motoring Minute.

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

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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

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 Toyota has released the HiLux BEV appeared first on Motoring Minute.