This five seat 4WD retains all the robust qualities that define a true rugged 4WD.

• Body on ladder frame chassis
• Coil front and leaf spring rear live axle suspension.
• Front and read diff locks.
• Excellent approach, rampover and departure angles and more

There are some concession to modernising the beast.

Increased safety features, a central touch screen, small though it is. Reverse camera, LED headlights and a few more.

Yet even with these there is no denying its roots.

It’s a basic workhorse designed to take owners far from the main roads to where few vehicles dare to go.

Gone is the V8 engine, in its place is a modified 4 cylinder turbo diesel engine with 1650kW of power and 500Nm of torque.

The model I drove was one of the recent manual versions. It comes with a solid 5 speed MT. There are two things to note. One is that it’s better than similar older version but could do with a sixth gear.

The Second is that with a dodgy hip, my days of driving a manual may well be behind me.

Its also ridiculously expensive at around $77,800 plus the usual costs. Yet despite all its faults I love the fact that this vehicle still exists.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Previous Motoring Minute LC 70 Series Reviews

• Toyota LC79 Work Mate Single Cab Chassis Ute 2025 review
• Toyota LC79 Workmate Single Cab Chassis 4WD Ute driven
• Toyota LC79 GXL Dual Cab 4WD Ute driven for 2025
• Toyota LC79 Dual Cab GXL Ute 2024 Review
• Toyota LandCruiser LC79 Series Ute reasons not to buy
• We drive the 2024 Toyota LC70 series at the launch.

Full specifications can be found HERE.

Readers can find more details about the LC 76 GXL – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE LC 76 GXL Wagon – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Toyota LC 76 GXL – Buyers could also look at:

Competition in true 4WD wagon segment is tight .

The LC 76 GXL has competition with:

• INEOS Grenadier
• JEEP Wrangler Rubicon
• Nissan Patrol Warrior

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I do like the design, one that has evolved over the years. Inside the first impression is spaciousness.

It’s also well-equipped along with option packs that add even more features.

The front seats are especially comfortable and supportive.

Driver ergonomics are excellent.

Rear seats have plenty of knee, leg and shoulder room. Boot space again is large, capable of swallowing a family’s luggage.

The key point is the PHEV powertrain.

The Škoda Kodiaq Select PHEV delivers 150kW of power and 350Nm of torque. From its combination of a 1.5 TSI engine and 85kW/330Nm electric motor.

The combination drives the front wheels through a 6 Sp DSG transmission. While it zippy it’s not a sports SUV with 0-100km/h in 8.4 seconds.

The claimed EV only range is 112km. But we didn’t see anything over 100km.

Customers can select E-mode electric drive or hybrid drive options in the vehicle touchscreen, with a choice of low, high or automatic brake energy recuperation.

Additionally, there are two battery power usage methods – automatic, with engine recharging and manual that waits until the vehicle is plugged in.

Pricing from $63,490 plus the usual costs is quite reasonable.

Overall, the Kodiaq PHEV offers the benefits of EV only driving without the range anxiety.

This is a Motoring Minute’

Im Rob Fraser

Skoda Kodiaq Select PHEV Motoring Minute Video Review

Readers can find more details about the Kodiaq Select PHEV – HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Kodiaq Select PHEV – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Kodiaq Select PHEV – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Kodiaq Select PHEV are in an unusual segment. There are a few to choose from.

Better potential choices could be Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Kia Sorento PHEV, Peugeot 408 PHEV, Jaecoo J7 PHEV

HEV alternatives could include: Mazda CX-70, Mazda CX-60, Kia Sorento, Toyota Kluger, Peugeot 5008 GT Hybrid,

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However, I managed to steal it away from her for a few days. Simply because I love driving it.

Reason why im a big fan include the wagon/SUV styling. Peugeot builds beautiful cars and the 5008 manages to make a wagon look stylish.

I live the front LED headlight and DRL design. It stands out especially at night.

This lighting design carries through to the rear end and manages to bring elegance to a boxy rear end.

Inside the 5008 GT excels. Its comfort and luxury all the way. Leather seats have heating and ventilation. Don’t forget the massage function that allows multi choice and while im driving the massage function is working.
Im also a big fan of the low set steering wheel and Peugeot i-cockpit driver instrument design. It fits my driving style perfectly.

The small flat bottom and top steering wheel has a  responsive feel. Its no sports SUV but driver engagement is excellent. The 1.2L three cylinder hybrid petrol engine sounds light in. However, in real world driving conditions it’s never found wanting. Quite the opposite its feels zippy and scoots along, especially on the motorways.

Economy is outstanding as well.

Overall, the Peugeot 5008 GT Premium Hybrid provides a quality alternative to the luxury European SUVs and brings French flair and style. It’s for people that want something just a little bit different.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the 5008 GT Premium Hybrid – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE 5008 GT Premium Hybrid – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Peugeot 5008 GT Premium Hybrid – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the  5008 GT Premium Hybrid could also look at the following: Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mazda CX-70, Genesis GV80,

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Let’s recap a few highlights.

• Fitting the baby seat is so easy with isofix and top tether points.
• There is plenty of room for me to sit in the back seat when needed.
• The boot is large enough for the pram, bassinet and all the gear new mums need to take with them.
• Rear air conditioning keeps bub happy.
• Access is easy to the back seat and boot area.
• The outback is perhaps the safest SUV in its class.
• This is comforting on wet and slippery roads with the permanent AWD.
• All the additional safety features are working to protect you at all times.

Over the time we had the Outback, we also moved house. Now that’s something I possibly wouldn’t recommend for a new mum as it’s difficult to balance everything. But the Outback doubled as a transport vehicle for boxes and stuff between the houses. Its practicality is impressive.

One thing we haven’t discussed yet is price.

The Outback range starts from $44,200 dollars through to about $57,500 dollars plus the usual costs.

Considering what you get in even the entry level model, those prices are outstanding value for money.

So overall the Subaru Outback is definitely new mum and bub approved.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Brianna Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Subaru Outback  HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Subaru Outback – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Instead of the Subaru Outback – buyers could look at:

This is a popular segment: Buyers could look at: Range Rover Discovery Sport, Peugeot 5008 GT Hybrid, Hyundai Santa FE, Kia Sorento, Genesis GV70, Audi Q5, Lexus NX, Mazda CX-80, 

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

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What I want to chat about today is safety. All new mums want their baby to be safe everywhere. That especially applies while driving.

There are the obvious safety features that give the Outback a five star safety rating. But there is much more.

I love the fact that there are airbags everywhere. The Outback also has a ring shaped safety cell protecting the occupants.

Where the Subaru adds more is in things such

• Symmetrical All Wheel Drive system. All four wheels are driving all the time which is great in wet, slippery or icy conditions
• Driver monitoring system – that alerts you if you are becoming drowsy or distracted
• Eye-Sight: a system exclusive to Subaru that predicts what is happening outside the car
• Vehicle dynamics that includes emergency braking forward and in reverse.
• If you do happen to get in a front on accident the engine is designed to slide down under the body cell away form people.

There are other features that you really don’t think about too much but are important. Like a tyre pressure monitoring system that tells you if your tyres are going flat. Automatic wipers and headlights. And if your hands are full there is voice controls so that you aren’t distracted from driving.

The Outback is designed to be one of the =safest SUVs on the market and that’s very comforting with my baby on board.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Brianna Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Subaru Outback  HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE Subaru Outback – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Instead of the Subaru Outback – buyers could look at:

This is a popular segment: Buyers could look at: Range Rover Discovery Sport, Peugeot 5008 GT Hybrid, Hyundai Santa FE, Kia Sorento, Genesis GV70, Audi Q5, Lexus NX, Mazda CX-80, 

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The post Is the Subaru Outback the best new mum car Part two appeared first on Motoring Minute.

It certainly turned heads when driving and I had a lot of people comment on it.

Inside its driver ergonomics are excellent. The seats are especially comfortable. Both front seats are heated and ventilated, and the additional lumbar support is great.

It has clever features like wireless smart phone connectivity and charging. Panoramic opening glass sunroof and a premium 10 speaker sound system.

Im a huge fan of the small flat top and bottom steering wheel that sits below the 3D ICockpit instruments.

The engine is a 1.2L turbo hybrid petrol paired with a 6 speed dual clutch automatic transmission.

It has zippy performance that is enhanced by the raspy exhaust note. Also, economy is outstanding. I drove over 1000km in the week and averaged 5.7L/100K no matter how hard I pushed it.

The combination of responsive steering, sports mode and the raspy exhaust made the driving fun.

Of course, being a Peugeot everything has a premium feel about it.

I drive roughly 200 vehicles a year. Some stand out, some are very forgettable. However, I rarely instantly love a vehicle as much as the Peugeot 408 GT Hybrid.

Priced from under $58,000 plus the usual costs its outstanding value compared to its premium European competitors.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the PEUGEOT 408 GT Hybrid  HERE.

TO LISTEN TO THE PEUGEOT 408 GT Hybrid – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Instead of the PEUGEOT 408 GT Hybrid – buyers could look at:

This is a popular segment: Buyers could look at: Genesis GV70, Audi Q5, Lexus NX, Mazda CX-60, BMW X4, Mercedes Benz GLC

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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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I recently drove the new diesel version, and I have to say its impressive. Especially in the highly equipped Ultra version.

I like its boxy, wheel at each corner style. It has personality.

Inside its actually very comfortable. A minor detail is that there is no grab handle for the driver for access. However, the seats are particularly supportive and for a small 4WD there seems to be enough room for my large frame.

Little luxuries like auto headlights and wipers, wireless charging tray and connectivity for smart phones and front seat heaters all add to the ambience.

One gripe though is that it takes a few minutes every time you start to navigate the menus to turn off the intrusive safety features like cabin monitoring and lake keep assist.

Lets look at the new diesel engine. It’s a 4 cylinder turbo, which provides 135 Kw of power and a healthy 480 Nm of torque from a low 1500 rpm. This  combines with a 9 speed automatic transmission and selectable 4WD.

A welcome feature is both front and rear diff locks along with crawl control and turn assist. Its well equipped for the hard stuff. The Tank 300 is now rated to tow 3000 kg which is handy, and the diesel is well designed for that.

Priced from $51,990 driveaway it’s also outstanding value.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Tank 300 diesel – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Tank 300 diesel – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Tank 300 diesel Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the Tank 300 diesel could also look at the following: Jeep Wrangler, Isuzu MU-X, KGM SsangYong Rexton, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

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I drove the top spec model last week, the Crusade. While there have been little updates along the way it is due for an overhaul as its starting to show its age inside a bit.

Inside Toyota have done a good job of making the Fortuner Crusade as up market as possible, but underneath you can feel the HiLux origins. That’s not necessarily bad.

It comes with the 2.8L turbo diesel engine from the Toyota HiLux and Prado. This has  available a handy 150kW of power and 500 Nm of torque from as low as 1600 rpm.

This delivers power to all four wheels through a six speed AT and select on demand dual range 4WD system .

Fortuner Crusade sits in a competitive segment and while it has reasonable performance, and excellent 4WD capability, it lacks a little in the towing department at only 3100kg.

Mind you, unless you are towing something heavy that doesn’t limit many people.

Priced from around $53,700 through to around $66,700 plus the usual costs.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’M Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Fortuner Crusade HERE

 TO LISTEN TO THE Fortuner Crusade RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Instead of the Fortuner Crusade buyers could also look at:

Mid-sized 4WD wagons have become more prevalent in recent years.

Buyers could look at the Isuzu MU-X, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, SsangYong Rexton, Jeep Wrangler, INEOS Grenadier

Some other Fortuner Crusade Articles

• Toyota Fortuner Crusade 4WD 2021 Review
• Toyota Fortuner – a bit of 4×4 and a bit of SUV
• Toyota Fortuner 2020 Update
• 2018 Toyota Review
• Toyota claims three gongs in OzRoamer awards
• 2017 Toyota Fortuner GXL 4WD Review

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

The post We drive the Toyota Fortuner Crusade for 2024 appeared first on Motoring Minute.

The Patrol Warrior has a number of functional and cosmetic improvements which serve to enhance both on road and off-road dynamics.

Upgrades include a new front bumper assembly and heavy-duty bash plate. Bespoke tow bar with recovery points. Bi Modal exhaust a number of black body enhancements.

The vehicle is raised by 50mm, a combination of suspension lift and larger wheel tyre combination.

The Warrior comes with the same 5.6L V8 engine that has more than ample power and torque. This combines with a 7 Sp AT and sophisticated 4WD system

I took the Warrior on some forest trails, dirt roads and on the beach. The combination of revised suspension and V8 motor made the beach driving ridiculously easy.

Inside it’s a little dated and missing some common features, but its awesome off road and pleasant to drive . One downside though os that he V8 gets pretty thirsty.

Nissan patrol Warrior is priced from a little over $101,000 plus the usual costs

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find full details of Nissan Patrol Warrior HERE

 TO LISTEN TO THE Patrol Warrior  RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

More Patrol Warrior Thoughts

Instead of the Patrol Warrior buyers could look at: 

Dedicated true Large 4WD wagons are becoming rarer. Buyers could look at Toyota LandCruiser GR Sport, Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland, INEOS Grenadier, Land Rover Defender. 

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

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

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