An example of this is a Ute I drove recently the FOTON Tunland V7 2WD. This is a dual cab Ute with a tub.

The Tunland is a new entrant to the market. It sits between the normal sized Utes like a HiLux or Navara and the large American pickup trucks.

It does however have the Pickup truck feel about it in design. I like the big bold grill with vertically stacked LED headlights. They provide excellent illumination by the way.

Interior space and ambience is SUV like. Normal Ute buyers will be surprised by just how much room there is. Front seats are synthetic leather trim and provide a good balance of comfort and support.

The tub is large at 1577mm long and 1650 mm wide. Between the wheel arches there is 1240mm, enough to fit a pallet.

Tub depth is 530mm which is both good and bad. It allows for huge capacity but causes some access issues from the side.

Payload is a handy 1116 kg.

Power comes from a 2.0 L 48V mild hybrid diesel engine. There is 120kW of power and 450Nm of torque from 1500rpm available. This droves the rear wheels through a ZF 8 Sp AT.

Let’s look at the price. At just under $40,000 plus the usual costs its stunning value for money.

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Im Rob Fraser

You can download the full brochure HERE 

Readers can find more details about the FOTON Tunland V7 – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE FOTON Tunland V7 – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

FOTON Tunland V7 – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the FOTON Tunland V7 could look at :  Mitsubishi Triton, GWM Cannon, Isuzu D-Max 2.2L , Toyota HiLux , Nissan Navara SX, LDV T60, KGM Musso 

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This all new Ute was released late in 2024 and has a retro design.

In fact, its retro meets modern, without a lot of the painful safety stuff.

Im a bit if a fan of the boxy styling and it certainly attracted a lot of attention when I was driving it. Probably because people didn’t really know what it was.

It comes in three models, with a choice of two straight six 3.0L BMW engines, one diesel and one petrol. Thos is combed with an 8 speed ZF AT and permanent 4WD. Both engines provide plenty of power and torque with reasonable economy.

Around town it drives ok. With reasonably compliant suspension it doesn’t quite suffer the same bouncy ride many Utes have. One major issue though is the huge turning circle. That provided some interesting times in tight suburban car parks over the Christmas shopping rush.

I did use the Quartermaster to move a couple of loads of pavers, and it handled that quite well.

I’ve driven the INEOS Quartermaster around town, on motorways, outback highways, desert tracks, on forest trails, and beaches. I’ve also towed with it.

Overall, the Quartermaster makes an excellent outback tourer, whether towing or not. It feels at home out there.

While there are a couple of niggly issues, I have to say I love driving the Quartermaster.

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Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the INEOS Quartermaster Ute – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE INEOS Quartermaster Ute – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

INEOS Quartermaster Ute – Buyers could also look at:

Buyers of the  INEOS Quartermaster Ute are in unusual territory. There isn’t a real direct competitor.

However, I would suggest buyers also look at: Toyota LC79 series Utes, Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, Ford Ranger Super Duty.

At full price, the Quartermaster is nudging smaller American Pickup truck territory, but the internal space amongst them makes that a mute comparison.

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

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The post INEOS Grenadier Quartermaster Ute review for 2026. appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Im a bit of a fan of the Triton styling. It seems to blend the smooth and masculine trends just right.

My Ute came with a stylish front bull bar that wrapped around the lights as well as a tow bar. Ready for work and recreation.

Inside the GLX comes with hard wearing cloth trim, nine inch central touch screen and wireless smart phone connectivity. It also came with an old school key start and  vinyl floor covering with rubber mats. Very practical.

One feature I appreciated was the additional electronic lumbar support, perfect for my aging back.

Powering the Triton is a 2.4L bi-turbo diesel engine. This provides 150 kW of power and 470 Nm of torque. Peak torque comes in around 1500 rpm, which allows for controlled low speed work and easy cruising.

This drives through a six speed AT and easy select 4WD system. The GLX also comes with a rear diff lock.

This combination is simple, robust, and reliable.

Being a work Ute, it has heavy duty rear leaf springs, which can be a touch bouncy unladen. Payload is a bit over 1000kg.

Currently Mitsubishi is pricing the Triton GLX dual cab Pickup from $46,490 drive away and that’s excellent value.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Triton GLX – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Triton GLX – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Buyers of the Triton GLX  could also look at:

Buyers of the  Triton GLX  could also look at the following:   Isuzu D-MAX, Mazda BT-50, Nissan Navara, Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, KGM Musso, GWM Cannon

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

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

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The post Mitsubishi Triton GLX Pickup 4WD Ute driven for 2025. appeared first on Motoring Minute.

The workmate comes with the vinyl seat trim, which I prefer to the fabric of the GXL.

It also comes with wind up windows, which are OK. What I have difficulty in accepting is no reverse camera, which in a Ute this size is a problem. Also, the ridiculous manual. exterior mirrors. These are always getting knocked in car parks or become loose and are a pain to adjust.

What is good is the new automatic version of the 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine. I know there are a lot of die hard V8 supporters out there, as I was. But the modified HiLux engine is better in almost every aspect.

The workmate has a huge tray and about a 1200 kg payload along with 3500 kg towing capacity.

Off road it’s still formidable but does miss the front and rear diff locks.

It’s surprisingly smooth to drive and seems to soak up a lot 0f road bumps easily.

I’m a major fan of the 79 series Utes, always have been, but still question the price.

You can buy a HiLux SR single cab chassis Ute with the same 2.8 litre engine and 6 speed transmission for about $47,000 plus the usual costs.

That’s about $30,000 saving. And there is surprisingly slight difference between them.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the LC79 Work Mate – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE LC79 Work Mate – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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The post Toyota LC79 Work Mate Single Cab Chassis Ute 2025 review appeared first on Motoring Minute.

But as is turns out, we have nothing to do like that this time, so we’ve been using  it as an urban daily driver.

The Isuzu D-Max  LS-U is the mid spec model. It has cloth seats, manual adjustments, but has an electronic lumbar adjustment for the driver.

The D-Max Ute comes with the full set of safety features. The annoying safety features can be easily turned off. This is by a button on the steering wheel. You can also select if you want the adaptive function activated for cruise control or not.

The central screen has reasonable clarity, but if for some reason the lights are on in daylight it becomes difficult to see.

This is especially obvious with the reversing camera. There is wireless smart phone connectivity, but sadly not wireless charging tray. There is room for it though

Driving the D-Max is easy with the 3.9 litre turbo diesel engine and six speed automatic transmission.

Its powerful enough and economical as well.

The tray back design is designed for heavy loads and without that it does bounce around a bit and it’s a bit noisy. It did make a particularly convenient picnic table though for some takeaway and champers at the beach at sunset one evening.

It does show though that even though it’s a work Ute you can easily live with it on a daily basis.

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I’m Brianna Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Isuzu D-Max LS-U  – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE D-MAX LS-U – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 100 radio channels.  

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Listeners will find Motoring Minute syndicated through various news sites around Australia.

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

The post Isuzu D-MAX LS-U Dual Cab Chassis 4WD Ute appeared first on Motoring Minute.

In an exclusive function in Tasmania last week, we finally got to see the Tasman in the flesh.

Well let’s say Its different. In fact, it has a unique style. Nothing like the Utes we are used to. Is that good or bad.

Tasman will come with the 2.2L turbo diesel engine that is in the Sorrento and Carnival. It has some tweaks for 4WD work. This is matched to the familiar 8 sp automatic transmission.

There are three models, the top spec XP Pro is heavily aimed at more adventurous buyers with up to 252mm of ground clearance. It also has additional 4WD specific features to increase capability.

Once you get past the different design, inside its all Kia.

Well laid out with the now familiar 30-inch digital instruments and central screen.

The seats are particularly comfortable. Head room is fantastic. In fact, Luke Longley, the NBA star was there, and he fitted his 7’2” frame without any fuss.

Rear seat leg room is normal for this size Ute.

There are a number of other clever design ideas as well.

I love the fact that its so different. I do have to say Im slowly warming to the style. However the only voice that matters is the buying public and time will tell.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the Kia Tasman  – HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE Kia Tasman – RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

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Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 100 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.

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Now I am a big fan of the old V8 diesel engine, but unfortunately, I believe we will ever see it again.

That’s not as bad as you might expect because the new motor is as good or better than the old V8 in 99% of situations.

The LC79 dual cab GXL is still as robust and practical as ever.

It now has an automatic transmission along with additional driving aids that only improve the functionality.

The LC79 dual cab GXL Ute comes with power windows, USB connectivity for smart phones, fabric seats and the benefit of rear seats. Unfortunately, it still comes with the ridiculous manual external mirrors and no reverse camera.

However, it’s still the premier work Ute, being built like a tank. It has a payload of about 1300kg, will tow 3500kg with ease and is almost unstoppable off road.

The one big downside is the price. The LC79 Dual Cab GXL Ute is priced from $83,500 plus the usual costs and that’s just a bit ridiculous.

This is A Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the LC79 GXL Ute  HERE

TO LISTEN TO THE LC79 Dual Cab RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

More Toyota LC79 GXL thoughts 

Instead of the LC79 Dual Cab buyers could also Look At

Like its sibling the LC79 SCC, the dual cab is a bit of a loner in the market. But there are a few.

Buyers could look at the Jeep Gladiator, INEOS Grenadier Quartermaster, RAM 1500 Bighorn, Silverado 1500,

Radio Segments Motoring Minute

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The post Toyota LC79 Dual Cab GXL Ute 2024 Review appeared first on Motoring Minute.

I’ve written a lot about it over the last few months, so for today I thought I would mention the top three reason why I wouldn’t buy it and top three reason why I would.

First reason not to buy are the ridiculous external rear view mirrors. To be honest these are just crap. They are manually adjusted, get knocked in car parks all the time and shake loose.

Toyota come up with some mumbo jumbo about why they need to be there, but honestly that’s rubbish as you can easily buy aftermarket ones.

The second reason not to buy is that there is no reverse camera. Seriously in a vehicle such as this that is a recipe for disaster. It has a long tray and its hard to know where the edges are.

Third reason not o buy is the price. No matter what version you buy,  you are looking at way north of $80,000 and that’s just ridiculous.

Now reasons to buy.

First reason is that the new 4-cylinder engine is better than the old V8 in 99.9% of situations and comes with a six speed AT, along with a host of extra driver aids and safety features.

Second reason is that this is the toughest work Ute on the market. It’s built like a tank.

Third reason to buy one is that it comes with a large tray, almost 1400kg of payload and will tow 3500kg with ease.

Lets throw in a fourth reason to buy, off road they are awesome, almost unstoppable.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more details about the LC79 Series HERE 

TO LISTEN TO THE LC79 Series RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Instead of the LC79 Series buyers could also Look At

The Toyota LandCruiser Ute in Single Cab Chassis form, almost stands alone as a work Ute. This is because of its price and payload.

Some other Toyota LC79 Series Ute articles

• LandCruiser LC79 Series 4WD Ute upgraded
• Toyota LandCruiser LC70 Series upgrades
• LandCruiser 70 Series – Chat with Sean Hanley from Toyota
• We drive the 2024 Toyota LC70 series at the launch.
• Toyota Landcruiser 70 Series 2024 MY pricing details
• Toyota Unveils Substantially Upgraded Landcruiser 70 Series
• Toyota 4WD LandCruiser 70 Series get some model upgrades
• 2023 Toyota 70 Series LandCruiser’s icon of the Australian landscape
• 79 Series LandCruiser Ute 70th Anniversary Review
• 70 Series 4WD LandCruiser Ute upgraded with improvements
• 2019 Toyota LandCruiser 79 Series Cab Chassis Review
• 2018 Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series DC Ute Review
• Review of the 2017 Toyota Landcruiser LC70 GX Single Cab Chassis Ute
• Hino 300 Series 4X4 Truck Ute VS Toyota Landcruiser 70 Series GXL Ute
• 2017 Toyota Landcruiser LC70 GX Single Cab Chassis Ute Review
• 2017 Totota Landcruiser 70 Series Update
• 2016 Toyota Landcruiser LC 70 4.5L V8 Single Cab Ute Review
• 2009 Toyota Landcruiser 70 series

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The post Toyota LandCruiser LC79 Series Ute reasons not to buy appeared first on Motoring Minute.

Last week I had the D-Max LS-U Dual cab tray back Ute, this combines the benefits of a relatively large tray with the ability to carry a family as well as 4WD capability.

The advantage of the tray back style is that it still has a payload of some 1100 plus kilograms and a practical load area. The disadvantage of the dual cab style is that almost all that load is behind the rear axle.

I loaded yet more pavers, a full 900kg worth, onto the Ute to see how it would cope.

First up, the rear axle handled the weight with ease. There was a touch of rear dip but nothing spectacular. You could feel the weight when driving obviously.

Isuzu has a handy payload calculator on their website. Many people overload their car, van or Ute without realising it.

Secondly the 4-cylinder, 3.0L turbo diesel engine took it all in its stride. This Isuzu engine is one of the best on the market. Proven over many years in their Utes and small truck range. It is over engineered, robust, reliable, and economical.

Again the 6 speed sports automatic transmission is well matched to the engine and robust enough to handle the stresses.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

Readers can find more Isuzu D-Max articles HERE 

TO LISTEN TO THE LS-U DUAL CAB RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Final thoughts Isuzu D-Max LS-U Dual Cab Trayback

The Isuzu D-Max LS-U is a robust, reliable and practical 4WD Ute.

The LS-U Trayback Dual Cab 4WD Ute is perhaps the best mix between recreational and work Ute.

It’s comfortable and spacious inside, but has more than 1000kg payload.

I laded the trayback up to full capacity and it handled it with ease.

Ideal for worksites and family holidays.

The D-Max will tow 3500kg with ease, go anywhere you will sensibly want to go off road and do it in comfort. All D-Max vehicles come with the tow assembly installed. All you have to do is add the hitch tongue you want.

Isuzu D-Max is a favourite Ute of mine.

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

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