Easy rider – Toyota bZ4X first drive review
Despite its obvious significance, the NZ launch of the all-electric Toyota bZ4X was less fanfare and more of an ‘ease into it’, which as it
Car reviews for Kiwis, by Kiwis. Driven in New Zealand.
Despite its obvious significance, the NZ launch of the all-electric Toyota bZ4X was less fanfare and more of an ‘ease into it’, which as it
Last month I was invited to a sneak peek of the Omoda E5 EV, (more details on that another time). While there, I discovered that
The BMW M5 has always been a vehicle with multiple personalities, seducing the elite with its executive charm while secretly harbouring a wild streak. Now
The new Lexus RX is quite a thing in terms of refinement and frugality. The fact this premium luxury SUV has been such a strong
The Ford Puma ST is a standout SUV that demands attention from the moment you set your eyes on it. The dual grill, reminiscent of
Last year was a big year for Lexus, with the combined New Zealand dealer network selling a record 1309 units, vastly eclipsing the previous 2022
The EQE is the executive model nameplate of the Mercedes-Benz, rapidly expanding all-electric EQ range. I recently reviewed the Sedan style of the EQE, however,
It’s not often that VW’s biggest SUV the Touareg is fettled with, and in fairness why would they. Originally launched in 2002, (and developed alongside
Forget about GIFs, emails and the like, for me, (growing up), Valentine’s Day is all about the anonymous cards. Sending soppy messages of undying love,
The Lexus RZ was a bit of a milestone when it was unveiled last year. The first all-electric offering from a brand which has always
Not only is the new Skoda Enyaq Coupe good looking, but it’s smart, good for the environment and is a great ‘go anywhere’ companion. Seriously,
With his Che Guevara posters and black beret, Wolfie Smith (from late 70s British Sitcom ‘Citizen Smith’), was a revolutionary that wanted ‘power to the
Don’t panic, I haven’t turned into a 1960’s tree-hugging hippie, however, it would appear that the Countryman version of the small car that arguably defined
When it comes to a daily driver, I don’t need something that launches from 0 to 100 in a fraction of a second or produces
There is no denying that the past few years were key in the “maturing” of the offerings in the electric vehicle landscape. We saw the
With their synchronous all-wheel drive system and go-anywhere attitude, Subaru vehicles have been a big hit with adventurous Kiwi’s for over 50-years. Last week, the
The “Super Grand Tourer” in a traditional sense usually conforms to the following criteria. A hefty front mounted power unit tucked away under a vast
With its compact size, ladder frame and go anywhere attitude, the Suzuki Jimny has been a symbol of freedom since the 1970’s. However, being restricted
With the NZ launch of the all-new, sixth generation Honda CR-V still fresh in my mind, Honda NZ thought it best I spent some more
Late last year, I attended the NZ launch of the next-generation Hyundai Kona, and to say it’s a big improvement over the incredibly popular outgoing
The questions were always the same. “What is that?” or “Where does that come from?” were the usual go-to for casual observers. I responded by
Nissan is a brand that will constantly come up when the topic is EVs – or is it just me? The influence of the Leaf
It was only a short while back that we got along to the NZ launch of the (long-anticipated) addition to Audi’s electric vehicle range, the
As you clever people are undoubtedly fully aware, the Suzuki S-Cross is positioned as the brand’s largest passenger car model, with room for all the
It came as no surprise when the news broke that Toyota planned to offer the iconic Corolla only as a hybrid. With a surge in
As you guys are probably well aware, there’s a new Santa Fe on its way (Hyundai NZ have yet to tell us exactly when), however,
Just in case you managed to avoid me talking about this, I’m a happy owner of a first gen BMW M2. It’s an awesome car
Arriving at a party first can be awkward at times. The social festivities don’t often quite get into full swing until a good chunk of
With one of our leading team members, Hazza, getting hitched to his beautiful bride, Julianna, in Tauranga, we took the opportunity to take the Opel
The Jeep Renegade is back. The smallest model from the brand famous for its back catalogue of off-road icons has returned and economy is the
The fully electric variant of the 8th generation BMW 5 series has arrived in NZ and it’s a cracker. It leans on the heritage and
The EV automotive landscape is rapidly changing in NZ, moving from small townie runabouts, to SUVs and even trucks and utes are popping up, however,
The all-new Lexus RZ is an all-electric model spawned from the RX nameplate. According to Lexus it stands for ‘Radiant Z-axis/Zero’ which signifies being both
The UX 300e, Lexus’ first all-electric model has been given a refresh, including more range and more safety, but as expected, it retains all its
As you probably already know BYD or build your dreams is a Chinese brand that as far as New Zealand goes is an all electric
Hyundai NZ have released the next generation of their very important and very versatile compact SUV, the Kona. It’s bigger, inside and out, has an
It was a little over a year ago that I was driving through the alpine roads of Slovenia in the new Nissan X-Trail. Aside from
As many of you may know, my son is an avid footballer, in fact, most of my reviews include me taking him and his sports
‘Look no hands!’ I exclaimed, as I let go of the steering wheel of the Ford Mustang Mach-E and rushed along the M4 motorway in
The term “bang for your buck” is a cliché which seems to pop up now again when it comes to consumer goods. I will admit
To me, late spring is the ideal time to have a convertible. It’s not too hot or cold, winter is behind you and the days
In maths, the square root of a number is the number that, when multiplied by itself, gives the original number. Conversely, when a number is
Hot on the heels of the New Zealand launch of the latest generation RX, Lexus felt we should get better acquainted with both their 350h
Citroën is a brand I have a soft spot for – their willingness to try ideas out of the beaten path is something I appreciate
If there is one brand which has made an impact within a short space of time in New Zealand, it has to be BYD. Its
If you’ve been reading my pieces for some time, you might have seen me defending PHEVs in a few occasions, saying I think they are
The EV6 Air has received a longer range option but is there more to love?
To me, Mercedes is all about choice, a big range of vehicles and multiple options within that category – however, with the new, second generation
My first taste of the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 was at the Hampton Downs racetrack where I got to try out launch control and whizz around
There’s something to be said about a good work vehicle. They often get little attention, see heaps of hard work and have to deal with
You know when something is good, but you can’t help but think it lacks something that will make it even better? Maybe that curry needed
Evidently Mazda are making the most of the new large modular platform, not only has the premium car brand launched their all-new CX-60 on it,
I live in a house with a very narrow driveway that is not the most friendly to long or wide cars. So, after having a
Having attended the local launch of the first-ever Mazda CX-60 recently, needless to say I was as keen as mustard to spend more time with
It’s safe to say that given any glimpse of the orange thing in the sky, us Brits will look to bask in its smile-inducing warmth.
I can remember when Toyota first lifted the lid on the Toyota 86. We didn’t get it here until around 2012 but boy was there
Ford has added an X to the new Ranger Wildtrak but does it mark the treasure?
It is very hard for a carmaker to have a proper grip on the market without having competitive offerings in the work vehicle segment, and
Calling a front wheel drive electric SUV is a driver’s car might read like a stretch to some, but hang with me while I make
Despite it only being two years since the Toyota Yaris Cross went on sale in New Zealand (three internationally), it already feels like an aged
GMSV (GM Special Vehicles) has just released the latest 4th generation Chevrolet Silverado truck into the wilds of NZ, it’s been revamped, up-spec’d and (currently)
“Another Amarok write-up?”, you might be asking? That’s right! In a happy coincidence, Dave, Matt and myself each got the opportunity to try out one
Awright geezers n geezesses, forgive the intro but today I’m leveraging my British roots just like the brand behind the EV I’m reviewing. MG is
Cupra’s first EV is here but can it embody the same sporty spirit?
This month sees the 60th birthday of what is often regarded as the most famous car in the world, the Aston Martin DB5. Famous as
Can the Sports Tourer prove that wagons are still appealing or should it make like a washed up rocker and retire?
With a new GM at the helm (actually a returning familiar face), Audi New Zealand are on a mission, and as Greg Leet says, it
New Zealand’s lowest-emissions car brand (with ICE and EV’s) Opel, have added another vehicle to their expanding line-up. It’s called the Grandland SRi and it’s
Cupra’s new Formentor VZ Tribe Edition is a crossover that doesn’t run with the pack.
By now you would be fully aware (I hope) that there’s an all-new VW Amarok in New Zealand, what’s more, there are three models to
From New Zealand’s point of view, the BYD (Build Your Dreams) car brand has grown from zero to hero in the blink of an eye.
According to Chanelle McDonald, General Manager Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles New Zealand, their new ID range (commencing with the ID.4 and ID.5) is ‘pivotal for the
Dammit. I was going to start this review with the statement that the XC40 is Volvo’s first EV, but it would appear that the Swedish
Cupra’s new Leon V has the ingredients you want with an appealing spice level.
Hailing from England means that there are certain car brands that I have an immediate affinity with, and Mini would have to be up there
The famous VW truck returns but does its urban trim suit both town and country?
It’s been a while since premium car brand Mazda has launched a new nameplate, so the invite to an event to test out not one
(Not so) hot on the heels of the Levante which was launched in 2016, comes the all new Maserati Grecale. It’s slightly smaller than the
Six or seven seater SUVs have been gracing NZ roads for quite a while now, with their elevated ride height and all-wheel drive features (for
Heralded as a ‘game changer’ the all-new and all-electric MG4 has just touched down in New Zealand, however, just prior to its release we hopped
Look, out there on the road. Is it a new Mini? Is it a new restomod Beetle? Wait, it’s an Ora? That pretty much sums
‘You can’t always get what you want’ is how the song goes, but it would appear that you can if you want a charismatic compact
Subaru never attempts to play down its image as a brand with serious talent when venturing off the beaten path. Such is the case with
After having a bit of an OE break, the ever-popular Astra hatch is now back in NZ, only this time it comes with an Opel
Call me old-fashioned, but it wasn’t that long ago that a 2L engine produced 70 kW of power and 148 Nm of torque, well not
Premium car brand Audi have added an extra touch of electrification to their popular family-sized SUV, and revamped its quattro-ness too. We discover just how
To many raised eyebrows, Ford’s longest running and much loved nameplate, the Mustang, has been given a family-sized silhouette and an eco-friendly electric heart. But
As the owner of an EV with not a lot of range, I constantly find myself dealing with range anxiety and having to jump into
Its hard to believe the Nissan Qashqai has been with us for almost 20 years. This mainstay of the Nissan SUV lineup has been a
Not only is the Hyundai Ioniq 6 a triple award winner at the World car of the year awards (just like its 5 sibling) but
Fieldays is a popular agricultural annual event held in Hamilton. Not only is it filled with everything a farmer could want or dream of, but
Originally launched in 2016, the Mercedes-Benz GLC rapidly became the German luxury brand’s biggest selling SUV. Boasting over 2.6 million happy customers and topping category
Namaste. It’s plain to see that I’ve been brushing up on my Hindi recently and aside from learning how to say ‘hello’ and ask ‘how
For the first time in around six or seven years there is a brand new Alfa Romeo nameplate to play with and it’s called the
With the all-new Enyaq iV, Skoda has been welcomed into the ranks in pure electric vehicle production alongside their siblings from Volkswagen and Audi. It’s
The Toyota Corolla has been a crowd pleaser for the masses ever since it first rolled off the production line in 1966. To me it’s
In the realm of automotive exploration, where intrepid brands vie for supremacy, a new nameplate emerges from before, introducing the Subaru Crosstrek. Formerly known as
The fifth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee is here and it’s grander than ever. It’s got a new chassis, smoother looks, a more refined drive and swifter
If you are one of those avid readers that will go to the end of our articles and read our bios, you might have seen
Spanish automotive brand Cupra has released its all-new and all-electric hatch, ‘Born’ and it’s finally arrived in NZ. The attractive, hardcore sports hatch has a
Soichiro Honda, the founder of Honda is famous for saying ‘if Honda doesn’t race then there is no Honda’ and that emphatic statement is the
As with the many of their nameplates as far back as the ‘60s, prestigious Italian automotive brand Maserati’s all-new Grecale is named after a famous
There is something rather special about driving around the deep dark south of New Zealand, the endless flowing curves, the unpredictable gradients and cambers, and
For some time, Toyota have been getting very cross with their own range. By “cross” of course I don’t mean seething with anger at their
Ford has taken their beloved Mustang and turned it into an electric pony (and when it comes to the GT), a pony on steroids! They
They say that ‘getting there is part of the adventure’, and if that’s true then Subaru’s new 2.4T GOOAT (Greatest Outback Of All Time) has
Many years ago, my parents used to have a small business that required the use of a work vehicle to get goods transported around town,
Into the great wide open, is a song by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. It’s the story of a guy named Eddie who moves to
The long-awaited and much-anticipated new VW Amarok has finally arrived on New Zealand shores and we couldn’t be happier. It’s bigger, bolder, more refined, better
Big, bold and beasty, are just a few of the words that can sum up the new, ‘refreshed’ X7, but it’s somehow elegant too. BMW’s
To me, the Suzuki Vitara has always been a fun in the sun kind of SUV. When I was much younger, it was a go
The Tesla Model Y is a modern, maybe even futuristic looking five (or 7 as an option?) seat SUV that has the ability to keep
We all have dreams, from playing football for England to owning a beachside bar in Key West (maybe that’s just mine), but to most of
With a new generation just around the corner, the F56 Mini Cooper is not exactly new to the market. It is, however, a funky little
Not only is there a new, larger addition to the Defender range, namely the 8-seater 130 but there’s also one with a V8 heart, and
The BMW 7-Series has essentially been the German premium automaker’s benchmark luxury nameplate from the moment it first rolled off the production line in ‘77.
Following on from the success of their iV plug-ins, Czech-originated car brand Skoda has crossed the great divide into all-electric propulsion with their all-new Enyaq,
The Corolla has been a stalwart of the Toyota family virtually from the moment they pushed go on the production line in 1966. It was
It was a mere decade or so ago (12-years in fact) when the all-electric Nissan Leaf first began production and it’s fair to say that
The Nissan Z started out life as a 6-cylinder, 2-seater sports coupe way back in the ‘70s. Six generations and half a century later there’s
According to Indian car maker Mahindra, they are on the rise. Not only have they changed their logo to a ‘twin peaks’, 3D identity, but
It’s fair to say that we’re all pretty impressed with the new GR Supra. It’s got the looks, the power and even the tech to
The launch of the new Land Rover 130 essentially completes the new family line up for the Defender nameplate, and where best to test out
I have to admit to mulling over the title of this review for quite some time (see, it’s not just thrown together), but I think
Lefevre (pronounced Le FEV) is one of the most common surnames in France, with fevre being as common as Smith and ironically Lefevre meaning blacksmith.
In local terms (and when I say local I mean in England), being gobsmacked is to be shocked and surprised beyond belief, or essentially the
Kia’’s compact SUV has been given substantial spruce-up for the 24MY, more refined on the outside and extremely spacious on the inside, it also comes
Like many of us, over the years the BMW X1 (the entry model into the world of BMW X) has grown in size, however, with
O Captain! my Captain! is a poem by Walt Whitman and featured in Dead Poets Society as a thank you to Robin Williams. However, it
With three generations already securely under its belt, the Nissan X-Trail has become one of (if not the) best selling SUVs in the world and
Call me old fashioned if you like, but I do prefer certain things a certain way. For example, music should tell a story (and be
Over recent years (thanks probably in a big part to certain areas of the motoring media), Honda has become somewhat synonymous with the more aged
Launched in 2017, the KAROQ was Skoda’s (Shkoda’s) second SUV (after the hugely successful Kodiaq) in their lineup. Despite its more urban/city focus it offered
It has to be said that when it comes to prestigious and desirable fashion houses, Australia ranks a lot lower than its European or Eastern
Confession time. Up until recently, I never really “got” the obsession some have with a Mazda-built Rotary engine. Sure, the promise of big turbo power
Not only does canny mean smart and shrewdness but from where I’m from it means pleasant and nice too – or in other words, the
Oddly, Idioms hold a huge amount of charm for me, not just the idiom themselves but their backstory too. Take ‘The bee’s knees’ for example.
The Mazda MX-30 is a fine car which ever way you look at it. However, what you could never accuse the standard MX-30 of being
With a cafe on virtually every corner and demands of a ‘double shot americano with almond mulk’ being commonplace, it’s plain to see that NZ
With its handsome and low/no emissions range, new (to NZ) car brand Opel has boldly set a course to both detoxify and modernise the look
Having already reviewed (and been impressed with) the all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan, to hear that they had extended the range (literally) with the addition of
Mercedes’ EQ alphabet continues to expand with the ‘quiet’ introduction of the all-electric B. I say quiet as it slipped into the NZ range without
With the Mercedes-EQ family already charging (pun intended) ahead, it seemed fitting that the premium-luxury brand should add their MPV to their ever-increasing all-electric brood.
When buying a five-seater SUV these days, potential buyers often ask the same question, “Is it a hybrid?” The desire to go hybrid or go
The phrase ‘clean airspace’ is an aeronautical term that essentially means having nothing close or impending around you, however, when it comes to Citroen it
Okay, so small hatches might not be the biggest segment in New Zealand but that’s where we often find some amazing cars that deserve more
It’s safe to say that when it comes to the Civic Type R, each new generation trumps the last by some considerable way, continually pushing
As the automotive world moves towards becoming electrically powered, ute-eating truck maker RAM has just released ‘the fastest, most powerful mass produced truck in the
Already synonymous with automotive safety, Swedish car brand Volvo is evidently now focussing much of its attention on sustainability. As they journey towards having 50%
The power rangers are essentially a group of teens with superhero abilities. When ‘morphed’ they wear brightly coloured suits and possess enhanced strength, durability and
I was last behind the wheel of the much improved MG ZS EV in late September while attending the New Zealand launch, and it’s fair
Renault’s newest SUV has gotten the R.S treatment and it’s flavoursome!
Albeit quite a while back now, I took the extended family on a road trip from Auckland to Tauranga and back (via the Coromandel) in
Let’s get one straight from the start, the last time I was behind the wheel of the new Peugeot 308 GT was a year ago
It really has been sometime since Maserati gave us a bespoke supercar. Decades in fact as it happens. While the MC12 hyper car launched in
Some would say that when you have one of the most capable and well-appointed 7-seater SUVs on the market that minimal improvements are needed when
Brand new, compact 2+2 seater, front-engined, rear wheel drive sportscars are becoming a rarity on NZ roads, especially ones with a manual gearbox, but the
Lets get to it straight away, the BYD ATTO 3 has been one of the biggest surprises of 2022. A premium feeling, practical all-electric SUV
The M or performance arm of German automaker BMW has just celebrated their half century of existence and what an amazing five decades it’s been.
The Hyundai Kona has made considerable in-roads into a very competitive market. The introduction of an EV variant has only helped sales, but its hefty
Spanish performance brand Cupra (you know, the one with the unique copper logo) has just added a new model to its Formentor line up in
Having recently reviewed the top of the line ‘Summit Reserve’ version of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee L you may have thought we’d have passed
It’s a new chapter for the Toyota Corolla, but is it the right one?
This year the Mazda CX-5 celebrated its 10th anniversary. Having been with us for a decade, it has managed to carve out its own niche
Volkswagen is going all out with their R performance editions in New Zealand. The Golf R has been with us for a long time, but
Hyundai adds another variant to the already extensive Kona range!
The last time we got behind the wheel of Mazda’s new BT-50 ute we headed out to the forest for a bit of rough and
SUV-come-coupes seem to all the rage at the moment. While we usually associate the likes of Mercedes and BMW with this niche market, its fair
Over the years, Lexus have been, little by little, moving the LX away from being less of a rebadged Toyota Land Cruiser, to a more
Savage and sustainable are words barely ever seen in the same sentence, yet they perfectly describe BMW’s latest addition to their M-Sport range. For not
Sometimes you experience a car which greatly exceeds your expectations. The new Volkswagen Tiguan R is one such car. Having been thoroughly impressed with the
In the automotive world, lower/no emissions and greater fuel economy are the name of the game right now, therefore plug-ins and BEV’s are undoubtedly on
Hyundai’s evergreen Tucson gets the hybrid treatment!
I must admit to being somewhat nonplussed about the BYD ATTO 3 prior to attending its recent NZ launch. After all, do we really need
The Volkswagen Golf R. With the exception of the GTi, for many, this is the ultimate Golf. Eight generations later, the R is still with
The previous generation Lexus NX was certainly a half-decent car. However, despite having a number of good points, in some ways it didn’t really feel
As a brand, car maker MG has seen a lot of changes over its ninety plus years, but its latest focus has it very charged
Howdy Partners. Many years ago, part of my driving career began behind the wheel of a compact panel van. The brand is irrelevant right now,
When Jeep NZ announced a while back that there was a new, bigger, more luxurious Grand Cherokee on its way we were more than intrigued.
South Island Ferrari customers and fans have been given a unique look at the new Ferrari 296 GTB at a special launch event in Christchurch.
“We really wanted to set out at the very beginning of the programme to make the vehicle really communicate its capability, perhaps a little more
With its compact size, design tweaks and mild-hybrid efficiency there’s a lot to like about Mazda’s CX-30 SP MHEV Blackout Edition, but could they have
The MG HS has now joined the plug-in electric fraternity. The mid-sized HS has already proved immensely popular with consumers, now the addition of a
Dignified Sophistication. This is how Lexus refers to the latest incarnation of its largest SUV, the LX. Now into its fourth generation, the LX is
Whatever you may think of SUVs styled to resemble coupes, you can’t deny that of all the avenues the SUV as we know it has
Much has been written about the new RAM 1500, hell I’ve done my fair share. With its new and advanced tech, huge towing capabilities, pop
According to Japanese automotive company Honda, CR-V stands for ‘Comfortable Runabout Vehicle’, however the acronym has also been referred to as Compact Recreational Vehicle, either
I find the older I get, the more appreciation I have for a leisurely and more relaxed way of driving. Sure, getting out onto a
Honda’s longest-standing nameplate the Civic has turned fifty and to help celebrate this epic achievement, Honda New Zealand has released a Mugen edition and we
Synchronous All-Wheel Drive, boxer engine and WRC heritage, it can only be a Subaru WRX, but does the latest ‘more connected’ model still have the
Admittedly, hooning down the autobahn in Germany at nigh-on 250km/h wasn’t exactly how I imagined I’d be reviewing Mini’s new trio of uniquely designed ‘go-karts’,
You can’t think of Mini without thinking of John Cooper. His aptitude turned the Mini from an automotive shopping basket to a rally and track
It’s the hatchback that can do it all, now there’s a new one!
With a sharpened exterior design, enhanced technical, safety and infotainment features and a refined interior, much has been done to VW’s ‘facelifted’ compact SUV, the
If there is one manufacturer’s performance arm which seems to be going from strength to strength, its Hyundai’s N-division. First the spicy i30 N, then
Adventure brand Jeep launched their first compact SUV or crossover around 2007 and although produced for a more civilised lifestyle, still came with the ability
Game Changer. How many times have you heard that? To me, it is a rather overused cliché, which nine times out of ten seldom accurately
I have to say, when the offer of the new BMW M240i Coupe came into my inbox, my pulse started racing, after all, I still
One can’t quite believe it has been eight years since Subaru lifted the lid on a new WRX. Perhaps more than any other model in
The bold new diamond is entering unchartered waters for Renault, so how does it fare?
Volkswagen has a racing history that spans back over half a century. Formula Vee or Formula Volkswagen is a popular low-cost, open wheel, single-seater junior
New Zealanders have been buying more of the Volvo XC40 compact luxury SUVs than anything else in the segment by a country mile for the
Every now and then, a car comes along that not only does what it says on the tin, but simply blows it out of the
Launched over 50 years ago and originally with a four-cylinder petrol engine, the Manta A (whose name was derived from the Manta Ray) was a
Compact hatchbacks, hot or otherwise are becoming increasingly rarer to spot on NZ roads and don’t get me started about manual gearboxes, so when a
In the world of comic book villains, Lex Luthor is a formidable foe. His supreme intellect, wealth and access to a barrage of technical weapons
The little Mini has grown up and been electrified along the way.
The old saying “they don’t make em like they used to” could perfectly sum up the BMW M3 E92. BMW had their work cut out
Every time one thinks of the Lotus Cortina, images of the legendary Jim Clark three wheeling around Brands Hatch on his way to win yet
Since launch about seven or so years ago, the Ghibli has worked wonders for Maserati, bringing in new buyers into the family of il Tridente.
With three generations and over twenty years of impressive sales to draw on, the release of the new fourth-generation Skoda Fabia ‘Monte Carlo’ was always
We heard that the new Lexus NX heralds fresh directions in exterior and interior design, hybrid powertrains, next generation multimedia and connectivity and the use
With more and more consumers feeling the bite of rising fuel costs, getting a hybrid makes more sense than ever. Toyota know this which is
Most of you would already be aware that when it comes to EVs, the battery weight is down low and therefore so is the centre
A couple of weeks ago we got a quick taste of Volkswagen New Zealand’s new PHEV Multivan. It boasts virtually all the features of its
The Mazda CX-30 has only been with us for two years, but already this midway step between the CX3 and CX5 has emerged as one
Doesn’t time fly when you enjoy yourself. Such is the case with the Lotus Elise. It seems like just yesterday when the pet project of
Toyota’s Hybrid family seems to be growing all the time. As part of the brand’s quest to bring down their overall carbon footprint, it seems
Having attended the NZ launch of the all-new Kia EV6 several weeks ago (and been more than impressed), I was keen to get some alone
I’m sure that to the majority of you, hearing that the new C3 Aircross is a comfortable ride will hardly come as a surprise, it
The BMW iX is BMW’s first attempt at a purpose built all electric SUV. It also promises a great deal, with BMW even going so
In 1996, premium automotive brand Lexus launched their largest and most expensive luxury SUV, the LX 450. This was followed by the second generation (LX470)
It’s been around a decade since the Mazda CX-5 was first released and what an impact it’s made. It was the first Mazda to showcase
New Zealand’s favourite PHEV the Outlander has upped its game again, with a 52% increase in pure EV range, 45% greater battery capacity and a
If there is one entrant into the mid-sized SUV segment which has raised its game in recent years, it has to be the Kia Sportage.
We all know someone that’s so charismatic that they can grab your (and others) attention the moment they arrive. For NZ roads, that attention-getter is
Whatever you may think of MG’s new car range under Chinese ownership, you can’t look past the fact that every single model offers some degree
When the Velar officially launched in 2017, this fourth model Range Rover brought with it additional glamour, modernity and elegance to the family – a
When I think of the ‘Spirit of Adventure’ it’s the three-masted barquentine tall ship located in Auckland’s downtown wharf that immediately comes to mind. However,
Volkswagen’s Tiguan Allspace R-Line is trying to combine 7 seats with sporty driving. Is that even possible?!
The Lexus ES300h has been something of a dark horse for the premium Japanese brand. For some time it has been in the shadow of
It was early 2019 when we last got behind the wheel of a Skoda Kodiaq RS. Covid hadn’t been invented and we were free to
When I attended school (on the odd occasion), the importance of the three Rs (Reading, wRiting and aRifmatic) was incessantly drilled into me and for
Few cars can charm the birds from the trees like the Fiat 500. The spiritual descendant from Dante Giacosa’s original Cinquecento masterpiece for the masses
‘Cheap as Chips’ is an idiom that best describes something that’s inexpensive and when it comes to chips/fries, rather tasty. Of course in NZ this
These days the luxury SUV market is huge. Countless manufacturers are all clambering to get a piece of the pie. However, in recent years we
Some say that life begins at 40, or was it 30? Or was it neither? Anyway, one could argue that for the Toyota Land Cruiser,
There’s a refreshed F-Type in town and to celebrate its significantly restyled face and upgraded tech, Jaguar New Zealand has put the top of the
It’s true that Hyundai NZ has an enviable range of high end vehicles. From compact hatch’s to large SUVs and EVs, their fleet hits the
The SUV segment is a crowded space, so can Toyota’s long running RAV4 still hold its own?
A couple of years ago, maybe a few now, VW launched their all new Kombi named the California and I (like many other NZ motoring
It has been in the pipeline for sometime, but Skoda has finally joined the ranks of the plug in hybrid fraternity. The PHEV family goes
The Corvette has been a stalwart of the American muscle car line up since, well forever. Well now those good ol’ boys in Bowling Green
It was only a matter of time before Lexus would give us an all-electric offering of some kind. The brand has been going all-out in
I took a trip to California to get a first taste of the new 5th generation Range Rover. The event got me behind the wheels
Ever since Lionel Martin contested the Aston Hill Climb in 1914 at the wheel of a car known simply as the “Coal Scuttle,” Aston Martin
When the first Porsche Panamera was launched back in 2010, I was certainly not sold on the looks. Its design cues in my view made
This incredible little car offers a fresh perspective on life. Here’s why you need one.
Lexus New Zealand have launched their latest generation NX and LX luxury SUVs online. While both models share plenty of new technology and safety features,
When Toyota announced their Highlander would incorporate some hybrid power into the line-up, it came as no surprise to those of us in the specialist
Audi launched their first-ever RS 3 in 2010 and with it allowed its customers a new opportunity to jump aboard the ultra desirable RS club.
Admittedly it’s been a while since I’ve been behind the wheel of a Subaru, but I have to say that the evolution and improvements they’ve
The very much anticipated Kia EV6 has landed in NZ and boy was it worth the wait. With a raft of silverware and awards already
You know those family reunions where you haven’t seen your older cousins for a while but when you do, so much has changed that they
When Toyota let it be known the Camry would now only be offered only as a hybrid, I couldn’t help but think of a certain
The Kia fan favourite is back in its 5th generation and it’s better than ever. A new platform, Euro-focused engineering, fully-revised design and a clever,
Halfway through my review of the new Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 I got the call from Mercedes-Benz NZ asking if I’d be keen to test out
With drinks, 7 Up is a refreshing lemon-lime soda that’s both zesty and fizzy and best tasted ice cold. But for me, when it comes
If Toyota ever made a greatest hits album from throughout the decades, you can bet your bottom dollar the Camry will be on the track
While picking up the iX3 from BMW’s lair in the UK last year, I stumbled upon their new iX (alright it was parked in the
Over the past couple of decades, Czech car brand Skoda has gone from being a relatively rare sight on NZ roads to something we see
Over recent years, despite being ‘rather substantial’ when it comes to NZ’s narrow roads, RAM (the truck that ‘eats utes for breakfast’) trucks have actually
Everyone seemed to ask the same thing, “Isn’t this electric?’ My response was “yes, but not this one.” Mazda’s MX-30 has been getting much praise
The ŠKODA Superb iV plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is the Czech-born brand’s first step into the electrified car melee and what a way to start. Not
Prior to last year, the first van one would think of with a Hyundai emblem was the proven iLoad and its sister, the iMax. Now,
Howdy pardners. Like many guys of my age, we spent much of our youth playing cowboys and indians. Pulling cap guns from our hips ‘to
As we neared the end of 2021, I found myself behind the wheel of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class in my home town of Swindon, England.
Getting up when it’s still dark to drive from Auckland to Taupo is hardly my idea of fun, especially when it was in order to
In 1951, the first direct-dial coast to coast telephone call was made, the first commercial computer, UNIVAC, was put into use in the U.S. Census
Hyundai’s revised hot hatch is an experience in itself with a soundtrack to remember!
According to Honda, when creating the 11th (yes the 11th) generation of their longest-running nameplate the Civic, the engineers and designers took a Zen moment
The Toyota GR Yaris. What can be said that hasn’t been said already about this, dare I say it, epic WRC bred petrolheads dream? We
It seems like only yesterday that the fourth generation of the ever-popular Cerato was unveiled to the public, however, four years later, time has come
What do you get if you cross the ‘ultimate driving machine’s’ 3-series and an electrical power outlet? Well BMW New Zealand thought we should find
Several weeks ago I got the opportunity to test out the new Peugeot 208, compact hatch and I have to say I was impressed. It’s
It’s hard not to look at a new Lexus (both inside and out) and not be wowed by its creative design and utter craftsmanship. Throughout
French car maker Citroen has a reputation for comfort that extends way back to the 2CV’s of the 1930’s, when it was suggested that the
New Zealand’s category-leading Sedan has a nameplate that can be traced back to the ‘80s. Over the years the Camry has been narrow and wide
When Ford announced they would be putting the brakes on solely petrol-powered mainstream cars and offering only electric powertrains such as Hybrids, PHEVs and Mild
In many ways, the new Lexus UX300e is a true example of the meaning of Nexus. For not only is it a great crossover that
Isuzu’s new MU-X is all chromed up but will it still hold its own on and off road?
As some of us will still remember, the MG Motor company was formed back in 1924. It was founded in what I like to think
With life as it is right now, many of us have been feeling that our own homes are becoming some strange version of an Escape
By definition, seduction is something that attracts or charms, it can be subtle or direct, visually stimulating or quite simply just felt. It’s an art
Can Hyundai’s new palatial SUV navigate the fine line between luxury and value?
As many of you may well know, in Britain, the phrase ‘sound as a pound’ can be used to describe something as being particularly good
2021 Mercedes-Benz E350 Cabriolet review New Zealand – E-legant, e-motional, e-asy on the eye, e-fficient and now e-lectrified, the new E-Class has the ability to
Hyundai’s familiar SUV has had a big ‘glow up’.
Hyundai’s new EV is unlike anything else on the road.
2021 G440d AND AMG G63 review NZ. Thanks to Mercedes-Benz NZ loaning me not one but two new G-Class’ (or G wagons) and my extensive
Can the Kona Electric Series 2 fill the big shoes left by the first generation model?
At the turn of this new millennium (and while the computer nerds were panicking about the Y2K bug), German automaker Audi took it upon themselves
No one would have believed within the first quarter of the 21st century, that the electric vehicle market was being watched by Hyundai. While many
We recently reviewed the all-new Peugeot 2008 GT SUV and found it to be an absolute delight, well there’s an all-electric version too and Peugeot
Some of you may remember a Kiwi racing star ‘giving it some jandal’ in a Polestar derived Volvo on a racetrack in 2014. Well motorsport-born
The call came in around mid-October. Christchurch Alfa Romeo, Renault, Fiat and Maserati dealer Euromarque extended an invitation my way to join them on a
I have to admit that I am actually rather partial to compact hatchbacks and despite my heritage, French ones rank highly on my list. So
What is it with 911s these days? Every five minutes it seems prices of a used air cooled 911 are rising to the point that
Hyundai’s new Kona Elite is the kind of all-rounder that doesn’t come around often.
Kiwis love a Ute. Kiwis also love a seven seater SUV. So being able to essentially combine the two and giving you the best of
In what seems like a lifetime ago (lockdowns remove all concept of time for me) I attended the NZ launch of the Mercedes-Benz EQA 250.
Not so long ago if you asked me what would be the ultimate in Audi performance, I would without hesitation stated an RS6 or R8
“What kind of car is that?” That would always be the question passers-by would ask once they clapped eyes on the Cupra Formentor VZ. When
For those of us that remember, the 80s was a time of great music, long lunches, dubious fashion and big shoulder pads (for women and
Why Hyundai’s Kona N is at the forefront of a new era.
Angry, fast, sharp, loud and orange. These are just some of the words one could use to describe the new Renault Megane RS Trophy. The
If there is one brand out there which continues to surprise us in the specialist motoring press, it would have to be Haval. A few
The Volkswagen Passat Alltrack is billed as ‘an adventurous all-rounder’ and with its 173mm ground clearance, 4Motion AWD system and 2L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine it’s
Mercedes-Benz has just released their sixth-generation C-Class and with it their best selling Sedan has been significantly overhauled. It’s bigger than before, sleeker in style,
When Toyota launched the new Highlander earlier this year, there was much fanfare surrounding the popular seven-seater SUV now sporting Hybrid options in the line-up.
Set in the heart of Wiltshire England lies a little town called Swindon. It’s not overly famous for much, Diana Dors was born there, so
Why Hyundai’s new Kona N Line is the compact SUV you should be considering!
The battery electric vehicle (BEV) segment is growing all the time. So much so that any mainstream manufacturer cannot afford to be left behind. Mazda
Filling the iMax’s shoes was never going to be an easy task, so is the Staria up to the challenge?
The Renault Koleos. The resulting lovechild of the partnership, and now merging, of Renault and Nissan, is coming of age. While the earlier versions came
I know it’s an oldie but ‘why the long face?’ seemed like a fitting joke as I slipped past the line of vehicles queuing to
First there was the GR Supra, and it was good. Then came the GR Yaris, and it blew us away. Now, a third member of
The Toyota Fortuner always makes me think of Harry Potter. No, really. I think the fact it shares the same nameplate one of the ever-changing
This is it, the top spec 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid but is it worth the upgrade?
When it comes to a mid-sized SUV with a premium feel, the Volkswagen Tiguan has been a crowd favourite. Peel back the pages of Tiguan
Despite being attacked from all sides by the likes of Ford’s Ranger and the Toyota Hilux, the Isuzu D-Max has still managed to gain a
The world is a funny place at the moment, full of uncertainty and direction, so it was a nice respite when BMW New Zealand offered
For a long time, if you wanted to have an insight into what kind of technology would be common place on the average car within
The current Kia Sorento is leaps and bounds ahead of the previous generation. For the first time, the term ‘Premium’ could be mentioned in the
The title of a GTI is a big one to inherit so is this MK8 up to the task?
A GTI owner finds out.
A hot hatch on steroids without a roof! Has the Abarth 595C lost the plot?
A few weeks ago we attended the New Zealand launch of the all-new SEAT/Cupra Leon (wow a lot has happened since then). Anyway, there we
It was a Tuesday. I had just picked up the Ford Escape ST-Line X PHEV from the team at Team Hutchinson Ford in Christchurch. The
Originally launched a shade over a decade ago as a replacement for the 4007/8, the Peugeot 3008 almost instantly gave the French automobile producer a
The facelifted Alfa Romeo Giulia is here and it’s ready to give the Germans a run for their money!
Ah the Golf. It is hard to believe it’s been with us for decades. One cannot deny the impact this car has had on the
In British terminology, to be ‘Pukka’ is to be great, top draw, excellent even, however, as we found out, in the truck or specifically the
Toyota’s big Highlander is back but is it better than before?
Several weeks ago we attended the NZ launch of the new 4th Generation Skoda Octavia where we were told that it was bigger, faster and
What can be said that hasn’t been said already about the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio? So many in the specialist motoring press have endlessly waxed
The fourth generation Leon has arrived in New Zealand and it’s better than ever, with stunning new designs, advanced technology and both ‘clean car’ economical
If one was to comb one’s memory banks for long enough, chances are you would have been to a Carnival of some description at least
To celebrate the launch of the all-new 4th generation Tucson, Hyundai New Zealand had created a special ‘design’ themed event that began at the Govett-Brewster
‘Vorsprung Durch Technik’ has been car maker Audi’s tagline for, well forever (okay 1971). It was first released to emphasise how advanced the NSU Ro
If there is one name in the automotive world which is growing rapidly, then it has to be Haval. The Chinese brand has been in
Car maker Mazda has come a long way since it first started out producing corks in 1920 (Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd). Over the years
For many people, sports and recreation go hand in hand. Consider things like gyms, fun runs and social team sports, activities that combine fitness, pleasure
The Jazz nameplate has been in Honda’s range of great vehicles since 2001, however, recently we attended the NZ launch of the next or 4th
The NZ launch of Mercedes-EQ EQA 250 was a very sustainable event that began at New Zealand’s first 5 Green Star hotel, The Hotel Britomart.
First launched in the 1950’s and then actually named in the 70’s, the S-Class has just launched its 7th Generation and Mercedes Benz NZ let
Just when you thought the 2021 Sorento SUV couldn’t get any better, Kia have gone and made a PHEV model that runs up to 57km
Everywhere you look, the shift to full electrification in Europe’s biggest premium car makers has, if you forgive the pun, accelerated dramatically. Many have announced
‘Why haven’t I driven one of these before?’ Was all I kept thinking about as I zipped around the corners in the new Megane RS
At first glance (or even second for that matter) you’d say that the 2021 model of the handsome and very Italian Giulia Veloce has barely
There has always been something really cool about a hot wagon. The idea of lugging around copious amounts of whatever while snaking your way through
Launched around 2016, (my how time flies) the compact crossover Q2 brought Audi’s luxury SUV style and pizzaz to the inner city. With strong family
When Kia took the wraps off their Stinger back in 2017, it was clear the Korean car maker wanted to shift up a gear, pardon
In a perfect world, when it comes to the idyllic backdrop for driving the Abarth 595C Competizione it’s hugging the corners around the Italian Alps.
First launched around 2005, (with second generation appearing a decade later) the Toyota Fortuner is a rugged and capable ‘off-road’ SUV that offers heaps of
“That’s the Spanish sportscar brand” said a lady to her friend as she spotted the Cupra sign next to a group of us journalists having
The unmistakable whine of a supercharger at full voice over the deep bassy growl of a 5L V8, it can only be a Jaguar SVR
The small urban crossover segment just keeps growing and growing. Just about every mainstream manufacturer is throwing their hat into the ring. Here is the
My daily driver is a 2018 SKODA Octavia RS Wagon and here’s a bold shout to start us off… it’s the best family wagon in
You hear the BMW M8 Competition Coupe long before you see it. In fact, when BMW’s flagship M car is within a few 100 metres
Leaping (see what I did there?) onto the motoring scene less than a handful of years ago, Jaguar’s cub-like E-Pace brought the brand’s mantra of
You could say that the good ‘ol ute has changed a lot over the years. As well as moving off of the farm, becoming domesticated
There is no doubt that thanks to its refreshed face and new tech, the 2021 model is the best Tiguan that VW has produced to
It’s fair to say that BMW do SAVs (Sports Activity Vehicles) well and on top of that, the heavily sustainable car maker is damn good
The Renault Koleos boasts heaps of space, heaps of comfort and an inimitable sense of French hospitality – well there’s a new model in town
The Ford Ranger has (more or less) been NZ’s most popular vehicle for what seems like an age now and with its vast range, special
In 2016 Jaguar strayed from their two and four door sports car and saloon blueprint and ventured into the already well-subscribed world of SUVs. However,
The redesigned and upgraded 2021 Lexus IS is a sports sedan that’s powerful and quick, fuel efficient and environmentally-friendly AND is a bit of an
Who remembers the original Ford Puma? We sadly never got in New Zealand, but I remember watching many Motoring Journalists on video thrashing this front
Jaguar/Land Rover New Zealand invited us to experience their SV day at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park, it’s an action packed event with plenty of thrills
Initially codenamed the ‘Range Stormer’ the Range Rover Sport thrust its way onto the world stage around 2005 and hasn’t looked back since. Two generations
Since it first launched in early the 2000’s the Isuzu ute has regularly been described as tough, rugged and durable but rarely ever striking, eye-catching
Having recently attended the New Zealand launch of the new 2021 VW Tiguan, I was (needless to say) very keen to get some additional alone
O Captain! My captain! Is a poem written by Walt Whiman about the death of President Abraham Lincoln but to me I will remember it
From a European based perspective a carnival is a festival that includes a procession, music and dancing, in North America it’s more of a traveling
To be perfectly honest, the similarities between Swindon in the South West of England and Nelson in the lush wine region of New Zealand’s picturesque
For me, BMW’s 5-Series is the perfect fit. Sure I still have the ‘old school’ mentality of preferring Sedans over SAVs but in terms of
The Kia Stinger GT is a performance car hiding in plain sight and that’s why you need one!
If any new car segment is bursting at the seams, it would hands down have to the Ute. It seems just about every car maker,
For simplicity’s sake, let’s say that GR (Gazoo Racing) is essentially the performance arm of Toyota. It’s the brainchild of their president, driver and petrol
Since it first tee’d off on to the motoring landscape, the Volkswagen Golf has essentially been THE benchmark of the Hatch category. Good looks, nippy
The GR Yaris is a mind numbing, physics bending freak of nature and that is exactly why you need one in your life.
Although much less so nowadays, like many self proclaimed petrolheads, I’m still reticent about EVs. There’s something unnatural about a vehicle that doesn’t roar into
You may or may not be aware that before 1993 the E in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class stood for Einspritzmotor, which essentially translates into fuel-injection motor,
With a nameplate that dates back to the 80s and a previous generation of experience to draw from, the French/Romanian love child that is the
According to Volkswagen NZ, albeit for different reasons both the Golf and the Tiguan sit high up on their food chain of vehicle importance. They
It seems like only yesterday (actually it was 2018) that Kia unveiled their all-new front-engine, rear wheel drive sports car, the Stinger GT. Not only
Aside from saloons, EVs and SUVs, something BMW does very well are Coupes. The E9 Coupe from ‘68 that evolved into the 6-Series, the 8-Series
You’ve heard the classic Disney tale of beauty and the beast but what if the beast became boost and both the qualities were wrapped into
A close friend of mine suggested that I title this piece Super-Stonic and in many ways Kia New Zealand’s plucky new compact hatch fits this
Whether it’s for Christmas, Easter, special occasions or just ‘because’, when the Cadbury Favourites are broken out there’s a guaranteed treat for the whole family.
Cards on the table, it’s been quite some time since I’ve piloted a Mitsubishi of any kind and I must admit to overall being a
There’s something about the combination of sweet and spicy that really gets my mouth watering. Whether it’s chilli chocolate or a tangy chicken dish, my
‘We skipped the light fandango’ is the opening line from Procol Harum’s classic whiter shade of pale and although the rest of the tune bares
Hyundai New Zealand already has quite the range of SUVs in their line up, from the small Venue to its segment leading Santa Fe, well
A Puma is a mountain lion that weighs in around 50-100kgs and can run at up to 80km/h. It’s a secretive cat that is also
Initially made ‘infamous’ in twisted horror movie plots, escape rooms are essentially problem solving games where a team (or just a group of people) are
Kia has been updating their lineup recently and now it’s the Sorento’s time to shine!
So, does it?
Born in Barcelona and welcomed into the comforting arms of the Volkswagen Audi Group in 1990, the Spanish car giant SEAT (and its performance arm
Around a year after the launch of the fifth generation GR Supra, Toyota has fulfilled their promise of making their flagship performance sports car more
The Yaris is a much loved, city-dwelling compact car that’s very much at home in a shopping mall or inner suburban backdrop, well it is
‘Land Yacht’ usually creates negative connotations but the Mercedes GLS is here to show you the other side of that term.
With international travel off the holiday list right now, many Kiwis have opted to explore their own backyard and discover all the beauties that New
There’s a new Audi RS6 out but have they gone too far this time?
With in excess of 18 million utes sold globally and 142,000 (basically the population of Tauranga) of those sold here in New Zealand, it’s plain
Having fairly recently reviewed (and been impressed by) the VW Multivan, I must say that I was rather keen to hear that VW had now
Is Audi’s first ever RS Q3 deserving of the RS badge? There’s only one way to find out!
Ok, so it may have been a bit of a shock for purists when in 2010 Mini first launched the Countryman (their not so Mini,
There are a number of things that mobility brand Toyota do well, (in fact their design and engineering team has even had a winning crack
Large 7-seater SUVs are selling like hot cakes and us Kiwis are spoilt for choice when shopping for one… and this is where the latest
A little over a month ago BMW New Zealand gave us the keys to their M340i Touring. It’s a bit of a brute of a
According to Audi NZ it’s no accident that down here in our little slice of blue planet paradise, RS model sales are the best in
With everything that’s going on right now, a little bit of certainty or normality goes a long way. So when Kia New Zealand invited me
It’s been around eight years since Peugeot re-defined their model monikers and confirmed that their vehicles with eight at the end were ‘designed specifically to
Thanks to Top Gear, Honda has picked up a bit of a reputation for being rather bland and boring. Admittedly, there was a point where
The small SUV market is a highly contestable segment of the automotive landscape, not only here in New Zealand but overseas too. It’s loaded with
Some would say that it’s a myth or impossible even but I’m here to tell you that somewhere in the far off land of Vorsprung,
Don’t panic, the all new GR Yaris hasn’t turned to the darkside and gone all electric, however, nor have they upped the cc’s to gain
A little over a month ago Ford New Zealand unveiled their new nameplate Puma and completely revamped Escape at the Glasshouse in Auckland and last
What more can be said about the Suzuki Swift other than popular. The supermini is essentially everywhere you look and has been since it first
Regardless of the product you’ve all seen the adverts that boast ‘same great taste, but less calories’ (or sugar or alcohol), essentially lighter options that
For practically ALL industries, 2020 has been a year of adaptation. Video meetings are almost the norm, online ordering is at record levels and there
900Nm of torque and a shade under 5 metres in length, to say that Volkswagen New Zealand’s new V8 R-line Touareg is substantial is a
In short, the ramifications of not getting our emissions and gasses under control are catastrophic, both for the planet we live on and (if that’s
by Ben Selby MG has been getting a bit of stick lately. The purists argue that because they are now built in China by Mega
With the great big orange ball in the sky finally appearing (it’s been a long Winter), thanks to BMW New Zealand I ‘had me a
While both the PGA TOUR and Golf TCR are both golf tours, the former is a civilised bunch of golfers travelling around the world (although
What happens when Mercedes take their GLC and add an AMG tuned V8? Speed and power!
There is very little that enlivens the senses and instils that summer feeling more than sunscreen and in particular, Coppertone. With its blend of cocoa
Lately, things have been so messed up that it’s hard to know what is normal anymore. Stay in, go out, book and plan or bunker
Is it a hot hatch? Is it a budget supercar? All we know is that the Mercedes A45 S AMG has gone where no hatch has been before!
Having a small family of just the three of us has many benefits, (the weekly grocery bill alone should clinch the deal), however, my son
Attack helicopters, powerboats, a flying shark, dramatic waterfalls and some fridge raiding is all in a day’s work when it comes to launching the new
One of the joys of getting a little longer in the tooth (there aren’t that many to be honest) is that, based on history and
In so many ways, Lockdown has become the swear word of 2020. It’s cut us off from travelling overseas and stopped us socialising with extended
There are several ways to describe the new addition to the Jeep family, huge Jeep, goliath off-roader, even Wrangler UTE, but all you need to
When asked ‘what is my all-time favourite movie’ one that nearly always springs to mind is Big. I won’t spoil it for those that haven’t
Ok, so when the American surfer band the Beach Boys sang about a Deuce Coupe they were referring to a different car brand that was
With a history that dates back over six decades and a list of accolades and awards that far exceed the vehicle’s height (even the latest
It’s fair to say that the Topp Twins are arguably New Zealand’s most beloved set of twins. Their style of humour is unique and their
They say (whoever ‘they’ are) that ‘good things come in little packages’ and that may very well be true for a multitude of things, however,
Based in Newcastle (North East England), Vera is a gritty UK crime drama that has Vera Stanhope, a cynical middle-aged female detective dressed in a
Maybe it’s because we’re living in a more enlightened, less judgemental (hmmm) age but going into the Windsor Park superette and asking for a pair
Aside from having a great screenplay and talented actors, in many Hollywood blockbusters the difference between a good and a great movie all comes down
You can’t have a Fiesta without an ‘ST’ in it and Ford New Zealand’s new hot hatch proves this point beyond any doubt. Now we’re
Meant to describe having a whole heap of fun, ‘barrel of monkeys’ is a term of endearment that I picked up when I first moved
Generally speaking ‘to have broad shoulders’ is to have the ability to take criticism or accept responsibility (wouldn’t that be nice nowadays) but when it
For those that don’t know, don’t worry I had to look it up, the Korean word for yes is Ye (I believe it’s pronounced yeah),
In the game of snooker or billiards, the cue ball controls all the action. Aside from the way it connects with the cue stick, it
Regardless of any religious connotations, seventh heaven has been described as getting to a place where you’re in a state of intense happiness; a state
Today, live via the interweb, Toyota New Zealand introduced us to the all-new 4th Generation Yaris. It offers more European design character, more safety, more
All-new cars that have been designed from scratch are one thing BUT when you combine this fresh new thinking with the advantage of having a
Czech born vehicle maker Skoda has recently added a new vehicle to its family and now it’s available in New Zealand. The KAMIQ is a
And it’s all thanks to Ford New Zealand. It’s not that often that you get invited to attend a car maker’s launch of three nameplates,
The much loved and much missed Land Rover family member, the Defender is back and it’s better than ever. We grabbed a taste of its
Polo mints, (the mint with a hole), have been refreshing breaths since 1948 and the Polo car has been refreshing driving since 1975, so when
It’s not often that ‘performance’ and ‘comfort’ can be uttered in the same sentence, but that’s exactly what comes to mind when, thanks to BMW
Aside from those in the ‘supercar’ area, on the whole, vehicle manufacturers create models to appeal to some sort of mass-market, especially when it comes
To make the perfect Italian dish takes a mixture of loving ingredients, traditional cooking and a family recipe that’s been handed down through the ages,
Admittedly, there are a fair number of vehicles I’m looking forward to getting behind the wheel of this year, however, the 2020 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63
It’s probably very cliched, however, from the moment Honda New Zealand called to see if I would be interested in taking the new Jazz RS
From EVs to SUVs, Sports cars to Compacts, Hyundai New Zealand’s list of vehicles is as broad as it is long, but somewhere between their
It’s fair to say that when it comes to NZ roads, there’s not much that can top the RAM in terms of size and overall
Launched in 2010, the VW Amarok burst into the Ute/truck scene to critical acclaim. VW group build quality, Euro styling and (the now overused) car-like
I am lucky enough to be of an age that when I learnt to drive in the UK a manual gearbox was the primary option.
Last weekend saw NZ take a huge step on its road to post COVID recovery, with sport (and in particular, the nation’s favourite sport Rugby),
Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ review NZ There are, of course, many reasons why large performance SUVs are pointless. I mean, why would a carmaker want
For those of us that missed out on Latin classes, Scala means ‘ladder’ or ‘step’ but in Czech (particularly Skoda) it means ‘4.3m long nifty
With its timeless fastback profile, muscular haunches, uber-cool heritage and film star good looks, the Ford Mustang is as iconic as it is popular. But
Generally speaking, a venue is the scene of any event or action, it can be as big as a stadium or (nowadays) as small as
Much has been said about Mazda’s new CX-30 crossover, certainly in the looks and size department. Fitting perfectly between the CX-3 and CX-5 and boasting
The Tarmac Life team was invited along to review the all new Hyundai Venue and sample some of Waiheke’s finest food. Here’s our review of the experience!
Naming your children after you is one thing but, you’ve got to have a certain type of personality to put your name to a car,
Although when asked if I’d like to review the all-new Aston Martin Vantage my inner voice yelled rhetorical statements such as ‘do bears take their
It’s always a plus when your BMW media invite begins with ‘Meet at Mechanics bay.’ This location generally means a Helicopter ride to an event
While it may not be very efficient, the new Suzuki Jimny will give you the most smiles per mile!
The Range Rover Evoque is back and ready for anything on or off-road!
The X2 M35i is one of the newest additions to BMW’s M family but is it ‘M’ enough to carry the legacy?
Passport – check, Ticket – check, Thermals packed – check, thrill-seeking, adrenaline-junkie attitude ready to be unleashed – check, guess I’m ready for BMW M
The Jaguar I-Pace has been critically acclaimed no end but really, how good is it?
Join Matthew as he finds out.
Hyundai has a fresh entry into the hot hatch segment but how exciting could a fast i30 possibly be?
The Porsche Cayenne has had it’s fair share of doubters but this new model is the one to prove them wrong.
BMW’s ‘sub compact SUV’ the X2 was added the marque’s ever-increasing range at the tail end of 2017 and subsequently joined us here in NZ
When it comes to writing, there are numerous ways to grab a reader’s attention. Bold of course, or shouty CAPITALS, “speech” or ‘quote’ marks. (brackets),
When it comes to Audi, the mere mention of ‘RS’ immediately has my attention. Two semi-insignificant letters, that when joined together with a four-ring logo
The 3 Series has been a BMW icon since its inception in the mid-1970’s and even though ‘cars’ and not in vogue at the moment
We attend the NZ launch of the all-new BMW 3 series The BMW 3 Series was first released in 1975 and its arrival came as
See why the new Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG Cabriolet is the car to brighten up your life!
Mercedes-Benz A250 Review New Zealand When I was younger (yes I can still remember that far back), fifty seemed to be an ancient age, ‘old
Is the new V6 X-class a pickup to be treasured or just a piece of fools gold? From your childhood, you’d remember the conquests of
The 2019 BMW X5 is a special car but is it special enough? Out of all the cars I’ve reviewed so far, the X5 is
BMW X5 xDrive 30d Review New Zealand With the new BMW X5 dimensions sitting around the 5mx2m mark, having ‘small things’ in the headline could
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Review New Zealand The Alps are the largest and most expansive mountain range in Europe. From Slovenia to France, they span 1,200km
BMW X3 M40d Review New Zealand Although it cannot be assigned to just one person (apparently it’s a bit of a mish-mash of several engineers over a
Alfa Romeo Giulietta review New Zealand When I picture Italy, I am consumed with images of endless summer days. An arid dusty countryside that extends
2019 BMW X5 review ‘The devil is in the detail’ exclaimed Karol Abrasowicz-Madej BMW New Zealand’s new MD. A statement made even more fitting as
Lexus ES 300h review New Zealand Just because hybrid luxury sedans have an air of maturity about them, it doesn’t mean that they should be
Maserati Levante S GranSport Review New Zealand As many of you are probably aware (after all you’re a bright bunch), the translation of the Italian
BMW M140 Shadow edition review New Zealand Anyone that’s watched a professional boxing bout will have probably witnessed a fighter rapidly punch the air or
At the New Zealand unveiling of the new Aston Martin Vantage The Aston Martin Vantage has always been synonymous with performance. It’s a staunch British
BMW i3S Review New Zealand It’s been a while since I’ve driven the BMW i3, so when BMW NZ said there was a new Sport
Ferrari GTC4Lusso T Review New Zealand It seems to me that modern day family life is not only getting unbelievably busy but it’s also getting
The ultimate Aston Martin Experience A short trip up the M40 from my hometown of Swindon, gets you (me) to Gaydon in Shakespeare county, Warwickshire.
Alfa Romeo Giulia review New Zealand My friends at Winger Alfa Romeo were kind enough to offer me their Giulia Quadrifoglio for the weekend, which
Having the Ferrari GTC4LussoT for the weekend, it seemed rather fitting to take the family out for an Italian meal, we chose somewhere rather special.
Rolls-Royce Wraith Black Badge Review UK Being handed the keys to a Rolls-Royce Wraith Black Badge is one thing, however, receiving them at their custom-designed
A Royal Rolls-Royce Experience UK As I am sure you smart people already know, Pomp is essentially a ceremony or display and Happenstance is a
There’s absolutely no doubt in my mind about the love that surrounds Alfa Romeo. Despite; or maybe even because of its faults and quirkiness, it’s
A BMW experience Over easter; BMW invited me to Seoul to stretch the legs of their M-Sport range on the tarmac of its Driving Centre
In 1971, Don McLean penned the lyrics to Vincent. Inspired by a book he read, it is a haunting melody that is a tribute to
It was on 12th March 1947 that Enzo Ferrari headed out of his modest factory and onto to the Via Abertone Inferiore in his 125
Just like Supermodels, Supercars are there to be exalted. They grace the pages of glossy magazines, posters of them adorn walls of pubescent youths (and
Although Armwrestling dates back to Egyptian times (apparently there are depictions on a tomb dated back 2,000 years), the modern ‘sport’ as we know it
It’s not every day that you get the chance to get behind the wheel of a true British thoroughbred car, but today was my day
You may recall that several months ago I had lunch with Dawn, a stunning British Model who has links to the Royal family. I felt
DS 4 Crossback review New Zealand Vampire folklore would have you believe that these beings of our nightmares are in fact real and that all
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