2024 was a busy year for the team at Tarmac Life. We essentially took the Kiwi motoring scene by storm, reviewing vehicles of all shapes, sizes, and fuel types. Whether it was zippy hatchbacks, eco-friendly EVs, rugged utes, or even some topless cruisers, we left no stone unturned. Along with our pick of Car’s of the Year, here’s the a lowdown on some of what we got behind the wheel of.
Electrified and Energized
From hybrids to fully electric marvels, 2024 saw a parade of EVs aimed at reshaping the Kiwi roads.
- Cupra Formentor V e-Hybrid: This Catalan crossover’s electrified charm still held strong a year after its New Zealand debut. With its sharp looks and hybrid guts, it’s clearly a Formentor, not a “Relentor” .
- BMW CE 02: A futuristic e-scooter that embraced city commutes in ways only BMW could. Think Jetsons meet German precision engineering .
- Kia EV5: Kia’s EV success story continues with this family-friendly, tech-savvy SUV that balances sustainability with practicality. The EV5 is basically the Swiss Army Knife of electric SUVs .
- Mercedes-Benz EQA 250+ & EQB 250+: Compact EV SUVs that make short trips (or marathons—42.195 km, anyone?) instantly cooler, blending German efficiency with electrified style .
- MG ZS Hybrid+: Efficiency with a splash of power, this hybrid SUV from MG proved to be a strong competitor at its NZ debut .
SUVs & Crossovers: The Family Favourites
The SUV segment was cooking this year, with plenty of models fighting to become the go-to choice for Kiwi families.
- 2024 Honda CR-V Sport AWD: Sleeker, more powerful, and packing turbo punch, this beloved family hauler asks if it’s taken a step too far—and answers with a confident “nah!” .
- BMW X3 20d: Comfort, utility, and understated luxury. Its all-around appeal makes it the ultimate road trip companion for any discerning driver .
- 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line: The Tiguan returned with an upgrade that keeps it squarely at the top of its family-friendly SUV class .
- Audi SQ7: Audi’s luxury giant kept things bold and lavish, with cutting-edge tech wrapped in a family-size capable body .
Hot Hatches and Compact Rockets
For those wanting a bit more vroom-vroom with their zoom-zoom in compact packages, 2024 delivered.
- VW Golf GTI Mark 8.5: The hatchback king has aged gracefully, bringing swagger and performance to your daily commute while still enjoying its place in hot-hatch royalty .
- BYD Seal Premium: An electric sedan that BYD designed to turn heads—and turn New Zealand roads a little greener. Its sleek design and performance are ones to seal the deal .
Rugged Adventures: Utes & Trucks
For tradies, adventurers, and farmers alike, TarmacLife ventured into the dirt and explored some of the most rugged vehicles around.
- LDV T60 Traverse: This limited-edition ute dared drivers to “live life on the edge” without planting their wallets on the very same edge .
- Ford Ranger Tremor: NZ’s best-selling truck flexed its muscles with the Tremor edition, adding off-road flair to an already stellar lineup .
- JAC T9 Ute: Affordable, capable, and ready for hard-working tradies, the T9 made a strong impression at its local launch .
Drop Tops and Drive Days
Ah, the sweet smell of summer (or traffic fumes, if you’re unlucky). TarmacLife took some top-down cruisers for a spin, and they didn’t disappoint.
- Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4Matic Cabriolet: A convertible that combined sun-kissed styling with a powerful 4Matic drivetrain. Who cares about rush hour traffic when you’re this fashionable? .
Luxury Meets Performance
If you’ve got champagne tastes, 2024’s lineup didn’t skimp on high-class contenders.
- Lexus LBX Morizo RR: A road-and-track beast that put “entry-level luxury” to shame. The LBX might “technically” be an intro model, but its performance says otherwise .
- Lotus Emira i4 Turbo: Lotus once again proved its mettle with an impressive sportscar that raised eyebrows (and pulses) with its new powertrain .
- 2025 Toyota Camry ZR: The Camry continues to defy expectations, proving that comfort and reliability can still look sleek and feel luxurious .
Unique Characters on Two and Four Wheels
Some vehicles this year didn’t fit neatly into categories, but TarmacLife took them head-on regardless.
- BMW G310 GS: Motoring on two wheels! Yes, TarmacLife went a bit left-field here, but their motorcycle debut showcased an adventurous spirit .
- BYD Sealion 6 Dynamic FWD: A sporty super hybrid that walked the line between innovation and sheer driving fun—and nailed it .
2024: A Year of Diversity and Innovation
From luxury SUVs to rugged utes, from electrified sedans to motorbikes, TarmacLife handled them all with their signature Kiwi wit and no-nonsense reviewing style. Let’s just say, if it had wheels and a motor, it probably found its way onto the site. Whether you were looking for eco-conscious ingenuity, high-octane fun, or practical family haulers, 2024 on TarmacLife.co.nz had something to make you smile—and maybe even upgrade your driveway.
Thanks for joining us on our ’24 journey and rest assured we have plenty more in store for 2025. In the meantime, have a safe and amazing New Year from all of us here at Tarmac Life.
