Seal of Approval – BYD Seal Performance Review
Fur, Elephant, Leopard, Weddell and Hawaiian Monk are all breeds of Seal or Sea Lion. Now, there is a new bloodline of Seal whose habitat is not the west coast of the United States or the icy depths of Antarctica, but rather highways, back streets and urban settings instead. Yep, it’s the new BYD Seal […]
Emission Impossible – Fiat 500e Icon Review
It was only matter of time before Fiat gave us an all-electric 500. If any Italian city car/fashion item was to get the zero emission treatment, it was going to be this one. The 500 has always exhibited all the fundamentals which make for an ideal template for an urban electric run around. You only […]
Better Standard? – BYD Dolphin Standard Range Review
It seems like just yesterday that BYD arrived in New Zealand. What started with the ATTO 3 SUV, the all-electric BYD family has swelled to incorporate the Dolphin hatch and the most recent addition, the new Seal sports saloon. The range has built a solid customer base and while I have yet to sample the […]
Flexus Lexus – Lexus RX500h F-Sport Review
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 seller for the luxury arm of Toyota since inception in 1998 is testament to it being a very well sorted all-rounder. Now into its fifth generation, the RX is hybrid […]
Eco Luxo Lex – Lexus RX350h Limited Review
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 record of 1,023 cars. Lexus say 2024 is likely to be another great year for the brand. With the incoming introduction of Road User Chargers for BEVs and PHEV vehicles, […]
Wagons Roll – Toyota Corolla Wagon GX Hybrid Review
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 a million kW per tonne etc. However, it must have plenty of space and relatively inexpensive to maintain and run. This is probably why I drive a 2004 Toyota Caldina […]
Tour De Force – McLaren GT Review
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 bonnet, a 2+2 or full four seating layout, lots of leather and premium materials and to top it all off, a rather capacious boot capable of swallowing a sizeable amount […]
Revamped Rolla – Toyota Corolla ZR Hybrid Review
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 Hybrid sales and their commitment to reducing their carbon footprint, the only way Toyota New Zealand will now sell you a Corolla with a solely petrol power train, is by […]
Lexus Electric Avenue – Lexus RZ450e Core Review
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 the invited guests put in an appearance. Therefore, sometimes it is best to be “fashionably late” as you can assess how the other guests are and then you can swoop […]
Regen Renegade – Jeep Renegade Limited 4xe PHEV Review
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 name of the game. The new Renegade 4xe is one of three plug-in hybrid models sold in New Zealand, the others being the Compass and Grand Cherokee. The Jeep Renegade […]