Toyota New Zealand, Leading the Pack with Style and Sustainability
It seems Toyota New Zealand has been holding pole position longer than your average Formula One champion. In 2024, the company celebrated an impressive 37th consecutive year as New Zealand’s top car brand, proving once again that Kiwis are as loyal to Toyota as they are to pies and rugby. With 31,520 new vehicles sold […]
Defender on 3-year Dakar and FIA World Rally-Raid programme
Land Rover Defender, the luxury British adventure brand, has announced an ambitious three-year program to compete in the Dakar Rally and the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC), targeting full participation from 2026 to 2028. As part of the campaign, Defender will enter both Dakar and the five-round W2RC with a two-vehicle works team, adding a […]
Would you drive a firefly?
Chinese electric vehicle (EV) company Nio has unveiled a new lower-cost brand named Firefly, aimed at rivaling premium small cars such as Mercedes’ Smart and BMW’s Mini. CEO William Li announced the brand during an annual event in Guangzhou, showcasing three Firefly models in lavender, lemon, and beige colors. These cars boast features like a […]
Top 10 ‘worst car designs’
There appears to be a lot of very similar looking vehicles out there right now, and some would ask why don’t car designers break the mould and go out on a limb? Well, here’s why. Some cars are engineering marvels, while others… Well, let’s say they make you question if the designers lost a bet. […]
Lexus NZ ends 2024 with Record-Breaking Sales Success
Lexus New Zealand has achieved remarkable growth in 2024, finishing as the second-highest selling luxury car brand in the country based on vehicle registrations. With registrations climbing from 1,022 in 2022 to a record 1,328 in 2024, Lexus has solidified its position as a leading luxury marque in the New Zealand automotive sector. Andrew Davis, […]
Hyundai Creta EV, creating interest
Hyundai is set to make a significant stride in the electric vehicle market with the introduction of the Hyundai Creta EV, slated for its global debut at the Bharat Mobility Expo 2025 in January. This highly anticipated electric iteration of the popular Creta SUV has sparked considerable attention, thanks to recent spy shots and exciting […]
5 things to do with your car on New Year’s Day
Stuck for things to do today (and don’t have a hangover)? Here are 5 practical things you can do with your car on New Year’s Day to start the year off right: These activities will help maintain your car’s condition, allow you to enjoy some creativity, and even do something positive for the community, all […]
A Year on the Tarmac, an overview of NZ Vehicle Reviews 2024
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 Iconic Honda Civic Returns with a Bold and Green Future
Honda has revealed its next-generation Civic Hatch, ushering in a new era for the beloved model with its 11th generation. Now powered by Honda’s cutting-edge e:HEV hybrid technology and sporting a striking, contemporary design, the Civic is cementing its place as a hybrid leader in New Zealand’s automotive market. The all-new Honda Civic combines high-performance […]
A Timeless Jaguar Mark 2 – Reimagined
It’s hard to mistake a Jaguar Mark 2 for anything but what it is: a British automotive legend with impeccable style, poise, and charm that transcends decades. Yet Beacham Special Vehicles, an extraordinary firm known for its dedication to both vehicle restoration and blending classic automotive aesthetics with cutting-edge technology, has taken the Mark 2 […]