C-3P-Ohh – 2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 SE PHEV first drive
I assume that the Star Wars fans out there will get the headline, but just as C-3PO was a humanoid robot, way more technologically advanced than its peers, the new Mercedes-AMG C63 S, is a standout performance sedan, that comes with ‘P3’ hybrid system that’s fast enough to make you go ooooh! Because the V8 […]
Prefect but not perfect – Mazda CX-30 SP25 review
In some of the more posher schools, although it may be across all levels of academia, there are certain students that act as role models to other students, aka prefects. Prefects are not perfect, but are expected to do the right thing, look the part (often with badges), and stand out amongst their peers, and […]
Range and oomph (but not in the same model) – Toyota bZ4X review
A short while ago, I attended the local launch of Toyota’s (almost) first all-electric vehicle (there was an electric RAV in ‘97 and again in 2012), the BZ4X. It was good to test it out for the day, but how would it fare under a week’s scrutiny? Toyota gave me both the 2WD Pure and […]
Boxy Brilliance – Suzuki Jimny 5-door Review
There are some cars that orbit your perception consistently, sometimes for no apparent reason, and the Jimmy has always been one of those for me. I had never been inside, let alone driven one, but I would still look twice and think “Hm, what about these?”, every time one drove past (most of these times […]
Jeep-ish – Jeep Avenger BEV review
Let’s face it, when it comes to rugged, off-roading American vehicles, Jeep is the goto name. It’s a brand that’s synonymous with the great outdoors and for the likes of the Wrangler, conjures up images of surfboards and endless Californian summers. But what if you want an EV, live in the city, and have no […]
Adventurous EV – Subaru Solterra review
A wee while ago we attended the (long-awaited) local launch of Subaru’s all-electric Solterra. It’s impressive of course (or should that be imprezive because the new Impreza was there too), but we wanted to take a closer look. Subaru NZ were happy to oblige. To recap, the Solterra is a battery electric vehicle (BEV) that […]
The Imprezive new Subaru Impreza
Now in its sixth generation, the new Subaru Impreza hatch comes fully loaded with category-leading spec while offering the confidence to ‘go-anywhere’ courtesy of the brand’s legendary synchronous all-wheel drive capability. For over 50 years, Subaru has consistently impressed adventurous kiwi drivers, and the Impreza is no exception. The nameplate first burst onto the scene […]
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 turns out, was exactly what the all-new BEV was all about – an exceptional driving experience that feels familiar and intuitive. “Modern Day launches are quite bizarre, compared to how […]
A la mode – Omoda C5 review
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 they also had their ICE-powered C5 available to test, so I immediately put my hand up. You can be forgiven for not knowing who or what Omoda is, so let […]
‘Dark’ Green exec machine – BMW i5 M60 xDrive
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 BMW 5 Series also comes with a greener outlook, but thankfully it’s just as dark. BMW’s electric vehicle involvement dates back to the ’70s, but this latest twist brings […]
