Mazda CX-80 PHEV review – Best of All Worlds?
The Premium Contender in the Seven-Seat SUV Market In an increasingly crowded SUV landscape, Mazda’s all-new CX-80 PHEV enters the scene with bold aspirations and a distinctive approach to the seven-seater formula. As the Japanese manufacturer’s new flagship model, the CX-80 aims to deliver a compelling blend of practicality, luxury, and driving dynamics while embracing […]
Six-60 – Mazda CX-60 SP SUV review
As many of you ‘hip’ readers will know, Six60 is a New Zealand pop rock band formed in Dunedin, Otago in 2008. They have amassed a huge following and now play in sold-out concerts to fans of all ages. Well, Mazda has their own ‘Six-60’ that’s already incredibly popular, and equally has a following of […]
Seventh Heaven – Ford Mustang V8 GT review
The new Ford Mustang GT steps confidently into its seventh generation, upholding over 60 years of storied legacy while bringing modern flair to every corner of its design, performance, and technology. And finally, we got our hands on it! From the outset, this new Mustang asserts itself with a low brow front fascia that projects […]
OMGeee – The all-electric Mercedes-Benz G580 – first drive and price
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, an icon of on/off-road luxury since its inception in 1979, has added an extra string to its bow, electrification. And before you sceptics start rolling your eyes and tutting, it’s magnificent – and Mercedes-Benz NZ took us off-road at Kauri Bay to prove it. The introduction of a fully electric variant G […]
2025 BMW X3 M50 – family-sized thrills
Having recently tested the X3 20d, I assumed that the BMW X3 M50 would be that and then some, boy was I wrong. This buffed-up version of one of beemer’s best sellers is both a thrill and an experience to savour. A member of the G45 generation, it offers a combination of updated design elements, […]
BYD Shark 6 NZ Launch and (our) first drive
BYD has recently unveiled its highly anticipated Shark 6 ute in New Zealand, marking the company’s first venture into the utility vehicle segment. The all-new model showcases impressive performance specifications, including 430 horsepower (matching the output of a V8 engine) and achieving 0-100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds – but how good is it really? […]
The new BMW M5 PHEV – When Electric Dreams Meet V8 Thunder
Move over, traditionalists – BMW’s latest M5 is here to shock and awe, quite literally. This seventh-generation super sedan arrives with an electrifying twist that’s causing quite the stir in M-car circles. But before you clutch your pearls over its controversial hybrid powertrain, let me tell you why this might just be the most spectacular […]
Loving the 80s: Mazda CX-80 SP Hybrid Review
Mazda certainly seem to have all their bases covered these days for those in the market for a premium feeling SUV. The current CX range have been instrumental in this and what started with the CX-30 and grew to include the CX-60 and flagship CX-90, now includes the CX-80. The new CX-80 presents itself as […]
All-New Škoda Kodiaq NZ launch and First Drive
Admittedly it’s not exactly the case, but I can’t help but feel that the 1st generation Kodiaq was the start of the BIG change, and new-found love of the Skoda brand for Kiwis. It was a remarkable 7-seater SUV that came loaded with ‘Simply Clever’ aids and stood out as an example of what the […]
2 wise men – and a Volkswagen California Ocean
I could tell you all about how the Volkswagen California Ocean (6.1) and the Grand California for that matter, are premium campervans. And with features such as 4MOTION all-wheel drive (AWD), adaptive cruise control, and an impressive 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, they promise reliable and safe journeys. I could go on to say that […]