The ‘Uber Cool’ Signature Class Toyota Prius Z PHEV review
What do you get when you cross a car everybody loves to hate with the demands of the people? You get the ‘new-to-us’ Toyota Prius. Garnering attention akin to a celebrity returning to the Oscars after a scandal, this isn’t just any Prius; it’s the Uber cool ‘signature class’ version. Just when you thought the […]
MG4 vs. Atto 3 vs. Omoda E5 – The Ultimate Kiwi SUV Faceoff
When it comes to the electric vehicle (EV) market, the street is buzzing with opinions, especially in the SUV segment that’s rapidly gaining traction. We’ve gathered three contenders – the MG4, BYD Atto 3, and Omoda E5 – to determine which one reigns supreme. So, what better way to put these affordable electric SUVs to […]
BMW X5 xDrive 30d review – A Facelift That Lifts Expectations
When it comes to BMW‘s lineup, the X5 claims its crown as the brand’s most popular vehicle. This versatile SUV continues to dominate the market, leaving models like the X3 and nearly everything else in the dust. Having had the fun of experiencing its last launch in Tasmania, I was eager to dive back into […]
Extra Cool – Jaecoo J7 EX+ AWD review
It was only a few weeks ago that we were slipping and sliding on the sodden grassy farmyard hills around Clevedon in the new Jaecoo J7 EX+ AWD. Well, with it more than proving its mettle on the slopes, we wondered how it would fare on Auckland’s urban tarmac. Jaecoo were happy to oblige. As […]
A polished rock – 3rd Generation Honda HR-V NZ launch
Since it was first launched in 1998 (1999 in NZ) the Hi-Rider Revolutionary Vehicle or HR-V has been a stalwart of Honda’s range. Known for its fuel efficiency, spacious interior, and ‘fun-to-drive’ handling it’s been a desirable compact SUV for decades. Anyway, having been MIA in NZ for 2.5-years, the HR-V is back, and with […]
Fire and ICE – Audi NZ Ice Experience 2024
It’s hard to put into words what it’s like to drive a range of Audi performance vehicles, full throttle with the traction control off on the snow and ice that covers the Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds (SHPG). Thrilling doesn’t come near, nor does rip-roaring or hair raising. It’s an awe-inspiring, joy a minute experience, and […]
MiXing It Up- BMW iX1 xDrive 30 M Sport review
While the hubbub surrounding electric motoring may have diminished slightly, the BMW range still maintains a solid lineup of models which incorporate some form of electric drive, whether they be a PHEV (Plug In Hybrid) or BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle). Either way, many of these variants endowed with BMW’s electric “i” emblem have been proving […]
The new Hylux – Toyota’s Hilux Hybrid variant
Introducing the latest addition to the Toyota Hilux lineup, the Hybrid. With a 7% fuel savings and a reduction of 7g of emissions from the exhaust, this new hybrid variant not only offers financial and environmental benefits but maintains the performance and versatility of the Hilux we’ve come accustomed too. And to find out more, […]
A Cool Hunter Gatherer – Jaecoo J7 review
Hot on the heels of the Omoda launch, Chery has now released their more adventurous brand, Jaecoo. The brand name is a derivative of German Jaeger (Hunter) and Coo for Cool, and their NZ launch model, the J7 (in 2WD and AWD), encompasses both. For the official launch, we headed off the beaten track in […]
Open for adventure – All-new Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy review
Regardless of its polarising boxy new look, the fifth generation Hyundai Santa Fe is a remarkable blend of outdoor adventure and everyday practicality. To say the Santa Fe is important for Hyundai is an understatement of epic proportions, I mean in New Zealand alone, it has seen substantial success, with over 26,000 units sold since […]