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 […]
Amplified, indeed – Kia EV9
There is no denying that the past few years were key in the “maturing” of the offerings in the electric vehicle landscape. We saw the introduction of new models, new technologies and even entire new brands. But the majority of that was in car shapes that are the hottest right now – think of crossover/SUVs […]
Getaway Drivers – Subaru Solterra and Impreza first drive
With their synchronous all-wheel drive system and go-anywhere attitude, Subaru vehicles have been a big hit with adventurous Kiwi’s for over 50-years. Last week, the intrepid brand released two new ‘getaway’ models to their stable, the 6th generation Impreza and the (long-awaited) all-electric Solterra. To help celebrate, we took a drive from Auckland to Napier […]
Opening more doors – 5-door Suzuki Jimny first drive
With its compact size, ladder frame and go anywhere attitude, the Suzuki Jimny has been a symbol of freedom since the 1970’s. However, being restricted to 3 doors, and having a boot space that would scare swinging cats (actually a cat would barely fit in), has somewhat limited the model’s audience – that is until […]
Sport and Sportier – all-new Honda CR-V second look
With the NZ launch of the all-new, sixth generation Honda CR-V still fresh in my mind, Honda NZ thought it best I spent some more time behind the wheel of not one but two of the model variants. The oh so versatile 7-seater ‘Sport’ and the sportier (yet frugal) RS e:HEV hybrid, who am I […]
My second look at the 2024 Hyundai Kona
Late last year, I attended the NZ launch of the next-generation Hyundai Kona, and to say it’s a big improvement over the incredibly popular outgoing model would be a large understatement. It’s bigger inside and out, it’s smarter, has a Sci-Fi looking face and comes in a range to suit pretty much everyone. Anyway, Hyundai […]
Deep Space 9 – LDV MIFA 9 Review
The questions were always the same. “What is that?” or “Where does that come from?” were the usual go-to for casual observers. I responded by saying this was the MIFA 9, the latest all-electric luxo people mover from LDV. Maybe it was the colour, but people kept gawping. It could be the fact the LDV […]
Don’t call me baby – Audi Q4 e-tron review
It was only a short while back that we got along to the NZ launch of the (long-anticipated) addition to Audi’s electric vehicle range, the Q4 e-tron. Needless to say, the sporty ‘baby’ of the line-up impressed us enough for us to demand another look – thanks Audi NZ. To recap, the Q4 e-tron was […]
More and Less – Suzuki S-Cross Hybrid JLX AWD review
As you clever people are undoubtedly fully aware, the Suzuki S-Cross is positioned as the brand’s largest passenger car model, with room for all the family and (particularly the AWD model) an adventurous spirit. Well the latest release not only fulfils these core responsibilities, but now it lays claim to offering enhanced specification (more) and […]
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 […]