Cheerful Parity – BYD Atto 1 Essential Review
For years, the industry (and the public) have been talking about a certain event horizon where you could choose a size of car that works for your needs, and then the drivetrain choice (whether powered by dinosaur juice or electrons) would just be another step on the decision tree, and not a fundamental fork right […]
Done Right – BYD Atto 2 Premium Review
The compact EV SUV segment is getting crowded fast, and standing out is becoming increasingly hard. The BYD Atto 2 takes a tried and true approach to that assignment: reuse the learnings from previous models, refine what worked based on feedback, keep what’s good, and get pricing right. And boy, did it work. After a […]
Loud pipes, louder message – The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride
There’s something slightly surreal about seeing hundreds of motorcycles roll through a city, ridden by people dressed like they’re on their way to a black-tie gala. It is certain to turn heads everywhere with the loud theatrics, but if that’s all you take away from the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, you might be missing the point. […]
It’s what makes a Subaru a Subaru – Outback Wilderness Review
Leaning into the lifestyle, doubling down on the DNA When an automaker comes out with a new gen of an important model, it is their opportunity to showcase new technology, new designs, and also whether or not they’ve been listening to the market in general and their loyalists. And if ticking all these boxes is […]
Enhance! – Skoda Enyaq RS Review
I remember when the Enyaq was first released here in NZ. It was this big EV, that came as a first effort from Skoda, sporting some new design, technology, and some cool colours. Fast forward to now, and we’re getting a facelifted version of the Enyaq, arriving with a clear mission: modernise, sharpen, and reinforce […]
Tiny Transporter Turned Trendy – Ford Tourneo Courier Review
There is something quite niche about the Tourneo Courier, especially in a market like New Zealand. After spending time with the van version for our video review, this trendier, lifestyle-oriented take on the same formula showcases its roots in European use cases. It makes sense. Spend any amount of time in the Old World and […]
Jurassic World – Nissan Patrol V8 Review
You tune in today for the latest installment in my narrative arc of moving up Nissan’s SUV hierarchy. Starting with the Nissan X-Trail, stepping into the more grown-up Nissan Pathfinder, and eventually landing here, at the Patrol V8, it might seem like just a progression in size, price, and capability. But, in reality, it feels […]
The right path forward – Nissan Pathfinder Review
Coming out of a week with the Nissan X-Trail and straight into the new Pathfinder, this is not my first time climbing the ladder of offerings from a certain brand – and this is not the end of this stint, either. There is something special about these opportunities: you get to experience the cars back […]
A different kind of X-Factor – Nissan X-Trail e-POWER Review
Nissan recently invited us to have a go at revisiting some of their lineup. And while of course having the incredible Z NISMO is always a delight, I must say I was interested in climbing the ladder of their SUVs. We all know these are the real bread winners, and where the competition is the […]
On foot or in a Jag, it is always about the journey – Blue Lake track with an F-Type
I might be an IT-working couch potato, but I also enjoy the occasional multi-day hike, as you might have seen from other posts I’ve written about walks and tracks. And in an effort to tick all New Zealand Great Walks, my wife and I were set to do the Paparoa Track this Waitangi long weekend, […]