Unsquare Dance: smart #1 and #3 First Drive New Zealand
Described as “not just another EV brand”, we drive New Zealand’s smart range for the first time.
BYD Sealion 7 – Price and first drive impressions NZ
While deep underground celebrating the NZ launch of the Shark 6, BYD treated us to another delight, by pulling the silk off the all-new, all-electric, Sealion 7. And what’s more, they let us drive it too – not underground obviously. The 2025 BYD Sealion 7 is an ambitious entry into the competitive mid-sized electric SUV […]
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, […]
Cupra Re-Born – Revisiting Cupra’s Efficient EV
For a brand that has been around for this long, I find it interesting how often I have to explain to people what Cupra is. Established as its own thing in 2018, the newest arm of the VAG group branched off from SEAT to focus on sporty offerings, honoring the Cup Racing origins of its […]
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 No Brainer: 2024 Honda CR-V RS e:HEV Long Term Review
Our long-term reviews of the Honda CR-V range culminated with the RS e:HEV.
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 […]