Still So Good – Lotus Emira V6 Review
The Lotus Emira is hands down one of the most exciting sports cars I have driven in recent times. The first time with an Emira was February last year when this last hurrah for the Lotus sports car as we have known it for 70 years broke cover in New Zealand. Fast forward a snip […]
Arresting Development – 2025 Skoda Superb Review
The 2025 Skoda Superb is here, and it’s not just a flashy facelift, it’s a full-blown flag bearer for the endangered species of wagons and sedans – hoorah! In an era where SUVs dominate driveways like ducks at a pond, it’s refreshing to see Skoda double down on what it does best, making big cars […]
Skoda’s done it again – 2025 Skoda Kodiaq review
For me, when the Skoda Kodiaq was first released (several years ago now) it gave a whole new view of the brand and its products. It was sharp looking, clever, dynamic and priced to sell. Well the Kodiaq’s back baby, and they’ve done it again. Skoda’s latest iteration of the Kodiaq is a harmonious blend […]
Kia EV3 NZ – first drive and price
Kia has officially debuted its latest electric vehicle in NZ, the EV3, marking a significant step in making advanced EV technology more accessible to a wider audience in New Zealand. Positioned as a “baby EV9,” the EV3 brings cutting-edge features from Kia’s flagship EV models into a compact and affordable package, with prices starting at […]
MAXing Out Value – LDV T60 MAX Plus Review
Few segments radiate with Kiwi new car buyers like Utes. Something to tow the boat, something for work, or something tough to transport your nearest and dearest, both of the human and animal fraternity, you really are spoiled for choice. It’s even more so these days with relative newcomers LDV joining the fray. LDV’s back […]
Delivering more than just stuff – LDV Deliver 7 Review
Be it intentionally or not, it seems I have become TarmacLife’s official van reviewer. While Matt’s out there with the new Golf R and Dave is enjoying the Mazda CX-80, I’m spending my week behind the wheel of the LDV Deliver 7. It’s honest work that someone’s gotta do, right? This time, that means a […]
Urban Chic: 2025 smart #3 Premium Review
Following the brand’s New Zealand launch, we get up close with smart’s #3 flagship.
Wicked wagon – BMW M3 Competition Touring review
When it comes to the term wicked, you can opt for the mischievous or ultra-cool meaning, however, when it comes to the new M3 Competition Touring, BMW went for both. Not only is pushing down on the accelerator an event, but boy does it turn heads – oh, and it’s a family wagon too. When […]
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 […]
Taking a Swing – LDV T60 MAX Plus review
Growing up in my home country, I always associated pickup trucks with the countryside and hard work. Back there, they are workhorses, built for practicality rather than comfort. But in New Zealand, the lines are far more blurred. Here, utes (I even had to learn to call them that) are a staple of the Kiwi […]