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 […]
Watt a Ride! BMW’s Take on Electric Mobility, pt II
You join me after a rather electrifying week to close off the BMW Electric Mobility story! It’s been a busy week with many driven and ridden kms, so kick back and get comfortable, because this is a long one! My daily journey is a 25km round trip that starts in suburbia and goes right to the […]
All-new Nissan Z NISMO review – so ‘kin good
The Nissan Z Nismo is a bold evolution of the freshly revised, yet iconic Z platform, delivering a motorsport-inspired experience (NISsan-MOtorsport) that marries refined styling with genuine performance upgrades. True to the Nismo badge, this isn’t simply a cosmetic overhaul; it’s an extensive upgrade to both the look and driving dynamics of a car that’s […]
Trucking planet saving – JAC EV N60 Truck review
The JAC EV Electric Light Truck is an advanced commercial vehicle tailored for environmental sustainability and functionality, however, it’s also a bloody good truck in its own right. The lineup offers variants like the N60 EV and N90 EV, with key differences in specifications, such as wheelbase length and gross vehicle weight (GVW) – I […]
All-new BMW 120 M-Sport hatch – not an M135 but still bloody good
The revamped BMW 1 Series has strutted onto the world of premium hatchbacks like a well-dressed contestant at a high-stakes speed dating event, dynamic, high-tech, and ready to impress, though it’s not without a couple of quirks. We recently got behind the wheel of the BMW 135 and it’s fair to say we haven’t stopped […]
Watt a Ride! BMW’s Take on Electric Mobility, pt I
It can sometimes seem that there is very little nuance when the topic is driving an EV. Some people are big fans and see ICE as a thing of the past, while others are more bearish and think this is a fad due to crash and burn a fire that’s very hard to put out. […]
Summer Adventures – Ranger Wildtrak X-tended Review
Ahh, New Zealand Summers, a time of dodging rain and like sheep, following the rest of Auckland to Whitianga or the like. But not for me. Aside from the predictable precipitation and this year’s high winds, I instead chose to stay local and head out on mini adventures – aided by the tried and tested […]