The Famous 5 – Suzuki Jimny 5-Door Review
The Suzuki Jimny has been one of the most charming icons of the off-road world for many a moon. Its reputation as the “little off roader that could” has won it legions of fans. From farmers using them as a work tool to those who wanting something with a bucket of character which will hang […]
When you like it rough – Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series
The Land Cruiser is the longest running SUV nameplate in the automotive world. And while the modern 300 series has become a luxury offering with all the bells and whistles, Toyota will still happily sell you a model from another generation that was first introduced back in the 80s, and that was my latest review […]
BMW X5 xDrive 30d review – A Facelift That Lifts Expectations
When it comes to BMW‘s lineup, the X5 claims its crown as the brand’s most popular vehicle. This versatile SUV continues to dominate the market, leaving models like the X3 and nearly everything else in the dust. Having had the fun of experiencing its last launch in Tasmania, I was eager to dive back into […]
Extra Cool – Jaecoo J7 EX+ AWD review
It was only a few weeks ago that we were slipping and sliding on the sodden grassy farmyard hills around Clevedon in the new Jaecoo J7 EX+ AWD. Well, with it more than proving its mettle on the slopes, we wondered how it would fare on Auckland’s urban tarmac. Jaecoo were happy to oblige. As […]
A polished rock – 3rd Generation Honda HR-V NZ launch
Since it was first launched in 1998 (1999 in NZ) the Hi-Rider Revolutionary Vehicle or HR-V has been a stalwart of Honda’s range. Known for its fuel efficiency, spacious interior, and ‘fun-to-drive’ handling it’s been a desirable compact SUV for decades. Anyway, having been MIA in NZ for 2.5-years, the HR-V is back, and with […]
Nifty Swifty – 4th gen Swift GLS and RSC review
Just a few weeks ago, I had an interesting experience trying out two trim levels of a car for a few days each, back to back. And it seems I’ve turned this into a thing, because now I had two (actually, the two) trim levels of the Suzuki Swift for an evaluation. I started my […]
Fire and ICE – Audi NZ Ice Experience 2024
It’s hard to put into words what it’s like to drive a range of Audi performance vehicles, full throttle with the traction control off on the snow and ice that covers the Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds (SHPG). Thrilling doesn’t come near, nor does rip-roaring or hair raising. It’s an awe-inspiring, joy a minute experience, and […]
MiXing It Up- BMW iX1 xDrive 30 M Sport review
While the hubbub surrounding electric motoring may have diminished slightly, the BMW range still maintains a solid lineup of models which incorporate some form of electric drive, whether they be a PHEV (Plug In Hybrid) or BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle). Either way, many of these variants endowed with BMW’s electric “i” emblem have been proving […]
The new Hylux – Toyota’s Hilux Hybrid variant
Introducing the latest addition to the Toyota Hilux lineup, the Hybrid. With a 7% fuel savings and a reduction of 7g of emissions from the exhaust, this new hybrid variant not only offers financial and environmental benefits but maintains the performance and versatility of the Hilux we’ve come accustomed too. And to find out more, […]
E For Excellent – Honda e Review
The Honda e. Probably one of the quirkiest Japanese EVs within the last decade. Despite not being offered new here, Honda’s first purely mass-market EV has a strong appeal. One which has resonated with a number of Honda fans and prospective EV buyers at home. As a result, a few have taken it upon themselves […]