Blue Pilled – Hyundai IONIQ5 N Review
The N sub-brand has been somewhat of a renaissance for Hyundai. By bringing a focus on raw enjoyment, they introduced models that quickly became benchmarks in their segments: the i30 N, the i20 N, and more recently the Kona N. But the Korean brand has also been busy on the EV department, so it was […]
A Cool Hunter Gatherer – Jaecoo J7 review
Hot on the heels of the Omoda launch, Chery has now released their more adventurous brand, Jaecoo. The brand name is a derivative of German Jaeger (Hunter) and Coo for Cool, and their NZ launch model, the J7 (in 2WD and AWD), encompasses both. For the official launch, we headed off the beaten track in […]
Jaecoo J7 NZ launch and razor-sharp price-announcement
With an epic rural ‘Clevedon’ background and the promise of an off-road experience drive, Chinese car brand Jaecoo (Jaeger/cool) invited us to their NZ launch – and we’re very pleased we attended. Both Omoda and Jaecoo fall under the Chery brand and as such come with a strong history and even stronger vehicle production capabilities. […]
Two Threes – MG3 and MG3 Hybrid+ review
MG is a brand with a long history, and lots of it around small cars. So it is no surprise that the MG3 is an important car for them, and one they cannot afford to get wrong. And now, with a new generation just recently unveiled, MG went all-new on every front: design inside and […]
Kia’s Seven Seater rEVolution – 2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line Review
If there is one all-electric SUV which has been grabbing the attention of motoring scribes and buyers alike, it has to be the Kia EV9. Global accolades in the top tier for countless Car of the Year awards and gongs for design, the EV9 has hit the grown running and its popularity is showing no […]
Open for adventure – All-new Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy review
Regardless of its polarising boxy new look, the fifth generation Hyundai Santa Fe is a remarkable blend of outdoor adventure and everyday practicality. To say the Santa Fe is important for Hyundai is an understatement of epic proportions, I mean in New Zealand alone, it has seen substantial success, with over 26,000 units sold since […]
New, but not all-new – 2024 Discovery Sport P250 Review
The latest iteration of the Discovery Sport (I don’t think we can call it Land Rover any more can we?) embodies a blend of rugged capability and modern luxury. It’s designed to appeal to a wide range of drivers looking for a versatile SUV experience and this ‘refreshed model’, combines a modern interior and state-of-the-art […]
A Moody Little Crossover – Lexus LBX Range Review
The all-new Lexus LBX, the smallest SUV ever from Lexus, is out to introduce a new audience to the brand with its compact and urban-centric design and attractive price point. This little crossover stands as a breakthrough model to the Lexus lineup, offering a unique blend of luxury, efficiency, and practicality. To help us delve […]
Utter Joy – 2024 Mazda MX-5 GT Review
It seems like just about every year we get a refreshed Mazda MX-5. This is certainly not a bad thing, as every time this happens, we are reminded just how good the MX-5 and has been since the first edition, the NA, first turned a wheel in 1989. Where do we start? Its mechanical simplicity, […]
California (Ocean) Dreamin’ – VW California pt II
This post is part II of my recent road trip through the North Island with the Volkswagen California. If you haven’t seen part I, it’s available here. Now that you have, join me from Havelock North onwards. No visit to this town is complete without a climb of Te Mata Peak and by climb I […]