Electric Swede: Volvo XC40 PHEV Recharge Review
Everywhere you look, the shift to full electrification in Europe’s biggest premium car makers has, if you forgive the pun, accelerated dramatically. Many have announced they will cease to further develop internal combustion engines, or ICE, beyond the mid to end point of this decade. While a model range consisting only of EVs is still […]
Zut alors, the 2021 Renault Megane RS Trophy est magnifique!
‘Why haven’t I driven one of these before?’ Was all I kept thinking about as I zipped around the corners in the new Megane RS Trophy loaned to me by Renault New Zealand, it’s outstanding. The Renault Megane first started rolling off the production line in 1996 and has assumed a variety of body styles […]
2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce Carbon review
At first glance (or even second for that matter) you’d say that the 2021 model of the handsome and very Italian Giulia Veloce has barely been altered, however my friends, the latest model’s tech has been brought up to speed and if you’ve got a few extra bucks it can come sprinkled with Carbon Fibre. […]
Octavius Maximus: Skoda Octavia RS Review
There has always been something really cool about a hot wagon. The idea of lugging around copious amounts of whatever while snaking your way through bendy bitumen and fast straights has been a compelling proposition for many a moon. This brings us to the latest iteration of the Skoda Octavia RS. The Octavia has been […]
Fresh faced and effervescent – 2021 Audi SQ2 review
Launched around 2016, (my how time flies) the compact crossover Q2 brought Audi’s luxury SUV style and pizzaz to the inner city. With strong family ties in terms of exterior design and carrying the brand’s know-how on cabin prestige, the Q2 offered head-turning presence and a flair for fashion. Of course Audi also has a […]
Sting in the Tail: Kia Stinger GT Sport Review
When Kia took the wraps off their Stinger back in 2017, it was clear the Korean car maker wanted to shift up a gear, pardon the pun, when it came to performance. Taking the fight to the quick German executive saloon market was not a move I expected. The Stinger was Kia’s first attempt at […]
Al fresco Abarth – Abarth 595C Competizione review
In a perfect world, when it comes to the idyllic backdrop for driving the Abarth 595C Competizione it’s hugging the corners around the Italian Alps. I’d be on the way to an al fresco picnic with the one I loved, the sun would be at full mast overhead and the raspy Record Monza valve exhaust […]
Emotional, powerful and efficient – 2021 Toyota Fortuner review
First launched around 2005, (with second generation appearing a decade later) the Toyota Fortuner is a rugged and capable ‘off-road’ SUV that offers heaps of versatility for family and adventurers alike. Well it’s been updated and Toyota New Zealand thought it best we take a look. My review model came in ‘Emotional Red’ of course […]
Fabuloso Formentor – Cupra Formentor first NZ drive
“That’s the Spanish sportscar brand” said a lady to her friend as she spotted the Cupra sign next to a group of us journalists having lunch at Bracu restaurant, a comment that was much to the glee of Cupra NZ’s GM James Yates. The obviously well-informed lady was correct, essentially Cupra (Cup Racing) is in […]
Thrillin’ like a villain – 2021 Jaguar F-Pace SVR review
The unmistakable whine of a supercharger at full voice over the deep bassy growl of a 5L V8, it can only be a Jaguar SVR up to no good, (just like in the movies). The 2021 model is more thrilling than ever and thanks to Jaguar NZ, we’ve got our hands on it. This is […]