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 […]
Kia’s Tonic: Kia Stonic Limited Review
The small urban crossover segment just keeps growing and growing. Just about every mainstream manufacturer is throwing their hat into the ring. Here is the latest offering from Kia, the new Stonic. Well, actually, the Stonic isn’t actually new at all. European buyers have had this Kia baby SUV since around 2017. With the success […]
Great M8: BMW M8 Competition Coupe Review
You hear the BMW M8 Competition Coupe long before you see it. In fact, when BMW’s flagship M car is within a few 100 metres of you, you seldom hear anything else. The bellow being emitted from those blasting twin pipes is a beautiful rumble and a loud one at that. BMW makes no bones […]
Gaining Pace – 2021 Jaguar E-Pace review
Leaping (see what I did there?) onto the motoring scene less than a handful of years ago, Jaguar’s cub-like E-Pace brought the brand’s mantra of style, grace and (obviously) pace to the compact performance (crossover) market. Well it’s been enhanced for 2021 and so Jaguar New Zealand let us take it for a run. At […]
Posh as truck, Ford Ranger Wildtrak X review
You could say that the good ‘ol ute has changed a lot over the years. As well as moving off of the farm, becoming domesticated (and becoming VERY popular), across the board it’s been given more horses, been given more technology, been made safer and more aware of its surroundings and also (in many cases) […]
Same great 2021 Tiguan only better – Tiguan TSI R-Line 4Motion review
There is no doubt that thanks to its refreshed face and new tech, the 2021 model is the best Tiguan that VW has produced to date, however, I personally found a few things that could be tweaked or refined to make it even better. Well the car manufacturer was already one step ahead of me […]