2026 Audi Q4 e-tron – Smarter, Sharper and Ready to Give Power Back
Audi’s refreshed 2026 Q4 e-tron tightens the gap between everyday usability and premium EV tech, longer range, faster charging, an all-new digital cabin and the brand’s first bidirectional charging capability make it a genuinely more versatile compact electric SUV for real life. Why this mattersThe update isn’t just a facelift. Audi aimed this upgrade at […]
New JAC T9 PHEV Ute embarks on a proper Kiwi thrashing
New Zealand drivers keen on a rugged, efficient workhorse have something new to watch, JAC has started pre-launch testing of its T9 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Ute across New Zealand, putting the vehicle through hundreds of hours and a full gamut of Kiwi conditions from tarmac and gravel to mud, snow and river crossings. The move […]
Checkmate: 2026 GAC M8 LUX (Master) Review
GAC’s flagship offering is here to shake up the luxury MPV scene but how does it stack up against the competition?
China has cracked cars. Motorcycles may be a harder battle
Here at Tarmac, the recent onslaught of Chinese cars coming to our market is a constant topic of discussion, and the disruption that this brings to the whole industry – not just the products themselves. When it comes down to motorcycles, we are seeing something similar happen, albeit under a different lens. For years, “Chinese […]
GWM’s ‘5 Step’ Coffee Pilot Intelligent Driving System explained
Imagine a future where your car doesn’t just take you from A to B, but actively assists, anticipates, and even learns your driving habits. This future is rapidly becoming a reality with GWM’s Coffee Pilot (CP) intelligent driving system, an ambitious roadmap of AI agents designed to transform your journey. From basic cruise control to […]
Toyota’s GR Yaris Gets Track-Ready Aero Treatment – What is it and how much?
Toyota New Zealand has added a focused, motorsport-derived option to the GR Yaris line-up: the Aero Performance Package, a limited-run set of aerodynamic upgrades and driver-focused tweaks designed to sharpen stability, airflow management and driver feedback on both road and track. Priced from $61,990 driveaway and available to pre-order now in New Zealand, this package […]
Honda Prelude Returns to New Zealand -2026 Price and Specs
Honda has officially brought back the Prelude to New Zealand showrooms on 1 May 2026, reviving a celebrated coupe nameplate with a modern hybrid drivetrain, sharper driver engagement, and clean, contemporary styling. This return blends Honda’s e:HEV two-motor hybrid technology with new driver-focused features designed to make the Prelude both efficient and fun to drive. […]
Toyota Still New Zealand’s Most Trusted Car Brand – 21 Years Running (and Counting)
Toyota has just secured the top spot in Reader’s Digest New Zealand’s Most Trusted Car Brand for the 21st year in a row, a streak that speaks to more than just marketing, but to long-term reliability, local presence and a clear multi-pathway approach to lower-emission driving. Why Kiwis Keep Picking ToyotaKiwi owners voted in a […]
Freelander 8 Unveiled in China (and it’s kind of a Chery)
The Freelander name is back, reimagined as a premium, technology-forward SUV aimed at global markets, and the production‑intent Freelander 8 has just made its global debut in China. The reborn brand is a joint venture between Chery and Jaguar Land Rover, with the vehicle built at Chery Jaguar Land Rover’s Changshu plant, signalling a cross‑continental […]
GWM’s Multi-verse
Following its prominent display at AutoChina 2026, GWM hosted a media briefing at its R&D Centre in Baoding, China, to further explain the foundational technological pillars and strategic vision underpinning its next generation of vehicles. Nicole Wu, CTO of GWM, presented a comprehensive overview of the company’s advancements, signaling a transformative trajectory in smart mobility. […]