X-tra value – BMW iX1 eDrive20 review
It was a little over 6 months ago that I jumped behind the wheel of the boxy new iX1 xDrive30, BMW’s smallest X and it impressed me with both its style and practicality, well it’s back in eDrive form, making it an ideal entry into the world of premium electric mobility. In terms of looks, […]
Take a seat – Mercedes GLE 450d and AMG 63 S review
Whether it’s one of seven or a straight out HOT one, Mercedes’ new GLE is sure to have a seat that fits. The (optional) seven seat GLE 450d and the AMG 63 S SUVs have just landed in New Zealand and as luck would have it, Merecdes-Benz gave us both to try. The first GLE […]
Mr T wants his van back – BMW XM Label Red review
There has been a seemingly endless stream of fun being poked at BMW’s most powerful M-Sport creation, the XM SUV. From its polarising design to whether a PHEV should wear an M-badge. But I’m here to say that despite its A-Team van looking profile, the BMW XM Label Red is quite simply, outstanding. Limited to […]
Stop, my cheeks hurt – Abarth 500e Scorpionissima review
With the automotive world embracing a more sustainable future, Fiat’s performance arm Abarth has joined the party and released their own take on electrification. It’s called the 500e Scorpionissima, and it’s an absolute blast. The 500e Scorpionissima is a limited edition gem, and with only 1949 units produced, (paying homage to the founding year of […]
C-3P-Ohh – 2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 SE PHEV first drive
I assume that the Star Wars fans out there will get the headline, but just as C-3PO was a humanoid robot, way more technologically advanced than its peers, the new Mercedes-AMG C63 S, is a standout performance sedan, that comes with ‘P3’ hybrid system that’s fast enough to make you go ooooh! Because the V8 […]
Prefect but not perfect – Mazda CX-30 SP25 review
In some of the more posher schools, although it may be across all levels of academia, there are certain students that act as role models to other students, aka prefects. Prefects are not perfect, but are expected to do the right thing, look the part (often with badges), and stand out amongst their peers, and […]
Range and oomph (but not in the same model) – Toyota bZ4X review
A short while ago, I attended the local launch of Toyota’s (almost) first all-electric vehicle (there was an electric RAV in ‘97 and again in 2012), the BZ4X. It was good to test it out for the day, but how would it fare under a week’s scrutiny? Toyota gave me both the 2WD Pure and […]
Jeep-ish – Jeep Avenger BEV review
Let’s face it, when it comes to rugged, off-roading American vehicles, Jeep is the goto name. It’s a brand that’s synonymous with the great outdoors and for the likes of the Wrangler, conjures up images of surfboards and endless Californian summers. But what if you want an EV, live in the city, and have no […]
Adventurous EV – Subaru Solterra review
A wee while ago we attended the (long-awaited) local launch of Subaru’s all-electric Solterra. It’s impressive of course (or should that be imprezive because the new Impreza was there too), but we wanted to take a closer look. Subaru NZ were happy to oblige. To recap, the Solterra is a battery electric vehicle (BEV) that […]
The Imprezive new Subaru Impreza
Now in its sixth generation, the new Subaru Impreza hatch comes fully loaded with category-leading spec while offering the confidence to ‘go-anywhere’ courtesy of the brand’s legendary synchronous all-wheel drive capability. For over 50 years, Subaru has consistently impressed adventurous kiwi drivers, and the Impreza is no exception. The nameplate first burst onto the scene […]
