The Swagger’s Back – VW Golf GTI Mark 8.5 review
The hot hatchback category has always been synonymous with one name: the Volkswagen Golf GTI. Since its debut in 1974 (ok the GTI was in ‘76), the GTI has been the yardstick by which all other hot hatches are measured. Now in 2024, we celebrate 50 years of Golf greatness with the arrival of the […]
Family-Fave upgrade – 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line review
The Volkswagen Tiguan is a vehicle so popular it has charmed its way into becoming one of New Zealand’s favorite family-friendly SUVs. And now, its third generation is bigger, better, and undeniably more refined. In simple terms, it’s evolved. For those that don’t know, Tiguan is a portmanteau of “tiger” and “iguana.” Sure it’s a […]
Black Fri-yay – Mahindra XUV700 Black Edition Review
With ‘Black Friday’ being all the rage right now, lesser known (in NZ) car giant Mahindra has seized the opportunity to release their blacked-out XUV700. It’s called the XUV700 Black Edition and it’s quite the statement. The NZ SUV market is arguably a battlefield of innovation, reliability, and desirability, but Mahindra has raised the stakes […]
JAC T9 Ute NZ Launch and First Drive
‘A tradie ute at an apprenticeship price’. Earlier this year, JAC Motors introduced the T9 ute to international markets, where it has already made its mark across Australia, South Africa, Asia, and South America. But even with a proven track record, the New Zealand launch wasn’t going to happen until the T9 could prove itself […]
Tinted Black – Mahindra Scorpio N review
Not bragging, but the last time I was behind the wheel of a Mahindra Scorpio, I was tearing through Mahindra’s proving grounds in India, pushing the SUV to its absolute limits. So, naturally, being handed the keys for a local 24-hour test drive, and the chance to test its mettle on our pothole-riddled roads, felt […]
LTD LDV – T60 Traverse review
Step aside, un-unspec’d utes and say hello to the LDV T60 Traverse, a limited-edition truck that’s all about living life on the edge while still meeting everyday demands. This powerhouse draws inspiration from the adventurous North Island’s 42 Traverse track, seamlessly marrying style, power, and durability – well that’s what the brochure says. At its […]
Great Escape – Ford Escape PHEV review
Alright, so I can hear the sighs and imagine the rolling of eyes at the headline, and can only assume that it’s been used a couple of times before, however, in my defence, the new Ford Escape PHEV IS really great – so shut up! Anywho, the new Ford Escape has arrived in New Zealand, […]
The All-New MG ZS Hybrid+ NZ launch and first drive
Efficiency + Power is the mantra for the all-new MG ZS Hybrid+ and as we discovered at the NZ launch, it’s all that PLUS excellent value too. The all-new MG ZS Hybrid+ is exactly that, all-new. In fact (just as with the MG3 and HS) the only thing that is the same from the previous […]
Morizo’s favourite – Lexus LBX Morizo RR road and track drive
The Lexus LBX Morizo RR, is the rather ironically ‘amped-up’ version of the brand’s ‘introductory’ model the LBX. I say ironic as, although the trio of LBX’ (Active, Cool, Relax) all come with a hybrid heart, the ‘Morizo RR’ is a 1.6L turbo’d-ICE performance model that although has a ‘casual luxury’ ethos, is a thrilling […]
Luxurious legend – 2025 Toyota Camry ZR review
The 2025 Toyota Camry marks a significant milestone for one of the automotive world’s most recognizable nameplates. Now in its ninth generation, the Camry sports a stylish new look and a host of high-tech interior features that elevate its standing in the competitive sedan market, aligning closer to its Lexus cousins in terms of luxury […]