Damn it’s good – BYD Sealion 6 Premium review
BYD is rapidly establishing itself as a key player in the currently-turbulent electric vehicle market. Their latest offering, the BYD Sealion, marks a significant step beyond their traditional electric vehicles, venturing into the world of plug-in hybrids with an impressive blend of technology, design, and practicality. Continuing with their aquatic theme (Seal, Dolphin), the BYD […]
The ‘Uber Cool’ Signature Class Toyota Prius Z PHEV review
What do you get when you cross a car everybody loves to hate with the demands of the people? You get the ‘new-to-us’ Toyota Prius. Garnering attention akin to a celebrity returning to the Oscars after a scandal, this isn’t just any Prius; it’s the Uber cool ‘signature class’ version. Just when you thought the […]
BMW X5 xDrive 30d review – A Facelift That Lifts Expectations
When it comes to BMW‘s lineup, the X5 claims its crown as the brand’s most popular vehicle. This versatile SUV continues to dominate the market, leaving models like the X3 and nearly everything else in the dust. Having had the fun of experiencing its last launch in Tasmania, I was eager to dive back into […]
Extra Cool – Jaecoo J7 EX+ AWD review
It was only a few weeks ago that we were slipping and sliding on the sodden grassy farmyard hills around Clevedon in the new Jaecoo J7 EX+ AWD. Well, with it more than proving its mettle on the slopes, we wondered how it would fare on Auckland’s urban tarmac. Jaecoo were happy to oblige. As […]
The new Hylux – Toyota’s Hilux Hybrid variant
Introducing the latest addition to the Toyota Hilux lineup, the Hybrid. With a 7% fuel savings and a reduction of 7g of emissions from the exhaust, this new hybrid variant not only offers financial and environmental benefits but maintains the performance and versatility of the Hilux we’ve come accustomed too. And to find out more, […]
A Cool Hunter Gatherer – Jaecoo J7 review
Hot on the heels of the Omoda launch, Chery has now released their more adventurous brand, Jaecoo. The brand name is a derivative of German Jaeger (Hunter) and Coo for Cool, and their NZ launch model, the J7 (in 2WD and AWD), encompasses both. For the official launch, we headed off the beaten track in […]
Open for adventure – All-new Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy review
Regardless of its polarising boxy new look, the fifth generation Hyundai Santa Fe is a remarkable blend of outdoor adventure and everyday practicality. To say the Santa Fe is important for Hyundai is an understatement of epic proportions, I mean in New Zealand alone, it has seen substantial success, with over 26,000 units sold since […]
A Moody Little Crossover – Lexus LBX Range Review
The all-new Lexus LBX, the smallest SUV ever from Lexus, is out to introduce a new audience to the brand with its compact and urban-centric design and attractive price point. This little crossover stands as a breakthrough model to the Lexus lineup, offering a unique blend of luxury, efficiency, and practicality. To help us delve […]
V12-like power – Mercedes-AMG C63 S PHEV review
The Mercedes-AMG C63 S, the brand’s performance luxury sedan, has taken a bold turn towards electrification, and horror of horrors has dropped 4-cylinders along the way. So the big question is, does it still perform the way a C63 should? The simple answer is – hell yes! Back in 2008, the AMG C63 debuted with […]
2024 Suzuki Swift NZ launch and first drive
Admittedly, flying to Whanganui in a propeller-propelled, less than modern plane was not my initial thought of how we should be introduced to the all-new Suzuki swift, however, as it turned out, Air Chatham’s good ‘ol fashioned charm and hospitality did in fact set the perfect scene for the day ahead. For those that haven’t […]