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 […]
Elitism – Hyundai Kona 2L Elite review
According to the Cambridge dictionary, ‘elitism – is the belief that some things are only for a few people who have special qualities or abilities’. Well it would appear that Hyundai begs to differ, as proven with the addition of the Kona 2L Elite that’s priced for the masses. My last interaction with Hyundai’s new […]
May cause drowsiness – Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 review
With its soft cushions, silent and luxurious surroundings and ultra smooth ride, you could be mistaken for believing that the cabin of the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV was a suite in a 5-Star hotel (ok not the ride), but rest assured that despite its soft and comforting appearance, this large EV can certainly shift its %###. […]
Putting the COR in Korean – KGM Torres EVX EV review
To explain, in British slang, you can say ‘cor’ when you are surprised or impressed, it seems like it means the same in Korean too. You may not know KGM as a vehicle brand just yet, however, you’ll probably know what it was. You see, in order to dispel any confusion as to the origins […]
Style and Serenity – Omoda E5 EX review
Several of my introductions to Omoda vehicle reviews have begun with explaining who in fact Omoda are. So rather than dwell on this, let me assume you know all about them and let’s crack on with the review of this ‘fashionable and clean-air’ brand’s EV SUV, the E5. In its simplest form, the Omoda E5 […]
King of Beeps – all-new Mitsubishi Triton VRX review
Given the long gap since my last encounter with a Triton ute, I was both keen and intrigued as to what this new, 6th generation had on offer, and the answer was, tons. Not only is it bolder and better looking than before, but it’s more practical and has far more tech. Unfortunately for me, […]