All-new 6th Gen Subaru Forester – first drive NZ
The adventurous Kiwi SUV Icon, (also known as the Forester) has arrived in New Zealand and to help celebrate, Subaru NZ and Australia invited us to the South Island (Christchurch and beyond) to play with it. Not only does it get three, ‘strong-hybrid heart’ variants, but it’s smarter, safer and more capable too! For over […]
2025 Mercedes-AMG E53 Review – The Goldilocks AMG
When Mercedes-AMG unveiled the C63 plug-in hybrid, it was met with an awkward silence, followed by the distant sound of disapproval from fans and critics alike (we actually liked it!). A four-cylinder hybrid replacing the iconic V8? That was a hard pill to swallow, and it didn’t go down well. But Mercedes isn’t the sort […]
Big name, bigger ute – GWM Cannon Alpha Ultra HEV review
The GWM Canon Alpha Ultra HEV is essentially a full-size statement of intent from Great Wall Motors. With the Chinese brand gunning for a slice of the lucrative lifestyle and work-ready ute pie, the Canon Alpha Ultra lands with a bold presence, hybrid credentials, and a spec sheet that reads like a luxury SUV brochure. […]
GWM Cannon Lux Review – Rugged Value With Room to Refine
GWM’s Cannon ute has made waves in the New Zealand market with its aggressive pricing and big-spec energy, and the base model proves you don’t necessarily need to spend top dollar to get a feature-rich workhorse. This truck might not nail every aspect of premium ute life, but for those on a tighter budget looking […]
2025 Suzuki Fronx – first drive NZ
Funky Name, Functional Flair The name might raise eyebrows ‘Fronx?’ but Suzuki’s new compact crossover wears its badge with pride. Stylish, efficient, and well-equipped, the Fronx is the Japanese brand’s latest contender in the bustling small SUV market. Built in India and designed in Japan, it’s a bold step into a new segment for Suzuki […]
Mini Cooper S Convertible Review – The Joy of Driving, Amplified
There are few cars on sale today that evoke as much pure driving joy as the Mini, and fewer still that double down on that emotional appeal with a folding roof. The new Mini Cooper S Convertible, in Favoured trim, does just that. It combines everyday usability with go-kart handling, stylish flair, and a well-judged […]
There are levels to this – RAM 1500 Limited Review
Pickup trucks (okay, Utes) can sometimes be a thing of compromise: rugged or refined, capable or comfortable. But the RAM 1500 Limited poses the question “why not both?” – and then some more while at it. By really pushing the envelope on what utes can be – at least for our market – it really shows […]
Mini Aceman JCW – Big Personality in a Compact, Electric Package
Somewhere between the classic Mini hatch and the Countryman sits a new breed: the Mini Aceman. But this isn’t just any Aceman, this is the John Cooper Works (JCW) edition, meaning it wears its performance pedigree on its sleeve. It’s electric, expressive, and unapologetically firm-riding. And if you’re wondering whether this new JCW still captures […]
Turbo transformer – MG ZS Essence 1.5L Turbo review
A dash of turbo transforms MG’s compact SUV into a confident urban cruiser It was only late last year that the second-generation MG ZS landed in New Zealand, impressing us with its sleek design, enhanced tech offering, and sharper dynamics. Now, MG has added a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine to the range, promising more punch and […]
Subtle Compromise – BYD Sealion 6 Essential Review
BYD’s recent rise has been quiet and efficient, both literally and figuratively. With each new model, the brand shows an uncanny ability to learn fast, adapt even faster, and undercut the market with surprisingly competent alternatives. The Sealion 6, launched to carve out space in the increasingly crowded plug-in hybrid SUV segment, is already available […]