Jaecoo J7 SHS Super Hybrid Review – Efficient Adventurer
Chinese manufacturers are making bold moves into territories traditionally dominated by Japanese and European brands, in this case, the Jaecoo J7 SHS Super Hybrid, a name that itself tells a story. Jaecoo, a portmanteau of “Jaeger (hunter)” and “Cool,” is Cherry’s adventure-focused sub-brand, and their J7 represents an intriguing proposition in the increasingly crowded hybrid […]
The BMW iX3 Neue Klasse Sets a New Benchmark for Performance EVs
The sun-drenched coastline of Spain provided the perfect backdrop for what BMW is calling “the beginning of a new era”, the unveiling and first drives of their highly anticipated iX3 Neue Klasse electric vehicle. Against ocean waves and dramatic sunsets, and with the opening introduction by Dr. Mike Reichelt (Head of Neue Klasse), the German […]
Land Rover Defender MY26 review – Subtle Refinement Meets Unstoppable Capability
Five years into its modern incarnation, the Land Rover Defender (or just Defender) has become something of an automotive phenomenon in New Zealand, sales are up 53% year-to-date, which tells you everything you need to know about how Kiwis have embraced this reborn icon. So when Land Rover invited us to the Tahorakuri Forest (Taupo) […]
Ford Ranger Super Duty First Drive Review
Built Ford Tough Gets Even Tougher When Ford slaps a “Super Duty” badge on anything, you know they mean business and it’s a promise that’s been forged over decades. The Super Duty lineage traces back to 1958 with heavy-duty engines, but the iconic truck line we know today launched in 1998 as a distinct series […]
Ticks a Lot of Boxes – Dongfeng Box Review
If you’ve never heard of Dongfeng before, you’re not alone. The name doesn’t (yet) have the brand cachet of Toyota or Tesla in this part of the world, but in China it’s one of the “Big Four” carmakers and has been building cars since 1969. Now they’ve decided they want their own slice of the […]
All‑New BMW iX3 Neue Klasse NZ-Exclusive first-drive Review
When it was unveiled in Munich, BMW said the iX3 Neue Klasse was the start of a new era, but now after a few days behind the wheel on sun‑baked Spanish tarmac, I can honestly confirm that it feels like they’ve quietly skipped an era altogether. It’s BMW ripping up its own playbook and starting […]
The Tech-Laden IM6 Premium EV – First Drive NZ
The New Zealand new car market is getting another new jolt of electric excitement, but this time it’s coming from a familiar family. MG New Zealand has officially pulled the covers off its new, premium stablemate, IM Motors. Short for “Intelligent Motion,” the brand is making its Kiwi debut under the MG umbrella, promising a […]
Cupra Tavascan V & VZ First Drive Review – Spanish Obsession
For the past year, Cupra New Zealand has been on a mission of refinement. Their goal, as they put it, was to rationalize their range, ensuring every model is a pure expression of the brand’s core tenets: bold design, cutting-edge tech, and a driver-first experience. This isn’t a brand that designs by committee or softens […]
2025 Audi A5 Avant S-Line PHEV Review – The Perfect Quattro?
The search for the perfect car often feels like a quest for a mythical creature. We want a vehicle that’s stylish but practical, thrilling to drive but frugal on fuel, and packed with technology without being overly complex. It’s a delicate balance that few manufacturers ever truly master. Enter the 2025 Audi A5 Avant Plug-in […]
Rolls-Royce Black Badge Spectre Review – The Silent Vandal of Luxury
There’s an inherent paradox at the heart of the Rolls-Royce Black Badge Spectre. For over a century, the Spirit of Ecstasy has flown atop grilles behind which sat monumental, whisper-quiet combustion engines, paragons of effortless, continent-crossing power. Now, the loudest statement from Goodwood is utterly silent. The Black Badge Spectre is not only Rolls-Royce’s next […]