Tailored for the Task – VW Tayron Tarmac Test
Not too long ago, I attended the launch and first drive of the new Volkswagen Tayron, and while there, my biggest takeaway was that VW had gotten a two for one in making their lineup easier to understand while also improving the product offering. Now, after spending more time with the entry-level version of their […]
I put a 2JZ-GTE into a GR Yaris, but I’d still rather have the 3 cylinder
It is always a great day when you’re coming back from a loan car pick up driving back an all wheel drive, turbocharged, manual, rally-inspired hatchback. All the credentials are there to back up the pedigree of the Toyota GR Yaris and, albeit very short, this is my third encounter with this little rascal. So, […]
Age of Ultra – 2025 Haval H6 Ultra PHEV 2WD Review
Haval’s H6 seems to be going from strength to strength with the number of H6s traversing Kiwi city and suburban landscapes increasing at a considerable rate. Now we have a new H6 complete with a plug-in-hybrid powertrain. It also looks poised to be the best packaged H6 yet with some added fuel frugality to complement […]
We take the new Leapmotor B10 compact EV SUV for a quick drive
If you missed our full event recap and brand context piece from yesterday (read it here), it covers Leapmotor’s refreshed ambitions for New Zealand, the Stellantis connection, and how the brand is positioning itself as a credible new EV contender. This piece picks up from there — moving from podium to pavement. The B10 is […]
Leapmotor reiterates Kiwi commitment with local launch of the B10 compact electric SUV
Leapmotor’s latest chapter in Aotearoa unfolded today as the Chinese brand officially took the wraps off its all-new B10, a compact electric SUV built for the world stage, and now, for New Zealand roads as well. The event, hosted in partnership with Stellantis International and Armstrong’s Auto Distributors NZ, carried a clear message: Leapmotor has […]
Adventure Machine – Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Adventure Review
Few SUVs have a legacy as long and respected as the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, and while many rivals have grown sleeker and softer in pursuit of urban buyers, the new gen of the Prado unapologetically leans into its off-road roots. It’s boxy, rugged, and proud of it. And my second go at it helped […]
Cannon Fire – 2025 GWM Cannon Alpha Lux PHEV Review
The race to electrify the ute as we have known it is well and truly on. While the concept of owning a plug-in hybrid “work truck” is still being cemented in the minds of buyers, some brands have started to embrace this in a big way. Just look at GWM. This brand, like just about […]
120,000 Bees Bring the Flower Power in New Zealand’s First Mobile Hive
Using a car as the billboard for your business is a genius move, especially when you can still use it to transport your passengers. But how about 120,000 of them? This morning, I met with beekeeper James Green from Hidden Honey, who — over a quiet coffee surrounded by the hum of his hives — explained his latest […]
No clutch, no problem? – Toyota GR86 Auto Review
Few cars in today’s market make such an unapologetic case for driving fun as the Toyota GR86. The formula of the small, 2 door, rear wheel drive sports car is usually reserved for the second car, the toy that gets used on the weekends. But, by pairing it with an automatic gearbox, Toyota wants to […]
GR FOUR, now for more – Toyota GR Corolla Auto Review
The hot hatchback formula is one that is dear to many a car enthusiast’s heart, with many different ways to approach the pint sized fun recipe. The Toyota GR Corolla has always done that by wearing its rally DNA on its sleeve, and now the facelifted version doubles down on that personality while making the […]