Black Fri-yay – Mahindra XUV700 Black Edition Review
With ‘Black Friday’ being all the rage right now, lesser known (in NZ) car giant Mahindra has seized the opportunity to release their blacked-out XUV700. It’s called the XUV700 Black Edition and it’s quite the statement. The NZ SUV market is arguably a battlefield of innovation, reliability, and desirability, but Mahindra has raised the stakes […]
JAC T9 Ute NZ Launch and First Drive
‘A tradie ute at an apprenticeship price’. Earlier this year, JAC Motors introduced the T9 ute to international markets, where it has already made its mark across Australia, South Africa, Asia, and South America. But even with a proven track record, the New Zealand launch wasn’t going to happen until the T9 could prove itself […]
Tinted Black – Mahindra Scorpio N review
Not bragging, but the last time I was behind the wheel of a Mahindra Scorpio, I was tearing through Mahindra’s proving grounds in India, pushing the SUV to its absolute limits. So, naturally, being handed the keys for a local 24-hour test drive, and the chance to test its mettle on our pothole-riddled roads, felt […]
LTD LDV – T60 Traverse review
Step aside, un-unspec’d utes and say hello to the LDV T60 Traverse, a limited-edition truck that’s all about living life on the edge while still meeting everyday demands. This powerhouse draws inspiration from the adventurous North Island’s 42 Traverse track, seamlessly marrying style, power, and durability – well that’s what the brochure says. At its […]
Great Escape – Ford Escape PHEV review
Alright, so I can hear the sighs and imagine the rolling of eyes at the headline, and can only assume that it’s been used a couple of times before, however, in my defence, the new Ford Escape PHEV IS really great – so shut up! Anywho, the new Ford Escape has arrived in New Zealand, […]
The All-New MG ZS Hybrid+ NZ launch and first drive
Efficiency + Power is the mantra for the all-new MG ZS Hybrid+ and as we discovered at the NZ launch, it’s all that PLUS excellent value too. The all-new MG ZS Hybrid+ is exactly that, all-new. In fact (just as with the MG3 and HS) the only thing that is the same from the previous […]
Morizo’s favourite – Lexus LBX Morizo RR road and track drive
The Lexus LBX Morizo RR, is the rather ironically ‘amped-up’ version of the brand’s ‘introductory’ model the LBX. I say ironic as, although the trio of LBX’ (Active, Cool, Relax) all come with a hybrid heart, the ‘Morizo RR’ is a 1.6L turbo’d-ICE performance model that although has a ‘casual luxury’ ethos, is a thrilling […]
Luxurious legend – 2025 Toyota Camry ZR review
The 2025 Toyota Camry marks a significant milestone for one of the automotive world’s most recognizable nameplates. Now in its ninth generation, the Camry sports a stylish new look and a host of high-tech interior features that elevate its standing in the competitive sedan market, aligning closer to its Lexus cousins in terms of luxury […]
Shake it up – Ford Ranger Tremor review
NZ’s top-seller, the Ford Ranger, has added another string to their bow. It’s called the Tremor and it’s out to shake things up in the ute market. The Tremor is the middle child in the Ranger family, bridging the gap between the dutiful daily grind of the regular Rangers and the more flamboyant, performance-driven antics […]
Sports Tourer – BYD Sealion 6 Dynamic FWD review
Call it good luck, serendipity (or maybe a calculated manipulation), but my review date of the BYD Sealion 6 Dynamic FWD ’super hybrid’ coincided with my son’s football tournament in Taupo. So a long trip out of Auckland in a PHEV that boasts over a 1,000km of range – sometimes the pieces all fit together. […]