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 […]
All-New Hyundai Santa Fe – Price and first drive NZ

It’s fair to say that Kiwi’s love SUVs, but it would appear that we love hybrids too (certainly more recently), so what happens when you put them together in a spacious and well-equipped family 7-seat SUV, well you get a Hyundai Santa Fe of course! Introducing the rugged yet refined all-new, 5th generation SANTA FE, […]
Putting the Rex in – KGM Rexton

It was just some time ago that the longest running car make from Korea went through a bit of a rebranding exercise, introducing some new models to the market while at it. Launching and promoting a new brand is tough work, so sometimes these updates happen gradually throughout the lineup. This is what KGM is […]
‘Rok n ‘Trol – VW Amarok Aventura Petrol review

It wasn’t that long ago that we tested the full range of the all-new VW Amarok, and with it winning our ‘large lifestyle car of the year’ category for 2023, it’s fair to say that we were impressed. Well, evidently not resting on their laurels, VW have given the Amarok and new petrol-powered heart and […]
All new MG3 price and first drive

The MG3 is an important car for the MG brand, and it has been one of the key pillars of the brand’s success in both New Zealand and Australia as well. However, despite the popularity of the original, the new MG3 is basically an all new car from ground up, the only similarity that you’ll […]
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 […]
Comf-icient – 2024 Kia Sportage Hybrid Earth HEV Review

Kia has released an addition to their popular Sportage SUV range, well two actually. It’s the ‘HEV’ (Light and Earth) and not only does it offer extreme comfort and increased safety, but it also seems to have a broken fuel gauge. Initially released around three decades ago, the Kia Sportage is now in its 5th […]
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 […]