Amplified, indeed – Kia EV9
There is no denying that the past few years were key in the “maturing” of the offerings in the electric vehicle landscape. We saw the introduction of new models, new technologies and even entire new brands. But the majority of that was in car shapes that are the hottest right now – think of crossover/SUVs […]
Getaway Drivers – Subaru Solterra and Impreza first drive
With their synchronous all-wheel drive system and go-anywhere attitude, Subaru vehicles have been a big hit with adventurous Kiwi’s for over 50-years. Last week, the intrepid brand released two new ‘getaway’ models to their stable, the 6th generation Impreza and the (long-awaited) all-electric Solterra. To help celebrate, we took a drive from Auckland to Napier […]
Opening more doors – 5-door Suzuki Jimny first drive
With its compact size, ladder frame and go anywhere attitude, the Suzuki Jimny has been a symbol of freedom since the 1970’s. However, being restricted to 3 doors, and having a boot space that would scare swinging cats (actually a cat would barely fit in), has somewhat limited the model’s audience – that is until […]
Sport and Sportier – all-new Honda CR-V second look
With the NZ launch of the all-new, sixth generation Honda CR-V still fresh in my mind, Honda NZ thought it best I spent some more time behind the wheel of not one but two of the model variants. The oh so versatile 7-seater ‘Sport’ and the sportier (yet frugal) RS e:HEV hybrid, who am I […]
My second look at the 2024 Hyundai Kona
Late last year, I attended the NZ launch of the next-generation Hyundai Kona, and to say it’s a big improvement over the incredibly popular outgoing model would be a large understatement. It’s bigger inside and out, it’s smarter, has a Sci-Fi looking face and comes in a range to suit pretty much everyone. Anyway, Hyundai […]
Don’t call me baby – Audi Q4 e-tron review
It was only a short while back that we got along to the NZ launch of the (long-anticipated) addition to Audi’s electric vehicle range, the Q4 e-tron. Needless to say, the sporty ‘baby’ of the line-up impressed us enough for us to demand another look – thanks Audi NZ. To recap, the Q4 e-tron was […]
More and Less – Suzuki S-Cross Hybrid JLX AWD review
As you clever people are undoubtedly fully aware, the Suzuki S-Cross is positioned as the brand’s largest passenger car model, with room for all the family and (particularly the AWD model) an adventurous spirit. Well the latest release not only fulfils these core responsibilities, but now it lays claim to offering enhanced specification (more) and […]
Santa ‘sleighs’ luxury – Hyundai Santa Fe Calligraphy review
As you guys are probably well aware, there’s a new Santa Fe on its way (Hyundai NZ have yet to tell us exactly when), however, in the meantime, the brand has created a new range-topper for their flagship SUV, it’s called the Calligraphy edition and it’s rewriting luxury. Dimensionally and proportionally this more luxurious Santa […]
Grand union – Opel Grandland PHEV review
With one of our leading team members, Hazza, getting hitched to his beautiful bride, Julianna, in Tauranga, we took the opportunity to take the Opel Grandland PHEV on a roadie. With its hybrid powertrain, Euro styling and SUV practicality, it too is a grand union (however, just not quite as epic as the wedding). Now […]
Hi5 – BMW i5 M60 all-electric sedan first drive
The fully electric variant of the 8th generation BMW 5 series has arrived in NZ and it’s a cracker. It leans on the heritage and roots of the groundbreaking 1972 original E12 and yet embraces all the modernity, finesse and sustainability that the brand has to offer. We headed to the stunning and picturesque Millbrook […]