Cross-treking – Subaru Crosstrek first drive
In the realm of automotive exploration, where intrepid brands vie for supremacy, a new nameplate emerges from before, introducing the Subaru Crosstrek. Formerly known as the XV, this small SUV has been rechristened and reimagined, and boldly seeks to redefine the fiercely competitive category it initially pioneered. Subaru has long since captivated the hearts of […]
A Mighty Grand Adventurer – 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee review
The fifth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee is here and it’s grander than ever. It’s got a new chassis, smoother looks, a more refined drive and swifter tech – plus, unlike its reviewer, has lost a few pounds too. Let’s face it, Jeep has been an iconic name in the motoring landscape for around eight decades, and […]
Born Star – Cupra Born first drive NZ
Spanish automotive brand Cupra has released its all-new and all-electric hatch, ‘Born’ and it’s finally arrived in NZ. The attractive, hardcore sports hatch has a sizable battery that offers plenty of endurance, while its handling and performance makes it certain to be one of the stars in the current Cupra line up. The NZ launch […]
A Spirited Compact Hatchback – 2023 Honda Jazz RS review
Soichiro Honda, the founder of Honda is famous for saying ‘if Honda doesn’t race then there is no Honda’ and that emphatic statement is the core ingredient (albeit not exactly F1) of the new Jazz RS e:HEV. The brand’s popular hatchback has been given some RS treatment and I got to spend some time with […]
Ride like the wind – Maserati Grecale first drive
As with the many of their nameplates as far back as the ‘60s, prestigious Italian automotive brand Maserati’s all-new Grecale is named after a famous Mediterranean wind. But more importantly, whichever model you find yourself behind the wheel of (GT, Modena or Trofeo), this terrific SUV is like riding a tornado. The Grecale may be […]
X and Y Z – Lexus RX and RZ first drives
There is something rather special about driving around the deep dark south of New Zealand, the endless flowing curves, the unpredictable gradients and cambers, and the long stretches of traffic-free tarmac that head towards a backdrop of the snow-peaked southern alps. In fact, the only thing that can make the experience better is when you’re […]
Amped up Mustang Muscle – Ford Mustang Mach-E first drive NZ
Ford has taken their beloved Mustang and turned it into an electric pony (and when it comes to the GT), a pony on steroids! They call it the Mustang Mach-E, and it’s here to conquer both the EV and SUV segments. To help showcase its unbridled (get it) performance, the NZ launch had us for […]
Adventure boost – Subaru Outback XT 2.4T review
They say that ‘getting there is part of the adventure’, and if that’s true then Subaru’s new 2.4T GOOAT (Greatest Outback Of All Time) has just taken about a third off your ‘getting there time’. But don’t worry, it’s also added a heap more fun to your adventure too. The Subaru Outback XT 2.4 T […]
Great wide open – Toyota Hilux 4WD SR5 Cruiser Wide Track review
Into the great wide open, is a song by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. It’s the story of a guy named Eddie who moves to Los Angeles, meets a girl and becomes a rock star. It’s a rune about life’s struggles but that there’s always possibility, as the ‘future is wide open’. Why am I […]
All-new VW Amarok – first drive
The long-awaited and much-anticipated new VW Amarok has finally arrived on New Zealand shores and we couldn’t be happier. It’s bigger, bolder, more refined, better connected and more capable. Not only did the NZ launch have us test the all-new ute’s mettle on an challenging off-road trek, but the weather gods opened up the floodgates […]