LEXUS LBX MORIZO
Hot performer adds another dimension to junior Lexus range that has already brought much impetus to the brand.
The compact LBX has propelled Lexus sales to another level, the premium small car showcasing both hybrid and all-wheel-drive technology and now adding serious fun and performance in the form of this top-performing Morizo RR. The Morizo moniker and Rookie Racing acronym reflect the direct influence of Akio Toyoda (aka Master Driver Morizo) although...
Hot performer adds another dimension to junior Lexus range that has already brought much impetus to the brand.
GWM TANK 500
Big-value proposition is very capable off the beaten track and offers ample space and comfort around town.
The premium Tank 500 is a plush 4x4 served exclusively with hybrid power in two spec levels. Lux sets you back $74,990 while Ultra commands $82,990. In each case, a 180kW two-litre turbo-petrol is accompanied by a 78kW/268Nm electric motor integrated into the nine-speed transmission. The system produces 255kW and 648Nm in total, figures that...
Big-value proposition is very capable off the beaten track and offers ample space and comfort around town.
FORD MUSTANG GT
Sure-fire future classic flexes muscles on Australian roads and showcases raft of welcome improvements.
Ford execs and designers agonise over what attracts a new Mustang buyer and what continues to excite existing ones. All share certain traits, they suggest, including a rebellious streak and a desire to feel empowered, and they like to express themselves through vehicle customisation. The car is a route to freedom, a representation of who the owner...
Sure-fire future classic flexes muscles on Australian roads and showcases raft of welcome improvements.
PEUGEOT 208 GT
Peugeot’s first mild-hybrid offering makes for a convincing Mini rival with genuine driver appeal to justify GT badging.
At first glance the 208 GT Hybrid clearly looks to be a descendent of the classic (and very dainty) Peugeot 205 of the 1980s. Of course it’s significantly bigger, and built up at both front and rear, but large alloys, black wheelarch extensions, a black roof and blackened rear windows make it appear daintier than it is in profile. Move around...
Peugeot’s first mild-hybrid offering makes for a convincing Mini rival with genuine driver appeal to justify GT badging.
AUDI RS4 COMPETITION
Low-slung, manually-adjustable RS4 variant is a fitting send-off for a wagon that really rewards the enthusiast.
This Competition Plus is the last hurrah for the fourth-gen (B9) Audi RS4. You’ll recall that, for this generation, the engine was downsized from a V8 to a 2.9-litre V6 with two turbos spliced between the cylinder banks. Power output in the last-of-line special remains at 331kW but 600Nm of torque from just 1900rpm gives it a big advantage...
Low-slung, manually-adjustable RS4 variant is a fitting send-off for a wagon that really rewards the enthusiast.
KIA EV9
Large electric SUV wows with show-stopping looks, cavernous interior, and performance that belies the bulk.
The EV9 is Kia’s top-of-tree follow-up to the popular EV6 and is closely related to that ground-breaking car underneath. Both feature distinctive, head-turning design that gives them real road presence and desirability. But can a 2600kg dual-motor Korean SUV exhibit a genuine sense of fun? Kia certainly thinks so and has injected a healthy...
Large electric SUV wows with show-stopping looks, cavernous interior, and performance that belies the bulk.
VOLVO EX30
True beauty of high-performing EV lies in its absolute ease of use, pared-back design and distinct character.
What’s most impressive about the flagship EX30, the Ultra Twin Motor Performance, is the strength of the first impression this EV generates when you complete the first kilometre. Absolute smoothness and ease of use inspire confidence, as does the superb visibility. The weighting of controls, particularly the steering, and the response of...
True beauty of high-performing EV lies in its absolute ease of use, pared-back design and distinct character.
TOYOTA HILUX SR5
Toyota’s ever-popular workhorse receives a welcome refresh and introduces hybrid tech to 4WD models.
We have a raft of utilities heading our way this season, and first dual-cab off the rank is the lightly facelifted 2WD variant of our perennial favourite, the indestructible Toyota Hilux. Our SR5 PreRunner makes use of the familiar 2755cc turbodiesel which is paired with a six-speed auto. It is worth noting that a hybrid version could well be...
Toyota’s ever-popular workhorse receives a welcome refresh and introduces hybrid tech to 4WD models.
VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN
Third-generation of Volkswagen mainstay arrives with front-drive, petrol power and a seven-speed DSG.
A softer, more organic-looking Tiguan has replaced its similarly-sized, more sharply-creased predecessor, while consolidating practicality and overall safety. The new, rounded nose is noticeably more elevated and features matrix headlights with strong active beams. These frame a glass-covered horizontal bar with integrated LED strip for extra road...
Third-generation of Volkswagen mainstay arrives with front-drive, petrol power and a seven-speed DSG.
SILVERADO 2500 HD
Monster V8 diesel and Allison truck transmission drive the biggest and boldest vehicle to grace our garage.
A Gross Vehicle Mass of 5148kg. A payload approaching 1400kg. A 16m turning circle. A wheelbase exceeding 4m. More than 250mm of ground clearance. Overall length of 6.5m if you include the tow ball. These are some of the headline figures for the biggest vehicle to reach KiwiGARAGE HQ and possibly the one with the longest name. That CHEVHD...
Monster V8 diesel and Allison truck transmission drive the biggest and boldest vehicle to grace our garage.
MERCEDES GLC 63 S E
Mid-size SUV enjoys the full AMG treatment and lands very big blows with reduced cylinder count.
It’s a huge step-change, replacing a bi-turbo V8 with a plug-in hybrid four tuned to the extremes, but it works incredibly well. Like us, you knew it would do the business because of how many runs Mercedes has on the board at the pinnacle of motorsport. It has been a star of F1’s hybrid era. The GLC is certainly no lightweight,...
Mid-size SUV enjoys the full AMG treatment and lands very big blows with reduced cylinder count.
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
Mid-range R-Line is a beautifully rounded hatch with traditional Golf attributes. But a bit more power would be welcome.
The iconic Vokswagen Golf. A global favourite for 50 years with over 37 million sales, and it’s still VW’s best-seller in many key markets thanks to its quality, practicality and enduring appeal. If the new car pictured looks familiar, that’s because it’s a facelifted version of the Mk8 introduced in 2020 and it delivers a...
Mid-range R-Line is a beautifully rounded hatch with traditional Golf attributes. But a bit more power would be welcome.
JAECOO J7
All-wheel-drive J7 is a standout value proposition, impressing with contemporary design and long equipment list.
We narrowly missed the local launch of the J7 but caught videos of the all-wheel-drive Jaecoo heading off the beaten track, ploughing through shin-deep water and slush, and descending slippery tracks with aplomb. A good showing considering the J7 is predominantly set up for everyday road use and rides on road tyres. The opportunity for a week...
All-wheel-drive J7 is a standout value proposition, impressing with contemporary design and long equipment list.
TOYOTA C-HR
Adventurous coupe-crossover successfully blends compact SUV packaging with clever hybrid tech.
Upon first acquaintance, you’d be forgiven for thinking the C-HR is a niche offering but the reality is quite different. The first generation truly outperformed with sales (from 2017) exceeding 1.5 million, making the C-HR the envy of other mainstream manufacturers. Such demand meant Toyota committed to this second-generation hybrid model...
Adventurous coupe-crossover successfully blends compact SUV packaging with clever hybrid tech.
SUZUKI SWIFT
Broad range of small improvements make manual Swift a more amiable companion as an urban runabout.
At this end of the car market, little things really matter, margins are tight, and incremental improvements are noteworthy. In the case of the new Swift, the looks have evolved but the Swift retains its unique small-car identity developed over four generations and 20 years of production. This one adds 15mm in length. The tweaked profile suggests a...
Broad range of small improvements make manual Swift a more amiable companion as an urban runabout.
MINI COUNTRYMAN
Bigger Countryman gains practicality and takes on more of a premium sheen in dynamic JCW form.
This is a huge year for the Mini brand with a complete range refresh set to unfold, beginning with the introduction of this, the biggest and most expensive model, the new Countryman. The Aceman crossover and Cooper hatch will quickly follow as Mini pushes further along the path to electrification. Each will seek to forge distinct identities within...
Bigger Countryman gains practicality and takes on more of a premium sheen in dynamic JCW form.
BMW XM
The first bespoke M car in 45 years is an SUV like no other with mind-bending looks and savage performance.
Judicious use of the throttle. That’s our recommendation when familiarising yourself with the first bespoke BMW M car since the Giugiaro-designed M1 supercar. You need only tickle the loud pedal to step away briskly and if your right foot lacks sensitivity, this 740 horsepower, 1000Nm XM is not the beast for you. True to M form – and...
The first bespoke M car in 45 years is an SUV like no other with mind-bending looks and savage performance.
TOYOTA bZ4X
RAV4-sized BEV is a compelling Model Y alternative best experienced in top-spec, dual-motor Motion form.
bZ4X. The alphanumeric nameplate doesn’t easily roll off the tongue. But say it out loud enough times and you’ll eventually commit it to memory. Options include the front-drive bZ4X Pure (with 150kW/266Nm) and this high-spec all-wheel-drive variant, badged Motion, which commands an $11k premium, goes a bit better, but returns about 10...
RAV4-sized BEV is a compelling Model Y alternative best experienced in top-spec, dual-motor Motion form.
ROLLS-ROYCE SPECTRE
All-electric super-coupé makes its presence felt in local market and confirms why the brand is as relevant as ever.
Rolls-Royce has earmarked 2030 as the year in which production will switch to electric across its entire portfolio. The new Spectre marks the start of the storied brand’s electric pathway and demonstrates how well Rolls-Royce is suited to electrification. This is a ‘statement car’, a windcheating 5.47m-long spiritual successor to...
All-electric super-coupé makes its presence felt in local market and confirms why the brand is as relevant as ever.
MG3 HYBRID
MG confidently launches its new small car, emphasising the prospects of its first full-hybrid powertrain.
Affordable small cars are very much in the spotlight with EV sales in decline and consumer confidence weak. MG has timed the introduction of its new MG3 about right, with hybrid sales growing in a soft market and private buyers seeking out the strongest-value propositions. The tiddler category is running hot with a new Suzuki Swift now battling...
MG confidently launches its new small car, emphasising the prospects of its first full-hybrid powertrain.
MERCEDES CLE 300
Bigger dimensions lend Merc’s mid-size Coupé elegant looks, more assertive stance and greater cabin comfort.
With demand for premium coupés softening in recent times, Mercedes has taken a smart step to consolidate its two-door ranks. Out go the C-Class and E-Class coupés and in comes a new model (similar in size to the E-Class) that exhibits more of the sporting flavour of the C. Mercedes says the new CLE Coupé is now the largest...
Bigger dimensions lend Merc’s mid-size Coupé elegant looks, more assertive stance and greater cabin comfort.
LEXUS LBX
Lexus shifts its attention to premium small cars with a sharp-suited SUV guaranteed to boost sales.
While the platform of the Lexus LBX might be shared with Toyota’s popular Yaris Cross, this is a true Lexus with bespoke engineering and appealing good looks. Significant (and costly) differences include a 20mm wheelbase stretch (to 2580mm) and a little extra length in the shapely body. It only looks distantly related to the Yaris thanks to...
Lexus shifts its attention to premium small cars with a sharp-suited SUV guaranteed to boost sales.
VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG R
Major updates to styling and cabin imbue handsome SUV with serious appeal … and a premium price.
With a pronounced step up the premium SUV ladder, the new Touareg has blurred the gap to its German rivals. Drive the flagship e-hybrid Touareg R blindfolded and the sense of luxury, effortless performance and Teutonic character will probably shout high-ranking Audi as soon as you turn a wheel. It only takes a short test drive to confirm the gap...
Major updates to styling and cabin imbue handsome SUV with serious appeal … and a premium price.
JEEP AVENGER
Smallest Jeep to date is a European-built affair headlined by high-spec Launch Edition. It’s also electric...
Although very new to the local market, the Jeep Avenger has arrived shouldering a major endorsement, namely the European Car of the Year crown. It dominated last year’s voting, suggesting this compact SUV has all the ingredients for top-quality everyday motoring. Petrol versions are available in overseas markets but we’re initially...
Smallest Jeep to date is a European-built affair headlined by high-spec Launch Edition. It’s also electric...
SUBARU SOLTERRA
The maker’s first fully electric SUV brings typical Subaru versatility and a strong commitment to innovation.
Subaru is future-proofing its range with a stream of eight battery electric vehicles on its e-Subaru global platform. This transformation starts with the all-wheel-drive Solterra, one of four electric SUVs due by the end of 2026 and a vehicle whose range and capability promises to generate strong initial interest. Two variants (Solterra and...
The maker’s first fully electric SUV brings typical Subaru versatility and a strong commitment to innovation.
ABARTH 500e
Abarth’s take on diminutive 500e is a great round-town entertainer but there’s a price to pay for its bare-faced cheek.
Well known for its hard-hitting limited edition models, Abarth has entered the electric age with the 500e Scorpionissima, available in jaw-dropping Acid Green or Poison Blue. This model is limited to 1949 units worldwide and is offered with a digital certificate of authenticity from the Mirafiori assembly plant in Turin. Those who miss out can...
Abarth’s take on diminutive 500e is a great round-town entertainer but there’s a price to pay for its bare-faced cheek.
BMW M2
The M2 is one of our most eagerly anticipated drives of the year after our preview at BMW ‘M’ Festival.
Take Two of the M2 is based on a 4-Series platform, giving it a longer wheelbase and making it possible for BMW designers to reduce the chunkiness of the previous shape. So they’ve introduced a sleeker, ground-hugging form with some very aggressive, hard-edged details. However you still get bulging rear arches to confirm the performance...
The M2 is one of our most eagerly anticipated drives of the year after our preview at BMW ‘M’ Festival.
HONDA JAZZ RS
Having overlooked the popular Jazz RS at launch, we confirm its credentials during a rigorous extended trial.
Collection A brand-new Honda Jazz awaits. We accept the key, noting its perfect condition and impeccable presentation. The RS badge signifies an injection of Honda’s sporting DNA and it’s reflected in more dynamic styling at either end, attractive alloy wheels, and a smallish-diameter steering wheel wrapped in leather. It...
Having overlooked the popular Jazz RS at launch, we confirm its credentials during a rigorous extended trial.
KGM TORRES
Korean newcomer looks to find its groove in local SUV market with appealing, good-value proposition.
You might not know it (we certainly didn’t) but Korea’s KGM Group has over 70 years of automotive heritage behind it and surprisingly strong global reach despite only exporting 55,000 cars last year. After acquiring SsangYong, it has quickly set about rebranding to KGM in Australasia and is doing so with great energy and enthusiasm. It...
Korean newcomer looks to find its groove in local SUV market with appealing, good-value proposition.
HONDA CR-V
Clever hybrid tech is a major drawcard for the top-ranking model in compelling new CR-V line-up.
Some mild electrification has made its way into the sixth-gen Honda CR-V, and to good effect, but you need to commit to the high-grade RS variant to experience it. The good news is that the RS e:HEV is competitively priced at $67k, or $14k above the Sport-badged entry point with its more modest 1.5-litre petrol-turbo and all-wheel...
Clever hybrid tech is a major drawcard for the top-ranking model in compelling new CR-V line-up.
CAR OF THE YEAR
The MG4 is the deserving winner of NZ’s biggest motoring accolade. We celebrate with a spin in the flagship model
The MG4 XPOWER is the best-dressed and comfortably the most powerful model in the five-strong MG4 line-up. Dual motors endow it with an eye-popping 320kW of thrust, putting supercar acceleration at a driver’s disposal, and all for $70k with a seven-year, unlimited mileage warranty for peace of mind. You even get a healthy potential range of...
The MG4 is the deserving winner of NZ’s biggest motoring accolade. We celebrate with a spin in the flagship model
CUPRA BORN
Striking Cupra hatch blends urgent performance and drivetrain flexibility with welcome efficiency and design appeal.
Another week and another intriguing all-electric offering from the wunderkind in the VW Group stable. Cupra has been so successful as a brand in its own right that it has upstaged Spanish parent brand SEAT, and it shows no signs of letting up with headline acts like the Cupra Born hatchback. It shares a platform and battery with the likes of the...
Striking Cupra hatch blends urgent performance and drivetrain flexibility with welcome efficiency and design appeal.
BMW i5 M60
Stately new 5-series saloon is awash with reasons to entertain the idea of premium EV ownership.
The new Five has arrived in pure-electric form, boasting bigger dimensions, greater power and a substantial price. Whereas the 5-series has traditionally boasted a comprehensive range of saloons and wagons with progressive outputs and equipment levels defined by its badging, for the timebeing we’re limited to one M Performance model that...
Stately new 5-series saloon is awash with reasons to entertain the idea of premium EV ownership.
SKODA ENYAQ COUPE
Sleeker interpretation of already-excellent SUV brings more design appeal and improved spec – at a price.
Having previously enjoyed a week in an Enyaq 80 SUV, it was almost inevitable that we’d be entertaining a swoopier, more stylised version before too long. And right on cue, here is the Enyaq Coupe – or Coupe Sportline Max 80 iV to give it its full name – with a Harbour Bridge roofline and glasshouse that mimic those of certain...
Sleeker interpretation of already-excellent SUV brings more design appeal and improved spec – at a price.
HOLIDAY HEROICS
The surprise star of a recent AMG drive day, the Mercedes EQE sedan kickstarted our new year with elegance and energy.
If the OPEL ASTRA GSe and CITROEN e-C4 firmly ticked the box marked ‘special-interest’, then our final Holiday Hero ticked it ten times over. We had briefly sampled the MERCEDES EQE 53 4MATIC+ at an AMG track day and the all-electric saloon’s fast-lapping ability was nothing short of astonishing. To start the new year with an EQE...
The surprise star of a recent AMG drive day, the Mercedes EQE sedan kickstarted our new year with elegance and energy.
HOLIDAY STARS
The new cars that made our pre- and post-Xmas driving a pleasure, and got 2024 off to a flying start...
The SUZUKI S-CROSS is one of those affordable five-doors that is simply more than the sum of its parts. It’s not a big player in the market, although sales of this hybridised model (equipped with 48V starter generator and 10kW/50Nm electric motor) are expected to be over half those of the popular Vitara this year. It brings an added layer of...
The new cars that made our pre- and post-Xmas driving a pleasure, and got 2024 off to a flying start...
HOLIDAY HEROES
Two Opels and a Citroen that made Xmas driving a pleasure, and got another motoring year off to a great start.
The OPEL GRANDLAND plug-in hybrid brought European technology and undeniable quality to our compact SUV party, plus a welcome dose of sporting flair in its design and handling. As mentioned earlier, this very pleasant device was with us all too briefly and didn’t deserve a cracked windscreen while out on motorway duties. No matter, because...
Two Opels and a Citroen that made Xmas driving a pleasure, and got another motoring year off to a great start.
PEUGEOT 308 GT
Excellent design and fluid handling give this GT-badged lion its roar, less so the modest three-cylinder motor.
There’s a big design story backing the new 308 range, a core model for Peugeot globally and a contender for Car of the Year honours in New Zealand. As a compact hatchback, it’s in a heated category battle with Golf, Focus and Mazda3 and its dimensions and level of appointment have grown in line with those of its competitors. While...
Excellent design and fluid handling give this GT-badged lion its roar, less so the modest three-cylinder motor.
MAZDA CX-90
Joining the CX-60 on Mazda’s new large-car platform, the CX-90 is a family flagship with refreshing points of difference.
There’s no denying the CX-90 is built to accommodate the whole family although its proportions cleverly disguise the fact that it’s very big. So big that the 21-inch alloys look just about right in their arches and not enormous. Cleaning the complete windscreen requires a footstool unless you have long levers. And you could conceal an...
Joining the CX-60 on Mazda’s new large-car platform, the CX-90 is a family flagship with refreshing points of difference.
MG4 ESSENCE
Sharply-styled MG4 Essence excels as a well-rounded, great-value hatchback with long legs and genuine driver appeal.
Those looking for a distinctive and practical longish-range EV that is genuinely fun to drive but doesn’t cost Tesla money will struggle to see past the MG4 Essence. This user-friendly five-door confirms how quickly electric vehicles have been evolving. The 150kW variant with 64kWh battery offers strong performance and very nimble handling...
Sharply-styled MG4 Essence excels as a well-rounded, great-value hatchback with long legs and genuine driver appeal.
MASERATI GRECALE
The Trident’s top-ranking medium SUV is as polished as it is potent, exhibiting great character, style and firepower.
Maserati has most bases nicely covered with its new range of SUVs. At one end of the Grecale spectrum are two-litre turbo-petrols with mild electric assistance; at the other, the fully-electric Folgore is on its way and promises a 550km range. In the meantime, the flagship is the storming 390kW Trofeo driven here, the V6 twin-turbo being a detuned...
The Trident’s top-ranking medium SUV is as polished as it is potent, exhibiting great character, style and firepower.
LEXUS RX 500h
Top-ranking 500h impresses as the most dynamically focused and most desirable model in new tech-laden line-up.
Advanced hybrid tech is now mandatory for the big RX and our first taste came in the form of the flagship 500h in its striking hero colour, Cobalt Blue. We’ve previously driven the pure-electric RZ and at first glance, you might think the ‘spindle-bodied’ pair are closely related given similar takes on Lexus’s Next Chapter...
Top-ranking 500h impresses as the most dynamically focused and most desirable model in new tech-laden line-up.
MERCEDES GLC 300
New GLC sits at the heart of the Mercedes ICE range where the 300 4MATIC must satisfy the majority of SUV buyers.
If this GLC looks slightly sleeker in your eyes, it’s no illusion. The new model has undergone a 60mm stretch in overall length (now 4.72m) and sits fractionally lower. What’s more, improved packaging has resulted in better rear legroom and an extra 50L of usable boot space, meaning the GLC is even more practical as a family’s...
New GLC sits at the heart of the Mercedes ICE range where the 300 4MATIC must satisfy the majority of SUV buyers.
ALFA ROMEO TONALE
Any new Alfa Romeo is worth celebrating. But can the compact Tonale SUV live up to high expectations in entry Ti trim?
Alfa Romeo launches have been few and far between in the last two turbulent decades. The new Tonale is the much-anticipated compact SUV that finally promises to build on the success of the bigger Stelvio SUV and Giulia saloon while significantly increasing global sales volumes. It certainly has the potential to expand the local customer base,...
Any new Alfa Romeo is worth celebrating. But can the compact Tonale SUV live up to high expectations in entry Ti trim?
AUDI Q4 e-tron
Mid-sized Q4 boasts high design and is very satisfying to drive in twin-motor form. But the price takes some digesting...
A couple of years after its European launch, the Audi Q4 e-tron has finally entered the Garage in its best-dressed, most expensive form. This ‘right-sized’ medium SUV immediately impresses with its sophisticated looks and imaginatively designed cabin. Packaging is first-rate. There’s great cohesion between exterior and...
Mid-sized Q4 boasts high design and is very satisfying to drive in twin-motor form. But the price takes some digesting...
BMW iX1
Strong performance, great security and a whisper-quiet cabin make BMW’s junior EV an excellent all-rounder.
We’ve already established that BMW’s base X1 excels at performing compact SUV duties. It’s spacious, versatile, beautifully-built, affords excellent visibility, and offers an appealing mix of comfort and tech features. As a dual-motored EV, it ramps up performance and efficiency levels as well as security, with standard xDrive, a...
Strong performance, great security and a whisper-quiet cabin make BMW’s junior EV an excellent all-rounder.
MAZDA CX-60 HOMURA
Premium plug-in moves in the direction of driver enjoyment and superior comfort while helping save the planet.
Mazda’s first plug-in hybrid has arrived on an all-new large car platform that has spawned both CX-60 and CX-90 models. The CX-60 Homura driven has a distinct sporting flavour and sits at the heart of the CX-60 range with the PHEV variant priced at almost $88k. But rest assured the RRP is justified by a pronounced move upmarket. The hybrid...
Premium plug-in moves in the direction of driver enjoyment and superior comfort while helping save the planet.
BYD DOLPHIN
Conventional-looking hatch offers space, comfort, terrific ease of use, and a range to settle the anxious driver.
Some would say the Dolphin is the zero-emissions car our market has been waiting for. We’re focusing on the Extended Range model which can do an impressive 427km on a single charge (WLTP) and also brings some dynamic performance to the table. Granted, you pay a $6k premium to go Extended, meaning the price approaches Atto 3 territory, but...
Conventional-looking hatch offers space, comfort, terrific ease of use, and a range to settle the anxious driver.
MINI CONVERTIBLE
Desirable drop-top gets a refresh and entertains with real sense of urgency and user-friendly hood operation.
Petrol options continue to dominate Mini sales and it remains the only fuel option for the Cooper S Convertible, a thoroughly revised model that comes laden with equipment in its two-door, four-seater configuration. The big talking point is the electronically operated canvas roof which can be fully opened or closed in 15 seconds (and even works on...
Desirable drop-top gets a refresh and entertains with real sense of urgency and user-friendly hood operation.
FIAT 500e
We navigate the northern Italian big smoke in the new 500 Electric before crossing the Med for relaxed island touring.
There is a belief that those who learn to drive on the streets of Rome will be well equipped to drive anywhere in the world. But the same could apply to the northern Italian cities of Milan and Turin, the respective homes of Alfa Romeo and Fiat. Our main focus on this trip was the new Fiat 500 Electric, Italy’s first mainstream EV, and our...
We navigate the northern Italian big smoke in the new 500 Electric before crossing the Med for relaxed island touring.
BMW i7
A plush ride and next-level creature comforts are hallmarks of BMW’s electric limo. And it still has plenty of driver appeal.
To say the i7 is a supremely comfortable riding car is probably stating the obvious. Its petrol and diesel-engine predecessors were mostly sublime in both the ride and handling departments, seemingly shrinking around a driver and feeling lighter on their feet than any full-size limo ought to. Whether up front or in the distant back seats, recent...
A plush ride and next-level creature comforts are hallmarks of BMW’s electric limo. And it still has plenty of driver appeal.
MAZDA MX-5 GT
There’s much more than meets the eye in this slick, limited-edition roadster that amply rewards the enthusiast driver.
It’s late in the life cycle of one of our perennial sportscar favourites, the fourth-gen MX-5. As cars become bigger, heavier and more complex, the purity of the little MX-5 continues to shine very brightly, especially during a week of glorious Spring weather. And especially in limited-edition form, with extra equipment and an attractive...
There’s much more than meets the eye in this slick, limited-edition roadster that amply rewards the enthusiast driver.
TOYOTA YARIS CROSS GRS
Everyday driveability and real-world economy suddenly seems more appealing with well-judged GR Sport treatment.
The compact Yaris Cross has quickly become a familiar sight on our roads due to its practicality, efficiency and forward-thinking design. But some might consider it a bit dull to drive and too upright and softly suspended to be worth pushing when the right road allows. Step forward the Gazoo Racing team who have worked their magic to sharpen up...
Everyday driveability and real-world economy suddenly seems more appealing with well-judged GR Sport treatment.
VOLVO XC40 P8
Volvo’s first full EV impresses in Ultimate dual-motor form, leaving us feeling inspired for the brand’s electric future.
Recharge is the punchy and memorable name for all electric and plug-in hybrid Volvo models. Expect to see it dotted all over the motoring landscape in quick time as Volvo expects 50 per cent of its global sales to be full EVs by 2025. First to market is this, the XC40 Recharge, which is not a bespoke EV but an electric interpretation of...
Volvo’s first full EV impresses in Ultimate dual-motor form, leaving us feeling inspired for the brand’s electric future.
SUBARU CROSSTREK
Ever-capable compact SUV comes into its own as it enters a third generation that now includes petrol and hybrid options.
Subaru’s XV crossover has matured very nicely and its evolution for the 2020s is reflected in the new Crosstrek name. Efficient petrol-electric hybrids have appeared on the menu but our first taste is of the naturally-aspirated petrol Premium model, powered by a familiar 2.0-litre boxer four that’s good for 115kW. The motor is not as...
Ever-capable compact SUV comes into its own as it enters a third generation that now includes petrol and hybrid options.
LEXUS RZ 450e
Another highly polished SUV joins the Lexus fold, this time an EV that showcases new driver appeal and design language.
Launched at the same time as the new RX range, and looking closely related, the all-electric RZ is the first EV from Lexus and is based on a platform that Toyota is employing for its zero-emission offerings. There’s clear logic in the RZ badging as the Z stands for Zero Emissions. The rest of the nomenclature highlights new drivetrain...
Another highly polished SUV joins the Lexus fold, this time an EV that showcases new driver appeal and design language.
TOYOTA GR COROLLA
Extraordinary Corolla is a riot on the right road and fairly level-headed when tasked with daily duties.
The GR badge has gained enthusiast respect in very short time. And deservedly so: the GR treatment of the Yaris is so involved it extends to a bespoke chassis and the results are pretty epic. The new GR Corolla promises similar excitement with some common hardware and notable advances. Helping to offset its extra weight, it offers even more power...
Extraordinary Corolla is a riot on the right road and fairly level-headed when tasked with daily duties.
SKODA ENYAQ 80
After a week and 500 brisk kilometres in the new Enyaq, we came away wondering what more we could really want in a family EV.
Skoda treated us to the more upmarket of two initial trim levels for the all-electric Enyaq. Both are badged Sportline. But a $5k premium gets you the Sportline Max flagship with Dynamic Chassis Control, Head-up Display, a 12-speaker Canton sound system and an illuminated ‘crystal-face’ grille. Our Race Blue test car was further...
After a week and 500 brisk kilometres in the new Enyaq, we came away wondering what more we could really want in a family EV.
NISSAN Z
Undeniably fast and very agreeable to live with, does the new Z have the driving character to match the looks?
It’s been a long time coming but sports coupe enthusiasts have finally been rewarded for their patience with the arrival of the new Nissan Z. Although it comes with a significant price hike, the Z has not undergone a repositioning. In fact, the new car’s platform is a carry-over from the 2009 370Z which itself shared...
Undeniably fast and very agreeable to live with, does the new Z have the driving character to match the looks?
SUZUKI VITARA
Turbo engine teams up with a 48v mild hybrid system for solid performance and excellent efficiency.
As you know, the term Hybrid has different meanings according to the technology applied. For the new Vitara Hybrid, we’re talking mild hybridisation, with a 48-volt battery and starter generator electrically boosting performance to massage power delivery from the 1373cc Boosterjet four. In doing so, it improves both low-speed drivability,...
Turbo engine teams up with a 48v mild hybrid system for solid performance and excellent efficiency.
TESLA MODEL Y
Popular mid-size SUV is NZ’s biggest-selling EV by a huge margin. It quickly becomes very obvious why.
Within a couple of kilometres, the Model Y’s biggest drawbacks become apparent. Ride quality around town is so-so, steering feel is no better, the turning circle is mediocre, and making on-the-move adjustments to things like cabin temperature is a fiddly touchscreen exercise until familiarity kicks in. Get past these initial misgivings,...
Popular mid-size SUV is NZ’s biggest-selling EV by a huge margin. It quickly becomes very obvious why.
TOYOTA GR SUPRA
A year on, the Supra looks no less dramatic than it did at launch. More grunt now makes it a more memorable drive.
A performance upgrade has lifted Supra power to 285kW thanks to a revised exhaust manifold, ECU remap and new pistons, and you’ll note new aluminium strut braces under the bonnet, too. What’s more, a new matte colour called Phantom Grey will pique buyer interest but the new palette hero is Horizon Blue, which happens to be the finish of...
A year on, the Supra looks no less dramatic than it did at launch. More grunt now makes it a more memorable drive.
BMW X1
Choice options make the new X1 a very appetising package but does it deliver enough round-town driver appeal?
It’s almost 15 years since we drive the original BMW X1 in the east of Germany and toured the impressive new Leipzig factory where it was produced. That 3-Series based car forged its own identity in an expanding BMW range and its higher-riding design went halfway towards becoming the true compact SUV that you see here. Now based on a...
Choice options make the new X1 a very appetising package but does it deliver enough round-town driver appeal?
MERCEDES C350e
Our Car of the Year exhibits superior application of hybrid tech in a car that delights driver and passengers alike.
With any plug-in hybrid, it pays handsomely to be a zealous charger, especially when there’s a genuine 100km of electric range on offer at charging speeds of up to 55kW. The 100km range of the C350e is certainly enough to open this model up to owners whose driving habits don’t fit any specific pattern. It serves brilliantly as an...
Our Car of the Year exhibits superior application of hybrid tech in a car that delights driver and passengers alike.
BMW i4 M50
New i4 doubles as two cars in one: a striking but practical executive coupe and a genuine high-performance flyer.
BMW’s expanding EV range now includes the svelte, four-door i4. It’s based upon the new 4-Series Gran Coupe, so a long and low bonnet and a sloping roofline shape its distinctive silhouette. With the iX3 and iX already on sale in New Zealand, the i4 gives BMW shoppers three all-electric family car options with many more to follow...
New i4 doubles as two cars in one: a striking but practical executive coupe and a genuine high-performance flyer.
CORVETTE STINGRAY
Big V8 migrates to the middle, the steering wheel shifts right, and the design moves in a crowd-pleasing direction.
The handover was refreshingly brief. A quick run-through the drive modes, a peak inside front and rear boots, a dummy run at removing the targa-style roof panel, and some quiet reassurance that the new mid-engined Stingray is a doddle to drive despite its intimidating looks. Ten minutes later, we’re back at HQ thinking that pleasant bloke...
Big V8 migrates to the middle, the steering wheel shifts right, and the design moves in a crowd-pleasing direction.
SUBARU OUTBACK
New flat-four turbo powers the outstanding do-it-all through the worst summer weather we’ve ever seen.
The Outback is Subaru’s most successful model in New Zealand, and has been for years, making up over 40 per cent of brand sales. Sitting in between a regular family wagon and an SUV, it has elements of each, and countless Kiwi owners swear by them as the best of both worlds. Handy in the rough stuff and with heaps of space inside, the...
New flat-four turbo powers the outstanding do-it-all through the worst summer weather we’ve ever seen.
NISSAN X-TRAIL
One to buy with the head rather than the heart, the high-spec X-Trail states its case as a smart choice in crowded SUV sector
Nissan is enjoying a rebirth of sorts with its ICE range. We’ve already driven the new Z sports coupe and now follows a trio of SUVs that includes the all-new X-Trail, the traditional big-seller in the local market. While entry models are priced from $48k, we put 600km under the wheels of the five-seater Ti-L with all-wheel drive and a...
One to buy with the head rather than the heart, the high-spec X-Trail states its case as a smart choice in crowded SUV sector
SUBARU WRX
The WRX returns and instantly impresses with gruntier engine, greater refinement and much broader appeal.
There was never any danger of Subaru spoiling the fifth generation WRX. Long regarded as a supremely capable car bred for rallying, it now offers unusually good versatility in striking sedan and wagon forms. More power and torque have entered the mix along with greater handling precision and a supermarket shopping list of standard equipment...
The WRX returns and instantly impresses with gruntier engine, greater refinement and much broader appeal.
BMW M FESTIVAL
50 years of BMW M warrants not only an M Festival but an epic road trip. Here are our highlights from a huge week.
New M2 makes dramatic debut A much more angular and aggressive design treatment underlines a more serious sporting brief for the new M2, the last pure-combustion offering from the M division. There’s 50:50 weight distribution, a manual gearbox option, much improved rigidity, increased track widths and 338kW from a twin-turbo...
50 years of BMW M warrants not only an M Festival but an epic road trip. Here are our highlights from a huge week.
MG ZS EV
As EVs move mainstream, it’s not just price that cements MG as a popular and affordable frontrunner.
As you know, a key attraction of EVs in New Zealand is they are largely powered by renewable energy. And with batteries becoming more energy-dense and owners getting smarter about setting their home charging for off-peak hours, the equation looks better and better. Meanwhile, an improving nationwide charging network is helping to quell those...
As EVs move mainstream, it’s not just price that cements MG as a popular and affordable frontrunner.
FORD RANGER V6
New diesel powers a dynamic dual-use double-cab with impressive suite of technology, comfort and drivetrain features.
Such is the demand for New Zealand’s top-selling vehicle, as of August, Ford NZ held between 5000 and 6000 orders for its all-new Ranger line-up, with half of those sales powered by potent V6 engines in Sport, Wildtrak and halo Raptor variants. Wildtrak retains a 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel option, the core engine for 4X4 models, and all three...
New diesel powers a dynamic dual-use double-cab with impressive suite of technology, comfort and drivetrain features.
HYUNDAI i20 N
Hyundai’s sporting division adds proper dynamic polish to a genuine, WRC-inspired hot hatch gem.
The looks alone broadcast serious intent. Under the sheetmetal, the i20 N shares the same platform as the regular i20 hatchback but unlike that car, there are four cylinders rather than three and a mechanical limited-slip differential delivering power to the front wheels. The manual box is just the thing for exploiting the turbo engine’s...
Hyundai’s sporting division adds proper dynamic polish to a genuine, WRC-inspired hot hatch gem.
MAZDA CX-5 SP25T
Stylish, refined SUV moves upmarket in sweeping upgrade and promises to effortlessly fit into your life.
Mazda’s next generation of Skyactiv architecture has now been applied to the 2022 CX-5, further evolving the bodyshell, suspension and seats to enhance ride comfort and reduce road noise. The update also sees the introduction of Mi-Drive drive mode selection, fresh styling and stronger grade differentiation, with this SP25T and the top-spec...
Stylish, refined SUV moves upmarket in sweeping upgrade and promises to effortlessly fit into your life.
BMW M240i
BMW continues to produce the broadest and arguably best range of sports coupes. Step forward the new M240i...
Further evidence of BMW’s two-door proficiency comes in the form of this punchy newcomer, the M240i xDrive. It packs a vast amount of power, endless high-tech wizardry and plenty of visual interest into a sleek body with very manageable dimensions, making it great fun in an urban setting and an absolute blast when the open road invites you to...
BMW continues to produce the broadest and arguably best range of sports coupes. Step forward the new M240i...
MERCEDES EQB350
A packaging triumph and very brisk performer, the EQB350 impresses as one of the most thoroughly resolved EVs around.
The real beauty of the EQB350 is apparent within the first kilometre of driving. It’s an intelligently calibrated device for all kinds of driving, making it supremely smooth, swift and calming when quietly negotiating city traffic or pressing on out of town. In either case, the impressive torque of the two drive motors is always on tap while...
A packaging triumph and very brisk performer, the EQB350 impresses as one of the most thoroughly resolved EVs around.
MERCEDES C300
Understated, deceptively swift saloon majors on refinement but rewards drivers who are in-tune with their cars.
Mercedes-Benz has initially kept the new for ’22 C-Class saloon range super-simple. The two models kicking things off are the C200 and C300, and we’ve driven the latter. This new, sixth-generation C-Class now features some degree of electrification across the range in an S-Class mimicking shape that incorporates plenty of flagship...
Understated, deceptively swift saloon majors on refinement but rewards drivers who are in-tune with their cars.
MINI COUNTRYMAN
Upmarket PHEV is an automotive tasting plate that makes a big initial impression and takes more than a moment to fully digest.
As you know, MINI is well on its way to an all-electric future that will officially begin by the year 2030. But its ambitions around sustainability have already been demonstrated by the recent evolution of its products, all of which, it can be noted, are created at manufacturing plants that use 100 per cent renewable energy. In the meantime,...
Upmarket PHEV is an automotive tasting plate that makes a big initial impression and takes more than a moment to fully digest.
RENAULT ARKANA
High-riding, light-footed five-door offers fine usability and equipment at a rather attractive price point.
It’s been a long time between Renault drives with the French brand offering a strictly consolidated passenger car line-up in our small market. We last drove a Megane RS on track before demolishing the length of the North Island and that car lives long in the memory. This five-door hatchback, the Korean-built Arkana, sits at the opposite end...
High-riding, light-footed five-door offers fine usability and equipment at a rather attractive price point.
HYUNDAI KONA N
Following in the scorching footsteps of the compact i30 N and diminutive i20 N comes Hyundai’s feisty new crossover.
Sharing its engine and transmission with the i30 N imbues the Kona N with similar straight-line performance to the conventional hatchback. Stiffening measures have been taken to compensate for the crossover’s extra ride height, while retuned electronic suspension and steering make for impressive handling on a charge. The hot Kona’s...
Following in the scorching footsteps of the compact i30 N and diminutive i20 N comes Hyundai’s feisty new crossover.
BMW iX xDrive50
BMW’s most sophisticated EV to date is a compelling way to transition to a fully-electric and sustainable motoring life.
Electric vehicle sales are accelerating and BMW is leading the charge with its latest and greatest, the all-new iX. This state-of-the-art SUV is based on a dedicated EV platform and signals another evolutionary step in emissions-free luxury. For starters, the iX brings new dimensions of space and refinement to BMW’s ranks. It filters noise...
BMW’s most sophisticated EV to date is a compelling way to transition to a fully-electric and sustainable motoring life.
KIA EV6 GT-LINE
High design and genuine innovations make the dual-motor GT-Line flagship a stand-out performer.
The most hotly anticipated Kia since the hard-hitting Stinger, the EV6 is not only Kia’s first dedicated EV, it also signals the transformation of a brand that promises to bring at least another dozen BEVs to market by 2027. But first, the EV6, and expectations of this lowish-riding family crossover were sky-high since it was crowned 2022...
High design and genuine innovations make the dual-motor GT-Line flagship a stand-out performer.
AUDI RS3
Riotous new RS3 introduces more forceful looks and enhanced dynamic agility over its revered predecessor.
Blistered arches, brake vents in bodywork, finely honed diffusers, and new RS driving modes all point to the new-found, on-the-limit capabilities of the new RS3 Sportback. This compact hatch is the first Audi model to come standard with a new torque splitter that was demonstrated on a purpose-built drift track through the use of RS Performance and...
Riotous new RS3 introduces more forceful looks and enhanced dynamic agility over its revered predecessor.
FIAT 500 DOLCEVITA
The enduring 500 returns in new configurations before it goes fully electric and moves upmarket.
The style-forward Fiat 500 has long traded on its retro good looks and compact car advantages. And it remains as relevant as ever on crowded Auckland streets, especially with fuel costs soaring and parking at a premium. Best of all, the 500 can be fun to drive in a city environment, and even a short hop to the local café carries a sense of...
The enduring 500 returns in new configurations before it goes fully electric and moves upmarket.
CITROEN C4
Alternative Gallic hatch is a gallant effort in a hotly contested sector and its price is as eye-catching as the design.
The third Citroen to wear a C4 badge is very spacious and comfortable for a high-riding compact hatchback that is highly specified for our market in sole (but customisable) Shine trim. You can’t help but notice the bold styling but ought to note the aggressive $40k pricing, too. The C4 sits on a platform typically used for...
Alternative Gallic hatch is a gallant effort in a hotly contested sector and its price is as eye-catching as the design.
MAZDA CX-30 BLACKOUT
Updates to the popular CX-30 range coincide with the addition of this mild-hybrid SP20 Special Edition.
As you’d expect from its moniker, the SP20 Blackout features a heavily black accentuated exterior, dark alloys, and a generally dark-shaded interior that is offset by red stitching. In full Mazda speak, the new model is powered by the e-Skyactiv G 2.0-litre engine with an apparently unique M Hybrid system recovering and storing electricity in...
Updates to the popular CX-30 range coincide with the addition of this mild-hybrid SP20 Special Edition.
KIA SPORTAGE LX
Entry-spec Sportage introduces some genuine mainstream magic at an extremely approachable price.
The Sportage is a crucial Kia staple and this example kicks off a broad-batted, eight-model range capped by a high-spec AWD diesel at $62k. Those who covet the ‘less is more’ mantra will be handsomely rewarded by this cut-price LX variant. Equipped with a two-litre four and six-speed auto that work harmoniously in everyday situations,...
Entry-spec Sportage introduces some genuine mainstream magic at an extremely approachable price.
AUDI E-TRON S
Hot luxury EV delights keen drivers with massive thrust and surprisingly fluid handling in elegant Sportback guise.
Three electric drive motors and clever torque-vectoring give the new e-tron S the extra shove to match its more sporting looks. Performance of the e-tron 55 was always excellent but nearly 1000Nm (available for 8 seconds in overboost) propels the S to the next level, despite a 2600kg kerb weight. The sprint to 100km/h in 4.5...
Hot luxury EV delights keen drivers with massive thrust and surprisingly fluid handling in elegant Sportback guise.
MAZDA MX-30
Appealing EV is rewarding to drive and easy on the eye. But does it offer enough practicality and battery potential?
A prolonged lockdown meant our 6-day MX-30 loan turned into 6 weeks during which we were mostly limited to essential suburban trips. So range anxiety was never going to be an issue, especially with no pressure on Auckland’s public charging infrastructure. The extended loan proved timely as we’ve been shopping for an EV...
Appealing EV is rewarding to drive and easy on the eye. But does it offer enough practicality and battery potential?
MERCEDES EQC 400
Slippery all-electric EQC impresses for the completeness of its design and a serious turn of speed when required.
So good is the EQC, currently Mercedes’ sole electric offering in the NZ market, that it does not feel like a first-generation EV. It’s so fast, so refined, so well conceived and so effortless to use that you’d think Mercedes had been making cars like this for a decade or two. The one achievement that really stood out during our...
Slippery all-electric EQC impresses for the completeness of its design and a serious turn of speed when required.
BMW M4 COMPETITION
More firepower, better dynamics and user-friendly attributes make the new M4 a force to be reckoned with.
If the original M4 was your kind of machine, chances are this new Competition variant will make an even bigger impression on you, regardless of whether you embrace the more aggressive styling. It represents a big step forward for BMW performance coupes with new levels of pace, engagement and controllability from a car that sends 375kW to its...
More firepower, better dynamics and user-friendly attributes make the new M4 a force to be reckoned with.
VW GOLF GTI
The archetypal hot hatch enters its eighth iteration and dials up the sporting thrills and classy cabin tech.
There might be a few shades of grey on Volkswagen’s GTI colour chart but there’s nothing grey about the performance and handling of the all-new model. Our Moonstone Grey test car featured traditional red GTI accents, tartan upholstery with a red pinstripe, and upgraded 19-inch Adelaide alloys. These add visual impact and come booted...
The archetypal hot hatch enters its eighth iteration and dials up the sporting thrills and classy cabin tech.
AUDI S3
Modifications run deep in sharper, hotter hatch that pairs genuine compliance with heightened levels of handling.
A remarkably high percentage of Audis sold in NZ (44 per cent year to date) feature a sporting ‘S’ or ‘RS’ badge, with the top-ranking RS variants slightly more popular than their tier-two, ‘S’-badged equivalents. The S3 hatch, now in its fourth generation, has long been viewed as the traditional gateway to Audi...
Modifications run deep in sharper, hotter hatch that pairs genuine compliance with heightened levels of handling.
BMW M440i xDRIVE
During a week of driving E30 BMWs, we consider how the M440i is the modern equivalent of the much-loved M325i.
If the M4 has inherited the legacy of the E30 M3 from the late 1980s, then the M440i, driven here with optional xDrive, is the modern equivalent of the ever-popular M325i. Of course, the cars are so different in size, specification and performance that any kind of comparison is a fruitless exercise. But in the context of the expansive,...
During a week of driving E30 BMWs, we consider how the M440i is the modern equivalent of the much-loved M325i.
JAGUAR F-PACE P400
Major update for Jaguar’s star all-rounder adds driver appeal, creature comforts and quality new tech.
The F-Pace range has undergone such a comprehensive update that to call it a mid-life facelift sells it well short. We sampled the P400 R-Dynamic, a model that sits well up the pecking order. In fact, the base price for the lavishly-equipped HSE is $135,900 but the standard equipment list at this level is huge. What you see driven here costs $144k...
Major update for Jaguar’s star all-rounder adds driver appeal, creature comforts and quality new tech.
AUDI RS4
New RS4 represents the sweet spot of an expanded Audi Sport range that now boasts nine rip-snorting RS models.
Those who manage the Audi brand locally insist 2020 is the year Audi has long been waiting for from a product perspective. Audi NZ has launched two dozen new models in 12 months and the majority of them are prefixed by ‘S’ (very hot) and ‘RS’ (super hot) badging. The RS cars spearhead each model range and we drove several...
New RS4 represents the sweet spot of an expanded Audi Sport range that now boasts nine rip-snorting RS models.
BMW M3 COMPETITION
A 375kW straight-six, rear-wheel drive, racing-inspired reflexes… how could the new M3 fail to seduce?
The letter ‘M’ is exceedingly important to BMW NZ. We’re the world’s number one market, in percentage terms, for full-fat BMW M cars and M Performance models. That evocative ‘M’ logo appears on one in four new BMWs sold here. It’s a very big deal. Such a big deal, in fact, that BMW transformed Hampton...
A 375kW straight-six, rear-wheel drive, racing-inspired reflexes… how could the new M3 fail to seduce?
SKODA OCTAVIA vRS
Punchy performance and strong design credentials make the vRS wagon a clear contender for keen drivers.
The Octavia has come a long way in four generations and the vRS wagon now benefits from bolder looks and minor increases in width and length for even greater versatility. There’s terrific attention to design detail inside and out with an interesting mix of textures, materials and tech features, all cleverly integrated in a handsome,...
Punchy performance and strong design credentials make the vRS wagon a clear contender for keen drivers.
FERRARI 812 COMPETIZIONE
Ferrari fleshes out its formidable 812 range with thrilling V12 variants that showcase its sporting soul.
Ferrari has further expanded its V12 special series based on the front-engined 812 Superfast. Ferrari Australasia recently launched the 812 GTS at Hampton Downs alongside the F8 Tributo and Spider, but the 812 Competizione Coupe and Competizione Aperta, introduced in Modena, are genuine track specials with serious racing credentials. The...
Ferrari fleshes out its formidable 812 range with thrilling V12 variants that showcase its sporting soul.
TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
Supremely practical and efficient, this classy family SUV devours every trip cost-effectively and with some style.
As you already know, Toyota has an unwavering focus on reducing customer vehicle emissions. Almost two in five Toyota passenger cars and SUVs sold here last year were hybrids. The RAV4 spearheaded the hybrid SUV movement and now Highlander hybrid is set to add more impetus further up the SUV chain. The best-dressed Limited ZR model caps the new...
Supremely practical and efficient, this classy family SUV devours every trip cost-effectively and with some style.
FERRARI F8 TRIBUTO
Addictive mid-engined marvel scores a 10 for track performance. It deserves the same for overall desirability.
Turbocharging has had a big impact on Ferrari’s mid-engined super sportscars, and for the most part it’s proven very positive indeed. Fifteen years ago it seemed incredible that the F430’s 4.3-litre V8 produced just shy of 500 horsepower in old money. The new F8 Tributo offers comfortably more than 700bhp from 3902cc and a...
Addictive mid-engined marvel scores a 10 for track performance. It deserves the same for overall desirability.
TOYOTA GR YARIS
Make no mistake, the immersive and acrobatic GR might only have three cylinders but it’s a sizzling hot hatchback.
This is the first ground-up performance car developed solely by Toyota this century. It’s the fruit of a 2015 decision to create Gazoo Racing, Toyota’s bespoke motorsport arm. And there are thinly disguised WRC ambitions in its DNA; a fleeting glance at the bodywork is as telling as a trawl through the GR Yaris spec sheet. The slightly...
Make no mistake, the immersive and acrobatic GR might only have three cylinders but it’s a sizzling hot hatchback.
LEXUS LC500 CONVERTIBLE
Extraordinary drop-top exemplifies brand’s commitment to arresting design, superb engineering and genuine driver appeal.
Apart from striving for maximum visual impact, Lexus designers sought to keep the LC silhouette as recognisable as possible in this stunning flagship drop-top. And it had to look equally appealing with the roof up or down. The choice of canvas for the hood makes it immediately recognisable as a convertible and adds a little romance to the package....
Extraordinary drop-top exemplifies brand’s commitment to arresting design, superb engineering and genuine driver appeal.
BMW 420i COUPE
Bold new 4-Series adds extra character and refinement to a proven recipe. It’s best served with a straight-six though.
The 4-Series Coupe and Convertible range has enjoyed huge global appeal since its debut in 2013 with over 800,000 sales in the bag. Now BMW has added spice to the recipe for the second generation Coupe. They’ve tweaked the dimensions to give it more road presence and gone quite radical with the styling to distil a distinctive identity. The...
Bold new 4-Series adds extra character and refinement to a proven recipe. It’s best served with a straight-six though.
MERCEDES GLA 35 AMG
Mercedes-AMG’s junior SUV could deliver all the punch and practicality to meet your real-world demands.
Is this a performance bargain? Its price point is certainly as eye-catching as the Patagonia Red colour (a Designo special colour, in case you’re wondering). Kicking off just shy of $100k makes this AMG all-rounder reasonably approachable. And it’s not short of visual drama thanks to huge five-arm alloys, special exhaust tips, a...
Mercedes-AMG’s junior SUV could deliver all the punch and practicality to meet your real-world demands.
FERRARI ROMA
Effortlessly elegant and effortlessly quick, the Ferrari Roma evokes a classical aesthetic from a bygone era.
Any new Ferrari is cause for celebration. The front-engined Roma deserves special mention because it sets the high-water mark for luxury GTs that miraculously double as pared-back sportscars. And, at first glance, the richness and relative simplicity of its new-generation cockpit seems just as impressive. Designed in-house by Centro Stile, the...
Effortlessly elegant and effortlessly quick, the Ferrari Roma evokes a classical aesthetic from a bygone era.
HONDA CIVIC TYPE R
Honda’s mild upgrade for the Type R fine-tunes an already fast and impeccably mannered five-door.
Even in Boost Blue Pearl, the hero colour for this revised model, Honda’s high-performance hatch looks white-hot. In Type R tradition, it’s no shrinking violet, but the dramatic additions to the fairly aggressive basic body shape are as much about on-the-limit function as they are about form. Enthusiasts will pore over every exterior...
Honda’s mild upgrade for the Type R fine-tunes an already fast and impeccably mannered five-door.
BMW M340i TOURING
Impressive on-paper stats translate into a truly impressive driver’s car and a very comfortable tourer to boot.
A pleasingly distinctive shape marks the Touring out from most 3-Series, but at the same time it looks quite understated. It’s a genuine sleeper in the sense that it will surprise passengers with the urgent note of the straight-six turbo upon start-up and surprise them further when it scorches to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds. Look closely, beyond...
Impressive on-paper stats translate into a truly impressive driver’s car and a very comfortable tourer to boot.
AUDI E-TRON SPORT
Sleek tail treatment and a lowered ride height mean more rakish looks and a slightly sportier drive for all-electric Sportback.
Audi is riding an incredible wave of new or facelifted models and SUVs now make up 70 per cent of local sales for the brand. All-electric e-tron models are slowly making inroads and the full name of this newcomer is the Audi e-tron 55 quattro Sportback. Electric motors front and rear drive through their own single-speed gearing for a peak combined...
Sleek tail treatment and a lowered ride height mean more rakish looks and a slightly sportier drive for all-electric Sportback.
FORD PUMA
Ford injects design flair and genuine driver appeal into a class not noted for an engaging experience.
Ford has revived the Puma nameplate for an athletic small crossover that has swept into the market like a breath of fresh air. The three cylinders of the 1.0-litre 999cc Ecoboost engine are mounted transversely in the nose and drive the front wheels through a seven-speed automatic. This transmission is mandatory and really rather good at shifting...
Ford injects design flair and genuine driver appeal into a class not noted for an engaging experience.
MINI ELECTRIC
Mini’s first series-production electric car powers into the marketplace with proven technology and plenty of character.
Demand is so strong for the Mini E that you can expect a minimum six-month wait for delivery from the factory in England. That’s probably an easy pill to swallow for brand fans who have been waiting six years or more for a conventional-looking hatch that can travel up to 233km on a charge and offers Cooper S levels of performance. In the...
Mini’s first series-production electric car powers into the marketplace with proven technology and plenty of character.
DEFENDER 110 D240
Follow-up drive of the new Defender meant a week in a twin-turbo diesel SE with proper expedition potential.
A cool $10,150 invites you (according to the brochure) to defy conventions and conquer the most unchartered landscapes. You certainly look and feel equipped to drive the length of Africa by optioning the pricey Explorer Pack. You get classic mudflaps front and rear, a Matte Black 110 bonnet decal, the most stylish of spare wheel covers, an equally...
Follow-up drive of the new Defender meant a week in a twin-turbo diesel SE with proper expedition potential.
AUDI RS Q3
Hottest Q3 is hard to beat for performance and style when you’re shopping in the top tier of mid-size SUVs.
This is the second generation of the RS Q3 but this time it’s available in both Q3 and Q3 Sportback forms. Despite initial misgivings about the need for faster-backed SUV variants, the market has spoken, and Audi caters for various established niches with its Sportback models. We drove the regular Q3 Sportback recently but the RS treatment...
Hottest Q3 is hard to beat for performance and style when you’re shopping in the top tier of mid-size SUVs.
AUDI RS6 AVANT
Sensational fourth-gen RS6 boasts hardcore looks and voracious appetite for speed. It also doubles as an effortless grand tourer.
When was the last time Audi failed to make an RS Avant model look fantastic? This bold new design benefits from a reflective metallic to show off the body curves and it cuts a superb dash in stormy grey. Some suggest the rear of the car with its bulging haunches and broad apron has as much visual impact as the hawkish nose with its slim matrix...
Sensational fourth-gen RS6 boasts hardcore looks and voracious appetite for speed. It also doubles as an effortless grand tourer.
MERCEDES A45 S AMG
Wolf in wolf’s clothing outpaces all other proper hot hatches and laughs loudly in the face of physics.
Mercedes-AMG has outdone itself in the serious hot hatch stakes, replacing what was already the fastest hot hatch around (A45 AMG) with the all-new A45 S AMG. The new M139 motor is modest in capacity at 1991cc but its 310kW output is vast, and a new gearbox, new drive modes and the torque-shuffling wonders of 4Matic+ make all that power a joy to...
Wolf in wolf’s clothing outpaces all other proper hot hatches and laughs loudly in the face of physics.
MAZDA CX-30 GTX
A stylish, right-sized five-door for the real world with advanced tech and a semi-premium feel.
The latest, most shapely addition to Mazda’s versatile CX range is the first with a moniker bearing two digits. The CX-30 blends some of the practicality of the family-favoured CX-5 with the agility of the smaller CX-3 in a fresh, sharp-suited design.We hit the jackpot with a punchy CX-30 GTX painted in Mazda’s hero colour, Soul Red...
A stylish, right-sized five-door for the real world with advanced tech and a semi-premium feel.
LAND ROVER DEFENDER 110
An adventurous character with go-anywhere credentials, the new Defender is a modern take on a slice of automotive history.
As far as design challenges go, the task of replacing the iconic Defender is off the charts. As you know, it is derived from the original Land Rover, which dates right back to 1948, so expectations for the replacement are as high as the hills and forward orders fill the books.We ventured beyond cellphone coverage, to Kauri Bay Boomrock, to discover...
An adventurous character with go-anywhere credentials, the new Defender is a modern take on a slice of automotive history.
SUZUKI JIMNY
Mighty micro-4x4 has bags of character, and proves more capable than compromised in everyday driving.
Fancy a simple but fun-filled compact car that excels around town and in muddy paddocks? Behold the box-like Suzuki Jimny, the new version of which stays true to the rugged roots of its three long-serving predecessors, the earliest of which looks set to enjoy iconic status.At just 3.65m in length, the newbie is as pint-sized as ever and features...
Mighty micro-4x4 has bags of character, and proves more capable than compromised in everyday driving.
AUDI RS Q8
Bold and strangely beautiful, Audi’s top-spec SUV blends brute force with almost balletic agility.
These things change frequently but, at the time of writing, a Nurburgring lap record underlines this car’s startling ability. That’s right, the Audi RS Q8 holds the ’ring record for SUVs, beating both a high-riding AMG hotrod and the Lamborghini Urus by a significant margin. So expectations were high when the press car turned up...
Bold and strangely beautiful, Audi’s top-spec SUV blends brute force with almost balletic agility.
BMW M4 CONVERTIBLE
Not all Xmas cheer involves booze. We sign off the calendar year in a uniquely intoxicating M4 convertible.
How’s this for exclusivity: this unmissable M4 Edition 30 Jahre is the only drop-top of its type you’ll see streaking along Kiwi streets. The unique-in-NZ convertible celebrates 30 years since BMW’s M division first brought a high-performance open-top to market. That car was the E30 M3 Convertible, a sports car designed for...
Not all Xmas cheer involves booze. We sign off the calendar year in a uniquely intoxicating M4 convertible.
AUDI A1 CITYCARVER
Bold looks and a tall ride height see the citycarver add an extra dimension to Audi’s excellent new A1 range.
The A1 citycarver sounds like a motor show concept car but its appeal lies in its real-world practicality. It stands 50mm taller than the all-new A1 Sportback, adds a couple of centimetres in length and width, and adopts a fair few design details to give it a more confident external appearance. It’s fun to drive in a polished, grown-up way,...
Bold looks and a tall ride height see the citycarver add an extra dimension to Audi’s excellent new A1 range.
BMW X6 xDrive 30d
Imposing SUV-coupe puts in a gutsy touring performance on a well-timed, pre-lockdown road trip.
The X6 has returned with an evolutionary look and in two diesel-sipping flavours, badged 30d and 50d. Each makes a strong visual statement with a broad-shouldered body and a heavily arched roofline leading to a busy, upright rear end. So big and bold are the wheelarches that even upgraded 22-inch alloys look about right on an X6 rather than...
Imposing SUV-coupe puts in a gutsy touring performance on a well-timed, pre-lockdown road trip.
MINI COOPER JCW
Always energetic and entertaining, this three-door flyer outperforms on fun and the feelgood factor.
As we celebrate 60 years of the Mini nameplate, it’s fitting to be behind the wheel of an absolute range highlight. Our Cooper JCW appeared in Solaris Orange metallic, a brash colour that suits the aggressive looks of this go-much-faster model. The strong, free-revving engine sounds the business when Sport mode is selected and the active...
Always energetic and entertaining, this three-door flyer outperforms on fun and the feelgood factor.
ASTON DB11 AMR
Aston Martin Racing initials denote sharper responses and more sporting character for 12-cylinder DB11.
A five per cent power increase tells only five per cent of the story of the new DB11 AMR. Extra punch sees it surge to 100km/h in just 3.7 seconds to keep pace with the lighter Vantage but without crowding the flagship 715bhp DBS with which the DB11 shares its aluminium platform. They’ve turned up the soundtrack, too, so full-noise...
Aston Martin Racing initials denote sharper responses and more sporting character for 12-cylinder DB11.
JAGUAR XJR 575
Halo model blends exclusivity and savage performance to delight (and possibly scare) RWD purists.
Overview: Flying flagship gets a five per cent power boost (thanks to ECU fettling) to give ‘R’ badge even more clout in limited-run, standard wheelbase car. A maximum of 10 are destined for NZ. Design: Unquestionably another large Jaguar with enduring design appeal that suits low ride height and overtly sporting treatment. Unique...
Halo model blends exclusivity and savage performance to delight (and possibly scare) RWD purists.
LEXUS RX450h F-SPORT
High-riding Lexus hybrid gets a mid-life going-over and emerges with a more driver-focused demeanor.
Parallel-hybrid power continues to prove popular, with Lexus hybrids outselling their petrol-only equivalents throughout 2019. In a best-of-both-worlds scenario, this self-charging hybrid-electric SUV brings extra refinement to the revamped RX range and impresses as a sporty five-seater.With the F-Sport badge present, performance, efficiency and...
High-riding Lexus hybrid gets a mid-life going-over and emerges with a more driver-focused demeanor.
BMW X3 M COMPETITION
Munich’s latest excitement machine is central to a massive new performance push. Is it all the SUV you need?
BMW's in-house tuner is in overdrive, applying full-on M magic to a host of new models. At the heart of the action is the X3 M Competition, the practical and nicely proportioned mid-size SUV transformed into an authentic M-division flyer. It’s partnered in the range by the X4 M, which exhibits even more flair with its swept-back roofline and...
Munich’s latest excitement machine is central to a massive new performance push. Is it all the SUV you need?
JAGUAR XE P300 HSE
The fleet-footed XE has scored a substantial mid-life refresh. Can it make waves in our SUV-obsessed premium market?
When it was launched in 2015, the XE impressed as a very precise driver’s car but with looks that made it appear less distinctive than other Jaguars. To some eyes, the baby Jag had taken on a Teutonic conservatism and ended up looking too much like a scaled-down XF, both inside and out.The facelift for 2020 Model Year cars corrects that, as...
The fleet-footed XE has scored a substantial mid-life refresh. Can it make waves in our SUV-obsessed premium market?
FERRARI F8 SPIDER
Ferrari’s core mid-engined supercars promise greater on-road compliance and extra on-track agility.
The new F8 Tributo and Spider captivate at a standstill. The mid-engined berlinetta and drop-top introduce a new design language that emphasises Ferrari’s key characteristics of high performance and extreme aerodynamic efficiency. The emotive in-house designs see the return of four round tail lights and the most curvaceous flanks since the...
Ferrari’s core mid-engined supercars promise greater on-road compliance and extra on-track agility.
BMW Z4 M40i
Canvas-hooded Z4 has more character and stronger sporting credentials than before, and a sky-high equipment level.
The new Z4 roadster is based on a platform developed in tandem with Toyota over several years, and it’s even built at the same Austrian plant as the new Toyota Supra. The overall design, characterised by some dominant lines through the flanks and softer secondary lines, is not a straightforward evolution of previous Z4s. The stacked,...
Canvas-hooded Z4 has more character and stronger sporting credentials than before, and a sky-high equipment level.
ASTON MARTIN VANTAGE
Extended stint in highly-optioned car shows why the Vantage is winning over new and existing Aston Martin customers.
Not for the first time, white is the new black when it comes to car exteriors. And if you’re keen on white for your new Vantage, you'll have three versions to choose from, at varying price points. Stratus White (from the Contemporary palette) is the colour of this factory demonstrator that boasts a compelling list of equipment and shows off...
Extended stint in highly-optioned car shows why the Vantage is winning over new and existing Aston Martin customers.
JAGUAR F-PACE SVR
Supercharged V8 broadcasts a stirring soundtrack in a double agent turned out by Special Vehicle Operations.
One of the best things about top-performing SUVs is that the two-cars-in-one formula simplifies the lives of many motorists. Where once an enthusiast would fill the garage with a premium four-door and a brawny sportscar, now you can consolidate the best attributes of both in a fire-breathing SUV like the Jaguar F-Pace SVR. It is comfortable to...
Supercharged V8 broadcasts a stirring soundtrack in a double agent turned out by Special Vehicle Operations.
McLAREN 600LT SPIDER
Thoroughly reworked Sports Series flyer is pared back for the track but offers great driver involvement on the right roads.
In this game, where access to the best machinery is remarkably good, it would be easy to fall into the trap of taking press demonstrators for granted. There was no risk of that happening when a McLaren 600LT Spider – fresh out of the box, with a handful of delivery kilometres – arrived for a Kiwi-first trial. The only regret was not...
Thoroughly reworked Sports Series flyer is pared back for the track but offers great driver involvement on the right roads.
AUDI E-TRON 55 QUATTRO
Time for some South Island glide time in Audi’s limo-like electric SUV with its ultra-modern blueprint.
Audi’s long-awaited e-tron has enjoyed a long gestation period, the benefits of which are immediately felt in this classy, limo-like SUV with its ultra-modern blueprint. Overall size is a little shy of Audi’s biggest SUVs, the Q7 and Q8, while a lower, sleeker roofline hints at a stronger blend of sportiness and efficiency.And the...
Time for some South Island glide time in Audi’s limo-like electric SUV with its ultra-modern blueprint.
TOYOTA SUPRA
The Supra for the 21st century is the first car to be developed by in-house performance division, Gazoo Racing.
The long-awaited Toyota Supra follows four models produced between the 1970s and 1990s and features the initials GR in its full model name to reflect the development work of in-house performance division, Gazoo Racing.The initials BMW also feature in the full background story because Toyota and BMW have shared resources to good effect in creating...
The Supra for the 21st century is the first car to be developed by in-house performance division, Gazoo Racing.
RANGE ROVER EVOQUE P250
Classy evolution of original compact luxury SUV ramps up refinement and capability in a First Edition special.
The Evoque remains as fashionable today as it was when it became a style-led benchmark back in 2011. The big news for this all-new (the only carry-over items are door hinges) version of the baby Range Rover is how well it has bridged the gap to its much bigger brothers without bulking up. It has been modernised in every detail and broadly refined...
Classy evolution of original compact luxury SUV ramps up refinement and capability in a First Edition special.
JAGUAR XJR 575 (pt 2)
Supercharged V8 with 423kW makes limited edition flagship the most potent XJ ever and a likely future classic.
Start-up: No disguising the fact that an absolute powerhouse has sprung to life and it rumbles threateningly before the tone eventually settles. That supercharger slices the best part of a second from the sprint time to 100km/h, which now stands at 4.4 secs. Cruise: Involvement is most welcome in steering feel. It’s a communicative,...
Supercharged V8 with 423kW makes limited edition flagship the most potent XJ ever and a likely future classic.
HOLDEN COLORADO ROX
Hardcore Holden ute ventures into tough terrain and proves as capable as its imposing looks suggest.
Holden New Zealand has taken a no-holds-barred approach to this ambitious, one-off Colorado concept. Built in conjunction with Auckland-based customiser Retro Vehicle Enhancement, the high-rise super-truck will spark the imagination of utility buyers as it showcases the potential of Holden’s hard-working Colorado range. After making an...
Hardcore Holden ute ventures into tough terrain and proves as capable as its imposing looks suggest.
RENAULT MEGANE R.S. (pt 2)
We hit the road in RenaultSport’s hardest-hitting hatch days after it reclaimed the front-drive Nurburgring record.
It’s 15 years since the first bustle-backed Megane RS delighted enthusiasts and about 15 days since it regained a much-publicised Nurburgring record from Honda. As previously described, the RS engine’s output is a very healthy 206kW from 1.8 litres (previously 2.0 litres) and peak torque rises to 390Nm when the slick-shifting EDC...
We hit the road in RenaultSport’s hardest-hitting hatch days after it reclaimed the front-drive Nurburgring record.
JAGUAR I-PACE (pt 2)
The I-Pace is not just the first full-sized premium Euro BEV, it’s the 2019 European and World Car of the Year.
With a real-world range of 400km and seating for five adults, this isn’t an EV for the hobbyist, it’s a serious proposition for any business user or busy family. Not surprisingly, the accolades have been flowing for the ground-breaking I-Pace, the most significant Jaguar family car in decades and one of the most successful creations...
The I-Pace is not just the first full-sized premium Euro BEV, it’s the 2019 European and World Car of the Year.
MAZDA MX-5 RF GT
Agile drop-top proves endlessly entertaining in RF manual guise with the clever retractable hardtop.
Engagement is the key to any MX-5 experience. Spread across four generations and 30 years, these diminutive but energetic sportscars are forever in tune with a driver’s mood. Factor in the low weight, low centre of gravity and 50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution of the current-shape ND and you have a sensational platform from which to...
Agile drop-top proves endlessly entertaining in RF manual guise with the clever retractable hardtop.
ALFA ROMEO STELVIO QV
Rampant Quadrifoglio hits 100km/h in under four seconds and quickly proves it’s no one-trick performance pony.
Perhaps Alfa’s main achievement with the Stelvio QV is that it’s so fast, feelsome and well balanced that it can easily fool you into forgetting it’s an SUV. That’s how absorbing it is to drive quickly on any remotely interesting stretch of road.Like the Giulia Quadrifoglio saloon with which it shares its potent powertrain,...
Rampant Quadrifoglio hits 100km/h in under four seconds and quickly proves it’s no one-trick performance pony.
HOLDEN EXPEDITION
Five-car convoy connects the KiwiGarage crew with the characters and coastal wonders of Chatham Island.
Holden New Zealand has been in operation for 65 years now, connecting several generations of Kiwis via every roadway in the country. The current HNZ team is a far-sighted bunch who value their heritage, so 65 years of toil was cause for a proper celebration rather than an excuse to cash in the KiwiSaver account.To go one further than any other car...
Five-car convoy connects the KiwiGarage crew with the characters and coastal wonders of Chatham Island.
JAGUAR I-PACE (pt 1)
If you had to choose between an Urus or an I-Pace for 400km of holiday weekend motoring, which would you go for?
That was the decision we faced before Easter but it was scarcely a dilemma. In fact, the decision proved an easy one to make with the I-Pace earning a World Car of the Year award to go with its European Car of the Year and World Car Design crowns.The initial beauty of the I-Pace lies in an Ian Callum design that is Polar-blast fresh yet superbly...
If you had to choose between an Urus or an I-Pace for 400km of holiday weekend motoring, which would you go for?
BMW M850i COUPE (pt 3)
BMW’s new flagship coupe references past sporting greats and may have the ingredients of a future classic.
This M850i xDrive Coupe (to give the car its full title) is not the first BMW to wear an 850 badge. The original 8-Series, widely regarded as a technological tour de force, enjoyed a decade-long production run from 1989 and the 850i was the top-ranking variant, with a 5.6-litre V12.Rewind to the 1970s and BMW enjoyed terrific sales and touring...
BMW’s new flagship coupe references past sporting greats and may have the ingredients of a future classic.
BMW M850i COUPE (pt 2)
For a second impression of the M850i, we find a good, keen racing driver whose business involves training BMW drivers.
“The first thing you notice,” Mike Eady comments, seconds after step-off, “is that it’s got such a smooth, well-balanced ride. This car has the latest electronic damping. Comfort mode is very comfortable that’s for sure, but it still turns beautifully into the corners. Quite often BMWs have been criticised for a bumpy...
For a second impression of the M850i, we find a good, keen racing driver whose business involves training BMW drivers.
BMW 330i SALOON
A weekend romp to the Beach Hop festival lets the 330i reveal its touring strengths and open-road potential.
First up, the familiar SH1 slog that kicks off the two-hour dash from Auckland to Whangamata. In the new 3-Series, this stretch highlights smooth, hushed motorway progress confirming useful overall refinement gains. There’s very little in the way of mechanical noise unless you demand plenty from the engine in kickdown and the 41mm wheelbase...
A weekend romp to the Beach Hop festival lets the 330i reveal its touring strengths and open-road potential.
LEXUS UX250h
Wondering whether the UX is well worth the wait? In hybrid Limited form, the answer is a resounding yes.
A latecomer to the busy premium crossover scene, the new UX stands out with its ‘cuts and creases’ design, sumptuous cabin and pleasing tactility of controls. It’s a true cross between a five-door hatchback and a compact SUV, with 4WD as an option.The profile is unusually sleek and you sit up front in a semi-command position with...
Wondering whether the UX is well worth the wait? In hybrid Limited form, the answer is a resounding yes.
BMW M850i COUPE (pt 1)
The best sporting GTs all offer blockbuster performance but few are as well-rounded as the new BMW 8-Series.
Some sporting grand tourers are more compromised than others as daily drivers and striking the right balance is hugely challenging. If they’re pared back for outright handling and performance, they might be great on a track, but too harsh and tiresome on our roads once the novelty of the whirlwind acceleration wears off. And if the focus is...
The best sporting GTs all offer blockbuster performance but few are as well-rounded as the new BMW 8-Series.
HOLDEN COMMODORE VXR
Makeover puts the spotlight back on a bargain large car that acquits itself well on a high-speed track experience.
In keeping with its Black Edition moniker, Holden has applied plenty of gloss black trim and inserts to a tasty batch of special-edition Commodores. And it’s done so to good effect, lifting the overall appearance of an already handsome design. The Black treatment can be applied to RS-V or VXR models as a no-cost option, making it hard to turn...
Makeover puts the spotlight back on a bargain large car that acquits itself well on a high-speed track experience.
BMW 3-SERIES SALOON
More upmarket Three sheds weight, not size, and is noticeably sharper and more refined to drive.
12 MAR 2019: The traditional core of the BMW range, the 3-Series has now entered its seventh generation and good, keen drivers have plenty of reasons to celebrate. The looks are evolutionary (they get a pass mark for elegance), but what matters more is how successfully the Three fulfils its dynamic exec brief and how widespread improvements combine...
More upmarket Three sheds weight, not size, and is noticeably sharper and more refined to drive.
AUDI RS5 SPORTBACK
Five doors give the RS5 genuine GT functionality. It strikes a clever balance between super-sporty and cocooning.
10 MAR 2019: The RS5 is a staple in the Audi Sport line-up with captivating mix of looks, road presence and performance. The 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 was co-developed with Porsche. As is now the norm with sporting Audi V6s and V8s, the turbos are mounted at a 90-degree angle to the cylinder banks, enabling both a compact design, efficient combustion...
Five doors give the RS5 genuine GT functionality. It strikes a clever balance between super-sporty and cocooning.
JAGUAR F-TYPE P300
Leaner F-Type convertible escapes Jaguar enclosure and exhibits more agility for a lower outlay.
5 MAR 2019: We’ve recently driven a very different car with this turbocharged four-cylinder engine on board: the Range Rover P400e. The Ingenium unit makes a very different impression in the nose of JLR’s sports-convertible that continues to offer (scorching) V6 and (riotous) V8 options. There's a horse jockey’s difference in...
Leaner F-Type convertible escapes Jaguar enclosure and exhibits more agility for a lower outlay.
RENAULT MEGANE R.S.
Hardcore Renault hatch fills a front-drive performance niche and brings plenty of trick engineering to the party.
2 MAR 2019: The 205kW Megane RS is a go-to option for those who like their hot hatches genuinely hot and very involving. There’s pedigree in the mix, too; it’s 15 years since the first bustle-backed Megane RS delighted enthusiasts. New model output is a very healthy 205kW from 1.8 litres (previously 2.0 litres) and if you go for the EDC...
Hardcore Renault hatch fills a front-drive performance niche and brings plenty of trick engineering to the party.
MERCEDES-BENZ C300 COUPE
Convincing all-round package whets appetite but leaves good, keen drivers craving more theatrics.
26 FEB 2019: Another month, another tech-heavy two-door Benz with a fluid, wind-cheating shape that never fails to turn heads. Before you ask, this car’s Selenite Grey metallic is from the standard C-Class colour palette. On the equipment front, the leather-upholstered sports seats, COMAND infotainment and 19-inch AMG alloys are all standard...
Convincing all-round package whets appetite but leaves good, keen drivers craving more theatrics.
JAGUAR I-PACE EV400
First track drive of twin-motored EV confirms the momentum of an electrified era at Jaguar.
23 FEB 2019: The Jaguar I-Pace is the first stand-alone electric SUV to emerge from a European maker and it signifies the beginning of a new era for Jaguar. The very broad, high-hipped body sits on a long wheelbase and looks sleek yet SUV-practical. A bold departure from traditional Jag design, the I-Pace impresses for still being recognisably a...
First track drive of twin-motored EV confirms the momentum of an electrified era at Jaguar.
RANGE ROVER P400e
First hybrid Range Rover boosts terrific sense of luxury without denting vast breadth of ability.
22 FEB 2019: There’s a lot to be said for silent start-ups and manoeuvring when you’re piloting a vehicle as large and luxurious as a Range Rover. Even better is being able to run purely on electric power for up to 50km, a range that will cover most commuters’ daily driving. Superb insulation and double-glazing reinforce a feeling...
First hybrid Range Rover boosts terrific sense of luxury without denting vast breadth of ability.
BMW X5 M50d (part 2)
A night time return from a motorsport festival highlights why this model will appeal to enthusiast drivers.
19 FEB 2019: Bored with holiday traffic processions and inspired by a weekend of motorsport action, we sought to at least dip into the M50d’s performance potential on a night-time drive home and enjoy the extensive M Sport tweaks.We covered the towering strength of the engine in an earlier M50d post. What soon came to the fore on quick, clear...
A night time return from a motorsport festival highlights why this model will appeal to enthusiast drivers.
BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT (part 2)
Big GT is still a revelation to drive at sedate speeds and the sense of occasion is heightened by liberal option choices.
15 FEB 2019: The process of customising a Continental can be quite straightforward, despite the myriad options available. To speed the process, it pays to brush up on your knowledge of fluting, knurling, venting and quilting. Otherwise the jargon could have your head spinning like the rotating centre display ($13,431.89, if you please) that moves...
Big GT is still a revelation to drive at sedate speeds and the sense of occasion is heightened by liberal option choices.
MASERATI LEVANTE S GRANSPORT
Sonorous GranSport is as uplifting as your first sip of chilled Prosecco. It boosts the appeal of a range on the rise.
13 FEB 2019: This high-spec Levante SUV initially asserts itself through imposing design: the fluid shape, dynamic roofline, muscular rear haunches and ornate, emotive detailing. Contrasting with beautifully textured Bianco Alpi paint on our car are a gloss-black grille and 21-inch alloys. Open the door and the interior makes an equally big...
Sonorous GranSport is as uplifting as your first sip of chilled Prosecco. It boosts the appeal of a range on the rise.
ASTON MARTIN VANTAGE (pt2)
It’s brimful with firepower, more athletic and responsive than before, and seems enjoyable on any road at any speed.
11 FEB 2019: The pronounced differences between the Vantage and DB11 - in looks, dimensions and demeanour - mean that few buyers will be caught between the two models. The DB11 V12 driven earlier felt effortlessly quick and surprisingly agile on the road, like a 2018 Mustang but 50 per cent better across the board. Enter the new Vantage and...
It’s brimful with firepower, more athletic and responsive than before, and seems enjoyable on any road at any speed.
BMW X5 M50d (part 1)
Quad-turbo M50d is the star performer in new X5 range until M Division unleashes an eight-cylinder X5 M.
08 FEB 2019: The question we asked while romping down to an annual motorsport festival was do you really need more performance in your two-ton-plus high-rider than the new M50d musters?The straight-six engine is sensible in its capacity but extravagant with the turbochargers. The previous model had three but this one has four of the things....
Quad-turbo M50d is the star performer in new X5 range until M Division unleashes an eight-cylinder X5 M.
LEXUS GS-F F10 ANNIVERSARY
Special-edition GS-F joins limited-run RC-F in celebrating 10 years of high-performance models.
04 FEB 2019: It looks like a clenched fist in a decorative glove and wears its special matte-grey paint and gloss-black alloys well. In these eyes, the air of menace is well judged and in keeping with the stonking V8 performance and outrageous Lexus grille. It doesn’t take too many revs for the V8 growl to fill the cabin. Free-revving and...
Special-edition GS-F joins limited-run RC-F in celebrating 10 years of high-performance models.
MERCEDES-BENZ S350d
Traditional standard bearer for luxury and comfort introduces new straight-six diesel engine.
01 FEB 2019: Despite being the entry-level S-Class, the new S350d is such a class act that it leaves you wondering what more you could really need in a big luxury saloon. Its distinct limo look has evolved gently in recent years but the adoption of new technology under that suave skin has been more dramatic. The new twin-turbo straight-six is a...
Traditional standard bearer for luxury and comfort introduces new straight-six diesel engine.
BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT
Fifteen years on from the debut of the first Continental GT, this third-gen W12 emphatically extends the sporting luxury brief.
There are cruise missiles and then there are Crewe missiles, in this case a twin-turbo W12 GT that will eventually be joined by V8 and GTC convertible models. A familiar formula, then, but one that integrates fresh looks and new dimensions in performance and refinement. It’s not immediately obvious from a stint behind the wheel but the...
Fifteen years on from the debut of the first Continental GT, this third-gen W12 emphatically extends the sporting luxury brief.
ROLLS-ROYCE CULLINAN (part 2)
Exclusivity is guaranteed regardless of whether you opt for Individual or (five-seat) Lounge configuration.
Depending on the level of customisation required, buyers can expect to wait 12 months for their pride and joy to be delivered. Each Cullinan generally takes a month to build, despite Rolls-Royce being better positioned than ever in terms of its manufacturing facilities. Rolls-Royce customers are obviously not afraid of ostentation. But while the...
Exclusivity is guaranteed regardless of whether you opt for Individual or (five-seat) Lounge configuration.
AUDI Q8 50TDI QUATTRO
Audi’s flagship Q-car is a fully-loaded sophisticate with real poise and serious road presence.
Yet another striking five-seat SUV from Ingolstadt, the luxurious Q8 is initially badged 50 TDI and introduces a new 210kW V6 diesel. The car is a bit shorter and lower than a Q7 but has wider tracks and standard sports-tuned air suspension that support its more sporting brief. First acquaintance highlighted both engine strength and a smoothness...
Audi’s flagship Q-car is a fully-loaded sophisticate with real poise and serious road presence.
ASTON MARTIN VANTAGE (part 1)
Harder-edged entry car puts mischief on your mind, and speaks volumes about brand’s intentions going forward.
The mood at Aston Martin has never been more bullish. The new Vantage certainly reflects this confidence. It follows on from the excellent DB11 and incorporates the AMG-sourced V8 that now also powers the bigger GT car. Overall commonality with the DB11 includes the bonded aluminium structure but only totals 30 per cent, hence the very distinct...
Harder-edged entry car puts mischief on your mind, and speaks volumes about brand’s intentions going forward.
McLAREN SENNA
Track-focused hypercar adopts legendary name and aggressive appearance befitting the most extreme McLaren road car.
With a production run limited to 500, we’re lucky to have several examples of the track-focused Senna hypercar bound for New Zealand. In bald terms, the Senna matches the P1 (McLaren’s first Ultimate Series effort) for acceleration, but is significantly lighter and an even greater tour de force on the active aero front. The 4.0-litre...
Track-focused hypercar adopts legendary name and aggressive appearance befitting the most extreme McLaren road car.
FERRARI 812 SUPERFAST
Ferrari has worked hard at cultivating daily-driver utility in its production cars but the 812 Superfast still excels on a track.
You quickly become comfortable using the majority of the Superfast’s whirlwind performance - as long as you’re on a on a fast and open racing circuit. Fortunately the Hampton Downs track was party to our brief introduction. After two or three laps we noticed a tendency for the car to ‘wander’ on the long straight at...
Ferrari has worked hard at cultivating daily-driver utility in its production cars but the 812 Superfast still excels on a track.
FORD MUSTANG V8 GT
MY18 refresh for bruising GT is evident in more aggressive styling and greater stability when exploring added performance.
Overview: Mid-life facelift is wide-ranging but most obvious at the reworked business end of this muscle-bound brute. A hint more drama in the looks is matched by more desirable cabin tech and finishing. And there’s a noticeable difference in the V8 GT’s ability to impress on open roads, too, thanks to useful surge in power from the big...
MY18 refresh for bruising GT is evident in more aggressive styling and greater stability when exploring added performance.
ROLLS-ROYCE CULLINAN
Imperious high-roller introduces new dimensions in luxury for those wishing to drive an adventurous extra mile.
OVERVIEW Cullinan is named after the world’s largest raw diamond, which hints at the maker’s uncompromising approach to its first-ever 4X4. Based on advanced aluminium spaceframe introduced on latest Phantom limousine. This is bespoke R-R architecture as opposed to (parent company) BMW-derived. DESIGN Very tall, high-riding,...
Imperious high-roller introduces new dimensions in luxury for those wishing to drive an adventurous extra mile.
VOLKSWAGEN POLO GTI
Broad range of talents makes the hot Polo a strong value proposition in junior performance stakes.
The fourth-gen Polo GTI is the most impressive by some margin. It benefits from a costly new platform and is bigger in size (extra width is most noticeable) and engine capacity, having adopted a version of the Golf GTI’s 2.0-litre turbo. The Polo performance spectrum has stretched accordingly and its demeanour is now more in tune with that of...
Broad range of talents makes the hot Polo a strong value proposition in junior performance stakes.
AUDI RS4 AVANT
Delivers unrivalled blend of speed, stability and utility with such ease that it seems a ridiculously effective tool.
Only available as a square-backed Avant, the new RS4 looks and feels bigger than its billing as a compact executive wagon. Length is getting up there at 4.8m and width is enhanced by 30mm wider arches than standard. They’re necessary to accommodate 275/30 rubber front and rear.This B9 is the fourth-gen RS4 with an engine downsized from a V8...
Delivers unrivalled blend of speed, stability and utility with such ease that it seems a ridiculously effective tool.
MERCEDES-BENZ CLS 450
Advanced new mild hybrid powertrain turns swish four-door into fast and effortless grand tourer.
The third generation of Mercedes’ four-door coupe introduces 48v electrics, a new straight-six engine and clever new driver assistance tech. Better cabin packaging means it now seats five and a dynamic cabin design with bespoke seats means the interior is possibly more eye-catching than the exterior. The long bonnet, raked screens and low,...
Advanced new mild hybrid powertrain turns swish four-door into fast and effortless grand tourer.
AUDI A8 L 55TFSI
Stretched A8 is a technological status symbol that offers new dimensions in refinement and road presence.
Overview: Audi adopts a different strategy with new luxury flagship, launching LWB A8L as its standard car before introducing overtly sporting S8, for a two-model range. A8L sets luxury standard with vast space, standard air suspension and a 48-volt electrical subsystem. It’s geared for Level 3 unsupervised autonomous driving and was voted...
Stretched A8 is a technological status symbol that offers new dimensions in refinement and road presence.
MERCEDES-BENZ S560 COUPE (pt 2)
Big Merc coupes are renowned for their lasting appeal and you need a long drive to experience all of the S560’s attributes.
Start-up: Abrupt bellow broadcasts V8 brawn under the bonnet. S560 badge actually signals entry point in this rarefied rank, and means the 4.0-litre V8 is modestly blown. Cruise: Default Comfort settings and long wheelbase result in cosseting ride but preserve steering feel. Despite the size, it’s a car that quickly feels effortlessly smooth...
Big Merc coupes are renowned for their lasting appeal and you need a long drive to experience all of the S560’s attributes.
BMW i8 ROADSTER (pt 2)
Roadster design has been brilliantly conceived and executed but open-air experience raises price above $300k.
Start-up: Prodding the button on the near side of the centre console results in a silent and uneventful beginning that offers no hint of the i8’s performance potential. The transmission lever is surprisingly regular; engage Drive and there’s a faint whine as the electric motor drives the front wheels to get things underway. Cruise:...
Roadster design has been brilliantly conceived and executed but open-air experience raises price above $300k.
ALFA ROMEO GIULIA QV (pt 2)
Much hinges on the Giulia’s success for Alfa Romeo. The tarmac-shredding Quadrifoglio certainly exceeds expectations.
The recipe for the brand’s first rear-wheel drive car since the 1980s is a goodie with Ferrari engineering influence in the flagship Quadrifoglio’s lithe chassis and scintillating engine. The all-aluminium twin-turbo V6 bears a mild relationship to the Ferrari California T’s V8. The Giulia feels quite unlike its Euro rivals in...
Much hinges on the Giulia’s success for Alfa Romeo. The tarmac-shredding Quadrifoglio certainly exceeds expectations.
MERCEDES-BENZ S560 COUPE
Imposing, sharp-suited coupe cuts a fine silhouette and puts on a touring masterclass.
Overview: Five metres plus of pure class with all the tech and refinements of an S-Class limo. Seats four adults in comfort with relatively quick and easy access. Now partnered by S-Class cabriolet range. First-up fact: This car features active hydraulic suspension under the imaginative label ‘Magic Body Control’. Mercedes says the...
Imposing, sharp-suited coupe cuts a fine silhouette and puts on a touring masterclass.
BMW i8 ROADSTER
Dramatic-looking drop-top complements plug-in i8 coupe and caps BMW’s far-sighted i-car range.
Design: Roadster benefits from updates applied to revised coupe, now in its fourth year of production. Few cars at any price channel air with such stylish aerodynamic solutions. Most adventurous is the heavily buttressed rear that looks to sport a pair of butterfly wings atop an abdomen that conceals a modest three-pot petrol. Scissor-effect doors...
Dramatic-looking drop-top complements plug-in i8 coupe and caps BMW’s far-sighted i-car range.
AUDI RS3 SEDAN
Now offered as both a mega-hatch and saloon, the RS3 packs a bigger punch to go with its broader repertoire.
Under the bonnet is the all-new five-cylinder turbo that first debuted in the TT-RS. Its output is up by 24kW on the previous RS3 engine (itself a multiple winner of its Engine of the Year category) while its weight has dropped by 26kg, thanks mostly to a lighter alloy block and a magnesium sump. It also features a two-phase injection system,...
Now offered as both a mega-hatch and saloon, the RS3 packs a bigger punch to go with its broader repertoire.
BMW i3s 94Ah
Sporty, all-electric version of the ground-breaking BMW is practical, genuinely quick and genuinely fun to drive.
Design: Open a door and the carbonfibre structure is clear to see. Rear coach doors are interlocked with those in front and the arrangement allows good access to any seat. Lower-case ‘s’ badging signifies sporty treatment, with lower (by 10mm) stiffened suspension, wider (by 40mm) tracks, retuned steering, and extra rubber. Gloss black...
Sporty, all-electric version of the ground-breaking BMW is practical, genuinely quick and genuinely fun to drive.
ALFA ROMEO GIULIA QV
After a painfully long gestation period, patience is rewarded by this hero model, the no-expense-spared Quadrifoglio.
Design: Priorities are driver appeal and more driver appeal with a carefully tuned chassis and an exceptional power to weight ratio. Its low-slung and lighter on its feet than most rivals, while the turbocharged V6 is mounted longways and drives the rear axle. There’s an abundance of aluminium throughout the structure and the bonnet and roof...
After a painfully long gestation period, patience is rewarded by this hero model, the no-expense-spared Quadrifoglio.
AUDI RS5 (pt 2)
It might be a low-volume player in the growing Audi Sport stable but for the design-conscious, the RS5 is the jewel in the crown.
Co-developed with Porsche, Audi’s new all-aluminium V6 has both turbos installed within the 90-degree angle of its cylinder banks. As the exhaust side of the cylinder heads are on the inside of the vee and the intakes on the outside, the short pathways ensure minimal flow losses. We’ve come to expect double-clutch autos to make light...
It might be a low-volume player in the growing Audi Sport stable but for the design-conscious, the RS5 is the jewel in the crown.
FERRARI GTC4 LUSSO (pt 2)
Beautifully executed GTC4 is straightforward to operate and doesn’t need a V12 to play both grand tourer and sportscar.
Yes, there are many sophisticated electronic systems at work with technical initialisms that are too numerous to remember and effects that are hard to fathom in isolation but all boil down to remarkable levels of traction and stability. And they’re present from the outset, allowing buyers to reserve their ticks for tactile treats on the...
Beautifully executed GTC4 is straightforward to operate and doesn’t need a V12 to play both grand tourer and sportscar.
BMW M2 DCT
Tearaway M2 picks up junior ‘M’ car mantle from bulging, limited-run 1M and introduces 'junior M4' looks.
Design: Looks every bit a pint-sized ball of muscle but pumped arches and tall flanks disguise true dimensions. These translate into four-seater practicality and decent boot space. Lacks the M4’s graceful looks that come from extra length and width. Driver’s Seat: 1-series derived cabin offers familiar BMW character and is sporting but...
Tearaway M2 picks up junior ‘M’ car mantle from bulging, limited-run 1M and introduces 'junior M4' looks.
McLAREN 570S SPIDER (pt 2)
McLaren prides itself on precision engineering. It's clearly reflected in the clarity and detail of this car's spec sheets.
For the 570S Spider, the single-sided A4 technical sheet makes a distinction between a dry weight of 1402kg, DIN kerb weight of 1498kg (that includes fluids and 90% fuel) and a US ‘curb’ weight with a full tank (1503kg). Compare these figures with those of the equivalent 570S coupe and you’ll find an extra 46kg is the price for...
McLaren prides itself on precision engineering. It's clearly reflected in the clarity and detail of this car's spec sheets.
FERRARI GTC4 LUSSO T
The GTC4 Lusso replaces the all-wheel drive FF and offers two engine options with very different characteristics.
Lusso or Lusso T? The choice is between a traditional 6.3-litre V12 that drives both axles and will delight the purists with its noise, revs and never-ending acceleration, or this rear-driven Lusso T with its characterful 3855cc twin-turbocharged V8. As the specs panel illustrates, it delivers a monstrous mid-range with 761Nm flowing lag-free from...
The GTC4 Lusso replaces the all-wheel drive FF and offers two engine options with very different characteristics.
AUDI RS5
A big hitter in the Audi Sport line-up with captivating mix of looks, road presence and turbocharged performance.
Design: Evolution of classically handsome, beautifully proportioned coupe shape with extra muscle, curved bonnet line and very shallow glasshouse. Big air intakes, blistered arches and fat oval pipes signal intent. Four usable seats give it GT pretensions. Driver’s Seat: Cabin strikes brilliant balance between sporting and cocooning....
A big hitter in the Audi Sport line-up with captivating mix of looks, road presence and turbocharged performance.
HONDA CIVIC TYPE R (pt 2)
The new Civic Type R departed too soon, leaving us wanting to experience its attributes on a wider range of roads.
A neat solution to this problem, Honda might suggest, would be to simply buy one.What we’d be buying, we discovered, is the first Type R effort for global markets. It’s a very different proposition from the previous Civic Type R of 2015, which didn’t make it Downunder. The engine might be closely related to the previous...
The new Civic Type R departed too soon, leaving us wanting to experience its attributes on a wider range of roads.
LEXUS LC500
The LC500 is pure, old-school indulgence with front-mounted V8 and shaped-by-samurai warrior looks.
Design: Ultra-imposing from the hallmark spindle grille back. Unquestionably a strong design statement, but not the last word in elegance. Mix of steel, aluminium and carbonfibre just manages to keep kerb weight under two tonnes. Built at same plant that crafted LFA, and by the same Takumi craftsmen. Chrome mouldings along the side of the roof...
The LC500 is pure, old-school indulgence with front-mounted V8 and shaped-by-samurai warrior looks.
McLAREN 570S SPIDER
It takes a short drive to get comfortable behind the wheel and start tapping into depth of McLaren’s achievement.
Foremost are the easy access to whirlwind acceleration, the finely judged responses to all driver inputs, the relaxing ride quality, and a rare ability to make dispatching a challenging road undemanding for the driver. The 570S instantly inspires confidence to seek out the right roads for exploring some of this car’s huge...
It takes a short drive to get comfortable behind the wheel and start tapping into depth of McLaren’s achievement.
BMW X3 M40i
An ‘M’ badge adorns the X3 for the first time, bringing with it abundant performance and genuine driver appeal.
Design: New-found athleticism is matched by more sporting and sophisticated shape and a much more upmarket interior packed with latest tech and eye-catching details. Bigger, bolder radiator grille with active vanes is set higher and dominates front end. Note air breathers behind front wheels, and sculpted end plates on roof-mounted...
An ‘M’ badge adorns the X3 for the first time, bringing with it abundant performance and genuine driver appeal.
HONDA CIVIC TYPE R
Radical, rather hardcore five-door is front-drive and manual-only. Track-honed ability is underlined by Nurburgring class record.
Design: The Type R’s purpose is to perform. There’s nothing subtle about the raft of spoilers, vents and flared bodywork. It’s all functional too; the advanced aero contributes to remarkable high-speed cornering ability and a claimed top speed of 270km/h-plus. No wonder it tore up the ’Ring. Driver’s Seat: For such a...
Radical, rather hardcore five-door is front-drive and manual-only. Track-honed ability is underlined by Nurburgring class record.
VOLKSWAGEN ARTEON
Upmarket four-door fastback caps VW passenger car range. Big dimensions mean plenty of comfort and practicality.
Design: Dramatic shape with bold details lacks the simplicity of VW’s best designs. Note huge clamshell bonnet, sculpted Coke bottle flanks, sweeping roofline, and four frameless doors. Broad light designs emphasise width, and LED headlights are integrated into grille. Driver’s Seat: R-design spec means broad Nappa leather chair with...
Upmarket four-door fastback caps VW passenger car range. Big dimensions mean plenty of comfort and practicality.
AUDI TT-RS
Lighter, sharper and hugely powerful five-potter delivers performance to make supercar owners stand to attention.
There's no questioning the raw pace of the new TT-RS. But you might struggle to fathom how Audi makes it quite so fast. A big power upgrade combines with significant weight loss, such as 26kg from the engine bay thanks to a new aluminium crankcase. Even so, over 60 per cent of total weight still sits over the front axle, so the quattro system has...
Lighter, sharper and hugely powerful five-potter delivers performance to make supercar owners stand to attention.
MERCEDES E400 COUPE
Latest in a long line of elegant pillarless coupes inherits E-Class saloon platform for improved packaging and comfort.
Design: Fluid, wind-cheating shape features dome roof, steeply raked screens and super smooth body. Long, shallow glasshouse goes without the B-pillar, in Benz tradition, and rear seats accommodate adults in comfort. Classy if not spellbinding looks, and some may prefer shape and stance of two-door C-Class in a sporty tune. Driver’s Seat:...
Latest in a long line of elegant pillarless coupes inherits E-Class saloon platform for improved packaging and comfort.
BMW 740e
A clean-living week in BMW’s big hybrid has us enjoying great road presence and limousine comfort.
In fact, it’s a win-win scenario because not only does the 740e boast incredible economy figures but the electric motor and turbo-charged 2.0-litre pack an almighty punch when a combined effort is called for.Driving around on battery power is a serene experience and you tend to savour it because the electric-only range is often too quickly...
A clean-living week in BMW’s big hybrid has us enjoying great road presence and limousine comfort.
NISSAN 370Z NISMO
Nissan motorsport treatment gives bullish Zed coupe a harder edge and amplifies its sporting qualities.
Design: Familiar but flared compact body benefits from tasteful new spoilers, extra ducting and diffusers. Broad, lightweight wheels fill arches, signal intent. Lots of eye-catching detailing inside and out. Driver’s Seat: A superb, hip-clenching Recaro with brash cloth inserts offers great support and fine outward view. Manual seat...
Nissan motorsport treatment gives bullish Zed coupe a harder edge and amplifies its sporting qualities.
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF R
It’s quite simply the best iteration of the Golf to date with revised DSG and 4MOTION exploiting a big power hike over the GTI.
Some will argue a manual GTI Clubsport makes for a more immersive experience but the Golf R is untouchable as a belligerent all-rounder. It's surprisingly docile and comfortable around town and a joy on flowing roads as speed builds and sharp reactions come to the fore. Well weighted steering is generous with feedback, and the reward for a...
It’s quite simply the best iteration of the Golf to date with revised DSG and 4MOTION exploiting a big power hike over the GTI.
ASTON MARTIN DB11
A broad-haunched grand tourer par excellence with supercar pace in a beguiling 2+2 body.
Design: A much more modern interpretation of the Aston GT that looks fast standing still. DB11 signals a bold new era in Aston design and integrates advanced aero features. Dramatic visage includes grille that apes wing commander’s moustache, and huge, lightweight clamshell bonnet with four vents signifies V12. Wing mirrors sprout like those...
A broad-haunched grand tourer par excellence with supercar pace in a beguiling 2+2 body.
RANGE ROVER EVOQUE CABRIO
Drop-top version of trendsetting Evoque offers new dimensions in summer cruising. It’s best enjoyed in top HSE trim.
Convertible SUVs are expensive rarities with styling trumping practicality on the priority list. And this one is no exception, retailing from $118k and trailing most small hatches for luggage space and rear legroom, if not headroom.Our car was in top HSE spec. Yours will be, too, if you order one in this country. Such was the quality of HSE...
Drop-top version of trendsetting Evoque offers new dimensions in summer cruising. It’s best enjoyed in top HSE trim.
AUDI S5 COUPE
More sophisticated than the bruising V8 original, new S5 continues to attract with big presence and poise.
Design: Polished reinterpretation deviates enough from original shape to have you sit up and take notice. Strong shoulder line and domed roof remain S5 hallmarks. The bonnet line now incorporates a more pronounced curve with powerdome, there are sharper creases in panels along the flanks, and swollen arches. Driver’s Seat: Cockpit instantly...
More sophisticated than the bruising V8 original, new S5 continues to attract with big presence and poise.
BMW 540i SALOON
Fulfils dynamic exec saloon brief brilliantly and has more luxury and tech in common with flagship 7-Series.
Design: Evolutionary update of a handsome, but increasingly large machine. Broad kidney grille with active louvre elements blends with headlamps; air breathers smooth airflow behind front arches; kinked C-pillars and L-shaped tail lights remain hallmarks. Driver’s Seat: M-Sport trim means figure-clamping chair embraces you in a very broad...
Fulfils dynamic exec saloon brief brilliantly and has more luxury and tech in common with flagship 7-Series.
MERCEDES C200 CABRIOLET
Practical and beautifully executed four-seater is a light-middleweight in Merc’s growing convertible ranks.
Design: Previous E-Class cabrio was actually C-Class based, so this nicely-proportioned car has some previous form. When the hood is stowed, the frameless doors, fully retractable side windows and absence of central B-pillar allow expansive, unobstructed views. Driver’s Seat: This is no snug roadster. Familiar, spacious environment looks...
Practical and beautifully executed four-seater is a light-middleweight in Merc’s growing convertible ranks.
MAZDA MX-5 ROADSTER
Mazda’s latest drop-top proves just the ticket on a spellbinding tour of South Island beauty.
The Mazda MX-5 was not only voted 2016 World Car of the Year but also won the World Car Design award. And this 2.0-litre Limited model is arguably the definitive version of Mazda’s million-selling roadster. Factor in the low weight, low centre of gravity and 50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution and you have a sensational platform from...
Mazda’s latest drop-top proves just the ticket on a spellbinding tour of South Island beauty.
