Clik here to view.
New kid on the block
The new kid on the SUV block will have auto sales and marketing managers burning the midnight oil and scratching their heads as they wonder how to deal with this – the Skoda Kodiaq. Already claiming...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Drive this over the Jones
You'll stand out if you're prepared to hand over the moolah for the Jeep Brute Sport. It won’t so much be a case of ‘keeping up with the Jones’, as driving over them. American Expedition Vehicles (AEV)...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Built for speed and more!
Best known for its enduring off-road ability, the Toyota Land Cruiser has added another plaudit to its CV – notching up the title Fastest SUV. A custom-built Land Speed Cruiser started life as a...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Calling on history to make a modern point
When you tell your golfing buddies that you’ve just come back from the launch of the Range Rover Velar, they ask, “What sort of name is that?” Interestingly, the name Velar pre-dates that of Range...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Bringing a slice of Gotham to Grey Lynn and Greymouth
With the compact SUV sector making up 20% of the total SUV market, it’s not surprising to see Toyota launching a new model to claim its share. The Toyota C-HR (Compact High Rider) was originally...
View ArticleClik here to view.
T60 takes on the big boys
LDV distributor Great Lake Motors says it expects to shake up New Zealand’s ute market with its new LDV T60. At a recent gala event in Auckland to launch the new vehicle, attended by NZ dealers,...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Small SUV with huge potential
Following the meteoric rise in the SUV market over the last decade, Korean manufacturer Hyundai has launched a small SUV. It’s the Kona (a Hawaii place name) and if first impressions are correct it...
View ArticleClik here to view.
‘RS’ might mean ‘really sharp’
Buying a house, horse or car is often about first impressions, so the first look at the Skoda Octavia RS wagon is likely to have you reaching for the chequebook – if you still have one. Our test...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Hilux toughens up its act
While the Toyota Hilux is the ‘go to’ for anyone looking for a no-nonsense ute, it’s probably been losing some ground to Ford and Holden. The Hilux wasn't the blinged-up Ranger WildTrak and Colarado...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Navara a better load bearer
Nissan has enhanced the Navara’s performance under heavy loads by redeveloping the rear suspension and testing it in Australia, the country where feedback about the ute’s load-bearing ability was...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Graphite edition adds value
A limited-edition Holden Colorado — just 100 units nationwide — will become the prized possession of a select bunch of Holden fans when it goes on sale this month. The Holden Colorado Graphite Limited...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Winds of change blow at Hyundai
It doesn't seem too long since Hyundai was the new kid on the block, but the last decade has seen it emerge as a key player. And it leans to agriculture, from its lofty position at the centre of...
View ArticleClik here to view.
No more talking turkey for Toyota
Toyota is changing the way it sells new vehicles, notably by moving away from commission-paid sales staff and haggling over purchase price. Called the ‘Drive Happy Project’ it sees Toyota’s 51...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Raptor will make you a stand-out
The Ford Ranger ute has been remarkably successful since its launch, but until now, wanabee Ranger owners who wanted to stand out were largely limited to the Wildtrak models or some localised...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Holden Calais-V not too shabby
The question often asked about the new Commodore is, “will Aussies accept a German car as a replacement for Commodores made by Bruce?” Or words to that effect. But the question is slightly redundant...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Cool and clever Karoq arrives
Winning umpteen car-of-the-year titles in 2017 for the Kodiaq, Skoda might now be up for the double in 2018 with its new mid-sized SUV -- the Karoq. A quick look and a short drive during the mid-April...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Feds take Subaru to farm gates
Subaru of New Zealand recently struck a deal with Federated Farmers to equip its national territory managers with all-wheel-drive Subarus to help them do their jobs. Laura Sanford, Feds territory...
View ArticleClik here to view.
More reveals at Fieldays ‘motor show’
Two new reveals will feature on Holden’s site at Fieldays next week – part of a growing motor show at the Mystery Creek event. The new Holdens are the all-new Acadia, a large executive styled...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Rides, hauls no worries
Recently we spent a day testing out the new rear suspension upgrades to the Nissan Navara on Australian roads. Now we've tested it in New Zealand. At the launch, we drove it with weight in the tray and...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Holden’s still here
Holden is still spending up large on a marketing campaign to remind you of one thing – they’re still here. It’s in response to the widely telegraphed end to the Australian developed and built...
View Article