Bentley takes flight

  The Bentley Flying Spur W12 is not so much a car, but more of a stately home on wheels.     Your average imitation of Sandringham House or Balmoral doesn’t however fly on the roads like this does. Thanks to Bentley Auckland, I was given the chance to experience the first new Flying Spur […]

A refreshing highlander

  For some, a Highlander is a rugby player from the deep south, to others, an 80s fantasy film starring Sean Connery. To Toyota, a Highlander is a mid-sized SUV, and a big seller.     For 2021, the Highlander has been refreshed for the fourth time, with a recent launch in Auckland and Paihia […]

Smooth and sustainable

  The Mazda MX-30 has been in the pipeline for some time. Now it is finally here, and set to spearhead Mazda’s goal of a sustainable future.     The MX-30 is available as a Mild-Hybrid and pure EV. My test car was the MX-30 Limited 2.0L Petrol Mild-Hybrid. The 2.0L petrol e-Skyactiv-G four cylinder […]

Storm the Palisade

Big seven-to-eight-seater luxo SUVs are fast becoming the cash cow of many automotive brands. This is the Palisade, Hyundai’s spearhead at this segment.     The turbo diesel engine in my Limited felt very strong and eager to get going. Keep it between 1600 and 4000rpm, and you make brisk progress despite the girth. The […]

All that Jazz: Honda Cars

It’s not every day Honda gives us a new Jazz. Few cars in this segment are lapped up as much by consumers ever since Honda released the first Jazz almost 20 years ago. For 2021, the Jazz has more tech, a new face, and the addition of electrification.     2021 Honda Jazz Crosstar Price: […]

This is no old goat

Prior to Subaru New Zealand’s marketing campaign for the new Outback, I am ashamed to admit I hadn’t realised what the acronym GOAT meant. It does of course mean, ‘Greatest of All Time.’ With the new Outback, Subaru claims it is the GOOAT. So, is this the ‘Greatest Outback of All Time’? Let’s see.   […]

Top down, revved up

The Lexus LC500 Coupe caused quite a stir when it was launched. Now Lexus have chopped the roof, resulting in the LC500 Convertible. However, is it any better topless? After being on display at Lexus Urban Polo, Lexus New Zealand gave me the keys for 28 hours to find out.     The LC500 Convertible’s […]

As intoxicating as ever

There is an old saying, “If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it”. And this perfectly sums up the Honda Civic Type R.   . The current generation has been with us since 2017 and was the first Type R to be sold new in New Zealand. It also quickly set the standard which all would-be […]

Crossing the Yaris

The trend of turning small hatchbacks into small SUVs just keeps growing. It was only a matter of time before Toyota did the same thing to the Yaris. This brings us to the Yaris Cross, a Yaris hatch with a difference.     While sharing the same TNGA-B platform, the Cross is 240mm longer and […]

The taste of Italy drives to town

It’s a well-known fact that some of the greatest and most beautiful cars ever produced hail from Italy. Brands like Ferrari, Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Fiat, Lamborghini and Iso are synonymous with the Italian’s penchant for art, design, engineering, and above all passion.     On February 20, fans of Italian cars will descend on […]