Fit it out fresh: Agnew Bros
You can’t beat gazing inside a classic or modern car, greeted by a spotless and high-quality interior. No rips in the driver’s seat and no tatty roof lining, just comfort, style and quality throughout. This is something Agnew Brothers know very well. As specialists in automotive and marine upholstery – and a whole […]
Canterbury’s auto authority: Christchurch European
Look after your pride and joy properly with one of Christchurch’s best teams in automotive care. Your car is in good company at Christchurch European’s newly-expanded Sockburn workshop. “From everyday European drivers to some of the most special performance cars on the road, Ferraris, McLarens and everything in between, we see it all,” […]
Ayrburn Classic: through the judge’s lens
Excitement doesn’t even begin to cover it, writes Metropol’s motoring expert and now Ayrburn Classic Festival of Motoring judge Ben Selby. After a successful first running in 2025, the Ayrburn Classic returns for another year. From 20 to 22 February in the picturesque surroundings of Central Otago’s Wakatipu Basin, Ayrburn, a one-of-a-kind lifestyle […]
Style. Power. Intelligence. Gary Cockram
The world-class Geely brand – and striking Geely Starray – lands in North Canterbury, introducing a bold new chapter in Rangiora’s automotive market. Fusing striking style with advanced hybrid capability, the Geely Starray EM-i offers premium comfort, intelligent features, and performance tailored to Kiwi lifestyles. WIth Gary Cockram Rangiora’s $3000 cash-back deal, this […]
Collector’s edition – Aston Martin Vanquish
The first-generation Aston Martin Vanquish stands out in the back catalogue of one of the most coveted brands in motoring, writes Ben Selby. This is one luxurious drive. The Vanquish marks a transition period for Astons of old, teasing where the company would be headed with the dawn of the 21st century. Adding […]
Peppy performer
I’ve always struggled to get excited about the SUV-come-Coupe segment. This all changed lately when I sampled the brand new Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe, writes Ben Selby. Enter an elegant refresh – essentially a streamlined and sportier version of the GLE SUV – the coupe’s flowing rear section and slippery looking accents are the […]
Power Up: VP Batteries
Don’t let a flat battery slow you down. Nothing derails your day, or holiday road trip, faster than discovering a flat battery. Whether it’s in your car, motorhome, motorcycle, tractor or boat, finding a replacement is frustrating enough, but fitting it and disposing of the old one adds another layer of hassle. That’s […]
Pure Dark Horse
The term ‘dark horse’ refers to an underdog or a surprise winner, which is how Ford has positioned its first new Mustang brand in 21 years. Metropol writer Ben Selby saddles up for a test ride. Referred to as the Mustang ‘you never saw coming’, the Dark Horse by Ford is a hardcore, […]
On the road in comfort: Carpet Binders
A fast fix for your homes on wheels if you’re exploring the South Island by motorhome or caravan. Make it feel like home with custom-fitted loose-lay carpet mats. Located in a Christchurch workshop, the team of carpet-edging specialists at Carpet Binders has made a business out of turning the cold, hard floors of […]
G-whizz. The 2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology
Whether roughing it in the most inhospitable climates or ferrying the Kardashians through Beverly Hills, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a legend. Metropol writer Ben Selby puts the G580 to the test. With the launch of each new generation, we have seen the same square-jawed profile of the Gelandewagen, or G-Wagen for short, injected […]
