Iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Devour any terrain and look great while doing it in the iconic boxy luxury of the G450d SUV. All for a price tag that makes it the best value G-Wagen of the current range, writes Metropol’s motoring man Ben Selby. The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen is up there with some of motoring’s all-time greats (the […]
EYE of the TIGER: Blackwells
Synonymous with the strength, speed and commanding presence of the tiger, Chery’s Tiggo is taking over the Christchurch cityscape, finds Metropol writer Ben Selby. Founded in 1997, the Chery brand has fast become one of the largest vehicle exporters globally, selling 14 million vehicles worldwide. Having re-entered our market with a wide selection […]
Ka pai! Google Maps learns to pronounce te reo Māori
A Kiwi accent landed on Google Maps in July, and now, New Zealanders can hear Aotearoa place names the way they should sound. Acollaboration between Google and Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (the Māori Language Commission) and new AI-powered text to speech technology means New Zealanders can hear the correct pronunciation […]
Oh, won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz
The Mercedes-Benz GLC meets the moment with an extra dosage of fuel frugality in the form of the new GLC350e. Ben Selby takes it for a drive. The ‘e’ part of the equation refers to the addition of plug-in-hybrid technology. The GLC350e is capable of 132km (NEDC) on battery power alone and an […]
Lamborghini lover: Christchurch European
This exclusive Lamborghini has just landed in Christchurch. With Lamborghini buyers often wanting exclusivity, this special edition Aventador V12 Pirelli Edition is the answer,” says Niki Mills, who introduces this one-of-a-kind car to the Christchurch European collection. “It teams up the iconic vehicle manufacturer with high-performance tyre brand Pirelli, which has supplied the […]
Worth the wait – Honda Prelude 2026
One of Honda’s most iconic coupes is back in production after a 25-year hiatus. Metropol writer Ben Selby discovers what’s different. While the nostalgia is real, this sixth generation Honda Prelude is a bit of a departure from its predecessors, especially underneath. Power comes from a 2.0L e:HEV Dual Motor Hybrid Four Cylinder […]
Christchurch’s car community
New research reveals the cities worldwide with the strongest sense of car culture community, but where does Christchurch rank? Neighbouring cities like Munich, Austin and London, Christchurch has been named one of the world’s best cities for its car-loving community. With a ‘car-munity’ score of 41%, Christchurch’s car culture is one of the […]
Your Guide to Hampton Downs: Motorsports for the Entire Family
When it comes to top-tier motorsports, New Zealand is certainly no slouch. This nation is home to some of the world’s most respected races. There are also plenty of premier facilities that regularly host competitions. Hampton Downs is a prime example, and while the races here are not to be missed, […]
Euro style: Christchurch European
Is it time for new (European) wheels? If you don’t want to visit multiple dealerships, you don’t have to. Christchurch European is home to the best of all of Europe, unlike a sole standalone dealership. In one location on Blenheim Road, Christchurch European holds all the major European brands. Test drive a Land […]
PACKING a PUNCH
It’s easy to appreciate the appeal of a Mini, writes Metropol’s Ben Selby. While the current model has evolved considerably from the original design by Alec Issigonis introduced nearly 70 years ago, the qualities that define a Mini – its enjoyable driving dynamics, vibrant personality, and engaging experience – remain evident. In terms […]
