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 […]








