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 […]
The Showroom: Christchurch European
At 522 Blenheim Road lives the latest of everything luxury in the automotive world. The Showroom is a dedicated, new undercover space showcasing an even larger selection of our luxury vehicles,” says Christchurch European managing director Niki Mills. “This impressive new site allows us to display an additional 60 luxury and classic vehicles, […]







