Noble, tough and hybrid

Print this storyMazda’s SUV family has been undergoing something of a renaissance in recent years and the current CX-60 is further proof of that, writes Ben Selby. Now, Mazda have added a new entry point to the CX-60 range. Called the SP Hybrid, it sits at $69,990 and sports plenty of niceties inside and out. […]

Classic car extravaganza

Print this storyAll roads lead to Queenstown this March for the inaugural Ayrburn Classic Festival of Motoring. Showcasing classic and modern luxury cars, the event runs from 21-23 March at Queenstown’s newest wine and food playground, Ayrburn. From pioneering vintage to high-performance supercars, Ayrburn Classic brings together the best of the international luxury marques with […]

An ideal daily driver

Print this storyThe BMW X5 has been on Kiwi roads for almost a quarter of a century. BY BEN SELBY. Since its 2002 launch, more than 6000 X5s have found themselves in homes across New Zealand, making it one of the most popular of all Beamers, topping the sales statistics 17 times. Currently in its […]

On a brand new adventure: Avon City Ford’s John Luxton

Print this storyAfter more than 30 years of brand loyalty, John Luxton, Principal Dealer at one of Canterbury’s most iconic car dealerships, is stepping down. He reminisces with Metropol Deputy Editor Nina Tucker about what made it count. The legacy John leaves at Avon City Ford, in his retirement, equates to that of a family, […]

As good as new: Agnew Brothers

Print this storyCars, trucks, boats, motorcycles, all need regular TLC to keep them looking good, especially when it comes to leather seats, canopies, and trim. All of these are an excellent reason to check out specialists in automotive and marine upholstery and other accessories. That’s where Sydenham-based Agnew Brothers Auto Upholsterers enter the picture. Owners […]

Powering Kiwi EV dreams: OEM Audio

Print this storyIn the scenic landscape of Christchurch, a team of innovative Kiwi engineers has revolutionised how New Zealand’s electric vehicle owners think about charging. The EV Power Classic Plus 5.0 isn’t just another charging solution – it’s a testament to local ingenuity designed specifically for our unique driving conditions. “We understand the challenges Kiwi […]

An EV for all seasons

Print this storyIt’s always a big deal when Toyota launches something totally new, and the arrival of the brand’s first purpose built BEV was certainly their biggest of 2024. Metropol motoring writer Ben Selby spent a week with the bZ4X to see how it lives up to the hype. Understanding the Toyota bZ4X’s three letters […]

All aboard!

Print this storyDriving isn’t solely restricted to Kiwi roads. We’re also a nation of water lovers, jumping in to drive rigid inflatables (RIBs), jet boats, gin palaces, jet skis and all manner of water craft for thrill and leisure. In areas such as coastal Canterbury, the ocean or a river is never too far away, […]

A valuable service

Print this storyHow often do you have your vehicle serviced? In New Zealand, the Automobile Association (AA) recommends regular servicing for safety, running efficiency, and longevity of your vehicle. Generally, the association says, vehicles should be serviced every 12 months or 10,000km, whichever comes first. High mileage drivers should aim to have an interim level […]

Experience the freedom: Haines Hunter

Print this storyDreaming of the perfect escape? Your dream can become reality with Haines Hunter. They offer a boat for any adventure, with models tailored to suit every lifestyle. From compact and versatile designs like the SF485, perfect for first-time owners or those seeking ease of launching and retrieving independently, to larger models such as […]