A refreshing highlander

  For some, a Highlander is a rugby player from the deep south, to others, an 80s fantasy film starring Sean Connery. To Toyota, a Highlander is a mid-sized SUV, and a big seller.     For 2021, the Highlander has been refreshed for the fourth time, with a recent launch in Auckland and Paihia […]

Storm the Palisade

Big seven-to-eight-seater luxo SUVs are fast becoming the cash cow of many automotive brands. This is the Palisade, Hyundai’s spearhead at this segment.     The turbo diesel engine in my Limited felt very strong and eager to get going. Keep it between 1600 and 4000rpm, and you make brisk progress despite the girth. The […]

Size doesn’t matter

It’s not often I get taken off guard but my visit to Avon City Ford to pick up the Ford Puma, ST line, had me scratching my head. Sam Baker and I were going over the top things about the vehicle when out came the words: “It’s a one litre, three-cylinder engine…”     The […]

Classy Euro Cars: Christchurch European

The journey from street side to the main office goes something like this. BMW X5s on the left, Range Rover Sport on the right. A few steps forward. Wow, Porsche 911 in front, Audi RS6 at the rear. Finally, to top it all off, a yellow Lamborghini Gallardo and bright red Ferrari F12 soaking up […]

All that Jazz: Honda Cars

It’s not every day Honda gives us a new Jazz. Few cars in this segment are lapped up as much by consumers ever since Honda released the first Jazz almost 20 years ago. For 2021, the Jazz has more tech, a new face, and the addition of electrification.     2021 Honda Jazz Crosstar Price: […]

Lost your keys? Access Lock Specialists Ltd

The way we keep our cars locked up, secure, and still in our driveways, has changed dramatically within the last 20 years. Two men who know this are Roger Barriball and Richard Nind, who established Access Lock Specialists Ltd in 2007.     At this time, laser cut transponder keys and keyless entry into vehicles […]

Beaming all the way

If you are a car enthusiast, the BMW M Town is the ultimate in driving experiences; a global event that has BMW devotees fizzing at the opportunity to experience all elements of the new releases. As Metropol’s motoring writers, Ben Selby and I were lucky enough to be invited to Hampton Downs Racetrack near Hamilton […]

This is no old goat

Prior to Subaru New Zealand’s marketing campaign for the new Outback, I am ashamed to admit I hadn’t realised what the acronym GOAT meant. It does of course mean, ‘Greatest of All Time.’ With the new Outback, Subaru claims it is the GOOAT. So, is this the ‘Greatest Outback of All Time’? Let’s see.   […]

Lavish restoration

Enzo Ferrari described the Jaguar E-type when launched at the Geneva Auto salon in March 1951 as “the most beautiful car in the world.” If you take a look from pretty much any angle, it is easy to see Enzo was right.   Now I am an Avengers fan. The 1961 English TV series, not […]

Top down, revved up

The Lexus LC500 Coupe caused quite a stir when it was launched. Now Lexus have chopped the roof, resulting in the LC500 Convertible. However, is it any better topless? After being on display at Lexus Urban Polo, Lexus New Zealand gave me the keys for 28 hours to find out.     The LC500 Convertible’s […]