Tantalising Takami
The Takami grade has been a welcome addition to Mazda’s line-up in recent years, so it was inevitable the flagship CX-9 SUV would get the same treatment. For 2021, the facelift CX-9 Takami gets a new grille, the option of a new Polymetal Grey Metallic colour, and new designed alloys. Inside, Mazda’s simplistic […]
All electric Jag
Jaguar have announced it will become an all-electric brand. Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) announced last month its Jaguar arm will cease production of petrol and diesel cars by 2025, producing only electric powered vehicles. The move to go full electric comes after JLR management outlined a zero-emission business plan, named Reimagine, which it hopes […]
Hybrid Minds
Since 2018, Lexus sales of hybrid vehicles have pretty much doubled. Last year saw close to 70 percent of new Lexus buyers opt for a hybrid over petrol. And it’s no surprise – the gains for going hybrid are considerable. Unlike plug-in electric cars, you have the benefit of the battery constantly charging […]
Crossing the Yaris
The trend of turning small hatchbacks into small SUVs just keeps growing. It was only a matter of time before Toyota did the same thing to the Yaris. This brings us to the Yaris Cross, a Yaris hatch with a difference. While sharing the same TNGA-B platform, the Cross is 240mm longer and […]
Making art out of machine
As you are cornering the hill section from Akaroa to Christchurch, you are very aware there is something special at play. Perhaps it is the monster M twin turbo V8 engine with M differential and electric power steering, or perhaps it’s the luxury cabin. It’s probably everything. I guess that’s why BMW sales […]
Marvellous, comfy ute
Mazda’s new BT50 is finally here. Available in 2WD and 4WD, the range starts with the double cab GSX and ends with my test car, the flagship 4WD double cab limited. At $47,490 and $60,990, respectively, the price is up there yes, but this is somewhat justified when you step inside. The minimalist […]
New take on a sporty classic
It’s not the typical jump-in-and-go-get-Fish’n’chips, but you will soon spot Maserati’s new range like the Ghibli, Quattroporte and Levante around the place with a more unified look. Maserati started producing cars in Bologna in 1914 with the iconic trident as its bonnet’s standard. It’s a luxury car brand making 75,000 globally yearly. Now, […]
The perfect fit
The name Kamiq originates from the language of the Inuit people, native to Northern Canada and Greenland. It means, “something that fits perfectly”. And I think that says it all. I live a pretty busy life, which means I need a car that is easy-to-use and equipped to deal with all my requirements […]
A sporting update
Lexus definitely thinks the saloon segment is not dead. I attended the exclusive launch of their new IS Saloon in Palmerston North, Taupo, and Hampton Downs. Here is the lowdown. The new IS consists of seven different variants. The base IS300 and IS300h, moving to the higher spec IS300 and IS300H Limited, and […]
Model Performance
I love the Mini for a load of reasons but when the Mini Electric three door hatch turned up as my last review for 2020, I wondered how the electric performance would compare against the standard Mini. An iconic brand loved with a passion by their owners, the stoic love of Britain is […]