NZ Autocar August 2024 issue is on sale now

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Words: Isaac Western
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Published 31 July 2024

Let’s take a look at what the latest issue of NZ Autocar magazine has to offer this month.

Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy AWD

Hyundai launches a new Santa Fe, a popular model here over the years. This one adds more tech, features and adopts that bold new look.

Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Calligraphy AWD  in white, parked on a rooftop

Jaecoo J7 EX

First Chery released its Omoda range here, and now it is joined by Jaecoo with a slightly different take on things. We drive the J7.

Jaecoo J7 EX taking a corner, shown from the rear. pearlescent blue

MG MG3 Essence vs Suzuki Swift GLS

Suzuki and MG recently renewed their small cars, both line-ups featuring hybrids. We compare two identically priced models, one a hybrid, one not.

MG MG3 Essence vs Suzuki Swift GLS facing away from one another, parked in a large carpark

Mini Countryman Core Classic

Mini has always dared to be different and that continues with the latest Countryman.

Mini Countryman Core Classic panning shot next to a beach, taken in the pouring rain

GWM Cannon Alpha Hybrid Ultra

GWM rolls out more Cannon offerings with the arrival of the Alpha. This is a bigger, glitzier machine, and one that comes with proper hybrid power. It’s also the first in the segment.

GWM Cannon Alpha Hybrid Ultra ute, driving past with fog in the distance

BMW i4 eDrive35

Generally you’d say no to the base model but in this case the newly added i4 eDrive35 may well be the star of the range.

BMW i4 eDrive35 in black, taking a corner in a suburban neighbourhood

Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD LTZ Premium

There are full-sized pick-ups and then there are FULL-SIZED pick-ups. The Silverado 2500 Heavy Duty is one of the latter.

Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD LTZ Premium cornering on gravel

BMW iX1 eDrive20

BMW’s entry-level X machine goes well enough for us and it’s even better when you replace the engine with an EV powertrain.

BMW iX1 eDrive20 in white, parked with the Skytower in the background

Mazda MX-5 GT

We’ve lost count of the times we have featured the fourth generation of the MX-5. It’s been going for nearly a decade now, so is it ageing with grace?

Mazda MX-5 GT in grey, parked next to the Waikato river

Honda CR-V RS

After a couple of months with different CR-V models, we’ve reaffirmed why it was a good choice as our Car of the Year.

Honda CR-V RS with a golf bag next to it, near a bach

Volkswagen Multivan Family TDI

VW is bringing the diesel back for its human hauler. Is it better than the PHEV alternative?

Volkswagen Multivan Family TDI, parked next to water

Kia Sportage Earth Hybrid

We spend some more time with Kia’s fuel saving family-friendly SUV

Kia Sportage Earth Hybrid, with a large brick building behind it

1959 Chevrolet Impala

The 1959 Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe is a prime example of American chromed excess. It’s big and draws a lot of attention.

1959 Chevrolet Impala in cream, parked in Auckland, with a film look

Triumph Speed 400

Triumph is going places it never has before. Its Speed 400 has a single-cylinder powerplant, and the learner bike costs way under $10k. How does it stack up?

Triumph Speed 400 cornering shot, with speed blur