NZ Autocar July 2024 issue is on sale now

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Words: Isaac Western
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Published 3 July 2024

From mid-engined V8 muscle, to affordably priced EVs – here’s a peak at what we feature in July’s issue of NZ Autocar magazine.

BYD Sealion 6 Dynamic

With the fizz removed from EV sales by the coalition government, purveyors of passenger vehicles are turning to hybrids as the next big thing.

BYD Sealion 6 Dynamic, panning motion shot

Suzuki Swift RS CVT

The new fourth-generation Swift has arrived and the big news is that the range is now mild hybrid only. Plus, it’s no more expensive.

Suzuki Swift RS CVT in blue, driving through a country backroad

MG3 Hybrid+ Essence

The Suzuki Swift isn’t the only new small car to come along this month, with MG also replacing its entry into the segment. Here we delve into the new MG3.

MG3 Hybrid+ Essence in blue, parked in front of Rangitoto island

Omoda E5 EX

There’s a new baseline for EV crossover value in New Zealand and you’re looking at it, the Omoda E5. Is it a step up on its rivals?

Omoda E5 EX, parked in front of the Auckland War Memorial museum

BMW XM Label Red Editon

Here’s a full-size M style SUV from BMW to take on the DBX707, G 63, RS Q8, and Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid.

BMW XM Label Red edition parked on a white sand beach

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 3LT Convertible

A convertible in July doesn’t sound like much fun. But when it’s a Corvette with a small block V8 nestled in behind you, it can help cure those winter blues.

Chevrolet Corvette String 3LT Convertible in blue, parked in a national park

Haval Jolion Ultra Hybrid

Haval has given its hybrid Jolion the once over as it reaches its mid-point in life. Is it still good value?

Haval Jolion Ultra Hybrid in silver, taking a corner in the wet

Ram 1500 Big Horn

Ram has a new entry point, the Big Horn, and boy is it big! Or should we say long, what with its XL tray and extended cab.

Ram 1500 Big Horn parked next to a construction site

Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 d 4MATIC

Mercedes-Benz has been busy updating its SUV range, the GLS the latest to gain some extras. Of those, the 48V injection is the most useful.

Mercedes-Benz GLS 450d 4Matic, parked with a rustic stone wall behind. Shown in silver

Toyota Land Cruiser 70 LX Wagon

This is one for those that like ’em the way they used to be. But does the LC70 still stack up in 2024?

Toyota Land Cruiser 70 LX parked on a New Zealand beach

1990 Mitsuoka Le Seyde

Some cars attract attention and then there is the Mitsuoka Le Seyde. It’s out there man.

Mitsuoka Le-Seyde in white, showing front horns and fog lights

Royal Enfield Shotgun 650

Royal Enfield has added a fourth model to its 650 twin line-up, the Shotgun, a stylish bobber. We cross the ditch to ride it in the hills northeast of Melbourne.

Royal Enfield Shotgun 650 bike, parked next to a road

CFMoto 450MT

It began with the CFMoto 450 SR sports bike. Big performance for not a huge outlay. Now CFMoto has lobbed a grenade in the compact adventure sector. We ride the striking 450MT.

CFMoto 450MT panning shot, riding past