NZ Autocar November 2024 issue is on sale now

Image
Words: Autocar
Author
Published 6 November 2024

In November’s issue, we explore Kia’s leap into the ute market, check out Porsche’s latest shooting brake tourer, compare highly competitive Hybrid SUVs, and much more.

Kia Tasman

Kia’s new player in the important light commercial sector is Tasman, a bold new design that promises to right some of the wrongs of existing utes.

Kia Tasman parked in a desert

Volkswagen Golf GTI

For those who want a hot hatch that can cope with a day at the track and get you there and back in comfort, look no further than the latest Golf GTI.

VW Golf GTI cornering with the sea behind it

MG HS Essence

MG has renewed its popular HS five-seat family car for the second generation. This top-range Essence is bigger and smarter looking. It’s also more expensive.

MG HS Essence in black, pulling into a driveway

Mitsubishi Outlander 2.5 Exceed 4WD

Outlander is one of many mid-size SUVs available locally. To help entice buyers, Mitsubishi has added a swish top-spec Exceed variant. We check it out.

Mitsubishi Outlander in black, cornering

Porsche Taycan 4S Cross Turismo

The Cross Turismo is a Taycan shooting brake, available in three variants. We check out the 4S, the sweet point in the range.

Blue Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo, cornering at pace

Toyota Camry Hybrid ZR

It might be thought of by some as no more than a Taxi but the latest Toyota Camry is better than that. It’s quite the surprise package.

Toyota Camry slow shutter speed shot

Mercedes-Benz E 300

At present the only E-Class in the latest generation is the E 300 you see here, a mild hybrid offering. What’s it like then?

Mercedes-Benz E 300 sedan, on a country backroad

Ford Escape ST-Line X FHEV AWD vs Kia Sportage HEV Earth

There are now a few more hybrid SUV options on the market so you no longer have to default to the RAV4. The new Ford Escape line-up is all hybrid, while Kia has recently added a Sportage HEV. Which is the better alternative?

Ford Escape vs Kia Sportage, parked next to each other in comparison

Cupra Born V+ & Formentor V e-Hybrid PHEV

These two, the Cupra Born EV and the Formentor PHEV are dynamic drives that also offer clean running. It’s like having your cake and eating it too. But which is better, EV or PHEV?

Cupra Formentor and Cupra Born both parked together, for comparison

1970 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow

Nothing projects a high roller lifestyle quite like a Rolls Royce. Here we check out an uber cool 1970 Silver Shadow, which is remarkably affordable.

Rolls-Royce silver shadow, parked in front of Auckland War memorial museum

Triumph Daytona 660 (LAMS)

Triumph returns with a pair of Daytona middleweight models, one learner legal, one full power. We ride the LAMS machine.

Triumph Daytona 660 LAMS bike, taking a corner