NZ Autocar September 2024 issue is on sale now

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Words: Isaac Western
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Published 28 August 2024

Our lineup for September is a strong one – giving the lowdown on the final combustion engined Audi RS4, the brand new Toyota C-HR Hybrid, a revised Peugeot 208 GT, and a sprightly mid engined turbo Kei car among others. Here’s September’s list:

Audi RS 4 Competition Plus

The RS 4 is the last of the old, combustion-engined A4 line. Locally, the Competition plus model marks a fitting end.

Audi RS 4 Competition Plus parked showing the rear quarter, with hedge and glass behind

Toyota C-HR GXL Hybrid

Toyota’s funky little C-HR enters its second generation. It continues with its standout styling and brings updated hybrid tech. Is it worthy of consideration amongst the hoards of compact SUVs?

Toyota C-HR GXL Hybrid about to take a corner in a residential area

Lexus LBX Relax

Behold the smallest entrant yet from Lexus. It may not be that quick or roomy but when it looks this good, that’s enough.

White 2024 Lexus LBX Relax , cresting a hill and turning a corner in action

Toyota Hilux SR5 Cruiser Hybrid

Of the electric kind, with the introduction of a 48v mild hybrid system. Is it worth the hype?

Toyota Hilux SR5 Cruiser Hybrid in grey, parked with a forestry area in behind

Porsche Cayenne GTS

More power and added precision from rear-axle steering make the latest Cayenne GTS something special. And what a bark!

Porsche Cayenne GTS V8, parked with a a long straight road in the distance

Audi SQ7 TFSI

Audi gives its big Q7 another freshen up, its second in nine years. Is the beast getting long in the tooth?

Cornering Audi SQ7 TFI, in silver, on an Auckland backroad

Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4MATIC

Mercedes-Benz had too many coupes on offer, and decided one would do. The CLE is that two-door, one with unique charms in this market.

Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4MATIC from 2024, in black, parked against a graffiti wall

Peugeot 208 GT Hybrid

Peugeot has ushered in a new era of electrification with the revised 208 GT, its first mild hybrid offering. Is it a sparkler?

Peugeot 208 GT Hybrid in yellowish green, parked in the rain next to a water view

Volkswagen Golf GTE

It might not look as angry as a GTI but VW’s GTE is all but as quick and is also capable of seriously low fuel use.

VW Golf GTE taking a cornering at pace

MG MG3 Hybrid+ Essence

MG’s new MG3 Hybrid+ ups the ante for a city car, with plenty of EV potential. Think of it as a wannabe electric, one you don’t have to recharge when going further afield.

MG3 Hybrid+ Essence in blue, parked in a carpark, front quarter view

Suzuki Swift RSC

There are only two models to choose from in the new Swift line-up. The RSC is the up-spec version. Is it worth the extra asked?

Suzuki Swift RSC in white, parked near the water

Bridgestone Tyres

We trek to Queensland to try out the latest in all-terrain tyre technology, the Dueler A/T 002.

Isuzu MU-X driving on Australia's Noose national park, rolling shot

2017 Honda S660 Mugen RA

The S660 channels Honda’s commitment to its sporting heritage. It’s from a long line of sporting heroes, and is one that proves you don’t need a big donk to thrill.

Honda S660 in red, parked next to a rustic wall

BMW R 1300 GS

Those wanting a bike that can do it all, and especially the expansive trips, must have the R 1300 GS on their list.

BMW R 1300s GS bike, in green parked on a winding backroad