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Auto Trader Insights: The leading NZ car blog for reviews, news, and expert buying and selling advice
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4 June 2026

Ferrari’s $1 million Luce EV to be crash tested by Euro NCAP

Ferrari’s controversial Luce EV will likely become the first vehicle from the Italian marque to be independently crash tested by Euro NCAP.  When speaking to the media at the launch event in Rome, a Ferrari executive confirmed to the media that Euro NCAP “is part of our performance target.” Though this statement doesn’t commit the Luce to getting crashed by
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White Hilux BEV crashing
3 June 2026
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Electric Hilux, Subaru Trailseeker earn five-star ANCAP ratings

Toyota and Subaru’s new electric vehicles have secured top safety honours from ANCAP, with the battery-electric Toyota Hilux, Subaru Trailseeker and Subaru Uncharted all awarded five-star ratings in...
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3 June 2026
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Bruce McLaren-inspired McLaren Artura 1000GP unveiled 

McLaren has unveiled a new special edition variant of its Artura plug-in hybrid supercar, inspired by the brand’s motorsport success.  Celebrating the team that Bruce McLaren founded in...
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3 June 2026
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Kawasaki returns to two-strokes with the new KX327

Kawasaki has announced its first full-sized two-stroke dirt bike in almost 20 years, and they aren’t doing anything by halves.  Revealed as the KX327 and KX327X, these two...
A blue Trailseeker in the dust
2 June 2026
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Subaru Trailseeker headed for New Zealand

Subaru is expanding its electric ambitions in New Zealand with confirmation that the Trailseeker will arrive in local showrooms in September 2026. The newcomer represents an entirely new...
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2 June 2026
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Toyota’s hardcore GRMN Corolla confirmed for New Zealand, but you can’t have one

Toyota New Zealand has confirmed its hardcore GRMN Corolla will be arriving in New Zealand, but only as a “showcase vehicle”. Unlike Australia, where customers can expect to...
Red Rav4
2 June 2026
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New vehicle market continues its recovery

New Zealand’s new vehicle market continued its recovery in May, with registrations rising 18.1 per cent year-on-year to 11,296 units, marking the fifth straight month of growth and...
BYD badge on a greenish car
2 June 2026
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BYD New Zealand puts data storage in the spotlight

BYD New Zealand reckons the personal data held by your car consists of a VIN number and an email address. While it’s kept on Australian servers, you can...
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2 June 2026
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GMC doubles down on Hummer EV with bold off-road concepts 

GMC has shown its commitment to the revived Hummer brand by debuting a pair of electric concepts over the weekend.  Revealed as the GMC Hummer X SUV and...
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2 June 2026
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Report: Electric Lexus IS sedan cancelled over market uncertainty 

Lexus has reportedly cancelled plans for an electric version of the IS sedan to replace the petrol/hybrid version.  According to a report published by Automobilwoche, a Lexus spokesperson...
5 June 2026
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Audi’s new V8-powered Nuvolari is the supercar no one saw coming 

Audi has surprised the world by unveiling an all-new V8-powered supercar in Monaco ahead of this weekend’s F1 GP.  Dubbed the Nuvolari, this futuristic machine is powered by a twin-turbo, hybrid-assisted 4.0-litre V8 engine.  It’s the same engine that powers Lamborghini’s Temerario, but Audi notes that their Nuvolari will produce more power.  Exact figures are yet to be confirmed, but
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4 June 2026
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Audi’s electric TT successor continues testing ahead of 2027 launch

Audi’s long-awaited electric sports car is edging closer to production, with fresh spy shots revealing the latest development vehicles undergoing testing in Europe. The new model, expected to serve as the spiritual successor to the TT, was previewed by Audi’s striking Concept C at last year’s Munich Motor Show. While the production car remains under wraps, the latest images provide
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4 June 2026
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Another Porsche 911 restomod with a GT3-beating power-to-weight ratio

British restomod specialist Theon Design has revealed its latest interpretation of the air-cooled Porsche 911, a heavily re-engineered 964-generation coupe. Built as a one-off commission, the latest creation features a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre flat-six producing 421bhp (314kW), driving the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. Weighing in at 1146kg thanks to extensive use of carbon fibre, Theon says the
Restomod 911 driving on a British country lane
4 June 2026
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Peugeot issues local recall for a number of models over faulty door handles

Auto Distribution Holdings has issued a recall in New Zealand for a number of models across Peugeot and Opel.  The recall notice posted to the NZTA mentions the Peugeot  3008, 308, 408 and 5008 are included, as well as the Opel Astra.  Vehicles produced between 2024 and 2025 are included in the recall notice. “Affected vehicles may experience in randomly
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