Nissan X-Trail
Nissan is expanding its X-Trail range in New Zealand while insisting it remains committed to the market, despite shrinking its local operation and leaving the new Leaf electric car on hold.

JAC T9 PHEV
Across the Tasman, this ute is sold as the JAC T9 Hunter, which is the name the company wanted to use here too. Someone else owns it in New Zealand, so ours is the plainer T9 PHEV.

Audi RS 5 Avant
The Audi RS 4 returns as the RS 5, and it’s a plug-in hybrid. Does this formula work for one of Audi’s greatest hits? 

Toyota bZ4X Touring AWD vs Toyota RAV4 GR Sport
Two Toyotas with a plug, that is. One is a full BEV, the bZ4X Touring; the other is a PHEV, the RAV4 GR Sport. They are not far apart in price and tempt the same sort of buyer. Which one is best for you?

Mazda CX-5 SP AWD
The Mazda CX-5 enters a new generation and is faced with tackling the onslaught of new nameplates that now exist in the medium SUV segment. Is it up to the task?   

BMW iX3 50 xDrive
BMW has learnt a lot over the years in regard to electric car development.  All that knowledge has been concentrated into the new iX3. So is it the new benchmark in the class?

GWM Cannon Alpha Vanta 3.0 vs Foton Tunland V9-S
Want something a bit bigger and well-specced for your next truck? You’ll be looking at one of these. The GWM Cannon Alpha has a new diesel engine, but also a big price tag, while the Foton V9 has American vibes for less money. So which is the better buy?

Denza D9 AWD
The luxo people mover segment is small in terms of sales, but there are a growing number of options within, including the Denza D9. Is it the pick of the bunch?

Mazda 6e Takami
Mazda’s second attempt locally at an electric vehicle is a more complete offering. It looks good, is priced right and goes well. What’s the catch? 

BYD ATTO 3 Evo Dynamic
The BYD Atto 3 has evolved, a new three variant line-up now turning up in local showrooms. How has it changed, and is it still relevant in a constantly evolving EV market?

Lexus RZ 500e Dynamic
Lexus adds steer-by-wire technology to its thoroughly revised electric RZ range. But is it worth the extra outlay?

GWM Tank 500 Vanta 3.0 Diesel
GWM has expanded its local Tank 500 range with the new Vanta, bringing the biggest change since the model’s local introduction: a turbo-diesel engine. 

Suzuki Jimny Horizon
The Suzuki Jimny is living proof that size doesn’t necessarily matter when going off-road. What does matter, however, is how many accessories you can fit to your rig without rendering it useless for its intended purpose.

BYD ATTO 2 DM-i Premium
The electric Atto 2 has been a quiet success for BYD New Zealand, a $41k, small SUV that still carries a waiting list. 

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
Few vehicles still on sale are as iconic as the Jeep Wrangler. From its humble military-issue beginnings to the luxury off-roader it is today, few can match its storied life.

Subaru WRX Senkō  vs Toyota GR Yaris Aero
If you find spoilers a bit discreet, you’ll love this pair. They are both proud wing wearers. Each has the driver at heart, though each has a different appeal.

Cupra Leon Sportstourer VZ & Terramar VZ Tribe Edition + Cupra Roadmap
Cupra owners are said to be a loyal bunch, and they love their cars. The Tribe Edition models build on that appeal, but as we discovered after sitting down with local Cupra GM, Luke Meurant, there’s plenty more to come. 

Kawasaki KLE500
Kawasaki’s KLE500 puts the company’s friendly parallel twin into an adventure-ready chassis that encourages you to explore the country. Is it a great all-rounder?

50 years of Porsche in New Zealand
Porsche had been in business for 45 years before officially selling cars in Aotearoa. Thanks to Colin Giltrap, the brand arrived in 1976 and the rest, as they say… is history.

GM’s V8 legacy alive and well
The V8 is a favourite of Chevrolet buyers locally, which is a good thing, as that’s the only engine offered here. We sample the differences in Australia. 

1986 Volkswagen Golf GTI 16V
Volkswagen knew it was on to a good thing with the Golf GTI. When the Mk2 Golf came along, it didn’t waste any time introducing a follow-up to the original. Does it still live up to the hype?