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Action hero Statham is best Transporter for new car
A survey asked UK customer who is the ultimate delivery guy.
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Jeep Gladiator
The first ute from Jeep in 27 years proved its worth in gnarly Kiwi conditions.
First Drives
It is built on the same robust ladder-frame chassis as the three-door version. This platform, known for its durability and strength, is a key component of the Jimny’s off-road capabilities.
First launched in 1997, it’s met its share of competitors; from the Toyota GR Corolla, VW Golf R, the Ford Focus RS and Hyundai’s i30N.
With a robust chassis, versatile engine options, and cutting-edge technology, the Amarok sets itself apart in the fiercely competitive landscape of midsize utes in New Zealand.
It went on sale in New Zealand earlier this year with the Launch Limited Edition Avenger priced from $69,990. It has a 115kW / 156hp BEV Electric Motor and a range of 402km.
Whether tackling winding country roads or navigating Auckland city streets, the Countryman JCW exhibits minimal body roll and exceptional grip, thanks in part to its All4 all-wheel-drive system that optimally distributes power for maximum traction.
Priced from $199,900, the SUV has dual electric motors, with a battery producing 90.5kWh. That gives it an output of 460kW of power and an impressive 950Nm of torque.
Volvo Cars New Zealand expect to receive its first customer arrivals in early April, with the first two shipments already sold out, orders are now being taken for June-July arrivals.
There are two variants, one called the Turbo with a 1.5T engine and priced from $47,000 while the 2-litre Sport is a hybrid priced from $55,000.
The interior of the BYD Dolphin is a comfortable and tech-savvy space. The cabin is well-appointed with quality materials, providing a premium feel that belies its affordable price point.
The Grecale is currently available in New Zealand in three versions: GT (priced from $124,000), Modena ($145,000), and Trofeo ($186,000), with a full-electric version, Folgore, recently revealed at the Shanghai Auto Show.
The new Hunter 350 is a blood brother of two other Royal Enfield models – Meteor 350 and Classic 350. However, even if they share the same engine, there are noticeable differences that make the new Hunter stand out.
The dimensions of the third generation BMW X1 aid in offering elevated levels of space, ride comfort and road presence compared with the second generation model.
It is now available from just $52,740+ ORC with Opel’s double rebate deal slashing a hefty $17,250 off the original $69,990 pricing.
The car is priced from $52,990 for the standard range and tops out at $57,990 for the extended range. Both variants are eligible for the EV clean car rebate of $8625.
There’s also good news for Kiwis wanting to buy electric as two of the models qualify for the Government’s Clean Car rebate.
Priced from $61,9090, it is eligible for the $8625 clean car rebate, taking the price to $53,27.
The 2-litre petrol engine achieves a maximum power output of 228kW, with 400 Nm of torque with 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds.
Power for the French vehicle is created by combining a 147kW PureTech engine and two electric engines.
First to launch is the EQA 250 with a price tag of $85,500, just over the rebate threshold, with the exclusive Edition 1 package costing an additional $7300.
Priced from $57,990, the RS’s engine has been tuned for the ultimate performance.
The Standard Range Plus is a rear-wheel drive with a range of 448km, with 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 225km/h.
It is priced from $74,990 so it qualifies for the full $8625 clean car rebate.
The M4 Competition starts from $172,900 and the option of M Carbon bucket seats and M Carbon Exterior Package, adding $18,500.
Created for the US market, the Palisade design has more smooth edges, starting with the all-new grille for Hyundai.
The first models to be sold here are the S450 4MATIC (from $215,000) and long-wheelbase S450 L 4MATIC at $235,900.
The lineup starts at $37,990 for the Life, the R-Line costs $47,990 and the iconic GTI hot hatch is $61,490.
The Italian sedan is priced from $89,990 for the Veloce Carbon model or nearly $140,000 for the stonking Quadrifoglio.
Priced from $84,900, the XC40 Recharge PHEV has an electric motor and a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine.
There are three variants of the new sedan available here; the E200, the E300 e, and the E63 AMG 4Matic.
Modern Classic
The 1952 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mark II that had already garnered plenty of attention pre-auction and sold for $418,000.
In 2007, the “62 Landaulet” body style was brought to the market at the Middle East motor show and only eight units were produced.
Mercedes knew BMW had the S-Class in its sights with its next 7 Series and a probable V8 engine.
It was called a “sports activity vehicle” (SAV) to differentiate it within the SUV category.
It really caused BMW, Mercedes-Benz and even Porsche to up their game on the rapid ‘dog carrier plus three kids’ solution.
The sports saloon wasn’t a defined category in 1968 and even more so for Mercedes-Benz.
The convertible was conceived in 1991 when the brand was running into trouble with an ageing 944.
One of my favourite activities is looking daily at New Zealand’s TradeMe website to see what cars have been listed.
It ran for nine years until 1999 and was then axed due to poor uptake, with a total of 30,609 sold.
It was created by Ercole Spada in 1982 and was finalised for production design in 1985.
Aston Martin used the already luxurious Rapide platform but added 7.9 inches to it, mainly in the rear passenger seat.
It was sold between 2003 and 2010 in low numbers with just over 2100 being produced over this time.
It eclipsed the magical 1000Nm mark with torque and took the accolade of the highest production V8 ever produced.
The 300SL went into production in late 1954, in coupe (gullwing) form and was superseded in 1957.
With its bodywork by Karman, and designed by William Hofmeister, the E9 would be based on its predecessors from the lower “Neue Klasse Range”, the 2000C and the 2000CS.
From 1974 to 1990 a total of 1983 examples were built, after debuting at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show.
Its first acclaim came when it won its category at LeMans in 1951 and thereafter its popularity grew steadily through its model life.
The luxury SUV category was under “attack” and the Cayenne would sit in the high-performance aspect of the category, for some years to come.
It was conceived as a car that could cover long journeys with four passengers and accompanying suitcases in the boot.
Aston Martin had based it on the DB9 but wanted a car that could compete with the Porsche Panamera in being able to take four passengers, via four doors.
In their days, they also had the full options list thrown at them as standard features, so “Sir and Madam” got the very latest in tech and innovation from both marques.
The final debut coupe design would differ little from the concept car, short of the redesigned bumpers and rear quarter windows behind the doors.
Debuted at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, production only lasted four years from 2010 to 2014.
It’s fitting to think of the Corniche as the spiritual predecessor to the current Rolls-Royce Dawn convertible.
The G was weaponised with progressively more demonic V8 petrol engines thanks to AMG, which culminated in the “G63” 5.5-litre “bi-turbo” as the 39-year chapter closed on the first series.
Some even had fax machines as well as the obligatory cellular telephone.
New Zealand has an unusual link to the XJ with knock-down kits being produced in Nelson from 1974 to 1978.
Webb’s have outgrown its Mt Eden Gallery and the entire collection will be on view at ASB Showgrounds from December 8.
Electric Cars
It is also the first winner of the award to be available under the government's 'Clean Car' scheme, with its entry-level variant eligible for an $8650 rebate.
Priced from $61,9090, it is eligible for the $8625 clean car rebate, taking the price to $53,27.
The Stellantis brand will retain combustion capability for international markets.
The brand plans to accelerate an electric vehicle plan with 23 new entries worldwide by the end of the decade.
The SUV will have state-of-the-art tech and an advanced all-electric powertrain.
The L7e holds a larger 14kW motor, 11.2 kWh battery, and has a top speed of 90km/h.
The all-electric SUV concept will be fully unveiled at AutoMobility LA later this month.
The i4 sedan is built on the same assembly line as internal combustion engine and hybrid models such as the 3 Series.
With the Government’s recent Electric Vehicle Scheme announcement that means customers purchasing the $79,990 58 kWh will be entitled to the full $8625 subsidy.
The Model 3 was the top-selling car in New Zealand for September with 1066 registrations, beating the likes of Toyota’s Corolla.
Two of the three Polestar 2 models are eligible for the full $8,625 Clean Car Discount.
The Spectre fulfils the prophecy made by the marque’s founder, Charles Rolls, in 1900.
The US motoring giant claims that it's the largest single investment in electric vehicles by any American manufacturer.
By 2025, the company is aiming for 25 per cent of the material in new Volvo cars to consist of recycled and bio-based content.
First to launch is the EQA 250 with a price tag of $85,500, just over the rebate threshold, with the exclusive Edition 1 package costing an additional $7300.
By 2022, BMW Group New Zealand will offer 10 electrified models to local buyers.
The i4 M50the first-ever emissions-free BMW M car.
The model revealed is a “near-production study of an all-electric model variant of its utilitarian off-road”.
Guinness World Records confirmed 43 minutes, 13 seconds as the shortest charge time on Britain’s longest journey.
The SUV, codenamed Type 132, will be followed by a large electric sedan in 2023.
The iX xDrive40 Sport is priced at $163,900 and the xDrive50 Sport is $197,900.
Kiwis will be able to buy the Polestar 2 with the three versions available, just like its rival Tesla.
It has a powerful 52kWh battery which delivers a range of up to 395 kilometres.
The Standard Range Plus is a rear-wheel drive with a range of 448km, with 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 225km/h.
It is built on the company’s new Electric-Global Modular Platform and is similar in size to the brand’s Stinger.
It wants to be the first car manufacturer to use an electrified drivetrain in combination with an efficient energy converter.
By 2022, it will have battery electric vehicles in all its segments.
Year-to-date, there have been 706 Model 3s registered in New Zealand.
It is expected to have a range of between 402 to 483 kilometers.
As well as accelerated launch of the e-208 GT and e-2008 SUV, Peugeot is increasing production of the 3008 GT HYBRID4.
Around the World
It’s due in New Zealand in the next few months with prices and specifications to be announced closer to launch.
The three-door off-roader had a wading depth between 850-900mm.
Due to arrive in New Zealand in mid-2021, there will be two models introduced to the local market, the e-tron GT quattro and the RS e-tron GT.
It is the first FCA car equipped with the new revolutionary UConnect 5 infotainment system.
Ford claims the Mach-E will have room for five adults, plus there should be plenty of interior storage for smaller items.
The compact SUV has a range between 260- and 370km with three levels of regenerative braking.
The luxury SUV has just been launched in Australia, but Hyundai NZ is still evaluating bringing it here.
The compact SUV has a starting price of $33,990 and $4000 more for the ST-Line model.
The four-berth 600 costs $159,000, and the 680 is $4000 more.
It has the 1920s style mixed with 2020s technology and although it’s not your everyday drive.
The hypercar has a starting price of NZ$4.5million, up to $5.85.
The electric vehicle has a range of 400km.
The electric SUV is a global player for the German brand.
It had its global reveal earlier this month, now some UK-based journos have tested it.
The two-door sports car is heading to New Zealand under a new brand, GM Speciality Vehicles.
The first grand tourer for the British brand has a 4-litre, V8 engine.
Some critics say it looks like a scared panda, but this EV is set for city domination.
The electric vehicle is jointly owned by Volvo Car Group and its parent company Geely.
The first-ever SUV from the British brand arrives in New Zealand next month.
The first-ever hybrid by Ferrari costs close to $1 million.
More than 20,000 Bentaygas have been handcrafted since the luxury SUV’s launch.
For Lexus NZ it is the top selling model in its range, making up 30 per cent of sales.
The 2021 compact SUV is 10cm taller and a fraction shorter than the previous model.
The two-door coupe has been so successful, that some countries have introduced a ballot system for buyers.
The models include the Taycan 4S, Taycan Turbo and the Turbo S.
This electric hatchback from the French brand has a range of 300km,
There’s a model to suit everyone; from the coupe, to the Targa and a convertible.
Land Rover headed to Namibia to really test the Defender.
Top 5
Car and Driver website has noted the top 25 best selling vehicles in the USA to October this year.
Stuck for ideas for the car fan in your family? Here are some top suggestions.
Long before we could drive, we already had picked our favourite rides thanks to famous TV cars.
Forget horse and carriage, when the British Royal family needs to get around there is an array of vehicles used.
Over half of the fan mail for The Dukes of Hazzard during filming was addressed to General Lee.
Meet Ferrari the Ferrari, a Wingle, and not a very pretty Princess.
It all started in 1969, when the Japanese company launched a sports car to equal the European brands.
While some cars last only a couple of years, other have fans for decades.
Most of the vehicles are available in New Zealand, or are here soon.
There were more than 2.3 million vehicles sold in the UK in 2019.
To celebrate July 4th, we are revealing what Americans like to drive.
They are small and perfectly formed, and one holds a special place in NZ car history.
Live vicariously through these stars who have quite a few vehicles in their garages.
If you thought Auckland’s motorways were scary, you ain’t seen nothing yet.
Forget the people mover, instead embrace your wild side.
Sometimes the marketing team for car brands have an off day when it comes to picking model names.
If you’ve got a million (or 30) to spare, you could invest in some classic cars.
Spend the Easter long weekend catching up on some great car films - guaranteed to have you laugh, cry and sing along.
Behind the Design
He has been the company’s Chief Design Officer since 2016 with a design philosophy of “Sensual Purity”.
"By re-designing this car for the future, we wanted to pay homage to that heritage.”
Hiroshi Tamura is the Chief Product Specialist (CPS) of the Z Proto and next Z.
Last year Rolls-Royce delivered a record 5152 cars to customers in over 50 countries.
Without an intermediate step via a clay model, the engineers will build the car directly from digital designs.
The fourth-generation compact SUV introduces a new grille and innovative technology.
The second largest car manufacturer in the world has a concept called j-factor.
There is a New Zealand element to the design of the German brand’s premium SUV.
This special Mini is limited to just 3000 units.
The affable designer has created the Continental GT coupe and now the facelift Bentayga.
The story behind the fourth generation roadster saw the USA and Japan work together.
It took one million stitches to create this very personal vehicle.
The electric version of the Mini three-door needed special attention.
The Gladiator ute was created to transport dirt bikes, tow a boat or caravan, or head to the ski slopes,
If the shoe fits, then it was probably designed by Renault’s head of design.
The all-new compact SUV will be a genuine off-roader.
Bentley prepares for the final Mulsanne to be hand built at its Crewe factory.
Nissan’s Program Design Director Giovanny Arroba explains the how he became a car designer, his passions and inspirations and where he’d love to drive his concept car.
How To
AA fuel spokesman Terry Collins’ advice for drivers is that they shouldn’t wait until the very last day of the discount to fill up.
Keep the car in EV mode as much as possible by using the accelerator gently, pressing it lightly but consistently.
Once the engine is running and you disconnect the booster pack or jump leads, the alternator suddenly sees an empty battery and instantly reacts by opening the floodgates to refill it.
Priced from $69,300, the Cooper S soft-top is powered by a 2-litre, twin-turbo petrol engine that produces 141kW of power and 280 Nm of torque. Paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission, the Cooper S has a fuel consumption of 6.3 litres/100km.