We had the opportunity to take a closer look and test drive the all-new Kia Sorento. Our first impression of the vehicle is that they’ve done a good job. The front end is dominated by the company’s … More »
All new Mazda CX-30
Mazda New Zealand has decided it can't wait for lockdown restrictions to lift and has debuted it's latest small SUV online, hot on the heels of a podium finish in the recent World Car of the Year … More »
Review | Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
Mitsubishi has gone full 'Beast mode' on the Pajero Sport for 2020, giving it a new, more Triton-esque face and jamming in a whole load of new equipment, as is the Mitsubishi tried-and-tested way. … More »
Holden Acadia Review
I am sure you have seen this SUV driving around recently. With more and more of them on the road, we got a chance to drive one for a few days. Even though you might think this is one big, lumpy, … More »
Volkswagen e-Golf Review
With all the sprightliness and most of the practicality of the regular Golf, the 2019 VW e-Golf is Volkswagen's electric car, and provides all-electric motoring in a handsome little package. An … More »
2019 Škoda Karoq Review
I have been driving this new Skoda Karoq for a few days now and every time I get inside this car, I start the engine and instantly it feels like I am floating on the clouds and the car just takes me … More »
2019 Subaru Forester Review
Who else was a fan of the racing game Gran Turismo when it was released on PlayStation back in the day? There were always a couple of cars that were a lot of fun to drive on the different courses. … More »
The Mercedes Benz X-Class Review
Ever since it was announced, the Mercedes Benz X-Class has divided opinions. Is the criticism valid? Has it unfairly been dismissed before it has had the chance to prove itself? Thanks to the team … More »
The Ford Ranger Raptor Experience
We had the chance to review the Ford Ranger Raptor in NZ over the New Year and here’s how it went. As I have matured (another way of saying I’m getting old), the need to stay up until the early … More »
Mercedes Benz X-Class vs Nissan Navara
What’s the difference? The Mercedes Benz X-Class Ute has copped an unjustified battering since its launch earlier on this year! What's the truth with the Nissan Vs Mercedes X-Class Debate? We … More »
2019 Ford Ranger XLT Review
First drive impressions 2019 Ranger XLT Written by Colin Bower There’s no doubt the design people at Ford got it right with a blend of crisp styling and straight lines morphing into curves in all … More »
2019 BMW X5 Review
‘The devil is in the detail’ exclaimed Karol Abrasowicz-Madej BMW New Zealand’s new MD. A statement made even more fitting as we pawed over their new BMW X5 premium SUV, in yes, you guessed it, … More »
2018 Nissan X-Trail Review
I had the opportunity to test drive the new Nissan X-Trail. From the outside, it looks sharp, with Nissan’s iconic ‘V-motion’ grille and daytime running LED lights. The windscreen is designed to give … More »
2018 Mitsubishi ASX Review
The 2018 Mitsubishi ASX XLS 2WD is one of the most affordable new SUVs in the market. Mitsubishi have relied on what has worked in the past, with minimal refinements since production of the third … More »
2018 Holden Spark Review
Although I have often used the term sarcastically, a bright spark is generally used to describe a smart or witty person, someone of above average intelligence or even (at times) a genius, but when it … More »
2018 Honda Odyssey
There’s a certain perception about people movers for new car buyers, but If you’re looking for an MPV that combines style, comfort, reliability and space – look no further.. The Honday Odyssey is the … More »
2019 Kia Sportage Review
The 2019 Kia Sportage is here and it is looking to make an impression straight away. After all, when you're competing against the Mazda CX-5, Nissan X-Trail, Mitsubishi Outlander and Hyundai … More »
2018 Toyota Rav4 Review
Toyota are well known for producing a range of reliable vehicles. From the Corolla to the Hilux, there is a consistency which sees them leading the market share in New Zealand by some margin. When … More »
2019 Toyota Corolla Review
There is a theory that by being part of a large group or mass makes one less likely to fall foul of a mishap or accident and this hypothesis has been extended to road traffic too. According to a 1949 … More »
Renault Koleos Review
Review by Sandra Masters I had the opportunity to test drive the Renault Koleos over the weekend and see how it goes around town. The Koleos is competing against the Kia Sportage, the Nissan … More »
Dodge Ram 1500 Review
Alright, I know that a young Ram is called a ‘Ram Lamb’ but it didn’t have the same ring to it. The point is RAM (the truck type) have just launched their new 1500 and despite it being shorter, lower … More »
2018 Suzuki Swift RS Turbo Review
The 2018 Suzuki Swift RS Turbo Review will put the smile back on your dial says Colin Bower. Check out his review below. It all started with an email from one of my clients, who … More »
Haval H9 Review
Before I started working at Driveline, I had no idea how popular the Ford Ranger was. I was unaware of the massive move towards SUVs and Utes and thought the Suzuki Swift was the country's best … More »
Toyota Prius Prime Review
It seemed to me, that when the Toyota Prius was launched hit the streets around twenty, yes twenty years ago, it instantly became the darling Hollywood. Justifiably I guess, almost every star was seen … More »
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace Review
Our Administration Manager Raewyn reviews the new Volskwagen Tiguan AllSpace A new SUV has to make an immediate impression. This is a very competitive market so you've always got to have something … More »
Renault Captur Review
In what I would deem a similar vein to how their sporting opposition approaches them, it’s always with a hint of trepidation when I jump inside and review anything French. It’s not that I am opposed … More »
2018 Mazda CX-8 Review
New Mazda CX8 first drive impression by Colin Bower "Which one would you buy?" a client asked me the other day. He was referring to the 2018 Mazda CX8 versus the 2018 Ford … More »
BMW M140 Shadow edition review
Anyone that’s watched a professional boxing bout will have probably witnessed a fighter rapidly punch the air or shadow-box upon arrival to the ring. In essence, Shadowboxing is sparing with an … More »
Holden Colorado V8
Our CEO Lance Manins was up in Whangarei last week and came across an Holden Colorado Ute with a mighty V8 engine. Here's what he had to say about it. "V8 COLORADO ! ! - At last someone has had the … More »
2018 Kia Niro Review
With the number of client enquiries about EV’s (Electric Vehicles) and PEV’s really starting to ramp up, I decided it was time to schedule a trip over my favourite test route – the Kaimais to Lake … More »
Toyota Hilux 2WD Double Cab PreRunner Review
Call me old-fashioned, but a lot of the time, alright most of the time, when I’m asked which model of vehicle I wish to review, I opt for the top of the line version. You see, just as the brands like … More »
Lexus NX 300 Review
Gloves are amazing items. They have a history that’s as long as your arm and as a garment, have (pardon the pun), their fingers in a lot of pies. They have arguably been referenced back hundreds of … More »
2018 Volkswagen Polo Review
Volkswagen have (quite literally) turned up the bass and the base on their Polo with the Beats model, fashioning their popular, and now all-new compact car, into a four-wheel Dr Dre beatbox, and yes I … More »
2018 Jaguar E-Pace Review
Back in the early 70’s, the hair was big, the shoes were platformed and the trousers were bell-bottomed wider than Cheshire Cat’s Smile. It was a flamboyant and expressive time where collars were long … More »
Nissan Qashqai Review
The all new Nissan Qashqai is out now and it'll be interesting to see how it competes against rivals like the Mazda CX-3 and Kia Niro. This compact SUV is more or less a slightly smaller version of … More »
Volkswagen Amarok Review
In recent history, German vehicles have been synonymous with quality, comfort and reliability. The innovation and technology Mercedes Benz, BMW, Audi and Volkswagen have produced is nothing short of … More »
2018 Mitsubishi Triton Review
One of the things I enjoy about being part of the Driveline team is the opportunity to test drive the latest models to help my clients with their decision-making process. As independent advisers, … More »
Suzuki Vitara 1.4 Turbo Auto vs Vitara 1.6 JLX
Yes, I admit to being an unrepentant ‘Petrol Head. After driving and reporting on the new Suzuki Vitara JLX Auto and the new Swift turbo late last year, my curiosity got the better of me and I lined … More »
Ford Ranger Raptor Review
A recent study by Ford research boffins in Europe highlighted that regularly driving a sports car can greatly increase your sense of well-being and emotional fulfilment. Therefore unfortunately, … More »
2018 Holden Equinox Review
A good vehicle gets sold; a great vehicle sells itself. After its last production plant in South Australia closed, Holden needed a good news story. They needed a vehicle which could sell itself, … More »
Seat Ateca Review
Did you know that Spain is one of the world's largest automobile producers? The industry accounts for roughly 4% of the nation's GDP. So, when one of its most ubiquitous car brands, Seat (or … More »
Range Rover Velar Review
In cockney terms, a diamond geezer is a type of good bloke, a stand-up man, an all-round good sort, in other words, the Range Rover Velar. For as well as the Velar hailing from the UK, being a ‘bit of … More »
Jaguar F-Pace Review
As a kid, the coolest cat I remember was Top Cat or T.C to his close friends. Sporting a Mauve pork pie hat and waistcoat, he and his gang of alley cats (Benny the Ball, Choo-Choo, Brain, Fancy-Fancy … More »
The All New BMW X3
Calvin Luk is a local vehicle designer. Ok, he’s an Australian, but (in true Aussie style), since he’s doing well on the world stage we’ll extend him some Kiwi ownership. He is one of BMW group’s … More »
The Holden Equinox Launch
Twice a year, (March and September) the plane of the Earth’s equator passes through the centre of the Sun’s disk. The Equinox a derivative of the Latin word aequinoctium – Aequus/Nox (equal/night) and … More »
Tesla Model S Review
After a lot of talk and hype, we finally got the chance to get behind the wheel of the Tesla Model S. Overall, it is everything you'd expect it to be. Eco-friendly, quiet and full of all the latest … More »
Rolls Royce Wraith Black Badge Review
Being handed the keys to a Rolls-Royce Wraith Black Badge is one thing, however, receiving them at their custom-designed headquarters in Goodwood England is another thing altogether. Having been … More »
New Suzuki Vitara JLX a cost effective and satisfying driving experience
*This is Driveline's Bay Driver column After four years of enjoying the experience of owning a Honda 2 litre V-tec Civic Sport, I decided it was time to shift up a few gears and become proud owners … More »
Mini Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 review
Electricity is a funny old thing. Alternating and Direct, (AC/DC), High and low voltage, Big and small amp’s, clean and dirty (in terms of resource)… One thing is for sure, in my humble opinion; it’s … More »
Isuzu MU-X Review
Since driving around the Isuzu off-road course at Fieldays earlier this year, both myself and my family were keen to get some additional time with their MU-X SUV. I liked its capability, the wife … More »
2017 Toyota Hilux Review
The Toyota Hilux has been around for a while. From generation to generation it has earned a reputation for being tough, innovative and reliable. As Autocar writer Doug Revolta says... "the Hilux … More »
Land Rover Discovery Review
A short while ago I had the pleasure of attending the NZ launch of the all new Land Rover Discovery (5). Held at Boomrock in Wellington, it was an off road experience that gave e a big insight into … More »
Mazda CX-3 Review
This is Driveline's SunLive column. The Mazda CX-3 has become a popular sub-compact SUV on New Zealand roads since launching to market in 2015. This year (2017) an updated CX-3 arrived – and what … More »
2017 Suzuki Swift RS Review
Aside from the obvious name connection, both Suzuki and Taylor seem to have quite a lot in common. Both are children of the 80’s, they are multi-award winning, attractive, smart and both have proven … More »
2017 Ford Escape Review
I recently read a list of ‘10 most re-watchable movies’ and as usual I basically disagreed with most of it. It consisted of things like the Sound of Music, The Wizard of Oz and Lord of the Rings (aka … More »
The next generation Hyundai Ioniq is here
There is very little time to sit still in the vehicle industry. Over the last couple of years the quality of everything has improved, from your entry level small car to a top of the line Ute. The … More »
Suzuki S-Cross Review
Although some people manage it naturally, as do certain animal or reptilian species (think Chameleon), blending in (be it in Art, business or social circumstances, or even way back at school) mostly … More »
2017 Skoda Kodiaq Review
As you are undoubtedly aware, there are 12 signs of the Zodiac (Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces) and depending on what you … More »
Suzuki Ignis Review
At 6”1 I'm not usually a small car kind of guy, so when I was asked to review the new Suzuki Ignis I thought they had muddled me up with somebody else. However, after spending a couple of days in the … More »
Meet the brand new Suzuki Swift
If you're after a car that's easy to drive and provides a good balance between work and life, the new Suzuki Swift may be just what you're looking for. This beautiful little hatchback has been … More »
Ford Mustang Convertible Review
I have to admit to being somewhat disingenuous with my thoughts on a certain member of the pop star industry – named Robert Matthew Van Winkle Aka Vanilla Ice. For some reason, somewhere in the … More »
2017 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport VRX Review
If you're looking for a vehicle that can help you enjoy the demands of an active lifestyle, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport VRX might just be the vehicle for you. The VRX is a smart, luxurious SUV … More »
Kia Niro Review
The Kia Niro brochure boasts of this planet saving hybrid doing 3.8Litres/100km, which all sounds well and good but these numbers can often only be achieved in ‘ideal’ conditions and environments and … More »
Dodge Ram 2500 Review
The Dodge Ram 2500 has made it to New Zealand shores. These muscular vehicles are built for tough conditions. The team at Drive.com.au put the vehicle through its paces in this video review to see … More »
Kia Optima GT Review
Families come in all shapes and sizes (Even I have one) but throughout history, there have some families that have seemingly controlled more than their fair share of the world – they are surnames that … More »
Maserati Levante Review
Virtually the moment that Winger Maserati handed me the keys to their new Lavante in their ultra posh showroom in Auckland the heavens opened up outside and not in a good way. Rain had been forecasted … More »
2017 Volvo S90 Review
The new Volvo S90 was designed with luxury, comfort and continuity in mind. Tom Voelk from Driven Car Reviews has a look at the upgrades and improvements made to the vehicle in this video review. … More »
Suzuki Vitara Review
Stepping out around town can often be fraught with danger. What to wear very much depends on where you are headed and of course the company you are in. Most of the business world appears to have … More »
Ford Ranger Review
Yogi Bear is an animated creation dreamt up by Hanna Barbera. He was a breakout character that first appeared on the Huckleberry Hound show but went on (in my opinion) to be far more successful. He … More »
Kia Cerato Review
There are many ways to greet someone, from a simple hello or handshake to a warm embrace or Hongi. The depth and intimacy of the greeting varies from country to culture and from familiarity to … More »
2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Review
If there was a moment where the Hyundai Santa Fe firmly established itself in the New Zealand car market, it was 2006. You probably remember the ad. You know, the one with the toddler driving the … More »
Utes Mega-Test Review
The demand for Utes is growing by the day In 2016, one in six vehicles sold in New Zealand were Utes. These vehicles have been riding a wave of popularity, providing a good balance between work and … More »
Mazda CX-9 Review – Dressed to the Nines
Silly season is almost upon us, a chance to spend quality time with loved ones and family (sometimes they are even both). You buy presents, eat copious amounts of food and get the invite to attend … More »
Kia Sportage Review
Back in April, the Kia Sportage won the Red Dot Award for Product Design. This prize is one of many which the vehicle has enjoyed over the years. Ever since it entered the sub compact SUV market in … More »
Flashback Friday: Suzuki Swift
It is one of the most recognisable cars on the road. 33 years after the 1st generation model came out, the Suzuki Swift continues to impress. Using the company's G Engine, it initially went into … More »
Range Rover Review
It's no secret that SUVs have been very popular cars for business and personal use in recent times. However, the Range Rover is one of those vehicles which has surged into the market and … More »