Being named New Zealand Car of the Year not only lifts the stature of the BMW i3 electric car but will also be a boost to the potential introduction of a certain sister model.
The S90 is described as the real test for a revitalised Volvo, and not just internationally. Given the low interest now in large sedans, will New Zealand’s distributor even bother?
Just one body type but still the choice of seven or five seats and no change in current prices: That’s the game plan for the refreshed Captiva. Holden New Zealand sees plenty of sales potential yet from this ‘final days’ update.
Mercedes has admitted it could have plug-in hybrid cars here almost immediately, but won’t turn on this switch unless Government shows some tangible support to encourage the technology.
The new MX-5 has gone turbo for extra pep – but it’s not Mazda’s doing. Say ciao to the 124 Spider, Fiat’s version of the world’s best-selling roadster.
Though plenty of engineers visited, New Zealand soil was never touched by the latest Hilux during its six year development – but the local distributor reckons international pre-launch testing, 80 percent conducted in Australia, leaves it perfectly suited to Kiwi conditions.
New Zealand has achieved the highest per-head-of-population pick up of an ultra-hard edition of BMW’s performance coupe. But that still only equates to three cars.
South Korea is set to remain the first line provider of a Renault-badged medium crossover for NZ, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be room for a French-built alternate.
Even supercar producers are downsizing and increasing the efficiency of their ‘big banger’ engines these days - so in doing the exact opposite with the last reprise for the Commodore, does Holden know something the rest of the car industry doesn't?
MotoringNZ reviews new cars and keeps readers up-to-date with the latest developments on the auto industry. All the major brands are represented. The site is owned and edited by New Zealand motoring journalist Richard Bosselman.
