VW has added a four-pot petrol variant to its top Amarok model, the Aventura. How does it compare with the like-priced V6 TDI? In the modern double-cab ute era, you can choose big, bigger or humongous. Little isn’t really an option. They all seem to be 5m or more and this latest addition to the Amarok range measures up at 5350mm, almost 100mm up on the previous generation of Amarok. The reason we mention this is because it can feel supersized in the central city. Finding a park that this would slot into really wasn’t easy. Same as at the golf club up Mangawhai way, its 2210mm width (including ..read more

The Mazda EZ-6 is the first of a series of new energy vehicles developed and manufactured by Changan Mazda in cooperation with Mazda. It will launch in China before year’s end, both in EV and PHEV guises. The Mazda Arata, unveiled at the same time in Beijing, will also go on sale by the end of 2025. The Mazda EZ-6 is an electrified model that combines Mazda’s Kodo design language with its ‘car and driver as one’ feel. Two versions will be available, a pure battery electric vehicle (BEV) and a plug-in hybrid example.  The EZ-6 design features a simple, flowing coupe form. Dynamic pe ..read more

Porsche refreshed its Cayenne SUV last year, including the plug-in hybrid variants. Herein, we drive the base E-Hybrid PHEV. Porsche has just launched its first fully electric high-rise vehicle, Porsche Macan Electric, while locally we have just driven the plug-in variant of the facelifted Cayenne. Evidently this refreshed Cayenne will sell alongside an electric version that’s due for release in 2026. So Porsche is expecting big things of its BEVs. Not that it is abandoning ICE power, as evidenced by this vehicle, the Cayenne E-Hybrid. In its latest iteration Porsche has once again upped elec ..read more

Lamborghini’s best-selling model just got faster. The 4.0L twin-turbo V8 remains but it’s now bolstered by an electric motor, improving its performance capabilities and efficiency. That electric motor produces 141kW and 483Nm of torque, combined with the 456kW and 800Nm from the engine. That gives the Urus SE a total output of 588kW at 6000rpm and 950Nm at 1750-5750rpm. Mated to an eight-speed transmission the V8 donk has been re-engineered to work in optimal synergy with the electric powertrain. Zero to100kph is done in a claimed 3.4sec (Urus S does the dash in 3.5sec) with a top speed of 31 ..read more

The Beijing Motor Show was the venue for the world launch of the Mini Aceman, a compact electric five-seat crossover. On size, it slips in between the Mini Cooper hatch and Mini Countryman family SUV, the latter now also available as an EV which arrives here soon. Aceman measures up at a whisker over 4m in length and will compete with the likes of Volvo EX30 and Jeep Avenger. It was previewed by an Aceman Concept in 2022. The new Mini model is underpinned by the same EV-specific platform as the electric Mini Cooper. It comes as a base E model with a 45kWh battery pack, giving it a range ..read more

The Hemi-fired TRX is no more, but Ram has all but resurrected the mother of all off-road pickups with the launch of the new 1500 RHO.  What’s different about the RHO vs the TRX? Mainly the engine. The RHO is powered by the new 3.0-litre Hurricane High Output (H/O) Straight-Six. With twin turbos, this is rated at 540hp (402kW) with 706Nm of torque. While that’s 120kW and 175Nm less than what the TRX offered, the straight six also removes around 70kg from the front axle. Consumption and emissions are said to be improved but still likely to be frightening. Price in the US starts at $US69,9 ..read more

Since launching in New Zealand three years ago, the Haval Jolion has become a staple of the GWM line-up. The Jolion petrol models recently underwent a significant update while the Jolion Hybrid gets new clothes and a more sophisticated suspension set-up.  The Haval Jolion petrol receives a new grille, front bumper with black accents, and rear bumper to distinguish it from the outgoing model. Moving to the cabin, the ergonomics for the driver improve with the move to a four-way adjustable steering column. The Haval Jolion Hybrid is a more significant update as it is based on a new model ..read more

We’ve got some world-class Kiwis competing at venues across the world this weekend, ensuring there’s plenty to follow. Shane van Gisbergen returns for Round 10 of the Xfinity Series at Dover Motor Speedway in the United States. The four-strong Kiwi IndyCar contingent will be in action just a few states to the southwest in Alabama, as will Indy NXT star Callum Hedge. Nick Cassidy and Mitch Evans also return to the streets of Monaco, where they achieved a famous Kiwi one-two in last year’s Monaco E-Prix. Viewing times and information are below. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the racing! Shane van G ..read more

Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin have been excluded from IndyCar’s Grand Prix of St. Petersburg results for violating ‘Push to Pass’ parameters. The disqualifications for winner Newgarden and third-placed McLaughlin elevate McLaren’s Pato O’Ward to the win from Will Power and Colton Herta. Scott Dixon has been reclassified seventh, which gives him the lead in the Driver’s Championship following his strategic victory in last weekend’s Grand Prix of Long Beach. In a press release issued early this morning, IndyCar revealed an extensive review of data from the season opener in ..read more

The CFMoto 800NK is the winner of a Red Dot Award: Product Design 2024. It is the first time a Chinese brand has won this award with a big displacement motorcycle. The “Red Dot Award” kicked off in 1955, and issues design gongs for diverse products from all around the world. The awards cover over 51 categories from beds to bikes. To receive the award in the 70th year of its operations is particularly special for CFMoto.  The 800NK is a global product that is on sale here in New Zealand now and carries a sticker price of $13,490 plus ORCs. It is the range topper of the NK family and intr ..read more