Skoda goes into next year on the back of a record 2016 in New Zealand and with two important new models joining the fleet, the new-look Octavia sedan and wagon and all-new Kodiaq SUV. Both will arrive around April to spearhead what Skoda predicts will be another record year of growth. With two months of 2016 left, it has already chalked up more sales than the 1006 it … [Read more...] about Czech-mate! Skoda NZ on record roll leading into 2017
Volkswagen's Piech
Armoured vehicles drive towards ‘wow factor’ on civvy street
The truck pictured above was once a standard Toyota Land Cruiser 70-series – before Canadian company Inkas turned it into a gunship of sorts, one of the many armoured vehicles it builds for world markets. The Toronto outfit has been turning out bullet-proof models since 1996, among them SUVs, luxury sedans, special purpose military models, personnel carriers, cash-carrying … [Read more...] about Armoured vehicles drive towards ‘wow factor’ on civvy street
Mercedes-AMG delivers its fastest four-door sedan
Mercedes-Benz will set a new standard for go-faster four-door performance when the latest AMG version of its E-Class sedan arrives in New Zealand around August next year. The E 63 and E 63 S have been revealed days out from their official launch at the Los Angeles motor show. Both models get AMG’s 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system, which for the first time offers fully variable … [Read more...] about Mercedes-AMG delivers its fastest four-door sedan
When a Holden Commodore is not a Holden Commodore
The origins of the Holden Commodore will have come full circle when the new model arrives early in 2018 to replace the tried-and-trusted Australian hero. The next-generation Commodore is based on the German-built Opel Insignia – the first Commodore of 1978 was based on an Opel sedan, too, called the Opel Rekord. It would replace the bigger Kingswood. The oil price shocks of … [Read more...] about When a Holden Commodore is not a Holden Commodore
X-Class ute ‘closes gap in Mercedes-Benz portfolio’
The X-Class Mercedes-Benz ute will offer V6 power and permanent four-wheel-drive with two locking differentials and a low-range gearbox when it lands in New Zealand early in 2018. The premium German company revealed the concept X-Class in Sweden overnight, calling it the world’s ‘first premium pick-up truck’ by capitalising on the fact its premium rivals, BMW, Audi, Lexus, … [Read more...] about X-Class ute ‘closes gap in Mercedes-Benz portfolio’