Hyundai is counting down to its first N car, a sub-brand along the lines of the high-performance Mercedes-AMG and the BMW M divisions. But, like the high-end Germans, it admits hybrid and fuel-cell technology will ultimately become the powertrains of choice. Hyundai has the components it needs for a hybrid with its Ioniq model, a range of hatchbacks offering … [Read more...] about Hyundai’s go-faster N range heads towards fuel-cell powertrains
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June sales best since 1984 and the end of Muldoon’s reign as PM
Registrations of new vehicles in New Zealand have averaged just over 11,500 a month so far in 2016 – up almost 500 vehicles a month on the all-time record year in 2015, according to Motor Industry Association figures (MIA). At the end of June, 69,057 new vehicles – passenger cars, light commercials and trucks – had been registered, compared to the 65,653 for the same … [Read more...] about June sales best since 1984 and the end of Muldoon’s reign as PM
Lotus: the next move after Kiwi ex-pat Crichton’s exit
Ex-pat Kiwi Neville Crichton’s company European Automotive Imports (EAI) relinguished the Lotus franchise in New Zealand and Australia because of a shift in focus by the carmaker’s Malaysian parent, Proton. An EAI spokesman told media in Australia: “Lotus has changed direction substantially since the original distributorship was granted and this meant that the scale of the … [Read more...] about Lotus: the next move after Kiwi ex-pat Crichton’s exit
No bull! Subaru Levorg wagon can hoof it with the best
The new all-wheel-drive Subaru Levorg proved as sure-footed on part of the famous Nevis Rd in Central Otago as the Hereford bull that is eyeing it in the above picture. The big fella was halfway up a bank and among scrub when we stopped the car. He wandered down to check it out, looked back to see where we’d come from, then sauntered off to resume grazing. No big deal – … [Read more...] about No bull! Subaru Levorg wagon can hoof it with the best
Kia beats Porsche as No.1 for quality, says US survey
Kia has been named the leading car brand in an industry-wide quality survey in the United States, the first time a mainstream company has claimed the top spot since Toyota in 1989. The J D Power Initial Quality Study survey reported Kia had the fewest problems per 100 vehicles in the first 90 days of ownership, beating out second-place Porsche. Kia’s top spot among brands … [Read more...] about Kia beats Porsche as No.1 for quality, says US survey