Gleaming prototypes of the new Toyota Supra hybrid sports car have been seen at motor shows for some time, but here we have the production model, heavily disguised while testing at Germany’s Nurburgring circuit. It appears much shorter than the Toyota FT-1-inspired show car and is certainly toned down in terms of styling. For a start, the long bonnet features a front bumper … [Read more...] about Toyota Supra hits test track, counting down to launch date
The role of military motorcycles over the past 100 years
As far as famous military vehicles go, the Jeep from World War II immediately comes to mind. In recent years perhaps the Humvee stands out, certainly with American forces. But the first vehicle that could quickly help to change the order of battle was the motorcycle. The military has been utilising its simple and nimble functionality for more than 100 years. In … [Read more...] about The role of military motorcycles over the past 100 years
New-look Mazda3 range gets styling, safety advances
The Mazda3 is number three on the list of New Zealand’s best selling new cars so far in 2016 – and the new-look model will add to the success story, says Mazda MZ managing director Andrew Clearwater. There are nine variants in the facelifted line-up, each equipped with the company’s much-praised bundle of SkyActiv technologies, including the new G-Vectoring Control, a safety … [Read more...] about New-look Mazda3 range gets styling, safety advances
All-American pick-up culture influences NZ market
Is it the Americanisation of New Zealand, the way new vehicle buyers here are more and more choosing pick-up trucks as daily transport? Even all-American Fords, GMCs and Rams, new and used, some left-hookers, some converted. Take a look at the year-on-year registration numbers from the Motor Industry Association (MIA). At the end of August last year, the two most popular new … [Read more...] about All-American pick-up culture influences NZ market
New Kia Rio hatchback longer, wider, and in NZ next year
Kia design chief Peter Schreyer has gone back to a more traditional two-box design for the fourth-generation Rio, adding more upright styling front and rear. The wraps have just come off the new model, three weeks out from its official unveiling at the Paris motor show and roughly nine months from its arrival in New Zealand. The car is likely to be first seen in this part of … [Read more...] about New Kia Rio hatchback longer, wider, and in NZ next year