European brand SEAT is to return to New Zealand next year with two initial offerings, a hot hatchback and SUV. The Spanish carmaker dipped its toe in the NZ market about 15 years ago with ex-Australia examples of the Cordoba sedan, sold through Auckland’s European Motor Distributors (EMD). But that was the last NZ saw of the make until now. SEAT is a subsidiary of the … [Read more...] about VW-owned Spanish brand SEAT to return to NZ
Volkswagen's Piech
Entry-level diesel heads new BMW 5-Series line-up
It was in the late 1990s when a BMW executive exclaimed: “Diesels! We are not going to bring diesels into New Zealand.” It was in Spain, at the launch of the then 3-Series range. The standout model among a handful of peaky petrols was a lone diesel, the 320d. Fast forward over a decade and a half and BMW is doing something that once would have caused bad language in the NZ … [Read more...] about Entry-level diesel heads new BMW 5-Series line-up
Car theft: tuning into radio signal from keyless fobs
A device used to steal cars which has befuddled law enforcement agencies in the US has been identified as a tool for testing vehicle network safety, according to the country’s National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). The small electronic device first surfaced a few years ago, when surveillance cameras recorded thieves unlocking car doors, starting the engine and driving … [Read more...] about Car theft: tuning into radio signal from keyless fobs
Subaru Impreza NZ-bound with Japan’s ultimate stamp of approval
The crowning of the all-new Subaru Impreza as 2016 Japan Car of the Year came just days after New Zealand motoring writers trialled the pre-production hatchback on roads around Auckland. The all-wheel-drive Impreza will go on sale here late in February, after its price is revealed around at the same time as the knees-up for the go-faster WRX’s 25th birthday at Rod Millen’s … [Read more...] about Subaru Impreza NZ-bound with Japan’s ultimate stamp of approval
Aston Martin to build limited run of DB4 GTs from the ’50s and ’60s
Aston Martin is building a limited run of 25 DB4 GTs, the lightweight flyer that was among the most powerful of British cars in the late 1950s and early ‘60s. The new models will be built for the track only and owners will receive training from Aston Martin to be able to compete in an international driving programme, including the spectacular Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi. … [Read more...] about Aston Martin to build limited run of DB4 GTs from the ’50s and ’60s