The new Toyota Corolla didn’t make the cut in mainstream 2018 car of the year awards in New Zealand, mainly because it arrived late in the year and didn’t meet judging deadlines. But I spent enough time behind the wheel of both the 2.0-litre petrol and 1.8-litre petrol-electric Corollas to choose the ZR Hybrid Corolla as my 2018 Car of the Year (COTY). But more on the ZR … [Read more...] about Car of the year? Has to be the Toyota ZR Hybrid Corolla
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Jeep Gladiator pick-up has two engine options for NZ market
It’s been one of the worst kept automotive secrets of recent years, that Jeep was again developing a pick-up truck after many years without one. Now it has finally broken cover and will be called the Gladiator when it goes into production in 2019. It will go on sale in New Zealand in 2020, say Jeep’s PR people, although it is likely to be delayed until 2021. The new … [Read more...] about Jeep Gladiator pick-up has two engine options for NZ market
Range Rover and Zenith launch watch to wear with new Evoque
Swiss watchmaker Zenith launched its groundbreaking El Primero chronograph watch in 1969, the same year that Land Rover rolled out the two-door Range Rover, now known as the Classic. It was a coincidence that became a partnership 49 years later, in 2016, when the two marques kicked off a deal that has resulted in several Range Rover-branded timepieces. The latest, a … [Read more...] about Range Rover and Zenith launch watch to wear with new Evoque
Chrysler Neon, the worst new car in NZ in past 25 years
News that Chrysler and Dodge models will no longer be available in New Zealand brings to mind the small Neon sedan Chrysler launched here in the late 1990s. It will forever be remembered as the worst new car to land in this country in the past 25 years. It was awful. Chrysler NZ sold most Neons to itself. The second worst car in 25 years was the Neon that followed it in … [Read more...] about Chrysler Neon, the worst new car in NZ in past 25 years
Sacked Ghosn: How Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance plays out in NZ
What will the sacking of Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance chairman Carlos Ghosn (above) mean for the carmaking French-Japanese conglomerate? Nissan chief executive Hiroto Saikawa said Ghosn’s dismissal from Nissan for alleged “numerous acts” of financial misconduct won’t disrupt the three-way alliance. “The alliance partnership will not be affected by this event,” … [Read more...] about Sacked Ghosn: How Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance plays out in NZ