The August 2026 issue of NZ Autocar is now on sale
Ford Ranger XLT 2.0 4×2 vs Toyota Hilux SR5 Limited
Hilux and Ranger have been at it for the past decade, duking it out for supremacy in the commercial sector. Hilux has been given a renewal while Ranger has had yet another update. So what does it all mean for the race to number one?
Toyota Hilux SR BEV
Is the electric Hilux a genuine substitute or something else entirely?
Volkswagen T-Roc Life
Volkswagen sales are now dominated by SUVs so a new T-Roc is a welcome addition to the line-up. It has an impressively frugal powertrain, but is the price right?
Smart #5 BRABUS
The #5 is the biggest smart ever, but it’s not actually that big. And that’s a good thing, as it arrives in the best selling segment, meaning this one will appeal to more people. So is it a smart buy?
GAC AION UT LUX
GAC has added to its burgeoning range with the electric UT. It’s a hatch with plenty of space and features. Is there a catch?
Leapmotor B05 Design
The Leapmotor range expands with the imminent arrival of the smart-looking B05. Is it enough to tempt buyers from their SUVs?
BAIC B30 hybrid AWD vs Nissan X-Trail ST-L e-Power
Some of the new offerings from China are genuinely impressive, like the BAIC B30, especially in hybrid form. But is it good enough to beat an established player like the Nissan X-Trail?
Ford Mustang GT Herrod
Herrod adds some goodies to the S650 Mustang GT, upping the power, noise and street cred. But do the additions compromise what is a good, all round sportscar package?
Mercedes-Benz G450d
Merc’s G-Class occupies a special spot in the world of SUVs. While everyone wants the G 63, the ‘entry level’ G450d is the smarter buy. But it seems G owners have more dollars than sense.
Mercedes-Benz 140 Years, 140 Places
Mercedes-Benz’s 140 Places world tour brought the brand’s newest S-Class to New Zealand, connecting nearly 140 years of automotive innovation with this country’s own motoring history.\
Volvo Days 2026
Managing Editor Richard Edwards is more used to small EVs than big trucks. So naturally we sent him to Sweden to drive the biggest machinery Volvo makes.
Subaru WRX Senko
It’s another WRX limited edition. So what makes this one special?
BYD Seal 6 Touring Premium
Wagons are a rarity in the new car showroom. This one ticks a lot of boxes. Will it appeal to a market obsessed with SUVs?
MG4 Essence
While the interest is in the cheaper MG4 Urban model, is there still life in the old RWD MG4?
Volkswagen Amarok Style V6
Is the entry point to the Amarok range now the best buy?
2003 Porsche Boxster
While it’s often the Cayenne that is touted as saving Porsche, more credit should be given to the Boxster as it was the roadster that helped turn the fortunes of the firm.
