The May 2026 issue of NZ Autocar is now on sale

Ultimate EV Guide 

Our biggest ever EV Buyer’s Guide is a comprehensive listing of every new electric vehicle available on the market with pricing, key specifications and other data to help your purchasing decision.

BYD Sealion 8 Premium AWD vs Hyundai Santa Fe Elite Hybrid 

Those in the market for a big seven seater have plenty of choice. And you can now add the BYD Sealion 8 to the list of candidates. We see how it measures up against the Hyundai Santa Fe.

Forthing Taikon Hybrid Exclusive 

The latest car brand to NZ is Forthing. It’s part of the huge Dongfeng Group, and is distributed by Ateco Group, the same people responsible for BYD’s success here. Its first model is the Taikon, which we test in super hybrid form. 

Tesla Model Y L Premium AWD 

Tesla’s six-seat, long-wheelbase Model Y arrived just as fuel anxiety gripped the country. We drove it from Northland to Wellington over Easter to find out whether the biggest Y is also the best. 

Bentley Continental GT Mulliner

At the top of the Bentley Continental GT range sits the Mulliner. Is it the ultimate expression of power and prestige?

GWM Tank 300 Ultra PHEV 

This Tank 300 hybrid comes with a plug, allowing for emissions free commuting while still having all the hardware and range needed for proper adventuring. Is it worth the money?  

ANCAP 

We travel to Europe to witness a crash test first-hand and discover that the future of vehicle safety is about far more than surviving the impact

Bridgestone 

Not all tyres are created equal. We head to Bridgestone’s development centre in Thailand to experience the new Potenza Adrenalin RE005. 

Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport 

Toyota adds some GR gloss to its Corolla Cross. Is it worth the premium?

BMW iX xDrive45 

The iX is not your usual BMW. Is the revised model any different?

Chery Tiggo 7 Urban 

The Tiggo 7 range has expanded with the addition of an ICE-powered variant. Is this better value than the plug-in? 

BMW 420i Convertible 

Drop tops are a rare breed. That makes this 420i that bit more special.  

VW Nationals 

Volkswagen Nationals is an annual event for all things with the VW badge attached. Andrew Sluys has been attending for years, and reports on what has become a pilgrimage for his family.

Harley-Davidson Low Rider S 

Harley-Davidson’s Low Rider S is the motorcycle equivalent of big presence. How does that work in New Zealand?