Drivesouth Roadtests

New M-Class a cleaner, thriftier Mercedes

Richard Bosselman — Sat, 12 May 2012 05:03:02 +1200

Driving from Dunedin to Auckland on a tank of fuel would be quite an ask of even an eco-optimised small car, so should be a challenge well beyond a two-tonne luxury sports utility.

Mazda's innovators are on an economy drive

David Thomson — Sat, 05 May 2012 05:14:00 +1200

As far as mid-life facelifts go, this is a radical rethink. Not visually, you understand, for aside from a new grille and other small styling tweaks about the nose and tail, this updated version of Mazda's best-selling model looks much like the neatly styled car it has replaced in showrooms since late last year.

Toyota tilts at bigger slice of small car market

David Thomson — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 05:03:01 +1200

At a time when interest in small cars is on a rapid rise, David Thomson gets behind the wheel of the flagship variant of Toyota's prime contender, the new Yaris YRS.

Subaru's new Impreza makes up for the wait

Richard Bosselman — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 05:07:00 +1200

Talk about tough timing. Two weeks before Japan was hit on March 11, 2011 by the devastating earthquake and tsunami, Subaru ceased making the previous generation of the Impreza. The intention was to have the replacement coming off the assembly line within a month.

Style, pep in updated Peugeot

David Thomson — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 05:02:14 +1200

Extrerior styling changes are the obvious talking point, but a midlife facelift for the Peugeot 308 also provides enhanced equipment levels, and mechanical improvements introduced just prior to the cosmetic update also carry through on the revised range.

Ranger a great step forward for Ford

David Thomson — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 05:06:56 +1300

Ford's new Ranger has been earning great raps since its launch. David Thomson takes to the wheel of the XLT double cab variant to find out what all the fuss is about.

BMW strikes right balance in 118d

David Thomson — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 05:04:00 +1300

The new BMW 118d answers many of the criticisms of the original model, David Thomson reports.

Small new Suzuki set to make a Splash

David Thomson — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 05:04:17 +1300

With the Swift getting larger in its latest incarnation, Suzuki has found room for another small five-door hatch in its New Zealand line-up. The vehicle's name is Splash, and David Thomson has been behind the wheel.

Upgraded Hilux stays true to its purpose

David Thomson — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 05:23:20 +1300

Since the current-generation Toyota Hilux was launched back in 2005, its rivals have become variously faster, fitter, larger and more generally car-like.

Sure-footed Rio a stylish addition

David Thomson — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 05:44:05 +1300

Small hatchbacks are bread-and-butter models for volume car-makers in the modern age, which is why the third-generation Rio is such an important car for Kia on the international stage.

Elantra up to standard for Hyundai

David Thomson — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:07:17 +1300

You could be forgiven for feeling confused by the current naming protocols for Hyundai's burgeoning product line: a couple of years back, names started to give way to an alphanumerical naming system that clearly defined each model's place in the company's hierarchy.

Ford Focus: Title puts Focus on Ford

David Thomson — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 05:25:00 +1300

Ford has revived a name best remembered from the days of the old Laser, and before that the Escort, by using the Sport moniker for the new Focus.

Lifestyle focus to fore in Impreza XV

Richard Bosselman — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 05:04:25 +1300

"This car should have launched in September," the managing director of Subaru New Zealand, Wallis Dumper, says about the new XV, which, like its predecessor, is an elevated edition of the Impreza wagon.

Newcomer Kia Picanto scores well in fuel economy

David Thomson — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 02:58:06 +1300

The "light-car" segment is booming in 2011, with sales up by some 25% on 2010. For much of the year Kia lacked the new metal in its line-up to cash in, but that changed with the recent addition of the all-new Picanto to its range.

Through the esses with the Abarth Esseesse

David Thomson — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 02:32:46 +1300

Officially, it's not even a Fiat, but the hottest member of the new 500 range the Abarth Esseesse does its parent company proud. David Thomson reports on life behind the wheel of an imperfect delight.

Updated Mercedes a classy performer

David Thomson — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 05:06:37 +1300

Mercedes-Benz has just given its C-Class a midlife update. David Thomson checks out the changes.

Mini mixes thrift and thrills in new Cooper D

David Thomson — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 05:07:13 +1300

A diesel has taken its place among the various new Mini variants now available in New Zealand. David Thomson tries it for size.

New Ranger a forward-looking Ford

Richard Bosselman — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 05:06:08 +1300

Light trucks are not cars, but here's one seeking to blur the obvious distinction.

Lexus IS350 F Sport fast, balanced and comfortable

David Thomson — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 05:25:00 +1300

Several versions of the current Lexus IS saloon have featured in these pages before, ranging from the original IS250 in 2007 to the ISF V8 performance flagship in 2009.

A tour of BMW's 535i wagon well worth the time

David Thomson — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 05:25:00 +1300

Sedan versions of the latest BMW 5 series have already impressed in Drivesouth's hands, with the latest to be assessed -the 535d - earning a rare five-star test rating.