Feature articles

See the top 10 cars Kiwis searched on Trade Me in August. Utes, SUVs, and hybrids dominate as NZ gets ready for spring.

Having a car with 4WD can be an advantage in New Zealand where conditions can change in an instant.

The best V8 cars available in NZ are reserved for the sporting models, and all are six figures plus.

When the weather is right, there’s nothing quite like driving with the top down and enjoying the elements.

Here are some of the best 7 seater SUV options available on the NZ market, each tech-packed, versatile & safe.

With a budget of up to $30,000, there are plenty of excellent used vehicles available in New Zealand.

This buyer’s guide runs you through some of the best cars and SUVs to buy in this price bracket.

With $15k to spend, there are plenty of reliable and practical car options available in New Zealand.

Our guide to the best cars under $10,000 in New Zealand is here to help you find great value on a budget.

The small SUV remains a big player in the new car market, as people migrate from cars to crossovers of all sizes.

Utes remain as popular as ever, and there have been some all new entrants into the market place over the past year.

As hybrid tech expands beyond powering small hatchbacks, you can now get a range of SUVs with fuel saving technology.

Top EVs of 2024 & 2025: the high performance BMW i5, Hyundai's Ioniq 5 N, and the new MG Cyberster convertible.

At this budget-minded end of the market, mileages are getting pretty high and so condition is king.

BYD Shark 6 won the 2024 New Zealand Autocar Car of the Year award! Its innovative tech & practicality impressed judges.

JDM stands for Japanese domestic market, and is used to describe models designed and marketed primarily in Japan.

Fuel efficiency is driving the increasing adoption of hybrid vehicles in New Zealand. Check the top three makes of 2025.

Top SUVs of 2023-2024: Suzuki Jimny 5-door for off-roading, Hyundai Santa Fe hybrid, and the stylish Toyota C-HR.

While sedan choices may be shrinking, there are still plenty of excellent models available each year.

Here are four of the newest hatches on the New Zealand market, having been released in 2024.

While there are top notch, factory-made campervans, there are many options on the used market.

It’s a tricky question to answer definitively; what is the most sought after classic car in New Zealand?

There is now more electric SUVs choices in NZ as car makers slowly add more electric models to their line ups.

Used hybrid cars are popular here in New Zealand as they offer greatly reduced fuel consumption.

Plug-in hybrids have a more powerful electric motor and bigger battery pack than your regular ‘self charging hybrid’.

How popular are motorhomes in NZ? NZMCA has over 100.000 members, all who either own or share a motorhome or caravan.

Japanese car makers often top owner survey results when it comes to reliability and satisfaction.

Kia has no ute to compete with the likes of Triton, Ranger and Hilux. But things are changing with the Kia Tasman

Hybrid is a term used to describe the combination of an electric motor and a combustion engine to power a vehicle.

Toyota’s new generation of Land Cruiser Prado will soon launch in NZ, holding over 2500 orders for the new 4x4.

There once were few EV choices, but now there's many to choose from, ranging from small hatches to large SUVs.

A search of sports cars under $30k will throw up a variety of sporty numbers.

These are the top-rated cars recently announced in the 2023 NZ Autocar Car of the Year awards.

These are some of the best off road vehicles available in NZ.

These are some of the best driftable cars you can buy new in New Zealand.

Kiwi love their classic muscle cars.

Picking the best ute in NZ is tough. We've pulled some info together to help you with your decision.

The small SUV didn’t used to be a big thing as people were happy with their hatchbacks.

There are now more hybrid SUV options in New Zealand as buyers look to add fuel efficiency to their list of wants.

There was a record number of new electric vehicles hitting the road in New Zealand last year.

Hybrid cars are becoming more popular in New Zealand as people look toward more fuel efficient vehicles.

The fun loving convertible is becoming a rarity on the new car market. We take a look at what's available in NZ.

The SUV comes in all shapes and sizes now, popular with buyers for its practicalities and general ease of use.

The 7 seater SUV is the family favourite among NZ new car buyers

Every year, there seems to be fewer sedans to choose from but there are still good options out there.

Despite the prominence of SUVs and utes, small cars are very popular in NZ. We look at why and recommend 5 of the best.

Choosing a car for your family is an important decision. Here's our top tips for selecting wisely and keeping them safe.

Your guide to Kiwi car jargon. Learn what WOF, REGO, RUC and more mean so you can trade your next car with confidence.

Changes to NZ's Road User Charges (RUC) are coming. Petrol tax is out, electronic RUC is in. How will it affect you?

Check out the most stolen models from 2024, including the Toyota Aqua, Corolla, and Nissan Tiida.

Learn how to jump start your car using jumper cables with another vehicle or a portable booster pack.

The V8 is synonymous with power and prestige, but for the uninitiated, just what is a V8 engine?

You might have heard about road user charges, but what actually are they?

Kiwi top five car brands are Toyota, Tesla, Mitsubishi, Mazda and BMW. But how do these brands stack up?

When it comes to choosing a new vehicle, many people will want to pick one of the safest cars in NZ.

When it comes to buying a safe car in NZ, the newer the car, the better its safety credentials.

Hybrid cars are those that use both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine to deliver a smooth drive.

Modern cars are a marvel. They are complex yet incredibly reliable. But things can go wrong.

A Warrant of Fitness (WOF) is an inspection to ensure that your vehicle meets the required safety standards.

Tiptronic gearbox is an auto transmission that lets you manually select gears without needing a clutch pedal.

Roadside assistance is something you’ll wish you’d signed up for when you’re suddenly beset with a vehicle breakdown.

When buying or selling a vehicle in NZ, you are required to let the NZ Transport Agency know about the transaction.

The combustion engine continues to power the bulk of the vehicles in New Zealand, fueled by petrol or diesel.

Here in NZ, getting your car license is a three step procedure as you navigate through the graduated licensing system.

To get your motor running and look for adventure you'll need a licence and here's how to go about it.

Vehicle licensing fee, or rego as we commonly call it, is a legal requirement of driving your vehicle on the road in NZ.

Renewing your driver licence in New Zealand is something a driver has to do every 10 years.

When it comes to car insurance in NZ, the answer isn’t always straight forward. It all depends on what you need.

The cost-conscious want to get excellent fuel-efficiency from their vehicle. Here’s 5 of NZ's most fuel-efficient cars.

When choosing a car you need something safe. Safety ratings empower buyers to get the safest car possible. Here’s how.

What’s Autonomous Emergency Braking and why’s it so important? We break down all of the key info for you.

What’s Electronic Stability Control and why is it so important? We break down all of the key information.

What’s Emergency Brake Assist and why’s it so important? We break down all of the key info for you.

In this article, we explain exactly what adaptive cruise control is and how it helps keep you safe on the road.

What are driver assistance systems and why are they so important? We break down all of the key information.

Keeping your marbles intact and family happy on a family road trip can be tricky. Here's our top tips.

Getting set for some holiday season driving? Here’s our five top tips for a safe and successful trip.

There are many reasons why people enter the buyers’ market and change their car, but here are five key motivations.

Getting ready to head off on a Kiwi road trip? Here’s the key car must-haves that’ll help your family have a great trip.

Have you fallen out of love with your car? Take the plunge and make a fresh start.

Choosing the most suitable first car, for yourself or a loved one, is a big decision. We’ll help you get it right.

Looking to haul something big and want to know the best vehicles for the job? Check out our top 5 vehicles for towing.

For perfect harmony, a car needs to match its driver. Let's look at what car will best suit your personality type.

As we get older, we need to be aware of our evolving driving limitations. Here’s how to stay safe on the road.

Finding the right car can feel daunting and complicated, but it doesn’t have to be if you use our 10 steps for success.

Kia has officially entered the ute market with its all-new 2025 Tasman.

Since arriving in Japan in 2016, the Note e-Power has become a popular used import in New Zealand.

The Toyota Aqua, also sold here new as the very similar Prius C, is New Zealand’s most popular used import.

While you can no longer buy a new Holden, there are many second hand options. Here are 5 of the best Holden cars in NZ.

The Toyota RAV4 SUV is one of the most popular new cars in New Zealand.

New Zealand’s first plug-in hybrid ute, the BYD Shark 6, has made a splash with its keen pricing at $69,990.

The Ford Everest 2024 is what you’d call a versatile family vehicle.

Toyota has been the best selling car brand in New Zealand for almost forty years thanks to its diverse range of models.

The X-Trail is Nissan’s entrant into the ‘medium SUV’ market, NZ’s most popular passenger vehicle segment.

Many car brands have abandoned the family hatchback all together, however there are still options, such as the Mazda3

The Toyota Aqua Hybrid is a reliable, economical model in NZ, known for its self-charging hybrid tech since 2011.

The Kia Sportage is the Korean brand’s entry into the busy mid-sized SUV market.

The Suzuki Jimny is a charming little 4x4. It’s as tough and capable as it is cute and teensy.

The original Porsche Macan was a total hit. But will the all-electric new Macan maintain its popularity?

The Kia Niro EV combines efficient performance, a reasonable range, and modern in-car tech in a compact crossover form.

Italian car maker Alfa Romeo's history dates back to 1910, when Società Italiana Automobili Darraq shares were acquired.

Nissan has quite a few options for Kiwis. As to which is the best Nissan for you, depends what you're after.

Skoda has evolved from being niche, to one of the main car brands in NZ. So, what is the best Skoda for you?

Audi cars deliver a premium driving experience with their blend of luxury appointments, technology and design.

Toyota hybrids are a popular choice among buyers here in New Zealand. So what are the best Toyota hybrids in NZ?

Citroën is that slightly esoteric French brand known for its innovative design and car’s that major on comfort.

Mini is ‘a digital brand that stands for progress’. “Mini is more than just a car, it’s a way of life”.

Honda New Zealand has a somewhat small range of vehicles at present, including the Jazz, ZR-V, CR-V and the Civic.

Subaru cars are suited to NZ conditions thanks to the brand’s line-up of models, all of which feature all-wheel drive.

German luxury car maker, BMW, is a prestige brand that has a large range of cars and SUVs on offer in the NZ market.

Mercedes-Benz is one of the oldest car manufacturers, and the most established of the luxury marques.

Peugeot is a well known brand because at one point in time, it was the best selling European car maker in the NZ market.

Hyundai has one of the larger passenger vehicle lineups available in New Zealand.

Suzuki is the self proclaimed ‘small car expert’ thanks to its big line up of…small cars.

Ford has a vehicle for every lifestyle.

Mazda’s dealer network spans New Zealand from Northland to Southland.

Tesla is the best selling electric car brand in New Zealand.

Lotus, the British sports car maker once famous for its Formula 1 grand prix winners.

Haval’s SUV models are a strong value proposition, with affordable pricing and an impressive range of features.

Kia has plenty on offer from the smaller Stonic, to the huge seven-seater electric EV9 and eight SUV model lines.

MG has a range of just four models, but there are multiple variants of each, giving buyers plenty of choice.

BYD, those cars you see with Build Your Dreams writ large across their rears, a new entrant to the local market.

Cupra is a relatively new car brand here in New Zealand. So which are the best Cupra cars?

Ford has turned its Raptor range into a sub brand synonymous with sand blasting and jumping big dunes.

Hybrids have become so popular, that most of Toyota’s passenger models offer fuel saving petrol/electric powertrains.

The Triton is Mitsubishi's contestant in the competitive ute market here in New Zealand.

You know what you’re getting here with the XV, and it’s a very good thing overall.

Right now it feels like every performance car squeezed out of Japan’s wealth of manufacturers, is hot property.

CX-5 has been the backbone of Mazda’s line-up since 2012, with almost 30,000 sold here. It is now an all-petrol line-up.

During the Corolla’s sixty-year life span, there have been a few sporty models. But the GR Corolla is a different beast.

There was a record number of new electric vehicles hitting the road in New Zealand last year.

How are Kiwi attitudes towards EVs changing?

Considering an EV but want more info about what they’re like to own and drive? Here are your top EV questions answered.

EVs are widely acknowledged to be better for the environment, but just how green are they in reality? Let's take a look.

EVs are increasingly popular in NZ, but we assess the hurdles they still need to overcome to achieve mass adoption.

Interested in an EV but want something a little different to a Nissan Leaf? Here are 5 of the top alternative EVs in NZ.

EVs are increasingly popular in NZ, but are they still out of reach for younger buyers or becoming more affordable?

Suzuki is one of the big four motorcycle manufacturers from Japan, the others being Honda, Yamaha and Kawasaki.

Yamaha was an instrument manufacturer until 1955 when it spun off Yamaha Motor and started making motorcycles.

Honda is amongst the market leaders for motorcycles in New Zealand. That’s in large part because of its huge range.

Harley Davidson is a storied American motorcycle maker that is now more than 120 years old.