I can write with some confidence that none of you will have seen an Aston Martin Rapide with a long board on its roof, on a local dirt road, before.

The Ford Territory was once a dominant force in the high-riding family wagon bracket - it virtually created the market. But cheap competition has threatened its hold; can this update turn the tide?

Volkswagen is selling its seventh-generation Passat with a double-dipping strategy that sees both mainstream and premium variants.

The Lexus CT200h is a smart compact car. With petrol prices high and emissions hitting headlines, even well-heeled buyers don't always seek a large car.

Kia's new Optima proves the Korean brand has come of age, and we certainly put it to the test.

The CX-9'S arrival marks a U-turn by Mazda NZ execs, who'd resisted this large soft-roader when it first launched internationally back in 2007.

Trail bikes are 10 a penny. But what you need for the Yamaha-sponsored three-day South Island Safari is a dual-purpose bike; a road-registered off-roader with indicators and a headlight.

How New Zealand takes to Suzuki's latest Swift could make or break the brand here.

It might look like a big trailie, but only a glutton for punishment would take BMW's R1200GS off-road Kiwi style, if nothing else because it weighs 229kg.

Alfa Romeo hopes to double sales and give VW a nudge with the new Giulietta, which promises Italian sex appeal matched to everyday practicality.

There's hot competition in the small car sector, with everything from cheap'n'cheerful runabouts to well-equipped Euro style-meisters on offer. So Citroen's C3 must make an impact if it is to revitalise the brand.