Ford devises punishing mud test for Ranger Super Duty
Engineers validating the Ranger Super Duty had to devise a test that would simulate the type of extreme conditions a customer might face. That resulted in the mud-pack test, a challenge developed specifically for the Ranger Super Duty. The goal? To pack on as much performance-sapping mud as possible. Rob Hugo from Ford Australia explains: “Mud is one of a truck’s greatest enemies. “It can add significant weight, prevent airflow and act...
Read moreDetailsVolkswagen’s new Crafter undergoes a digital update
Volkswagen has introduced enhanced technology in a Crafter refresh. The latest model combines updated digital tools, added safety features and...
Mercedes Vans business transfers to Keith Andrews Group in NZ
Mercedes-Benz is transferring the distribution and servicing business of its vans in New Zealand to the Keith Andrews Group. As...
2025 Ford Ranger PHEV review
I’m wearing a puffer jacket in the middle of summer. Why? Because I’m in Iceland. A land so far north...
2025 Ford Transit Custom SWB Review
A friend who upcycles unwanted wooden furniture into colourful works of art needed to deliver two pieces to a client...
Mercedes is readying the EQV replacement dubbed VLE
The Mercedes VLE is currently undergoing road tests ahead of its 2026 launch. Mercedes has been validating the van’s efficiency...
Kia Tasman first drive: Ready for the rough stuff?
Kia has finally entered the ute game. And not with a half-baked attempt, either. The Tasman – built on a...
Ford Ranger plug-in hybrid first drive review
The Ford Ranger plug-in hybrid was announced sometime ago (back in 2023!) and finally we get to drive it ahead of its imminent arrival. Ford says its hybrid allows ‘ute buyers to begin their electrification journey without sacrificing any of the core capability that they need from a truck.’ And that’s not far from the mark after getting an introductory drive across the Tasman. Remind me again what it’s all about The powertrain of the Ford Ranger plug-in hybrid combines a 138kW/411Nm 2.3-litre turbo-petrol and a 75kW/300Nm motor. This lies between the engine and the 10-speed auto (or Modular...
Read moreDetailsFord brings Tourneo Courier to Fieldays
Making its New Zealand debut at Fieldays 2025, Ford’s Tourneo Courier is a compact multipurpose vehicle. Ford says it is...
2024 Volkswagen Transporter 6.1 Trendline SWB Review
It’s time to have one last look at one of New Zealand’s most popular European vans, the Volkswagen Transporter 6.1,...
LDV launches new Terron 9 ute in New Zealand
LDV New Zealand is set to shake up the ute sector further with the launch of its new Terron 9...
Literally born from a clean slate
An American start-up backed by Amazon will launch a bare-bones $US27,000 electric pick-up truck in 2027. It is called the...
MG leads new ute wave at Melbourne show
They’re calling it the biggest wave of light commercials to roll onto Australian shores in years, and the revitalised Melbourne...
Geely Farizon SuperVan lands in New Zealand
The JW Group, a commercial EV specialist based in Auckland, has officially introduced the Geely Farizon SuperVan to New Zealand,...
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