DriveLife NZ

DriveLife NZ NZ's Enthusiast-Driven Motoring Publication We know that when you splash down that cash for a new car, you want to make sure it's right for you.

DriveLife is an online motoring magazine with an emphasis on car reviews; we are the only New Zealand magazine that carries feature-length car reviews. That's why our car reviews are long and detailed. We also publish press releases from motoring brands, go on road trips whenever we can (and write about them), and are always working on at least one project car.

If you have a spare $349,900 lying around not doing much, the new AMG GT might be worth a look.
21/08/2024

If you have a spare $349,900 lying around not doing much, the new AMG GT might be worth a look.

At its heart is the AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine, assembled entirely by hand according to the “One Man, One Engine” principle.

Initially, New Zealand will see just one variant of the HR-V:HR-V Sport: $45,800 plus ORC
20/08/2024

Initially, New Zealand will see just one variant of the HR-V:
HR-V Sport: $45,800 plus ORC

It’s been a while, but according to Honda New Zealand, it’s been well worth the wait, as the Honda HR-V returns to our shores after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus. But now it also boasts Honda’s latest hybrid technology, e:HEV, a unique, two-motor hybrid system. The Managing Director of Honda Ne...

Spotted today in Fiji, where they take fake exhaust tips to the next level.
19/08/2024

Spotted today in Fiji, where they take fake exhaust tips to the next level.

Powered by a 4.4-litre, twin-turbo mild-hybrid V8 engine, the OCTA model is the most extreme and most powerful Defender ...
17/08/2024

Powered by a 4.4-litre, twin-turbo mild-hybrid V8 engine, the OCTA model is the most extreme and most powerful Defender ever, claims the company, with 467kW of power and up to 750Nm of torque, enabling 0-100km/h in 4.0 seconds.

The Defender OCTA is capable of 0-100km/h in 4.0seconds, while peak torque is available from 1,800rpm through to almost 6,000rpm.

The new M5 Touring can accelerate from rest to 100km/h in 3.6 seconds, while New Zealand-delivered models will achieve a...
16/08/2024

The new M5 Touring can accelerate from rest to 100km/h in 3.6 seconds, while New Zealand-delivered models will achieve a top speed of 305km/h due to the offering of M Driver’s Package as standard equipment.

The sports exhaust system integrates electrically controlled flaps to provide a sonorous note that is channelled through four 4” tailpipes.

While the V8 delivers 369kW of power and 637Nm of torque on its own, the E-Ray’s electrified powertrain lifts those outp...
15/08/2024

While the V8 delivers 369kW of power and 637Nm of torque on its own, the E-Ray’s electrified powertrain lifts those outputs to 488kW/806Nm, meaning a sprint to 100km/h in less than 2.5 seconds.

The electric motor powering the front axle along with the mid-mounted LT2 V8 engine provides 488kW of combined power.

“We keep hearing of Chinese cars coming into the market and taking market share; the J7 is poised to do just that.”
14/08/2024

“We keep hearing of Chinese cars coming into the market and taking market share; the J7 is poised to do just that.”

Honestly, I don’t think there will be upset purchasers of the Jaecoo J7. It does what it says on the box, and does it just fine.

Oh so true.
12/08/2024

Oh so true.

The Mazda CX-80 will be on-sale locally in November 2024, with full pricing details to be announced in the coming weeks.
12/08/2024

The Mazda CX-80 will be on-sale locally in November 2024, with full pricing details to be announced in the coming weeks.

It's Mazdas for all shapes and sizes, as the company introduces another model to the New Zealand range, due for launch in November.

This week, we're testing out the new OMODA C5 GT. With a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, it's priced at $37,990. But what...
11/08/2024

This week, we're testing out the new OMODA C5 GT. With a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, it's priced at $37,990. But what does it drive like? Full review to come.

It's been over a year, but at last we have an update on our Celica GT4 project car. Unfortunately, it's not great news.....
10/08/2024

It's been over a year, but at last we have an update on our Celica GT4 project car. Unfortunately, it's not great news...

I honestly thought I’d be into prepping the car for painting; but no, this whole article is about mechanical issues on our 1993 Celica GT4.

"Our car was finished in Kinetic Yellow, and amongst the family, it quickly became referred to as 'the highlighter'. It’...
09/08/2024

"Our car was finished in Kinetic Yellow, and amongst the family, it quickly became referred to as 'the highlighter'. It’s a perfect colour for such a car, one that says 'fun', matching the car’s unique character."

Best of all, the 5-door retains all that is good about the original, with improved access for passengers, and more practical with more space.

We've been out testing the new Mitsubishi Triton VRX. It's a beast, for sure, but can it knock down the Toyota Hilux and...
09/08/2024

We've been out testing the new Mitsubishi Triton VRX. It's a beast, for sure, but can it knock down the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger? What do you reckon?

New Zealand will see just one model, the top-spec 208 GT Hybrid.
07/08/2024

New Zealand will see just one model, the top-spec 208 GT Hybrid.

New Zealand will see just the one model, with the top-spec 208 GT Hybrid, with fuel consumption listed at 4.7L/100km.

07/08/2024
There will be three grades available in New Zealand: GX, SX and ZR, and all grades are front-wheel drive. Under the bonn...
06/08/2024

There will be three grades available in New Zealand: GX, SX and ZR, and all grades are front-wheel drive. Under the bonnet is a 2.5L petrol engine matched to the latest hybrid system, a Lithium-ion battery, front-wheel drive and an e-CVT transmission. The most powerful Camry now boasts a total output at 170kW, a 10kW increase than the previous generation.

There will be three grades available in New Zealand: GX, SX and ZR, Under the bonnet is a 2.5L petrol engine with the latest hybrid system.

Pete is reviewing the new Haval Jolion hybrid this week, seeing if it's a good improvement on the previous model. Full r...
05/08/2024

Pete is reviewing the new Haval Jolion hybrid this week, seeing if it's a good improvement on the previous model. Full review to come.

The LT7 engine produces 1,064 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 828 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm — the most power ever from a ...
04/08/2024

The LT7 engine produces 1,064 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 828 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm — the most power ever from a factory Corvette and the most powerful V8 ever produced in America from an auto manufacturer.

The King of the Hill returns The King of the Hill returns with the most powerful V8 ever produced in America from an auto manufacturer, designed to challenge the world’s best supercars in both coupe and convertible variants. “The team that revolutionized Corvette with a mid-engine architecture t...

"The all-new MG3 is a huge improvement over the outgoing model; it’s more refined, better looking, safer and, in the hyb...
03/08/2024

"The all-new MG3 is a huge improvement over the outgoing model; it’s more refined, better looking, safer and, in the hybrid version at least, much more economical. When you factor in MG's recently announced 10-year warranty, it ups the attractiveness of this model over its competition."

It’s well-made, economical and is a fun drive. If MG could sort those niggles, it’d make the 2024 MG3 Essence Hybrid+ just that much better.

Such an incredible car, an incredible owner, and an amazing story - and it’s right here, in New Zealand.
02/08/2024

Such an incredible car, an incredible owner, and an amazing story - and it’s right here, in New Zealand.

During the in Amanda and Philip joined the Ferrari convoy, greeting us with their own Ferrari. That’s how we met this 1948 ...

Jaecoo New Zealand is starting off with introductory pricing:2WD $37,990 +ORCAWD $43,990 +ORC
31/07/2024

Jaecoo New Zealand is starting off with introductory pricing:
2WD $37,990 +ORC
AWD $43,990 +ORC

To get it out there right now, apparently “Jaecoo” is a combination of two words; Jäger (German for hunter) + Cool= Jaecoo.

We’re at the New Zealand launch of Jaecoo and their first model here, the $43,990 AWD J7 EX. We’ve just taken it for som...
30/07/2024

We’re at the New Zealand launch of Jaecoo and their first model here, the $43,990 AWD J7 EX. We’ve just taken it for some light offloading to test it out. Launch article and details coming in a few days.

We’re in Auckland at the launch of the J7, an all-new SUV from Jaecoo, sister brand to OMODA.
30/07/2024

We’re in Auckland at the launch of the J7, an all-new SUV from Jaecoo, sister brand to OMODA.

2024 BMW XM Label Red | Hybrid Car Review
29/07/2024

2024 BMW XM Label Red | Hybrid Car Review

It's hard to not be impressed with a vehicle that weighs close to 3 tons, but can still get to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds.

We're up to Part 8 in a series of articles on restomodding an old English car.
27/07/2024

We're up to Part 8 in a series of articles on restomodding an old English car.

Follow us as we take 1973 Sunbeam Rapier Fastback and inject it with some power by adding a Rover V8 engine, and restomodding the entire car.

"If you are looking for a safe, easy-to-live-with family SUV that also comes with some go-further off-road capability, t...
26/07/2024

"If you are looking for a safe, easy-to-live-with family SUV that also comes with some go-further off-road capability, then this is worthy of being on your shopping list."

It has a comprehensive list of safety and comfort features, an impressive and comfortable interior, and some proper off-road 4WD credentials.

We're spending a week and over 1,000km in the Ford Puma ST. Is it a worthy replacement for the awesome Fiesta ST? We'll ...
26/07/2024

We're spending a week and over 1,000km in the Ford Puma ST. Is it a worthy replacement for the awesome Fiesta ST? We'll let you know in our normal full review.

Could this be the new 2025 Toyota Celica ???? If so I think it's a stunner. 😎
19/07/2024

Could this be the new 2025 Toyota Celica ????

If so I think it's a stunner. 😎

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