Matthew Hansen

1 day ago | stuff.co.nz | Matthew Hansen

In the build-up to its launch (well, return) in New Zealand, Chery has revealed the price of its first model — the Tiggo 4 compact crossover. Stuff speculated a few weeks ago that the Tiggo 4 had the potential to be one of the cheapest new cars on sale in New Zealand. And whilst it hasn’t quite taken the mantle, its pricing comes rather close. As previously reported, the Tiggo 4 is being offered here in two different trims; Urban and Ultimate.

2 days ago | stuff.co.nz | Matthew Hansen

Cheap small cars. In these financially uncertain times you would think that cheap motoring would be a top priority for the bulk of carmakers. But that hasn’t really been the case, with many either dropping cheap models from their line-ups or lifting prices to surprising levels. By my rough count there are just six carmakers that still sell a new car in New Zealand for less than 30 grand. Thanks to Mahindra, that number will soon rise to seven.

2 days ago | stuff.co.nz | Matthew Hansen

Subaru New Zealand has confirmed full pricing and spec details for its next-generation Forester SUV, ahead of its local debut to the public at next week’s Fieldays agriculture expo. The new Forester is set to be offered locally in three different specs sharing two different engines; a 136kW/247Nm non-hybrid 2.5-litre petrol boxer 4-cylinder and a 145kW/212Nm hybrid version of the same 2.5-litre powertrain. Each engine gets a base model, a Sport, and a flagship Touring spec.

3 days ago | stuff.co.nz | Matthew Hansen

Street Smart, one of New Zealand’s more well known and well subscribed practical training programmes for young drivers, is set to be expanded thanks to additional support from numerous financial backers, including the Tony Quinn Foundation. In a press release, organisers said that the amount of Street Smart training days has grown, adding that the programme “typically sells out” amid “growing demand” from those learning to drive.

3 days ago | stuff.co.nz | Matthew Hansen

We’ve talked plenty about the decline of the V8 powertrain and its slow but inevitable disappearance from prominence in the motoring world. But spare a thought for another powertrain that’s even closer to the bowels of the gurgler, the humble 5-cylinder. From Volvo’s howling touring cars of the BTCC to the Ford Ranger’s old 3.2-litre, 5-cylinder engines have been quietly vanishing from existence for decades.