HOT TOPIC
// Polestar 4 SUV gets a rear window, 2,000kg towing and NZ pricing from $109,900
Polestar has unveiled an SUV version of the Polestar 4 with a rear window, 2,000kg towing and New Zealand pricing matching the coupe from $109,900, with deliveries planned from late 2026.
- Driven Car Guide says Polestar reveals 4 SUV for Kiwi market: the window is back
// Range Rover Electric powertrain details revealed: plenty of posh push
Land Rover is promising “V8 levels of power” with zero exhaust emissions from the new full-size Range Rover Electric, with the fine detail of the powertrain now confirmed.
- EVs & Beyond says Range Rover Electric revealed: 600km range, 900mm wading, NZ orders open
// Industry legend passes
Tributes have been paid to Tony Howard, who “created a strong sense of loyalty throughout the business”.
// GWM extends Warriors sponsorship for another three years
GWM New Zealand has extended its sponsorship of the One New Zealand Warriors for another three years, building on a partnership that began in 2024.
- Driven Car Guide says GWM and New Zealand Warriors extend partnership for three more years
// Car loan arrears improve
Credit demand is up as secured vehicle-finance growth lifts non-mortgage lending.
- AutoTalk says Vehicle loan demand rises as households remain cautious
// Hundreds attend MITO summit
The training organisation hosted a packed day of speakers and discussions.
- Autofile says Step forward for awards
// Nissan New Zealand announces pricing for V6-powered Y63 Patrol
Nissan New Zealand has confirmed local pricing and specifications for the much-anticipated Y63 Patrol.
- Driven Car Guide says Kiwi prices revealed for new Nissan Patrol, including first-ever Pro-4X model
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BEST OF THE REST
// EV registrations more than double in August as BYD takes top spot from Tesla
New Zealand registered 1,101 battery EVs and 1,248 plug-in hybrids in August, more than double a year earlier, with BYD topping the EV table as Tesla waited for quarter-end.
IN OTHER NEWS
// New Mitsubishi Pajero revealed – Kiwis already ordering ‘huge volumes’
Mitsubishi has revealed the first all-new Pajero in 20 years, bringing back its flagship off-roader with a ladder-frame chassis, seven seats and a new 2.4-litre diesel engine. The fifth-generation Pajero has also been confirmed for New Zealand.
// Five stars for two of NZ’s cheapest EVs as ANCAP’s tougher tests bite
The Leapmotor B05 and Geely EX2, two of New Zealand’s cheapest EVs, have earned five-star ANCAP ratings under the tougher 2026 Stages of Safety criteria.
// Largest used EV battery study finds 13.5% gap between best and worst of the same model
AVILOO’s 500,000-test study finds used EV batteries ageing well but varying by up to 13.5% between cars of the same model, with the 40kWh Nissan Leaf, a New Zealand used-import staple, the outlier.
// A 1960 electric runabout, the only one in NZ, heads to auction this weekend
A 1960 Electric Car Company Shopper FG-75, a Californian electric runabout thought to be the only one in New Zealand, goes to auction at Webb’s on Sunday with a $25,000 to $30,000 estimate.
// More plugs beat more power: charging data challenges how NZ’s network was built
Kempower data shows charging sites with more plugs are used far more than sites with more power, a finding that matters for New Zealand’s network of single and dual-plug sites.
// Honda appoints Frankton Automotive as Queenstown service agent
Honda New Zealand has appointed Frankton Automotive 2025 Ltd as its authorised parts and service agent for Queenstown and Central Otago.
// ChargeNet takes over six Unison and Centralines EV charging sites
ChargeNet is taking ownership and operation of six electric-vehicle charging sites previously operated by Unison Networks and Centralines across the central North Island.
// Kiwi Ford dealer has sold its 100th hotted-up Herrod Performance Ranger Raptor
Christchurch-based Team Hutchinson Ford has completed its 100th Herrod Performance Ranger Raptor model in under 12 months.
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INTERNATIONAL EV NEWS
// This Study Covered 500,000 EV Batteries. Some Models Aged Much Better Than Others
EV diagnostics company AVILOO released the results of thousands of battery health checks for 20 popular EVs. One stood out.
ONE LINERS
- Nissan’s Twingo-based Wave EV spied ahead of sub-20,000 euro launch
- New Lexus NX confirmed for New Zealand in early 2027
- This is probably your only chance to drive a McLaren W1
- Restomod Elise sports central driver’s seat and $810k price tag
- Mitsubishi unveils rally-ready version of new Pajero SUV
- 1 in 3 owners never uses the passenger screen
- Volvo’s new alerts can spot hazards around corners
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// Farmer Autovillage Wheel Repairs – 50% off your first set
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