https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/rss NZME Tue, 07 Apr 2026 18:29:36 Z en https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-fiat-500x/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-fiat-500x/ For years the Fiat 500 Bambina was the Peter Pan of the car world because it never grew up, but now this Italian automotive icon has had to upsize to survive in today’s hugely competitive new car market. Mon, 12 Mar 2018 03:01:36 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-holden-astra-turbo-hatch/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-holden-astra-turbo-hatch/ There is little question that slipping into Cruze mode for the past seven years helped Holden make some serious sales in-roads into our small car class. Sun, 22 Oct 2017 02:47:31 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-kia-optima-gt-turbo-sedan/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-kia-optima-gt-turbo-sedan/ It is a rarity for the styling of a mainstream Korean sedan to excite, but the sleek Kia Optima sedan does exactly that, although not its performance. Sun, 22 Oct 2017 02:46:17 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-audi-q2/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-audi-q2/ They say ‘size’ matters, but seemingly not to an increasing number of those in the market for an urban SUV, where sales of compact models have hit top gear, and Audi is keen to go along for the ride with its new mini sized Q2. Sun, 22 Oct 2017 02:45:04 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-subaru-levorg-wagon/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-subaru-levorg-wagon/ While Subaru has deleted a wagon from the latest Legacy line-up, they appear to have found a ready-made successor in the recently launched Levorg. Wed, 12 Jul 2017 07:58:56 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-vw-passat-turbo-petrol-sedan/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-vw-passat-turbo-petrol-sedan/ Within the ranks of the conservative looking Volkswagen Passat sedan is a model that’s outrageously rapid, and great value for a decent sized European high performance sedan. Wed, 12 Jul 2017 07:56:29 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-suzuki-vitara-turbo-4wd/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-suzuki-vitara-turbo-4wd/ Suzuki has made a powerful response to criticism in some quarters that the performance of their latest Vitara, had about as much bite as grandpa’s old dentures. Wed, 12 Jul 2017 07:54:40 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-hyundai-santa-fe/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-hyundai-santa-fe/ After four years on the market, the current Santa Fe recreational 4WD remains a stand out in the Hyundai New Zealand range, continuing to wow buyers with its elegant styling, quality and refinement. Tue, 09 May 2017 19:42:46 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-holden-spark/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-holden-spark/ Over the years Holden have struggled to produce small cars that resonate with buyers here, but they may have finally latched on to a winning formula with their new Spark hatchback. Tue, 09 May 2017 19:38:28 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-mercedes-benz-gls/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-mercedes-benz-gls/ Mercedes age defying seven-seater SUV the GL that been around for almost a decade, yet remains thanks to a recent comprehensive upgrade, as competitive as ever. Wed, 01 Mar 2017 22:25:53 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-honda-civic-turbo-sedan/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-honda-civic-turbo-sedan/ Honda need a game changing model to re-establish themselves as a serious player in our new car market, and they may just have one in the form of the new Civic turbo sedan. Tue, 24 Jan 2017 07:31:08 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-new-toyota-prius/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-new-toyota-prius/ Toyota’s Prius hybrid has had plenty of detractors over the years especially the early models, with many harshly judging a car that was both visionary and ahead of its time. Wed, 04 Jan 2017 21:42:14 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/volkswagen-amarok-ute/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/volkswagen-amarok-ute/ Volkswagen entered what were unchartered automotive waters for the company, when they sailed into the Ute market a few years ago aboard the Amarok, but it’s turned out to be a bountiful voyage. Fri, 02 Sept 2016 22:12:15 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/toyota-land-cruiser-prado-turbo-diesel/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/toyota-land-cruiser-prado-turbo-diesel/ Toyota’s Land Cruiser Prado reigns supreme in our medium to large SUV market and it’s hard to see that changing anytime soon, given the reverence it’s held in by 4WD aficionados the length and breadth of this country. Fri, 02 Sept 2016 22:10:37 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/kia-sorento-2wd-v6/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/kia-sorento-2wd-v6/ Much to the surprise of many cynics, 2WD SUV’s sales are on the rise in this country showing there is demand for these vehicles, and that they are providing an affordable pathway to SUV ownership for many that didn’t exist in the past. Fri, 02 Sept 2016 22:09:03 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/lexus-is-turbo-sedan/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/lexus-is-turbo-sedan/ Lexus took the turbo route and a bit of a gamble, to boost the performance of the more affordable versions of its compact IS rear wheel drive luxury sedan, and it’s proven a smart decision. Fri, 02 Sept 2016 22:07:39 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/ford-focus-ecoboost-sport-hatch/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/ford-focus-ecoboost-sport-hatch/ It’s hard to think of a period in recent times, when Ford’s popularity in this country has scaled the heights its currently enjoying, with sales up a whopping 40 per cent on 12 months ago. Fri, 02 Sept 2016 22:05:32 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/hyundai-veloster-turbo/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/hyundai-veloster-turbo/ The Veloster Coupe is the edgy and out there looking member of the Hyundai family, a mantle it’s held since its launch over three years ago. Fri, 02 Sept 2016 22:04:12 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/paul-charman-we-know-motorcyclists-are-mad/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/paul-charman-we-know-motorcyclists-are-mad/ Let’s be honest — we motorcyclists are mostly mad — and I don’t mean in the jocular sense. Tue, 19 Jul 2016 02:52:29 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-holden-commodore-ssv-redline-wagon/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-holden-commodore-ssv-redline-wagon/ While Aussie built Holden Commodore’s exit stage right forever in about 18 months it is departing with a bang and not a whimper. Sun, 05 Jun 2016 21:00:34 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-honda-civic-hatch/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-honda-civic-hatch/ In the automotive industry some cars can go from being a Peacock to a feather duster, even those you wouldn’t expect to suffer that fate. Sat, 04 Jun 2016 00:01:02 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-kia-sorento-2wd-v6/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-kia-sorento-2wd-v6/ Much to the surprise of many cynics, 2WD SUV’s sales are on the rise in this country showing there is demand for these vehicles, and that they are providing an affordable pathway to SUV ownership for many that didn’t exist in the past. Wed, 01 Jun 2016 23:00:55 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-mercedes-b-class-hatch/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-mercedes-b-class-hatch/ Since 2005, the B200 has held the mantle of the sensible, practical and versatile member of the Mercedes Benz compact luxury passenger car family. Tue, 31 May 2016 01:01:03 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-hyundai-tucson-2wd-elite/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-hyundai-tucson-2wd-elite/ An old name adorns a new and striking looking addition to Hyundai’s compact SUV’s family, a model that justifiably has the company confident they’ve a star in the making. Mon, 30 May 2016 05:59:23 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-ford-focus-st-hatch/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-ford-focus-st-hatch/ It made be me one of Europe’s strongest selling hot hatches, but buyers here haven’t warmed to the racy Ford Focus ST hatch in the numbers that Ford may hoped for. Thu, 31 Mar 2016 07:24:36 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-mitsubishi-outlander-a-lot-of-compact-suv-for-your-dollar/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-mitsubishi-outlander-a-lot-of-compact-suv-for-your-dollar/ Spaciousness, practicality and value for money, continue to prove a winning trifecta that helps make the Mitsubishi Outlander one of our most popular mid-sized recreational 4WD’s. Thu, 31 Mar 2016 07:21:39 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-honda-crv-sport-ticks-the-boxes/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-honda-crv-sport-ticks-the-boxes/ The trail blazing Honda CRV was one of the first Japanese models to crack the compact recreational SUV market 20 years ago, these days it’s battling hard for sales in this intensely competitive market. Wed, 03 Feb 2016 00:50:42 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-lexus-nx-turbo-beautifully-built-but-lacking-power/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-lexus-nx-turbo-beautifully-built-but-lacking-power/ Lexus has summoned some turbo charged engine wizardry to add some genuine performance punch, to match the striking good looks of its NX compact SUV, but does this motor deliver a power packed king hit? Fri, 29 Jan 2016 00:49:21 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-value-for-money-in-mitsubishi-outlander/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-value-for-money-in-mitsubishi-outlander/ Spaciousness practicality and value for money has and continues to be a winning trifecta that keeps the Mitsubishi Outlander in the leading bunch top selling mid-sized SUV ‘s in this country. Mon, 25 Jan 2016 00:40:07 Z https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-lots-to-like-about-mondeo-liftback/ https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/lifestyle/motoring/bob-nettleton-lots-to-like-about-mondeo-liftback/ For the last seven years, the Ford Mondeo has set the gold standard in my view for ride and handling in the affordable mid-sized car class, which means its recently launched successor, has very hard act to follow. Fri, 22 Jan 2016 00:36:16 Z