With the EV/ICE lines becoming a little more blurred, for us, the focus has moved to ‘what’s new’ rather than what’s powering the vehicle. Vehicle brands from all corners of the globe (yes, I know that doesn’t make sense) are looking to grace NZ with their wares, and quite frankly, we couldn’t be happier. Here are a few to whet your appetite.
The Kia Tasman
With utes still being at the forefront of the New Zealand automotive scene, it’s hard not to get excited about the new Kia Tasman. Regardless of your thoughts on its looks, the Korean brand’s leap into the ute market boasts advanced technology, and class- leading features.
The Tasman boasts best-in-class cargo capacity of 1,173 litres, corner steps, an illuminated power outlet in the load bed, and a convenient sliding cargo floor. The vehicle’s advanced chassis and suspension technology delivers exceptional off- road capability too, all while maintaining refined on-road performance.
Available in three trim levels (Baseline, X-Line, and X-Pro), the Tasman offers powerful engine options, including a 207kW 2.5-litre petrol engine and a 147kW 2.2-litre diesel variant. The X-Pro model stands out with its 252mm ground clearance and specialised off- road features, including an electronic locking differential and X-Trek mode.
Fingers crossed the launch includes an off-road experience.
Volkswagen ID.Buzz
Yes the Loooong awaited ID.Buzz is set to land this year and with it marks an exciting chapter for Volkswagen and fans of the classic Kombi, as the brand continues to innovate while paying homage to its storied past.
The ID.Buzz emerges as Volkswagen’s first fully electric van, designed to capture the adventurous spirit and communal ethos that the original Kombi symbolised in the 1960s.
Available in configurations of five, six, or seven seats, the ID.Buzz promises to provide space and comfort for various journeys. On the commercial side, the ID.Buzz Cargo variant sets a new standard in sustainable business solutions too, boasting a 650kg payload capacity and room for two Euro pallets, making it a practical choice for enterprises of all types.
Its recognition as the “International Van of the Year 2023” even before its official market launch underlines its strong global reputation.
Cupra Tavascan
Heralded as the Spanish performance brand’s first electric SUV coupé, the Cupra Tavascan is as bold as it is good looking. Its unique design philosophy inspires a sleek, streamlined exterior with progressive interior elements, while the contemporary Y-bone console in Dark Ice Metal and Dark Night and microfibre bucket seats optimise sportive drivability.
Large battery capacity gives owners the freedom to move through the city with finesse, and with a fully electric range of up to 547km, plus the ability to charge from 0-100km range in only seven minutes, it gives them the confidence to go beyond the city wall too.
Yep, 2025 is going to be a good year indeed.
