Latest news with #KymMellow
NZ Autocar
3 days ago
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Hybrid variant of KGM Torres in the offing
KGM offered some intrigue for visitors to Fieldays, display a hybrid variant of its Torres medium SUV. KGM here, part of the Inchcape stable, wanted to gauge interest and feedback from showngoers. Based on customer response, the hybrid could join the Torres line-up here in New Zealand. It is currently aimed at European markets. 'This is a great opportunity to introduce hybrid into the Torres family and show where KGM is heading,' said Kym Mellow, General Manager, Inchcape New Zealand. 'We're looking to grow our powertrain options, and hybrid is a key part of KGM's global shift toward electrified mobility. Fieldays provides an ideal platform to assess local interest.' Read our review of the KGM Torres EVX. Fieldays visitors can get up close with the Torres HEV and see how it fits alongside the existing models. They consists of petrol and electric Torres EVX variants. While New Zealand specifications are yet to be confirmed, the Torres Hybrid pairs a 120kW/280Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor in a dedicated hybrid transmission. The motor draws power from a 1.83kWh LFP battery pack. An expected combined fuel use figure is in the 6.5L/100km area. The HEV also features multiple regenerative braking modes and enhanced cabin quietness. Customers interested in updates can register their interest online.
NZ Autocar
3 days ago
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Terron 9 Elite arrives and LDV is taking preorders
The LDV Terron 9 has dotted down in New Zealand in Elite specification and pricing kicks off at $59,990 plus on roads. Powering LDV's new full-sized ute is a 2.5L turbodiesel engine producing 164kW power and 520Nm torque. It has a maximum braked towing capacity of 3500kg. The 4WD workhorse comes with multiple terrain modes, and off-road expert information, including altitude, compass, wading sensor and approach angle. It also has an 1100kg payload, and a spray-on tray liner with four fixed tie-down points as standard. Inside are cloth seat covers, a six-way powered driver's seat, and a four-way manual adjustable passenger seat. Other features include a keyless entry and start, a surround camera, DRLs and LED headlights, dual 12.3-inch screens, and wireless phone hook up. Safety items include auto headlights and auto high beam assist, lane keeping, traffic sign recognition and blind spot monitoring. Kym Mellow, GM of Inchcape New Zealand which handles LDV product, introduced the model and announced pricing at Hamilton's Fieldays event. 'This Terron 9 ute is the ultimate reinforcement of LDV's brand DNA, in that it aims to be dependable, durable and value packed. It also offers up to 1100kg of payload and exceptional off-road capability thanks to its double-wishbone suspension up front and sturdy leaf spring suspension in the rear. Terron 9 comes backed by LDV's seven-year warranty, seven-year roadside assistance, and seven years of WOF, giving peace of mind for fleet companies, corporate customers and Kiwi families alike,' he added. The LDV Terron 9 Elite is now available for preorder here.
NZ Autocar
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Subaru BRZ Tsubasa here and gone
Subaru's limited edition BRZ Tsubasa arrived into New Zealand this week. All 10 examples are en route to their new owners now, the model a sell-out long ago. The vehicle takes its name from the Japanese kanji script, which translates to 'wings'. The Tsubasa name is also a play on the BRZ tS badge, incorporating the highest-specification BRZ's first two letters. This particular model offers the best performance and handling capability in a BRZ yet. Check out our review of it here. Special features BRZ Tsubasa features STI tuned front and rear dampers to capitalise on its light weight, low centre of gravity and precision handling. Special Brembo brakes,with gold painted four-piston front callipers, larger pads and rotors enhance stopping power and pedal feel. The BRZ Tsubasa also sports 18-inch dark grey metallic alloy wheels, with 215/40 R18 Michelin Pilot 4 tyres providing superior grip. The 10 examples arrive here in WR Blue only, and exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission. For those who missed out on the BRZ Tsubasa, you may get another shot later this year. Subaru of New Zealand is working on another special edition BRZ. Inchcape General Manager, Kym Mellow, says: 'The BRZ's reputation as a driver's car…preceded it and the 10 Tsubasa units we were allocated have already sold before they even hit our Subaru Authorised Centres. We hope to be able to share news of the next limited edition Subaru BRZ in the coming months.'
NZ Autocar
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
LDV launches new Terron 9 ute in New Zealand
LDV New Zealand is set to shake up the ute sector further with the launch of its new Terron 9 double-cab ute. For years there has just been a handful of different diesel-powered utes available in New Zealand but the landscape is changing dramatically in 2025. Not only are new brands launching here, some with electrified powertrains, but there are also new models from established brands. Included are GWM's new arrivals, along with the incoming Tasman ute from Kia. And others from China are promised. Meantime, LDV also gets in on the act with Terron 9, a stablemate for the T60 line-up. Powered by a 2.5L turbodiesel engine, this four-wheel drive workhorse offers 164kW of power and 520Nm of torque. Its braked towing capacity is rated at 3.5 tonnes, mandatory to make any impact into this sector. Main dimensions are length of 5500mm, width of 1997mm and height of 1860mm. With a wheelbase of 3300mm this is bigger than any of the T60 offerings and faces off against the likes of Ranger, Hilux and Triton. Kym Mellow, General Manager of Inchcape New Zealand, the distributor of LDV, commented: 'The all-new Terron 9 is a powerhouse.' He added: 'Expanding our range, the Terron 9 delivers serious toughness, intelligent capability, and high-end performance — all backed by LDV's seven-year warranty, seven-year roadside assistance, and seven years of WOF. It's a game-changer for the segment and TERRON 9 gives drivers confidence on every journey.' The LDV Terron 9 is another new vehicle that will debut at Fieldays. So you can check it out from June 11 to 14 at Mystery Creek, Hamilton. LDV is also currently also evaluating the eTerron 9 — a fully electric 4×4 — for the New Zealand market. Customers can register their interest here and be the first to know when it lands.
NZ Autocar
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Check out the new Subaru Forester hybrid at Fieldays
The incoming sixth-generation Subaru Forester will make its first public New Zealand appearance at Fieldays 2025. The new sixth-generation Forester debuts the strong hybrid e-Boxer flat four engine. On display at Site I48, the new Forester is ready to meet the rural Kiwi audience from June 11 to 14 at Mystery Creek Events Centre. The latest Forester is the first Subaru model in New Zealand that features the strong hybrid e-Boxer powertrain. Kym Mellow, General Manager of Inchcape New Zealand, the distributor for Subaru of New Zealand, says it's a double milestone for the brand. 'This is our first time at Fieldays, and what better way to make an entrance than with the all-new Forester. It'll be joined by its Subaru SUV siblings, the Crosstrek and Outback. All are equipped with Subaru's legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) technology, and built for the kind of back roads many Fieldays visitors travel every day. 'AWD is an essential feature for New Zealand conditions. When your Subaru detects a loss of traction, it instantly transfers power to the wheels that still have grip. That gives you greater stability, more control, and added confidence behind the wheel,' he says. MY25 Subaru WRX will also turn up for Feildays. There's a racing simulator where you can take a WRX for a virtual high-speed lap around the Taupo Motorsport Park track. Whoever sets the fastest lap will win a real-life WRX Experience at Taupo Motorsport Park. Check out our review of Subaru WRX Todoroki here. Subaru will also host the team from Street Smart. They will talk about their role as one of New Zealand's leading driver education programmes. And they will stress the importance of road safety for Kiwi teens learning to drive. Subaru of New Zealand is Street Smart's Official Vehicle Partner. It provides vehicles for the Street Smart programmes at all three of Tony Quinn's New Zealand tracks. Subaru ambassadors Art and Matilda Green will be at Fieldays to share their take on lifestyle, wellness, and life on the road. More details on the Subaru Forester model line-up, specifications, and availability for New Zealand are due closer to launch. Customers eager to experience the next-generation Subaru Forester can register their interest here.
