According to a recent AA Insurance Lifestyles survey, over one in four New Zealanders are driving less than they did a year ago.
In fact, the numbers of Kiwis driving regularly has been decreasing since 2016, when around 19 per cent of Kiwis only drove a ‘few times a week’. That number now sits at 28 per cent.
For many people, driving isn’t just about getting to the destination. It’s also about the journey. With this in mind, we’ve put together a few cars that are designed to put the fun back into driving.
Toyota Supra
Last year saw the Toyota Supra return after a 17-year hiatus, and it was well received around the globe, even being shortlisted for the coveted 2019 AA Driven NZ Car of the Year award.
One of the disappointments for lovers of the previous Supra, however, was Toyota’s collaboration with BMW. The Supra shares a platform, running gear, gearbox, as well as many shared interior design cues with the BMW Z4. It also shares an engine, which Toyota has tuned to an impressive 500Nm of torque at 1600-4500rpm.
The power is dispatched to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission capable of reaching 100km in 4.3secs.
Tesla Model 3
The highly-anticipated Model 3 is Tesla’s cheapest model, with pricing starts at $75,900 for the Standard Range Plus model (excluding on-road costs and delivery). It features a single-motor setup capable of 0–100km/h in just 5.6 seconds and a claimed range of 460km.
Also on offer is a dual-motor Long Range option offering 620km of range, or the dual-motor Performance model which can reach 100km/h in a mere 3.4 seconds and has a claimed range of 560km.
Tesla have included many gimmicks in their cars, such as a whoopee cushion (with adjustable fart noises), a log burning fire simulation and even arcade games that you can control with the steering wheel (only accessible when the car is in ‘Park’, of course!).
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
Since 1923, the Quadrifoglio has been the emblem of all Alfa Romeo racing models, and the four-leaf clover still represents this today. This renowned badge hasn't simply been hastily slapped onto an SUV just to boost sales – it’s a real race car in an SUV body.
Getting behind the wheel of a SUV has never felt more exciting with its Ferrari-derived 2.9-litre V6, boosted by its bi-turbos to cook up 380kW and 600Nm of torque.
The eight-speed auto is quick through the changes, and the rear differential is an active torque vectoring unit which is necessary to hit 100khm in 3.90sec.
The Stelvio Quadrifoglio model comes with carbon fiber trim and sportier seats, providing comfort and security as you tackle corners with adjustable lumbar and side bolsters. If you’re looking for an SUV that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your dial, then look no further than the Alfa.
Kia Stinger
Since Kia released the Stinger back in 2018, it has been well received by drivers around the globe. The five-door sportback is the Korean company’s flagship performance vehicle, and has helped evolve the company to more exciting heights.
The Stinger is the first modern era vehicle built with a rear-wheel-drive platform for Kia. It’s also their first vehicle to be powered by a twin-turbo charged V6 engine.
The Stinger has five drive mode settings: Smart, Eco, Comfort, Sport and Custom. These settings adjust a raft of elements in the vehicle such as engine responsiveness, transmission changes, steering effort and suspension stiffness, so much so that it’s been adopted by police forces in Australia.
The Stinger packs a 3.3 litre engine and produces 272 kW at 6,000rpm, which is more than enough juice to jet you up Baldwin Street.