The ultimate cars for a road trip

After another tumultuous year thanks to our good friend Covid, a summer detox road trip is on the program for many of us.

Most of us know where we are going, or which roads we will take first, but what about the car to drive? Let’s say we’ve all won the lottery and are driving around the best travel cars for a Kiwi summer.

Bmw z4

The BMW Z4 is probably the best sporty convertible if you want something faster than an MX-5 but cheaper than a Ferrari Portofino. It uses the same engine as the Toyota Supra, namely a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six developing 285 kW / 500 Nm, which is really sufficient for most types of spirited driving. The automatic transmission may put off a few enthusiasts, but it’s actually a blessing when you just want to relax and enjoy the sun and the warm air.

READ MORE:
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* Road test review: Mercedes-Benz E 350 Cabriolet and AMG E 63 S
* It is the new face of the best-selling vehicle in New Zealand
* Hyundai reveals New Zealand prices for the Ioniq 5

BMW’s active cruise control and lane-keeping systems are also very good for those times of cruising, and Bavarians generally pack a lot of quality comfort into their machines.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 (the one with the solar roof)

An electric vehicle on a road trip is actually a good thing, and Hyundai’s new Ioniq 5 is one of New Zealand’s best electric vehicles. In particular the top-of-the-line Limited AWD, with the specified solar roof. It won’t fully recharge the battery, but it can generate up to 10km just by sitting in the sun, which helps reduce range anxiety. Bet on over 400 km in total after a full charge.

The Limited AWD doesn’t have the largest range of Ioniq models, but the solar roof helps close the gap, and its 225kW and 605Nm of power means it’s a pretty quick thing. Ideally, we will put the solar roof on the rear-wheel drive version for even more range and more driving pleasure, but Hyundai does not (yet).

Ford ranger

The Ranger has always been praised for its ride and conduct, so its place on this list is well deserved. Also, there’s a new one coming in 2022, so I’m going to cheat and include that as well.

It has superb towing, good fuel economy (considering it’s a diesel, until next year when a hybrid gasoline version may or may not arrive) and a lot of technology on board. I don’t really need to talk about the quality of the Ranger, considering it’s been New Zealand’s top seller for most of the last decade, so I won’t.

VW Bus

An ultimate travel vehicle doesn’t have to be new. There are plenty of older models that could make this list, but the Kombi is getting the green light. It’s roomy enough to accommodate you and all your friends and their luggage, and looks awesome, even seventy years after its launch in 1950.

It might not have the growl of a modern mover, but who cares about speed when you’re this good looking? In addition, you can fit a small bed if you are familiar with the tools, which is even better for long summer trips.

Seat Leon Sportstourer

There are two variations of Leon Sportstourer, one being the hi-po Cupra and the other the more pedestrian Seat. We’re choosing the seat because it’s cheap at $ 44,990 (and qualifies for the government’s $ 2,030 clean car program rebate) when it goes into effect on April 1, 2022, and it does it all. that you really need.

It uses a 1.5-liter four-cylinder infused with mild hybrid technology to reduce fuel consumption, and it really works – 6.0 L / 100 km is achievable, if not less. The handling is superb, there’s enough power to have a bit of fun, and because it’s a wagon, there’s plenty of storage.

Audi RS6

An Audi RS 6 is high on most wish lists for a few good reasons. It has a great twin-turbocharged V8 for power, it looks bright (albeit a little nervous), and it’s a wagon. Who wouldn’t want a family transporter that can drag most sports cars on the road?

There’s nothing else really like it, other than the Taycan Cross Turismo Turbo. Which, by the way, is also pretty cool, but costs $ 300,000 compared to the Audi’s $ 225,900. We could change the air next year when the Taycan Sport Turismo arrives …

Jeep wrangler

If you don’t mind a ride on gently undulating roads and you fancy blasting the beach, look no further than the proven Wrangler. It will happily tackle bumpy roads, even places where there is no road at all, and bring you home. You can trade in for the Gladiator if you want more utility.

Proper all-terrain suspension and tires mean the Wrangler is excellent for navigating unpaved terrain, and while it’s neither an electric vehicle nor a garish V8, there is still plenty. things to love. For example, the Freedom top, perfect for the airy girls up to Ninety Mile Beach. He really needs eagles and the American flag engraved in them.