- Kia appears twice on our list of top stories.
- The humble SUV that's now a future collectible.
- The truth about how long EV batteries last.
We try and answer the big questions in the thousands of news stories we publish each year. This time it's a simple one: which of those stories were the most popular in 2025?
It's fun to find out, but it's also valuable research for us to pause and consider what topics and what products really resonate with you, our readers. So without further ado, let's take a look at the greatest hits of 2025.
Kia announces NZ pricing for Tasman ute
It was a long run-up to the launch of the Kia Tasman ute, but probably worth it for the company if the reader interest in every step of the reveal was anything to go by.
Tasman was much talked-about for its out-there styling, but apparently what people wanted to know the most was... how much? The Tasman Kiwi-pricing story is our most-read piece of 2025.
The 10 best classic cars to buy in 2025
Every year, global collector-car specialist Hagerty curates a list of classic cars that represent the best-value in terms of current value-for-money and future potential appreciation.
They're not always the obvious British roadsters and 1980s supercars. In fact one of the star cars for 2025 was a humble Japanese crossover-SUV. Love it.
Ford's toughest truck: Ranger Super Duty
Any new development in the world of the Ford Ranger is big news in NZ. But the reveal of the toughest model ever, the Super Duty, really captured everybody's ute-shaped imagination.
It all happened at a special celebration for Ford Australia's 100th birthday in Geelong, but since then we've also taken to the great outdoors in the Super Duty.
Toyota Hilux gets a (sort of) world record
Was it an official record? Probably not in the Guinness sense, if that's your only measure of such things. But when a Southland Toyota dealership organished a gathering of Hiluxes at Real Country Farm in March, a documented 495 turned up.
That beat the previous record set in South Africa, in 2010. The models spanned 46 years, from a 1978 classic the latest hybrid model.
How to stop your windscreen wipers squeaking
June, the onset of winter and we're all looking for ways to make mtoring in the darker, wetter months a bit easier. Enter our advice article on six ways to stop your wiper blades squeaking - a simple thing that makes such a difference.
Hint: there's a bit of cleaning involved and perhaps a bit of adjustment, but it's all pretty easy. Read it again now to be prepared.. or we'll see you in winter 2026.
How long EV batteries really last
Time for a bit of myth-busting. One of the most persistent criticisms of EVs is that their expensive batteries degrade fast, leaving you with a worthless lump in a few years.
Bad news for the haters: data revealed in this story, studying more than 10,000 test cars, shows that EV batteries not only have considerable staying power, they last longer than many combustion engines.
Major changes to Warrant of Fitness system
News emerged in February that the Government was considering a major change to the Warrant of Fitness programme for vintage cars and motorhomes, moving them from six-monthly to annual checks.
Nothing like a bit of admin news (apparently), and of course the change did go through. We were especially delighted that "vintage" officially means over 40 years old, which puts that 1984 Toyota Corolla right in the frame. Sweet.
Kia announces NZ pricing for updated Sportage
What is it with Kia and Kiwi pricing? The launch of the mildly updated Sportage SUV was big news from a reader point of view, especially when pricing was announced.
Sportage is one of Kia's top-selling models here and globally; the local lineup is comprehensive, although the company has since moved the a hybrid-only powertrain lineup.
Steve Irwin's Land Cruiser sells for bargain price
Awesome bloke, awesome SUV. A classic 1982 Toyota Land Cruiser Troop Carrier once owned by the late Steve Irwin sold for just NZ$44,500 in September, which surprised many who thought it might go for big money.
Especially considering the themed livery and interesting modifications, including an engine-swap to a Ford petrol V8.
GWM reveals sharp pricing for Tank 500 PHEV
GWM revaled its new flagship SUV model for NZ and Australia at a special Tech Day in Melbourne this year. The Tank 500 Hi4-T PHEV combines a 2.0-litre petrol engine with a massive 37.1kWh battery for substantial EV range and the brand's signature 4x4 ability.
The powertrain is familiar from the Cannon Alpha ute (a very close relation to the Tank 500) and has also just been announced for the smaller Tank 300.