Content by curiouskiwi in February, 2026

Oh, and in case it's of interest, here's the economy we got on our road trip. (just realised that I'd taken a photo!) We started the morning at 100%. Arrived home at 20% with 74km (~46 miles) range remaining. Driving time 5hr23m Avg speed 55km/h ~34mph Distance 298.4 km. ~185 miles Usage...

Yes, Picadilly Blue they call it. I've found that it looks different depending on the light and angle. In my photo above, it was fully sunny and reflecting the bright blue sky. Some days it's darker, almost a violet shade in parts, and others it's bright and light. In our garage, it's a bit...

They had a grey one in stock that we test drove, but we really wanted to have some colour. It was a bit nerve-wracking waiting for our car to arrive so we could finally see the colour in person. :). Just as well we loved it because we were stuck with it at that point. :)

We've got a 2014 Smart Fortwo electric that we bought secondhand in 2021. There's no real comparison. This is our first car with a reversing camera! And all the other safety stuff. Nothing like that in our old 2003 Picasso. (we don't replace our cars very often :) )

Kia ora! We picked up our new 62 Essence three weeks ago. Loving it so far. Here it is on our first road trip where we travelled over the Te Ahu a Turanga–Manawatū Tararua Highway and stopped for a scenic shot! Have been a reader of this forum for a few months while we decided on what car...