Impoverished surfer Sam wants a useful ride - but doesn't want to drop more than two grand on it.

Mike Eady has all the skills needed to be a top driver, but his car is not much different to the road model.

What's important is how the car handles at speed not how fast it is.

The Scout, essentially an Octavia wagon with all-wheel-drive and extra ground clearance, relishes foul weather. It'd love this weekend.

Kia model would be cheapest car in NZ with the fuel-saving technology.

Like the team that helped design it, the AB35 Fiesta is dynamic and has great features.

Bottom line: Mitsi catches up with price-friendly in-between Triton ute.