How often does a test drive actually change your mind?

Earlier this week I took the Zeekr 7X for a drive, one of the newest EVs to arrive in New Zealand, and it genuinely shifted my expectations.

I have only driven a Tesla model S many years ago, so I assumed the usual EV trade-off: impressive pace, lots of screens, and not much warmth.

The Zeekr 7X felt different from the first few minutes.

The cabin came across as properly luxurious, with the sort of comfort you notice straight away, including massaging seats that feel more than a gimmick.

I also appreciated the basics done well, like real buttons you can use without hunting through menus, and a heads-up display that makes driving feel calmer and more intuitive.

And yes, it has effortless acceleration that will put a smile on most faces, even if you are not chasing speed.

Zeekr 7X now available in New Zealand. Photo: Giltrap Zeekr

This is not a review, or a recommendation to buy this exact car.

It is a nudge for anyone on the Hibiscus Coast thinking about changing vehicles any time soon to keep your options wide.

The EV market has moved fast, and there are now brands and models worth serious consideration beyond the usual names.

If you are shopping in the next 6 to 12 months, do yourself a favour and test drive broadly across makes and models, then decide based on what you will live with every day: comfort, controls, visibility, storage, ride feel, and how confident you feel behind the wheel.

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