Editorial policy

Accuracy

We check New Zealand pricing, specifications, availability and launch timing against current local sources before publishing, and we say when information comes from overseas or has not been confirmed for New Zealand. Specifications and prices shown on CarWatch include the date they were checked where possible.

Reviews are first-hand

We only label an article a Review or First Drive when a CarWatch writer has driven the vehicle. Each one states the vehicle and version tested, the test period and conditions, and who supplied the car. Articles based on manufacturer information are labelled First Look and contain no driving impressions.

Manufacturer loans and launch events

Vehicle loans, launch invitations and travel provided by manufacturers or distributors are disclosed on the relevant story. Receiving a vehicle or invitation never guarantees coverage, favourable or otherwise, and suppliers do not see or approve stories before publication.

Advertising and sponsored content

Advertising is kept visually and editorially separate from journalism. Sponsored content and commercial partnerships are always labelled at the top of the page and on every listing, and name the partner.

Corrections and updates

When we get something wrong, we correct it promptly and add a dated correction note to the foot of the article explaining what changed. Substantive updates to a story show an “Updated” date alongside the original publication date. To report an error, contact us.

Images

We credit every photograph. We use our own photography, official manufacturer press images, and images we are licensed to use. We do not republish other people's photographs without permission.

Use of automated tools

Every article on CarWatch is written or reviewed, and approved for publication, by a named member of our editorial team.