Follow Idris Elba and the new Jaguar XE across Europe — episode three live now

26 February, 2015

British actor and DJ Idris Elba, best known for his roles as Nelson Mandela in the film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, and Baltimore drug lord Russell ‘Stringer’ Bell in the HBO TV series The Wire — has been appointed by Jaguar to drive a diesel-powered Jaguar XE.

It’s not just any old drive, though. Idris has been tasked with the 1000km drive from London to Berlin, where he has been booked to DJ at the XE’s European launch. The trip will see Idris travel across four countries over the course of three days, and Jaguar will be releasing a series of short films documenting the journey.

The first instalment has Idris introduced to the XE, where he is wowed by the car’s connectivity and cutting-edge technological features.

“I’m looking forward to it ‘cause it’s got a lot of gadgets in it, and I’ve got a playlist to get together. I can just connect it to the internet and do my playlist while I’m driving, without taking my eyes off the road,” he says.

Find episodes one and two below. We’ll keep you informed when the next ones are available. They promise a refreshing, modern take on the iconic trans-Europe road trip.  

Episode one:

Episode two:

Episode three:

Hiroshima Express

One of the rarest Mazdas,and amongst one of the rarest production cars in the World, a 1967 Series 1, Cosmo made its public debut at the 2025 Cromwell Classic and Hot Rod Car Show on Saturday January 18 this year.
After a challenging 5-year restoration, its proud Cromwell owner, Mike Elford celebrated its appearance along with Dunedin specialist, Mazda rotary engine builder, Cory Wilson who trallered the car through to the show.
“There are a number of details still to attend to and fine-tune the engine and then it will at last be finished. I’m very pleased with the result,” Cory said.
Mike is extremely pleased with the end now in sight of what has been a very challenging project. The tiny jewel of Japanese motoring engenuity attracted many on-lookers at the show as it sat glistening in the sun on an appropriately brilliant Central Otago summer’s day.

Merry Christmas from NZ Classic Car magazine

The Classic Car magazine team is taking a few weeks’ holiday from the work computer and heading to the beach for some kickback time.
Merry Christmas, and have a wonderful summer holiday to all our readers, followers, and fans. Enjoy this special extra time with the family. We will be posting archive articles again in mid to late January.
Have fun, be good and be careful out there.