What are the best new cars you can buy in New Zealand right now?

Damien O’Carroll

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What exactly do we think are the best new cars on sale in New Zealand for 2024? Well, the the AA DRIVEN Car Guide New Zealand Car of the Year awards were announced recently, so let's take a look through the winners and find out!

Best City SUV of 2024: TOYOTA C-HR

The Toyota C-HR stands out as the best city SUV of 2024 due to its unique blend of stylish design, a high-quality interior, and Toyota's efficient hybrid technology. The C-HR's striking design, especially with the "two-tone plus" color option, makes it stand out, while its hybrid powertrain delivers a balance of performance and fuel efficiency.

What it beat:

Why it won:

  • A real sense of class and quality inside, despite its affordable price tag.
  • Miserly fuel economy that is easy to achieve in the real world.
  • Excellent all-round package.

For more info on the Toyota C-HR check out:

Best Family SUV of 2024: HONDA CR-V

The Honda CR-V wins this category, surpassing even its newer sibling, the HR-V. The CR-V's success stems from its well-rounded package, offering a choice between FWD or AWD, five or seven seats, and conventional or hybrid powertrains. This variety allows families to select the configuration that best suits their needs and preferences.

What it beat:

Why it won:

  • Available in a wide range of configurations, including front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), five or seven seats, and conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) or hybrid powertrains.
  • A high quality, attractive and comfortable interior in all models.
  • A broad range that combines comfort, budget, practicality and fuel economy.

For more info on the Honds CR-V check out:

Best Large SUV of 2024: FORD EVEREST

The Ford Everest secures its second consecutive win in this category, demonstrating its enduring appeal as a practical and capable SUV. Its blend of size, practicality, and off-road prowess, coupled with the ability to tow heavy loads, makes it a compelling choice for families and adventurers alike.

What it beat:

Why it won:

  • Superior practicality, towing capacity, and off-road capabilities.
  • Comfortable ride for both urban and off-road environments.
  • Strong and flexible diesel engines, including a 2.0-litre biturbo four-cylinder and a 3.0-litre turbo V6.

For more info on the Ford Everest check out:

Best Passenger Car of 2024: SUZUKI SWIFT

The Suzuki Swift continues to charm its way into the hearts of Kiwi drivers, retaining its crown as the best Passenger car despite the overwhelming popularity of SUVs and utes. Its affordability, practicality, and fun-to-drive nature, enhanced by the addition of a mild hybrid system for improved fuel efficiency, make it a compelling choice for budget-conscious consumers.

What it beat:

Why it won:

  • Fourth generation car retains its appeal as a budget-friendly small car that's both practical and fun to drive.
  • Excellent three-cylinder engine, a mild hybrid system, and lightweight construction lead to exceptional fuel economy.
  • A unique blend of frugality, driving enjoyment, and affordability.

For more info on the Suzuki Swift check out:

Best Performance Car of 2024: HYUNDAI IONIQ 5 N

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N challenges preconceptions about performance EVs, demonstrating impressive balance and handling despite its weight. The availability of customisable drive modes, including the unique N e-Shift mode that mimics the feel of a high-performance combustion engine, further enhances its appeal for driving enthusiasts.

What it beat:

Why it won:

  • Impressively balanced handling, despite added weight of batteries on board.
  • A range of customisable drive modes, from quiet EV cruising to aggressive performance.
  • N e-Shift mode, which simulates the feeling of driving a high-performance internal combustion engine vehicle, complete with gear shifts and even a rev limiter is mad, but so much fun!

For more info on the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N check out:

Best Luxury Car of 2024: RANGE ROVER SPORT

The Range Rover Sport, specifically the plug-in hybrid variant, stands as the epitome of luxury in this year's awards. Its ability to operate in near silence for extended periods, thanks to its substantial electric range of up to 112km, elevates its luxury quotient. This attribute makes it an ideal choice for serene and eco-conscious urban driving.

What it beat:

Why it won:

  • Plug-in hybrid model elevates luxury appeal with its near-silent operation, courtesy of a large battery.
  • Offers up to 112km of electric-only range.
  • High-quality cabin, advanced technology, commanding driving position, and extensive personalisation options.

For more info on the Range Rover Sport check out:

Best Lifestyle/Adventure Car of 2024: SUZUKI JIMNY

Reflecting a shift in the category's focus to include SUVs with off-road capabilities alongside utes, the Suzuki Jimny emerges as the winner. This iconic vehicle, known for its ruggedness and off-road prowess, now comes in both three-door and five-door variants, broadening its appeal to families seeking adventure.

What it beat:

Why it won:

  • Fantastic blend of retro looks and rugged underpinnings.
  • Five-door variant enhances practicality, making it suitable for families while retaining its off-road capabilities.
  • A unique blend of heritage, fashion appeal, and genuine off-road ability.

For more info on the Suzuki Jimny check out:

Best Hybrid/EV of 2024: BYD SEALION 6

The BYD Sealion 6 wins in this category, beating out the Toyota bZ4X and Volvo EX30. Its DM-i technology, with a 90km+ electric driving range and flexible charging options, is highlighted as a significant advancement in hybrid technology, offering real-world benefits to motorists.

What it beat:

Why it won:

  • Excellent build and material quality throughout.
  • Both AC and DC charging options allow for versatile charging.
  • Smooth EV-like driving experience.

For more info on the BYD Sealion 6 check out:

Safest Car of 2024: TESLA MODEL Y

The Tesla Model Y retains its position as New Zealand's safest car, solidifying Tesla's reputation for prioritising safety. Its exceptional performance in ANCAP crash tests, achieving an overall score of 91.50, underscores its commitment to passenger well-being.

What it beat:

Why it won:

  • High ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) safety rating.
  • Overall score of 91.50 remains unbeaten by any new vehicle in 2024.
  • Comprehensive active and passive safety systems.

For more info on the Tesla Model Y check out:

Overall Winner for 2024: BYD SEALION 6

The BYD Sealion 6 emerged as the clear star of the show, claiming the overall best new vehicle of the year title. The Sealion 6's success can be attributed to its DM-i "super hybrid" system that combines an efficient petrol engine with a large plug-in battery, providing a generous electric-only range of up to 92km. This remarkable range addresses the growing demand for electric mobility, particularly for daily commutes, without the fear of range anxiety.

The ability to charge using both AC and DC power further enhances the Sealion 6's versatility, allowing owners to utilize home wallboxes or public high-speed charging stations. The Sealion 6 offers both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, along with a luxurious interior that includes BYD's signature rotating 15.6-inch infotainment screen.

People's Choice of 2024: TOYOTA RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 is the pick of our readers for the fourth time since 2019, demonstrating its enduring popularity among New Zealanders. Its practicality, fuel efficiency, and Toyota's renowned reliability continue to make it a top choice for a wide range of consumers.

For more info on the Toyota RAV4 check out: