The line-up of finalists for New Zealand Car of the Year include an expensive hatchback, one of the most technologically advanced sedans and a large selection of SUVS.
The top 10 for the New Zealand Automobile Association and New Zealand Motoring Writers’ Guild (NZMWG) 2016 Car of the Year were announced this week after a voting panel made the selection from new vehicles launch during a 12-month period.
The top 10 finalists for the New Zealand Car of the Year, in alphabetical order, are:
•Holden Spark
•Honda Civic
•Kia Sportage
•Mazda CX-9
•Mercedes-Benz E-Class
•Mercedes-Benz GLC
•Skoda Superb
•Subaru Levorg
•Suzuki Vitara
•Volkswagen Tiguan
AA Motoring Services General Manager Stella Stocks says the top 10 line up is a good representation of the market, from an entry level choice right through to the luxury end.
“It’s pleasing to see many affordable options included in the top 10 list of finalists boasting a lot of safety technology and great design. There really is something for everyone with this year’s line up,” said Stocks.
Last year’s New Zealand Car of the Year went to the BMW i3.
The New Zealand Motoring Writers’ Guild president, and Driven editor at large, Liz Dobson, was impressed with the variety of vehicles in the top 10.
“We had products that covered the spectrum, not only in categories but prices too. You just need to look at the final 10 to see the variety — there’s the $16,490 Spark and the E-Class is one of the technologically advanced vehicles in the world,” she said.
Dobson said there was no surprise that SUVs made up the majority of the final 10.
“This is a reflection of the New Zealand market, where SUVs of all sizes make up nearly 40 per cent of new vehicle sales.”
Dobson said it was now up to the voting members of the Guild to pick what is the Car of the Year for 2016.
“Our members are based throughout New Zealand, and cover print and websites, giving a broad spectrum of opinions and vast knowledge,” she said.
The AA and NZMWG will announce the 2016 Car of the Year at the Auckland Events Centre on December 7.