Electrifying choice for judges

All 10 models chosen as finalists for an annual car award have some form of electrification available as judges across the country prepare to choose their favourite from the shortlist.

The contenders are the BMW i7, Cupra Born, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 6, Lexus RZ 450e, Mercedes-Benz EQE, MG4, Nissan X-Trail, Peugeot 308, and Skoda Enyaq.

Seven of the models in contention for the 2023 New Car of the Year, which is organised by the Motoring Writers’ Guild, are only available as battery electric vehicles.

The exceptions are BMW’s i7, which has other power options but is only offered as a BEV in New Zealand, and the Nissan and Peugeot models that come with internal combustion engines or as hybrids.

The X-Trail, pictured, and 308, meanwhile, are offered in New Zealand with either an internal combustion engine or as a hybrid.

To be eligible for the 2023 award, cars must have been launched in New Zealand as all-new models in the 12 months to October. The winner is due to be announced in February.

Electric vehicles have won the four previous NZ Car of the Year titles, starting with the Jaguar I-Pace in 2019, the Mercedes-Benz EQC in 2020, Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 in 2021, and last year’s prize going to the BYD Atto 3.