MG4 takes Aussie crown

The new MG4 electric hatchback has been named as 2023’s car of the year by carsales.com.au.

What the organisers describe as Australia’s top automotive consumer award, it recognises excellence in the new-vehicle market and awards just one winner from the long list of new models released across the Tasman each year.

To determine the winning and two highly commended models, a multi-stage judging process whittled down a field of more than 100 eligible candidates to 30 contenders, and then just 10 finalists plus two wildcards.

Carsales’ readers had their say via an online poll from which the new second-generation Hyundai Kona was determined as the people’s choice winner. The Kona was also highly commended as was the Polestar 2.

The MG4 defeated a field of electric and conventionally powered finalists after receiving a dominant eight first-place votes and two seconds from the 10 judges, and a solid cost-of-ownership ranking by experts at RedBook.

Forming 50 per cent of each finalists’ score, the judges’ votes were based on four assessment areas covering safety, innovation and technology, practicality and presentation, and driving performance. RedBook’s cost of ownership, residual value and specifications data determined the other half of each finalist’s score.