MG4 wins NZ Car of the Year
The MG4 has become the first battery electric vehicle (BEV) to win the AA Driven Car Guide New Zealand Car of the Year award after scooping the 2023 title.
It also won the best passenger vehicle section of this year’s competition after a panel of judges from Driven Car Guide and the AA picked the winners across 11 categories.
Arek Zywot, MG NZ’s country manager, says the company is thrilled with the award and also congratulated the other finalists chosen from among hundreds of new cars tested over the past year.
“This recognition continues the award-winning pedigree of the incredible new MG4. It has won more than 30 international awards and this title takes it to nine overall car of the year accolades,” he adds.
“Winning different categories highlights the all-round versatility and appeal of the MG4, from a frugal entry into the world of EV motoring to the outright acceleration on offer courtesy of the XPower.
“Above all else, it is also a historic achievement to be the first BEV to win this title.”
The award judges note the MG4’s success signifies a shift in consumer behaviour, not just towards zero-emissions vehicles, but also back to smaller, efficient and affordable rides.
Dean Evans, Driven Car Guide editor, helped announce which models had won gongs on December 1 and says the MG4 is a winner in several areas.
“Its small hatchback size is both compact in dimensions but as big and practical as an SUV. Its styling is modern and angular, and the MG4 is packed with safety and technology, with electric underpinnings that offer large range and efficient use of power,” he explains.
“There are a range of models, from an affordable sub-$40k after rebate, to the long-range models, and the range-topping supercar-fast performance XPower model.”
Jonathan Sergel, AA chief mobility officer, adds the judging panel was also impressed with the full package of the vehicle, such as the price point alongside the range, the seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty and the user-friendly approach to design features.
“It really does set the benchmark for an affordable EV in the New Zealand market,” he adds. “A worthy winner.”
The AA Driven Car Guide NZ Car of the Year competition offers insight into the best cars of the year by listing its top three choices from each class, from SUVs to hybrids, utes to electric, luxury, sports and more. Last year's overall title went to the Ford Ranger.
Members of the public also got to vote for their favourite model in the People’s Choice section, which was won by the Toyota RAV4.
This was a repeat of last year and the RAV4 has now won that category three times in the past four contests.
Award winners
Small SUV: Kia Niro
Medium SUV: Honda ZR-V
Large SUV: Ford Everest
Hybrid: Toyota Corolla Cross
PHEV: Audi Q5
BEV: BYD Dolphin
Passenger: MG4
Sports and performance: Honda Civic Type R
Light commercial vehicle: Ford Ranger
Luxury: BMW i7
AA safest car: Tesla Model Y
People’s Choice: Toyota RAV4
Overall Car of the Year top three: BYD Dolphin, Honda Civic Type R, MG4
Overall Car of the Year winner: MG4
