Electrified options among New Zealand Car of the Year brands

The 10 finalists for the New Zealand Car of the Year remind that advanced safety technology is no longer reserved for high-end vehicles.

And many of the brands involved have, or are working on, electrified options.

A common factor binding all potential candidates for the national award, presented annually by the New Zealand Motoring Writers’ Guild, is a high level of safety technology, guild president Richard Edwards says.

He notes this year’s finalists – in no particular order being the BMW X3, Holden Commodore, Hyundai Kona, Kia Stinger, Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Skoda Karoq, Subaru Forester, Toyota Camry and a pair of Volvos, the XC40 and XC60 – all have as standard forms of lane keeping assist and autonomous emergency braking.

“These types of technology save lives,” Edwards says.

And he says that with fuel prices on the rise, it is also interesting half the vehicles either have, or are set to get, an electrified or hybrid option.

The Kona is available in a fully-electric version now. The X3 will come in an electric version in 2020, preceded by an equivalent XC40. That car’s big brother, the XC60, offers a plug-in hybrid. The Camry continues with the option of a hybrid drivetrain.

“New Zealand is becoming a leader in the adoption of alternative energy vehicles and distributors are working hard to meet demand,” Edwards says.

“Kiwi buyers have more options for this than our neighbour across the Tasman.”

Edwards says it’s great to see Kiwi families and employers can easily access vehicles with a high level of safety at relatively affordable prices.

AEB is particularly relevant, designed to allow a vehicle to self-engage emergency braking in event of a potential collision event with a vehicle or even a pedestrian or cyclist if the driver has not reacted. It is now a required feature to earn a maximum score in Australasian and European NCAP crash testing.

The New Zealand Car of the Year has been given out annually since 1988 and is considered the country’s most prestigious motoring award since it is a truly national prize, without commercial ties.

The award is decided by motoring commentators from throughout New Zealand and results from them having assessed the candidate vehicle in their local areas over an extended period.

Criteria range from how the performs its intended role, its styling, interior design and accommodation; fit, finish and quality; ride and refinement; performance; road-holding and handling; value for money; active and passive safety and environmental responsibility.

The most affordable car this year is the Kona, which starts from $31,990, with the most expensive the X3 – available from $94,650. Five of the 10 finalists are available for less than $50,000.

The New Zealand Car of the Year is to be announced in early December, with the winner to receive the Peter Greenslade Trophy, currently held by the Skoda Kodiaq.