A panel of members of the New Zealand Motoring Writers Guild (NZMWG) joined by New Zealand Automobile Association staff has decided the top ten finalists for the New Zealand Car of the Year.
The top 10 finalists are Holden Spark, Honda Civic, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-9, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, Skoda Superb, Subaru Levorg, Suzuki Vitara and Volkswagen Tiguan.
The New Zealand Automobile Association and New Zealand Motoring Writers’ Guild (NZMWG) will announce the 2016 Car of the Year at the Viaduct Events Centre in Auckland on December 7.
Members of the guild and the AA who have driven the top 10 cars will independently rank each of them on some elements including value, design, and quality – the best of which will become the 2016 New Zealand Car of the Year.
Also, the public has the chance to make its pick with the People’s Choice Award.
Mercedes-Benz has two contenders for Car of the Year in 2016 with its E-Class sedan and the GLC SUV. European manufacturers secure another two places in the finalists’ list with the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Skoda Superb.
The compact Holden Spark packs in a range of features including personalisation options and a small price tag.
Last year Mazda had three models vying for attention in the top 10 and this year remains represented with its CX-9 seven seater. It’s joined by the Suzuki Vitara, Kia Sportage, Subaru Levorg and Honda Civic.
Last year’s New Zealand Car of the Year went to the BMW i3.
NZMWG president, Liz Dobson, was impressed with the variety of vehicles in the top 10.
“There was robust debate by the panel to decide the final vehicles as all of the contenders were strong candidates,” says Dobson.
“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 a $16,490 hatchback and also one of the technologically advanced vehicles in the world,” she says.
Dobson says it was now up to the voting members of the Guild to pick what is the Car of the Year for 2016.
“Our members throughout New Zealand cover print and websites, giving a broad spectrum of opinions and vast knowledge,” she says.
The safest car for 2016 is also announcing at the December 7 event based on Australasian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP) crash test results.
