December 1st marked a historic moment for the AA DRIVEN Car of the Year awards with the MG4 hatch the first battery electric vehicle (BEV) to win the AA DRIVEN Car Guide New Zealand Car of the Year for 2023.
From a pool of 11 classes and hundreds of new cars tested in 2023, the all-electric MG4 has been selected as the year's best car by a panel of judges from DRIVEN Car Guide and the AA, securing a class win, a top-three overall spot, and the ultimate victory.
This BEV triumph signifies a shift in consumer behaviour, not just towards zero-emission vehicles, but also back to smaller, efficient, and affordable rides.
DRIVEN Car Guide editor, Dean Evans explains why the MG4 is a winner in so many 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. 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,” he says.
AA Chief Mobility Officer, Jonathan Sergel, was similarly enamoured with the MG4.
“We are very impressed with the full package of the vehicle: 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. A worthy winner.”
Arek Zywot, MG NZ Country Manager says the team is thrilled with the award: "All of us at MG are incredibly excited by the AA DRIVEN NZ Car of the Year award. We are grateful to the judges, and we also congratulate the other finalists. 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 says.
“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,” says Zywot.
People's Choice Award: Toyota RAV4
Peoples Choice also offers the public the chance to have their say, with the Toyota RAV4 again proving its popularity, taking out its third Peoples Choice win from the last four COTY awards.
Class Winners:
- SUV Small: Kia Niro
- SUV Medium: Honda ZR-V
- SUV Large: Ford Everest
- Clean Cars Hybrid: Toyota Corolla Cross
- Clean Cars PHEV: Audi Q5
- Clean Cars BEV: BYD Dolphin
- Passenger: MG4
- Sports & Performance: Honda Civic Type R
- Light Commercial Vehicle: Ford Ranger
- Luxury: BMW i7
- AA Safest Car: Tesla Model Y
- Top 3 Overall: BYD Dolphin, Honda Civic Type R & MG4