CREAM OF THE CROP
This year’s Car of the Year finalists reflect the seismic shift taking place in the car industry
Electric vehicles may still be a rare sight on Australian roads, but they make up a large part of the field for the 25th running of News Corp’s Car of the Year. Out of the eight finalists, three are electric vehicles and one is a hybrid, leaving just two diesel and two conventional petrol cars.
Ford’s Ranger and Everest are a triumph for a local car industry that was prematurely declared dead several years ago.
More than 2500 Australian designers and engineers helped to develop the ute and fourwheel-drive wagon, which are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. But the two diesels represent the old guard in an industry that is increasingly focused on electric vehicles.
Tesla sparked the revolution and it is represented by the Model Y. BYD, which is relatively unknown in Australia but recently overtook Tesla as the world’s biggest electric car maker, will provide stiff opposition, as will Kia with its EV6.
Nissan’s popular X-trail, Toyota’s hybrid Corolla Cross and Subaru’s thrilling BRZ complete the field
Some top quality machines have missed the cut. The new Mercedes-benz C-class, a former Car of the Year winner, is not on the list. Neither are the Audi A3, Mitsubishi Outlander or Volkswagen Golf R. Here are the finalists:
BYD ATTO 3
BYD – short for Build Your Dreams – is an allnew brand out of China and it has big aspirations in Australia.
The Atto 3 electric hatchback was launched earlier this year with a eye-catching price tag in the mid-$40,000 range, making it and MG’S ZS EV the cheapest EVS on sale. The Atto 3 has funky looks, an impressive driving range of between 320 and 420km, depending on the model, and some seriously cool technology.
While Chinese cars have performed poorly in crash tests in the past, the BYD scored five stars, courtesy of its range of standard driver assistance tech.
FORD RANGER
Utes are big business in Australia and they don’t get much bigger than the Ford Ranger.
The previous-generation Ranger has been the second best selling vehicle in the country for years and the new version moves the goalposts a long way. It is comfortably the best ute in the business.
Designed and engineered with local knowhow, the XLT version we’re testing introduces a more powerful V6 turbodiesel that will appeal to the thousands of Australians who like to explore the great outdoors with a caravan or boat in tow.
There are some clever touches aimed at making life easier for tradies and the big ute is as accomplished on the road as it is off it.
FORD EVEREST
The Everest is effectively a Ranger with an SUV body. The popular Trend 4WD model has a carry-over bi-turbo four-cylinder diesel in lieu of the more expensive V6. It’s a vehicle of many talents, accommodating seven passengers in comfort while also towing 3500kg.
The new cabin is a huge step up from the previous model, with a big tablet-like centre screen that is clean-looking and easy to navigate.
As you’d expect from a family vehicle, it is stacked with the latest safety features.
KIA EV6
The Kia EV6’S twin under-the-skin – the Hyundai Ioniq 5 – was crowned last year’s News Corp Car of the Year.
Kia’s version of the award-winning electric car is even better to drive. It delivers sports car looks, a long driving range and a more conventional-looking cabin that will appeal to traditionalists.
The fully-loaded AWD Gt-line takes part in this year’s test. It’s more expensive than the standard model – and very expensive for a Kia – but it provides notably more performance from its dual electric motors. It also has a hi-tech cabin and all the latest safety gear.
NISSAN X-TRAIL
The Nissan X-trail has been a fixture with Australia families for decades.
The all-new version, due in showrooms before Christmas, shares much of its hardware and underpinnings with the Mitsubishi Outlander. It has seating for five, a big boot, sparkling 18inch alloy wheels and plenty of active driver aids. Families will also appreciate the sub$50,000 price tag.
SUBARU BRZ
The second iteration of the Subaru BRZ sports car arrived this year. Again it was co-developed with the Toyota 86. Subaru’s version delivers the same driving thrills as the Toyota but at a lower price.the latest model has addressed one of the key criticisms of the previous model, its underpowered and overstressed engine. The new, bigger 2.4-litre four-cylinder puts out a respectable 174kw, up from 147kw.
But that car’s biggest appeal remains its oldschool rear-wheel drive layout, which makes it a hoot to drive at any speed. We’ve opted for the auto version because the manual misses out on vital safety features such as auto emergency braking.
TESLA MODEL Y
The American brand has embarrassed some of the biggest and oldest car makers on the planet, changing the automotive landscape forever with its all-electric range.
People clambered to buy the Model 3, even though sedans had faded out of fashion, but the new Model Y SUV is the game changer.
Supply was constrained earlier in the year due to Covid lockdowns in Shanghai, where the car is built.
But since the middle of the year, Tesla has sold about 6500 vehicles.
In September, it rocked the establishment, becoming the best selling SUV in the country, despite a price tag north of $70,000
It’s the right shape and size, is fun to drive, has a great driving range and cool tech features.
TOYOTA COROLLA CROSS
Toyota’s stranglehold over the Australian car industry is just about to get tighter.
More than one in five new cars sold in Australia are Toyotas and it has plugged the last remaining gap in its local range – a small SUV based on the popular Corolla.
It sits below the RAV4 and above the Yaris Cross and will be sold alongside the funky looking C-HR SUV.
The Corolla Cross brings tried and tested hybrid tech that reduces real world fuel use to 4.3L/100km.
It’s pitched at young families and retirees with a spacious back seat and boot combined with a high seating position and impressive connectivity.