Car of the Year finalists a diverse bunch

The line- up of finalists for New Zealand Car of the Year includes an expensive hatchback, one of the most technologically advanced sedans and a large selection of SUVs.

The top 10 for the New Zealand Automobile Association and New Zealand Motoring Writers’ Guild ( NZMWG) 2016 Car of the Year were announced this week after a voting panel made the selection from new vehicles launched during a 12- month period.

The top 10 finalists for the New Zealand Car of the Year, in alphabetical order, are: Holden Spark Honda Civic Kia Sportage Mazda CX- 9 Mercedes- Benz E- Class Mercedes- Benz GLC Skoda Superb From left: Kia Sportage, Mercedes- Benz E- Class, Volkswagen Tiguan, Honda Civic, Mazda CX- 9, Holden Spark, Suzuki Vitara, Subaru Levorg, Mercedes- Benz GLC and Skoda Superb. Subaru Levorg Suzuki Vitara Volkswagen Tiguan AA Motoring Services general manager Stella Stocks says the line- up is a good representation of the market, from an entry level choice right through to the luxury end. “It’s pleasing to see many affordable options included in the top 10 list of finalists boasting a lot of safety technology and great design. There really is something for everyone with this year’s lineup,” she says.

Last year’s New Zealand Car of the Year was the BMWi3.

The New Zealand Motoring Writers’ Guild president, and

editor at large, Liz Dobson, is impressed with the variety of vehicles in the top 10.

“We have products that cover the spectrum, not only in categories but prices, too. You just need to look at the final 10 to see the variety — there’s the $ 16,490 Spark, and the E- Class is one of the most technologically advanced vehicles in the world.”

Dobson says it’s no surprise SUVs make up the majority of the final 10. “This is a reflection of the New Zealand market, where SUVs of all sizes make up nearly 40 per cent of new vehicle sales.”

She says it is now up to the voting members of the guild to pick the Car of the Year for 2016.

“Our members are based throughout New Zealand, and cover print and websites, giving a broad spectrum of opinions and vast knowledge.”

The AA and NZMWGwill announce the 2016 Car of the Year at the Auckland Events Centre on December 7.