SMALL SUV: MG ZS

The MG ZS EV has been a groundbreaking plug-in car for New Zealand, offering great battery technology and range, and a comprehensive list of active safety equipment, at a very sharp price — which becomes downright irresistible when the $8625 Clean Car Discount is factored in.

That model was heavily updated for this year, with styling updates and more range, and that certainly plays a big part in this award.

But so does the rest of the range. With all the attention the

EV gets, it’s easy to forget there’s also a comprehensive range of petrol ZS models, which are superbly priced, practical and wellmade. The entry model is a lot of compact SUV for a sub-$20k ask, while the ZST really ups the game on equipment and driver appeal, with a turbocharged 1.3-litre engine.

That’s three different powertrains for three different models, so you can’t say the ZS is short of choice. There’s a slightly unusual coda to the ZS showroom situation, however: each of the three models also has different

frontal styling, as each represents a slightly different generation of updates. But at least you can tell them apart!

Runners-up: Hyundai Kona II, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.