X-TRAIL TOPS GOOGLE SEARCHES

Nissan’s new SUV is number one for Kiwi browsers this year

According to Google data, the most anticipated New Zealand newvehicle release for the coming year is the Nissan X-Trail.

Auto Trader-commissioned research has compared the number of Google searches made in the last 12 months for popular vehicles that are due for release in NZ in

2022-23. The X-Trail, an all-new model on the way that will feature electrified rangeextender technology, was the subject of over

5700 monthly searches from NZ, followed by the Honda Civic e:HEV (2400) and BMW X1 (1300).

In fact, BMWs featured heavily in the data, with the Z4 and M2 taking fourth and fifth spots, and the new 7-Series in 10th.

The Ford Ranger is a curious omission from the list (it doesn’t even feature in the top 20), but the new Volkswagen Amarok, which is now based on the Ranger platform, sits at number eight (660 searches per month). Other top 10 models include the Maserati Gran Turismo (6th), Polestar 3 SUV (7th) and Toyota Corolla Cross (9th).

Extend the list to the top 20 and it’s clear there’s a lot of interest in EVs, especially those with a performance focus. The Lucid Air and rebooted DeLorean (known as the Alpha5) both feature high up the list, at 12th and 16th respectively, although neither are slated for NZ launch.

Also of interest to Kiwi browsers are the gofast Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and Kia EV6 GT, as well as the yet-to-be revealed rangeextended version of the Mazda MX- 30, which will use a rotary engine to help generate electricity.