The countdown to New Zealand Car of the Year is under way, with announcement of 10 finalists.

VEHICLES with varying ability to conquer beyond-seal conditions are dominating the count of finalists in a showdown to win the national car of the year title.

Of the 10 candidates for the New Zealand Car of the Year award, which has been given out annually by the New Zealand Motoring Writers’ Guild since 1988, just two are not suited for some degree of off road work – these being a pair of small hatchbacks, the Ford Fiesta and Toyota Yaris.

Otherwise it’s between crossovers and sports utilities: In alphabetical order these being the Audi Q3, Kia Seltos, Land Rover Defender, Mazda CX-30, Mercedes-Benz EQC, Mercedes-Benz GLB, Peugeot 2008 and Skoda Kamiq.

The 33rd winner of the nation’s most coveted and longest-lived automotive award will be decided by more than 20 journalists, this writer included, representing a wide span of national printed and on-line publications, with announcement on TVNZ’s Seven Sharp current affairs’ programme in early December.

Guild president Richard Edwards, of Auckland, says the announcement will mean a positive finish to 2020 for whichever brand is fortunate to achieve this prize.

“After many tumultuous months full of Covid-related twists and turns, it will be a welcome relief to farewell what has been a challenging period with the announcement.”

He noted that the top 10 reflects the strong influence that SUV and crossover variants now have on the total new vehicle market.

The global coronavirus pandemic had made this a tough year for the car industry, with brand facing supply restrictions. In most years, it was common for more than 50 new models from more than 30 different brands to be released nationally every year, but that rate reduced in 2020.

He said the Guild took great responsibility in determining the winner of its accolade, with voting journalists understanding their determination likely “contributes to and influences the buying decision of many Kiwi motorists.”

“New car buyers can rest assured that the winner is absolutely deserving of the title as it will have undergone extensive testing and excelled across a wide variety of measures, especially when compared with other finalists.

“It takes a very special vehicle to be crowned the New Zealand Motoring Writers’ Guild Car of the Year, an endorsement which represents a significant accomplishment for any new model.”

Comment from the chosen models’ brand representatives is as follows:

Audi Q3

“Being acknowledged as a contender of the Car of the Year title is a huge accolade for the Audi Q3,” says Audi New Zealand general manager Dean Sheed.

“The Q3 has been part of the Audi SUV stable for many years and has a wide range of offerings from two-wheel-drive to Quattro all-wheel drive and petrol and diesel powertrains.

“Importantly, Kiwis love of performance is delivered through the SQ3 which makes up 50 percent of our sales. Now the SUV has been joined by its design focussed brother, the Sportback, offering a coupe style which will allow the family to grow further.”

Ford Fiesta

“It’s great news that the Ford Fiesta made the Top 10 list this year and is heartening to know driving excitement and pure, gear-changing fun still matters,” says Ford New Zealand spokesman Tom Clancy.

“The Ford Fiesta ST stands out in this regard, especially in a world where SUVs dominate and the manual transmission is becoming increasingly rare.”

Kia Seltos

According to Kia Motors NZ managing director Todd McDonald: “The strong reaction from the public ahead of the introduction of Seltos clearly indicates that we have another winner on our hands.”

Land Rover Defender

“To have the new Defender 110 acknowledged for the New Zealand Car of The Year Award is a true testament to the excellent capability, durability, design and technology of this vehicle,” comments Jaguar Land Rover New Zealand general manager Steve Kenchington.

“The new model represents 70-years of innovation and improvement; honouring the vehicle's history for rugged solidity whilst remaining a Defender for the 21st century.

“Since launch, the Defender has shook the SUV market and seen remarkable sales success, selling out of our first two vehicle shipments in just weeks. The launch of the new Defender is one of the biggest automotive launches of the year and one of the most memorable of my career. This is a vehicle I am incredibly proud of.”

Mazda CX-30

“We’re delighted the Mazda CX-30 is a finalist. It is recognition of the amazing job the Mazda design team did in creating an outstanding looking vehicle that brings together the flowing proportions of a coupe with the versatility of an SUV,” says Dave Hodge, Mazda NZ managing director.

“Reaction from NZ motorists has been very positive as it has provided a great alternative for people who want the versatility of SUV without the need to move into a larger vehicle.”

Mercedes Benz EQC and GLB

From Lance Bennett, Mercedes Benz NZ general manager: “As New Zealand’s best-selling luxury vehicle company, we are honoured to be acknowledged by the New Zealand Motoring Writers’ Guild in 2020.

“Both the EQC and GLB are part of Mercedes-Benz new SUV offensive, contributing to the biggest range of SUVs for sale in New Zealand. To have two models in the running … is immensely satisfying, and I thank the entire team that helped bring these models to market.”

Peugeot 2008

“We are ecstatic the all-new Peugeot 2008 SUV has been recognised by the New Zealand Motoring Writers’ Guild as a top 10 finalist in their annual Car of the Year award,” says Chris Brown, chief executive of marque rights’ holder, Auto Distributors New Zealand.

“We said at launch the 2008 SUV is anything but ordinary, and this nomination is proof that the judges agree.

“The nomination builds on international accolades bestowed on the new model and we’re quietly confident it could enjoy similar success here in New Zealand when the winner is announced.

“It’s been more than 30 years since Peugeot last claimed the prestigious title when the 405 won in 1989, so it would mean a lot for the brand if the 2008 SUV was to be presented with the award.”

Skoda Kamiq

“We are thrilled that our first compact SUV to our family of Skoda models has made the New Zealand Motoring Writers’ Guild Car of the Year top 10,” commented Skoda NZ general manager Rodney Gillard.

“Kamiq is the ‘perfect fit’ to our SUV line-up, one which is set to become a pillar of our Skoda model range as a whole.”

Toyota Yaris

“It’s great to see Toyota featuring again in the top 10 for Car of the Year, as we continue to strengthen our range,” says Toyota NZ chief executive Neeraj Lala.

“The Yaris hybrid is spearheading a whole range of new product, which is the best range of vehicles we have ever offered.”