Less to go for him Car of the Year 2023. Probably the most important award in the sector (at least on our continent), it will be delivered on January 13 at the Brussels Motor Show due to the cancellation of the one in Geneva, which used to be the event where it was revealed. In any case, the seven finalists for the award, which come from a list of 45 vehicles (later reduced to 27). They will try to be crowned Car of the Year in Europe 2023, following in the footsteps of the Kia EV6, which was the previous winner.
As has become customary in this contest, the electrified vehicles and SUV bodies. There is also a fairly homogeneous distribution if we talk about the nationality of the manufacturers, having a distribution between Europeans and Asians. We are going to analyze the strengths of each vehicle to see its chances of winning.
jeep avenger
The Jeep Avenger is the firm’s first electric model. A small SUV based on the Stellantis CMP platform that stands out for its striking design and technology. Its electrical mechanics delivers 156 CV and achieves up to 400 kilometers of autonomy with the 54 kWh battery. Exceptionally, in Spain and France it will also be sold with a gasoline engine.
Kia Niro
The Kia Niro is the clear example of versatility and multi-option in the market. Another SUV with compact dimensions that stands out for its offered in three formats. There’s a hybrid Niro, another plug-in hybrid, and there’s also the e-Niro electric version. With electrification always present, this model stands out for its efficiency and interior space.
nissan ariya
The Nissan Ariya is the electric one that wants to change everything within the Japanese firm. Although they had already exploited this technology for years through the Leaf, the truth is that the new SUV improves in many aspects. It is available in various versions by battery size, power and traction; being able to be chosen with from 217 to 394 CV and offering up to 500 kilometers of maximum autonomy. We tried it and it didn’t leave a bad taste in our mouths…
Peugeot 408
The Peugeot 408 is a new SUV that is interesting due to its striking coupé design and its complete mechanical range. Like other Stellantis products that use the same platform, it is available with a gasoline engine and also in two plug-in hybrid versions with 180 and 225 HP of power. We will test it in the coming weeks and we will tell you how it goes.
renault austral
The Renault Austral is the substitute for the previous Kadjar, an SUV that is manufactured in Palencia and that is renewed in terms of design and technology. Of course, it also receives electrification in its mechanical range through Mild Hybrid gasoline versions and a hybrid E-Tech variant that reaches up to 200 CV and that may have new features such as rear axle steering.
Subaru Solterra/Toyota bZ4X
The Subaru Solterra and the Toyota bZ4X are essentially the same car. The electric SUVs correspond to a collaboration and a joint development between the Japanese brands. Based on the e-TNGA platform, they are offered in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive versions with combined cycle ranges of up to 466 kilometers.
Volkswagen ID.Buzz
Last on the list is the Volkswagen ID.Buzz, an electric van that wants to revolutionize mobility. It stands out for the uniqueness of its design, for its generous cargo space and also at a mechanical level. Its electric propulsion system reaches 204 CV and is linked to the 77 kWh battery to achieve a range of close to 500 kilometers.
