DRIVEN Car Guide names 2024 Car of the Year

AUCKLAND, Today: The AA DRIVEN NZ Car of the Year has crowned the BYD Sealion 6 ‘super hybrid’ as its 2024 winner, showcasing innovation in New Zealand’s automotive industry.

This prestigious award highlights a diverse range of vehicles across eight categories. Judges narrow down the top three in each, select class winners, and finally, the overall Car of the Year.

The BYD Sealion 6 won for its impressive performance, practicality, and economy. Its hybrid technology combines petrol efficiency with quiet, extended-range capabilities, setting a new benchmark.

DRIVEN Car Guide Editor Dean Evans remarked: “The BYD Sealion 6 is simply too good not to award. In a year when buyers have moved away from pure electric vehicles for various reasons, there is still growing demand for greener, more ecologically friendly vehicles. The electrified markets have come alive with hybrids and plug-in hybrids proving supremely popular, especially in an SUV.”

He added: “The Sealion is a giant leap for BYD in New Zealand. They are here and they are very good, with the BYD Atto 3 helping quickly establish a very positive image in New Zealand.”

“It’s a great option for consumers looking to make a more sustainable choice without buying a full electric vehicle.” – Jonathan Sergel

Jonathan Sergel of AA Motoring Services praised its innovation: “We know Kiwis love the practicality of an SUV and in the Sealion 6 the Dual Mode Intelligence technology gives it a strong edge over its competitors, shifting into a new realm of energy innovation and range extending capability.”

He continued: “It’s a great option for consumers looking to make a more sustainable choice without buying a full electric vehicle. Plus, with its 5-star Australasian New Car Assessment Programme safety rating, ample performance features, and reasonable price point, our team was undoubtedly impressed.”

“The Sealion 6 is a sign of the Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle market bridging the technology gap between what was and what is to come and is very deserving of the AA DRIVEN NZ Car of the Year title,” he concluded.

Warren Willmot, Manager for BYD New Zealand, expressed his delight: “The Sealion 6 is BYD’s best-selling model. It’s the second best-selling electrified vehicle on the planet and the first of four Sealion models to launch over the next 12 months, to be joined by the Sealion 5, 7 and 9.”

He added: “Being a connected car, Sealion 6 will only continue to improve. BYD has several Over The Air updates in the coming months, including fine-tuning the Automatic Driver Assist System, add new features and improve driver comfort.”

Meanwhile, the Toyota RAV4 claimed the People’s Choice award for the fourth time in five years.

Check out the full review of the BYD Sealion 6 here.