Why the 2023 Car of the Year Will Be Electric or Hybrid

The list of the 7 finalists for Car of the Year 2023 in Europe is announced, with four fully electric cars and three available as hybrids.

The shift towards electric vehicles is slow but progressing in sales across Europe. But what about industry experts, us journalists? It certainly appears to be unanimous among the jury of the 2023 Car of the Year.

What are the 7 finalists for the Car of the Year?

Last August, the organization initially compiled a list of 45 models. It was very comprehensive, as it represented the new releases in the European automotive market. This week, the jury selected a “shortlist,” the finalists for the prestigious award that has been around since 1964. Here are the seven contenders for the 2023 edition:

• Jeep Avenger
• Kia Niro
• Nissan Ariya
• Peugeot 408
• Renault Austral
• Subaru Solterra/Toyota bZ4X
• Volkswagen ID. Buzz

First observation: no Chinese models in the bunch. It was supposed to be a showcase of new models entering the European market! And all are SUVs, a body style that accounts for nearly half of sales in Europe. But they make up 85% of the finalists, with the last one (ID.Buzz) being a 4.88-meter van!

Will the winner be electric?

This final group shows a clear trend: four of the models are fully electric: the compact SUV Jeep Avenger showcased at the Auto Show, the latecomer Nissan Ariya, the duo of Japanese SUVs Subaru Solterra/Toyota bZ4X, and the new van Volkswagen ID.Buzz.

As for the other three cars, they are available as hybrids, such as the Renault Austral, plug-in hybrids like the Peugeot 408, or both! Yes, because the Kia Niro is the only one in the lineup offering electric, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid versions.

To determine the winner among the seven finalists, jury journalists are conducting numerous tests. They will announce their verdict and the winning car on January 13 at the Brussels Motor Show. It’s at this Belgian show that we will learn the outcome of the 2023 Car of the Year, replacing the cancelled Geneva Motor Show next year.

Which car do you think will succeed the Kia EV6?

Photos of the 7 finalists

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