BYD’s Sealion 6 ‘super hybrid’ has been named the overall winner of AA Driven NZ Car of the Year 2024.
The model took out the top prize with judges praising its “outstanding dynamics, performance, genuine practicality and economy”. The Sealion 6’s super hybrid technology combined with its petrol engine offers quiet and economical running for the optimum range and results. AA Driven NZ Car of the Year recognises a diverse range of new car brands and models across New Zealand, selecting the year’s best vehicles.
The judges choose top three finalists across eight categories, then pick a class winner, a top three overall, and finally, the overall winner. Driven Car Guide editor Dean Evans says the BYD Sealion 6 was “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.
“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,” Evans says.
AA Motoring Services chief mobility officer Jonathan Sergel says the Sealion 6 “is very deserving” of this year’s title.
“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.
“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,” Sergel says.
BYD New Zealand country manager Warren Willmot was thrilled to accept the accolade.
“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.
“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,” he says.
The Toyota RAV4 won the People’s Choice award for the fourth time in five years.
Article by AutoTalk
