Honda CR-V Hybrid is the 2023 News Corp Car of the Year
This year has seen dozens of new cars arrive in Australia but only one car can wear the crown. See which car triumphs and why.
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Hybrid power triumphed over battery technology in this year’s News Corp Car of the Year award.
The Honda CR-V Hybrid took a narrow victory over a fresh electric sedan in the BYD Seal, in what amounted to a contest between an innovative upstart and a polished but conventional car from an established brand.
Hyundai’s Kona Hybrid rounded out the podium as one of the most efficient SUVs on the road.
Three hybrid cars joined five electric vehicles and one diesel-powered ute as the nine finalists for this year’s award.
We examined the year’s best new cars according to five criteria: value for money, performance, design, technology and safety.
Volkswagen’s Amarok V6 earned a place in the running as a more polished version of its mechanical twin in the Ford Ranger, bringing rare sophistication to dual-cab utes.
The work-ready pick-up impresses alongside similarly capable machines, winning points for its smooth motor, refined road behaviour and comfortable cabin.
But back-to-back testing alongside well-executed passenger cars highlights the inherent compromise of utes – a vehicle that climbs mountains, handles a tonne in the tray and tows 3500kg is less suited to everyday driving than most.
Nissan’s X-Trail e-Power is a better bet for Aussie families who don’t need to tow a boat or conquer rugged country.
This hybrid e-Power model ditches conventional engines in favour of an intriguing petrol-electric setup that uses a 1.5-litre combustion engine to generate energy for a compact battery and twin electric motors.
It drives a lot like an electric car, with smooth and instant throttle response.
But the cabin feels dated in this company, with a comparatively small touchscreen and traditional analog driver readouts that stand out in a sea of digital dashboards.
No one could accuse the Kia EV9 of being anything other than resolutely modern.
You feel as though you’re piloting something from the future, a sense compounded by its whisper-quiet electric motor.
The EV9 scores points with seven-seat versatility and impressive composure for such a big and heavy machine.
There’s no doubt it’s a great vehicle, but it’s also an expensive one.
The cheapest model in the range costs about $107,000 drive-away, and feels plain for a six-figure car. Well-equipped models cost closer to $140,000 drive-away, which is a tough sell for families.
The MG4 launched in June as Australia’s cheapest EV and the first electric car on sale for less than $40,000. You couldn’t say it costs too much – particularly if you factor in current government incentives, which can be worth up to $5000 in some states.
Built from the ground up as an electric vehicle, the rear-drive MG4 impresses with agile handling, lively acceleration and smart digital displays.
But the cabin is too plain at this price, with cheaper materials and finishes than similarly priced petrol cars.
Our entry-level test car also missed out on blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Those important safety features are reserved for more expensive models.
The BYD Dolphin takes a different approach.
Packed with features for a similar price to the MG4, the Dolphin’s panoramic sunroof, heated seats and full suite of safety gear reward folks making the jump to green power.
But the small hatch doesn’t drive as confidently as the MG. It chirps the tyres and tugs at the wheel under acceleration and its budget tyres compromise its grip through corners.
Some testers also found the screen a little glitchy.
Keen drivers will appreciate the Cupra Born, a compact rear-drive electric car pitched somewhat ambitiously as a hot hatch.
Great to steer, with crisp responses and taut suspension, the Born also wins points for lovely design touches including copper-coloured highlights inside and out.
But the Born is dear at more than $60,000 on the road, and Cupra’s decision to rush it to market without sat nav or smart connectivity feels shortsighted. There is also evidence of cost cutting in the choice of cabin materials.
The Hyundai Kona Hybrid represents great value thanks to a price just on $40,000 drive-away.
Impressive fuel economy and a roomy, hi-tech cabin work in its favour. It also has a good balance between comfort and cornering ability.
But this impressive all-rounder lacked the wow factor to take out the top gong.
BYD finished on the podium on debut with the Atto 3 last year, and went closer still to an overall victory in 2023 with the Seal, a late entrant that arrived just in time for our test.
This handsome sedan addresses many of the flaws found in rival electric machines assembled here.
Balanced rear-wheel-drive traction, punchy performance and quality Continental tyres lift it above the Dolphin, while an indulgent list of standard features makes the MG4 look sparse.
Clever displays, rich leather and alcantara finishes and a mobile app push it beyond the Born and a price that sneaks in below $60,000 drive-away gives it an edge over the expensive Kia, especially when you take government incentives into account.
The Seal came close to snagging an important victory – three of our judges voted for it to take first place.
But four judges felt its overly intrusive driver aids and floaty suspension let it down.
They voted for the hybrid Honda CR-V e: HEV RS.
This mid-sized family SUV is a remarkably polished car and a welcome return to form for a brand long renowned for its quality and engineering excellence.
The front-drive Honda doesn’t reinvent the wheel – and it’s expensive at $59,900 drive-away – but it is cheap to fuel and service and loaded with kit including heated leather seats, a panoramic sunroof and Bose stereo.
Importantly, it’s a beautifully honed machine, with quality materials and impressive attention to detail in the cabin.
You can feel the effort Honda has put into its rock-solid build quality, the tuning of its sporty suspension and steering and the finesse of its driver assistance systems.
The lovingly honed CR-V is a worthy winner of Car of the Year.
PAST WINNERS
2022 Tesla Model Y
2021 Hyundai Ioniq 5
2020Skoda Kamiq
2019 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
2018 Hyundai i30 N
2017 Skoda Kodiaq
2016 Volkswagen Tiguan
2015 Kia Sorento
2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2013 Volkswagen Golf
2012Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86
2011Kia Rio
2010Volkswagen Polo
2009Volkswagen Golf
2008Ford Falcon
2007Hyundai i30
2006Holden Calais
2005Suzuki Swift
2004Ford Territory
2003Honda Accord Euro
2002Ford Falcon
2001Holden Monaro
2000Mercedes-Benz C-Class
1999Toyota Echo
1998Holden Astra
1997Holden Commodore
THE JUDGES
Richard Blackburn
David McCowen
Dom Tripolone
Iain Curry
Jules Lucht
Toby Hagon
Mark Short
Originally published as Honda CR-V Hybrid is the 2023 News Corp Car of the Year
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