The jurors of the European Car of the Year (COTY) poll announced the winner of the Car of the Year 2023 title. It was chosen from a total of eight finalists, and the American SUV Jeep Avenger finally took home the prestigious trophy.
For the first time in history, a model from an American automaker became the European Car of the Year. The traditional title was taken by the Jeep Avenger, it was also the first time for Jeep to participate in the final of the prestigious survey. The small SUV, which is produced in Tychy, Poland, is mainly offered with a fully electric drive (however, the car will also be available with a turbocharged petrol 1200 in some markets). The Avenger scored 328 points, significantly outperforming the second Volkswagen ID. Buzz.
When receiving the award, the European head of the car manufacturer, Antonella Bruno, recalled that the Avenger is the first “European” Jeep. In addition to the aforementioned production in Poland, the small SUV was also completely designed in Europe. It will not be imported to America.
A total of eight cars competed for the title of Car of the Year 2023, which has been announced by an expert jury since 1963, in alphabetical order: Jeep Avenger, Kiu Niro, Nissan Ariya, Peugeot 408, Renault Austral, Subaru Solterra and its twin Toyota bZ4X and Volkswagen ID . Buzz. The jury saw Subaru and Toyota as one model that uses the same technology. Otherwise, there are always seven finalists.
The ceremonial announcement took place before the start of the Brussels Motor Show, while in the past ten years the event has traditionally been held at the Geneva Motor Show. But in recent years, it has been struggling with financial problems, due to the coronavirus pandemic, its event was interrupted, and this year’s event was moved to Qatar in the fall. Last year, the Kia EV6 electric car won the poll, it was the first time this Korean brand won. Toyota Yaris won the title last year.
This year, the final lineup was chosen from 27 new products, and surprisingly only ten of them are electric cars. There were four pure electric cars in the final of the upcoming survey, compared to six last year, which is two more.
Overall ranking of the poll:
- 1. Jeep Avenger – 328 points
- 2. Volkswagen ID. Buzz – 241 points
- 3. Nissan Ariya – 211 points
- 4. Kia Niro – 200 points
- 5. Renault Austral – 163 points
- 6. Peugeot 408 – 149 points
- 7. Subaru Solterra/Toyota bZ4X – 133 points
“The method of the second round of selection has changed. The last time we tried and compared the finalists was not until the end of February, but already in mid-January on the Belgian track, previously it was on the circuit in Mortefontaine, France. The winner was announced not until traditionally in March, but already on the 13th. January, so the laureate will be able to be proud of his renowned title for practically the whole year,” says Jiří Duchoň, a Czech member of the jury and also editor-in-chief of Automobil Revue magazine.
Duchoň distributed his points evenly, similar to last year. The most, six in total, was given by Kie Niro. Jeep Avenger received five points from him, Nissan Ariya and Volkswagen ID. Buzz four points each, Subaru Solterra/Toyota bZ4X three points, Peugeot 408 two points and Renault Austral one point.
