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The Toyota 86 has been awarded the Car of the Year title by the Automobile Association and the New Zealand Motoring Writers' Guild.
David Linklater, President of the New Zealand Motoring Writers' Guild said "the Toyota 86 is a fantastic, affordable, rear wheel drive, spacious sports coupe. It provides a high level of performance and safety, and starting at $41,986 it is very good value for money."
The winner was selected from a list of ten finalists voted on by Members of the Guild.
To be eligible for selection the vehicles had to be launched onto the New Zealand market between 1 October 2011 and 30 September 2012, and test driven by more than half of the 36 Members of the Guild who comprised the voting panel.
The Toyota 86 received the Peter Greenslade trophy, which has been presented to the winner of the Guild's annual award since 1988 and recognises the memory and contribution of the late Peter Greenslade, a highly respected New Zealand motoring writer.
Best in Class
The recipients of the Best in Class awards were selected from the entire range of new vehicles currently on sale by the Members of the New Zealand Motoring Writers Guild.
Stella Stocks, AA general manager for motoring services says "it is essential that motorists have access to independent information to assist their decision making when buying new vehicles. The Best in Class awards recognise excellence in value for money, performance, handling, comfort, fit for purpose, style, economy, interior design and build quality. Motorists buying any one of these award winning vehicles can be assured they have chosen one of the very best vehicles currently on the market."
Small Car - Suzuki Swift
Compact Car - Ford Focus
Medium Car - BMW 3 Series
Large Car - Skoda Superb
Luxury Car - BMW 5 Series
Small / Medium SUV - Mazda CX5
Large SUV - BMW X5
Sports / Performance - Toyota 86
Utility - Ford Ranger
Safest Car - BMW 3 Series