Forester car of the year

A family-friendly SUV with a starting price-tag of $39,990 has beaten tough competitors to be named as the 2018 New Zealand Car of the Year. Picked by members of the New Zealand Motoring Writers’ Guild from around the country, the Subaru Forester is the first winner for Subaru in the award’s 31-year history. It is also only the second SUV to claim the prize. Guild members across the country voted on the 10 finalists to decided the winner, giving each car a score out of 100. While the Forester was the clear winner, when scores were aggregated, just 5.2 points separated the 10 cars. New Zealand Motoring Writers’ Guild president Richard Edwards, of Auckland, said the Forester reflected the kind of vehicle Kiwi buyers now want. ‘‘The Subaru Forester makes an ideal New Zealand Car of the Year. It offers the durability and functionality Kiwi families want, alongside next generation safety technology. And at $39,990 it proves the New Zealand new-car market offers value to buyers never seen before.’’ Guild members from around the country assessed the cars on roads within their region. The winning car must excel from many different perspectives, and in a range of Kiwi-specific conditions. Those professionals include Drivesouth editor David Thomson and regular contributor Richard Bosselman, both serve on the New Zealand Motoring Writers’ Guild Car of the Year committee. Thomson described the Forester as ‘‘a fine addition to New Zealand’s mid-sized ranks, combining adventuring capabilities with round-town practicality in a way that few of its direct rivals can match’’. Subaru of New Zealand managing director Wallis Dumper was thrilled to get the brand’s name on the trophy. ‘‘We wanted to upgrade Kiwis’ fun with this tech-packed SUV and knew when the fifth-generation Subaru Forester arrived that we had a pretty special vehicle on our hands. The New Zealand’s Motoring Writers’ Guild has recognised that not only is the Forester fun, but there’s a good reason why it’s Subaru’s number one-selling model globally.’’ The Forester was one of 10 finalists for the New Zealand Car of the Year award. The others, in alphabetical order, were: BMW X3, Holden Commodore, Hyundai Kona, Kia Stinger, Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Skoda Karoq, Toyota Camry, Volvo XC40 and Volvo XC60. Photos: Supplied ROLL OF HONOUR: NewZealand Car of the Year winners. — 2018: Subaru Forester 2017: Skoda Kodiaq 2016: Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2015: BMW i3 2014: Mazda3 2013: Volkswagen Golf 2012: Toyota 86 2011: Ford Focus 2010: BMW 5Series 2009: Ford Fiesta 2008: Ford Falcon FG 2007: Mazda2 2006: Porsche Cayman 2005: Mazda MX-5 2004: Nissan Maxima 2003: Honda Accord Euro 2002: Mazda6 2001: Ford Mondeo 2000: Mercedes C-class 1999: Honda S2000 1998: Volkswagen Passat 1997: Holden Commodore VT 1996: BMW 5Series 1995: Nissan Maxima 1994: Honda Accord 1993: Citroen ZX 1992: Toyota Corona 1991: Lexus LS400 1990: Mazda MX-5 1989: Peugeot 405 1988: BMW 5Series