Women’s World Car of the Year 2023 finalists announced

The six category winners will compete for Women’s World COTY 2023. Image: Supplied

The Women's World Car of the Year jury has announced the winners in each of this year’s six categories with the top award to be revealed next month. 

This is the 13th edition of the awards presented by WWCOTY, a team of 63 women motoring journalists from 45 countries on five continents, including AutoMuse’s Liz Dobson. It is the only all-female jury in the automotive industry.

These vehicles represent excellence in their segments based on safety, driving, comfort, technology, design, efficiency, impact on the environment, and value for money.

The jurors' work has been marked by an industry evolution towards more efficient and sustainable models. The challenge faced by the jurors this year was even greater than in previous years due to the excellent quality of all the candidates.

No vote was given at random. They have all been subject to demanding driving tests, detailed analysis, and careful comparative assessments.

These six winners now announced will go through to the final round of judging to determine the winner of WWCOTY's top award. The Women's World Car of the Year winner will be announced at 00:00 (New Zealand time) on 8 March, International Women's Day.

Urban Model winner: Kia Niro

It's spacious, practical, safe, easy to drive, with several eco-friendly powertrains available (HEV, PHEV and BEV) and very low fuel consumption.

Family SUV winner: Jeep Avenger

Jeep's first 100% electric vehicle has a very successful design and excellent off-road capability despite being front-wheel drive.

Large car winner: Citroën C5 X

It offers exceptional comfort, very good roominess and a very attractive design. Available with petrol and plug-in hybrid engines.

Large SUV winner: Nissan X-Trail

This is a large SUV with plenty of interior space and the option of seven seats. It is efficient in difficult terrain and is offered with Nissan's e-power technology, a hybrid solution in which the electric motor is the only engine that works as a propulsion system thanks to the energy provided by a petrol engine to the battery.

Performance car winner: Audi RS3

A very sporty model that incorporates all the technology that Audi has developed in circuit racing.

4x4 winner: Ford Ranger

This is a reliable, stylish and charismatic pick-up. It moves with ease over any terrain. It's as efficient as an off-roader, but more practical thanks to its cargo box.