2025 has been a bit of a roller coaster for the automotive industry here in NZ, with months of encouraging rises followed by giant ‘character-building’ dips. There has been a large insurgence of Chinese brands offering champagne-taste treats on beer budgets and virtually every category, from the small and compact to the trusty ute workhorse, now comes with more consumer choice than we have ever seen – and it doesn’t appear to be slowing.
Despite (or inspite) of all the above, NZ car distributors have brought us an epic amount of vehicles, from all-new nameplates (and brands), and revised &/or modernised favourites, to bold designs and clever, space-age technology. We have managed to get behind the wheel of most, and are proud to announce our 5 category winners and (thanks to you guys, our valued audience) our overall – Tarmac Life Car of the Year 2025.
(Note: All vehicles must have been tested by us this year and of course, must have impressed our panel of esteemed judges).
There are 5 category winners
Small Lifestyle Vehicle
‘Small Lifestyle Vehicle’ – This category covers all manner of small footprint vehicles, from hatches to compact SUVs, and everything in between – regardless of what powers it.
And the winner is: The Honda Civic e:HEV
This (not so) little beauty has been winning awards across the globe for multiple generations and this latest model would have to be the best. We were particularly impressed by its sedan-like styling and its smart e:HEV powertrain. It’s spacious and very easy to live with too.
Medium Lifestyle Vehicle
‘Medium Lifestyle Vehicle’ – This category covers all manner of medium-sized footprint vehicles, from spacious sedans to roomy medium SUVs. Sure it’s about space and practicality for all, but it’s got to turn heads too.
And the winner is: The Audi A6 Avant e-tron
With its fresh design, innovative powertrain, Quattro AWD system, and 600+km of range, this is a station wagon that goes the distance, looks the business and will take you, the family and all your gear ‘there and back’ in style.
Large Lifestyle Vehicle
‘Large Lifestyle Vehicle’ – This category covers all manner of large footprint vehicles, from the big ‘Mericans and MPVs to large SUVs and Utes. If it’s up there in size it’s up here in this category.
And the winner is: The Volkswagen ID.Buzz
In fairness, NZ were made to wait for this modernised Kombi, but it was worth it. Available in van or family styles, long and short wheelbases and our favourite ‘sporty GTX’ variants, the Volkswagen ID.Buzz caters to all (with the financial resources) and is even has an environmental footprint. And boy is it a head-turner on the road.
Most Sustainable Vehicle
‘Most Sustainable Vehicle’ – For this category, sustainability extends much further than zero tailpipe emissions. We take into account the brand’s green philosophy too!
And the winner is: BMW X3
Now we can already hear the ‘but it’s not an EV’ remarks being quietly muttered from the cheap seats, but we say ‘think bigger people’. As noted in the intro, ‘sustainable’ goes way beyond the tailpipe and BMW’s overall mantra simply oozes environmental awareness. As as we discovered this year, as a brand, clearing the air and cleaning te sea is only beginning.
Most Thrilling Vehicle
‘Most Thrilling Vehicle’ – This is the category where the judges get to really use their imagination. Thrilling can be all manner of things, from expressive design, unmissable technology, off the line speed or stunning performance.
And the winner is: Mercedes-AMG GT63
Breathtaking! Having this thunderous beast on our driveway had the neigbour’s curtains twitching and had us beaming from ear to ear. This is a performance vehicle that demands attention. Yes the ride is hard, but both in the wild or on the racetrack, we loved it. Stunning good looks and yet a sense of overall brutality – so in a word ‘Thrilling’.
Tarmac Life – Car of the Year
Drum-roll please – the Tarmac Life – Car of the Year for 2025 is:
The Honda Civic e:HEV
What more needs to be said – the Honda Civic e:HEV impressed the judges and maybe even more importantly, impressed you the public. Style, power and driving poise, the Honda Civic e:HEV is the Tarmac Life Car of the Year 2025 – congratulations.
