Hyundai Kona Secures Victory as the 2023 carsales Car of the Year People’s Choice

Discovering the People's Favorite: Hyundai Kona Triumphs in carsales' Annual Awards

The automotive world has spoken, and the outcome is crystal clear: the newly minted 2023 Hyundai Kona has clinched the prestigious title of the 2023 carsales Car of the Year People’s Choice. In a dynamic field of hundreds of eligible models, the Hyundai Kona emerged as the frontrunner, captivating the hearts and preferences of the discerning public.

Navigating the Road to Victory: carsales Car of the Year Journey

The journey to crown the 2023 carsales Car of the Year was a meticulous process. From an extensive pool of contenders, the field was narrowed down to 30, then further distilled to 10 finalists, with two wildcards thrown into the mix. The culmination of this journey was set to unfold on Wednesday, November 15, at the highly anticipated carsales Car of the Year event, proudly presented by Bingle.

In the midst of this excitement, the public had its say through the People’s Choice reader poll, open from November 1 to November 13. The result was decisive, with the Hyundai Kona securing 12% of the votes. This propelled it ahead of competitors, including the Mahindra XUV700 (11%) and the Polestar 2 (10.5%).

Voices of the People: What Influenced the Vote?

Enthusiastic voters not only cast their ballots but also shared impassioned comments, providing insights into why certain models earned their favor.

The Hyundai Kona, with its blend of sportiness and practicality, garnered praise for being a small SUV that accommodates friends and family while maintaining a sporty allure. Readers admired its eye-catching exterior and responsive handling, despite what some described as a more economical interior compared to rivals.

The Mahindra XUV700 found favor for its affordability amid the rising cost of living. Owners appreciated its representation of a reasonable driving vehicle suitable for tight budgets, coupled with the assurance of resale value.

Polestar 2 supporters celebrated its value for money in the electric vehicle (EV) segment, highlighting its rear-wheel drive (RWD) configuration and appealing interior.

The Mazda CX-90 received accolades for its good looks, luxurious appeal, and the bold move of adopting an inline-six, rear-wheel-drive platform, showcasing Mazda's commitment to innovation.

While the Range Rover Sport was praised as the best all-around car, boasting versatility, off-road prowess, and a modern diesel engine with efficiency comparable to EVs.

The MG4, despite placing sixth, earned acclaim as an affordable EV, representing a turning point for the brand and allowing more people access to the new era of vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz GLC voters cited the process of elimination, gravitating towards the GLC's reputation as a prestige auto manufacturer and its improvements over the previous model.

Honda CR-V enthusiasts emphasized Honda's achievement in crafting a well-put-together car with great driving dynamics and an attractive price-quality ratio.

GWM Tank 300 supporters praised its boxy shape, affordable price, impressive performance, and its status as a genuine off-road family car.

The Ford Mustang Mach-E, Ford's first dedicated EV, received commendation for its practicality, stylish design, iconic Mustang badge, and adequate driving range.

The Nissan X-TRAIL, although ranking lower in votes, attracted positive comments for its innovative e-POWER range-extender hybrid technology, marking it as a surprise quality performer.

The BMW X1, despite receiving fewer votes, had dedicated supporters who found it to be the best choice among those tested. They lauded its large curved screen, sprightly performance, and sleek, modern interior.

A Celebration of Excellence: Congratulations to the Hyundai Kona

In the end, the Hyundai Kona emerged victorious, securing the 2023 carsales Car of the Year People’s Choice award. The accolade reflects not only Hyundai's commitment to innovation but also the resonance of the Kona with the automotive enthusiasts who participated in the poll. As the industry eagerly awaits the official announcement on November 15, the Hyundai Kona stands tall as the people's champion, embodying a harmonious blend of style, performance, and practicality in the competitive automotive landscape.