Subaru Forester NZ Car of the Year

Subaru’s Forester was recently presented with the 2018 New Zealand Car of the Year (COTY) Award, a glittering accolade for this family SUV and well-earned recognition for the stalwart of the Subaru stable, which is now in its fifth generation of delivering capable, safe, All-Wheel Drive motoring for Kiwi drivers. The Subaru Forester will be the 31st vehicle to be printed on the award’s stand and can be proud of the fact that it is the first Subaru to grace the trophy.

The New Zealand Car of the Year has been given out annually since 1988 and is considered the country’s most prestigious motoring award since it is a truly national prize, without commercial ties. The award is decided by motoring commentators from throughout New Zealand, and results from them having assessed the candidate vehicle in their local areas over an extended period. Criteria ranges from how the vehicle performs its intended role; its styling, interior design and accommodation; fit, finish and quality; ride and refinement; performance; road-holding and handling; value for money; active and passive safety and environmental responsibility.

New Zealand Motoring Writers’ Guild president, Aucklander Richard Edwards says: "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."

David Thomson, Dunedin convenor for the New Zealand Car of the Year selection process, was also a firm Forester fan. “The new Forester is 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. Great all-round blend of abilities makes this a fine successor to the Foresters of old. On gravel or even unpaved roads, the new Forester is – by lifestyle SUV standards – exceptionally accomplished and surefooted.” 

Representing the Subaru team, Subaru’s Marketing Manager, Daile Stephens was presented with the New Zealand Car of the Year’s Peter Greenslade Trophy live on Seven Sharp, and now that the Forester has received its dues on national television in front of an audience of up to half a million viewers, Mr Dumper hopes that this award encourages those Kiwis in the market for an SUV, to at least take it for a test drive.

For more information on sport wagons NZ, Subaru Legacy 2018, Subaru Impreza WRX and car offers NZ please go to www.subaru.co.nz .