AUCKLAND, Today: The BYD Shark 6 has taken out DRIVEN Car Guide’s Car of the Year 2025, with judges naming it the standout new vehicle launched in New Zealand over the past year.
The awards recognise excellence across nine consumer categories, before selecting the overall winner. DRIVEN Car Guide editor David Linklater says the Shark 6 has shifted what Kiwi buyers expect from their utes.
“It has all of the presence but none of the perceived profligacy: the plug-hybrid powertrain gives 80-100km pure-electric range but can also revert to hybrid mode and travel 800km on a tank.
“The BYD Shark 6 has undeniable eco-cred, although it doesn’t hurt that with 321kW it’s faster in a straight line than some sports cars. It’s great to drive both on-road and off-tarmac, and the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability with six different power outlets makes it a brilliant vehicle for both lifestyle and work.”
The announcement lands during a busy period for New Zealand’s automotive market, with new brands and models arriving fast. DRIVEN Car Guide’s awards remain a trusted marker for buyers, enthusiasts and the wider industry.
“We hold DRIVEN’s Car of the Year award in the highest esteem, as it comes from the credible platform of the New Zealand Herald.” – Warren Willmot, General Manager at BYD Auto New Zealand
The shortlist featured SUVs, passenger cars and utes, covering combustion, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure-electric powertrains. The field highlighted rapid innovation and shifting consumer expectations across the new-vehicle market.
Warren Willmot, General Manager at BYD Auto New Zealand says, “We hold DRIVEN’s Car of the Year award in the highest esteem, as it comes from the credible platform of the New Zealand Herald. While we’re honoured, we can’t say we’re entirely surprised.
“The Shark 6 was engineered from the ground up for the unique demands of the Australia and New Zealand market. We listened closely to customer feedback to deliver significant enhancements across the vehicle, including its acclaimed towing modes. To now see it resonating so strongly with judges, retail customers, and major fleet partners is incredibly rewarding.”
The full list of winners and editorial analysis is online at DRIVENCarGuide.co.nz and will also feature in tomorrow’s DRIVEN Car Guide magazine in the Weekend Herald.
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