Volkswagen’s zero-emissions ID Buzz MPV has been crowned What Car? Car of the Year 2023.
The ID Buzz – which invokes the looks of the VW Type 2 camper van of the 1950s, 60s and 70s, but is an electric vehicle (EV) – was also crowned Best Large Electric Car at the awards last night (January 19).
What Car? said the Buzz stood out for combining the practicality of a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) with the comfort and desirability of a luxury SUV, while undercutting rivals such as the BMW iX3, Jaguar I-Pace and Mercedes-Benz EQC.
What Car? editor Steve Huntingford, said: “The ID Buzz has been eagerly anticipated because of its nostalgic styling, but all our judges were blown away by the fact it didn’t just live up to expectations but, in fact, was even better than the hype.
“It’s great to drive, wonderful to be in, has more space than most families could ever ask for and – thanks in part to incredible predicted resale value – substantially undercuts many SUV rivals on a monthly finance deal.
“This is a car that wins over your head as well as your heart and one that will bring huge amounts of joy to lucky buyers at a time when the costs and challenges of motoring are under greater pressure than ever.”
Other winners on the night included Land Rover, whose Range Rover Sport was hailed the Best Luxury Car.
At the other end of the scale, MG won Best Small Electric Car for its MG4 EV.
The Tesla Model 3 dethroned the BMW 3 Series as Best Executive Car after the German marque had won the category for the past four years. It also marks the first time that an electric car has won the category.
However, BMW took three category wins for the Best Coupé (4 Series), Best Convertible (4 Series Convertible) and the Technology Award (BMW i7). That placed it first equal with Volkswagen, which won with the ID Buzz and T-Roc (Best Small SUV), and Tesla (Executive Car, Efficiency Award and Safety Award) in the manufacturer rankings, with three overall wins apiece.
The Genesis GV60 also won the Best Electric SUV category.
What Car? recently revealed car buyers priorities for 2023.
What Car? Car of the Year Awards 2023 winners
Overall winner: Car of the Year: Volkswagen ID Buzz Style
Category winners:
Small car: Honda Jazz 1.5 i-MMD Hybrid SR
Family car – sponsored by Noco: Honda Civic 2.0 e:HEV Sport
Hot hatch: Hyundai i20N
Small SUV – sponsored by Solera Cap HPI: Volkswagen T-Roc 1.0 TSI 110 Life
Family SUV – sponsored by MotorEasy: Kia Sportage 1.6 Turbocharged Petrol 3
Seven Seater – sponsored by Quotezone.co.uk: Hyundai Santa Fe 4WD Premium
Executive car: Tesla Model 3 RWD
Luxury car: Range Rover Sport P440e Dynamic SE
Hybrid (plug-in) – sponsored by MyEnergi: Lexus NX 450h Premium Pack
Small electric car – sponsored by MyEnergi: MG4 EV SE
Large electric car – sponsored by MyEnergi: Volkswagen ID Buzz Style
Estate: Skoda Superb Estate 1.5 TSI 150 SE L
Coupé: BMW 4 Series 420i M Sport (M Sport Pro Package)
Electric SUV – sponsored by MyEnergi: Genesis GV60 RWD Premium
Convertible: BMW 4 Series Convertible 420i M Sport (M Sport Pro Package)
Sports car: Porsche Cayman 4.0 GTS
Sports SUV: Ford Puma ST 1.5 Ecoboost 200 Performance Pack
Performance car: Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo 4S