At a time when the law dictating the end of thermal engines in new cars from 2035 has already been approved in the European Parliament, the market continues to show signs that, even under ultimatum, the change will be gradual.
Thus, while bets on electric solutions are gaining space (there are three 100% electric among the seven finalists for Car of the Year, chosen from 22 entries), brands continue to invest in cars with combustion engines, even that with some electrical support, connected to the mains or not, in order to reduce emissions. Especially because a car without emissions still appears, most of the time, at prices that are not in line with the financial capabilities of individuals, being chosen above all by companies that enjoy tax benefits.
Of the 22 candidates for Car of the Year 2022, the jury, made up of 20 journalists who follow the sector for the respective media, chose to highlight, in alphabetical order, the Honda Civic, served in this 11th generation only in hybrid mode; Nissan Ariya, the Japanese brand’s second electric adventure after the successful Leaf; Peugeot 408, which turned its back on the diesel engine, proposing gasoline mechanics and plug-in hybrids; Renault Austral, which incorporates solutions mild It is full hybrid; Renault Mégane E-Tech, 100% electric; Škoda Fabia, only with petrol blocks; and the Volkswagen ID tram. Buzz, the van that refers to the iconic “loaf of bread” and that prefers to be called familiar.
The seven finalists join the remaining subscribers (in the classes, there are 23 cars that bring news, one of which was not eligible for the highest prize, reserved for new models), between this Thursday and Saturday, at an exhibition in the central square from Ubbo Shopping Resort, the shopping center between Loures and Amadora, formerly known as Dolce Vita Tejo.
In the 2023 edition, there are seven classes: City, Family, Compact SUV (includes crossovers), Large SUV, Electric, Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid. And, as happened in the last editions, the same model can be found in different categories: in total, 37 entries were counted, the most popular being the tram class, with eight entries — of the finalists, Aiways U5 were left out , Kia Niro, Polestar 2, Toyota bZ4X and Volkswagen ID.5.
Next are the groups of family members and compact SUVs, with seven entries each. In the first, Citroën C5 X, Honda Civic, Nissan Qashqai, Peugeot 408, Renault Austral, Renault Megane E-Tech and Volkswagen ID. buzz; in the second, Alfa Romeo Tonale, DS 7 E-Tense, Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-60, Nissan Qashqai, Renault Austral and Volkswagen ID.5.
With six entries, the hybrid class will be decided between Honda HR-V, Kia Sportage, Kia Niro, Nissan Juke, Renault Austral and Toyota Corolla Cross, while the PHEV has five competitors: Citroën C5 X, DS 7 E-Tense, Mazda CX-60, Opel Astra and Peugeot 408.
In large SUVs, the attention is disputed between Aiways U5, Kia Sportage and Nissan X-Trail, while the city car class boils down to a duel (Nissan Juke vs Skoda Fabia), a reflection of the dwindling offer in this segment.
The Car of the Year/Troféu Volante de Cristal 2022 is organized by the Impresa group, through SIC/SIC Notícias e Expresso, with the support of Seguro Directo.