The Volkswagen ID Buzz has been crowned What Car? Car of the Year 2023, with a panel of experts ranking it as the best new car to be launched in the past 12 months. Its victory was announced at a glittering ceremony, dubbed the “Motoring Oscars”, at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London, with the awards held in association with MotorEasy.
The ID Buzz may look like the iconic VW Type 2 campervan of the 1950s, 60s and 70s, but is actually a cutting-edge electric car.
It was also crowned Best Large Electric Car and stood out for combining the practicality of an MPV with the comfort and desirability of a luxury SUV.
It managed to undercut rivals such as the BMW iX3, Jaguar I-Pace and Mercedes-Benz EQC.
Adding to its appeal, the ID Buzz has an official all-electric range of 260 miles and can charge from 10 to 80 percent in less than half an hour.
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It offers a commanding raised driving position, superb visibility, is extremely quiet and has space to take three children or adults in the back, as well as having an enormous boot.
What Car? editor Steve Huntingford, said: “The ID Buzz has been eagerly anticipated because of its nostalgic styling, but all of 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.”
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Other big winners on the night included Land Rover, whose big-selling Range Rover Sport was hailed the Best Luxury Car.
At the other end of the scale, celebrated British brand MG – now under Chinese ownership – won Best Small Electric Car for its MG4 EV, a car that’s much cheaper than rivals from more established European brands.
The Tesla Model 3 was also honoured, dethroning the BMW 3 Series as Best Executive Car after the German marque had won the category for the past four years. Significantly, it also marks the first time that an electric car has won the category.
Another notable winner was the Genesis GV60, which won the Best Electric SUV category. Genesis was launched in the UK in 2021 as an alternative to established premium brands such as Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, and is part of Hyundai Motor Company.
What Car? Car of the Year Awards 2023
Car of the Year: Volkswagen ID Buzz Style
Small car – Honda Jazz 1.5 i-MMD Hybrid SR
Family car – Honda Civic 2.0 e:HEV Sport
Hot hatch – Hyundai i20N
Small SUV – Volkswagen T-Roc 1.0 TSI 110 Life
Family SUV – Kia Sportage 1.6 Turbocharged Petrol 3
Seven Seater – Hyundai Santa Fe 4WD Premium
Executive car – Tesla Model 3 RWD
Luxury car – Range Rover Sport P440e Dynamic SE
Hybrid (plug-in) – Lexus NX 450h Premium Pack
Small electric car – MG4 EV SE
Large electric car – 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 – 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
