We are excited and proud to announce that the Subaru Forester has been awarded Best Family SUV of 2025 by the DRIVEN Car Guide AA Insurance NZ Car of the Year awards.
The newest generation stays true to what has made the Forester such a trusted choice for Kiwi families. It keeps its trademark boxer engine, practical interior space, confident road manners and real ability beyond sealed roads. Subaru has also introduced a new strong hybrid option across three models, pairing a 90 kW electric motor with full time all wheel drive for improved efficiency while keeping the unmistakable Subaru feel.
It remains a smart and versatile SUV that fits New Zealand life with ease.
We are proud to represent Subaru and welcome you to contact your local Armstrong’s Subaru dealership to experience the award winning Forester for yourself.
It comes as no surprise that the Mazda CX-80 has taken out Best Large SUV of 2025 in the DRIVEN Car Guide AA Insurance NZ Car of the Year awards. Mazda’s newest seven seater has been turning heads since launch, and this recognition reflects just how well it delivers on space, comfort and design.
The CX-80 builds on Mazda’s Large Platform with a premium feel and impressive practicality. As the successor to the much loved CX-9, it offers generous room across all three rows, with a stretched wheelbase that improves comfort for every passenger. The third row suits occupants up to 1.7 metres tall, and underfloor storage helps give the CX-80 the most luggage capacity of any Mazda SUV. With all seven seats upright it provides 258 litres, expanding to 566 litres in a five seat configuration.
Mazda has also stayed true to its reputation for enjoyable driving. The rear biased all wheel drive layout gives the CX-80 a confident and balanced feel on the road. Buyers can choose between the plug in hybrid or the smooth inline six mild hybrid, which offers impressive refinement and efficiency at a more accessible price.
Special mention of the Peugeot 5008, named runner up in this category, another model we proudly represent. It continues to be a strong and deserving contender, known for its clever interior layout, versatility and comfortable European drive.
We are proud to represent both Mazda and Peugeot. To experience the award winning CX-80 or the impressive 5008, contact your local Armstrong’s Mazda or Armstrong’s Peugeot dealership and take a closer look.
It feels fitting that the Porsche 911 has been named Best Sports and Performance Car of 2025 in the DRIVEN Car Guide AA Insurance NZ Car of the Year awards. Few models carry a reputation as iconic as the 911, and this year’s result reinforces why it remains so influential in the performance world.
Across the year, reviewers experienced three very different expressions of the 911: the engaging Carrera T with manual transmission, the innovative Carrera GTS T-Hybrid showcasing Porsche’s new electrified performance, and the track focused GT3 with the Weissach Package. Each one delivered the same unmistakable feeling that has defined the 911 for generations. Porsche continues to evolve this model with bold changes, including hybrid technology, yet every update seems to make it even better to drive.
The 911 is undeniably a premium sports car, but it continues to prove the difference between price and value. Its blend of heritage, engineering and modern performance places it in a class of its own, which is why it stands out as the most impressive sports and performance model tested this year.
The judges also named the Toyota GR Yaris as runner up. We proudly represent Toyota as well, and the GR Yaris is an outstanding performance hatch in its own right, offering rally bred character and exceptional driving excitement.
To explore the award winning 911 for yourself, contact Porsche Centre Wellington. To experience the Toyota GR Yaris, see the team at one of the Auckland City Toyota dealerships.
It is great to see the Leapmotor C10 recognised as the Best Hybrid and EV of 2025 in the DRIVEN Car Guide AA Insurance NZ Car of the Year awards. This result reflects how well the C10 delivers real choice and real value for drivers moving into electrified motoring.
The C10 arrived in New Zealand in its fully electric form last year with a 160 kW motor, 420 km of range and smooth rear wheel drive performance. Spacious, well built and refined, it quickly established itself as a strong contender in the medium to large SUV space.
This year the line-up expanded with the C10 Ultra Hybrid. It uses the same 160 kW electric drive motor, supported by a 28.4 kWh battery and a 1.5 litre petrol engine that acts as a generator when required. The Ultra Hybrid delivers 145 km of electric only driving, which is exceptional for a hybrid, and offers a combined range close to 1000 km when the battery and generator work together. It gives buyers the confidence of long distance capability without losing the benefits of electric driving.
Leapmotor has also continued to refine the C10 for New Zealand conditions with ongoing over the air updates that enhance driver assistance and overall usability. More recently the range has grown again with a new dual motor BEV producing an incredible 440 kW and 720 Nm, capable of reaching 100 km per hour in only four seconds. It is a serious performance step for an SUV in this category.
We are proud to represent Leapmotor across NZ. To explore the C10 range and experience it for yourself, contact your local Armstrong’s Leapmotor dealership.
While these vehicles didn’t take out the top prize in their categories, they are all well-deserving of recognition as runners-up and remain standout choices in their respective segments.
Peugeot 5008 – Best Large SUV runner-up
The 5008 continues to impress with its clever interior layout, spacious seven-seat configuration and comfortable European driving experience. It’s a versatile SUV that balances style, practicality and refinement.
Lexus RX – Best Luxury Car runner-up
The RX delivers a premium experience with smooth performance, advanced technology and a quiet, luxurious cabin. It remains a benchmark for comfort and sophistication in the luxury SUV segment.
Mercedes-Benz AMG G-Class – Best Luxury Car runner-up
The iconic AMG G-Class blends rugged capability with high-performance engineering. Its commanding presence, off-road prowess and luxurious interior make it a true standout in the luxury category.
Toyota GR Yaris – Best Sports/Performance Car runner-up
The GR Yaris is a rally-bred performance hatch that offers thrilling handling, lightweight agility and an engaging drive. It’s a pure expression of fun and precision in a small package.
Toyota C-HR – Best City SUV runner-up
The C-HR combines bold design with practicality and efficiency, making it an ideal city-focused SUV. Its dynamic styling and well-equipped interior ensure it remains a strong competitor in the segment.
We are proud at Armstrong’s to represent such an incredible range of brands, all of which are recognised with these fantastic accolades. Our dealerships are here to help if you want to experience or purchase any of these outstanding vehicles for yourself.
