Things will get exciting on Monday, November 28: That’s when it will be decided which model will win the title of “Swiss Car of the Year 2023”. Schweizer Illustrierte, together with its main partners AutoScout24 and Blick, Sonntagsblick, L’illustré and La Domenica, is organizing this selection for the twelfth time. A twelve-person jury, chaired by jury president and former Sauber team principal Monisha Kaltenborn (51), delivered its verdict in October. First, a shortlist was selected from 39 new models nominated by manufacturers for this year. The jury then tested these eleven models for a day at TCS Training & Events’ Betzholz headquarters in Hinwil ZH.
The biggest challenge in decision making was the diversity of candidates. Everything from small sports cars to family-friendly seven-seaters and petrol SUVs to fast-paced electric SUVs has been there. The models on the winners’ podium will be announced on the evening of 28 November. Blick pre-registers eleven candidates.
The first real innovation of the traditional Italian brand in many years also marks its entry into electrification. Engines range from a 130 hp turbodiesel (96 kW) to a 280 hp (206 kW) plug-in hybrid engine. Special: For each tonal, there is an unalterable token (NFT), that is, a digital image of a particular car in which everything from the owner’s driving style to the service job is stored.
Audi’s entry-level electric car competes with the new model with a flat coupé roof. The performance of the electric SUV ranges from 170 hp (125 kW) and rear-wheel drive to 299 hp (220 kW) all-wheel drive. Special: Technically, the Audi Q4 Sportback E-Tron shares the same drivers and batteries as the VW ID.4 and Skoda Enyaq – but the interior features typical Audi materials and craftsmanship.
With the new generation, BMW’s smallest SUV, the X1, is also available in all-electric power: the iX1 has a motor on the front and rear axles and delivers 313 hp (230 kW); range is around 440 kilometers according to the standard cycle. To be specific: A body, a look, an interior – but when it comes to driving, customers can also order diesel, petrol or plug-in hybrids.
The van segment is alive: for the seven-seat XL with a 110 hp (81 kW) turbo petrol engine, Renault subsidiary Dacia is now focusing not only on competitive pricing, but also on design. And modern rides: At the beginning of 2023, the Jogger will also be available as a hybrid. Special: The third row of seats is incredibly suitable for adults, the trunk holds up to 1807 liters.
At Hyundai’s flashy subsidiary, it’s not just the car, it’s the whole concept that surrounds it. Anyone who orders a compact electric SUV with up to 490 hp (360 kW) will have a personal advisor who organizes all vehicle appointments, from service to tire change. Special: Instead of an ordinary gear lever for driving direction, there is a glass ball on the inside that spins when you turn it on and only then releases the key.
Mercedes’ electric family car produces between 190 (140 kW) and 292 hp (215 kW). Depending on the version, there is rear or all-wheel drive; A third row of seats can also be ordered as an option, making the compact SUV a seven-seater. Special: The EQB is visually distinguishable from the combustion engine versions sold as the GLB class, only by minor details on the exterior and interior.
The electric pioneer hits the road with a new technology platform: Nissan’s Ariya model offers 218 (160 kW) to 394 hp (290 kW) and a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive with a maximum range of 460 kilometers. electrical range. Special: Ariya is groundbreaking, especially in the cockpit – all the buttons are embedded in the wood veneer as touch-sensitive surfaces.
The last roar before the most likely all-electric successor: the most powerful version of the Cayman delivers 500 hp (368 kW); At the same time, the car lost weight thanks to magnesium wheels, carbon fiber and titanium exhaust. Special: Inside, too, Porsche removes everything superfluous, but screws up the roll cage.
The sports version of Skoda’s electric SUV comes with 299 hp (220 kW), all-wheel drive and a flat rear that not only looks sleeker but also adds a few extra kilometers to the range. Special: You can also order the front grille with illuminated struts if the lemon yellow paint isn’t conspicuous enough.
An affordable sports car: Toyota’s slim-fitting two-seater offers 224 hp under the hood, rear driving and extra agile driving characteristics that make it particularly impressive on narrow country roads. Exclusive: The cockpit is a trip back in time to the 1980s, although fully meshed with narrow sports seats and midnight black synthetic leather.
Despite being all-electric, the Bulli is back: VW’s new identity. Despite its enormous growth, the Buzz hits the road with 204 hp and five seats in a body that retains many of the details of the 1950’s original Bulli. And that’s just the beginning – a longer wheelbase for eight seats, all-wheel drive, and even an all-electric campervan will follow in the coming years.
Andrew Faust
Source: Blick
I’m Ella Sammie, author specializing in the Technology sector. I have been writing for 24 Instatnt News since 2020, and am passionate about staying up to date with the latest developments in this ever-changing industry.
