Presented by MTF Finance
We're on a mission to find the Car of the Decade and we want your help. Vote for the best cars of the last 10 years and you'll be in to win $2500 for fuel or EV charging.
We've selected finalists in nine categories: Ute, Game Changer, Family SUV, Hybrid/EV, Aussie Big Six, Sports/Performance, Urban, Luxury and... Dud of the Decade.
If you want to read more about the finalists in any of those categories, click on the relevant blue words above. If you want to go straight to the voting page and have your say, you can do that here.
But right now, let's take a look at the contenders for Urban Car of the Decade.
Toyota Prius C (2012-19, aka Aqua)
The Aqua dominates NZ city streets as a used import, so it’s easy to forget that it was actually sold new here as the Prius C. That’s why we can include it in COTD.
It was pretty impressive back in 2012, taking Toyota’s proven hybrid technology from the larger Prius and repackaging it in a cute little hatchback. It’s now NZ’s most popular used import and famous for all the wrong reasons, often topping insurance lists as the country’s most stolen car. But that just proves how very, very popular and useful it is.
Suzuki Swift (third-generation, 2017-24)
The latest Swift is now a little shaded by new-generation, new energy budget vehicles, but for most of its life Suzuki’s stylish small-car been the quintessential, classless urban express for Kiwi buyers. Not to mention the most popular privately purchased new model in NZ for the last decade.
The third-generation model represents Swift in its heyday, with cool looks, fun handling and a great choice of powertrains, including a fizzy three-cylinder, mild hybrid and the Swift Sport’s gruntier four.
Suzuki Jimny (JB74-generation, 2019-)
Jimny is one of the world’s great hard-core 4x4s, but undeniably average to drive on-road and with an ancient petrol engine.
Nonetheless, people just love it as a town car, partly because of the adorable baby Mercedes-Benz G Wagen looks, but also because you can park in the tightest spots and bump into as many kerbs as you like.
Not convinced? Just look around you. Or refer to the independent World Car of the Year panel, which voted the Jimny World Urban Car of the Year in 2019.