European Car of the Year 2023

General Guides 

This year may have only just got started but it's already got its own car. We were a mere 13 days into January when the jury's decision was announced at a glittering ceremony hosted by the Brussels International Motor Show. We now know the coveted title of European Car of the Year 2023 was awarded to the brand-new Jeep Avenger.

The oldest and most prestigious automobile award in Europe celebrated its 60th edition this year. The 59 jury members of ‘The Car of the Year' - motoring journalists from 23 different countries - gave points to their favourites, with the points being revealed at the awards ceremony before the overall winner was announced. Think Eurovision, but with wheels…

Now we've got the results, we thought we should take a look at the top five and see if there's anything there that might fit the bill for your next lease car.





Winner – Jeep Avenger

Before we start, a quick point worth pointing out. Despite being car of the year for the whole of 2023, the Jeep Renegade will only be around for half of it. Pre-orders are already open but it isn't due to be officially launched until June. That being said, if your lease is up for renewal soon that does give you time to make the arrangements.

True to the Jeep DNA, the new Avenger combines impressive off-road capabilities with distinctive styling. It also adds something new to the mix: electricity. The Jeep Avenger is a fully electric SUV.

Thanks to the power and torque of the electric motor, as well as a specific e-powertrain calibration, the new Avenger offers uncompromised driving on and off-road, with a range of up to 248 miles. A 100kW rapid charging capability lets you go from 0% to 80% charge in just over half an hour, or around five minutes charge to get the average daily usage of 28 miles. The new Avenger is also equipped with standard SelecTerrain and Hill Descent Control for impressive levels of capability on any surface.

You also get a comfortable and well-equipped interior with loads of space to store your things. It includes a 10.25 inch HD touchscreen Infotainment system, voice recognition, 360 degree parking sensors and 180 degree rear camera, wireless smartphone charger, and keyless entry & go. The Jeep Avenger is available in a choice of three colours (Sun, Graphite and Volcano), all with black roof, privacy glass and 18 inch alloy wheels as standard. Jeep Avenger lease deals are this way.





Runner up – VW ID. Buzz

There's so much affection for the retro styling of the ID. Buzz that Volkswagen could probably have powered it with hamster wheels and it would still be a massive success. Luckily, that particular thought never occurred to VW so instead we get the benefit of those looks, with the bonus of proper German engineering and a whole load of the latest technology.

The VW ID. Buzz is unashamedly playing on our emotions, but at the same time it also offers the practicality of a five-seat MPV, the comfort and refinement of a big SUV, and the lower running costs of an EV. What's not to like about that? Find out more about leasing a VW ID. Buzz here.





3rd Place – Nissan Ariya

A new year and another award ceremony for Nissan's new electric SUV to attend. It may not have won the overall title but it certainly does enough to impress.

Only launched in the UK last year, if you lease the Nissan Ariya you'll get a stylish, fully electrified crossover. It blends the practicality of an SUV and the space, comfort, and styling of a premium car. With its sleek shape, luxurious, lounge-like interior and generous trim levels, the Nissan Ariya offers bags of room for the whole family, and enough range (between 230 and 300 miles depending on the battery size) to take you wherever you need to go.





4th Place – Kia Niro

Korean carmakers are going from strength to strength at the moment, and the number of awards the Kia Niro has picked up proves the point. Making it into the top five as a potential car of the year should be proof enough.

The all-new Kia Niro is available with three efficient electrified powertrains: hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or EV. It also boasts a top-class cabin with excellent safety and infotainment features, with almost all of it standard across the range. If you're looking for a well-made, well-equipped car that also offers plenty of space and exceptional value for money, you can't really go wrong with leasing the Kia Niro.





5th Place – Renault Austral

The Austral is Renault's most ambitious SUV to date, aiming to be a stylish alternative to everything else that you could possibly choose.

It's definitely got the styling bit worked out. With all those sensual curves it's definitely designed to stand out in a world of boxy SUVs. The interior features all the latest digital technology you could hope for, as well as a marvellous mix of wood, leather and Alcantara finishes. It's also got enough cubby holes and storage compartments to lose your children in.

Under the bonnet you can choose pretty much anything that suits your needs. There's a choice of mild-hybrid petrol engines: the more economical 1.2-litre, 130bhp 48V Mild Hybrid Advanced, and a 1.3-litre 12V Mild Hybrid that offers either 140bhp or 160bhp. The Renault Austral also introduces a brand-new E-Tech self-charging hybrid with a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with an electric motor, a 1.7 kWh battery, all of which combine to give you around 200bhp. If that sounds like your sort of car, you can lease a new Renault Austral here.

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