As a team, we reviewed 60 cars in 2024 and as always, it’s hard to pick a winner for any of our ‘special’ categories.
To be clear, we don’t do boring award categories like ‘Best SUV’, or ‘Best Medium Hybrid Hatchback’. That’s not how we roll here at DriveLife, so we stick to categories like Hottest Car, Driver’s Car, or Coolest Gadget.
As we have learnt we need to do every year, there are rules we need to tell you about. We have criteria that must be adhered to, such as the car having been reviewed in New Zealand, so any tests by our man in Japan, Ken Saito, are out. The review has to have been published in the 2024 calendar year, and the car must have been supplied by a distributor or brand – not a dealer.
If you want to give feedback, go for it – but if it’s about some car we haven’t reviewed, you might not like the answer. Those who reviewed each winner (or runner-up) will put in some text to justify why their particular car won (or was runner-up) for that award.
We’ve also included reviews from Liam, who does all our YouTube reviews. In fact, one of the cars he reviewed (the Mercedes-Benz GLS 450d) won one of our awards, and he will explain why. If you haven’t seen our YouTube channel yet, check it out. It’s early days, but reviews will be added every month.
2024 DriveLife Coolest Gadget of the Year
This award is for the coolest feature or technological advancement, the one that feels like it comes from Q’s lab, waiting for James Bond to arrive.
For the first time ever, one brand has won this award and is also the runner-up.
WINNER – Hyundai Santa Fe – built-in sanitiser
Hyundai have clearly got some good ingenuity going on in their design departments to be on both levels of this podium.
The clincher this year is a gadget we have not seen in any other car, the inclusion of an onboard UV-C sanitiser. And what better timing than on the back of a global pandemic?
It takes the form of an extra glove box where you can place items like a cell phone, sunglasses, or a baby’s teat; close the lid and press the activation button. In minutes these are clean from nasties lurking on that café table, or the floor where the teat was dropped. Okay, it’s not the sexiest gadget, but it is a perfect example of a cool gadget delivering a practical solution in response to heightened sensitivities.
RUNNER-UP – Hyundai Ioniq 5 N – fake gear shifts
It’s easy to explain the worth of the sanitiser, but a computer simulation of “fake” gear changes in an EV is much less so. The reality is, that it has to be experienced to be believed.
The gear change feature in the 5 N is like having a party trick up its sleeve, mimicking the sound and feel of a petrol engine in a car with only an electric motor. While it might sound like a gimmick, it’s so convincing and so much fun you cannot help yourself grinning uncontrollably as you experience simulated engine sounds, gear shifts, and even pops and bangs from the ‘exhaust’.
If ever there was a car to convert a dyed-in-the-wool petrol-head that an EV can be as much fun, this car could be it. This fake is extremely convincing!
2024 DriveLife Best Value Car of the Year
The value for money award is a subjective thing but is sometimes overlooked. Regardless of cost, this award represents excellent value in technology, performance, safety – or just features – compared to their competitors.
There might be no surprises here, that in 2024, Chinese brands have taken out both winner and runner-up.
WINNER – OMODA E5
The Omoda E5 was not what I thought it would be at all, from the outside it’s a modern-styled mid-sized cross over SUV, and looks pretty good. But inside, it is like an upmarket European car, with a great luxury finish.
Add to this the raft of safety systems – 15 as standard – plus heated seats all around.
Even though the Omoda is a full EV, it drives more like an everyday combustion engine vehicle, avoiding the superfast acceleration times, and focusing more on economic driving. Considering it was the first Omoda I have ever driven, I was so impressed by the E5, it had to take out our award for Best Value Car of the Year.
RUNNER-UP – GWM Haval H6
The GWM Haval H6 is one of those SUVs that makes you wonder why you’d spend ten grand more on anything else – and even then, it’s far better equipped than its competitors.
Add in a 7-year warranty, comfort, good fuel economy, space and an ease of driving, and you have a car that’s got to be on your list for test-driving if you are in the market for a well-priced, medium-sized SUV.
2024 DriveLife Driver’s Car of the Year
This award goes beyond you grinning when you approach the car, eager to get behind the wheel. To be eligible for this award, the driver has to be grinning about the drive, without even seeing the car; that’s the sign of a true driver’s car.
WINNER – Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
The IONIQ 5 N excels in the driving experience with customisable performance settings. Driving modes can be adjusted from the steering wheel, as the N Custom buttons enable personalised levels for response of the motor, steering, suspension, and more.
For starters, the G-forces are real. This car is genuinely so addictive, and so rewarding. As already mentioned, the fake gear change is brilliant, just like “a real driving sim” only so much better.
At the touch of a button, the car can go from being a comfortable SUV taking the family on holiday, driven down to the shops, or transformed to race-ready for high-speed on a track or in drifting mode – and it is seriously competent at all of these.
RUNNER-UP – Mazda MX-5
There’s a reason the Mazda MX-5 continues to make a podium finish in our annual awards.
Simply put, the MX-5 is the epitome of a sports car. Its lightweight chassis, playful yet precious handling, impeccable steering and gearbox, all combined in an affordable package, have all contributed to its long-standing success.
For 2024, Mazda made subtle tweaks to the MX-5, but broadly speaking it’s the same as before. It’s the same joyful, drop-top, driver’s-car which has had 30 years of owners beaming with enthusiasm.
Go drive one, then go buy one. Life is too short not to.
2024 DriveLife Eco Warrior Car Of The Year
This award is for the vehicle that just wanted to stick it to the oil companies of the world. It’s all about reducing running costs while doing your bit to save the planet.
WINNER – BYD Sealion 6 Hybrid
It’s been a few years since a hybrid has taken the Eco Warrior Car of the Year, 6 years in fact, with the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV VRX wining in 2018. EV’s took over and have cleaned up every year, that is until the BYD Sealion 6 Hybrid came along to shake things up.
A highly specced vehicle, perfect family car for around the city and school runs. The interior fit and finish is right up there, with the latest in car technology and all packed into a rather stylish looking vehicle – one that does not try to scream ‘I have a battery onboard’.
Then add in the price tag of $64,990, and it’s pretty hard to beat. But there is more; EV’s have been getting all the attention in recent years, but hybrids are still going strong, and in our view will start to be the main focus for a lot of consumers in years to come, as it gives you the best of both worlds: EV efficiency and combustion flexibility.
BYD also advertised crazy-low fuel economy, with a combined usage of 1.4; our real-world tests delivered 3.6L/100km, which is amazing, considering we do not focus on just driving efficiently. We know this could be lower, but we are also impressed with what we were able to achieve – which is why it’s our 2024 Eco Warrior Car of the Year.
Last year’s winner was the BYD Dolphin, so it’s great to see BYD are still pushing a consistent product line, while moving forward with hybrid technology
RUNNER-UP – Tesla Model 3
If there was ever a point in the future where we’d reflect upon key turning points for electric vehicles, I’d wager that the introduction of the Tesla Model 3 would be among the most significant.
The Model 3 kick-started Tesla, and arguably, made the electric car brand a household name.
The new Model 3 is an iterative improvement. It looks better, rides better, and is better insulated from the road. More importantly, its revised body provides an even lower drag coefficient, and minor powertrain tweaks allow it to eke out even more range. Together, they make the Tesla Model 3 one of the most energy-efficient electric vehicles which we’ve tested.
2024 DriveLife Family Car of the Year
This award is all about practicality, and if you could only have one car, then which would be the best all-around vehicle for the family of today? Family on a long road trip? Seven seats? Space for everything? Can it take knocks from unruly kids, and the dog in the back?
WINNER – GWM Tank 500
What can I say, “it’s a tank” and it’s a great big family versatile tank at that. It’s $82,990, but that’s in line with most vehicles well over the $100k mark. It does everything they can do, and it does it in style and comfort.
I put the Tank 500 in the same league as a Mercedes S Class in terms of spec and luxury feel. It has 7 seats, 4-wheel drive and a glass roof. GWM Tank 500 handles itself very well in the city, on the highway, and it does it all while transporting you in comfort. There are not many vehicles on the market that can do that for the price GWM can.
RUNNER-UP – Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
Hang on a minute, hasn’t the Pajero Sport been around for nearly a decade? So, how did it manage to land an award for runner-up Family Car of the Year in 2024?
It’s true. The Pajero Sport has been around for nine years in New Zealand, and it hasn’t changed much since. This might be viewed as a negative, particularly if you value having the latest and greatest in features and driver technology.
The thing is, many vehicles which you’d consider to be a do-everything “family vehicle”, are priced well beyond the reach of many families.
The Pajero Sport is one of the exceptions. It’s still the same rugged and reliable machine, that’s capable of towing, off-roading, and carrying your own and the neighbour’s kids to Saturday sport, without devastating your bank balance.
Given that 2024 was a rough year for many economically, we argue that the Pajero Sport is just as relevant today as it was nine years ago.
So yeah, we’re giving it the runner-up award.
2024 DriveLife Hottest Car of the Year
This award is all about looks. Which vehicle would create the best bedroom poster, desktop or phone background?
WINNER – Mercedes-AMG SL63
I’m not sure any words are required here – just look at this car! While 95% of any German cars we review come in grey or silver, Mercedes-Benz made the right choice and sent us the AMG SL63 4MATIC in Spectral Blue.
Windows up or down, top up or down, this car pops out from the page – or a poster – like a mad thing. We love it.
RUNNER-UP – Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
The IONIQ 5 N is a mid-size SUV that looks like a 5-door sports hatchback in disguise. Its matte blue paint and glossy black bumpers make it stand out, while the luminous orange accents scream, “Look at me!”
With its wide and low-profile tires under wheel arch extensions, spoilers, and real air vents, this car means business. It has a sharp-modern yet conservative look, a new take on the design language of the performance hot-hatch. It is an item of desire that leaves you in no doubt about its purpose and promise.
2024 DriveLife Luxury Car of the Year
The luxury award represents the pinnacle of what manufacturers can offer in terms of comfort, quality, and style.
WINNER – Mercedes-Benz GLS 450d
The Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 d could win this award simply with its interior. It’s a work of art, and built to absolute quality. Sure, the steering wheel, dash and seats are pretty much lifted from other Mercedes-Benz models, but the design of the interior alone is a work of art.
Then you get to the outside, and it’s not only big, but so well proportioned that it just looks right.
And while this award doesn’t really mention the drivetrain, the six-cylinder diesel motor in the 450 d is an absolute gem; powerful, torquey, and oh-so smooth. It’s quiet, too, but takes on a hum like it’s a turbine.
It was not difficult to award the 2024 Mercedes-Benz 450 d our Luxury Car of the Year award; it’s outstanding in nearly all respects.
RUNNER-UP – BMW XM Red Label
The BMW missed the mark, not by much, but if the award was the most outrageous car, it would have taken it hands down. It’s huge, it’s loud, it’s fast and it’s expensive. It’s the perfect car for wannabe internet influencers.
The spec level of the X M Red Label is epic, but so is the price tag, which might be why a Mercedes-Benz that’s half the price beat it.
2024 DriveLife Toughest Car of the Year
This award is about the rough and tough. Which vehicle would take you over the toughest terrain while trying to survive a zombie apocalypse?
WINNER – Suzuki Jimny 5-Door
You might be thinking that the pint-sized Suzuki is the absolute opposite of tough, and you’re probably right if you’re equating toughness with mass and strength. But hey, this little off-roader has been defying the odds and proving that size doesn’t matter since 1970.
Suzuki has bucked the trend in the most enjoyable way. Following the philosophy of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” the Jimny formula has remained largely unaltered. Its go-anywhere abilities are legendary, and its reliability and ruggedness are like that of a trusty old dog that always finds its way home.
The new model keeps everything that was great from the original, and is likely to expand its appeal with the addition of a couple of doors and some extra space.
Here, toughness is all about keeping on keeping on, no matter how challenging the road ahead becomes. And for this, the new 5-door Jimny is the winner of our “Toughest Car” award.
RUNNER-UP – Mitsubishi Triton
The Mitsubishi Triton has traditionally been the value choice for ute buyers.
Generally, it was considered as competent as its competition, but also half-a-step behind them in a few key areas. For example, the powertrain performance wasn’t as strong nor as refined as the segment leaders. It was also a tad cheap on the inside.
The new Mitsubishi Triton addresses all of this and more, with its revised engine providing a considerable bump in performance and improved refinement, along with a substantially upgraded cabin that is leaps ahead of the old Triton.
These improvements bring the new Triton back into the running with its competitors, and even bettering them in some areas. It does this while remaining cheaper than most of the competition, and continuing to offer the same capabilities as before. Also, it has one of the best new vehicle warranties in the business.
In summary, the Mitsubishi Triton still continues to be the value choice, but this time, without the compromises. Hence, it gets our runner-up award.
2024 DriveLife Unexpected Car of the Year
This award is for the vehicle that turned out to be a big surprise compared to our unjustified expectations.
WINNER – Opel Astra GSE Hybrid
To be honest, I was blown away by the Opel Astra GSE Hybrid. I thought it was simply going to be another Opel chassis but with a different body on it, job done.
Oh, how wrong I was. This car rides well, has good handling, performs very well, and has a good list of standard features.
When you add in a sexy design and our real-world fuel economy of 0.9L/100km, you’ve got a great 5-door hatchback that we’re happy to award as our 2024 Unexpected Car of the Year.
RUNNER-UP – GWM Tank 500
I have to come clean and say that I expected the GWM Tank 500 to be a bit of a poor quality clone. After being in the car for less than a minute, I can say that this is not the case; GWM are doing their own thing, and they might just be doing it better than everyone else, too.
2024 DriveLife Car of the Year
And so it comes to this – our Car of the Year for 2024. This award is for the best car of the year and is only open to those vehicles that we rated above 8.0 in our reviews. We take many things into account to award our Car of the Year, so it’s not focused on just one aspect.
Please note, this is not the Cheapest Car of the Year award. It isn’t about cost – it’s about being the best car overall that we have reviewed. Cost is taken into account (that’s the ‘Value’ rating in our reviews), but so are all the other factors that come into what makes a car the best we have reviewed in 2024.
WINNER – Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is an exceptional all-rounder, combining thrilling performance with everyday usability.
It is an engineering marvel that delivers as both a high-performance sports car and an SUV-sized family car, where there are no compromises.
It’s like having your cake and eating it too, but in this case, the cake is a powerful and eco-friendly car that makes you feel like a race car driver on your way to pick up groceries.
While we tested many cars in 2024, the Hyundai Ioniq 5N blew away all that drove it by achieving something others have tried but failed to do: build an engaging, good-handling performance EV, and making it a true driver’s car.
RUNNER-UP – BYD Seal Performance
There was a long debate over our top award, with the finger pointing swinging between the Ioniq 5 N and the Seal Performance. It was close, but the 5 N beat the Seal by a narrow margin.
That does mean if you don’t want a sensational and fast SUV but instead want a sensational and fast sedan, then the BYD Seal Performance is for you.
The look, performance, build quality, interior luxury, equipment levels, range, driveability – these are all at a high level in the BYD Seal Performance, and I’d love to own one.
