- 6 Series takes its category in National Business Review and Company
Vehicle
- X3 is NZ 4WD magazine's luxury 4WD of the year
- 1
Series is NZ Autocar's outright and compact car of the year
All three new models launched in New Zealand by BMW during 2004 have taken
Car of the Year awards. BMW ended 2004 on a high note with a sweep of New
Zealand COTY wins for the 6 Series luxury sports coupé, the X3 Sport Activity
Vehicle, and the new 1 Series premium compact. The awards come from New
Zealand's leading financial, business vehicle, and automotive publications.
Mark Gilbert, the Managing Director of BMW Group New Zealand, says it is
unusual for any car company to win these coveted COTY awards for such a wide
range of vehicles, particularly for three new models in their launch year. Each
of the winning vehicles were new additions to the BMW range in the 2004 model
year, part of the company's ambitious global new model expansion programme.
"This is a sensational achievement for any car company, and a strong
endorsement from some very experienced motoring writers of the latest additions
to our model range. Each of these new models has been the subject of intense
media interest, and each is making a powerful impact on its market segment."
The 6 Series was named executive car of the year by Company Vehicle magazine
and sports car of the year by the National Business Review. It was launched in
March 2004 in V8-engined 645Ci form as a coupé and a convertible.
The X3 was named luxury car of the year by NZ4WD magazine. It was launched in
July 2004, and the X3 range now includes 3.0-litre and 2.5-litre petrol engined
models with a 2.0-litre diesel-engined X3 due to arrive next month.
Most creditable, though, is the achievement of the 1 Series, which was named
compact car of the year by leading New Zealand automotive publication Autocar
and topped this category win by taking out the magazine's overall COTY award.
Autocar also writes the motoring section of the Sunday Star Times, New Zealand's
biggest national newspaper.
The 1 Series was launched in October 2004 with a 2.0-litre 120i
petrol-engined version, and the range now also includes 120d 2.0-litre diesel
and 116i petrol, with a 118i 2.0-litre petrol variant due to arrive next month.
Autocar tested the 120d and found its driving dynamics, handling and braking
along with the class-leading torque of its 2.0-litre diesel engine made it a
clear winner. It is the first time a diesel-engined car has been named Autocar's
outright car of the year winner.
"This string of results is very exciting, and we look forward to further
recognition of our new models as we progress into the new year."
In New Zealand, BMW has been the undisputed leader of the luxury segment for
many years, consistently outselling its major rivals and holding a steady 25 per
cent luxury market share.
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