Mazda's super little baby has beaten an all-star field to claim one of New Zealand's most-coveted automotive awards.

The phrase “great things come in small packages” proved to be true last night when the Mazda2 was named 2008 AMI/Autocar magazine Car of the Year.

The super little model saw off ten larger finalists including the Holden VE ute, Subaru Impreza, Ford Mondeo, BMW X5, Mercedes C-class, Lexus LS460, Audi R8, Toyota Highlander and Audi TT Roadster.

The finalists in each class were judged against each other in both an extensive 600km road drive programme and an intensive session at Taupo race track.

Andrew Clearwater, Mazda New Zealand’s managing director, said winning the award was a real thrill and reflects the success Mazda2 has had overseas where to date it has won eight awards including Austrian Car of the Year 2007, RJC Car of the Year 2007-2008 and runner up in the European Car of the Year.

“The Mazda2 has also struck a real chord with the New Zealand motoring public with very strong sales every month since its launch. Environmental considerations are becoming an increasingly important part of the buying equation and people want a car that ticks the boxes in these areas but still looks great and provides a great driving experience and the Mazda2 certainly delivers on both counts.”

According to Autocar editor Paul Owen the judges were highly impressed with the way the Mazda2 performed throughout the two-day judging process.

“It is a car that makes no apologies for being small, and combines the usual low cost of ownership that we associate with frugal superminis with a fun driving experience and pizzazz that most ‘sensible’ cars lack.