The BYD Shark 6 has been revealed as the DRIVEN Car Guide Car of the Year 2025. The groundbreaking plug-in hybrid ute was recognised by DRIVEN Car Guide’s expert judging panel as the standout new vehicle launched in New Zealand over the past year.
The DRIVEN Car Guide Car of the Year Awards celebrate excellence across nine key consumer vehicle categories, before selecting the ultimate overall winner.
DRIVEN Car Guide editor David Linklater says the BYD Shark 6 has redefined what Kiwi buyers can expect from their beloved utes.
“It has all of the presence but none of the perceived profligacy: the plug-hybrid powertrain gives 80-100km pureelectric range but can also revert to hybrid mode and travel 800km on a tank. The BYD Shark 6 has undeniable eco-cred, although it doesn’t hurt that with 321kW it’s faster in a straight line than some sports cars. It’s great to drive both on-road and off-tarmac, and the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability with six different power outlets makes it a brilliant vehicle for both lifestyle and work.”
The announcement comes during one of the most dynamic periods in New Zealand’s automotive landscape, with new brands and models entering the market at pace. DRIVEN Car Guide’s annual awards serve as a trusted benchmark for car buyers, enthusiasts and the wider industry.
The class-winner shortlist comprised SUVs, passenger cars and utes, powered by conventional-combustion, mildhybrid, full-hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure-electric powertrains. The highly competitive field demonstrated the rapid innovation and shifting consumer expectations that are now so prevalent in the New Zealand new-vehicle landscape.
Warren Willmot, General Manager at BYD Auto New Zealand says: “We hold DRIVEN’s Car of the Year award in the highest esteem, as it comes from the credible platform of the New Zealand Herald. While we’re honoured, we can’t say we’re entirely surprised.
“The Shark 6 was engineered from the ground up for the unique demands of the Australia and New Zealand market. We listened closely to customer feedback to deliver significant enhancements across the vehicle, including its acclaimed towing modes. To now see it resonating so strongly with judges, retail customers, and major fleet partners is incredibly rewarding.”
The full list of category winners and analysis from the DRIVEN Car Guide editorial team can be found online at
DRIVENCarGuide.co.nz and will be in tomorrow's DRIVEN Car Guide magazine in the Weekend Herald.
ENDS