The BYD Dolphin has been named AUTOBEST Best Buy Car of Europe 2024, in one of the closest-fought competitions in years.
It marks the first time a Chinese new entrant brand has scooped the top AUTOBEST prize.
One of four finalists in the annual AUTOBEST ‘real world car of Europe’ awards, the BYD Dolphin claimed victory with 25.88 percent of voting points.
This placed it just ahead of the new Hyundai Kona, which took 25.44 percent of the points.
Remarkably, the Jeep Avenger scored 24.68 percent of the points, while the Fiat 600 scooped 24.0 percent.
The AUTOBEST jury comprises 32 jury members from across Europe, one from each nation. Motoring Research’s Richard Aucock represents the UK.
The objective is to find the best affordable new car in Europe. Models are assessed across 13 criteria, with a focus on price, running costs and ease of use.
Balanced
“It is one of the most balanced AUTOBEST competitions in a decade,” said founder and chairman Dan Vardie.
“All the finalists proved to be outstanding products, with a great appeal and competence, as checked by the jury members during very detailed tests.
“But in the end, we have a winner – and the BYD Dolphin makes history this year, as the first Chinese brand, with a model manufactured in China, becoming Best Buy Car of Europe.”
The BYD Dolphin pipped the other three finalists following the fourth annual AUTOBEST Final Test at the OAMTC proving ground in Teesdorf.
30 jurors attended the two-day event held in November, where the finalists were tested both on road and track.
AUTOBEST awards 2024
Other AUTOBEST Awards for 2024 include the Sportbest gong, which goes to Prodrive’s David Richards.
Chinese battery firm CATL has won the Technobest 2024 award, for its superfast-charting Shenxing battery. It can deliver almost 300 miles of range after just a 10-minute charge.
The Lotus Hyper OS infotainment system has won the Smartbest 2024 price, while the Continental Detectable Jacket is the Safetybest 2024 winner.
Finally, the super-affordable new Citroen e-C3 EV is the Ecobest 2024 winner.
All winners will be presented with their prizes at the 23rd AUTOBEST Awards Gala, to be held in Luxembourg next spring.
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