The Toyota GR86 and the Lexus NX have been announced as finalists in the 2022 World Car Awards, reflecting a new era in Toyota’s product diversity and focus on driver experience.

In addition, the Yaris Cross has been shortlisted for World Urban Car of the Year and the GR86 shortlisted for the World Performance Car of the Year by the judges.

Toyota New Zealand Chief Executive Neeraj Lala says the shortlisting of three cars is an indicator of the sweet spot that Toyota is now fulfilling with cars that are performance orientated and utilise the latest in sustainable technologies.

“President Toyoda promised that the new era of Toyota products would generate excitement and be fun to drive. I think he has delivered on that,” says Neeraj.

“With the new NX now in both hybrid and plug in formats, technology is providing customers with a sustainable and practical solutions, as we transition towards full electrification. In the past year we have seen electrified powertrains really take off in both the Lexus and Toyota marques in New Zealand.”

“The other finalist, the rear-wheel propelled Toyota GR86, is a testament to affordable sports cars that are fun to drive but also underpinned by Toyota’s renowned reliability and up-to-date safety technology. Both vehicles deserve to be finalists,” says Neeraj.

The GR86 is the latest in the Toyota stable to be tweaked by TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR). The detail obsessed TGR team adds enhanced handling and exterior aerodynamics, increased power and an upgraded interior. These changes earned it a GAZOO Racing badge, joining Toyota’s ever-growing, global sportscar line as the all-new 2022 GR 86.

The all-new 2022 Lexus NX has been created as the next-generation crossover SUV that prioritises what matters most to drivers. The NX ushers in the next chapter of design, innovation, and performance for the brand. It offers a powertrain to fit every lifestyle and driving preference, including the new plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, the NX 450h+.

Now in its 18th year, the annual World Car Awards are the number one car awards programme in the world. Each year, 93 global jurors test drive and evaluate all new or fully redesigned vehicles for sale across the world. The panel of international automotive journalists then vote to determine the World Car Design, World Luxury Car, World Performance Car, World Urban Car and World Car of the Year.