Zen’s Favourite Cars of 2023

2023 is in the rear view as we start driving towards 2024! It’s been quite the year: we’ve gotten to visit several schools and teach the kids about the Green Car Cross Code, and even got to follow Emma Jones and Sam Quek on their 150-mile EV road trip!

To wind down from the craziness, we’ve been reflecting on some of our favourite cars of 2023, who knows – maybe you’ll agree with our choices?

Audi Q8 E-Tron

This electric Audi SUV is very popular at Zen – two of our colleagues have named it as their favourite car this year:

Andrea, our Supplier Performance Manager, says ‘It’s the best-looking car of the year, it drives amazingly, the range is fantastic, there is so much space in the car and the boot is huge! It’s worth every penny!’

Prab, from our Support Squad, says ‘What a cracker of a car! As a long-standing fan of pretty much all the cars in the Audi line up, never did I think they would make such a beautiful electric SUV. Elegant and simplistic as Audis usually are, super sleek yet has the performance that no car enthusiast can hate!’

The Audi Q8 E-Tron is pure electric – so not only do you feel like you’re doing your bit for the planet, but you won’t be paying road tax so you can better save for a rainy day. This car is also great for long road trips with the 50W battery option covering 283 miles, and the 55W managing 333 miles. Plus, both batteries are quick to charge when maximum power is used: the 50W charges in 28mins using a 150kw source and the 55W juices up in 31mins with a 170kw charging station. However, if you only have access to a wall box, they take around 18 hours so you can leave your car to charge overnight whilst you’re tucked up in bed.

If you’re looking for a car that can tackle all environments, this Audi is guaranteed to deliver. Its 360-degree parking sensors, light steering, and adjustable regenerative brakes mean it works well in manouvering around town and parking. This car is also great on the motorway – the standard air suspension soaks up bumps, whilst the acceleration is very smooth. Not to mention, exterior noise is well supressed, so you won’t get interrupted when bopping along to your favourite playlist.

When it comes to country roads, the Audi Q8 E-Tron has enough punch to get you up to speed quickly when accelerating out of corners and you want to be more spirited. The 50W reaches 0-62mph in 6s and the 55W makes it in 5.6s. Plus, there’s not a lot of body roll as the batteries weigh the car down and keep it stable, meanwhile the all-wheel drive gives enough grip and traction to reassure when winding down the twisty lanes.

This SUV also does very well in the looks department with its aggressive, sporty design. It’s striking from the front with the grille melting into the headlights, and the light up element behind the four rings. The premium feeling continues inside with an impeccably decked out interior with three touchscreens! The 10.1-inch main infotainment screen is clear and easy to use, and all three screens look sharp and respond promptly.

Why You’ll Love the Audi Q8 E-Tron

• Aggressive powerful design
• Pure electric power for punchy speed
• Can tackle all road types whether you want to toddle around town or take on twisty country roads

BMW M5 Competition

Riz, one of our New Car Consultants, says ‘One of my favourite cars in the BMW Performance Range, it's been revamped and has an improved 4.4 litre twin turbo V8, pushing over 600hp to all four wheels. Power, performance and luxury all in one!’

The size of this BMW M5 means you won’t be low on space - it can seat five adults comfortably with plenty of head and leg room. The front seats are wider so the driver gets more lateral support, plus there’s plenty of adjustment so you can get the perfect driving position. All three rear passengers will ride in comfort with the well-shaped seats and ample space. Also, with the 530-litre boot space, you’ll be sure to have enough room for all your luggage when you’re going on holiday. This car will be great for road trips too! The decent sized door bins, large storage area under the front armrest, along with cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad mean you’ll have room for all your travel snacks and gadgets.

As Riz mentioned above, the four-wheel traction makes the BMW M5 Competition a powerhouse. It provides astonishing grip levels whilst feeling lighter to drive and responding with agility. Meanwhile, the tuned suspension can be switched to comfort mode: the dampers go limp and soak up more bumps. This car gives you all the confidence you need to dominate twisty roads as you stay flat through corners and there’s no body roll to speak of. It’s also useable in town with an all round parking camera and sensors, and it’s reasonably sensibly sized. Plus, this BMW eats up motorways with ease, accelerating 0-62mph in 3.3s, you can even switch to rear drive for an extra kick. It may not be the quietest car, with the big tyres creating some road noise, but engine noise is pretty muffled for a stress-free drive.

The luxury of the BMW M5 Competition is displayed in the high-tech interior. You’re provided with an IDrive infotainment system that’s satisfying and easy to use with both Apple Car Play and Android Auto. There are two 12.3-inch digital screens with crisp and clear graphics that you can use either by: touchscreen, steering wheel buttons, clickwheel, voice or gesture control. They control the majority of the car features save the physical climate controls, which many people prefer as it’s easier to adjust them while keeping your eyes on the road. Plus, there’s a heads-up display projected onto the windscreen, along with a drive recorder so you can replay track day laps. You can even choose the comfort plus pack with heated seats and steering wheel to keep you toasty in the winter months. Other key tech features of this car include:

• Sat nav
• Online services
• Concierge service
• Wifi hotspot

You’ll be able to brag to all your mates about the swish interior of this car: the delightful M branded trimmings with M5 badges that light up, butter soft leather, and mood lighting.

Why choose the BMW M5 Competition?

• Enough room for all the family
• Exciting to drive – especially on fast roads
• Be the envy of all your friends in this beast of a car

Cupra Leon Hatchback

Harry, one of our New Car Consultants, says: ‘Love it so much I got one myself. It is the perfect mix of a hot hatch and an economical hybrid. Has great looks inside and out with the Cupra styling. Lovely big alloys, aggressive look, amazing sport seats, great leather flat bottom steering wheel and I love the ambient lighting when driving at night.’

Like Harry says, this Cupra Leon has a seriously cool hybrid option. This means it has a little electric kick, accelerating 0-62mph in 6.4s. Plus, you can reach 37 miles on electric alone. With its C02 emissions at 32g/km, you’re in the rock bottom tax band, so you get to be green whilst not having to loosen your purse strings as much. Also, the engine stays silent when in electric mode, meaning you can blare out your favourite playlist without getting interrupted by a roaring engine. In terms of feeling confident when driving this hot hatch, the battery adds weight that can make it more stable - you’ll definitely feel better when driving along winding roads.

The Cupra Leon Hatchback will ensure you feel like the bee’s knees – it has a low and mean stance with big wheels and elaborate designs:

• Lashings of copper detailing
• Enlarged front grilles for a more aggressive face
• Sporty exhaust finishes

Meanwhile, the cabin is simple and minimalistic but with premium details:

• Copper stitching
• Carpets emblazoned with the Cupra badge
• Aluminium kick plates
• Dash is clad in soft touch plastic

This hot hatch is more than just its looks – it makes the most of the space it has so you’re able to take the whole family for a drive. There’s loads of space for three adults in the back, with ample head, leg, and elbow room. The rear doors are also wide opening to aid passengers who may have mobility issues or if you need to wrestle rowdy kids into their car seats. There are two pairs of cupholders – one in the front and one in the rear. Plus, a tray for your phone in the centre console with USB plugs, a decent glovebox and door pockets for all your road trip needs. The 380-litre boot means you’ll be able to take any necessary luggage (270 litres in the hybrid). Plus, the ski hatch for long thin items isn’t just useful for skis, but can be helpful if you’ve just bought a tall lamp from IKEA.

Why Get a Cupra Leon Hatchback PCH Lease Deal?

• Surprisingly spacious
• Feel like you’re driving in style
• Be green and cost effective in this hybrid

Spotted your dream wheels? Go ahead and order your new car 100% online to enjoy leasing on your terms. Plus, you can check out our maintenance package that lets you roll your MOT, servicing and tyre TLC needs into your monthly payments!

Still not quite sure? Our New Car Consultants are here to help find the right wheels for you. Give them a call on 0113 468 5377 (option 1) or drop them an email [email protected] to start your ZenAuto journey.