A group of 25 journalists from the Automotive Industry chose the best cars launched in 2023 in Argentina, among which the winners were Ford Mustang Mach-E, as Auto/SUV Regional (imported from Mexico); Nissan X-Trail as an Imported Car/SUV (arrives from Japan); and Ford Ranger as a Commercial Vehicle (it is manufactured in Argentina).
This is the thirteenth edition of the PIA Awards, in which 25 journalists specialized in cars, belonging to media outlets from all over the country, participated.
As for the winners, Ford Mustang Mach-E is a medium-sized sports SUV and Ford’s first 100% electric model in Argentina; while Nissan with lithium batteries.
For its part, Ford Ranger is the new generation of the truck manufactured by the brand in Argentina, which was launched last June completely renewed, after an investment of US$660 million in the Pacheco plant.
The best cars in Argentina 2023
According to the voting by category, among the most voted cars, the three that occupied each of the podiums are the following:
Auto/SUV Regional: Ford Mustang Mach-E (65 points), Honda ZR-V (60 points), Abarth Pulse Turbo (43 points).
Mustang Mach-E, Regional SUV winner.
Imported Car/SUV: Nissan X-Trail (34 points), Kia Sportage (33 points), Baic X55 II (29 points).
Nissan X-Trail, the winning imported SUV of 2023.
Commercial Vehicle: Ford Ranger (104 points), Chevrolet Montana (36 points), Ford Maverick Hybrid (31 points).
Ford Ranger, the winning commercial vehicle of 2023.
The participating vehicles were all those new models (or updates to existing models), which were launched on sale between January 1 and December 31, 2023.
The suggested voting criterion was the best relationship between price, product and innovation. The jurors voted for their winning shortlist in each category, assigning a score of five, three and one to each model, according to the order of preference.
History of the PIA Awards
The PIA Awards have been given since 2011 and highlight the best vehicles launched for sale each year in Argentina.
The winners of previous editions were the following
Auto Regional PIA: Fiat Pulse (2022), Ford Bronco Sport (2021), Peugeot 208 (2020), Toyota Corolla (2019), FIAT Cronos (2018), Honda Civic (2017), Chevrolet Cruze (2016), Volkswagen Golf VII (2015), Toyota Corolla (2014), Ford Focus II (2013), Peugeot 308 (2012) and Ford Fiesta KD (2011).
Fiat Pulse, the winning SUV of 2022.
PIA Imported Car: Audi RS E-Tron GT Quattro (2022), Audi E-Tron (2021), BMW 1 Series (2020) Ford Mondeo Vignale Hybrid (2019), Mercedes-Benz A-Class (2018), Volkswagen Passat (2017) ), Ford Mustang (2016), Mercedes-Benz C-Class (2015), Citroën C4 Picasso (2014), Mercedes-Benz A-Class (2013), Volkswagen Scirocco (2012) and Citroën DS3 (2011).
PIA SUV: Volkswagen Nivus (2020), Ford Kuga Hybrid (Imported 2020), Volkswagen T-Cross (Regional 2019), Toyota Rav4 Hybrid (Imported 2019), Citroën C4 Cactus (Regional 2018), DS 7 Crossback (Imported 2018), Peugeot 3008 (2017), Jeep Renegade (2016), Honda HR-V (2015), Hyundai Tucson (2014), Chevrolet Tracker (2013), Ford EcoSport KD (2012) and Renault Duster (2011).
PIA Commercial Vehicle: Ford Maverick (2022), Ford F-150 (2021), FIAT Strada (2020), Ford Ranger Raptor (2019), Nissan Frontier (2018), Peugeot Expert (2017), FIAT Toro (2016), Toyota Hilux (2015), FIAT Strada (2014), FIAT Dobló Cargo (2013) and Ford Ranger (2012). This award was created in 2012, which is why there was no winner in 2011.
Clarification: Since 2021, the Auto and SUV categories have been merged into one.