It is with great pleasure that we participated in the eTrophée 2023, one of the most renowned and complex automotive competitions of the year, organized by AMAM, the Auto and Motorcycle Media Association. For two exciting days, we joined 24 other seasoned journalists to test and evaluate 25 hybrid and electric vehicles.
Every year there are so many car trophies and awards that one could get lost in all these accolades. However, there are few who compete in complexity with the eTrophée, masterfully orchestrated by AMAM, the Auto and Motorcycle Media Association.
For 2023, this prestigious event was no exception. We, from Numerama Vroom and Frandroid, had the privilege of participating. Luckily, our car section at Frandroid has become almost as popular as that of smartphones, with more than 4.8 million page views in May 2023. This probably puts us at the top of French sites dedicated to electric cars. This success confirms our choice to have put the electric car at the heart of the Frandroid media, the leading tech media in France. Not to mention Numerama, and its Vroom section, with 1.24 million page views in May.
On the eTrophies menu? Hybrid and 100% electric cars.
25 cars were put through their paces by 25 seasoned journalists
Over two days, 25 cars were put through their paces by 25 seasoned journalists, a real endurance race that requires impeccable organisation. Each journalist, after the test loops corresponding to the type of vehicle, gave the cars tested marks out of 10 on different criteria.
Tesla, to our great regret, has chosen to be conspicuous by its absence, giving way to manufacturers such as Citroën, Renault, MG, Audi, Toyota, Honda, Volkswagen, Mazda, McLaren, Bentley, Suzuki, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Ford and DS. A varied and impressive selection, which made the testing process more exciting and rewarding.
And that is precisely what we appreciate in this event: its ability to bring together a multitude of media from different origins. From traditional automotive media to new media specifically dedicated to electrics, a myriad of voices were represented and heard. Around these voices gravitated many automakers, each making their own unique contribution to the changing automotive landscape.
The winners
The little surprise came from the MG4, the favorite of the year, a small 100% electric sedan that offers surprisingly good value for money.
On the other hand, Honda’s Civic HEV was crowned best compact. The big surprise came from the ID.Buzz which won three prizes: best family, best interior, best utility. Impressive !
In the category of city cars, the Leapmotor T03 created a surprise. Compact, but valiant, it holds up very well and has a large central screen despite its size.
Nevertheless, the prize for the best electric car went, unsurprisingly, to the Porsche Taycan. For the second consecutive year, this vehicle dazzled the jury with its performance, confirming its status as a true gem of electrical automotive engineering.
Here, we are talking more specifically about the Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo Turbo S, a true marvel of technology and performance. With an output of up to 560 kW (761 hp), it is equipped with an all-wheel drive that allows breathtaking acceleration.
From a standing start, this sporty sedan goes from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds, with a top speed of 260 km/h. And despite this astonishing performance, it does not compromise on energy efficiency.
That said, we must not forget the plug-in hybrid, PHEV, with a very special mention for the winner: the McLaren Arthur. Rocket look, airplane power, 330 km/h peak and not a euro penalty. It has a small electric motor which avoids having to finance the ecological bonus and to travel a few kilometers in 100% electric mode. This is a significant advantage in traffic jams.
But make no mistake, you have to be careful with speed bumps. The Artura can start electric and switch to gasoline as needed, or vice versa. With Eco, Comfort, Sport and Track settings at their fingertips, every driver can tailor the ride to their preferences.
In short, the 2023 eTrophée was a memorable event, full of surprises and discoveries. The lively debates, passionate discussions and fruitful exchanges between the various players in the sector have enriched this edition and confirmed that the future of the automobile is resolutely electric. We can’t wait to see what next year’s edition has in store for us.
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