19 cars tested in “Latvian Car of the Year 2027” summer drive, including “Zeekr” brand debut
The summer media test drive for the “Latvian Car of the Year 2027” competition featured 19 car models driven through the Zemgale and Kurzeme regions, marking the debut of the Chinese brand “Zeekr” in Latvia. The event was based at the “Zoltners” hotel and Michelin-guide restaurant in Tērvete.
The “Latvian Car of the Year 2027” competition has held its summer media test drive, giving journalists and industry representatives the chance to try out 19 different car models. The route ran through the Zemgale and Kurzeme regions, with the “Zoltners” hotel and Michelin-guide restaurant in Tērvete, Kroņauce, serving as the event's base.
Range of participants
The test drive brought together both well-established manufacturers and newer market entrants. The full lineup of models available for testing included: the Chery Tiggo 9 Plug-In, Citroen C5 Aircross, Cupra Raval, Jaecoo 7, Kia Seltos, Lexus ES, Lexus RZ, Lynk & Co 08, Mercedes-Benz GLC EQ, MG S9, Nissan Leaf, Omoda 9, Peugeot 408, Renault Clio, Toyota bZ4X Touring, Toyota C-HR+, Toyota Hilux EV, and two models from the Zeekr brand — the 7GT and 7X.
A new brand's debut
One notable highlight of the event was the Chinese car brand Zeekr, which took part in the Latvian market and in the competition's testing for the first time. The brand was represented by two models, allowing testers to evaluate its offering alongside already-familiar electric and hybrid vehicle manufacturers.
The lineup included conventional combustion-engine cars, plug-in hybrids, and fully electric vehicles, reflecting the current diversity of the market. The “Latvian Car of the Year 2027” competition continues its annual tradition of evaluating the newest models available on the market, with the summer test drive serving as one stage where participants gain hands-on experience with the vehicles under real road conditions.
