The competition was fierce at this year’s global car awards, the World Car o the Year (WCOTY), but the winners that walked away with the gold were deserving of the prize.
I can say that, because I voted for them…
The winners of the fifth annual World Car of the Year, World Performance Car, World Green Car and Design of the Year categories were selected by a jury of 59 motoring writers from around the globe, including three from Australia, and announced at the New York International Auto Show on Thursday.In the main round, the winner was chosen from a stellar field which included the Audi A4, BMW 7 Series, Citroen C5, Fiat 500, Ford Fiesta, Honda Jazz, Jaguar XF, Mazda 6, Nissan GT-R R35, Toyota iQ and the Volkswagen Golf VI. The latter proved the winner above the other precious metals, claiming the top prize and notching up another crown for the all-powerful Volkswagen Group.The 2009 World Performance Car semi-finalists included the Audi RS6, BMW 135i, Corvette ZR1, Lamborghini LP560-4, Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG and SL 63 AMG, Mitsubishi Evo X , Nissan GT-R, Porsche 911, and the new Subaru Impreza WRX STI hatch. This was actually the hardest category for this writer to vote on, as almost every car’s abilities were beyond reproach and worthy of praise. However, it was the new wunderkind from Japan that took home the win, and admittedly it would be the car this juror would take home…The World Car Design of the Year category was selected by four design experts, who whittled the finalists down for the jurors. The winner – Fiat’s revived 500. No surprises there – the 500 is in 2009 what the Mini was in the early noughties – retro done right.The World Green Car award was similarly selected by three experts in the field of green for the judges to choose a winner, with the Honda FCX Clarity awarded the gong. This is the second Green Car award for Honda, following in the carbon footprint of the 2006 winner, the Civic Hybrid. I would have thought a diesel had the shot, but apparently not. I’ll leave that to the lucky few who have driven the car, and wait for its production model to possibly eat my juror’s hat.
PAST WORLD CAR AWARD WINNERS:
2008: Mazda2 / Mazda Demio World Car of the Year Audi R8 World Performance Car BMW 118d with Efficient Dynamics World Green Car Audi R8 World Car Design of the Year2007: Lexus LS460 World Car of the Year Audi RS4 World Performance Car Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec World Green Car Audi TT World Car Design of the Year2006: BMW 3-Series World Car of the Year Porsche Cayman S World Performance Car Honda Civic Hybrid World Green Car Citroen C4 World Car Design of the Year2005: Audi A6 World Car of the Year
The model range boasts exceptional performance, safety features and advancements – and delivers a package the judges considered worthy of ‘two classes above’ its very accessible price tags (c. $25,990 – $42,990).
The VW Golf triumphed after a rigorous evaluation and road testing process that saw the largest ever COTY field of 57 cars, derived from 22 models representing 16 manufacturers.
“The turbo-charged, five-door hatch VW Golf range is outstanding,” notes Wheels editor, Ged Bulmer. “The Golf oozes sophistication, refinement and development – in an energetic package that comes with fundamentally good steering and balance.”
WINNING THE ULTIMATE MOTORING AWARD
Australia’s original new car award was established in 1963 and recognises only the very best vehicle, meticulously identified from a diverse field of hopefuls. In some years the award has even been withheld so as to maintain its own high standards.The judging panel tests a range of variants of the nominated model, and the cars are ultimately measured against an established and telling criteria. This criteria examines function, technology, efficiency/environment, safety, and value.Of the eligible models launched during the past year, 22 shortlisted finalists took part in the rigorous week-long testing stage. (Some big names missed that shortlist, including the BMW Z4, Honda Civic SI, Peugeot 308CC, and the Suzuki Alto.)No Australian-built cars were eligible this year, and close to half the finalists (10 out of 22) were made in Japan.A record 57 variants of the 22 shortlisted models (manual, auto versions, petrol/diesel, etc) were put through their paces at Holden’s Lang Lang Proving Ground, and finalists were also given a real world workout on the roads of Victoria.The field was initially trimmed to 8 models, and then honed down to a final four: The VW Golf, Toyota Prius, Skoda Superb, and the Mercedes Benz E Class sedan.The VW Golf impressed in all areas, including safety, with no less than 7 airbags as standard, including driver knee protection.When measured against the long-established criteria for WHEELS Car Of The Year, the VW Golf proved itself a clear overall winner against some very noteworthy rivals.
A record 28 models represented by 64 variants will make the Wheels Car of the Year starting grid for 2011. After a week of extensive testing, and rigorous culling, a final top six will be selected, one of which will win the Australian automotive industry’s most coveted prize.
Fifteen models hail from Germany, four each from Japan and Korea, two from Britain, and one each from Italy, Australia and the US. The locally-built contender is the Holden Cruze hatchback, deemed eligible thanks to its fresh bodystyle, new steering and rear suspension design, and the addition of a turbo engine. The SZ Ford Territory is not eligible as no major suspension or structural changes were made to the SX model that won our COTY award in 2004.
Light hatchbacks are represented by the Kia Rio, Skoda Fabia, Suzuki Swift and Toyota Yaris. The Holden Barina and Hyundai Accent aren’t nominated, both considered below average in the class.
In addition to the Cruze, the crew of small cars that make the grid include the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, BMW 1 Series, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Lexus CT200h and VW Jetta. Step up to the mid-sized class, and the Hyundai i40, Kia Optima and VW Passat are candidates for the award, leaving behind the mediocre Peugeot 508 and Renault Latitude, both of which were not invited to take part.
Six SUVs are in for a shot at the title – the BMW X3, Jeep Cherokee, Range Rover Evoque, Mini Countryman, Skoda Yeti and VW Touareg – one more than the crop of sports coupes/convertibles, which includes the Honda CR-Z, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe and SLK, and VW Golf Cabriolet and Scirocco.
That leaves three premium sedans – Audi A6 and A7, and Mercedes-Benz CLS – to round out the 28 models in the 2011 field.
Coverage of the 49th Wheels COTY – now the world’s longest continuously run automotive award – will be split over two issues. The January issue (on sale December 21) will cover the entire field being put through the wringer at the testing cauldron that is Holden’s Lang Lang Proving Ground. After a dramatic cut, the top six will take to the roads around Albury for the February issue, on sale January 18 – the same day the winner of Wheels Car of the Year for 2011 will be announced.
The Volkswagen Polo has followed the Volkswagen Golf to small-car fame, winning over the Car of the Year judges with its “beautiful” engineering.
Wheels Magazine editor Bill Thomas said Volkswagen had scored the third back-to-back win in the 48-year history of the award — the first since 1984-85.
Nissan/s Micra and the Renault Megane, both small cars, joined the Polo as top three finalists for the 2010 award and Thomas said it was not surprising to see small cars taking the limelight.
“It’s a fair indication of the way trends are going in car buying in Australia – small car sales have gone up by 55 percent over the last ten years,” Thomas said.
“It means that a third of all new cars sold in Australia now are small cars.
“Fuel prices are pretty nasty, but it is also to do with how much small cars give you these days and the top three is a reflection of that.”
The base model Polo Trendline’s list price is $16,690.
“The Polo is a beautifully engineered car for the money,” Thomas said.
“It has two brand-new engines: an efficient 1.2 turbo which replaces the old 1.6, and a new turbo-diesel.” Nissan’s Micra made the magazine’s top three finalist’s stage with its low cost and great handling.
”The Nissan Micra is the best car ever sold for under $13,000 in Australia,” Thomas said. The most expensive of the final three, The Renault Megane 250 RS hot-hatch, sells for approximately $42,000.
”It has supercar-like handling for a fraction of the cost,” Thomas said.
Related video: It’s the year of the small car. This year, the Wheels Car of the Year award finalists are more hatch than hummer with Renault, VW and Nissan in the running for the coveted title. A Current Affair reveals the title winner for 2011.
Wheels Car of the Year – the world’s longest running continuous car of the year award – is entering its 48th year.
We look at past magazine covers that show the compelling history
It’s a hybrid with spirit, and the 2011 Wheels Car of the Year.
Expertly engineered, impressively efficient, and with strong safety credentials, the Honda CR-Z is also a genuine joy to drive. The little petrol-electric coupe may not be blindingly quick, but it is eye-openingly agile. Endowed with the kind of handling and steering that invites involvement, the Honda puts a smile on the face of any driver who accepts the invitation. And this, it hardly need be said, is a first for a hybrid…
It’s hard to dispute the Honda’s efficiency, nor the excellent safety credentials. Equipped standard with six airbags, the Honda already had an Australian NCAP five-star safety rating in the bag at launch.
Especially in town, the CR-Z’s hybrid drivetrain makes good sense. That thin electric motor sandwiched between engine and transmission adds noticeable low-end torque, exactly where the 1.5-litre engine is weakest. Working together this way, the engine-motor combo is surprisingly elastic and flexible. The fuel-saving Auto Stop system works well in stop-start traffic too.
The 1.5-litre four seems to revel in hard work, and sounds, well, happy, to be run to its 6500rpm redline. The CR-Z’s six-speed manual is a lovely thing to use, so frequent shifting is a real pleasure.
Neither the CR-Z’s chassis hardware or its line of descent contain any hint of surprise and delight. But the Honda is literally a joy to drive. The company’s chassis tuners – this time – have made a gem from the most basic materials. It even rides well, at least in part because it has sensibly sized tyres. Cars that drive like this never happen by accident.
Having set out to create a fun-to-drive coupe with good efficiency, Honda bullseyed its target. And it was this that lifted the CR-Z above the pack, earning it the votes for COTY victory. Honda may be going through tough times right now, with a patchy model range and dwindling sales. But while it can still create a car like the CR-Z it deserves respect … and the occasional trophy.
SELECTED PULL QUOTES, JUDGE BY JUDGE
PETER ROBINSON
“Beyond my expectations.” “Great to have a hybrid with a decent manual gearchange” “Lacks concept version’s daring front end.”
JAMES WHITBOURNE
“CR-Z takes the car where it should be going… smaller, lighter, more efficient, more fun.”
“Small wheels and tyres help ride, and will be cheap to replace.”
JON HAWLEY
“A revelation! Handles fast stuff with great stability and changes direction no fuss at all.”
“Performance is ho-hum, but just about the right power for the chassis.”
JOHN CAREY
“A hybrid with spirit, at last. Not fast, but fun to drive.”
BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS
“Performance from 1.5 and IMA comes on stronger than expected”
BILL THOMAS
“Bucketloads of ‘old Honda’ spirit. Welcome back!”
“A hybrid that’s fun to drive… if this is the future, I’m there.”
“Loveable. Terrible visibility… don’t care. Tiny rear seat … don’t care.”
BRUCE NEWTON
“Good things come in small packages.”
“Supportive seats. Weird rear view.”
“Econ mode S-L-O-W”
GLENN BUTLER
“Strange, magnifying rear window makes me feel nauseous.”
It’s a hybrid with spirit, and the 2011 Wheels Car of the Year.
Expertly engineered, impressively efficient, and with strong safety credentials, the Honda CR-Z is also a genuine joy to drive. The little petrol-electric coupe may not be blindingly quick, but it is eye-openingly agile. Endowed with the kind of handling and steering that invites involvement, the Honda puts a smile on the face of any driver who accepts the invitation. And this, it hardly need be said, is a first for a hybrid…
It’s hard to dispute the Honda’s efficiency, nor the excellent safety credentials. Equipped standard with six airbags, the Honda already had an Australian NCAP five-star safety rating in the bag at launch.
Especially in town, the CR-Z’s hybrid drivetrain makes good sense. That thin electric motor sandwiched between engine and transmission adds ….
“Let’s invite someone famous to COTY,” we thought. “Someone who loves cars and is handy with the wheel. Funny bastard, ideally.” Sadly Jay Leno wasn’t available, so we let Eric Bana tag along. Here’s what he thought of the final six…
Audi A6:
“I have to admit I’m a fan of Audi, even though I’ve never owned one. The A6 supercharged 3.0-litre impressed me with its shove. I could get used to that, and spot-on for an executive sedan. The brake pedal is underdone, though – the soft pedal makes me conscious of the weight of the car. I also don’t find the front end all that inspiring, and I thought the chassis would drive tauter.”
Ford Focus:
“The Focus hits well above its price category. The GDi [engine] is absolutely fantastic, and just a few horsepower short of being a really great car. Actually, it’s the perfect car for a young person. Not too much power in a fantastic chassis that has great turn-in and nice change of direction, yet as stable as you could want. The cabin is beautifully quiet and has loads of interior space. The one area the Focus fails for me is the console, the buttons in particular. Looks cheap.”
VW Scirocco R:
“I love this car. As soon as I finished the road loop I wanted to go again. One of the best engines I’ve ever driven. The feel, the sound, the responsiveness. It reminds me of the Lancer Evo in that regard. I could do the Bathurst 12 Hour in this tomorrow. The chassis feels really taut, well-balanced, inspiring. Except… the seat is too flat, and lacks support under my thighs which I noticed during braking. But still; I reckon this car is almost as exciting as my daily driver 911 Cabriolet, and a performance bargain.”
Skoda Yeti:
“I fail to see the appeal of the Skoda Yeti. It’s an SUV that looks like a delivery van. I get that it’s very good value, and hard to fault for practicality and performance, though for me the economy model is underpowered. I don’t understand this car, which I think is an indicator of how challenging the COTY judging process can be. I really have to guard against personal taste tainting objectivity.”
Range Rover Evoque:
“The Range Rover Evoque won me from the moment I laid eyes on it. Land Rover really nailed the styling; it’s so similar to the concept. I’d have to say the Evoque surprised me the most of the cars I drove. So much better than what I expected. The turbo-diesel engine is responsive and eager, and quiet. I was genuinely surprised by how the chassis handled twisty roads. So nimble for an SUV – nimble by any standard. The Evoque’s capable nature really hides its speed, too. Gets along quicker than it feels.”
Honda CR-Z:
“I was trying to remind myself it was a hybrid and judge it accordingly. On the other hand, I was trying to forget it was a hybrid and see what I thought. I wasn’t that impressed to begin with, then it came into its own as the speed crept up. I like that initial thrust down low, makes the CR-Z feel lively, even though it’s not a screamer. Damping feels a bit sharp, but that also makes the car feel alive. Great driving position, good instrument layout; it feels special. Visibility is an issue, though, especially rearward. One of my first jobs was driving around in a little Honda CR-X back in the early days, and it reminded me of that with its go-kart feel through the front end. I like that feeling, and could really exploit the CR-Z when we got onto the twisty stuff. I just hope every customer test-drive includes enough twisty roads to let the CR-Z shine.”
There are more shocks than you’d get from licking a police Taser in the list of this year’s finalists for the prestigious Wheels Car of the Year award.
The top-10 list of finalists has been selected from 27 eligible cars and is published in the December issue of Wheels magazine, on sale today.
Perhaps the biggest shock inclusion is Holden’s radical new hybrid/range extender Volt, which has both a plug-in electric motor and a petrol engine, which never directly drives the wheels and is used only to recharge the electric batteries.
The finalists will be judged on functionality, technology, efficiency, safety and value, with the winner to be unveiled on December 17.
Click HERE to read the full story.
There are more shocks than you’d get from licking a police Taser in the list of this year’s finalists for the prestigious Wheels Car of the Year award.
Some of the biggest names in motoring – including Porsche, which launched a new 911 and a new Boxster this year but declined to enter them in the contest – have missed out on the final shortlist of 10 cars.
The Toyota Prius, Mercedes-Benz B Class and Lexus GS also failed to make the final cut.
The top-10 list of finalists has been selected from 27 eligible cars and is published in the December issue of Wheels magazine, on sale today.
Perhaps the biggest shock inclusion is Holden’s radical new hybrid/range extender Volt, which has both a plug-in electric motor and a petrol engine, which never directly drives the wheels and is used only to recharge the electric batteries.
This means the Volt can be used as an electric-only zero-emissions car for city driving, but can also drive from Sydney to Melbourne, using good old petrol, if required. The judges were impressed with its level of technical innovation.
The 2012 finalists are the Honda Civic Hatch, Mercedes ML-Class, Holden Volt, Audi Q3, BMW 3 Series, Opel Astra, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai i30, VW Up, Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86 (mechanically identical, so treated as one car).
The finalists will be judged on functionality, technology, efficiency, safety and value, with the winner to be unveiled on December 17.
“We’ve pared back the field to focus on the cream of the crop, and hopefully one of these will rise to the top,” Wheels editor Stephen Corby said.
