world car awards the road to world car · yoshihiro kimura (auto motor und sport) peter...

THE ROAD TO WORLD CARW O R L D C A R A W A R D S

B E G A N I N P A R I S , S E P T . 2 9 , 2 0 1 6 . E N D S I N N E W Y O R K , A P R I L 1 3 , 2 0 1 7

After officially launching the World Car Awards’ program

for 2017 inside the BMW stand at the Paris Motor Show

in September, the world’s No 1 car awards – in terms of

media reach – staged its third joint manufacturer Los

Angeles Test Drive session in mid-November in a warm and

sunny Pasadena. In what turned out to be the biggest and

best L.A. Test Drives yet, 34 jurors from a dozen countries

evaluated 27 cars.

Held over a 5-day period from November 13-17, jurors from

the U.S., Canada, Germany, India, Japan, U.K., Sweden,

Russia, Mexico, Poland, Netherlands, Slovenia, and

Australia evaluated eligible vehicles from Aston Martin,

Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Fiat, Honda, Hyundai,

Infiniti, Kia, Mazda, McLaren, Mercedes Benz, Porsche,

Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo (alphabetical order). World

Car thanks the OEMs for their support of our L.A. Test

Drives and for supplying a record number of candidate

vehicles.

The two main benefits of this test drive are 1) that it allows

jurors access to models that they would not normally be

L . A . T E S T D R I V E S

Peter Lyon - Chairman, World Car Awards

T H E R O A D T O W O R L D C A R T A K E S M A N Y P A T H S

able to test-drive in their own countries, and 2) by driving

the specially conceived city street--freeway--mountain

road course north of Pasadena, jurors are able to test rival

makes back to back on identical roads.

And for the first time, World Car welcomed communications

executives from Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, FCA, Toyota

and Nissan as well as PR directors from WCA’s partner, the

New York International Auto Show at our inaugural joint

manufacturer-juror dinner held at the Westin Pasadena.

Jurors now have around one month to complete their test

drives of eligible vehicles before the first round of secret

online voting in the awards’ six categories (World Car of

the Year, World Green Car, World Performance Car, World

Luxury Car, World Car Design and the newly added World

Urban Car) begins in mid-January.

After vote tabulation by KPMG, jurors will be presented

with the top 10 and top 5 vehicles in each category for

a second round of online voting in early February. Then,

inside the Bridgestone stand at the Geneva Motor Show in

early March, World Car will announce the finalists in all six

categories before unveiling the winners at a high profile

awards ceremony at the New York International Auto Show

in mid-April.

In an exciting new development, World Car is proud to

announce that Italy’s well-known automotive brake system

specialist, Brembo S.p.A., has just joined the ranks of

World Car’s presenting partners. The company joins

current presenting partners Autonuem and Bridgestone as

sponsors for 2017. A hearty welcome to all at Brembo and

we look forward to a long partnership.

World Car is more than just an awards program. It is a

resource for the industry with a focus on excellence and

innovation on a global scale. Our role is not just to reward

current achievement but to also provide an insight into the

future via trend studies and related initiatives and to foster

innovation for that future.

We look forward to seeing you all in Geneva in March and

then New York City in April when we will announce the

winners of the 2017 World Car Awards.

On the road: Jurors were able to test rival makes back to back

A U S T R A L I A

Joshua Dowling

(News Limited Australia)

Paul Gover (Carsguide.com.au)

G E R M A N Y

Thomas Geiger

(Welt am Sonntag, Welt)

Yoshihiro Kimura

(Auto Motor und Sport)

Peter Schwerdtmann

(Auto-Medienportal.Net)

I N D I A

Siddharth Vinayak Patankar (NDTV)

M E X I C O

Oscar Sanabria

(Auto Explora Group)

S L O V E N I A

Milos Milac (Finance Business Daily)

J A P A N

Shinichi Katsura (GENROQ)

Yasuhiko Kawamura

(Motor Magazine)

Peter Lyon (Car & Driver, Forbes)

Hideshi Matsuda (Holiday Auto)

Goro Okazaki

(Weekly TV Show – Goro Okazaki’s

Car Talk)

Koji Ozawa (Best Car)

P O L A N D

Maciej Pertynski (Auto Moto, Motor)

E N G L A N D / S C O T L A N D

Mike Rutherford

(Auto Express, BBC TV and radio)

Richard Aucock (Motoring Research)

Richard Bremner (Autocar (UK))

Kyle Fortune (Car Enthusiast)

Steve Fowler (Auto Express)

Charlie Turner (Top Gear)

JOURNALISTS / JURORS WHO ATTENDED L.A. TEST DRIVES

B Y C O U N T R Y & O U T L E T

2 0 1 7 W O R L D C A R A W A R D S

L . A . T E S T D R I V E S – N O V . 1 3 – 1 7 , 2 0 1 6

T H E W E S T I N P A S A D E N A

N E T H E R L A N D S

Henny Hemmes (The Detroit Bureau,

The Auto Channel)

C A N A D A

Gerry Malloy (Autofile.ca)

Mark Richardson (The Globe & Mail)

U S A

Matt Askari (Autoblog, Cool Hunting)

Zac Estrada (Carscoops, Carfax)

Richard Homan (Kelley Blue Book)

Jeff Jablansky (Road and Track)

John McCormick (Detroit News)

Tim Stevens (CNET)

Jaclyn Trop (Forbes, Men’s Health)

R U S S I A

Vitaly Tishchenko (BBC Top Gear)

S W E D E N

Robert Collin (Aftonbladet)


DRIVING IMPRESSIONS

WORLD CAR OF THE YEAR

BUICK LACROSSE

There’s life in the old four-door Sedan yet. The Buick

LaCrosse eschews the current ‘everything has to be an

SUV’ trend and is all the better for it: a relaxed, refined,

really rather nice way to travel. The interior is particularly

well made and comes with plenty of gadgets. There’s decent

space inside and it looks pretty good, too. The gearbox is

too keen to kick down, but otherwise the LaCrosse is a

pleasing piece of modern-day Americana.

Steve Fowler (Auto Express – United Kingdom)

BUICK ENVISION

I must say this SUV was quite an interesting car. I found

out it has astonishingly comfortable suspension and

incredibly precise steering. For a middle size SUV it was

simply something outstanding. As far as the car itself is

concerned, I daresay it’s a very nice, quite luxurious cabin

of really good fitting.

Maciej Pertynski (Auto Moto, Motor)

CHEVROLET CRUZE

Small, budget-price American cars usually betray their

low-cost roots within moments of taking the wheel - low-

rent plastics, upholstery as inviting as a park bench and

an often crude way of moving down the road. But not this

latest Cruze.

It’s well-finished, pays homage to the pleasingly unusual,

multi-material dashboard of the previous model, it’s

spacious, refined and comes with a suite of appealingly-

presented connectivity and information features that

power the Cruze right into the digital now. The Cruze has

impressively few rough edges, does nothing badly, many

things well and is very well provisioned.

Richard Bremner (Autocar – United Kingdom)

W O R L D C A R A W A R D S J U R O R S


GENESIS G80

If we at the World Car Awards were to hand out a ‘most

improved company of recent decades’ prize, my guess is

that the Hyundai Group might win it on the grounds that it

has come from nowhere to establish itself as a global top

five player - in sales terms at least.

One of its finest models is the Genesis G80 which boasts a

spec sheet, price ($41,400 - $54,550 in the US), interior/

external design, and safety package that can’t fail to

impress, while at the same time providing merely adequate

levels of driving performance and satisfaction you’d expect

from a luxury barge designed in Korea for mainly middle-

aged men of this world.

G80 has much going for it, but it’s got a bit of an image and

(lack of) heritage problem, questionable future residual

values in some markets, and ultimately fails to better many

of its more desirable, genuinely premium product rivals

from Germany, Britain and Japan.

Mike Rutherford (Auto Express, BBC TV and radio)

HONDA CIVIC

CHRYSLER PACIFICA

Whenever I go to the States, I am always reminded that

there’s nothing better to drive here than American cars.

A neat, stylish minivan, the Pacifica surprised me with

its handling ability and balance to traverse some tricky

mountain roads. This might be a large minivan but it

betrays its body type and mass thanks partly to the well-

thought out front-rear weight distribution and partly

because of its gutsy 3.6L V6 married to a smooth shifting

9-speed automatic. It has excellent straight-line stability

and precise steering.


FIAT 124 SPYDER

The Fiat 124 Spider hits all the right notes. Based on the

MX5, the Italian car gets an enigmatic retro style that

convinced me to drive for hours. It is comfortable and the

turbo engine describes perfectly what a roadster must

do when you press the gas pedal. The design is a subtle

remembrance of the road trips in every old movie through

the coast of Amalfi and Cinque Terre. The convertible’s

combination of good taste and an enjoyable ride promises

to make memorable moments behind the wheel.

Oscar Sanabria (Auto Explora Group - Mexico)


What a nice chassis. Very enjoyable to drive. Good riding

comfort. And I really love the rear camera operating when

you make sign to turn right. Clever and safe. Perfect! I also

like the sort of 1970:s design of the dashboard.

Robert Collin (Aftonbladet newspaper - Sweden)

HYUNDAI ELANTRA

The sixth-generation version of Hyundai’s compact sedan

got a major makeover that’s sure to keep it in the fight in one

of the most competitive segments in the North American

market. It’s highly attractive, solidly constructed, roomy

for it’s size and a thoroughly pleasant driver. What’s not

to like?

Gerry Malloy (Autofile – Canada)

INFINITI Q60

This is a real alternative to the German trio – a beautiful

coupe GT with premium atmosphere in the cabin, lots of

electronic gadgets (like a by-wire steering wheel or two-

touchscreen-control of all the systems) and a great engine.

The car is comfortable, rides very well, the ergonomics are

almost perfect and visibility quite acceptable, considering

that the rear-view camera is always aboard with any spec.

I just loved the new 3.0T engine with 405 hp.

Maciej Pertynski (Auto Moto and Motor - Poland)

JAGUAR F-PACE

The Jaguar F-PACE is certainly a good looking machine,

bringing the modern Jaguar design language to its biggest,

tallest application yet.

On-road driving dynamics don’t hold a candle to the much

smaller F-TYPE, of course, but the sound and feel and

overall experience show that Jaguar is still positioning this

as a drivers’ machine.

And, with plenty of tricks and tech borrowed from Land

Rover, I’m pretty sure the F-PACE won’t disappoint when

the pavement ends, either.

Tim Stevens (CNET - USA)

KIA CADENZA


For Kia, the Cadenza shows that the South-Korean brands

can stand their ground in a segment dominated by the

Germans. Its sophisticated looks are enhanced by a stylish

and roomy interior, outfitted with excellent materials,

including soft nappa leather for the sets, suede and piano

black wood.

Its front-wheel drive architecture is well set up to deal with

the 3.3-liter V6 engine works together with an 8-speed

transmission, while it offers comfort and quietness all the

way.

The new Kia has the looks, the safety packages and quality

to be a serious competitor.

Henny Hemmes (The Detroit Bureau - Netherlands)

KIA SPORTAGE

The new fourth-generation Kia Sportage is larger, slicker

and much more refined than its predecessor and it’s

exceptionally well equipped for its price. It’s also both

comfortable and rewarding to drive, with ride and handling

characteristics that belie its utility-vehicle character.

Definitely a worthy competitor in a vehicle class that’s

growing rapidly, world-wide.

Gerry Malloy (Autofile – Canada)

MAZDA CX-9

In pictures, the CX-9 looks little more than a big CX-5. In

the metal, it looks… big. It has status.

It has rich car details absent on the CX-5 and, inside, feels

suitably upmarket, even if, yes, it doesn’t quite look it. The

engine is a gem, handling brings a touch of MX-5 to the

crossover minivan segment.

Richard Aucock (Motoring Research – United Kingdom

VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN

Sitting on a new MQB platform, this second generation

Tiguan is certainly a good-looker.

It boasts class-leading quality, excellent petrol and diesel

engines with effortless dual clutch gearboxes, precise

steering and honed on-road dynamics that make it one of

the most desirable SUVs on the market.

I was impressed with its overall interior refinement and

exceptional ride quality with a revised 4-mode 4WD system

and generous clearances that turn the Tiguan into a go-

anywhere SUV.



WORLD LUXURY

CADILLAC CT6

Technologically rich in build and specification the CT6

Cadillac’s competitor in the luxury saloon (sedan)

marketplaces shows some real promise.

Comfort levels and specification are both very high, though

it falls short on material quality against its premium rivals.

Likewise, the ride and handling and powertrain trail its

European rivals for driver appeal, the CT6 close, but not

quite up there with the established class leaders as an all-

round package.

Kyle Fortune (Car Enthusiast Editorial Agency – United

Kingdom)

CADILLAC XT5

Picking up where the SRX left off, but losing around 300 lbs

in the process, the XT5 is more than a capable upmarket

crossover.

Oozing Cadillac-ness from every pore, this SUV employs

a beefy 310hp 3.6L V6 with crisp 8-speed auto, a solid

chassis and commendable torque vectoring all-wheel-drive

that put this BMW-hunter on the map in terms of sporty

handling and driver involvement.

Incorporating improved interior materials, the cabin

feels plush while a minimalist design for the dashboard

eliminates button clutter.


GENESIS G90

I now know what it must have been to drive the first Lexus

all those years ago. The Genesis G90 is an astounding

luxury car. The interior is as cut-above as a Mercedes-Benz

S-Class, gadgetry is comprehensive, the ride is delicious

and, overall, it delivers a Black card experience for a Gold

card price. Believe the hype..

Richard Aucock (Motoring Research – United Kingdom)

**

The Genesis Q90 is impressive. This luxurious car defines

a new way to move in style. It generated a great amount

of thoughts and feelings in me; its clean design opens a

window for a new luxury customer; one that seeks quiet

and safety.

The power of the V6 engine delivers 365 hp and provides

a comfortable and robust ride. I found it silent and cozy. It

never lets down its elegance and refinement.

Oscar Sanabria (Auto Explora Group - Mexico)


MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS SEDAN

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class can drive almost

driverless, but there is more besides the technology that

actively improves safety.

There are new throrax-pelvis sidebags to reduce the forces

to the upper body and pelvis during a side collision. Also

new is Pre-Safe Impulse Side.

It uses air chambers, integrated in the side bolsters of the

front seats’ backrests. When the system recognizes an

inevitable side impact, a compact air bladder in the outer

bolster is inflated, pushing the occupant away from the

door where the collision is imminent.

Tests showed that the relative velocity can be reduced

between the occupant and the loads on the rib cage by 50

percent.

Henny Hemmes (The Detroit Bureau, The Auto Channel -

Netherlands)

RANGE ROVER EVOQUE CONVERTIBLE

The Range Rover Evoque is visually stunning and probably

the most solid convertible ever built. I don’t think it’s made

for every market, but it’s definitely an LA-style car. The

cabin was plush and spacious – I just wish I’d had three

friends to share it with!

Jaclyn Trop (Forbes, Men’s Health - USA)

VOLVO S90/V90

The Volvo S90 is a fresh take on an established format:

the luxury sedan. Its clean and efficient design inside and

out also create a sense of luxury few other companies take

today. And that is its allure and calling card in a competitive

segment.

Zac Estrada (Carscoops, Carfax - USA)


WORLD PERFORMANCE

ASTON MARTIN DB11

As the coupe that redefines the brand, Aston’s new DB11

is a revelation. Dripping with sleekness and voluptuous

curves, the two-door looks even more adorable in the

California sun than the car I drove in Japan. It employs

an in-house developed twin turbo V12 that’s as smooth as

silk and serves up dollops of torque from low down. Past

3000rpm, it’s a symphony.

The new multi-link rear setup, brilliant new chassis and new

electrically assisted steering are pivotal in transforming

this Aston into one of the best handling grand tourers ever.

I can think of no other GT car I’d rather drive.


MCLAREN 570S

Driving the Los Angeles Crest Highway in a McLaren 570S

is the sort of thrill that reminds one why the car industry

can be so much fun.

As a hardcore sports car, the McLaren is hard to beat in

terms of visceral appeal; dramatic acceleration, intimate

steering response, flat cornering behavior.

So vivid is the dynamic feel of the 570S that one can easily

overlook its flaws; overwrought front end design, cramped

footwell, sub-par infotainment system and numerous

ergonomic flaws.

John McCormick (Detroit News/Forbes - USA)

PORSCHE 718 BOXSTER S

Tremendously impressed that the car could extract that

much performance out of a four-cylinder, I really got out

thinking that it was completely sufficient and not lacking,

which is no small feat of engineering.

The fun, ease, and impeccable handling characterize an

impressive offering.

Matt Askari (Autoblog, Cool Hunting - USA)


WORLD GREEN CAR

CHEVROLET MALIBU HYBRID

This version of the Malibu is differently shaped because it

is a hybrid. The car has an 1.8 liter four-cylinder gasoline

joined by two electrical motors, which assist and especially

save fuel.

The total power of 134 kilowats are strong enough to jump

up to 60 miles (96 kilometers per hour) in 7.4 seconds,

and when I reached 65 miles per hour, the engine is quiet,

consumption falls below five liters, which is an excellent

result for such a big car.

Neat interior complements the rich furnishings, 7 inch

screen, wide and soft seats. The Malibu handles well with

the curves of the Angeles Crest drive route and maintains

a fairly accurate steering, effortless handling.

Milos Milac (Finance business daily - Slovenia)

TOYOTA PRIUS PRIME

I wasn’t sure what to expect from the Prius Prime, but the

Angeles Crest Highway was the place to find out. Toyota’s

latest Prius charged its battery on the Interstate to get

there and then delivered a peppy, all-electric ride both up

and down the twisting canyon road.

The suspension is clearly new and much improved, while

the instant torque of the electric motor was felt pulling out

of the curves. We don’t have many roads like the Angeles

Crest in Canada, but the Prime felt right at home.

Mark Richardson (The Globe & Mail – Canada)

TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID

It’s clever and reassuringly reliable, Toyota’s RAV4 Hybrid

which feels like a proper, grown-up car with the best of

both worlds - gasoline and electric power.

It’s a car for gentle commuting and vacationing, rather

than driving hard, fast and frantically.

And although it is, on paper, a fuel miser, it’s nowhere

near as frugal as its diesel equivalent, thereby leading me

to conclude that this hybrid SUV may be too clever - and

expensive - for its own good.

Mike Rutherford (Auto Express, BBC TV and radio)

L.A. Test Drives photos by Yasuhiko Sato

wcoty.com or Beth Rhind, Executive Manager, [email protected]

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BEGAN IN PARIS SEPT. 29, 2016. ENDS IN NEW YORK APRIL 13, 2017.

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world car awards the road to world car · yoshihiro kimura (auto motor und sport) peter...

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