Canadian Auto Journalists Recognize 2010 Segment Winners in Car of Year Program

November 06, 2009

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NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, Ontario — The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada recently wrapped up its annual TestFest, where it determined the top new vehicles across 12 segments that will go on to compete in the 2010 Car of the Year Awards Program.

AJAC journalists tested and evaluated 157 different vehicles over three days. KPMG, an international accounting firm, compiled the results, which were calculated from more than 46,000 individual data points.

The 2010 category winners are as follows:

—Best New Small Car (under $21k): Mazda3

—Best New Small Car (over $21k): Mazda3 Sport

—Best New Family Car (under $30k): Volkswagen Golf Wagon TDI

—Best New Family Car (over $30k): Ford Taurus

—Best New Luxury Car: BMW 335d Sedan

—Best New Prestige Car: Porsche Panamera Turbo

—Best New Performance/Sports Car (under $50k): Volkswagen Golf GTI

—Best New Sports/Performance Car (over $50k): Audi S4

—Best New Convertible: Audi A5 Cabriolet

—Best New SUV/CUV (under $35k): Subaru Outback

—Best New SUV/CUV ($35k-$60k): Volkswagen Touareg TDI Clean Diesel

—Best New SUV/CUV (over $60k): Lexus RX450h

Vehicles on this list will now contend for the 2010 Canadian Car of the Year or the 2010 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year honors, which will be announced Feb. 11 at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto.

At that event, winners for Best New Design and Best New Technology, presented by Shell Canada, will be announced, as well.

A few automaker executives in Canada shared their thoughts on receiving the segment awards.

"We're excited to win this prestigious award, especially as it comes directly on the heels of our Panamera launch here in Canada," stated Joe Lawrence, president and chief executive officer of Porsche Cars Canada. "After speaking with hundreds of customers and prospects, I'm certain they too feel the same way about the Panamera as the AJAC journalists who voted it winner in its class."

Larry Hutchinson, director of Lexus in Canada, noted: "We'd like to thank AJAC members for recognizing the Lexus RX 450h's winning combination that offers more power, and better fuel efficiency and emissions performance. For a safe, intuitive, comfortable luxury motoring experience in an advanced SUV design, Canadian drivers can count on Lexus."

Finally, Katsuhiro Yokoyama, president and CEO of Subaru Canada, added: "The new Outback has been breaking sales records across Canada since it first appeared in dealerships, and was recently named SUV of the Year by Motor Trend magazine. I'd say the award makes the verdict unanimous."

AR Canada