Reflecting the wide variety of choices Canadian new-vehicle buyers have, the fourth annual Canadian Automotive Jury’s Best of the Best finalists cover several segments, including sedans, coupes, hatchbacks, SUVs, crossovers and sports and performance models.

The 11 award contenders include four European, four Japanese and three domestic models as well as one Korean unit.

The 2013 CAJ Best of the Best Finalists in alphabetical order are:

—Audi A7 (2012 Best of the Best winner)
—Buick Verano
—Cadillac ATS
—Ford Fusion
—Honda Accord
—Kia Rio
—Mazda CX-5
—Porsche Boxster
—Porsche 911
—Scion FR-S
—Subaru BRZ

The winner will be announced in January.

“Being acknowledged as a Best of the Best finalist among vehicles in Canada by such a dedicated group of media is a wonderful distinction,” said Dave Jamieson, assistant vice president of Honda Canada.

“This ninth-generation Accord has once again raised the bar with new Honda powertrain and safety technologies that ensure the all-new Accord continues to lead in fuel economy, safety and fun-to-drive performance,” Jamieson continued.

Meanwhile, Volkswagen Canada officials pointed out the Golf R took home this honor back in 2010.

“To have the ‘ultimate Golf’ nominated this year is testimony to the versatility of the platform,” the automaker said. “The Golf R features a high-output 4-cylinder turbocharged engine tuned to produce 256 horsepower, coupled with a six-speed manual transmission and 4Motion all-wheel-drive. R-specific Talladega 18-inch alloy wheels, high performance brakes and a lowered sport suspension finish off the dynamic package.

“An aggressive body kit provides the car with a serious look, while retaining its graceful elegance and classic lines,” VW officials went on to say. “Inside, sport seats, a race-style steering wheel and color-keyed interior trim items promise a stimulating and comfortable driving environment. All Golf R's feature a sliding glass sunroof, leather trimmed seats and the RNS 510 touchscreen navigation system as standard equipment.”

The Canadian Automotive Jury is a not-for-profit organization, independently funded by its members, which includes 10 senior journalists who account for the vast majority of automotive industry coverage in Canada.