The Chery Tiggo 8 is Fitted with One of the World's Best Gearboxes

The Chery Tiggo 8 received recognition for its Getrag 7-speed wet-type dual clutch transmission with the China Auto Evaluation Institute selecting it as one of the “World Top 10 Transmissions.”

Using internationally recognized transmission evaluation metrics, the Chery Tiggo 8’s gearbox was tested for its efficiency, vibration, and noise. In the end, it managed to beat not just homegrown Chinese brands, but even some imported transmission systems as well.

The selection, a first of its kind in China, reflects Chery’s increased technical achievements. They were the first Chinese automaker to have independently developed engine, transmission, chassis, engine management system, and platform technologies.

In the field of transmission technology, Chery started to independently develop CVT technology in 2003, and completed a full process of independent design, validation and mass production in 7 years. During its CVT R&D, Chery applied for and obtained over 40 patents in areas such as product design, processing, assembly and testing, breaking the monopoly of multi-national companies in high-end automatic transmission technology.

By late 2019, Chery had applied for 18,601 patents and obtained 12,012 patents, including 3,540 patents for invention (30 percent of all authorized patents), ranking top in China's auto industry.

Its flagship SUV, the Chery Tiggo 8 is highly favored and trusted by consumers with sales of over 100,000 units in 2019 alone.

Against All Odds, the Kia Telluride is the 2020 World Car of the Year

With just a 33 percent chance to win, the Kia Telluride pulled off an upset by getting crowned as the 2020 World Car of the Year. It beat the two other finalists, the Mazda CX-30 and Mazda3 to be the first Korean automaker to win the top prize.

The Telluride is Kia’s newest three-row SUV. The big, boxy design is meant to convey a go-anywhere attitude, while its strong and stiff unibody platform is made of almost 60 percent advanced high-strength steel. It’s powered by an Atkinson Cycle Lambda II 3.8-liter V6 producing 291 horsepower and 355 Nm of torque mated to an 8-speed automatic.

Serving as Kia’s flagship SUV, it can be optioned with things such as Nappa leather, simulated brushed metal and matte-wood accents, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

Aside from the Telluride’s win, Kia also scored a win with the Kia Soul EV as the 2020 World Urban Car of the Year. The Kia Soul EV stood out against the two other finalists—the MINI Electric and Volkswagen T-Cross.

“Everyone at Kia is truly honored to receive not just one, but two awards from the World Car Awards judging panel,” said Thomas Schemera, Executive Vice President and Head of Product Division at Kia Motors Corporation. “This is one of the hardest-fought competitions in the global automotive industry, proving that the Telluride and Soul EV are both truly outstanding vehicles. These accolades are testament to the talents and efforts of a worldwide team, who all strive to create desirable, high-quality and practical cars that drivers love.”

Vehicles were selected and voted on by an international jury panel comprising 86 prominent automotive journalists from 24 countries around the world. Each juror was appointed by the World Car Steering Committee on the basis of his or her expertise, experience, credibility, and influence. The international accounting firm KPMG tabulated the jurors’ ballots.

Porsche Scores Double Win as 2020 World Luxury Car and World Performance Car of the Year

The Porsche Taycan scores a double win as the 2020 World Performance Car of the Year and 2020 World Luxury Car of the Year.

This is the sixth win for Porsche in the World Performance Car category, having previously won the category in 2017, 2014, 2013, 2012, and 2016. It’s the first with for the German automaker though in the World Luxury Car category.

It managed to beat its siblings—the Porsche 911 and Porsche 718 Boxster / Cayman GT4 for the World Performance Car title, while it beat out the Mercedes-Benz ECQ and Porsche 911 for the World Luxury Car title.

“The Porsche Taycan was designed with a clear purpose: To show that an electric car could provide the performance, driving pleasure and everyday comfort and usability that characterizes every Porsche. We are very proud that the international jury of the World Car Awards believes that we have succeeded”, said Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board, Porsche AG.

Vehicles were selected and voted on by an international jury panel comprising 86 prominent automotive journalists from 24 countries around the world. Each juror was appointed by the World Car Steering Committee on the basis of his or her expertise, experience, credibility, and influence. The international accounting firm KPMG tabulated the jurors’ ballots.

The all-electric Porsche Taycan is confirmed to make its Philippine debut some time in 2020.

The Mazda3 is the Best Designed Car in the World

Design experts and journalists have spoken: the Mazda3 is the best designed car in the world. This comes as the compact car was judged the 2020 World Car Design of the Year.

The 2020 Mazda3 is the first vehicle to showcase the Evolved Kodo design, a more mature rendition targeting greater styling prestige through the elegance and rigor of a minimalist, less-is-more aesthetic inspired by the purest traditions of Japanese art and the beauty of space between objects.

This year marks the second time for Mazda to win the award. The first time was in 2016 with the MX-5 which also won the World Car of the Year.

“Before accepting this prize, Mazda Motor Corporation would like to express our sympathy for all of those affected by the novel coronavirus,” said Akira Marumoto, Representative Director, President and CEO, Mazda Motor Corporation. “We are truly honored to be able to receive the World Car Design of the Year award in this special year marking the 100th anniversary of Mazda’s foundation. We will continue providing our customers with unique products, designs, technologies and experiences.”

“Ultimately, it is our clients who are the true winners with every Mazda they drive. Because of this award, they can stand high and fully appreciate the choice they made, the same choice that will serve them admirably for the years to come,” said Steven Tan, President and CEO of Mazda Philippines.

According to the World Car of the Year, the recipient of the World Car Design of the Year goes to a vehicle that shows innovation and pushes established boundaries.

This year, the cars eligible for the 2020 World Car Design of the Year award encompassed all the contenders competing in the other award categories: World Performance Car, World Luxury Car, World Urban Car, and World Car of the Year.

A design panel consisting of seven highly respected world design experts was asked to first review each candidate, and then establish a short-list of recommendations for the jurors. The design experts are in alphabetical order:

• Anne Asensio (France – Vice-President, Design, Dassault Systemes), 
• Gernot Bracht (Germany – Pforzheim Design School), 
• Ian Callum (United Kingdom – Director of Design, CALLUM), 
• Patrick le Quément (France – Designer and President of the Strategy Committee, The Sustainable Design School), 
• Tom Matano (USA – School of Industrial Design at Academy of Art University in San Francisco), 
• Gordon Murray (U.K. - Gordon Murray Design), and 
• Shiro Nakamura (Japan - CEO, Shiro Nakamura Design Associates Inc.).

After much deliberation, the finalists were the Mazda3, Peugeot 208, and the Porsche Taycan. The winner was then voted by an international jury panel comprising 86 automotive journalists from 24 countries around the world.

Mazda Just Won Its 9th Red Dot Design Award

Mazda won its eighth and ninth Red Dot Design award in the KODO design era with the CX-30 and MX-30 SUV. It joins the all-new Mazda3, MX-5 RF, MX-5, CX-3, Mazda2, Mazda6, and previous generation Mazda3 in gaining recognition at the annual design awards.

Founded in 1955, Red Dot is one of the world’s largest design competitions. The product design winners, selected this year in 48 categories including cars & motorcycles, have earned the right to use the Red Dot symbol, an international seal of excellence.

“The winners of the Red Dot Award have proved that they have created excellent products worthy of winning an award,” says professor Dr. Peter Zec, founder and CEO of Red Dot. “The products won over the jury not only through their aesthetics, but also thanks to their incomparable functionality. With their designs, the award winners are setting new standards in their industry.”

The Mazda CX-30 is the second production model created with the latest evolution of the KODO design philosophy—artful design, rooted in traditional Japanese aesthetics. The honing of every element according to the ‘less is more’ principle has resulted in clean, beautiful surfaces on the CX-30 and brought an entirely original look to the compact crossover SUV segment.

Meanwhile, though retaining the beautiful, hand-crafted forms of KODO design, the styling of the Mazda MX-30 represents an exploration of a more modern aesthetic which focuses on the futuristic values and lifestyles that are beginning to emerge.

Two Mazdas and a Kia are the 3 Finalists for the 2020 World Car of the Year

The countdown to the 2020 World Car of the Year continues with the announcement of the Top Three Finalists in the world, and in a rather surprising twist: two come from the same brand.

A jury of 86 international automotive journalists selected the finalists based on their evaluation of each eligible vehicle as part of their professional work. The ballots, cast by secret, were tabulated by KPMG.

The Top Three Finalists are (in alphabetical order) are:

• Kia Telluride
• Mazda CX-30
• Mazda3

These three vehicles managed to beat the other finalists including the Mercedes-Benz CLA, Land Rover Evoque, and the Volkswagen Golf. Late last year, Mazda shocked the world being the only Japanese brand in the 29 shortlisted eligible entries.

The other finalists announced also are:

World Urban Car of the Year

• Kia Soul EV
• Mini Electric
• Volkswagen T-Cross

World Luxury Car

• Mercedes Benz EQC
• Porsche 911
• Porsche Taycan

World Performance Car

• Porsche 718 Spyder/Cayman GT4
• Porsche 911
• Porsche Taycan

World Car Design of the Year

• Mazda3
• Peugeot 208
• Porsche Taycan

The Road to the World Car Awards will end with a grand finale awards ceremony at the New York International Auto Show in April.

Peugeot 208 Beats Porsche, Tesla to Become 2020 European Car of the Year

One of the annual highlights of the Geneva International Motor Show was supposed to be the reveal of the European Car of the Year. While the show itself has been canceled in light of the coronavirus spreading across Europe, the committee did announce that the Peugeot 208 captured the industry’s top prize there for 2020.

Judged by 60 European motoring journalists, the Peugeot 208 scored a total of 281 points, enough for the title of European Car of the Year. It beat the Tesla Model 3 (242 points), Porsche Taycan (222 points), Renault Clio (211 points), Ford Puma (209 points), Toyota Corolla (152 points), and the BMW 1 Series (133 points).

The jury appreciated the 208’ bold design and technology, including a choice between a conventional internal combustion engine or full electric version.

Peugeot says nearly 110,000 customers have ordered the all-new 208 since its launch, with 15 percent going for the full electric version.

The 208’s win this year marks the sixth time Peugeot has won the European Car of the Year. In its history, it has won with the 3008 in 2017, 308 in 2014, 307 in 2002, 405 in 1998, and 504 in 1969. This makes Peugeot of the top three winning-est brands for the European Car of the Year prize.

Mazda3, CX-30 Shortlisted in 2020 World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year

Narrowing its field from a shortlist of 29, the jurors of the World Car of the Year revealed its 10 finalists. Chosen by 86 international automotive journalists, the finalists were selected by secret ballot. This year’s list is interesting to say the least with three Koreans in the Top 10 and only one Japanese brand, Mazda.

In alphabetical order, the 2020 World Car of the Year finalists are: Hyundai Sonata

• Kia Soul EV
• Kia Telluride
• Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
• Mazda3
• Mazda CX-30
• Mercedes-Benz CLA
• Mercedes-Benz GLB
• Volkswagen Golf
• Volkswagen T-Cross

For the 2020 World Urban Car, the top five finalists are: Kia Soul EV, Mini Electric, Peugeot 208, Renault Clio, and Volkswagen T-Cross.

Meanwhile, for the 2020 World Luxury Car finalists, they are the BMW X5, BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz EQC, Porsche 911, and Porsche Taycan.

Finally, for the 2020 World Performance Car, the finalists are: BMW M8, Porsche 718 Spyder/Cayman GT4, Porsche 911, Porsche Taycan, and Toyota GR Supra.

For the 2020 World Car Design of the Year, all cars competing in these four categories were automatically eligible. However, to choose the finalists, a design panel consisting of seven highly respected world design experts was asked to first review each candidate, and then establish a shortlist of recommendations for the jurors’ final vote.

The five finalists chosen by the design panel for the jurors’ final vote are, in alphabetical order:

• Alpine 110S
• Mazda3
• Mazda CX-30
• Peugeot 208
• Porsche Taycan

Next stop would be the Geneva International Motor Show in March where the World Car Awards will announce the Top Three in the World finalists. The grand finale will be at the New York International Auto Show in April.

Chevrolet, Kia, and Jeep Win at 2020 North American Car of the Year Awards

One of the highlights of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) aka Detroit Motor Show is the awarding of the North American Car, Utility Vehicle, and Truck of the Year. And while the traditional January car show has moved to a new date in June, that didn’t stop the 50-member jury, composed of major US-based consumer and enthusiast publications in selecting this year’s coveted North American Car, Utility Vehicle, and Truck of the Year.

Founded in 1994, jurors evaluate the finalists based on segment leadership, innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value for the dollar. The process, which started in June 2019 by determining a list of eligible vehicles, included three rounds of voting.

Chevrolet’s gamble to switch to a mid-engined format for the Corvette has reaped its benefits, winning them the North American Car of the Year. Selected not just for its design, but also its impressive performance and refinement.

Meanwhile, the Kia Telluride was named as North American Utility Vehicle of the Year. This marks the first time Kia has won the award capping off an unprecedented number of awards for Kia’s new three-row SUV. Jurors praised the Telluride for its smooth ride and rich interior.

Finally, the Jeep Gladiator was selected as the North American Truck of the Year. Jeep calls the Gladiator the most capable mid-sized truck and jurors seemed to agree. They praised the Gladiator for its all-terrain capability and versatility.

Nissan's VC-Turbo Among Those Cited for 2020 Best Engines

As carmakers face mounting pressure to improve their fuel economy and lower their emissions, they have responded by investing in downsized powertrains. Evidenced by automotive publication Wards’s 2020 10 Best Engines list, more and more winners in this list have opted for electrified engines. As a matter of fact, only one V8 remains on the list.

The U.S.-based Wards chose the winners after evaluating 26 all-new or significantly improved engines and electric propulsion systems during everyday driving in metro Detroit, Michigan from October and November. Editors score each powertrain based on horsepower, torque, comparative specs, NVH management, observed fuel economy, and the application of new technology.

For the first time in 11 years, three inline-6s appear on the list, while four electrified powertrains make the cut for the third consecutive year. In alphabetical order (based on manufacturer), these are the recipients of the 10 Best Engines from Wards this 2020:

• 3.0L (B58) turbo I-6 382 hp (BMW M340i)
• 3.6L Pentastar eTorque V-6 mild hybrid 305 hp (Ram 1500)
• 2.3L High Performance turbo 4-cyl. 332 hp (Ford Mustang)
• 3.0L Duramax diesel I-6 277 hp (GMC Sierra)
• 6.2L V-8 490 hp (Chevy Corvette Stingray)
• 2.0L Atkinson I-4 212 hp total (Honda Accord Hybrid)
• Single Motor Electric Propulsion System 150 kW (Kona EV)
• 1.6L turbo 4-cyl. 180 hp (Hyundai Sonata)
• 3.0L EQ Boost turbo I-6 362 hp (Mercedes GLE450)
• 2.0L VC-turbo 4-cyl. 248 hp (Nissan Altima)

The field of nominees includes some of last year’s 10 honorees. This year’s repeat winners are the BMW 3.0L turbo I-6, FCA Ram Pentastar eTorque, Honda 4-cyl. hybrid, Hyundai battery-electric, and Nissan VC-Turbo 4-cyl.

To be eligible this year, vehicles must have a base price no higher than USD 65,000 (~ P 3.327 million).

According to Wards, the 2020 list of winners “reflects an industry that is trying to do it all with heart-pounding fire breathers, capable pickups that don’t need V8s, family cars that don’t need V6s and a battery-electric CUV that is fun to drive.”

Mazda's Polymetal Gray is the Best New Car Color in Japan

Mazda’s new color—Polymetal Gray received the distinction of being the color of the year at the Japan Fashionable Color Association or JAFCA’s Auto Color Awards 2019.

Established in 1953, the JAFCA promotes the advancement of industrial color design.

For JAFCA, the “nuanced gray with subtle bluish tinge has realized a new texture that has never been seen before.” Moreover, they recognize Polymetal Gray’s role in Mazda’s new premium identity, particularly to highlight its new design philosophy.

This is the third time Mazda won the JAFCA distinction since 2016.

Other nominees for JAFCA’s Auto Color Awards were:

• Kawasaki W800 Street - Metallic Flat Spark Black x Metallic Matte Graphite
• Kawasaki W800 Cafe - Metallic Magnesium Gray x Galaxy Silver
• Suzuki X-Bee - Caravan Ivory Pearl Metallic
• Suzuki X-Bee - Mineral Gray 3-Tone
• Suzuki Katana - Glass Sparkle Black
• Suzuki Katana - Mystic Silver Metallic
• Subaru WRX STI - WR Blue Pearl
• Subaru BRZ - WR Blue Pearl
• Daihatsu Rocky - Black Mica Metallic x Compano Red
• Toyota GR Supra - Matte Storm Metallic
• Toyota RAV4 - Ash Gray Metallic x Urban Khaki
• Nissan Dayz - Soda Double x Ash Brown
• Honda Freed - Seagrass Blue Pearl
• Mitsubishi eK X - Sand Yellow Metallic x White Solid
• Mitsubishi eK X - Natural Ivory Metallic x Sunshine Orange Metallic
• Yamaha Niken GT - Matte Dark Purplish Blue Metallic
• Yamaha Niken - Dark Gray Metallic

The Toyota RAV4 is the Japan Car of the Year 2019-2020

The Japanese press has spoken and they have chosen the 2019 Toyota RAV4 as the Japan Car of the Year (JCOTY) 2019-2020.

The committee chose the RAV4 because they deemed it to be an “SUV of the new era.” They praised Toyota’s compact SUV for meeting all customer needs at a high level. The RAV4 received merit for its easy-to-use all-wheel drive system, a platform which is “both comfortable and enjoyable,” and having a luggage space that’s wide and user-friendly.

The 2019 RAV4 scored 436 points to beat out an impressive list of candidates including the Mazda3, BMW 3 Series, and even the Toyota Corolla.

2019-2020 Japan Car of the Year Results:

• Car of the Year: Toyota RAV4 (436 points)
• 2nd Place: Mazda3 (328 points)
• 3rd Place: BMW 3 Series Sedan (290 points)
• 4th Place: Toyota Corolla (118 points)
• 5th Place: Jaguar I-PACE (109 points)
• 6th Place: Jeep Wrangler (56 points)
• 7th Place: Honda N-WGN (54 points)
• 8th Place: Mercedes-Benz A-Class (53 points)
• 9th Place: Nissan Days / Mitsubishi eK Cross (35 points)
• 10th Place: Daihatsu Tanto (21 points)

The Toyota GR Supra is the Best Sportscar...in Germany

Well, well, well…how’s this for a surprise. Despite being practically twins underneath, the Toyota GR Supra aka A90 aka the “Zupra” managed to beat its BMW twin to become the best sportscar. The most interesting twist? This award was given by Germans.

The GR Supra nabbed a Golden Steering Wheel—considered as one of Europe’s most prestigious new car awards competition. The Golden Steering Wheel awards are presented by Bild am Sonntag, Germany’s most popular Sunday newspaper, and the leading car magazine Auto Bild.

In a unique twist to the usual car awards, the Golden Steering Wheel uses a combination of both popularity vote and expert opinion to determine the winners. First, readers selected their favorites from more than 50 eligible new cars, with the top three in each category then put to the test by a team of expert journalists, racing drivers, and celebrities at the Lausitzring circuit. Each car was assessed against set performance criteria and accorded points scores to determine the overall winners.

This is the second time the GR Supra won the Golden Steering Wheel award with the first being in 1982.

Aside from the GR Supra, the only other Japanese model on the list is the Mazda CX-30 which won for best small SUV. Other winners are the Audi A1 Sportback (small car), BMW 1 Series (compact), Jaguar I-PACE (mid-sized SUV), and the Audi e-tron (large SUV).

Ford Ranger is the 2020 International Pick-Up Truck of the Year

The Ford Ranger has emerged victorious against its competition once more as its slew of upgrades, including the new 2.0-liter Bi-Turbo engine and 10-speed automatic helped it scoop up the International Pick-up Truck of the Year (IPUA) for 2020.

The new Ranger, with its new cleaner and greener drivetrain, together with a number of technical and safety advancements beat out the new Mitsubishi Strada, revised Nissan Navara, Renault Alaskan, and Toyota Hiux for the top prize.

Voted by 18 members of the International Van of the Year jury, the organization that hands out the award, the Ranger beat out the first runner-up—the Mitsubishi Strada by just 6 points (78 to 72). The Hilux ended up third place. The jury members adjudged the Ranger to “be the best all-rounder.”

The Ford Ranger previously won the IPUA in 2013.

Mazda is the Only Japanese Brand to Be Shortlisted for 2020 World Car of the Year Awards

The journey to the 2020 World Car of the Year awards has started and the shortlist has just been announced. This year’s list is dominated by Korean and French brands, while the sole Japanese brand on the list? Mazda.

Eighty-six international automotive journalists who make up the jury panel revealed that the following cars were shortlisted:

• Cadillac CT4
• DS DS3 Crossback / Etense
• DS DS7 Crossback / Etense
• Ford Escape
• Ford Explorer
• Hyundai Palisade
• Hyundai Sonata
• Hyundai Venue
• Kia Seltos
• Kia Soul EV
• Kia Telluride
• Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
• Mazda3
• Mazda CX-30
• Mercedes-AMG A35/45
• Mercedes-AMG CLA35/45
• Mercedes-Benz CLA
• Mercedes-Benz GLB
• MINI Cooper SE
• Opel/Vauxhall Corsa
• Peugeot 208
• Peugeot 2008
• Renault Captur
• Renault Clio
• Renault Zoe R135
• Seat Tarraco
• Skoda Kamiq
• Skoda Scala
• SsangYong Korando
• Volkswagen Golf
• Volkswagen T-Cross

The 2020 World Car of the Year will be revealed at the New York International Auto Show in April.

The 2020 Mazda3 is What Women Want, Apparently

The all-new Mazda3 has been named “Supreme Winner” of the 2019 Women’s World Car of the Year awards. Aside from nabbing the highest distinction of the award giving body, the Mazda3 was also voted as the Women’s World Family Car of the Year.

Established in 2010, Women’s World Car of the Year is voted on by a panel of female judges from over 30 different countries made up of specialist motoring writers, many with racing experiences. These judges are then asked to vote according to criteria women use when buying a car.

Thus safety, value-for-money, aesthetic appearance, storage space, child–friendliness, ease-of-driving, color, sex appeal, and environmental footprint are all categories the judges will be analyzing.

En route to its overall win, the Mazda3 beat out an impressive list of cars including the BMW 3 Series, Toyota GR Supra, and the Porsche 911.

The Women’s World Car of the Year is unique worldwide. It is the only award voted exclusively by women.

First-Generation Mazda MX-5 Inducted into Japan Automotive Hall of Fame

The first-generation Mazda MX-5 enters the Japan Automotive Hall of Fame, recognized by the organization as one of the country’s impost important historic cars.

Cited for its attractive styling and fun-to-drive ethos, the jurors say the MX-5 helped in making Japanese technology globally recognized. Moreover, its cumulative production exceeding one million units and more than 200 awards, including the Guinness World Record for being the best-selling open-top two-seater sportscar helped cement its reputation.

This is the second Mazda model to be inducted into the Japan Automotive Hall Fame with the first one being the Cosmo 110S in 2003.

The Mitsubishi Xpander is the People's Choice for Automobile of the Year

Top-selling models of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) and Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) were proclaimed as the “2019-2020 Auto Focus Automobile of the Year” (AOY) in their respective Standard and Premium/Luxury categories at the Awards Night of the 2019-2020 Auto Focus People’s Choice Awards (AFPCA).

The Mitsubishi Xpander, currently the hottest-selling MPV (Multi-purpose Vehicle) in the market, took the 2019 AOTY– Standard category crown via a consolidated score of 3,368.8 that marked a narrow win over the 3,203.2 points of the Toyota Hilux pickup. The Xpander also landed the “Model of the Year” in the MPV/Van classification for the first time.

In the Premium/Luxury category, the top AOTY award went to the Toyota Alphard van, in runaway fashion. The Alphard also came away as this year’s “MPV/Van of the Year”, following a previous streak of 4 consecutive model of the year wins from 2012-2015. With this 5th annual award, TMP’s top selling premium/luxury model will enter the elite circle of the Auto Focus Model of the Year Hall of Fame.

The AFPCA, organized by Sunshine Television (STV) and now on its 15th edition, is an annual public poll that aims to determine the country’s most popular automobile brands and models. It features a unique scoring system that attributes 80 percent value to public votes from the July 1 to September 30 online poll and 20 percent to unit sales. Official sales volume data for the AFPCA was furnished by Stradcom Corporation with the official sanction of the Land Transportation Office (LTO). The data covered only “Completely Built” and “New Imported” units that were put in for new registration with the LTO from January to September 2019. So-called grey market and used vehicles were excluded. The AFPCA scoring methodology yields Model of the Year awardees in five (5) Standard and four (4) Premium/Luxury classifications and the Automobile of the Year in separate Standard and Premium/Luxury categories from over 180 models in the 2019 AFPCA Official Entry List.

In the race for the other four Standard Model of the Year awards, the Toyota Wigo went back-to-back as “2019 Sedan of the Year”. Maiden victories were scored by the Nissan GT-R as “Sports Car of the Year”, and the Toyota Rush as “SUV/Crossover of the Year”. Of note is the “Pickup of the Year” award of the Nissan Navara, it’s 5th after prior model of the year titles in 2008, 2010, 2011, and 2018. The Navara will now also gain inclusion into the Auto Focus Model of the Year Hall of Fame.

The Premium/Luxury Model of the Year classifications marked 3 first-time awardees. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class debuted as “2019 Premium/Luxury Sedan of the Year”. The Dodge Challenger SRT was honored as “Premium/Luxury Sports Car of the Year”. And, the “Premium/Luxury SUV/Crossover of the Year” plum was cornered by the Mercedes Benz GLA Class.

During the same evening, due recognition was also conferred upon winners of the “2019-2020 Auto Focus Media’s Choice Awards” (AFMCA), an equally important component of STV’s Automobile Industry Merit Program. The AFMCA aims is to further recognize the automobile industry’s continuing efforts to provide car owners and motorists with the best on-board features, styling, performance and overall value. A select group of recognized motoring media professionals and practitioners comprised the AFMCA Voters’ Panel. Prompted by a record-high number of entries and the evident level of parity in many model categories, the Awards Committee maintained last year’s rationalized majority rule that set a 1/3rd or 33.3 percent vote tally requirement for media awardees. The previous 12 Standard and 10 Premium/Luxury model classes were retained. Based on this, 56 winners emerged from the 88 award categories.

These were:

Best Design – Standard: 6 Awards
Honda Brio (Mini Sedan); Mazda 6 (Midsize Sedan); Ford Ranger Raptor (Pickup); Mitsubishi XPander (MPV); Toyota HiAce (Van); Suzuki Jimny (Subcompact Crossover)

Best Design – Premium/Luxury: 5 Winners
Mercedes Benz A-Class (Subcompact Sedan); BMW 5 Series (Midsize Sedan); Lamborghini Urus (Large SUV); Peugeot Traveller (MPV); Toyota Alphard (Van)

Best Engine Performance – Standard: 7 Awards
Honda Brio (Mini Sedan); Subaru Levorg (Compact Sedan); Mazda 6 (Midsize Sedan); Nissan GT-R (Sports Car); Toyota Land Cruiser 200 (Large SUV); Ford Ranger Raptor (Pickup); Toyota HiAce (Van)

Best Engine Performance – Premium/Luxury: 9 Awards
MINI 3Door & 5Door (Subcompact Sedan); Lexus GSF (Midsize Sedan); Porsche Panamera (Large Sedan); Lamborghini Huracan (Sports Car); Porsche Macan (Compact SUV); Porsche Cayenne (Midsize SUV); Lamborghini Urus (Large SUV); Peugeot Traveller (MPV); Toyota Alphard (Van)

Best Safety Features – Standard: 5 Awards
Honda CRV (Compact SUV); Nissan Terra (Midsize SUV); Ford Ranger Raptor (Pickup); Kia Grand Carnival (MPV); Subaru XV (Subcompact SUV)

Best Safety Features – Premium/Luxury: 8 Awards
Mercedes Benz A-Class (Subcompact Sedan); Mercedes Benz C-Class (Compact Sedan); BMW 5 Series (Midsize Sedan); Volvo S90 (Large Sedan); Volvo XC60 (Midsize SUV); Volvo XC90 (Large SUV); BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer (MPV); Honda Odyssey (Van)

Best Value-for-Money – Standard: 9 Awards
Honda Brio (Mini Sedan); Suzuki Ciaz (Subcompact Sedan); MG 6 (Compact Sedan); Volkswagen Lamando (Midsize Sedan); Suzuki Vitara (Compact SUV); Isuzu MU-X (Midsize SUV); Isuzu D-Max (Pickup); Suzuki Ertiga (MPV); Toyota HiAce (Van)

Best Value-for-Money – Premium/Luxury: 7 Awards
Mercedes Benz A-Class (Subcompact Sedan); Lexus IS350 (Compact Sedan); Lexus ES350 (Midsize Sedan); Lexus NX300 (Compact SUV); Lexus RX350 (Midsize SUV); Peugeot Traveller (MPV); Toyota Alphard (Van).

The 2020 Mazda3 Received Recognition for Outstanding Front Visibility

The 2020 Mazda3’s Evolved KODO Design is known to be beautiful and evocative, but did you know it also contributes to the safety and security of children too? Well, Mazda’s new compact car received the Japan-based Kids Design Award for its outstanding front visibility, thereby protecting children from front blind spots.

The Kids Design Award recognizes excellence in products, spaces, and services that realize three design missions: Children can live safely; Children can grow up sensibility and creatively; and Create a society where children can be born and raised.

This year’s diverse panel consisting of representatives from various industries, sports, media, and the academe recognized how the 2020 Mazda3’s A-pillar shape and side mirrors contribute to enhanced visibility. As the world’s first application of ultra-high strength steel (1,310 MPa) in the A-pillar, designers were able to make them thinner, improving visibility without sacrificing crash safety.

The committee also recognized the new wiper design which clears the front view widely and quickly. Further setting the Mazda3 apart, the new wiper design folds down beneath the hood line, while integrating the washer fluid nozzle into the wiper arm itself eliminates the momentary moments of poor visibility whenever the washer fluid is sprayed.

The 2020 Mazda3 is also the first compact car to offer a full suite of driver assistive technologies such as Front and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. When entering T-junctions, FCTA uses front-side radars to monitor diagonal blind spots and warns drivers of approaching objects. The system operates at speeds up to approximately 10 km/h. Meanwhile, when reversing, side-facing sensors on the rear bumper detect oncoming objects, and the system alerts the driver of the moving vehicle, preventing a possible collision.