Yearly testing wrapped up last fall, the votes were counted, and the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) has just made their most important announcement of the year.
Every year, the panel of Canadian automotive professionals kicks off the Canadian International Auto Show (CIAS) in Toronto, with their Car of the Year and Utility Vehicle of the Year announcements.
The two overall winners come from a list of semi-finalists derived from a larger list of category winners. This year’s category winners came from a dozen vehicle classes, which originated from a field of more than 50 different models.
2010 Canadian Car of the Year
Volkswagen GTI
The Volkswagen GTI beat out the other category winners and semi-finalists in factors like styling, safety, value and merit for the win.
“We are very proud to win this very prestigious award and wish to thank the AJAC members for bestowing this recognition upon our car,” John White, president and CEO of Volkswagen Group Canada Inc., said Thursday. “The Golf GTI is the heart and soul of Volkswagen. To have the Golf GTI named Canadian Car of the Year today by Canada’s automotive media is a very proud moment for us, indeed, and represents the culmination of the hard work on the part of everyone in the Volkswagen brand around the world.”
2010 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year
Subaru Outback
Subaru’s Outback beat semi-finalists from Lexus and Volkswagen to become the Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year. The redesigned Outback boasts several engine and driveline improvements for 2010, as well as a larger new body.
2010 Best New Technology Award
Audi Canada’s Drive Select system
Audi Canada’s Drive Select system allows push-button access to customized steering, suspension and throttle response, giving drivers a more enjoyable and dynamic experience at the wheel.
2010 Best New Design
BMW 335d Sedan
The AJAC Best New Design award is given yearly to a vehicle that best combines form and function in a single package. This year, the win went to BMW’s diesel-powered 335d Sedan. The 335d was a luxury-car category winner as well — and the only diesel vehicle in its voting category.
2010 Best New Green Technology
Ford’s hybrid system with Smart Gauge
Many new green technologies hit the market in the recent past — but Ford takes the award for Best New Green Technology with its next-generation hybrid system with Smart Gauge. According to Ford, the system has helped their Fusion Hybrid sedan to become the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its segment.
