MIAS 2012: Hyundai Elantra named Car of the Year

On the second day of the 2012 Manila International Auto Show, Hyundai’s Elantra ran away with the top plum in the much-coveted 2011-2011 Car of the Year title handed out by the Car Awards Group Inc.

The other Category Winners:

Basic Subcompact Car Kia Picanto 1.0 M/T
Subcompact Car Suzuki Swift 1.4 A/T
Compact Car Hyundai Elantra 1.8 GLS A/T
Crossover Kia Sportage 2.0
Luxury Mid sized Car Volvo S60 T4
Luxury Compact Crossover MINI Countryman S
Midsize SUV 4×2 Mitsubishi Montero Sport 4×2 MT
Midsize SUV 4×4 Mitsubishi Montero Sport GTV 4×4 A/T
Luxury SUV Ford Explorer V6 AWD
Pickup 4×2 Mitsubishi Strada 4×2 A/T
Pickup 4×4 Mitsubishi Strada 4×4 A/T

This is the first time that a Korean automaker has won Car of the Year in Philippines, and is the Elantra’s fourth Car of the Year worldwide, winning the same title previously in Canada, North America, and South Africa.

The Hyundai Elantra stood out not only amongst the vehicles in its class, but also above the rest of the entries for this year’s COTY-P. It ranked high in the Qualitative tests, where it was scored based on criteria such as aesthetics, comfort, and drivability, and was one of the top performers in the Technical test that evaluated the acceleration, braking, and handling characteristics of each vehicle, while offering great value for money. Presenting the award to the Hyundai Elantra once again proves that the title of Car of the Year Philippines is not for the fastest, cheapest, or most popular car in the market. Rather, it is an award for the car that offers best value to the consumers.

For eight years running, CAGI has recognized the best vehicles in the market, awarding the coveted title of Car of the Year Philippines (COTY-P) to the car with the best value for money for consumers. The COTY-P awards is an annual consumer-oriented event organized by CAGI, a non-stock, non-profit organization composed of more than 50 motoring journalists from various print, broadcast, and online media outlets.