Each year at the beginning of Detroit Motor Show the NAIAS guys announce the car and the truck of the year, and this year’s winners are the Range Rover Evoque and Hyundai Elantra.

The Evoque is actually used to winning COTY awards. since its introduction not so long ago it’s been reaping awards all around the globe. There simply couldn’t be another winner for the truck of the year title.

Why the Evoque is so bloody good? Well, for starters it’s a Range Rover, unanimously known as the coolest brand in the world of cars. It is also a trendy, practical, fuel efficient, highly versatile crossover that is not only good at urban driving, it can also handle off road like a proper Range Rover and is superbly comfortable on motorways as well. And on top of all this, it looks utterly magnificent in both three and five-door guises. It is a very perfect car, with tiny dismissible flaws.

The North American car of the year title goes to the Hyundai Elantra. The Korean car was preferred by the judges over the Ford Focus and VW Passat.

They were impressed by the Elantra’s handsome design, the superb build quality and the interior finish, and its real 40-mpg fuel economy. The car’s real winning card however is its affordability which makes it possible for a wide range of people buying a fuel efficient car without sacrificing style, comfort, and convenience.

For the first time ever an electric car is named the Japanese Car of the Year. It is the Nissan LEAF, obviously.

The electric hatchback adds this award to its other COTYs, including European and World titles. Nissan LEAF was also named the 2012 RJC Car of the Year award winner, presented by the Automotive Researchers’ & Journalists’ Conference of Japan.

Like other parts of the world, the judges were impressed by the LEAF’s value and attractiveness that has received high praise from customers around the world. They think the upsides achieved with this car are so great that you can overlook its drawbacks such as lack of fun and performance, or low range, or more importantly its long recharge time.

The announcement was made at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show.

“We have sold 20,000 Nissan LEAFs and also delivered on our promise of affordable, zero-emission mobility on a global scale. This award is as much a win for Nissan as it is for our customers,” said Nissan President and CEO Carlos Ghosn. “All these accolades show that zero-emission vehicles can clearly be competitive alternatives to conventional ones.”

In the midst of all the misfortunes, finally some good news for Saab. Their 9-5 Sedan 2.8V6 Turbo has been named Car of the Year in Singapore.

I know it’s not much, but when you are inches from death knowing that some people somewhere in the world are still interested in you is certainly flattering.

The annual “Car Buyer’s Guide 2011/2012? ranks all models on sale in Singapore, and the Saab 9-5 was favorably compared with the Audi A6 and BMW 535i in the Executive Sedan class. This shows the people of Singapore have exquisite taste when it comes to choosing an executive saloon, and don’t go for the obvious Merc or Bimmers.

It’s just a pity, the9-5 might soon become history along with the rest of Saab. Or they could be saved, who knows.

We are very happy, says Jonas Hernqvist, Regional Manager for the Asian markets. The markets in Asia are demanding and Singapore especially so, since it so restrictive when it comes to car imports. Therefore it is particularly gratifying and encouraging that the Saab 9-5 is honored in this way.

Now that we are at the end of the year you will find lots of lists like this telling you about the bests and worsts of the year. And they are all rubbish to be honest! The only Car of The Year awards we look forward to every year is indeed Top Gear Awards, because they’re not just a bunch of car bores like most of other journos – no offense to colleagues! They always consider fun and coolness as major factors while picking their favorite cars, and that’s what we really want from a car, fun!

Top Gear 2010 car of the year is the lovely little Citroen DS3. Jeremy’s choice, predictable for those who have seen his new DVD, is Pagani Zonda R, James picked the Bugatti Veyron SuperSport, and Richard, unsurprisingly, went for the Porsche 911 GT2 RS.

Hit the jump for the complete list and beautiful pictures shot in China.

“Creating our Awards issue is always a special event and this year’s shoot was the most ambitious yet,” says Charlie Turner, TopGear’s Editor-in-Chief. “Editing 2010’s cars down to just 12 worthy winners was tough enough. Getting them to China – the fastest growing car market in the world – was even tougher. But I’m delighted with the results, and especially delighted to be crowning the DS3 our car of the year.”

TopGear’s most spectacular Awards issue ever was shot on location in China, against a backdrop of the Forbidden City, downtown Beijing and the Great Wall.

Car of the Year and Small Car of the Year – CITROEN DS3
“Most cars feel like they’ve been edited down from something else. The DS3 does not. It is, for its completeness and rounded set of abilities, a bloody triumph…”

Hypercar of the Year – KOENIGSEGG AGERA
“One of the most devastating road cars ever built. It detonates like a 3,000lb bomb, but the Agera is much more sophisticated than its fission-spec powertrain suggests.”

Cabrio of the Year – MASERATI GRANCABRIO
“Refined grand tourer this may be, but the GranCabrio is still a Maserati: uniquely Italian, seductive and familiar.”

Grand Tourer of the Year – BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT
“A bruising GT with the pace of a sports car and the luxury and civility of a limousine.”

Hot Hatch of the Year – VOLKSWAGEN GOLF R
“It’s difficult to know where to start in praising this car, because it’s extraordinarily good at so many things…”

Family Car of the Year – BMW 520d TOURING
“If the 520d Touring were to put an advert on a dating website, potential prospects would think it a liar. It offers such a comprehensive set of interlocking genius that it sounds too good to be true…”

Engine of the Year – FIAT TWIN AIR
“A little bundle of energy, charm and downright saintliness to prove our good old friend the gasoline engine is still alive and very much kicking…”

Coupe of the Year – PEUGEOT RCZ
“A beautifully balanced car, easy to drive quickly. The RCZ devours roads with a fluency and ease that most small hot cars simply can’t manage.”

Luxury Car of the Year – JAGUAR XJ
“Rarely has a new car slackened so many jaws. A genuine ambitious Jaguar, a blast from the future rather than the past. It handles like the future, too.”

Jeremy’s Car of the Year – PAGANI ZONDA R
“When your head is pinned into the headrest and your ears are bleeding and you’re frightened by the speed and the savagery and the thrill of it all… who cares if you can’t take it shopping in the drizzle?”

James’s Car of the Year – BUGATTI VEYRON SUPER SPORT
“If you can drive, you can drive the Bugatti. It appears to be a glorious irrelevance, but in fact it couldn’t be more pertinent.”

Richard’s Car of the Year – PORSCHE 911 GT2 RS
“Insane, blindingly fast, flamboyant and it goes against everything I’ve ever said about the 911. Which makes me look like a bit of a monkey.”

Source: Top Gear

The ugly but somehow charming Nissan LEAF EV has been awarded 2011 European Car of the Year, to become the first ever all-electric vehicle in the 47-year history of EuroCoty to win the title. The main reason the jury chose the LEAF was its conventional features, despite of its futuristic zero-emission drivetrain. And that’s the thing, the cars of future doesn’t have to look like spaceships or something! The real cars of future will look like the cars of today, just like the Nissan LEAF.

The LEAF is powered by a compact electric motor with an output of 109 PS and 280 Nm of torque, a top speed of 90 mph and a range of over 100 miles on a single charge. The vehicle is fully equipped with features such as regenerative braking, air conditioning, satellite navigation, parking camera and advanced on-board IT and telematics systems.

The world’s first mass-marketed, affordable, zero-emission vehicle for the global market beat 40 contenders to win motoring’s most important accolade. This is the first time in the 47-year history of the annual competition that the award has gone to an electric vehicle. Nissan LEAF’s rivals included vehicles from brands such as Alfa Romeo, Citroen, Dacia, Ford, Opel/Vauxhall and Volvo. The jury included 57 leading motoring journalists from 23 European countries.

Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.’s President and CEO Carlos Ghosn said: “This award recognises the pioneering zero-emission Nissan LEAF as competitive to conventional cars in terms of safety, performance, spaciousness and handling. It also reflects Nissan’s standing as an innovative and exciting brand with a clear vision of the future of transportation, which we call sustainable mobility. With three other electric vehicles in the pipeline from Nissan – and with the imminent market introduction of four additional electric vehicles from our Alliance partner Renault – Nissan LEAF represents a significant first step toward a zero-emission future.”

59 of the top automotive journalists from around the world gathered together again this year in New York to announce the 2010 World Car Of The Year, and as usual they picked something cheap, small and economical. It’s the Volkswagen Polo which has been chosen between 29 other nominees. The car owes a major part of this success to its brilliant BlueMotion technology which really makes all the hybrids look like gas guzzlers!

“We’re honoured that the Volkswagen Polo was chosen by this distinguished group of jurors,” said Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG. “After the great triumph of the Golf last year, we are delighted to repeat this success with the new Polo. These automobiles have reaped numerous awards, winning well-nigh every prize the automotive industry has to award. This shows that Volkswagen is on the right track and is offering arguably the best range of products in its history.”

The latest generation of the Volkswagen Polo has quickly become a favorite in the brand’s lineup to drivers and media alike, with its uncluttered, timeless design, and exceptional versatility and efficiency. More than 230,000 customers worldwide have placed orders for the newest version of Volkswagen’s popular subcompact vehicle.

Now in their seventh year, the World Car of the Year awards, have become one of the most credible and significant programs of its kind. The World Car jurors hail from 25 countries, and are appointed by the World Car Steering Committee on the basis of their expertise, experience, credibility, and influence. Each juror drives and evaluates new vehicles on a regular basis as part of his ongoing, full-time professional work, and, collectively with all the jurors, reaches millions of consumers and automotive enthusiasts across the globe.

In a separate award, the BlueMotion product brand consisting of the Golf, Passat, and Polo, was declared the 2010 World Green Car of the Year by the World Car of The Year organisation.

The 59 member jury awarded the BlueMotion product brand over two other finalists in the 2010 World Green Car award: the Honda Insight and the Toyota Prius.

Jurors felt that: ‘It is not necessary to add an electric motor and a heavy battery pack to achieve class-leading efficiency.  Based on Volkswagen’s common rail diesel engines, the BlueMotion models are among the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the market.  In fact, the Passat BlueMotion can travel just about 1,000 miles on one tank of fuel in the European cycle. As far as internal combustion engines go today, these models are the ultimate you can get.’

‘BlueMotion is one of the most successful efficiency brands worldwide.  It stands for tremendous competence in efficient and economical drive trains at Volkswagen,’ said Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, delighted about the appreciation by the jury.

The award was received at the New York International Auto Show on Thursday morning by Walter de Silva, head of design for Volkswagen Group.

The short list for 2010 World Car of the Year Awards has been announced and as always it misses a number truly great cars for whatever reason the 59 international jurors think! Apart from car of the year category, which by the way contains some ridiculous choices, they also pick the performance and the green car of the year. Now looking at the contenders for the WCOTY award, we can’t help but thinking that the jurors suffer from some serious eye infection! They’ve included BMW X1, ignoring the fact that it’s an absolute minger!

Hit the jump to know about the other candidates. For us, the 2010 WCOTY is the Aston Martin V12 Vantage, and we’ve pictured above!

The 2010 World Car of the Year:

* Audi Q5
* BMW X1
* Chevrolet Cruze
* Kia Soul
* Mazda3
* Mercedes-Benz E-Class
* Opel/Vauxhall Insignia / Buick Regal
* Porsche Panamera
* Toyota Prius
* Volkswagen Polo

The 2010 World Performance Car:

* Aston Martin V12 Vantage
* Audi R8 V10
* Audi TT RS Coupé / Roadster
* BMW Z4
* Ferrari California
* Jaguar XFR
* Lotus Evora
* Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG
* Nissan 370Z
* Porsche 911 GT3
* Porsche Boxster / Cayman

The 2010 World Green Car:

* Ford Fusion Hybrid
* Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid
* Honda Insight
* Toyota Prius
* Volkswagen Bluemotion models

With the new Golf VI TDI diesel VW actually did a great job fulfilling the dream of those who wanted a decent good looking hatch back with above the average performance, but also wanted it to be economical and cheap to run! That’s why the car, which is also U.S-bound,  is nominated for 2010 Green Car of The Year and stands a good chance for the title!

“We’re extremely pleased to have our Golf TDI nominated as one of the top five finalists for the 2010 Green Car of the Year,” said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America. “Since our clean diesel TDI vehicles, like the Golf TDI, deliver more than a thirty percent increase in fuel economy, emit approximately twenty-five percent less harmful greenhouse gas emissions and provide a significant increase in torque we strongly believe they represent an excellent alternative fuel vehicle that provides our customers with the best of both worlds — tremendous fuel efficiency combined with a dynamic driving experience,” added Barnes.

The key to the Golf TDI’s excellence is indeed the 2.0liter VW diesel engine under the hood. This engine averages 67.9 miles-per-gallon in the Jetta TDI, but in the Golf, considering the performance must have been upgraded, it does 30 mpg City, and 42 mpg Highway. Still quit impressive.

The new Golf TDI is 50-state compliant and meets the most stringent emissions standards of California. Its base price starts at a very affordable $21,990. It’s a great car this!

Jeremy Clarkson endorses Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 as his 2008 Car Of The Year. Despite being American and made out of recycled plastic and low build quality, Jezza believes it is just a surprise since it delivers Ferrari performance for almost half the price. ZR1 is powered by a small block V8 LS9 caret engine which develops 638bhp and 604 lb ft of torque. Follow the jump to read Jeremy’s article…

It’s been a quiet year for the world’s motor industry. There have been no wrecks, nobody drowning; in fact, nothing to laugh at at all. But, hidden in the sea of normality and business as usual, were a couple of gems.

We start with the BMW X6, which must receive my inaugural What Were They Thinking Of award. Have you seen one? No, and I doubt you ever will because in a world that’s plagued with recession and run by people who believe the world’s polar bears are up at the North Pole sipping pina coladas and slapping on the factor five, it is surely the most inappropriate piece of corporate thinking since Sir Clive Sinclair said: “Yes. The electric slipper. That’s what people want . . .”

However, I cannot say the BMW X6 is the worst car of the year, partly because I have not yet driven it and partly because it cannot possibly be worse than the Chrysler Sebring Convertible. Unless it smells of slurry and the radio is jammed on Rap FM.

The Sebring is an extraordinary car. Ugly to behold and hateful to drive, it is not cheap, elegant, comfortable, practical, prestigious, clever, economical, luxurious, well designed, well thought out or, if the rental car I drove in America this year is anything to go by, especially well made either. Perhaps this is why the boss of Chrysler chose to go to Washington in his private jet. He knew that if he used a Sebring, it would break down on the way. Or worse, it would get there and he’d be a laughing stock among his business-mates from Ford and General Motors.

Strangely, however, the Chrysler is not the worst car I drove all year. That accolade rests with the diesel-powered Kia Sedona people carrier.

With the Sebring, you get the impression that the designers and engineers couldn’t be bothered to make a good car. With the Sedona you are left with the distinct impression they simply didn’t know how.

I cannot conceive of how empty, pointless and lacking in ambition or style your life must be for the Sedona to be a solution. It is like alcohol-free beer, a pointless car-free facsimile of the real thing, and as a result, it can have no place in the life of a sentient being.

The biggest disappointment of the year is a closely fought contest between any number of cars but the winner is Audi’s RS 6. It promises much and on a racetrack it delivers a great deal. But to buy a five-seat estate car simply because it’s so fluent through Becketts is like going out to buy a pet goldfish and coming home with a horse “because it’s so good over the Chair”.

The drawbacks you will encounter in real life are too endless. The uncomfortable seating, the weird steering and a very real sense that in a car like this, 572bhp is a lot more than you will ever need. It’s said you can’t be too beautiful or too rich but you can have too much power. Because one minute you’ll be overtaking a lorry and the next you’ll go mad and want to invade Poland.

Other disappointments are mostly centred on cars which aren’t really as good as others that do broadly the same thing. The Ford Kuga, for instance, is not as good as the Volvo XC60 and the Renault Twingo Renaultsport is not as good as a Fiat 500 Abarth. And then there’s the Vauxhall Insignia, which is massively better than the Vectra it replaces. But not quite as good as the Ford Mondeo. And who says: “Right. What I want to buy is the second-best four-door saloon with no badge prestige”? Actually, come to think of it; who wants to buy the best?

My main gripe of the year, though, rests with seat designers who have got it into their heads that we only like leather – there’s really nothing wrong with pleblon, especially on a day that’s hot or cold, and doubly especially if there are any corners between your house and your place of work.

Worse, though, they seem to think that what we really want are seats in our cars that are less comfortable than those in our kitchens. I know that cod liver oil is good for you. I also know you will go to heaven if you only eat weeds and you spend your evenings embroidering kneelers for the local church. But we are not all vegi-vicars. That is why we don’t wear hair shirts and it’s why we want the seats in our cars to have a bit of give. Are you listening, Vauxhall? Are you listening, Ford? Go and find yourself an old Renault Fuego Turbo. Check out the bean bags it came with and you’ll know what I’m on about.

And now we shall move on to the good stuff from the past 12 months. On television recently, I said the best car from the year was the Caterham R500 but it’s important to remember that the criterion we were looking for was very specific. The winner had to do more than you could reasonably expect for the money.

The Nissan GT-R was a contender because it costs almost half as much as a Porsche 911 Turbo and yet around the Nürburgring – and such things do matter with cars like this – it is faster. Then you have the VW Scirocco, which costs, as near as makes no difference, the same as the Golf GTI on which it is based. And yet it’s so much more desirable. But the winner had to be the little Caterham, which is faster round the Top Gear track than the Bugatti Veyron . . . even though it costs about 30 times less.

However, if you broaden the search engine and look simply for the best car of the year, the Caterham isn’t in with a shout because it’s ugly and geeky and I wouldn’t have one even if the option was the loss of my right testicle.

Best car, then? Hmmm. You cannot discount the Rolls-Royce Phantom drophead because it is exquisite in almost every way. Nor can we ignore the Fiat 500 Abarth because it’s just so bouncy and wonderful and so full of enthusiasm. I don’t think it would be possible to be in a bad mood while driving this car. And soon there will be a 200bhp version with a spoiler the size of Middlesex on the roof. That’ll make the Mini Cooper look like a brogue.

However, the car I’ve selected wins because it’s just such a surprise.

Over the years there have been a great many Corvettes, and none of them, if we’re honest, have been any good. Oh, there have been some fast ones and some with great charisma. Mostly, they have been pretty as well. But to drive? No. They were the automotive equivalent of Big Macs. Cheap, plastic and at the right time, and in the right place, sort of just what you want. But like I said. Just no.

And then out of nowhere came the ZR1, which has a supercharged V8 that manages to be both docile and extraordinarily savage all at the same time. I’ve been trying to think of a dog that pulls off a similar trick, but there isn’t one. And anyway, this car is not a dog.

Oh, it’s not built very well. After just three days in my care, the boot lock disintegrated and the keyless go system refused to acknowledge the keys were in the car, but I didn’t mind because there is simply no other car that looks this good, goes this fast – in a straight line and around corners – and that most of the time bumbles about like a forgetful uncle. And when you throw in the price tag of just £106,690 – lots for a Corvette but modest next to a similarly powerful Ferrari – the case for the defence can sit down and put up its feet knowing that the prosecutor simply has nowhere to go.

It is an epic car and I’m only sad that unless the healthcare and pensions company that makes it can be turned around, it will be the last of the breed.

Indeed, I worry that the next 12 months will bring us many wrecks, many drownings and absolutely nothing to laugh at at all. I shall therefore stop short of wishing you a prosperous new year. Instead, I shall hope that in our new-found poverty, we can still all be happy.

source : Jeremy Clarkson column in TIMES UK