This year’s awards nominated a total of 53 vehicles across 31 categories. Judging was conducted on new models introduced to Malaysia from Oct 1 last year to Sept 30 this year. The gala dinner on Oct 5 saw the Honda CR-V winning the "Car of the Year" award.
The vehicles are from BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Isuzu, Jaguar, Kia, Lexus, Maserati, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Porsche, Proton, Renault, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo and Westar-Maxus. For this year, the best petrol and diesel engines categories were also included.
The event had expanded from the initial 23 categories last year to 31 in 2017.
The panel of CarSifu judges set out to evaluate short-listed cars introduced within the judging window in key areas such as safety, performance, comfort, fuel economy, handling, styling as well as their individual “wow” factor.
Lest you think the cars won on a whim and fancy, they didn't. There's a rationale behind each choice. As it's a long list, CarSifu will split them into three parts to be published consecutively from today until Wednesday.
READ MORE:
Honda CR-V is 2017 ‘Car of the Year’
2017 CarSifu Editors’ Choice Awards in pictures
Below are the reasons for the first batch of selected cars winning in their respective categories:
Car of the Year
Honda CR-V 1.5 TC-P 2WD
This top-grade new 2017 Honda CR-V has a mix of comfort features, driving performance and good handling. The Honda Sensing safety system breaks new ground in this segment, as these driver-assist technologies are typically found in cars from premium marques. What this intelligent system does is it makes driving easier as well as much safer.
Best Compact Hatch
Proton Iriz 1.6-litre Premium CVT
The upgraded Proton Iriz displays better noise insulation and improved powertrain tuning, similar to the Proton Persona, for better driveability and gear shift response. It has a maximum 5-Star Asean NCAP rating for all variants, and represents great value for money.
Best Economy Car (1.0-litre to 1.5-litre)
Peugeot 208 PureTech
The Peugeot 208 Puretech wins the frugality test hands down. It is a competent small car that’s well-packaged with safety features, offers a smooth ride and can achieve a miserly fuel consumption of 4.2 litres per 100km and an incredible 1,190km driving range.
Best Mid-size Car (C-Segment)
Mazda3 G-Vectoring Control (High SkyActiv)
The Mazda3 features top-notch safety features such as Smart City Brake Support and Lane Departure Warning, as well as extra kit like Head-up Display, I-stop Idling technology, electric parking brake, and innovative G-Vectoring Control technology which improves handling, stability and comfort.
Best Large-size Car (D-Segment)
VW Passat 2.0 TSI Highline
Sturdy design language of the Passat combined with a torquey engine, comfortable ride, spacious interior with sporty handling, give it the edge over its rivals.
Best Mid-size Luxury Executive Car
Mercedes-Benz E 250 Avantgarde
Already a luxury car with plenty of presence, refinement and top-notch features, the now locally assembled Mercedes-Benz E 250 Avantgarde gets even better with a RM40,000 lower price tag without reduction in specifications.
Best Large-size Luxury Executive Car
BMW 740Le xDrive
The new generation 7 Series model features a high level of sophistication, luxury, comfort and technology, while inheriting that ‘sheer driving pleasure’ that’s synonymous with the ‘blue and white’ roundel.
Best SUV/Crossover - Compact
Honda BR-V 1.5L V
Sheer practicality and space makes the BR-V a stand-out choice. Attractive packaging wrapped at a most attractive price point. For less than RM95,000; the BR-V seven-seater offers trendy SUV styling and the roominess of an MPV.
Best SUV/Crossover - Mid-size 4X2
Honda CR-V 1.5 TC-P 2WD
The new 2017 Honda CR-V is bigger, much safer, more powerful than before, and continues to offer sedan-like handling, and provides class-leading interior spaciousness and practicality. It also has an impressive suite of Honda Sensing safety systems that break new ground in this segment.
Best SUV/Crossover - Large-size 4X4
Renault Koleos 4WD
Updated with an intelligent 4X4 drive system and hands-free power tailgate, the Koleos combines a big interior with classy touches and smooth revving 2.5-litre engine for a refined driving experience.
Best Luxury SUV/Crossover - Compact
MINI Cooper S Countryman
A legendary name triumphs in the Cooper S Countryman for its winsome combination of chicness, comfort and pace. A potent 2.0-litre turbocharged engine and a fun-to-drive character are its key strengths, coupled with a practical 450-litre rear cargo space, versatile storage options, and high levels of safety and comfort features.
Go to Part 2
