KUALA LUMPUR: After months of tracking and evaluating the cars of 2022/23, the winners of the StarCarSifu Editors’ Choice Awards 2023 were finally announced at a presentation event and gala dinner here on Oct 30.
In this year’s edition, 54 vehicles from 24 brands were shortlisted to compete in 30 categories.
The awards, organised by Star Media Group and StarCarSifu, are open for vehicles launched in Malaysia from Oct 1, 2022 to Sept 30, 2023.
Proton X90 Flagship
The Proton X90 Flagship delivers good value for those who want a large, roomy and well-appointed three-row SUV.
It features six seats, including the captain's type, as well as Nappa leather upholstery, N95 cabin filter, air-conditioning vents for every row, seven charging points for mobile devices and a powered tailgate.
Its mild-hybrid system improves performance and fuel efficiency, and the Advanced Driver Assistance System provide a high level of safety.
Toyota Vios G
The Toyota Vios G impresses with its sporty fastback-like exterior and much more premium cabin appointments.
A richer set of safety features and fuel efficiency put it ahead of the competition.
BMW i7 xDrive60 M Sport
The icon of Forwardism claims its spot in the limelight.
Superior luxury and technology with a sporty character and competitive all-electric driving range of over 600km make it rock.
Toyota Vios G
The all-new Vios G gets a stylish fastback-like design along with higher levels of refinement, driving dynamics and safety features.
Built on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform, the four-door family is also bigger and roomier but lighter compared with the previous generation.
It is also equipped with a 9-inch audio display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, active cruise control, and the proven and fuel-efficient 1.5-litre DOHC Dual VVTi engine.
Honda Civic e:HEV RS
The Honda Civic e:HEV RS comes as a credible hybrid that delivers fuel efficiency and driving performance at the same time, thanks to the 2.0-litre petrol/hybrid powertrain.
In addition, the car also comes with a sporty outlook, a premium interior and a host of advanced safety and convenience features to make the Civic nameplate a favourite.
Honda WR-V RS
The newer kid on the block delivers a trendy body design and a sweeter set of specs for a lower asking price.
As a small crossover with a 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine and continuously variable transmission, the Honda WR-V RS is also better equipped in the safety department, featuring Honda Sensing and Honda LaneWatch.
Mazda CX-30 High
Reflecting Mazda's Zoom Zoom brand message, the locally-assembled Mazda CX-30 with a 2.0-litre powertrain delivers a peppy drive with a nimble and athletic feel.
Its G-Vectoring Control Plus technology offers more confidence-inspiring driving, and the CX-30 is an inspiring brew of sporty handling with a high-quality and comfortable interior.
Chery Omoda 5 H
Aside from its bold and unconventional "Art in Motion" design language, the Omodo 5 also features a powerful 1.5-litre turbo engine, an upmarket interior with a large dual-screen display and an array of intelligent safety features.
More importantly, the Omoda 5 H comes with an enticing price point that easily challenges established SUVs in its segment.
Subaru Forester 2.0 i-L EyeSight
The Subaru Forester is refreshed with a new grille, LED headlights, bumpers and updated Advanced Driver Assist System EyeSight 4.0 that is more intuitive than ever and combines Lane Centering Function, Lane Departure Prevention and Pre-Collison Braking for better interoperability.
In addition, the roomy and rugged Forester with an all-wheel drive system is a rarity in its SUV class where rivals are mainly front-wheel drive models.
Proton X90 Flagship
The Proton X90 Flagship three-row SUV has a mild-hybrid system that improves performance, and fuel efficiency and is also packed with premium comfort features and an Advanced Driver Assistance System.
Occupants are pampered by captain seats and pilot headrests for the second row, and the X90 Flagship delivers a refined motoring experience.
Honda Civic Type R
Hailed the ultimate Honda Civic, the latest generation Civic Type R returns with a more powerful 2.0-litre VTEC turbocharged, a six-speed manual transmission and aerodynamics that have been tweaked to increase downforce and reduce drag.
Aside from an adrenaline-pumping ground-hugging racing car appearance, the Civic Type R also elevates the excitement with bucket front seats, and a red and black interior.
BMW 330i M Sport
The BMW 330i M Sport has undergone improvements, among them, the new BMW Curved Display consisting of a 12.3-inch Information Display and 14.9-inch touchscreen Control Display integrated into a single unit for a new level of sophistication and upmarket feel.
While its 2.0-litre turbocharged still delivers a powerful punch, the 330i's front now gets a new kidney grille that is beefy-looking along with redesigned LED headlights to give this luxury sports sedan a premium presence.
Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Matic CKD
With savings of some RM50,000 over the fully imported model that was launched a few months earlier, the locally-assembled Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Matic is arguably the most value-for-money SUV offering from Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.
This all-new generation all-wheel drive GLC is also larger and gets 20-inch wheels while featuring a 360-degree camera system that provides a "transparent bonnet" on the central display for a virtual view beneath the front of the vehicle including the front wheels and their steering position in off-road mode.
Lexus RX 500h F Sport
The all-new Lexus Hybrid Electric vehicle (HEV) makes a strong charge with its sleek appearance and a more engaging driving experience backed by a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine and hybrid drive combination that delivers a system output of 366hp.
Its four-wheel steering system gives it added agility while the 21-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system with a sub-woofer takes care of music on the move.
Maserati Levante GT Hybrid
The all-wheel drive Maserati Levante GT Hybrid is embellished with seductive curves, full-LED Adaptive Matrix headlights, chrome-plated accents, quality interior material and 20-inch alloy wheels.
Its 2.0-litre hybrid system which features 330hp and 450Nm of torque, delivers a similar performance and smoothness to the previous V6 engine while using 18% less fuel.
Range Rover L460
The all-new turbocharged V8 Range Rover's modern classic styling is the choice pick.
It's the epitome of all-wheel superiority coupled with luxury pampering and outright pace with a price to match. The ClearSight Ground View and hidden-until-lit tail lamps are indeed special features.
Nissan LEAF
The all-electric updated 2023 Nissan LEAF has new advanced safety features, a sharper and more stylish look, and offers a WLTP range of 270km.
Its e-Pedal feature enables the driver to accelerate, decelerate or stop the car by using just one pedal.
Maintenance costs are low at around RM300 per year, with 20,000km scheduled service intervals.
GWM Ora Good Cat 500 Ultra
The Ora Good Cat 500 Ultra has a trendy design, plenty of interior comforts and space, a travel range of 500km on the NEDC cycle, and a barn full of safety and advanced driving assist technologies.
The electric massage function on the driver’s seat is billed as best-in-class, and the single-pedal drive mode is a very convenient feature, especially on congested roads.
BMW i4 eDrive35 M Sport
The i4 eDrive35 M Sport comes as a more affordable sporty electric vehicle that still provides satisfying performance with the handling prowess and driving dynamics that BMW is famous for.
It also boasts a sleek appearance with an upmarket interior ambience, 18-inch wheels and a front seating position that is optimised for thrilling drives.
BYD Atto 3 Extended Range
The BYD Atto 3 Extended Range is a robust daily driver that's easier to live with featuring a stylish appearance and a single-charge range of 480km under NEDC (New European Driving Cycle).
It comes with an array of amenities that combines comfort, convenience, practicality and safety into one capable electric car that's priced to sell.
Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric
The fashionable Swedish EV gets the stamp of approval in this round, thanks to a coupe-like styling.
Meanwhile, its 450km range along with a dual motor all-wheel drive set-up, cranks out 408hp for sure-footed driving and a 0-100kph acceleration in 4.7 seconds.
Adding to its safety equipment offering are seven airbags, run-off road protection, a whiplash protection system (WHIPS), front and rear collision warning and mitigation support, lane keeping aid and blind spot information system with steer assist among others.
Jaguar I-PACE HSE
The all-electric Jaguar I-Pace HSE offers all-wheel drive performance, a WLTP range of up to 470km, and highlights also include air suspension and adaptive dynamics, upgraded cabin lighting, a Meridian 3D surround sound system, and Windsor leather performance seats.
The five-seater SUV delivers a quiet, refined and engaging drive.
BMW i7 xDrive60 M Sport
The BMW i7 is the better boss car and quantifies it with sheer luxurious comfort and abundant space in the rear that's also highly entertaining for its colossal 8K Theatre Screen.
The i7's imposing presence is supported by an athletic performance and higher top speed.
Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain 3.0 4x4
As the flagship of the Isuzu D-Max line-up, the X-Terrain 3.0 4x4 has proven itself to be a rugged and dependable pick-up truck with good fuel economy and advanced safety features such as forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control, 360 around view camera and a digital driving video recorder for the front and rear.
Adding to its appeal is an upmarket interior with a 9-inch infotainment display with eight speakers, Apple CarPlay and Android connectivity, and a 7-year warranty with unlimited mileage.
Ford Ranger Raptor 2.0 Bi-Turbo Diesel
Ford’s next-generation Ranger Raptor is powered by a beefy and responsive 2.0-litre bi-turbodiesel engine and features a rugged appearance and yet a refined SUV-like interior.
It comes with the Raptor Scheme for the front and rear bumpers and the Ford Block front grille flanked by LED Matrix C-Clamp headlamps as well as a Bang & Olufsen eight-speaker audio system.
Peugeot Landtrek
The Peugeot Landtrek pick-up truck offers an attractive blend of power, nice passenger SUV-like comforts and practical features at a competitive price tag for its segment.
Arguably the most urban-looking pick-up truck in the local market, the Landtrek is a workhorse which has a well-designed and roomy interior, ample storage solutions, digital connectivity and an excellent package of safety features.
Perodua Axia AV
Budget family hatches make for a value buy and the Axia AV is a fine example.
Though its build is small, the ultra fuel-efficient Axia AV is still well-equipped with six airbags and the Perodua Smart Drive Assist (PSDA) featuring Pre-Collision Warning, Pre-Collision Braking, Pedal Misoperation Control and Front Departure Alert, and combined with a pleasing look to make it a value-for-money proposition.
Hyundai Staria Plus (10-seater)
Sporting an exciting space shuttle-like appearance with semi-Nappa leather upholstery, the mid-range 10-seater Staria Plus still provides more than adequate space and legroom for all persons onboard.
While large windows provide good visibility, the Surround View Monitor and Parking Distance Warning also come in handy in manoeuvring this 5.2-metre-long MPV. Its large power sliding doors also enable easy entry and exit for rear passengers.
Kia Sorento 2.5 2WD (7-seater)
The locally-assembled fourth-generation seven-seater Kia Sorento 2.5-litre petrol two-wheel drive delivers comfort and motoring refinement in spades.
The new Sorento has a roomy and high-quality interior, nice interior kit, solid handling qualities, ample power on tap, and is packed with advanced safety and driver assistance features.
Porsche 911 GT3 RS
The well-tested Porsche 911 GT3 RS is the one to grab for sheer performance blitzing the tarmac with its visceral 4.0-litre naturally aspirated high-revving engine dishing out 525PS and 465Nm of torque.
With extensive work on aerodynamics and extensive use of weight-reducing CFRP (carbon fibre-reinforced plastics), it has become a better driver's car. No question about it!
READ MORE: BMW, Proton and Toyota score big
