Motorists in Russia are ready to argue hoarsely about the advantages and weaknesses of their “swallows”. "Germans" are fighting with the "Japanese", "Americans" with the "French", and fans of the Russian automobile industry with the "Chinese".
However, when figuring out which car is best moving internationally, arguments like "I am the owner, I know best" are not enough. And then experts from different countries come into action. They determine car of the year at prestigious competitionssuch as European Car of the Year and others.
We present you five brands of cars that have become the best cars of 2016 in various automotive competitions.
5. Car of the year in the world - Mazda MX-5
World car of the year (abbreviated as WCOTY) is an international competition whose judges are 48 automotive journalists from different countries. Leonid Golovanov from the Autoreview publication became the Russian judge.
The new model of the popular Japanese car, called by the jury WCOTY the best of the best, has become wider, lower, and - most importantly - easier. Sports Mazda MX-5 has a hinged roof, is available with a 1.5 or 2.0-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine, an automatic transmission, equipped with active and passive safety systems. And the manufacturer promises that the buyer will feel Jinba Ittai - a term meaning the unity between the car and the driver.
The car of the year in the world also won in the category "Best Car Design", although against it were such a handsome man as the Jaguar XE and the "brother" Mazda CX-3.
4. Car of the year in Russia - Hyundai Solaris
Competition - Russian Car of the Year. “What do you remember about traveling around Russia? Beautiful women, red caviar and an abundance of Hyundai Solaris on the road. " Of course, it is unlikely that a foreigner will include this car among the memorable features of our country, but the fact remains: there are many Hyundai Solaris in Russia. And no wonder, Korean cars are affordable, reliable, not "gluttonous" and successfully withstand both fierce winters and hot summers.
3. European Car of the Year - Opel Astra
Jury European car of the year, consisting of car observers from 23 countries, prefers relatively affordable cars. Only once in the history of the competition, and it has been going on since 1963, a supercar won. In 1978, the Porsche 928 was recognized as the car of the year.
Judges singled out Opel Astra from among competitors for the best ratio of price and quality. Compact and at the same time spacious, the 5-door family hatchback is based on the new modular lightweight platform D2XX, designed by General Motors.
The best car in Europe is not only beautiful in appearance, but also functional “from the inside”, thanks to the folding rear seat backs. This option “increases” the boot volume from 370 to 1235 liters. And the unique Flex Floor system allows you to change the height of the luggage compartment floor.
For a safe ride, the car is equipped with both standard ABS, ESP systems, as well as blind spot control systems and adaptive head lighting. The latter highlights the section of the road that is needed at the moment.
2. Car of the Year in America - Honda Civic
Model Honda Civic became the best version North American Car and Truck of the Year and took the gold at the prestigious Detroit Auto Show 2016, surpassing 40 other applicants.
Not so long ago, the car was ridiculed for its low performance and quality, as a result of which Honda made the Civic a complete redesign much earlier than planned. As a result, the car became longer, wider and lower, and also received a turbocharged version of the engine (174 horsepower). Now she is praised for its ride and handling plus an affordable price.
All new Civic were developed and assembled in North America, which makes the victory for the Americans even sweeter.
1. Japan Car of the Year - Mazda Roadster (Mazda MX-5)
In the car contest Japan Car of the Year, which has been held in Japan since 1980, only domestic auto brands are involved. This year, a jury of 65 journalists presented the main prize to the brainchild of Mazda, in which everything is fine - from the exterior to passive safety.
