2013 World Car Awards top finalists

Following a second round of voting by a jury of sixty-six motoring journalists, the top contenders for the 2013 World Car Awards have been announced.

World Car of the Year

Usually at this stage of the competition it’s the top three finalists that are named. However, this year the ballot must have been very close because four models have been listed:
  • Mercedes-Benz A-Class
  • Porsche Boxster / Cayman
  • Scion FR-S / Subaru BRZ / Toyota GT86 / Toyota 86
  • Volkswagen Golf
Given that it has just been declared the 2013 European Car of the Year, the Golf is certainly a strong runner in this category. A win would see Volkswagen taking the title for a second year in succession, after 2012’s success with its Up! city car.

Volkswagen Golf GTD (2013) Front Side
2013 Volkswagen Golf

World Performance Car

As can be seen, there’s a lot of overlap between the World Car of the Year and World Performance Car nominees:
  • Ferrari F12 Berlinetta
  • Porsche Boxster / Cayman
  • Scion FR-S / Subaru BRZ / Toyota GT86 / Toyota 86
All three finalists appeal to very different market segments, which makes the result very tricky to predict. The Scion / Subaru / Toyota triplets should get the award though, as they combine rear-wheel drive, light weight and accessible power in a fresh package.

Scion FR-S (2013) Front
2013 Scion FR-S

World Green Car

Similarly, the World Green Car candidates represent a broad spectrum of technologies:
  • Renault Zoe
  • Tesla Model S
  • Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid Diesel
Of the three, the Volvo most deserves recognition because of its efficient diesel-hybrid powertrain and decent electric-only range.

Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid (2012) Rear Side
2012 Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid Diesel

World Car Design of the Year

This category features the only two British models to make it this far in the contest:
  • Aston Martin Vanquish
  • Jaguar F-Type
  • Mazda 6
While the Vanquish is undoubtedly a striking car, it still looks very similar to any other Aston Martin coupé of recent years. Conversely, the F-Type’s design is much more original, so it ought to be the victor.

Jaguar F-Type (2013) Side
2013 Jaguar F-Type


The winners of each award will be revealed at the New York International Auto Show on the 28th of March.

Related posts:
2013 Euro COTY winner
2013 World Car Awards finalists
2013 NACTOY winners
2012 World Car Awards

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts:

Alfa MiTo TwinAir arrives

Image
The Alfa Romeo MiTo supermini is now available with the innovative two-cylinder TwinAir petrol engine. Although its capacity is only 875 cc, a turbocharger and the MultiAir electro-hydraulic valve control system mean it produces a respectable 83 bhp (62 kW / 85 PS) and 145 Nm (103 lb/ft) of torque. Performance might not be scintillating - the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint takes 12.5 seconds and maximum speed is 108 mph (173 km/h) - but the TwinAir’s trump card is efficiency. Carbon dioxide emissions are only 98 g/km, a level that brings numerous benefits for UK drivers including zero road tax, a full discount on the London Congestion Charge and qualification for the lowest company car benefit-in-kind rate. Fuel economy is also decent and, according to the official figures, a TwinAir-powered MiTo will manage 67.3 mpg (4.2 l/100km) on the combined cycle. Impressive maybe, but still some way off the 78.5 mpg (3.6 l/100km) of the existing 1.3 JTDM-2 diesel MiTo. However, any
Read more

Honda WSB team launch

Image
Honda has unveiled its works team for the 2011 World Superbike championship . The announcement of Castrol as title sponsor means the return to a very familiar colour scheme for the pair of CBR1000RR Fireblade bikes, which will be ridden by Jonathan Rea and Ruben Xaus. As in recent years, Honda has entrusted Dutch concern Ten Kate Racing with running the factory WSB team. First thing on the Castrol Honda agenda is a two day testing session at the Motorland Aragón circuit in Spain later this week. The 2011 WSB season comprises thirteen rounds with Phillip Island, Australia hosting the opening race on 27 February.
Read more