THE ROAD TO WORLD CARW O R L D C A R A W A R D S

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 7

In this, our last update for 2017, World Car has some major

announcements regarding a new award for 2018, an award

revision, two new legendary design expert additions and

news about our biggest and most successful test drive

session to date.

At our high profile prize-giving ceremony that opens the

New York International Auto Show in late March, we will

be introducing a new award – the World Car Person of the

Year.

Due to be introduced in 2018, this award will celebrate an

influential individual who has either a) excelled in their

chosen field over the past year, or b) is being recognised

for lifetime achievement in the automotive industry.

As we introduce a new award, we will also be redefining our

World Green Car Award into the World Car Innovation of

the Year in 2019. This is a strategic morphing of an award

that is changing in tune with the times as more industry

focus is being placed on innovation in electric powertrains,

autonomous driving, connectivity and safety systems.

I N T R O D U C T I O N

Peter Lyon - Chairman, World Car Awards

T H E R O A D T O W O R L D C A R T A K E S M A N Y P A T H S

Now to our most exciting announcement since we revealed

that World Car was the global No 1 car awards program

in terms of media reach some five years ago. From 2018,

we will welcome two legendary car industry icons into our

design expert panel – Gordon Murray and Shiro Nakamura.

South-African born Murray is well-known as a designer

of Grand Prix winning F1 cars and the man behind the

phenomenal McLaren F1 road car, while Nakamura was the

man appointed by Carlos Ghosn to revitalise Nissan design

until he retired from the company in early 2017.

He was responsible for cars like the 350Z, GT-R, Cube and

Qashqai. Both independent and running their own design

consultancies now, these two gentlemen will join five other

design experts in an international team that evaluates all

eligible vehicles each year, narrowing the field down to five

finalists on which jurors vote.

Murray and Nakamura will collaborate will five other

design experts: Anne Asensio (Vice-President, Design -

Dassault Systemes), Gernot Bracht (Pforzheim Design

School), Patrick le Quément (Designer and President of

the Strategy Committee - The Sustainable Design School),

Sam Livingstone (Car Design Research and Royal College

of Art) and Tom Matano (School of Industrial Design at

Academy of Art University in San Francisco)

With just over three months to go until World Car announces

its winners in New York in late March, and with one month

until the first round of online voting starts, jurors from 24

countries are busy evaluating their final test vehicles. The

deadline for the first voting round is January 15 while the

second round deadline is February 13.

To provide vehicle evaluation opportunities to jurors who

might otherwise not have access to drive candidates

in their home markets, World Car once again staged

its popular “L.A. Test Drives” in late November for the

fourth consecutive year. And it turned out to be our most

successful and best-attended event yet.

Thirty-five jurors from Australia, Britain, Canada, China,

Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, Poland, Slovenia and the

U.S. – a new record, drove 23 eligible vehicles from Alfa

Romeo, Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Kia, Honda, Hyundai, Land

Rover, Lexus, Nissan and Toyota over a five-day period

on local streets, freeways and the iconic Angeles Crest

mountain road. We thank the manufacturers for loaning us

these vehicles.

World Car looks forward to seeing you all at our category

finalist announcement inside the Bridgestone stand at

Geneva on March 6 and then in New York City on March 28

when WCA will open the auto show. Until then, safe travels.

T H E R O A D T O W O R L D C A R T A K E S M A N Y P A T H S

2017L.A. TEST DRIVES

O V E R V I E W B Y T I M S T E V E N S , D I R E C T O R O F T H E W O R L D C A R A W A R D S

Each fall, the World Car Awards jurors gather in Los Angeles

for a chance to drive great cars on great roads in great

weather. With some unseasonably cold temperatures and

heavy fog, the weather didn’t quite hold up its end of the

bargain, but the selection of cars was among the best and

the area roads never disappoint.

For 2017, 35 jurors from a dozen countries joined in the

festivities, making this the best-attended L.A. Test Drives

event yet. They gathered at the Westin Pasadena over a

five-day period, from November 26-30, to evaluate 23

eligible cars from Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Honda,

Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Mazda, Nissan, Toyota and

Volvo.

World Car would like to thank the OEMs for their support of

our L.A. Test Drives, particularly those manufacturers who

brought models for evaluation that weren’t yet available

for sale in the U.S. market.

The L.A. Test Drives event enables international jurors

to evaluate cars that may not be available in their local

market, and for everyone to test those cars on a perfect

testbed of American roads.

Through the course of a 45 minute loop, each car was

subjected to both urban and rural roads, a stretch of multi-

lane interstate and a section of the epic and iconic Angeles

Crest Highway. This twisty and mountainous series of

switchbacks and challenging turns is a real challenge for

even the best handling cars.

This combination of scenarios makes Pasadena an ideal

spot for testing these cars, and the beautiful views from

the Angeles Crest Highway also make for some incredible

photo opportunities.

The 2017 L.A. Test Drives event was a huge success and

we’re already looking forward to gathering again for 2018. The L. A. test drives give jurors a chance to drive cars that may not be available in their local marketon a perfect testbed of American roads

The views from the Angeles Crest Highway make for incredible photo opportunities

U S A

Eric Adams (Wired, Gear Patrol)

Matt Askari (Autoblog, Cool Hunting)

Roberto Baldwin (Engadget)

Zac Estrada (Carscoops, Carfax)

Steven Ewing (Motor1)

Jonathan Gitlin (Ars Technica)

Richard Homan (Kelley Blue Book)

John McCormick

(Detroit News/Forbes)

Tim Stevens (CNET)

C H I N A

Xia Dong

(Viewworld New Media Group)

Li Geng (Orient Auto)

Wang Kun (xcar.com)

C A N A D A

Sami Haj-Assaad

(Autoguide.com, Toronto Star)

Mark Richardson

(The Globe & Mail, Autofile.ca)

J A P A N

Shinichi Katsura (GENROQ, Tipo)

Peter Lyon

(Car & Driver, Forbes)

Hideshi Matsuda

(Holiday Auto, Motor Magazine)

Koji Ozawa

(Best Car, Engine Magazine)

S L O V E N I A

Milos Milac

(Finance Business Daily)

U N I T E D K I N G D O M

Richard Aucock

(Motoring Research)

Nat Barnes

(Daily and Sunday Express)

Kyle Fortune (Car Enthusiast)

Steve Fowler (Auto Express)

Mike Rutherford

(Auto Express, BBC TV and radio)

Charlie Turner (Top Gear)

INTERNATIONAL JOURNALISTS

B Y C O U N T R Y & O U T L E T

2 0 1 8 W O R L D C A R A W A R D S

L . A . T E S T D R I V E S – N O V . 2 6 – 3 0 , 2 0 1 7

T H E W E S T I N P A S A D E N A

G E R M A N Y

Thomas Geiger

(Welt am Sonntag, Welt)

Yoshihiro Kimura

(Auto Motor und Sport)

Des Sellmeijer (GTspirit.com)

Greg Kable (AutoCar UK, CAR UK)

I N D I A

Dhruv Behl (AutoX)

Yogendra Pratap (AutoBILD India)

P O L A N D

Maciej Pertynski

(Auto Moto and Motor)

M E X I C O

Carlos Sandoval

(Auto Explora Group)

I R E L A N D

Eddie Cunningham

(Irish Independent)

T H E R O A D T O W O R L D C A R T A K E S M A N Y P A T H S

DRIVING IMPRESSIONS

WORLD CAR OF THE YEAR

ALFA ROMEO GIULIA

In the often talked about marriage between Fiat and

Chrysler. Alfa Romeo looked in danger of becoming the

forgotten son.

But the legendary marque is back - with Giulia, arguably its

best model for years and perhaps even a Word Car trophy

winner of the near future.

It’s powerful. looks the part, performs, excites, is

competitively priced and has exclusivity written all over

it because Alfas tend to be built in comparatively low

volumes. True, the interior is a bit disappointing because it

lacks character and has too few Alfa touches.

But this fact shouldn’t detract from the overall package

which could make the Giulia a genuine contender for World

Car glory early next year.

Mike Rutherford (Auto Express, BBC TV and radio)

ALFA ROMEO STELVIO

A vehicle that never felt as big as it was, the Stelvio felt

right at home on the curves of Angeles Crest. I couldn’t

get over how much fun this crossover was to drive, and

it’s quite striking to look at as well. I lost count of all the

glances that other motorists and pedestrians shot my

way, meaning that Alfa Romeo has succeeded in making a

splash in this segment.

Sami Haj-Assaad (Autoguide.com, Toronto Star)

BMW X3 M40i

W O R L D C A R A W A R D S J U R O R S

L.A. Test Drives photos by Yasuhiko Sato

T H E R O A D T O W O R L D C A R T A K E S M A N Y P A T H S

JEEP COMPASS LIMITED

Jeep’s new Compass fights in a hugely competitive sector

that’s growing rapidly with some excellent competition. Its

off-road heritage and fine exterior style count hugely in its

favour, but the relatively lacklustre interior and average

driving dynamics rather limit its appeal, giving it a tough

job against the best of its rivals. If Jeep is ruthless with its

pricing it’ll win some buyers.

Kyle Fortune (Car Enthusiast Editorial Agency)

JEEP COMPASS TRAILHAWK

On the path toward making its legendarily rugged and

capable offroaders equally appealing on-road, Jeep turned

a very important corner with the Compass Trailhawk. Well,

it’s scrambled up a hill, dug into the mud, clambored over

rocks, and >then< turned a corner.

The new compact crossover simply feels great--both in

the dirt and on the tarmac. That’s a critical combination

for Jeep aficionados, and one that will likely turn many

new heads to the brand, as well. It doesn’t hurt that the

Trailhawk looks amazing, too, with great exterior details

and truly excellent proportions.

Eric Adams (Wired, Gear Patrol)

A promising sign BMW remembers what makes its vehicles

special. In M40i trim, it’s more thrilling to drive than even

some luxury SUVs with overt sporting intentions.

Altogether, an extremely competent luxury vehicle that

may very well be top of its class.

Zac Estrada (Carscoops, Carfax)

HYUNDAI KONA

There were only three Hyundai Konas in the United States

last month: two on the maker’s stand at the LA auto show,

and one in the driveway outside the World Car jurors’ hotel.

It was a rare opportunity to drive the all-new sub-compact

SUV, and even more valuable to bring Hyundai’s Brandon

Ramirez, Senior Group Manager, Product Public Relations,

along as a passenger to explain the vehicle.

We headed through the city and up into the mountains on

the Angeles Crest Highway to give it a thorough workout.

Driving impressions on this US-spec model are embargoed

though – you’ll have to wait till January to find out how we

got along.”

Mark Richardson (The Globe & Mail, Autofile.ca)

T H E R O A D T O W O R L D C A R T A K E S M A N Y P A T H S

KIA NIRO

Entering the market as a viable rival to the Prius, the Niro

hybrid is draped in a universally acceptable exterior, has

a spacious interior, and undercuts the Toyota’s price.

You’ll feel more comfortable driving its smooth dual-clutch

gearbox than the Prius’ CVT, which helps to make it a

fraction quicker than the Prius.

Hideshi Matsuda (Best Car, Holiday Auto)

KIA STINGER

As one of the best looking sedans to ever come out of

Korea, the Kia Stinger GT’s 365 hp 3.3L twin turbo power

is instant with virtually no turbo lag. Steering is precise,

offering good weight and feedback, no understeer, beefy

Brembo brakes and the damping is firm but still maintains

good comfortable ride quality.

And with its driver-focused cockpit this package will make

the Big 3 from Germany stand up and pay attention.

Peter Lyon (Forbes, Car and Driver)

LAND ROVER DISCOVERY

It’s always hard for a manufacturer to reinvent a model

with as much heritage as the Land Rover Discovery. There

are those who feel the new Discovery doesn’t take enough

visual cues from the past. I, for one, happen to think it looks

quite good. And it drives far better than ever before. Even

on the twists and turns of the Angeles Crest highway, the

new Discovery was completely unflappable – and actually

quite chuckable! Plus, go-anywhere capability is better

than ever.

Dhruv Behl (AutoX)

MAZDA CX-5

The CX-5 may not be Mazda’s best looking car but it

exudes class compared to the previous generation car.

It combines spacious well appointed interiors in a well

finished feature-rich cabin with superb fit and finish. The

steering is nimble and the six-speed automatic rearing to

drop a gear to extract the best performance. Overall, it is a

nice efficient package that tries to be the jack of all trades.

Yogendra Pratap (AutoBILD India)

NISSAN LEAF

A welcome refresh for Nissan’s Leaf all-electric hatchback

brings new design, engineering and a longer 150 mile

range. The quiet, refined ride quality is excellent and the

improved dashboard and controls make the Leaf easier to

drive and manage. But is 150 miles really enough?

John McCormick (Detroit News)

T H E R O A D T O W O R L D C A R T A K E S M A N Y P A T H S

RANGE ROVER VELAR

Does the Range Rover Velar work as well in North America

as it does in Europe? That is, after all, a key tenet of the

World Car Awards, helping global car buyers find the finest

new cars of the year. And the verdict? Yes it does. This

machine redefines luxury, no matter what the continent.”

Richard Aucock (Motoring Research)

TOYOTA CAMRY

The Toyota Camry has long been a favourite among

undemanding American consumers seeking no-nonsense,

boringly reliable mid-size family cars blessed with

affordable manufacturer prices, plus fat discounts at

dealer level. As a result, Camry has been at or around the

top of the US best-sellers list for years - while at the same

time failing to appeal to buyers in places like Europe where

it has a low-key or non-existent presence.

But the all-new version was one of the major (pleasant)

surprises of World Car’s test drive programme, thanks to

a combination of a greatly improved exterior architecture,

a tastefully executed and airy interior design, plus a more

engaging driving experience.

Starting at around $24,000 (minus obligatory discounts)

in the US, it’s a safe bet for buyers there.

But transforming this leading sedan for North America into

a desirable car of for the world is a tough ask for Japan’s

largest and most successful motor manufacturer.

Mike Rutherford (Auto Express, BBC TV and radio)

VOLVO XC60

This is what Sweden does best.

Powered by a choice of fuel-efficient yet powerful 2.0-litre

petrol, diesel or hybrid powerplants and boasting class-

topping comfort and ride, the XC60 combines Volvo’s

newly-found design flair and refinement with a higher level

of luxury and safety that includes autonomous emergency

braking that detects pedestrians, cyclists and large

animals.

This Swede is now one of the most desirable SUVs on the

market.

Shinichi Katsura (Car Graphic, Auto Sport)

T H E R O A D T O W O R L D C A R T A K E S M A N Y P A T H S

WORLD LUXURY CAR

BMW 640xi GT

“Previously, I have not been a fan of any of the BMW GTs

because of their strange body proportions. This one

changed my mind. The ride quality of the BMW 640xi GT

impressed me tremendously, somehow it feels even better

that the 7 Series. Inside, no matter what seat you choose,

the experience is of a luxury flying carpet”.

Carlos Sandoval (Autoexplora Magazine)

LEXUS LS

The interior of the LS showcases the brands ability to deliver

an interesting and original alternative to the German rivals

in this market. Rammed full of clever use of materials and

nicely considered fresh design touches it’s a very pleasant

place to spend time. It’s just a shame that the HMI and

satnav seems to come from a previous generation and is

totally at odds with the rest of the experience.

Charlie Turner (Editor in Chief BBC TopGear)

WORLD PERFORMANCE CAR

ALFA ROMEO GIULIA QUADRIFOGLIO

Alfa Romeo’s Giulia is as thrilling to drive as it is stunning

to behold.

This Quadrifoglio version is a bona fide sports car, and one

of the best-driving vehicles I’ve tested all year. I could have

driven it on our canyon road test loop forever.

Steven Ewing (Managing Editor, Motor1.com – Los Angeles)

AUDI RS 3 SEDAN

Audi has distilled the essence of the sports sedan in the

RS 3. Small, powerful, taut handling but civilized, the RS 3

delivers a combination of talents that’s increasingly rare in

this crossover dominated world.”

John McCormick (Detroit News)

T H E R O A D T O W O R L D C A R T A K E S M A N Y P A T H S

LEXUS LC 500

Wonderful interior design, like nothing else in class. It

sounds absolutely bonkers, particularly in Sport+ (this is

a good thing).

Not quite as eager to play as the soundtrack suggests, but

an accomplished GT car.”

Jonathan Gitlin (Ars Technica)

WORLD GREEN CAR

BMW 530e

The BMW 530e is an interesting proposition: all the power

and handling of one of the greatest sedans on the market

mixed with the frugality and environmental-sensibility of a

72 MPGe rating.

And that’s basically what you get, if you can stomach the

$52,000 starting price -- just a few hundred dollars more

than a 530i.

There are a few drawbacks, most notable a distinct lack of

urgency compared to the normal engine, but that’s small

price to pay for an otherwise impeccable package.

Tim Stevens (CNET)

CHRYSLER PACIFICA HYBRID

I can see why the Chrysler Pacifica hybrid is such a popular

car in America. I was impressed with the space, the ease

of access and the excellent driving position. As one coming

from a market (Ireland/Europe) where people carriers

(minivans) are being overlooked in favour of large 7-seat

SUVs and Crossovers, it was something of a culture shock

to come fresh and new to the Pacificia.

While not in a position to assess MPG, I was sure of one

thing: it is an excellent US example of hybrid use for city

commutes – as I discovered around Pasadena - and I have

no doubt it would be a comfortable long-run drive as well.”

Eddie Cunningham (Irish Independent)

NISSAN LEAF

I found the new Leaf to be comfier, quiet, surprisingly zippy

around town, and it benefits from a tight turning radius.

The e-pedal may not be used by everyone but it offers

nearly one-pedal driving for city slogs. While plasticky,

the interior is ergonomic, cohesive, and considered. With

greater range, the Leaf is once again a relevant EV, and

available now.

Matthew Askari (Car and Driver, Men’s Health)

T H E R O A D T O W O R L D C A R T A K E S M A N Y P A T H S

WORLD’S TOP DESIGNERSJOIN WORLD CAR AWARDS

B Y M I K E R U T H E R F O R D , D I R E C T O R & V I C E - C H A I R O F T H E W O R L D C A R A W A R D S

Professor Gordon Murray and Shiro Nakamura - two of

the greatest, best known and most respected automotive

designers on the planet - have joined the World Car

organisation.

The pair of living legends have agreed to sit on World

Car’s hugely influential, truly international Design Panel

which aims to recognise, nominate and promote the best

designed production vehicles from across the globe...while

at the same time rewarding the talented motor industry

men and women who created them.

Murray and Nakamura’s working relationships with World

Car will start for real after the Christmas/New Year break

when the two design gurus will join their Design Panel

colleagues in beginning to assess the contenders for the

2018 World Car Design Award. In 2017 this coveted trophy

was won by the Jaguar F-PACE and its creator, Ian Callum.

Professor Gordon Murray – CEO, Gordon Murray Design

Gordon was born in Durban, South Africa in 1946 and

studied mechanical engineering at Natal Technical College.

He designed, built and raced his own sports car (IGM Ford)

in the National Class in SA during 1967 and 1968.

Then, in ‘69, Murray moved to the UK and joined the

Brabham Formula One Team as Technical Director,

winning two world championships (1981 & 1983) during his

years with the outfit.He went on to join McLaren Racing

as Technical Director in 1988 and three consecutive

championship wins (in 1988, 1989 & 1990) followed.

By 1990, Murray had achieved 50 Grand Prix victories

and decided to move away from Formula One racing to

enable him to concentrate his efforts on establishing a new

company for the Group – McLaren Cars Ltd.

His first project there was the game-changing F1 road car

which is still widely regarded as the world’s best engineered

vehicle and one of the fastest and finest ever built for use

on public highways.

A racing version won two world sportscar championships

and the Le Mans 24-hour race - on its first attempt! With

Murray’s help, McLaren Cars then completed several other

successful projects, including the Mercedes-Benz SLR

McLaren programme.

But he decided to leave the McLaren Group in 2005 to set

up Gordon Murray Design Ltd (gordonmurraydesign.com).

Professor Gordon Murray – CEO, Gordon Murray Design

T H E R O A D T O W O R L D C A R T A K E S M A N Y P A T H S

In 1999, Carlos Ghosn initiated the Nissan Motor Revival

plan, and he asked Shiro to join Nissan to revitalise design.

Nakamura then served as the company’s Senior Vice-

President and Chief Creative Officer for eighteen years,

until March 2017.

He takes credit for establishing the strategy of design and

brand for both Nissan and sister marque, Infiniti,

During his long career at Nissan he created several design

gems such as the 350Z, Cube, and iconic GT-R. He also led

the design team that penned Nissan’s new generation of

crossover vehicles including the Murano, Rogue/Qashqai,

Juke and Infiniti FX.

Nakamura has been awarded many accolades including

France’s Grand Prix du Design and America’s Eyes On Design

Award. He established Shiro Nakamura Design Associates

in April 2017, and is currently enjoying the continuation of

his creative activities as a design consultant.

World Car is delighted and honoured to welcome Professor

Gordon Murray and Shiro Nakamura to its 2018 Design

Panel, which also includes:

Anne Asensio (Vice-President, Design - Dassault Systemes)

Gernot Bracht (Germany – Pforzheim Design School)

Patrick le Quément (Designer and President of the Strategy

Committee - The Sustainable Design School)

Sam Livingstone (UK - Car Design Research and Royal

College of Art)

Tom Matano (USA - School of Industrial Design at Academy

of Art University in San Francisco)

Operating out of Surrey on the southern outskirts of

London, his small British company has deservedly built a

global reputation for having one of the finest automotive

design teams in the world.

It reverses the current industry trend for sub-contracting

by having a complete in-house capability for design,

prototyping and development. The firm has remained

compact and focused and in conjunction with its sister

company, Gordon Murray Automotive, will undertake

vehicle-related and other engineering programmes in an

efficient and innovative way, pushing boundaries with

Murray’s revolutionary iStream® process which can, if

needed, facilitate low-volume production runs.

His extraordinary One Formula exhibition staged a few

weeks ago at his state of the art factory in Dunsfold Park,

Surrey brought together the most significant race and

road cars designed by Prof. Murray over recent decades

- but also included ‘Gordon’s Garage’ which included his

personal and extensive collection of much-loved classic

cars. More details and high resolution images can be found

at www.oneformulagordonmurray.com.

Gordon Murray Automotive has just announced plans to

build an all-new car under his IGM brand - and World Car

jurors will receive insights into this exciting development

in future issues of The Road Ahead. With a hugely

successful 50 year career behind him in automotive design

and engineering, Professor Gordon Murray was recently

described by a best-selling car magazine as “The Ultimate

Car Dude of the half century just gone.” It’s a description

that’s hard to argue against.

Shiro Nakamura - CEO, Shiro Nakamura Design

Associates Inc.

Born in Osaka, Japan in 1950, Shiro Nakamura graduated

from Musashino Art University in 1974 before joining Isuzu

Motor Company. He also studied at Art Center College of

Design in Pasadena, USA.

Shiro worked at General Motors Design in Michigan, Isuzu

Europe’s Design studio, then in 1998 became global design

director at Isuzu. His most notable creation there was the

VehiCROSS SUV concept.

Shiro Nakamura - CEO, Shiro Nakamura Design Associates Inc. Photo by Bertel Schmit: CC BY-SA

T H E R O A D T O W O R L D C A R T A K E S M A N Y P A T H S

INDIA’S 2018 NDTV CAR OF THE YEAR AWARD - JEEP COMPASS

EMERGES VICTORIOUSB Y J E N S M E I N E R S , V I C E - C H A I R M A N O F T H E W O R L D C A R A W A R D S

While Europe is stagnating, the US market is volatile and

China could move any direction, the industry’s eyes are on

promising markets like India. The challenges for individual

mobility are considerable: The high-speed road network

is rudimentary, traffic in the cities is chaotic. The Tata

Nano, touted as India’s “Model T”, has fallen far short of

expectations.

But the Indian market is growing in a healthy manner,

enthusiasm for automobiles is on the rise. Diesels are

strong. The hugely popular “Car and Bike Show” by the

NDTV television station is immensely popular; it is run by

WCOTY juror and Steering Committee Director Siddharth

V. Patankar. Its website, carandbike.com, is India’s no. 1

editorial content automotive website.

Each year, the new models offered on the Indian market

are compared face-to-face on the Buddh International

racetrack; this year, a eight-person jury picked the

victorious models. Beyond WCOTY Steering Committee

members Sid Patankar and Jens Meiners, it included

actress, pilot and auto enthusiast Gul Panag; race driver

Aditya Patel; auto industry luminaries BVR Subbu and

V Sumantran; former racer Rayomand Banajee, and

renowned motor journalist Cyrus Behram Dhabhar.

The NDTV Car Awards have adopted many of WCOTY’s

standards and procedures. Both organisations have

partnered last year on the Great OverLand Challenge, a

drive around the globe in several Mercedes-Benz models.

Among a hotly contested field, the new Jeep Compass

emerged as the winner; it is the 2018 NDTV car and bike

Car of the Year thanks to its combination of cutting-edge

technology, on-road driveability, off-road capability and

style.

In the other categories, the Honda WR-V was named

Premium Hatchback of the Year, the Hyundai Verna is

Compact Sedan of the Year, the VW Passat became Full-

Size Sedan of the Year, the BMW 5-series is Premium Car

of the Year, the Audi S5 is Performance Car of the Year,

and the Lamborghini Huracan Performante is Supercar of

the Year.

Maruti Suzuki India was presented with the award for PR

and Marketing Communications Team, followed by Audi

India; the Tata Nexon took the Design of the Year award.

And Y. K. Koo, CEO of Hyundai India, is Automotive Man of

the Year.

The new Jeep Compass is the 2018 NDTV car and bike Car of the Year, thanks to its cutting-edge technology, on-road driveability, off-road capability and style

wcoty.com or Beth Rhind, Executive Manager, beth@wcoty.com

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