2016 Drive Car of the Year

[Express]

2016 Drive Car of the Year


New car buyers are spoiled for choice but one vehicle stood out as a family car champion



24 November, 2016

Andrew Maclean




2016 Drive Car of the Year Best Small SUV: Volkswagen Tiguan 110TSI. Photo: Mark Bean


The automotive class of 2016 is one of the smartest, fittest and most focused since the Drive Car of the Year awards commenced over a decade ago.

All of the 44 finalists presented here across our 15 individual categories are the best of their breed, hand picked by our six expert judges from the hundreds of new car arrivals over the last 12 months.


See link below for video


New car buyers are spoiled for choice but one vehicle stood out as a family car champion.

While there are 15 category champions - making Drive's Car of the Year awards one of the most comprehensive and relevant of its type, particularly for new car consumers as we determine benchmark vehicles in key buying segments (see below) - there can only be one overall champion.

Only new class champions are eligible for the outright award, which left our judges with seven vehicles to choose from - the Ford Focus RS, Mazda CX-9, Mercedes-Benz E220d, Porsche's Boxster S and 911, Skoda Superb wagon and the Volkswagen Tiguan - to vote for and determine the four stand-out vehicles that enter the final fight for the Car of the Year.

This year, those contenders are the blue-hot Focus RS, which took out the Best Performance Car under $60,000, the refined and spacious Mazda CX-9, which won the Best Family SUV award, the techno-laden Mercedes-Benz E220d, which was deemed the Best Luxury Car over $80,000, and the Volkswagen Tiguan that took out the Best Small SUV category.

All four are amazing vehicles and set new standards in their individual categories.

The Focus RS, for starters, is a firecracker of a hot hatch that was praised by the judges for its potent and character-filled 2.3-litre turbo charged four cylinder engine, its supercar-rivalling handling and the electronic trickery in its all-wheel drive transmission that helps either provide massive traction or promotes sideways thrills (in the right environment).

At $51,990 (plus on-road costs), the Focus RS isn't the most affordable in its class, but it has the kind of performance only offered from more expensive machines that sit on the next tier up, making it somewhat of a bargain - and potential future classic.

Ultimately, while excelling against our criteria to win its category, its appeal was deemed a bit too narrow to challenge for the outright Car of the Year title.

The CX-9 is an impressive machine for the opposite reasons to the Focus. It is an excellent seven-seat SUV that excels at moving modern families with style and in comfort while supporting them with the latest in safety and fuel efficiency technologies.

The judges praised the CX-9 for its refined on-road manners, its flexible seating arrangements and the performance of Mazda's new-generation 2.5-litre turbo charged four cylinder engine.

While it is a significant improvement over its predecessor, and sets a new benchmark for a type of vehicle that is more popular than ever in Australia, the CX-9 doesn't break new boundaries like the Tiguan and E-Class which were the only two vehicles among the final four to score outright votes from the judges. In fact, both scored an equal number of votes... making for an interesting challenge that required a lengthy debate where the judges revisited each of the cars and scoured over their pros and cons ahead of a second vote.

Proving the judges stood by their initial call, the result of the re-vote ended in another tie.

Ideally, we would crown the Tiguan and E-Class as joint winners of the 2016 Drive Car of the Year as they are both deserving champions that pioneer new technologies within their segments and appeal to their target customers in such a thoughtful manner that they are clearly the best in their respective classes.

The E-Class was praised for its overall refinement, superlative comfort, the effortless performance of its new-generation turbo diesel engine and nine-speed automatic and the stylish yet user-friendly nature of its cabin, which is dominated by its two 12.3-inch digital screens. Moreover, it's the invisible elements of the E-Class that also received high praise, including its myriad world-first safety technologies such as front seats that push occupants towards the centre of the car in the event of a side impact and its PreSafe Sound that emits a burst to noise through the audio system to stimulate a reflex within the inner ear to prevent increased damage from louder noises generated by a severe accident.

It is also beautiful to drive, with great road manners, a whisper quiet ride and brings the driverless car of the future a little closer to reality with the latest in semi-automated driving functions.

The Tiguan, here in base-level 110TSI Comfortline specification and costing from $36,990 (plus on-road costs) isn't as ground breaking in terms of new technologies, but it raises the bar in what has rapidly become one of the most popular, most competitive and most relevant segments of the new car landscape today.

Volkswagen's second-generation compact SUV was commended by the judges for its spacious and flexible cabin, which caters for rear-seat occupants just as well as it does for those seated in the front - which is surprisingly rare among family-focused soft roaders - with tri-zone air conditioning, a rear bench that reclines and slides fore and aft and fold-down tray tables on the back rests of the front seats. It also has the biggest boot in its class.

The Tiguan's dash is also beautifully presented with top-quality materials, peerless build quality and the latest in connectivity and conveniences, including the option of a fully digital dash display that has been only available in high-end luxury cars up until now.

It also matches its clever and classy interior with equally impressive road manners, an efficient four-cylinder engine and the standard fitment of active safety systems such as automated emergency braking.

In the end, there can only be one winner. The E-Class' advances in technology, particularly its safety features, were highly praised and will no doubt spread across the rest of the car industry. But the Benz is still an expensive car in a conservative and declining segment of the market. So, it is the Tiguan's value and family focus - not withstanding its own improvements in safety, efficiency and comfort within a more competitive and more popular segment of the market - that narrowly edged it ahead of the E-Class to score the coveted 2016 Drive Car of the Year.


2016 Drive Car of the Year winners


Who won what at Australia's most comprehensive new car awards.

Before the Volkswagen Tiguan 110TSI could compete for the overall Drive Car of the Year award it had to win the title of Best Small SUV.

But that was no easy feat, with competition from its sibling and defending class champion, the VW Golf Alltrack, plus the new Kia Sportage SLi diesel and Renault Koleos Zen.

The Best City Car title fell to the Mazda2 Maxx for the third consecutive year, fending off strong competition from the affordable and impressive Holden Spark LS and Kia Picanto Si thanks to its superior presentation and dynamics.

It was another retained crown in the Best Small Car contest with the Ford Focus Trend winning out with its combination of value and road manners. But it faced strong competition from the biggest field in this year's award from the all-new Holden Astra R, Renault Megane Zen, Honda Civic VTi-S and Kia Cerato S Premium.

Best Family Car was a three-way fight between the defending champion, the Ford Mondeo Trend, and the Kia Optima GT and Skoda Superb 162TSI in wagon form. In a close fight, it was the Czech model that took the title thanks to its spacious and thoughtful cabin and punchy powertrain.

The Suzuki Vitara Turbo took up where its non-turbocharged predecessor left off, winning Best City SUV. The more powerful engine added to the nice presentation and resolved on-road package to keep it ahead of the Jeep Renegade Sport.

In a two-way fight for Best Family SUV the new Mazda CX-9 Touring knocked off the Kia Sorento SLi diesel. The new Mazda won over the judges with its clever turbocharged petrol engine, quiet and spacious cabin and strong value.

Best Luxury SUV pitted three very different SUVs against each other - the Audi Q7 3.0TDI, Jaguar F-Pace R-Sport 30d and Mercedes-Benz GLC 220d. In the end the cutting edge design, potent turbo diesel and spacious cabin tipped the voting in favour of the Audi.

In the Best Luxury Car Under $80,000 the new Audi A4 2.0 TFSI Sport took on the Mercedes-Benz C200; the 2014 Drive Car of the Year overall champion. In the most tightly contested category of this year's award the two German sedans were tied on points in the judging. In the end the tie-breaker was the Mercedes' better value, ensuring it held onto its title for another year.

Best Luxury Car Over $80,000 was more clear cut with the Mercedes-Benz E220d taking a unanimous victory. The new German large sedan raises the bar in terms of technology and safety while being both luxurious, refined and efficient.

But that isn't meant to suggest the E220d had it easy in its class. Judges were also impressed by its rivals, the new Volvo S90, Jaguar XF Prestige 20d and Tesla Model S 70D; the returning champion.

It was an all-Ford contest in Best Performance Car Under $60,000 with the Focus ST up against the new Focus RS and Mustang GT.

The Focus ST remains a favourite for its sharp handling and equally sharp value and the Mustang brought a smile to most of the judge's faces. But it was the Focus RS that won the judges' votes.

The RS offers performance on a level above the Focus ST, adding the ground-breaking 'Drift Mode' to turn it into something truly exceptional.

About the only thing in common to our four contenders for Best Performance Car Over $60,000 is they are fast. With the defending champion, the Porsche Cayman GTS, not present as it about to be replaced by a new model that doesn't arrive in showrooms until later this month the category was up for grabs. Porsche was still represented by the new turbocharged 911 Carrera S to go up against the BMW M2 pocket rocket, Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe muscle car and the Audi R8 V10 supercar.

In what was the closest voting of this year's awards only six points separated first and fourth place, with a single vote between the winner and second placed car. It was the Porsche that emerged on top just ahead of the BMW.

Porsche took another victory in the Best Convertible contest with the new 718 Boxster knocking the Mazda MX-5 off its throne, as well as the new Ford Mustang EcoBoost. The new four-cylinder turbocharged Boxster won over the judging crew by being both fast, sporty and luxurious - perfect convertible ingredients.

Last year's overall champion, the Ford Everest Trend, successfully defended its Best 4WD title. It had to beat spirited competition from Holden's new Trailblazer and the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.

The Ford Ranger retained its Best Ute crown in a head-to-head fight with the updated Holden Colorado.

Best People Mover was a one-horse race with the Kia Carnival SLi diesel going uncontested after winning this category in 2015.

- By Stephen Ottley




2016 Volkswagen Tiguan 110TSI pricing and specifications


Price: $36,990EGC

Engine: 1.4L 4Cyl

Power: 110kW@6000rpm Torque250Nm@3500rpm

Transmission: 6 speed Sports Automatic Dual Clutch

Fuel use: 6.3L/100km




.

http://www.drive.com.au/new-car-revi...21-gstxvu.html

[Sabantien]

Only new class champions are eligible for the outright award, which left our judges with seven vehicles to choose from - the Ford Focus RS, Mazda CX-9, Mercedes-Benz E220d, Porsche's Boxster S and 911, Skoda Superb wagon and the Volkswagen Tiguan - to vote for and determine the four stand-out vehicles that enter the final fight for the Car of the Year.

But... the Tiguan is not a class champion in anything? It's not even mentioned as a contender in any of the class of car mentioned below?

[MAGPIE]

What a joke

[stig_3754]

Originally Posted by Sabantien

But... the Tiguan is not a class champion in anything? It's not even mentioned as a contender in any of the class of car mentioned below?

Originally Posted by Express

2016 Drive Car of the Year winners


Who won what at Australia's most comprehensive new car awards.

Before the Volkswagen Tiguan 110TSI could compete for the overall Drive Car of the Year award it had to win the title of Best Small SUV.

But that was no easy feat, with competition from its sibling and defending class champion, the VW Golf Alltrack, plus the new Kia Sportage SLi diesel and Renault Koleos Zen.

It wasn't bolded in the OP

[383hq]

Drive car of the year, Criteria (unmentioned) :
Size of advertising budget and
free junkets to exotic locations for "test drives" ??

[Dr Terry]

Watching the antics of many motoring journalists over the years I've noticed two things.

1. They often wrongly praise the virtues of one car over its opposition, then wax on lyrically about how good it is, only to see a few years later when its replacement arrives, how much better the newer model is, as they point out all the 'faults' of the old model. Then there's the "don't bite the hand that feeds" attitude or we won't get to attend the next freebie jaunt or loan of the top-line car for a few weeks.

2. The vast majority of motoring journos, actually don't know much about cars !! This applies more to the current crop. In 50s & 60s they were concerned more about access to service items & the costs & availability of parts. Today's lot copy & paste off press releases churned out by the manufacturers & are concerned more about the "integrity of the grille's design" or "only having 6 air bags not 8".

Do yourself a favour & buy some old 50s or 60s Wheels or Modern Motor & compare them to today's versions. OK, the cars are different & the old mags are black & white, but at 25c they were a much better read & better value than today's $10 item. Even the advertising contained more info.

Dr Terry

[malazn mafia]

Originally Posted by MAGPIE

What a joke

Could have been worse. At least it wasn't a throwaway Hyundai, Kia or Toyota

[Brazen]

I've driven the new Tiguan, it is a really good car.

[2011G6E]

Originally Posted by Brazen

I've driven the new Tiguan, it is a really good car.

I think there are a lot of people..."enthusaists" I mean...struggling to come to terms with the fact that families these days don't just feel they need to act like robots and toddle off to buy a large rear wheel drive Australian built sedan anymore (preferably one with a V8), and haven't for some time...there's just such a variety of styles of vehicles around now that people can buy to suit their exact needs.

Times change...

[FairmontGS]

Originally Posted by Brazen

I've driven the new Tiguan, it is a really good car.

Nothing quite says "I've given up on life" like driving a Tiguan...

[kinksta]

Originally Posted by 2011G6E

I think there are a lot of people..."enthusaists" I mean...struggling to come to terms with the fact that families these days don't just feel they need to act like robots and toddle off to buy a large rear wheel drive Australian built sedan anymore (preferably one with a V8), and haven't for some time...there's just such a variety of styles of vehicles around now that people can buy to suit their exact needs.

Times change...

Yep. I often giggle to myself when someone who drives a 450rwkw Falcon/Commodore who posts the good old, "The VW Polo diesel just feels gutless" comment

[Windsor220]

Ford done well. 4 class wins and a contender in the final 4 of the main prize.

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Dr Terry

Do yourself a favour & buy some old 50s or 60s Wheels or Modern Motor & compare them to today's versions. OK, the cars are different & the old mags are black & white, but at 25c they were a much better read & better value than today's $10 item. Even the advertising contained more info.

Dr Terry

You don't even have to go that far back.
Reviews from the likes of Motor and Wheels up to the late 90's were much more comprehensive with the likes of full dimensions, mechanical specs and right into the nitty gritty of switch placements and boot practicality.

Now its "lifestyle pieces" and "epic drives" with a few regurgitated press release "first drives".

[csv8]

''It faced a tough bunch of rivals after a punishing year — but VW's Tiguan SUV helped to raise the brand's image.
It's the Tiguan. Volkswagen is back to its best as a car maker, claiming the 2016 CarsGuide Car of the Year crown despite enduring the worst year in its corporate history.
After the complaints, controversies and a $20 billion penalty in the US for emissions cheating, VW's Tiguan SUV easily trumped one of the best fields in the 20-year history of CarsGuide's Car of the Year .
The Tiguan scored on all counts — safety, comfort, quality and driving enjoyment — to take a unanimous first-place sweep with the seven hard-nosed COTY judges.
It finished ahead of the Honda Civic and Audi A4 after two days of intensive testing of a 10-car field of finalists.
The Tiguan's victory is the fourth time in the past eight years that a Volkswagen has claimed the COTY crown, following the Golf in 2013 and 2009, as well as the Polo in 2010.
"This is a well-deserved win by a very impressive car," says CarsGuide editor Richard Blackburn.
The Civic burst from the pack during the final test runs to jump ahead of the A4, Mazda CX-9 and Fiat 124 Abarth after the contenders were culled to a final five after the first day.
"I changed my vote on the final drive of the Civic. It impressed me so much when I went back to it," says Peter Barnwell.
The A4 also sailed through to the final vote, although some felt it missed the X-factor needed for a COTY win.
"It's clinically perfect but it just doesn't feel enough like luxury to me," says Joshua Dowling.
The battle for this year's crown covered most segments of the new-car market, from family seven-seaters to roadsters."
http://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news...the-year-47490

[Falcon SXR8]

So glad i'm not at a point in my life yet were I would consider driving something like that an actual option.

[Cav]

Small turbo engine combined with the DSG makes it and me hesitant.

[vztrt]

Glad I dont take these things seriously.

[Trump]

I don't know why we are discussing a completely irrelevant "competition" anyway. It's like knowing who won the annual cod smoking contest of Newfoundland, who gives a crap.

[Raptor]

Strange how these awards don't seem so irrelevant when it's a Falcon/Territory/Ranger or Focus winning something

I'm sure the new VW Tiguan will do really well, and this recognition will help it on its way.

It will probably exceed the Ford Kuga soon to be Escape, annual sales in its first month or so.






.

[Mechan1k]

Be interesting to know how much that paid really.
Look ... these car of the year comparisons should be taken with a grain of salt.

Back in the day the Holden Camira won Wheels car of the year ... look how that turned out.
Quite a few other lemons won it as well.

[Ben73]

Looks heaps better then the weird proportioned previous model.
I know nothing else about them though.

[.:4:.]

Originally Posted by Mechan1k

Be interesting to know how much that paid really.
Look ... these car of the year comparisons should be taken with a grain of salt.

Back in the day the Holden Camira won Wheels car of the year ... look how that turned out.
Quite a few other lemons won it as well.

Were you making a reference to the p76 award?

[Nikked]

Awards only matter when ford win, when the don't...they are useless competitions...

[adz137]

Had a look at one with my wife she was quite impressed. We are thinking of getting her the 162tsi version (golf gti engine) when it comes out early next year. Definitely need to tick the R-Line option as they look pretty bland without the body-kit.