Each test fest was full of surprising twists—mostly involving the results.  For instance, the Chevrolet Optra 1.8 LT actually bested the Mazda 3 2.0R in braking distance despite the latter’s advantage of fatter tires, while the Honda Accord was the clear sprint winner to 100 km/h in its class beating the likes of the BMW 325i Jaguar X-Type 3.0, Nissan Cefiro 300EX and Toyota Camry 3.0V.  Of course, CAGI members also proved their driving/drag skills during the test.  Lester Dizon of the Philippine Star was the fastest on the manual transmission models while Philippine Daily Inquirer’s Tessa Salazar was the best in braking.  The author was commented upon by Andre Palma, the CAGI test guru, to consider a career in drag racing with the best reaction time of the entire group.

While the Accord took the top prize as well as the best executive sedan award, the other winners of the night were: BMW 745Li (best technical innovation, best ultra-luxury sedan); Chevrolet Trailblazer (best full-sized/luxury SUV); Ford Lynx RS (best sports compact); Hyundai Starex CRDi (best van/people carrier); Isuzu Crosswind XUVi (best marketing campaign); Kia Picanto (best value for money); Mazda 3 2.0R (best overall design, media’s choice award); Mercedes-Benz SLK350 (special participation award); Mitsubishi Adventure Grand Sport (best AUV); Nissan X-TRAIL 250X (best compact SUV); Toyota Vios (best super mini); Volvo S60 T5 (best luxury sedan); Volvo XC90 T6 (best safety package).  All the winners of the Car of the Year – Philippines will be displayed for public scrutiny at the upcoming Manila Motor Show on April 28-30 at the World Trade Center.

While the manufacturers who have won awards in the first-ever Car of the Year – Philippines could very well enjoy their fantastic achievement, CAGI president Armin Amio did say that this should be a continuous challenge for the car manufacturers of the country.  It is about time the country doesn’t just get good cars; rather it should get the best ones.  The year’s Car of the Year – Philippines was sponsored by the Automobile Association of the Philippines along with Worldbex International/Manila Motor Show, Standard Insurance, North Luzon Tollways Corporation, Bosch, Bridgestone, Reebok and Coca-Cola.

Special Mention Awards
Best Technical Innovation BMW 745Li
Best Value for Money Kia Picanto LX
Best Marketing Campaign Isuzu Crosswind XUVi
Best Overall Design Mazda 3 2.0 R
Best Safety Package Volvo XC90 T6
Special Participation Award Mercedes-Benz SLK350

Category Winners
Best Super Mini Toyota Vios 1.3 E
Best Sports Compact Ford Lynx RS
Best Executive Sedan Honda Accord 3.0 VTEC V6
Best Luxury Sedan Volvo S60 T5
Best Ultra-Luxury Sedan BMW 745Li
Best Light / Compact SUV Nissan X-TRAIL 250X
Best Full-Sized / Luxury SUV Chevrolet Trailblazer LT
Best Pick-Up Ford Ranger XLT
Best Van / People Carrier Hyundai Starex CRDi
Best AUV Mitsubishi Adventure Grand Sport

Overall Winners
Media's Choice Award Mazda 3 2.0 R
Car of the Year Honda Accord 3.0 VTEC V6

The Mazda 3's strikingly good looks made it a clear-cut victor in the overall design contest. It eventually took home the Media's Choice Awards--an award based solely on popular vote.
Isuzu's countless cross-provincial trips has proven the durability and comfort of the Crosswind XUVi. Their straight-forward campaign has earned it with the Best Marketing Campaign Award.
The BMW 745Li's various toys and i-Drive system has made it the Best in Technical Innovation. On the driver's seat, Jason is fiddling with the various seating adjustments while Ulysses fixes the radio system on the rear i-Drive system.
The Kia Picanto's sub-400,000 price tag (manual tranny) has no equal.  It was deemed the Best Value for Money award.
The Volvo XC90, shown here in 2.5T guise, is the safest car tested on this year's CoTY.  It garnered the media's respect with a Best in Safety Package.

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