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After months of rigorous testing and
evaluation, the Car Awards Group Inc. announced the winners of the 2007
Petron Car of the Year-Philippines (COTY-Phils). Taking the top prize is
the new sporty hatchback from Volvo, the C30. In an award ceremony on 15
November, the group also handed out awards for 23 vehicle categories.
CAGI is a non-stock, non-profit
organization made up of writers for various motoring, business, and
lifestyle publications and broadcast outfits. The award is unique
because it does not solicit sponsorship from any car manufacturer or
distributor.
Testing was done in two phases.
Instrumented testing consists of a 0-60 km/h acceleration run followed
by full-force braking; results were recorded using a RaceLogic DriftBox
meter supplied by Speed Lab car tuning shop. The GPS-based performance
device is used in D1 Grand Prix as basis for judging and scoring of
drift events. The performance data is an average of five test runs from
professional test drivers.
For the subjective portion, the assembled writers then drive the car
along a circuit section of San Lazaro Leisure Park. The journalists then
score each of the cars in multiple categories including comfort, ride,
handling, and interior space.
Basic Subcompact Car
The Kia Picanto 1.1 DLX proves that entry-level can be pretty
decent. Cheeky, cheerful and probably cheap to run, the Picanto will
make a good choice for first-time buyers.
Executive Subcompact Car
The Kia Rio 1.4 sedan successfully defends its category title.
First previewed in April 2006, the Rio combines a surprisingly roomy
interior and competent mechanical components with an affordable price
tag.
Luxury Subcompact Car
Not all subcompacts are made equal, as luxury can also come in small
packages. The Volvo C30 may have a small footprint, but every
square cm inside is replete with understated refinement and luxury
features.
Compact Car
The previous Car of the Year, the Honda Civic, takes the prize again in
its category. Recognized for its supreme engine and transmission, the
Civic also offers the biggest cabin in its class. The Honda Civic 1.8
AT was also the fastest through COTY’s handling test course.
Midsize Car
The best-selling Toyota Camry
powered past its compatriots to take the midsize category crown. The
Camry 3.5Q logged in the best acceleration and braking in its class.
Executive Car
The Volvo S60 T5 combines a powerful
turbocharged engine, superb braking and confident handling, at a price
tag that’s not outrageous. The beautiful sheet metal still looks good,
making the S60 an enticing choice.
Luxury Car
The new Volvo S80 2.5L completes the company’s dominance of the
luxury category. Also taking the best in safety award, the sedan was the
fastest in braking in the entire test fleet.
Ultra-luxury Car
Beyond the luxury class is the rarified air of no-holds barred power and
comfort. The Audi A6 won out for its technical brilliance and
superb interior quality. |
