Motor Trend has just named the Tesla Model S as next year’s car of
the year, which was a bit unexpected to most car fans out there as it is
the first time that an electric car was given the recognition and the
honor of attaining such an achievement. But since it was hailed at such a
position, one may think of the others that have been shortlisted in
coming up with the winner. In case you may be curious as to the
contenders of the said award, here are the top 10 contenders for the
2013 Motor Trend Car of the Year.
10. Lexus GS
You just have to notice that this Lexus hybrid is so good that it
lets you feel like you are driving a standard car when it comes to
steering, handling, and even comfort. The interiors were also superior
when it comes to style and functionality that it could have won an award
if there is any. Fuel economy is also considerable as a great contender
for bagging the 2013 title, but there have been some flaws on design
that made GS lose the opportunity. Considering that Lexus models have
attractive faces, this one’s just not right as testers saw something
from an alien movie… nope, not that the car looks extraterrestrial in a
positive sense, but it looked like a “Predator” with its mask on.
9. Honda Accord
Honda Accord has been in the market for so long, and many
developments have been under way in order for it to become the
high-performance sedan it’s supposed to be. For 2013, you may feel
confused that the latest make is actually 3.5 inches shorter… Wait…
SHORTER?! Yes, although fans have been used to seeing the Accord as a
low-long-wide car, it has considered consumers that have difficult time
in having it fit the garage. Also, performance is great with engines
that are more efficient, with CVT employed better than other models.
Sound is also considerable as you can barely feel any inconsistencies on
function. It could have bagged this year’s award, if only there were
features that have been revolutionary, rather than seeing a unit with
gradual change.
8. Toyota Avalon
True to its Japanese culture, manners, and driver consideration, the
Toyota Avalon is so great with interior space utilization that it could
be attributed by judges as Zen and feng shui combined to provide that
huge space inside the vehicle. You just have to be awed with a sport
mode and paddle shifters that already broke the cycle of staying with
the old and transitioning to the modern. Steering and handling brings
you to where you want it, but with little feedback. Speed is also loved
with this improved sedan. The only letdown it had was its hybrid type
that’s just less than what you’d expect from its gas model.
7. Ford C-Max Hybrid
For a hybrid, the C-Max Hybrid can be considered one of the cheapest
cars there is, which would be great once this baby launches for selling
next year. Efficiency is also admirable with packaging that gives
drivers and enthusiasts a buy for their money. Just how good is the
package? According to one judge, it’s like having many car features,
such as that of Prius’ efficiency, Focus’ feel of the drive, and
Escape’s functionality and driver-friendliness. Nevertheless, the
economical price has its setbacks, which can be found on some of the
interiors of the vehicle. Aside from that, everything could have been
close to perfect.
6. Cadillac ATS
As it was tested by drivers, one thing that can be noticed is that
its performance, features, and other elements are comparable, if not
close to that of the Series 3 from BMW. In fact, testers and judges
alike never thought that the 3 Series can be overthrown or at least
shaken from one competitor. What’s it got and how it got par with a
great contender? Balance has been met at paramount, the body, along with
the design is greater than second best, and steering was a lot better
than most candidates. Some of the letdowns however, include cramped rear
seats and difficult manual transmission transition.
5. BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series is a great choice among drivers not just because of
the name and the label that has created some of the best sedans in the
market, but also due to its riding balance that drivers are always
looking forward to experiencing. However, this baby was losing a bit
when it comes to steering and turbo, something that have been flawless
in other models. There has also been something noticed by testers that
steering does not match with the actual power of the engine, causing
lapse when it comes to the timing of the maneuverability.
4. Ford Fusion
At long last, you can now have a vehicle that’s close to an Aston
Martin without the additional expense on the name. Ford Fusion has that
kind of good looks that many would expect it as something else. Also, it
could be noticed that ever since it was hailed as 2010’s Car of the
Year, there have been modifications to space, wind noise handling, and
even usability so that it could bag another COTY for 2013. After all,
its steering was better than that of the BMW 328. Too bad though that it
majorly flawed on handling as sudden stirs and direction change gives
you that coily springy feeling, along with brakes that just feels forced
when stepped in.
3. Porsche 911
The Porsche 911 has always been a crowd favorite, as it is considered
to be one of the best everyday supercars that you could bring out
almost so often. Without prejudice by the fact that it’s a fave, judges
have commended on its new improvements on hydraulics, power assistance
and output support, and other features that make the Carrera a stunning
success. However, disappointments such as body dynamics and engine
placement have been consistent year after year, making the 911 still not
that close to having the 2013 COTY
2. Subaru BRZ
Have you imagined that a car priced at less than $30,000 could match
and go at par with more expensive models like the McLaren MP4-12C and
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1? If the Subaru BRZ is just like what you could
imagine, then there is more to how its nifty sporty exterior look, which
can mislead drivers and fans alike. Chassis, balance, and steering are
three of the best features that judges have praised BRZ for, if only
there was a variant that could provide more torque than what has been
offered already. What if it looked like an Aston Martin? Maybe it had
taken the title with little effort. In short, the BRZ was lacking at the
looks department for not being able to look as rad as it runs.
1. Porsche Boxster
While the BMW 3 Series, the Cadillac ATS, and the Ford Fusion proved
to have great handling improvements for this year’s title battle,
Porsche Boxster, according to judges, has the best feel when it comes to
bringing it on the road, testing its maneuverability, and abusing its
limits. If it could have the chance of beating the 911 for engine, then
it could have been the best car that Porsche could ever create in this
classification. But being at its best, you just have to expect that the
price tag over this performer is just beyond of what can be called as
value.
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