Car Of The Year Philippines (COTY)

[mbt]

nakow, magpaparang transsport show na yung COTY kung meron pang 2nd and 3rd place... transsport, you know, where all the entrants seem to bring home a trophy of some sort hehehe

[Monseratto]

yup.. mas important na happy ka sa ride mo... kanya-kanyang taste din sa pagbili ng sasakyan...

kumag kasi itong toyota at di nagpadala ng revo kahit meron na silang Innova.. at least nilaban diba hehe... ang alam ko eh since na nilabas ang REVO nung 1998 to 2004 eh overall number one sya (yearly sales)

..pero ika nga ni jamyrlan - "truly, good sales doesnt mean a good car"
which also true hehe..

Trophys don't make a company great, profits do. Maybe that is why Toyota didn't send anything, they believe sales figures made them #2 in the world, not awards or trophys.

[cyberdoc95]

Hi guys, long time no see...

Just my 10c worth:

The Philippine Car of The Year awards were decided on a scoring system based on the subjective observations and experiences of the judging panel (but following a points system...), and GPS-tested track performance. I think there may be a slight bias towards vehicle performance, as indicated by the fact that most of the winners were either the fastest in their segments or close to it. I suppose the awards should be renamed "The Fastest Philippine Cars of The Year".

One cannot deny, however, that almost all of the vehicles chosen were very good vehicles, presenting value for money, as well as a comfortable driving/riding experience.

As regarding some of the aforementioned "controversies":

Toyota did NOT join, it is true, but private owners donated their cars to the testing. There was a Vios and an Altis in the test, but I'm not sure if the panel managed to source a Revo. I am also of the opinion that the Revo would have won, as my cousin has a VX200, and it is head and shoulders over most any AUV I have ever ridden (and I drive an XUVi).

That the Vios won is a disappointment to me. I think it's a case of testosterone over estrogen (Vios versus City), with the balls carrying the vote. If the Honda Jazz had come out earlier, it would DEFINITELY have been a different story, as the Jazz caters to both.

There should be no onus on the Lynx RS for being an old car... the Sentra is running on a platform that has not changed (suspension-wise) since the early 90's. The Lancer is pretty long in the tooth also. The Optra, though viewed by many (including me) as being a merely re-badged Daewoo, is actually a more modern platform, but technically not as sophisticated as some. Even the Mazda3 is an amalgam of old and new tech, the 3's MZR engines have the same basic core as the Lynx's 323 sourced 1.6 and 1.3 liter hearts. I would have happily agreed if the Mazda3 had won (it definitely has it all over the Civic 2.0), but I give props to the judges for recognizing the solidity and dependability of the RS. Who cares how old the bones are? If it corners, drives and stops better, while riding just as comfortably as the newer platforms, it deserves the accolades it gets.

And for anyone bringing up the "old car" issue again, I say: look at the AUV and Large SUV categories... those platforms and engines are all twice as old as the RS's. The Starex is another old car in new boots... but at least it has a great new engine.

The SUV Lite category is the only big vehicle category showing promise in terms of technology, as the X-Trail bested the old-fashioned but powerful Escape, the light and nimble RAV4, and the default choice CR-V. It's probably one of the only winners that's NOT fastest in class.

The S60 T5 and 745Li are both natural choices, in the absence of more compelling arguments from the competition. I would've picked the 530d, though, but you can't win them all.

As for the overall win for the Accord 3.0, I do agree that fuel conservation, practicality and price should have been a bigger factor in the voting (which, paradoxically, may have given the win to either the X-Trail or the Vios), but remember, the objective voting weighs BOTH fuel consumption and performance, and I think that those factors even each other out. In the end, I believe the subjective voting carried the vote. Having ridden in a new Accord, I can safely say I understand why.

[SIZE=3]
Good Explanation! POINT TAKEN! [/SIZE]

[niky]

Hehe, 2nd and 3rd place would be meaningless in some categories (the supermini category, for example, was ALWAYS going to be a two horse race...), but it would be nice if the PCOTY would make their scores and test results available to the general public.

[mazdamazda]

A close look at the Car(s) of the Year
BACKSEAT DRIVER By Manny N. De Los Reyes
The Philippine STAR 03/09/2005

Well, the envelopes have been handed out and have been ripped apart. And the winner is… (drum roll)… the Honda Accord 3.0 V6!

Yes, Honda’s flagship now wears the title of the 1st Philippine Car of the Year. (It was crowned last February 24 in formal rites at the Rockwell Tent at the Plaza.) We’ve all heard of the American Car of the Year, European Car of the Year and Japan Car of the Year, each of which is chosen from the respective country’s available models and picked by those countries’ motoring journalists. High time the Philippines had one too, right?

We may not realize it, but the Philippines is a veritable treasure chest of cars — an embarrassment of riches that unfortunately isn’t matched by the buying power of the typical Filipino. Mostly because of our lenient laws (i.e. safety, emissions), it’s a lot easier to bring in cars here than in other countries, legally or otherwise. Which is why we have more car models available here than in some more affluent countries.

Which, in turn, makes Honda’s victory all the more impressive. In a country where car marques run the gamut from Audi to Volvo, being singled out by the majority of 46 journalists from 28 different media outfits is no mean feat.

Personally, I’ve always liked the Accord. Solid build quality, intelligent design, impeccable performance — you won’t go wrong with it. Not that there’s anything wrong with its archrival, the Toyota Camry. But slip in the Accord’s most powerful-in-class 240-hp V6 and slick 5-speed automatic transmission and you’ve got a super-smooth leather-lined cruise ship that can effortlessly run (and stop, and corner) with prestigious sports sedans costing millions more. As an overall package, it’s really hard to beat — never mind that the exterior styling (a purely subjective factor) borders on the controversial. Heck, even some new BMWs have love-em-or-hate-em designs.

Speaking of design, hats off to the Mazda 3 for winning Best Overall Design. Whether it’s in sedan or wagon guise, the car’s lines are simply a joy to behold. Even more impressive, its appeal is so universal that all onlookers — young and old, male or female — are unanimous in their praise. The fact that the car rests on an ultra-solid platform that it shares with none other than the new Volvo S40 and the upcoming Ford Focus (Ford owns Mazda and Volvo) is almost lost in the sheer aesthetic triumph that is the Mazda 3.

Other winners? The perennially best-selling Hyundai Starex for Best Van of the Year. No brainer here. Its knockout combination of styling, interior space, performance (especially with the high-powered state-of-the-art common-rail diesel engine of the CRDi variant), riding comfort and value leaves many of its competitors in the dust.

As for AUVs, the Toyota Revo is the undisputed leader in the AUV market but Toyota opted not to send the Revo to the COTY test fest held last October and November in Cavite perhaps in deference to its then-upcoming successor, the recently released Innova. This left the Best AUV of the Year category open to basically just two players: the Isuzu Crosswind and the Mitsubishi Adventure. It was probably a close fight, but in the end, the latter (in its Grand Sport variant) won.

The Best Pickup award goes to the Ford Ranger. Some may wonder why the larger, more powerful and arguably better-looking Isuzu D-MAX failed to clinch the accolade. (The new Toyota Hilux hadn’t been launched yet in time for the COTY test fest.) I surmise that the Ranger’s solid combination of impressively high build quality, supple (for a pickup) ride, and very strong performance from its smoothest-in-class intercooled turbo-diesel 12-valve engine swung the votes the other way.

One of the more popular categories for testers and buyers alike is the subcompact car. This genre fell under Best Super Mini under the Car of the Year categorization. The class includes locally available cars with engine displacements of 1.0 liter up to 1.5 liters. These can either be sedans or hatchbacks. The winner? Toyota’s Vios. This car came out with "the fastest acceleration, best value and market appeal among its competitors," according to the official COTY press release. Personally, I love the Vios’ perky styling and energetic performance. Overall however, I would have given the nod to the Honda Jazz and City platform twins, especially when factoring in their sheer cabin roominess, ingenious cargo-carrying versatility, stunning fuel efficiency, impressively high build quality and technologically advanced continuously variable transmissions (CVT).

Another category close to my heart is that of Best Sports Compact of the Year. This category covers compact sedans with engine displacements of 1.6 liters up to 2.0 liters. According to the COTY press release, "the winner of the Best Sports Compact of the Year award bested its competitors during the test fest with adrenalin-rushing acceleration, raw power and boy-racer looks. The test vehicle also exhibited outstanding performance despite its high mileage and tough life as a media test unit attesting to its durability and build quality." The car? None other than the Ford Lynx RS 2.0. It’s just amazing how shoehorning a powerful 2.0-liter motor under the hood of a car that’s always been happy with its 1.6-liter engine can totally transform its character. Just like Popeye after a serving of spinach, the Lynx RS totally blows away the competition. Big 16-inch wheels with sticky high-performance tires, sporty white meter gauges, drilled aluminum pedals, strut-tower bars and Recaro-like bucket seats underscore the performance potential of this pocket rocket — but none more so than the fact that it comes only with a slick-shifting 5-speed manual gearbox. No automatics for pretenders and posers. The Lynx RS is the real deal — and every car buff worthy of his or her racing cap ought to experience one.

As for the Best Light SUV of the Year (mini SUVs with engine displacements that range from 2.0 liter to 3.0 liters with two- or four-wheel-drive), the winner is the Nissan X-Trail 250X. It’s got understatedly elegant styling that doesn’t seem to age, high-tech plastic fenders that resist dings and will never rust and a very sophisticated four-wheel-drive system. COTY testers noted that "it displayed the acceleration of a car, the utility of an SUV and the riding comfort of a luxury sedan." I did think, however, that Mitsubishi’s perennially overlooked Outlander would more than give the Nissan a run for its money. The Outlander has an equally advanced drivetrain, similar dynamic performance, superior fit and finish, better riding comfort not to mention better overall refinement. Then there are also the Toyota RAV 4, Honda CR-V and the Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute twins, all of which had a good shot at the title. This is probably the toughest fought category.

The Best Luxury SUV of the Year category probably had the widest range of engines ranging from 3.5-liter V6s to mammoth 6.0-liter diesel V8s. According to the COTY release, "the Best Luxury SUV of the Year surprised everyone with its smooth operation, car-like civility and balanced package. It proved attuned to the local driving conditions and the manner by which luxury SUVs are used in the country. Its greatest claim to fame is its 6-cylinder engine that has the power of a V8." And the title goes to the Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT. No doubt the Ford Explorer/Expedition, the Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and the Mitsubishi Pajero — my personal choice and no, I’m not under the payroll of Mitsubishi — were in the running (the Isuzu Trooper and Nissan Patrol are simply too far along their product lifecycles to be competitive with the much newer brutes) but, in the final tally, the Traiblazer was it.

No need to announce the winner of the Best Executive Sedan of the Year as it happens to be the Overall Car of the Year, the Honda Accord 3.0 V6. Cars in this class are mid-sized sedans powered by engines ranging from 2.0-liter fours to 2.5-liter V6s all the way to 3.0-liter V6s.

For the Best Luxury Sedan of the Year, entries are comprised of premium luxury sedans with engines ranging from 2.5 to 3.0-liter sixes including a high-tech German diesel. The winner "displayed the best characteristics of a sporty luxury sedan, with performance and safety features that will satisfy even the most discriminating clientele. It competed closely with another European luxury sedan and eventually edged its competitor when the price was factored in." That car is the Volvo S60 T5. Despite what folks from the German luxury car manufacturers would say, Volvo is right up there when it comes to engineering and technological leadership, particularly in the area of safety. Luxury, as well as the level of creature comforts and amenities, is far from wanting. And that’s even before you drop in a turbocharger that allows the T5 model to run away from competitors in its price range.

Last but not least is the Best Ultra Luxury Sedan, otherwise known as the cars that cost more than a four-bedroom house. The winner, the BMW 745 Li, exemplified the cost-no-object stature by delivering a scorching acceleration time of 6.8 seconds to 100 kph (despite it weighing as much as a Ford Expedition), boasting an ultra-luxurious gadget-laden interior and highly advanced features and specifications and, of course, a heart-stopping price.

[squala]

I have to agree that the Accord is the best sedan, but its greatness doesn't reflect on sales. I've only see two V6 versions on the road since it was launched, and with the rapid increase in gas prices, I'm pretty sure many potential buyers will settle for something else. The buttlifted version (much needed change) might also come here. The 5-speed automatic would have been nice with a manual override function as well.

This car is nowhere near a 3-Series in dynamics, but straight-line performance is paralleled if not surpassed, and reliability and maintenance should be less of a headache. This car is a symbol that Honda is on the right track (at least in the midsize sedan segment), a pretty good sign that they plan to take things sitting down.

Its 1.6M price is right but still not affordable, so too bad only a handful will get a chance to experience near-perfection in a technically mainstream vehicle.

[carlocaraddict]

I couldnt create a new thread for this. Anyway, here are the winners for 2007:

Kia Rio-Best Subcompact sedan
Honda Civic-Best compact sedan
Volvo S60-best luxury sedan
Mazda 6 2.3-Best Executive sedan
Mercedes Benz E280-Best ultra Luxuryt sedan and Best Safety Package
Toyota Innova-Best Entry Level MPV
Mitsubishi Grandis-Best Luxury MPV
Mitsubishi Strada-Best Pick Up
Nissan Murano and Honda Civic-Best in over all design
Audi A6-Technology Innovation Award

Honda Civic-Car of the Year (PCOTY)

[CVT]

Thanks for the update.

And so, it is the Civic this year.....

2101:banana2:

[Monseratto]

Hmmm...wasn't the Mazda 6 same category winner last year? They just spruced it up and it still wins over the Camry 3.0 Q...?!?!? Nawala yung AUV category, baka manalo yung Adventure ulit.

[gearspeed]

Congrats sa Dahon Civic.

[boosted]

congrats to the winners! Hope they really did an objective testing

[kyle618]

imo the camry 3.5Q or even the 2.4L variants should have won the award for best exec car unless may price limit.

best luxury sedan goes to the volvo s60??? WTF! its so freakin old na e.

[Horsepower]

who are the clowns who judged this? hehehe

[MRC23]

How about the SUV's?

[carlocaraddict]

my bad, i forgot to include these:

entry level SUV-Subaru Forester
Luxury SUV-Subaru Outback.

Regarding AUV category, it is in the entry level MPV categ. Parang magulo hehehe.

[number001]

IMO, the best luxury MPV should have gone to the Toyota Previa/Estima a.k.a. bullet train.

[ryan]

IMO, the best luxury MPV should have gone to the Toyota Previa/Estima a.k.a. bullet train.

Same sentiments here...the Grandis and Previa are very far apart and despite the high price tag, the Previa wins in overall look, space, and feel.

While for the executive class cars, I wonder how the Accord beat the Camry 3.5 V6 hehe.

[niky]

For all those who question the results, remember what carlo always says:

"Don't judge a car unless you've driven it."

I'll admit, while the Previa and Camry have tons of showroom appeal and charisma, there are a few OTHER things that judges are looking at in this competition.

1. The Drive, and the enjoyment of such. This includes predictability, fun, ergonomics, etcetera.

2. Value for Money. This is why the Focus and Mazda3 never won, and why the Civic took overall honors this year. Might also help that the Focus and Mazda3 are ineligible... not updated this year.

If you've never driven the Grandis or the Previa, you won't understand why the judges picked the Grandis. The Grandis/Space Gear/Spacewagon family has always had a reputation of being easy to drive. They're like sedans on stilts, and this has enormous appeal with the judges. The Previa, while more enjoyable from the back seat, is still just a regular van. Heck, kung back seat lang ang pinapag-usapan, panalo na ang E150...

Same with the Camry. The Camry may be a fast car, but it's still nowhere near as good to drive as an Accord or Mazda6.

The Kia Rio, no shock here. It offers more than the entry level 1.3s at a very competitive price... and it's fun to drive, to boot. Strada... a definite winner (even after sampling the competition, the Strada really stands out). Innova, obvious choice.

S60? I can only assume this is due to value per peso. Most BMWs, Mercs and Audis in the same price range are kinda small.

[carlocaraddict]

Niky, I thought the new Ranger will cream the Strada in this year's COTY hahaha. It was the other way around.

I remember last year, the Chrysler T&C and the Mitsubishi Grandis where the only ones competing for the best luxury MPV crown hhehehe.

[ryan]

If you've never driven the Grandis or the Previa, you won't understand why the judges picked the Grandis. The Grandis/Space Gear/Spacewagon family has always had a reputation of being easy to drive. They're like sedans on stilts, and this has enormous appeal with the judges. The Previa, while more enjoyable from the back seat, is still just a regular van. Heck, kung back seat lang ang pinapag-usapan, panalo na ang E150...

Oh pardon me but I actually made my comments earlier because I've test driven both models in the past and "ease in driving" is not the main factor in an MPV in my opinion.

I'm no "judge" of course but this is just my humble point of view