The Car Awards Group Inc. (CAGI) hailed a new successor to the Car of the Year title at last night’s awarding ceremonies held at the 8th Manila International Auto Show (MIAS). The Hyundai Elantra bested a total of 36 nominees and 11 finalists, and is now the 2011-2012 Car of the Year Philippines (COTY-P).
The Hyundai Elantra stood out not only amongst the vehicles in its class, but also above the rest of the entries for this year’s COTY-P. It ranked high in the Qualitative tests, where it was scored based on criteria such as aesthetics, comfort, and drivability, and was one of the top performers in the Technical test that evaluated the acceleration, braking, and handling characteristics of each vehicle, while offering great value for money. Presenting the award to the Hyundai Elantra once again proves that the title of Car of the Year Philippines is not for the fastest, cheapest, or most popular car in the market. Rather, it is an award for the car that offers best value to the consumers.
Making history, this is the first time that a Korean automaker has won Car of the Year in Philippines, and is the Elantra’s fourth Car of the Year worldwide, winning the same title previously in Canada, North America, and South Africa.
“The COTY-P award is well-deserved by the Hyundai Elantra and makes this the 4th COTY award received worldwide by the Elantra. The results are also a validation that CAGI’s COTY testing procedures are internationally up to par,” remarked CAGI President Ferman Lao.
Aside from the prestigious Car of the Year title, there were also 11 category and special award winners recognized.
2011 – 2012 Car of the Year Category Winners:
| Basic Subcompact Car | Kia Picanto 1.0 M/T |
| Subcompact Car | Suzuki Swift 1.4 A/T |
| Compact Car | Hyundai Elantra 1.8 GLS A/T |
| Crossover | Kia Sportage 2.0 |
| Luxury Mid sized Car | Volvo S60 T4 |
| Luxury Compact Crossover | MINI Countryman S |
| Midsize SUV 4×2 | Mitsubishi Montero Sport 4×2 M/T |
| Midsize SUV 4×4 | Mitsubishi Montero Sport GTV 4×4 A/T |
| Luxury SUV | Ford Explorer V6 AWD |
| Pickup 4×2 | Mitsubishi Strada 4×2 A/T |
| Pickup 4×4 | Mitsubishi Strada 4×4 A/T |
Special Awards
| Standard Insurance Worry-Free Award | Chevrolet Cruze Diesel |
| BOSCH Technical Innovation Award | My Ford Touch Sync (Ford Explorer) |
| AAP Road Safety Award | Volvo S60 |
| Papa J’s Best Value Award | Kia Picanto 1.0 M/T |
| Caltex with Techron Enjoy the Journey Award | Nissan Teana 350XV |
| Cartrige World iSwap iCare Award | Suzuki Swift 1.4 A/T |
| All Terra All Activity Vehicle Award | Toyota Hilux 3.0G 4×4 |
| Victoria Court Most Spacious Award | Foton MPX 2.8L CRDi Long Wheelbase |
| Red Rock Travel Most Affordable Car Award | Lifan LF320 M/T |
| Speedlab Tuner’s Choice Award | Hyundai Elantra 1.6 M/T |
| Clark International Speedway Motorsports Award | Tuason Racing School and Ford Group Philippines (TRS Cup powered by the Ford Fiesta) |
For eight years running, CAGI has recognized the best vehicles in the market, awarding the coveted title of Car of the Year Philippines (COTY-P) to the car with the best value for money for consumers. The COTY-P awards is an annual consumer-oriented event organized by CAGI, a non-stock, non-profit organization composed of more than 50 motoring journalists from various print, broadcast, and online media outlets.
The 2011 – 2012 COTY-P awards is presented by the Manila International Auto Show and is supported by the Clark International Speedway, SpeedLab, Caltex Techron, Standard Insurance, BOSCH, Worldbex, Ortigas Home Depot, Automotive Association of the Philippines, Cartridge World, Papa J’s Witches n Wings, MG Madrid & Co., All Terra Cyclery, Red Rock Travel, Life Line Ambulance Rescue, Winner Graphics, and Victoria Court with media partners Sunshine TV, Auto Extreme, Auto Review, Stoplight TV, Motoring Today, Auto Focus, 99.5RT, Jam 88.3, Wave 89.1, Kotse.com, Motioncars.com, Autoindustriya.com, Sprocket.ph, MotorCycle Magazine, Gadgets Magazine, Speed Magazine, C! Magazine, Power Wheels, Top Gear Philippines, Business World, Business Mirror, The Philippine Daily Inquirer, The Manila Standard Today, World News, The Philippine STAR, Daily Tribune, Malaya Business Insights, Manila Times, and The Manila Bulletin.