2005 Canadian Car of the Year

[auto123.com]

TORONTO, Dec. 7 /CNW/ - Twelve 2005 Canadian Car of the Year Award category winners were announced today by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) during a press conference at the Holiday Inn Select Airport in Toronto, Ontario.

The Canadian Car of the Year (CCOTY) Awards are an annual AJAC event that have a significant influence on Canadian consumers. Survey results of previous Car of the Year buyers determined almost 70% (69.6 %) were influenced to purchase their car because it was chosen the "Canadian Car of the Year".

This year's category winners represent the best among an excellent group of new cars and trucks for 2005, as selected by a professional group of automotive experts who test drive, and report on, new vehicles in various media.

Every year, this group of automotive experts meet at Shannonville Motorsport Park near Belleville, Ontario, for a four-day automotive "TestFest" based on "real-world" back-to-back testing to select the best new vehicles in various categories as well as an overall Car of the Year and Truck of the Year. A "Best New Technology" award and the "Best New Design" award are also chosen.

Unlike American or European car awards, our Canadian program follows a sophisticated and rigorous testing process. To quote Car of the Year Director Laurance Yap, "A record number of 64 vehicle entries were performance-tested for acceleration, braking and passing times, at least four times each. In addition, journalists were running an average of 10 driving loops a day during team and individual testing over the 4 day period."

The 2005 category winners are:
Best New Economy Car: Winner: Kia Spectra Sedan LX
Best New Family Car: Winner: Mazda6 Sport
Best New Luxury Car: Winner: Chrysler 300 C
Best New Sport Utility Vehicle: Winner: BMW X3 3.01i
Best New Crossover: Winner: Hyundai Tucson
Best New Sport Compact: Winner: Volvo S40
Best New Sports/Performance Car: Winner: Ford Mustang
Best New Minivan: Winner: Honda Odyssey
Best New Station Wagon: Winner: Mazda6 Sport Wagon
Best New Pick-up: Winner: Toyota Tacoma
Best New Convertible: Winner: Mercedes-Benz SLK 350
Best New Alternative Power: Winner: Honda Accord Hybrid

The overall Canadian Car and Truck of the Year will be announced on February 16th, 2005 in conjunction with the official opening of the 2005
Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, Ontario. The Best New Design and Best New Technology winners will also be declared at that time.
To obtain a copy of the comparative test and performance data as well as the actual "Best New" vote results, please visit our web-site at www.ajac.ca or contact the AJAC office at 1-800-361-1516.

[The General]

I can't say that I disagree with many of their choices.

The BMW X3 is nice but the Pathfinder and LR3 are very strong contenders.

Also, I really like the Mazda 6 but the Buick Allure and the Subaru Legacy are some pretty heavy hitters in their category.

[snoproblem]

"Best New Alternative Power:"

Sign of the times, huh? :)

[The General]

"Best New Alternative Power:"

Sign of the times, huh? :)

Sure is.

But:
Best New Crossover: Winner: Hyundai Tucson

I think it's time to look into diversifying this category.

[snoproblem]

I get the feeling that vehicles being called "crossover" now might end up being the norm for the SUV camp.

[The General]

I get the feeling that vehicles being called "crossover" now might end up being the norm for the SUV camp.

...and the truck-like wagons, the truck-like mini-vans, the car-based trucks and soon, the Mini-based Hummer H4... :wink:

[Laspalmas]

I get the feeling they liked it so much, (the group-vote was quite high)they found a way to give it some accolade by forcing it in this listing. I think they should have had a new "small SUV" category. It may or may not have won this way, but just the fact that it was nominated as one of the best would have still been good for me...I bought one in november and I really like it. My only gripe is no side & curtain airbags for Canadian models, no 6cd deck (MP3 instead), top-of-the-line only for the moonroof and a little more fuel consumption than I was used to in my 4cyl Camry.
But it looks great, sounds nice with the dual pipes and drives really smooth.

[The General]

Keep us posted as to how the truck performs as the mileage increases. This is the best way to evaluate it...

[Laspalmas]

I let you know how things go, so far so good; we had a short but deadly cold snap here with minus 35 celcius temperatures (minus 45 wind- chill) and it started ok without a engine block heater...brrrrr

[snoproblem]

I let you know how things go, so far so good; we had a short but deadly cold snap here with minus 35 celcius temperatures (minus 45 wind- chill) and it started ok without a engine block heater...brrrrr

That's some neat trick. Most of the vehicles I've been aquainted with would have expressed a low, metallic moan....and left it at that! :? This speaks very well for the weather testing done for the Tucson.

Out of curiosity, what kind of motor oil are you using? Battery?

[The General]

I'm assuming he's still running the original oil and battery.

[Laspalmas]

Right you are, le Général, it's only 3 weeks old, I have no idea what brand the original battery is - I'm assuming Hyundai if they make their own batteries, I haven't spent enough time snooping around under that hood - it's too frickin' cold out there! I am getting a block heater installed by the dealer soon. From what I hear it's healthier on the engine even though it is still starting on its own. Plus the nice Hull Hyundai manager promised all aftermarket stuff will be at dealer cost for as long as I own it.

[Laspalmas]

Update:
Almost 5000k later and everything fine - no squeaks, no rattles etc. Got the block heater even though it was starting ok (it is always gentler on the engine). Electronic stability control already got me out safe of a couple of potential 360's. So far, so great...

[The General]

Keep on truckin' ...