After presenting you with our finalists last week, here is the list of Auto123.com Award winners for the year 2021. As you read through the list, keep in mind that the votes were not always unanimous and that some of the battles were very close. Also, some models that could not be tested did not really have a chance to win.
What we noticed this year is that some of the finalists had everything to be winners, which means once again that the industry is progressing and offering us more and more quality creations.
Without further ado, here are the winners.
2021 Subcompact/Compact Car of the Year: Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra wins the title as Best Subcompact/Compact Car of the Year for 2021. Up against the impressive new Nissan Sentra and the ever-popular Mazda3, the Korean automaker’s sedan won over the Auto123 team, notably for its quality of execution, but also because the sedan is available in several different variants.
What’s more, on top of the regular, hybrid and N-Line versions Hyundai is currently working on a genuine Elantra N. Sounds promising!
See also: 2021 Hyundai Elantra First Drive: Reaching for the Top
See also: Hyundai Canada Unveils Pricing for 2021 Elantra Lineup
2021 Midsize/Full-Size Car of the Year: Kia K5
The Korean domination continues in the mid-size and full-size sedan category, which debuts this year as the full-size sedan market continues its departure from the scene.
The Kia K5, a worthy successor to the Optima, has just arrived at Canadian Kia dealerships and takes the top spot on the podium this year, ahead of the Volkswagen Arteon, a model unfairly neglected by consumers at present, and the Toyota Camry, as sure a bet as any in the sedan market.
The K5's design and overall quality are the reason for this victory, but we should also mention the presence of all-wheel drive on board the regular version.
See also: 2021 Kia K5 GT-Line Review: Walking the Line