sgCarMart Car of the year 2017: The Perfect 10
29 Dec 2017|15,971 views
While every winner in the 23 main categories of the 2017 installation of sgCarMart's Car of the Year award has thoroughly deserved its crown, the Editorial Team would like to take the opportunity as the year draws to a close to specially mention a few extra special models, which have especially stood out during our time with them.
It doesn't mean the rest of the winners are a class below but there are good cars and there are great cars that tug at your heartstrings and stir your soul. After all, cars to us aren't just a means of transport and we're sure that you, our readers, agree with us that they are far more than that.
Cars are forged by history; they represent the moments by which we mark decades of engineering marvel. They represent the glory of technology and the essence of mankind's subtly denied love for speed. The best of them afford you manic highs on days you feel dramatically low.
So without further ado, here's a list of some of the best of them and why they deserve a spot in this listical.
1. Car of the Year - BMW 5 Series
Despite going head on with strong and steady competition such as the Audi A6, the Lexus GS, the Jaguar XF and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the BMW 5 Series still manages to lead the way in terms of its driving dynamism and technological forefront. The current seventh generation G30 5 Series that you see here is proof that things do get better with age.
Despite going head on with strong and steady competition such as the Audi A6, the Lexus GS, the Jaguar XF and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the BMW 5 Series still manages to lead the way in terms of its driving dynamism and technological forefront. The current seventh generation G30 5 Series that you see here is proof that things do get better with age.
2. Hot Hatch of the Year - Seat Leon Cupra
The Leon Cupra is Spanish carmaker Seat's answer to some of the world's best hot hatches like the Volkswagen Golf GTI. The Cupra is described by Seat as the ultimate in hot hatch performance taking the driving experience to another level and it definitely hasn't disappointed. Thanks to 286bhp of front-wheel drive goodness, paired to a capable limited-slip differential, the Cupra is a joy to behold on both fast straights and challenging bends.
The Leon Cupra is Spanish carmaker Seat's answer to some of the world's best hot hatches like the Volkswagen Golf GTI. The Cupra is described by Seat as the ultimate in hot hatch performance taking the driving experience to another level and it definitely hasn't disappointed. Thanks to 286bhp of front-wheel drive goodness, paired to a capable limited-slip differential, the Cupra is a joy to behold on both fast straights and challenging bends.
3. Luxury Sedan of the Year - Porsche Panamera
The new Porsche Panamera is a deeply impressive car. Its aesthetic appeal is much improved, while still retaining its recognisable Grand Tourer look. More importantly, being a Porsche, it's a thoroughly polished car that has desperately few faults. Even in base-model guise it's comfortable, high-tech and steeped in premium quality. And when you are struck with the need for speed, the Panamera is surprisingly fun and enjoyable to push hard.
The new Porsche Panamera is a deeply impressive car. Its aesthetic appeal is much improved, while still retaining its recognisable Grand Tourer look. More importantly, being a Porsche, it's a thoroughly polished car that has desperately few faults. Even in base-model guise it's comfortable, high-tech and steeped in premium quality. And when you are struck with the need for speed, the Panamera is surprisingly fun and enjoyable to push hard.
4. Premium Mid-Sized SUV of the Year - Range Rover Velar
The Velar is Range Rover's latest offering, which combines high levels of off-road capabilities and technology with dynamic handling and comfort. As it shares its underpinnings with the sporty Jaguar F-PACE, it sort of gives you a hint at how the Velar actually drives. Unlike others that struggle to strike a balance between good looks and driveability, the Velar manages a sweet balance.
The Velar is Range Rover's latest offering, which combines high levels of off-road capabilities and technology with dynamic handling and comfort. As it shares its underpinnings with the sporty Jaguar F-PACE, it sort of gives you a hint at how the Velar actually drives. Unlike others that struggle to strike a balance between good looks and driveability, the Velar manages a sweet balance.
5. Performance Coupe of the Year - Porsche 911 Carrera
An all new direct-injected twin-turbo Boxer engine gives Porsche's upgraded 911 a new level of refinement and performance. Some may miss the ultimate crispness of the old engine, but the new car still drives like a 911 and looks like one, just that it's now faster and more capable than ever before. The wind of change may have passed, but the end result is not only familiar, it's even better.
An all new direct-injected twin-turbo Boxer engine gives Porsche's upgraded 911 a new level of refinement and performance. Some may miss the ultimate crispness of the old engine, but the new car still drives like a 911 and looks like one, just that it's now faster and more capable than ever before. The wind of change may have passed, but the end result is not only familiar, it's even better.
6. Convertible of the Year - MINI Cooper Convertible
The joy of open-top driving in the stylish and refined new MINI Cooper Convertible is sure to appeal to the young and hip. While we may not be the most hip out there, driving the Cooper Convertible made us want to roll up our cuffs, slip on a floral tee and a pair of Ray-Bans. It puts a smile on your face, will ignite vigour in the weariest of souls and make you embrace the sun.
The joy of open-top driving in the stylish and refined new MINI Cooper Convertible is sure to appeal to the young and hip. While we may not be the most hip out there, driving the Cooper Convertible made us want to roll up our cuffs, slip on a floral tee and a pair of Ray-Bans. It puts a smile on your face, will ignite vigour in the weariest of souls and make you embrace the sun.
7. Roadster of the Year - Porsche 718 Boxster
The Porsche 718 Boxster may have lost two cylinders, but it definitely hasn't lost its confidence as a pure-bred Porsche sports car. Comparing spec sheets, the new Boxster is all about positive readings over its replacement. It now fires out 350bhp and 420Nm of torque to the hind wheels. It's the best of both worlds, this. The car is certainly right at home on the race track and it doesn't disappoint on public roads either.
The Porsche 718 Boxster may have lost two cylinders, but it definitely hasn't lost its confidence as a pure-bred Porsche sports car. Comparing spec sheets, the new Boxster is all about positive readings over its replacement. It now fires out 350bhp and 420Nm of torque to the hind wheels. It's the best of both worlds, this. The car is certainly right at home on the race track and it doesn't disappoint on public roads either.
8. Premium Crossover of the Year - Audi Q2
With its funky design and fun-to-drive dynamics, the new Audi Q2 is a fresh pill of joy in the ever-growing premium crossover segment. There's lots of grip in bends and all versions come with Audi's progressive steering, which means easier parking and manoeuvring. Beyond that, it's a package finished with the usual Audi polish, so exceptional refinement and an interior of peerless quality is what you can expect.
With its funky design and fun-to-drive dynamics, the new Audi Q2 is a fresh pill of joy in the ever-growing premium crossover segment. There's lots of grip in bends and all versions come with Audi's progressive steering, which means easier parking and manoeuvring. Beyond that, it's a package finished with the usual Audi polish, so exceptional refinement and an interior of peerless quality is what you can expect.
9. Stationwagon of the Year - Seat Leon Sport Tourer
The Leon Sport Tourer (ST) is Seat's stationwagon offering. While most stationwagons are designed primarily for the purposes of practicality, great ones like the Leon ST are able to offer a reasonable amount of joy from behind the wheel. It manages to make progress in engine downsizing without great compromise and can handle itself neatly when you show it a corner.
The Leon Sport Tourer (ST) is Seat's stationwagon offering. While most stationwagons are designed primarily for the purposes of practicality, great ones like the Leon ST are able to offer a reasonable amount of joy from behind the wheel. It manages to make progress in engine downsizing without great compromise and can handle itself neatly when you show it a corner.
10. Hybrid of the Year - Kia Niro Hybrid
In its first bid at a hybrid, Kia has produced one that offers up an intriguing blend of two worlds. The Niro is neither the best crossover nor the best hybrid but you could certainly make the case that it picks and chooses the best qualities from each segment, and puts it together in a single, cohesive and attractive package. In this sense, the Niro is the best of both worlds because it's easily the best, most value-for-money hybrid crossover today.
In its first bid at a hybrid, Kia has produced one that offers up an intriguing blend of two worlds. The Niro is neither the best crossover nor the best hybrid but you could certainly make the case that it picks and chooses the best qualities from each segment, and puts it together in a single, cohesive and attractive package. In this sense, the Niro is the best of both worlds because it's easily the best, most value-for-money hybrid crossover today.
While every winner in the 23 main categories of the 2017 installation of sgCarMart's Car of the Year award has thoroughly deserved its crown, the Editorial Team would like to take the opportunity as the year draws to a close to specially mention a few extra special models, which have especially stood out during our time with them.
It doesn't mean the rest of the winners are a class below but there are good cars and there are great cars that tug at your heartstrings and stir your soul. After all, cars to us aren't just a means of transport and we're sure that you, our readers, agree with us that they are far more than that.
Cars are forged by history; they represent the moments by which we mark decades of engineering marvel. They represent the glory of technology and the essence of mankind's subtly denied love for speed. The best of them afford you manic highs on days you feel dramatically low.
So without further ado, here's a list of some of the best of them and why they deserve a spot in this listical.
1. Car of the Year - BMW 5 Series
Despite going head on with strong and steady competition such as the Audi A6, the Lexus GS, the Jaguar XF and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the BMW 5 Series still manages to lead the way in terms of its driving dynamism and technological forefront. The current seventh generation G30 5 Series that you see here is proof that things do get better with age.
Despite going head on with strong and steady competition such as the Audi A6, the Lexus GS, the Jaguar XF and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the BMW 5 Series still manages to lead the way in terms of its driving dynamism and technological forefront. The current seventh generation G30 5 Series that you see here is proof that things do get better with age.
2. Hot Hatch of the Year - Seat Leon Cupra
The Leon Cupra is Spanish carmaker Seat's answer to some of the world's best hot hatches like the Volkswagen Golf GTI. The Cupra is described by Seat as the ultimate in hot hatch performance taking the driving experience to another level and it definitely hasn't disappointed. Thanks to 286bhp of front-wheel drive goodness, paired to a capable limited-slip differential, the Cupra is a joy to behold on both fast straights and challenging bends.
The Leon Cupra is Spanish carmaker Seat's answer to some of the world's best hot hatches like the Volkswagen Golf GTI. The Cupra is described by Seat as the ultimate in hot hatch performance taking the driving experience to another level and it definitely hasn't disappointed. Thanks to 286bhp of front-wheel drive goodness, paired to a capable limited-slip differential, the Cupra is a joy to behold on both fast straights and challenging bends.
3. Luxury Sedan of the Year - Porsche Panamera
The new Porsche Panamera is a deeply impressive car. Its aesthetic appeal is much improved, while still retaining its recognisable Grand Tourer look. More importantly, being a Porsche, it's a thoroughly polished car that has desperately few faults. Even in base-model guise it's comfortable, high-tech and steeped in premium quality. And when you are struck with the need for speed, the Panamera is surprisingly fun and enjoyable to push hard.
The new Porsche Panamera is a deeply impressive car. Its aesthetic appeal is much improved, while still retaining its recognisable Grand Tourer look. More importantly, being a Porsche, it's a thoroughly polished car that has desperately few faults. Even in base-model guise it's comfortable, high-tech and steeped in premium quality. And when you are struck with the need for speed, the Panamera is surprisingly fun and enjoyable to push hard.
4. Premium Mid-Sized SUV of the Year - Range Rover Velar
The Velar is Range Rover's latest offering, which combines high levels of off-road capabilities and technology with dynamic handling and comfort. As it shares its underpinnings with the sporty Jaguar F-PACE, it sort of gives you a hint at how the Velar actually drives. Unlike others that struggle to strike a balance between good looks and driveability, the Velar manages a sweet balance.
The Velar is Range Rover's latest offering, which combines high levels of off-road capabilities and technology with dynamic handling and comfort. As it shares its underpinnings with the sporty Jaguar F-PACE, it sort of gives you a hint at how the Velar actually drives. Unlike others that struggle to strike a balance between good looks and driveability, the Velar manages a sweet balance.
5. Performance Coupe of the Year - Porsche 911 Carrera
An all new direct-injected twin-turbo Boxer engine gives Porsche's upgraded 911 a new level of refinement and performance. Some may miss the ultimate crispness of the old engine, but the new car still drives like a 911 and looks like one, just that it's now faster and more capable than ever before. The wind of change may have passed, but the end result is not only familiar, it's even better.
An all new direct-injected twin-turbo Boxer engine gives Porsche's upgraded 911 a new level of refinement and performance. Some may miss the ultimate crispness of the old engine, but the new car still drives like a 911 and looks like one, just that it's now faster and more capable than ever before. The wind of change may have passed, but the end result is not only familiar, it's even better.
6. Convertible of the Year - MINI Cooper Convertible
The joy of open-top driving in the stylish and refined new MINI Cooper Convertible is sure to appeal to the young and hip. While we may not be the most hip out there, driving the Cooper Convertible made us want to roll up our cuffs, slip on a floral tee and a pair of Ray-Bans. It puts a smile on your face, will ignite vigour in the weariest of souls and make you embrace the sun.
The joy of open-top driving in the stylish and refined new MINI Cooper Convertible is sure to appeal to the young and hip. While we may not be the most hip out there, driving the Cooper Convertible made us want to roll up our cuffs, slip on a floral tee and a pair of Ray-Bans. It puts a smile on your face, will ignite vigour in the weariest of souls and make you embrace the sun.
7. Roadster of the Year - Porsche 718 Boxster
The Porsche 718 Boxster may have lost two cylinders, but it definitely hasn't lost its confidence as a pure-bred Porsche sports car. Comparing spec sheets, the new Boxster is all about positive readings over its replacement. It now fires out 350bhp and 420Nm of torque to the hind wheels. It's the best of both worlds, this. The car is certainly right at home on the race track and it doesn't disappoint on public roads either.
The Porsche 718 Boxster may have lost two cylinders, but it definitely hasn't lost its confidence as a pure-bred Porsche sports car. Comparing spec sheets, the new Boxster is all about positive readings over its replacement. It now fires out 350bhp and 420Nm of torque to the hind wheels. It's the best of both worlds, this. The car is certainly right at home on the race track and it doesn't disappoint on public roads either.
8. Premium Crossover of the Year - Audi Q2
With its funky design and fun-to-drive dynamics, the new Audi Q2 is a fresh pill of joy in the ever-growing premium crossover segment. There's lots of grip in bends and all versions come with Audi's progressive steering, which means easier parking and manoeuvring. Beyond that, it's a package finished with the usual Audi polish, so exceptional refinement and an interior of peerless quality is what you can expect.
With its funky design and fun-to-drive dynamics, the new Audi Q2 is a fresh pill of joy in the ever-growing premium crossover segment. There's lots of grip in bends and all versions come with Audi's progressive steering, which means easier parking and manoeuvring. Beyond that, it's a package finished with the usual Audi polish, so exceptional refinement and an interior of peerless quality is what you can expect.
9. Stationwagon of the Year - Seat Leon Sport Tourer
The Leon Sport Tourer (ST) is Seat's stationwagon offering. While most stationwagons are designed primarily for the purposes of practicality, great ones like the Leon ST are able to offer a reasonable amount of joy from behind the wheel. It manages to make progress in engine downsizing without great compromise and can handle itself neatly when you show it a corner.
The Leon Sport Tourer (ST) is Seat's stationwagon offering. While most stationwagons are designed primarily for the purposes of practicality, great ones like the Leon ST are able to offer a reasonable amount of joy from behind the wheel. It manages to make progress in engine downsizing without great compromise and can handle itself neatly when you show it a corner.
10. Hybrid of the Year - Kia Niro Hybrid
In its first bid at a hybrid, Kia has produced one that offers up an intriguing blend of two worlds. The Niro is neither the best crossover nor the best hybrid but you could certainly make the case that it picks and chooses the best qualities from each segment, and puts it together in a single, cohesive and attractive package. In this sense, the Niro is the best of both worlds because it's easily the best, most value-for-money hybrid crossover today.
In its first bid at a hybrid, Kia has produced one that offers up an intriguing blend of two worlds. The Niro is neither the best crossover nor the best hybrid but you could certainly make the case that it picks and chooses the best qualities from each segment, and puts it together in a single, cohesive and attractive package. In this sense, the Niro is the best of both worlds because it's easily the best, most value-for-money hybrid crossover today.
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