It’s a tough world, and it’s getting tougher. More choices and more competition is making manufacturers go that extra mile and offer you more value. Which is very good news for us consumers. In the calendar year 2014, there were 21 brand new car launches. They ranged across the spectrum, from the entry-level Maruti Alto K10 to the luxurious Mercedes-Benz S-class. While there were many different cars, focussed on different segments, they all had one thing in common – they wanted your attention and they wanted your patronage. It’s unfair to judge a compact hatchback from a luxurious limousine. So how do we decide on a Car of the Year? It’s actually rather simple. Which is the car that has moved the goalpost the most in its particular segment? Let’s take a closer look at how the jury of the Bloomberg TV-Autocar India Awards achieves this.
LET’S SEE HOW
Our jury has turned the process of judging into a precise science. Makes sense when you see who they are – Hormazd Sorabjee, editor of Autocar India; Shapur Kotwal deputy editor of Autocar India; Renuka Kirpalani, editor of the Autocar Show; Narain Karthikeyan, India’s only F1 racer and renowned automotive historian Manvendra Singh. Just for the record, the Bike of the Year jury consisted of Rishad Cooper, two-wheeler editor of Autocar India, along with Kartikeya Singhee, consulting associate editor of the Autocar Show and champion motocross rider CS Santosh. And with them is over 40 years of experience and expertise.
They’ve fine-tuned a process which involves the analysis of an exhaustive list of parameters that helps them pick a clear winner. Each jury member also drives all the cars and rates them on parameters like fitness for purpose, design, performance, ride and handling, driving pleasure, fuel efficiency, safety, ownership experience and relevance to the market. Cold, hard, irrefutable facts and figures on numerous parameters of a car’s performance are obtained using Autocar India’s top-of-the-line data acquisition equipment. This ensures accuracy. What is also taken into consideration is how much effect the car has on its segment. Does it in any way redefine it? Does it push the boundaries of previously accepted standards? Does it bring something fresh and new and exciting to the market? The car that makes the maximum difference, wins.
WHO WAS THE BEST?
One car stood out. It managed to clinch the most awards and beat some serious competition while doing so. And this car, that bagged the Hatchback of the Year award, the Viewer’s Choice - Car Award, and the honour of honours, the prestigious Car of the Year Award, was the Hyundai Elite i20.
