Results of the most hotly contested and respected auto awards in India, the Bloomberg-UTV Autocar Awards 2011, are out and here are the deserving winners.
Car of the Year 2011 - Ford Figo
The Figo may not have the design flair of other hatchbacks in its segment and its 1.2 petrol, though smooth and efficient, is outclassed by other 1200cc engines. However, the diesel Figo makes a strong case for itself with the responsive and frugal 1.4-litre Duratorq motor. Plus it offers brilliant ride and handling, true to Ford DNA. The Figo’s interiors are pretty spacious, well equipped and solidly built. In fact the Figo comes across as a Fiesta without a boot. So for being excellent value for money and for its ride and handling characteristics, the Figo takes home the coveted Car of the Year 2011 award.
Bike of the Year 2011 – Honda Twister
The CB Twister is Honda’s first 110cc motorcycle for India. It is effortlessly the best looking model in its class borrowing styling cues from the brawny CB1000R superbike. Honda typical high quality and build only add to this little bike’s appeal. Then there is its refined and frugal 109cc engine that surprises with genuinely peppy performance. Ride is good while this Honda sets a new benchmark for handling in the commuter segment. All these factors come together to make one cracker of a bike. And that is why the Honda CB Twister easily grabs the crown of Bike of the Year 2011.
Saloon car of the Year 2011 – Toyota Etios
The Etios won’t win any beauty competition but it blows away rivals in space and comfort, fuel efficiency and ease of driving. It’s a genuine five-seater with generous seats and massive luggage space. The 1.5-litre motor has a wonderfully linear power delivery, a breeze to drive in town. Aided by the car’s low weight, this motor delivers class-leading fuel economy. Add to it Toyota reliability and you get a fantastic package, at a great price.
Compact Car of the Year 2011 – Maruti WagonR
Underpinned by a brand new chassis that is leagues ahead of the previous model, the new WagonR is bigger and much better in every aspect than the car it replaces. It comes with the brilliant 998cc, three-cylinder K10 engine. This, along with the WagonR’s light controls, high seating and tiny proportions, make it effortless to punt around town. And thanks to its tall shape, it’s far more spacious than its rivals. On the downside, it doesn’t come across as solid or refined as some others in its class. Plus cabin insulation could be better. Overall, the WagonR is a great city car, making it our Compact Car of the Year 2011.
4x4 of the Year – Skoda Yeti
The Yeti will not catch the fancy of those looking for a traditional SUV where price-to-size ratio is paramount. It’s just not imposing enough. What this compact SUV has, however, is the appeal of a 4x4 with the convenience of a car built in. It looks attractive and has a tank-like build quality. While the Yeti is agile on tarmac, it is equally capable off tarmac. And the 140bhp diesel motor gives it an impressive turn of foot. The interiors are exactly what you expect from a car in this class and the flexible seating is a plus. Its everyday practicality and everywhere capability are strong points.
Winners for rest of the categories are as follows:
Best Value for money car – Ford Figo
Best Design and Styling – BMW 5-Series
Best Variant of the Year – Maruti Suzuki Alto K10
Best Car Ad of the Year – Tata Nano
Manufacturer of the Year – Ford
Best Driver’s Car – Mitsubishi Evo X
Technology and Innovation Award – Volvo XC60
Premium Compact Car of the Year – Ford Figo
Green Award – Toyota Prius
Import Bike of the Year – Ducati Multistrada 1200
Viewers Choice – Car of the Year - Ford Figo
Viewers Choice – Bike of the Year – Honda CB Twister