View Poll Results: 2009 Wheels Car of the Year - which car will win?

Voters
19. You may not vote on this poll
  • Alfa Romeo Mito

    0 0%
  • BMW 7-series

    0 0%
  • Ford Fiesta

    3 15.79%
  • Honda Odyssey

    0 0%
  • Holden Cruze

    0 0%
  • Mazda3

    0 0%
  • Mercedes-Benz E-Class

    0 0%
  • Nissan 370Z

    1 5.26%
  • Nissan GT-R

    7 36.84%
  • Nissan Maxima

    0 0%
  • Skoda Superb

    2 10.53%
  • Subaru Libery/Outback

    0 0%
  • Toyota Prius

    1 5.26%
  • VW Golf

    5 26.32%
  • One of the other cars nominated

    0 0%
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Thread: 2009 Wheels Magazine Car of the Year (Australia) - what car will win?

  1. #1
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    2009 Wheels Magazine Car of the Year (Australia) - what car will win?

    I haven't posted on UCP very much this year, but about this time each year I start a thread previewing Australia's main Car of the Year Award which is announced by Wheels Magazine in their February issue each year. I see no reason not to continue the trend again this year.

    I bought the January issue yesterday, and it has a full list of the cars that have been nominated for the award.

    The list is as follows.
    Nominated:
    Alfa Romeo Mito
    Audi Q5
    BMW 7-series
    Honda Odyssey
    Holden Cruze
    Kia Cerato
    Kia Sorento
    Lexus RX
    Mazda3
    Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan
    Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe
    Nissan 370Z
    Nissan GT-R
    Nissan Maxima
    Nissan Murano
    Skoda Superb
    Subaru Liberty/Outback (note: Liberty is sold elsewhere as the Legacy)
    Subaru Liberty Exiga
    Toyota Prius
    VW Golf
    Volvo XC60


    Nominated but no cars for testing (hence can't win)
    BMZ Z4

    Eligible But Not Nominated for final testing
    Honda City (too expensive compared with Civic and dynamically underdone)
    Honda Civic Si (poor value)
    Kia Soul (interesting package, but poor ride and dynamics)
    Kia Koup (poor value and ride)
    Peugeot 308CC (poor performance and dynamics, not up to standard of VW Eos)
    Suzuki Alto (cheap, but poor value. Poor ride and refinement and performance)

    Ineligible
    Audi A5 Cabrio (not significantly different enough to the A5 to meet newness criteria)
    Audi S4 (not significantly different enough to the A4 to meet newness criteria)
    BMW M3 sedan (not significantly different enough to the M3 coupe to meet newness criteria)
    Ford Mondeo wagon (not significantly different enough to the Mondeo sedan to meet newness criteria)
    Lexus IS250CC (not significantly different enough to the IS sedan to meet newness criteria)
    Mazda CX-7 (not enough changes over predecessor to qualify as new)
    Porsche Cayman/Boxster (sales/newness)
    Porsche Panamera (sales)

    And note that no Ferrari or Lamborghini would meet the minimum sales criteria of 250 per year to qualify, so no Ferrari California or Gallardo LP560-4.


    The full list of criteria by which the award is judged is listed here: http://www.wheelsmag.com.au/Car_of_t...late=domWheels
    So, from the above list what will or should win?

    __________________
    UCP's biggest Ford Sierra RS500 and BMW M3 E30 fan. My two favourite cars of all time.
    Last edited by motorsportnerd; 12-23-2009 at 02:32 AM.
    UCP's biggest Ford Sierra RS500 and BMW M3 E30 fan. My two favourite cars of all time.

  2. #2
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    So, here's some thoughts on the main contenders.

    Nissan has the most cars nominated. There was some doubt that the GT-R would meet the sales criteria, but Nissan has sold 224 cars in the first seven months on sale in Australia - well above the 21 unit per month rate required to meet qualification.

    To me there seems to be two obvious contenders amongst the nominated list - the Nissan GT-R and Toyota Prius. But obvious contenders are not always the winners.

    NISSAN GT-R. This car has been discussed so much that almost everyone who visits UCP will be aware of the GT-Rs qualities and faults. Against the Wheels criteria, it represents impressive value versus its opposition (about half the price of a 911 Turbo for example) and offers impressive technological and safety credentials. The car performs well against its intended function as a technologically advanced everyday sports/track car.
    However, the GT-R has a very narrow enthusiast focus and has a harsh ride making the car hard to live with in everyday city driving. Its a supercar, and the last supercar (using a broad definition of the term) to win the Wheels Car of the Year was the Honda NSX back in 1991. So history goes against the GT-R.
    TOYOTA PRIUS. The previous two incarnations made the top 3 when they were judged against the Wheels Car of the Year back in 2001 and 2004. Both times, the Prius was judged to offer significant technological advancements but poor driving dynamics.
    The third generation model is much better to drive, but will it be third time lucky? Well, it still offers impressive technological credentials and will perform well against the intended function criteria.
    However, the Prius is quite poor value, especially the top of the range i-Tech version at A$53,500 and hybrid technology is not exactly new an more. Also, the release of the Ford Fiesta Econetic - the most economical car in Australia - brings into question whether the Prius actually does represent the fuel efficient environmental friendly car of the future or whether the whole hybrid technology is a dead end.


    So, the GT-R and the Prius represent the two most obvious choices. However, I don't think either will win. I want the GT-R to win - personally I think that the GT-R is the pick of the bunch and its one of my favourite cars. But it is too narrow in focus. And the Prius won't win, mainly because of the presence in the lineup of the Fiesta Econetic.

    Which brings me to the two cars most like to vie over the win - the Ford Fiesta and the Volkswagen Golf Mk 6.

    FORD FIESTA Initially I dismissed the chances of the Fiesta - mainly because in Australia those that want to purchase an automatic Fiesta have to make do with a 1.4 litre engine with less power than the manual versions - which get the 1.6 litre engine. Also, the auto is an old-fashioned 4-speed auto.
    However, on reflection, I am tempted to suggest that the Fiesta is the most logical winner of the award - thanks mainly to the release of the technologically advanced Econetic version, which brings strong technological credentials and excellent value to the table. Priced at just $24,995 drive away, it makes the less frugal Prius look extremely expensive.
    Combine the Econetic version with best in class dynamics, excellent value for both the manual and auto versions and strong performance from the 1.6-litre petrol manuals, and the Fiesta looks a strong chance. The only question remains the 1.4-litre auto - but I no longer think that will prevent the Fiesta winning the award.
    VOLKSWAGEN GOLF MARK SIX. Well, its already won the World Car of the Year and the other two well known Australian awards - the Carsguide and Drive Car of the Year.
    The Golf brings technologically advanced twin-charged petrol, turbo-petrol and turbo-diesel engines to the table in a package regarded as the best in the class (whether the compact class or the hot hatch class). The Golf is dynamically capable, well equipped, safe and performs brilliantly against its intended function.
    I nominated the last Golf - the Mk5 - as the car to win the 2004 Wheels COTY - but it was beaten by the Ford Territory. The old 1.6-litre petrol versions were judged underpowered and the GTi wasn't released in time for that award.
    The Mk6 doesn't have these problems. The 1.4 Twin Charged engine in the base model is apparent brilliant and the last incarnation of the GTi has been released, further strengthening Golf's chances of winning the 2008 award.
    The only question marks are against value in the base version (the base 90TSi Trendline is $25,990 compared with $21,990 for the Mazda3) and more importantly as to whether the Mk6 really represents an advance over the Mk5. Its an evolution rather than a revolution. However, I doubt this will stop the Golf winning the award.

    So, Fiesta or Golf? Too close to call. Could be either. I'll say Golf is marginally more likely to win.

    As for the others, I'll run through them quickly.

    Mazda3. Likely to be in the top 8. Pity the Golf - which has been rated better than the 3 in every comparison - is there.
    Holden Cruze. Pity the Golf and the 3 are in the award. The Cruze only really brings strong safety credentials (seven airbags for example) to the table.
    Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Strong chance - will struggle to be viewed as value for money.
    BMW 7-series - as per the E-Class.
    Subaru Liberty/Outback. The second and third generation versions of the Liberty won in 1994 and 1999. The fourth generation made the final eight in 2003. The fifth generation will repeat the efforts of the fourth generation - top eight, but will struggle to break into the final 3. Good car, good value, but not really a significant advancement.
    Nissan Maxima & Nissan 370Z. The Maxima is under-rated and good value. May surprise. The 370Z will suffer in being a specialist sports car. This didn't stop the MX-5 winning the 2005 award, so don't completely discount the 370Z. Not sure its got much chance though.
    Honda Odyssey & Volvo XC60. Most years there is a surprise in the final eight - a contender that nobody thought had a chance. Last year the Audi A4 amazed by reaching the final three. A few years back, the Volvo S40, completely ignored by most pundits also made the final three. Look no further than the Odyssey or the XC60 for a surprise finish this year.
    Skoda Superb. Excellent value, under-rated and does well in comparison tests. May also be one of the outside suprises.


    So, there are my opinions. Golf to win narrowly from Fiesta with the GT-R and Prius figuring strongly. I really would like Wheels to publish the votes of the judges this year, because I feel this one will be really close.
    Last edited by motorsportnerd; 12-23-2009 at 02:44 PM.
    UCP's biggest Ford Sierra RS500 and BMW M3 E30 fan. My two favourite cars of all time.

  3. #3
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    I chose the GTR in the spirit of thee thread: Which car do you think will win.
    Personally I would choose the Superb.
    PS: Hope this will rejuvenate your posting activity....
    "I find the whole business of religion profoundly interesting, but it does mystify me that otherwise intelligent people take it seriously." Douglas Adams

  4. #4
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    The Superb's a good honest car except that it's got that stupid boot that manages to put together all the disadvatages of both systems in a stroke of genius. the Fiesta used to be a working class hero but it's not anymore, altough I agree that Econetic version is interesting, altough we have many more choices which kind of dilute the sparkle a bit (don't know how the diesel market in OZ is).

    The Golf and the Legacy are safe choices. They are both good, competent cars that are completely unpretentious and can even be perceived as a bit dull. I however think that these days restrainment is certainly a lost virtue. Sound engineering. If I was obliged to choose, the Legacy barely. It's that bit more attractive for the enthusiast even from the base versions. And despite the disappointment compared to the previous generation, I'd say it still is UCP's favourite family car.

    Finally the GT-R. In my opinion it's the one that should win the award. It's not only a good car, but of all the ones listed it is the only one which pushes the outside of the envelope. And for that alone it deserves the award, or any award for that matter.
    Lack of charisma can be fatal.
    Visca Catalunya!

  5. #5
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    why is the holden cruze in there?
    also i lean towards the ford fiesta, because as you say, it punishes people who choose the automatic transmission.
    apart from that the GTR is the only one that does something new/advances tech and whatever.
    Andreas Preuninger, Manager of Porsche High Performance Cars: "Grandmas can use paddles. They aren't challenging."

  6. #6
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    Final Four:

    Nissan GT-R

    For the hype, for the ability, for the value for money, for the fitness for purpose. How it copes with the Test track will be interesting.

    Toyota Prius

    For the technology, for the environmentally friendly aspects. for the practicality and proof of concept. Incremental advances over the previous models (which have all done reasonably well) mean that a failure to put this car in the top four will cause uproar.

    Ford Fiesta

    Value for money is a bit ropey, but you can't argue with handling prowess, funky young styling and a great drive. the ECOnetic is a particular point of victory for this model, with Prius beating economy without the need for the complication.

    VW Golf

    Fit for purpose, Handling, safety, build quality. all the traditional benefits of of a Golf. Beats it's competitors and does it using less fuel.

    Winner:

    I'll back the Ford Fiesta, I feel the combination of practicality, environmentally friendliness, keen handling, and funky styling will stand it in good stead.

    The GT-R is my each-way bet.
    <cough> www.charginmahlazer.tumblr.com </cough>

  7. #7
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    I think that this is the first time you and I have agreed on the final four
    UCP's biggest Ford Sierra RS500 and BMW M3 E30 fan. My two favourite cars of all time.

  8. #8
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    Indeed it is.

    Which means we're both hopelessly incorrect
    <cough> www.charginmahlazer.tumblr.com </cough>

  9. #9
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    Fanboys GTR.

    I feel the Superb has something to offer. Not a bad looking car, and it offers a good kit for a good starting price. Nice size car great features its my choice.

    Smokeys Nissan maxima underrated car. Holden cruze, biggest let down is the 1.8lt engine.
    IT'S OFFICIAL. I'M A SUZUKI KIZASHI SPORT FAN-BOY.

    what stops me from buying this over a XR6 SV6 ?. drive-train. place a little wrx evo magic under the bonnet and i'm sold!.

  10. #10
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    I know it won't win, but I've always fancied the 370z Nismo edition. But in the end its the GTR that is the true showstopper...

  11. #11
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    Well, the winner of the 2009 Wheels Car of the Year has just been announced on Channel Nine's A Current Affair Show.

    I can say that the Nissan GT-R did not win. Nor did the Ford Fiesta.

    The top four contained one major surprise, two of the dead-certs that IB4R and myself nominated above and one that I thought could be close.

    The top four (in alphabetical order) were:
    Mercedes-Benz E-Class - the one that I thought could be close to the top 4.
    Skoda Superb - the major surprise and outsider.
    Toyota Prius - one of the favourites.
    Volkswagen Golf - another of the favourites.

    And the winner? Absolutely no surprise at all. VOLKSWAGEN GOLF MK 6.
    UCP's biggest Ford Sierra RS500 and BMW M3 E30 fan. My two favourite cars of all time.

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by motorsportnerd View Post
    Well, the winner of the 2009 Wheels Car of the Year has just been announced on Channel Nine's A Current Affair Show.

    I can say that the Nissan GT-R did not win. Nor did the Ford Fiesta.

    The top four contained one major surprise, two of the dead-certs that IB4R and myself nominated above and one that I thought could be close.

    The top four (in alphabetical order) were:
    Mercedes-Benz E-Class - the one that I thought could be close to the top 4.
    Skoda Superb - the major surprise and outsider.
    Toyota Prius - one of the favourites.
    Volkswagen Golf - another of the favourites.

    And the winner? Absolutely no surprise at all. VOLKSWAGEN GOLF MK 6.
    Why is the Superb a surprise, I said I would vote for it
    "I find the whole business of religion profoundly interesting, but it does mystify me that otherwise intelligent people take it seriously." Douglas Adams

  13. #13
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    A surprise in the sense that it is a low volume seller in Australia and most here haven't heard of it. Also, comparison tests with the other six cylinder executive cars on the Australian market (such as the Ford Falcon G6E and Nissan Maxima) suggested that while near the top of the class, it wasn't quite there.
    However, I had it down as a potential to do surprisingly well.
    UCP's biggest Ford Sierra RS500 and BMW M3 E30 fan. My two favourite cars of all time.

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by motorsportnerd View Post
    A surprise in the sense that it is a low volume seller in Australia and most here haven't heard of it. Also, comparison tests with the other six cylinder executive cars on the Australian market (such as the Ford Falcon G6E and Nissan Maxima) suggested that while near the top of the class, it wasn't quite there.
    However, I had it down as a potential to do surprisingly well.
    Also price-wise I suppose..the base model Superb over here is less than 5000 Euro more expensive than a Golf with the same engine...
    "I find the whole business of religion profoundly interesting, but it does mystify me that otherwise intelligent people take it seriously." Douglas Adams

  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by henk4 View Post
    Also price-wise I suppose..the base model Superb over here is less than 5000 Euro more expensive than a Golf with the same engine...
    Well 5.000€ is not a small amount of money. I'd say that pricing is more or less in line with competition.
    Lack of charisma can be fatal.
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