In 2006 there were six cars competing for the Car of the Year award. In 2007, the number of contenders shot up to eleven. Car of the Year 2008 had 13 contenders and in 2009, the number shot up to sixteen. This year 20 cars were competing for the prestigious Bloomberg UTV-Autocar Car of the Year award. Over the year Autocar India has brought you exhaustive reports on every one of these cars. And let’s not forget, the rapidly growing two-wheeler market as well. So who has won the title of the Bloomberg UTV-Autocar Car & Bike of the Year? Let’s find out.
Car of the Year - Tata Nano
Why - The tiny, twin-cylinder four-door Nano represents a history-making attempt by Tata Motors. When the Nano was launched, people asked is it really a proper car? After all nobody in the world had ever designed and launched a car for one-lakh rupees. The answer is there for everyone to see, feel, drive and live it. The beauty of this car is not how much it costs, but how much it delivers for so little. The Tata Nano is a car that delivers what it promised, thus making it our undisputed Car of the Year.
Bike of the Year - Bajaj Pulsar 135LS
Why - The new Pulsar 135LS is the smallest Pulsar to date. This aggressive, smart new street machine is testimony that good things often come disguised in small packages. It is packed with enough features to make its rivals go green with envy. It is a frugal motorcycle that will not hurt your wallet despite its strong show of performance. So here is a motorcycle that looks gorgeous, is packed with features and equipment, is fun and easy to ride and live with – all without breaking your bank balance. This is why it is the worthy winner of the Bike of the Year award.
Saloon car of the Year - Chevrolet Cruze
Why - The Chevrolet Cruze is a car that is truly aspirational and one you want to own rather than need to have. It’s aggressive, sharp and taut styling gives the Cruze fantastic road presence and it comes loaded with a big list of equipment. The Chevrolet Cruze brings together sharp styling, trendy interiors and stonking performance to win the award of the Saloon Car of the Year.
Luxury car of the Year - Mercedes-Benz E-class
Why - The Mercedes E-Class has always been a brilliant car, but the new E350 raises the bar yet higher. Here is a Merc that upholds the brand’s traditional values of solid build, over-engineering and extreme refinement to the hilt, but like any modern car is also agile and fun to drive when you press on. The E-Class is brilliantly engineered car with outstanding comfort, refinement and top-notch quality. It sets a new benchmark in this segment of the luxury market to win the Luxury Car of the Year award.
SUV of the Year - Toyota Fortuner
Why - When Toyota finally launched the Fortuner in India, its arrival whipped up a frenzy like no other Toyota before it. The reason is not difficult to see. It’s got everything the prospective owner is looking for – road presence, strong performance, space and practicality. The way the Fortuner combines go-anywhere capability with comfort makes it an ideal all-purpose SUV. Stand next to the Fortuner and it simply towers over you and demands your respect.
Results for other categories are as follows:
Small Car of the year - Tata Nano
Premium Hatchback of the year - Maruti Suzuki Ritz
Best Value for money car - Tata Manza
Luxury SUV of the year - AUDI Q5
Best driver's car - BMW Z4
Variant of the year - Skoda Laura 1.8 TSI
Best design and styling - Fiat Punto
Import Bike of the year - Honda CB1000R
Manufacturer of the year - Maruti Suzuki
Green Award - Mercedes-Benz Blue Efficiency
Technology and innovation award - BMW 7-SERIES
Car advertisement of the year - Fiat Linea
Viewers' choice award, Car - Toyota Fortuner
Viewers' choice award, bike - Pulsar 135LS