The search for the 2008 Car of the year in Canada is already on the go. Auto journalists of the country gathered in the test track in Niagara recently for testing of the contenders, several multi-million worth of vehicles in various segments. The winners, cars, trucks and SUVs will be announced on December 4, 2007 and the overall Automobile Journalists Association of Canada’s Canadian Car of the Year will be announced at the Toronto Auto Show in February.
The challengers for their categories are as follows.
Best New Small Car
Ford Focus SE, Mitsubishi Lancer GTS, Saturn Astra XE, Subaru Impreza Sedan, Suzuki SX4 Sedan
Best New Family Car
Chevrolet Malibu 2LT, Dodge Avenger R/T, Honda Accord EX, Kia Rondo EX-V6 Luxury, Saturn Aura Green Line, Subaru Impreza 2.5i Sport
Best New Luxury Car
Cadillac CTS, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Volvo S80
Best New Technology
Audi TT Space Frame, Chrysler MyGIG, Chrysler Swivel ‘N Go, Ford Sync, Lexus Advanced Pre-collision System, Volvo Dual-stage Integrated Booster Cushion
Best SUV/CUV $35,000-$60,000
GMC Acadia SLT, Hyundai Veracruz, Infiniti EX, Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel, Land Rover LR2, Mazda CX-9, Nissan Pathfinder, Saturn Vue, Subaru Tribeca, Toyota Highlander, Volvo XC70
Best SUV/CUV Under $35,000
Ford Escape Hybrid, Jeep Liberty, Jeep Patriot, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Rogue, Saturn Outlook, Saturn Vue Green Line
Best SUV/CUV Over $60,000
BMW X5, Buick Enclave, Mercedes-Benz GL Class, Mercedes-Benz M-Class (with
Mercedes Benz oxygen sensor)
Best Pickup
Chevrolet Silverado, Dodge Dakota, GMC Sierra, Toyota Tundra
Best Minivan
Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, Hyundai Entourage
Best Prestige Car Over $75,000
Audi R8, Jaguar XKR Coupe, Lexus LS 600HL, Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG
Best Convertible
BMW 335i Cabriolet, Chrysler Sebring Convertible, Volvo C70
Best Sports/Performance Under $50,000
Dodge Caliber SRT4, Honda Accord Coupe, MiniCooper S, Nissan Altima Coupe, Subaru WRX, Volvo C30
Best Sports/Performance Over $50,000
Audi TT Coupe 2.0, Audi S5, Infiniti G37 Coupe