AJAC 2010 Canadian Car of the Year Awards: 2 Audi, 3 VW and a Porsche!

[afretes]

AJAC DETERMINES A DOZEN OF CANADA'S BEST for 2010

Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON - Seventy of Canada's top automotive journalists spent this week in the picturesque tourist town of Niagara-on-the-Lake; but not for the scenery or the wine tasting. Journalist members of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) were here for the express purpose of determining the `Best New' cars, trucks and SUV/CUVs in 12 different vehicle categories, as part of AJAC's annual Canadian Car of the Year Awards program.

The three days of intensive, back-to-back testing and evaluation are known in the automotive industry as "TestFest". The results of the journalists' test-drive evaluations were known today during a press conference wherein the winners in 12 categories were announced. The press conference was held at the Niagara Drive Centre located at the Niagara District Airport where "TestFest" is staged each year.

The winners are:

BEST NEW SMALL CAR (under $21k) - Mazda3

BEST NEW SMALL CAR (over $21k) - Mazda3 Sport

BEST NEW FAMILY CAR (under $30k) - Volkswagen Golf Wagon TDI

BEST NEW FAMILY CAR (over $30k) - Ford Taurus

BEST NEW LUXURY CAR - BMW 335d Sedan

BEST NEW PRESTIGE CAR - Porsche Panamera Turbo

BEST NEW SPORTS/PERFORMANCE CAR (under $50k) - Volkswagen Golf GTI

BEST NEW SPORTS/PERFORMANCE CAR (over $50k) - Audi S4

BEST NEW CONVERTIBLE - Audi A5 Cabriolet

BEST NEW SUV/CUV (under $35k) - Subaru Outback

BEST NEW SUV/CUV ($35k-$60k) - Volkswagen Touareg TDI Clean Diesel

BEST NEW SUV/CUV (over $60k) - Lexus RX450h

The results were compiled by the international accounting firm KPMG and kept confidential even from AJAC until this morning's press conference. They were determined from more than 46,000 individual data points established in the testing of 157 different vehicles.

The purpose of the AJAC awards is to provide consumers with a valuable resource they can use when researching the purchase of a new vehicle - one that includes a broad range of comparative information on vehicles that are new to the market. That information includes not just specifications and features but actual performance data and subjective ratings on up to 23 different characteristics - from interior roominess and comfort to ride quality and handling ability.

Our journalists' vote results - including all of the comparative test data amassed this week - are on our web site for use as a consumer resource buying guide. Consumers that want to compare a Nissan Cube to a Kia Soul, or the Ford Fusion Hybrid with a Toyota Prius, or even a BMW 335 Sedan with a Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan, need look no further than the AJAC web site: www.ajac.ca > Canadian Car of the Year > 2010 Results Comparisons

Photos from the TestFest evaluation program and press conference are available on the AJAC web site as well on the various social networking sites.

The 12 category winners listed above now go on to compete for the honour of becoming the 2010 Canadian Car of the Year or the 2010 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year. These overall winners will be announced on February 11th, 2010, at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, ON. Award winners for Best New Design and Best New Technology, presented by Shell Canada, will also be announced at that time.

In addition, an award for Best New Green Technology for 2010, also presented by Shell Canada, will be announced at the Montreal International Auto Show on January 14, 2010. As it has been for several years, Shell Canada was the official fuel supplier to the 2010 AJAC TestFest.

Several AJAC journalists who evaluated the brand-new models at TestFest are available across Canada for interviews to talk about the vote results and comparative data. Media are invited to visit the AJAC web site and log-in under "Ask An Expert," then choose the "Car of the Year" link for interviews once they've been validated.

Still looking to buy a 2009, 2008 , or even an older vehicle? AJAC archives the comparative test data and vote results from previous years on its web site. Check it out: www.ajac.ca > Vehicle Comparisons

For more information on the 2010 Canadian Car of the Year Awards, either visit our AJAC web site, call the AJAC office 1.705.924.3444, or send an email to: beth@ajac.ca.

[gilboman]

that's what happens when it's a slow year in new cars. But all the VW/Audi cars will end up at the bottom of the reliability list (except the porsche) in 3yrs:lol:

but then, when the ford tarus wins best car in a category.... it's a pretty funny joke of a list

[afretes]

You should get your facts correctly, VW may have some reliability issues (certain models) but Audi isn't in the bottom of the reliabilty list, not even close!

that's what happens when it's a slow year in new cars. But all the VW/Audi cars will end up at the bottom of the reliability list (except the porsche) in 3yrs:lol:

but then, when the ford tarus wins best car in a category.... it's a pretty funny joke of a list

[npinc]

Lol. If a Ford makes the list, especially a Ford Taurus, it's a pretty useless list. Then the Volkswagens? Totally slammed for horrible reliability and terrible service?

Thanks, I'll stick to JD Power.

[ThePointblank]

Lol. If a Ford makes the list, especially a Ford Taurus, it's a pretty useless list. Then the Volkswagens? Totally slammed for horrible reliability and terrible service?

Thanks, I'll stick to JD Power.

Ford's on a tear in recent years. Lots of good, solid products in their lineup, so I'm not surprised Ford is starting to gain notice again.

[zzz3]

that's what happens when it's a slow year in new cars. But all the VW/Audi cars will end up at the bottom of the reliability list (except the porsche) in 3yrs:lol:

but then, when the ford tarus wins best car in a category.... it's a pretty funny joke of a list

Lol. If a Ford makes the list, especially a Ford Taurus, it's a pretty useless list. Then the Volkswagens? Totally slammed for horrible reliability and terrible service?

Thanks, I'll stick to JD Power.

ford is no joke with the new taurus and especially the new fusion. They are right on par in terms of reliability with honda and toyota. You guys quickly forget that the taurus used to be best family car not so long ago. Of course no one expects them to return to the days of the early to mid 90s when they used to destroy imports, especially these days in an increasingly competitive market with plenty of solid competition.

[Prof]

I enjoy reading articles from some of the members of AJAC, but this whole sham of a giving out awards to vehicles "of the year" seems like a effort to give them un raison d'etre. Really, if only one vehicle was produced would it automatically win? At least when Car and Driver lists a ten best, the editors compare a previous winner to the newest crop. If something better comes along, it replaces something already on the list. When they perform a comparison test, most of the likely competitors compete head to head. That makes a whole lot more sense. I wonder if AJAC receives cash every time their logo is placed in an ad for a winning entry. Hyundai used it ad nauseum for the Genesis (an admittedly good car priced in the same ball park as the Taurus) The best way, I think, to measure a car's worth is to hold a copy of Car and Driver and CR in each hand while talking to friends who have actually owned product from a given company. These light weight comparisons such as AJACs are just fodder for advertising.

[Andro]

that's what happens when it's a slow year in new cars. But all the VW/Audi cars will end up at the bottom of the reliability list (except the porsche) in 3yrs:lol:

but then, when the ford tarus wins best car in a category.... it's a pretty funny joke of a list

Lol. If a Ford makes the list, especially a Ford Taurus, it's a pretty useless list. Then the Volkswagens? Totally slammed for horrible reliability and terrible service?

Thanks, I'll stick to JD Power.

It's all fun and jokes to you guys, but I get less problems(if any) on my GTI now then I used to get in Civic, Accord V6, Maxima 3.5SE(which by the way was the worst car based on reliability I've owned). Service department at VW is by far the best too. Nissan topped my list for horrible service too. :lol:

P.S. Well technically I should exclude gilboman's comments, since all he does is bash VW/Audi......and has 0 credibility in regards to VW/Audi.

[m4gician]

Lol. If a Ford makes the list, especially a Ford Taurus, it's a pretty useless list. Then the Volkswagens? Totally slammed for horrible reliability and terrible service?

Thanks, I'll stick to JD Power.

QFT? The ford taurus has been a great car for ford this year. Lots of value.

[npinc]

It's all fun and jokes to you guys, but I get less problems(if any) on my GTI now then I used to get in Civic, Accord V6, Maxima 3.5SE(which by the way was the worst car based on reliability I've owned). Service department at VW is by far the best too. Nissan topped my list for horrible service too. :lol:

P.S. Well technically I should exclude gilboman's comments, since all he does is bash VW/Audi......and has 0 credibility in regards to VW/Audi.

I think there are always good and bad dealerships. I don't think it's fair to bash Audi either. I've seen some really nice Audis. There are some models I wouldn't mind having myself. VW I'm not as keen on. I drove a Jetta for a while. It was a very fast car with the turbo, but not really my cup of tea for the interior.

I had a friend that worked for a VW dealership and would hear the "inside scoop" so to speak of the service department there. It was never encouraging. Consumer Reports also seldom has anything good to say about Volkswagen. Moving some production to Mexico didn't help the brand.

[Andro]

I think there are always good and bad dealerships. I don't think it's fair to bash Audi either. I've seen some really nice Audis. There are some models I wouldn't mind having myself. VW I'm not as keen on. I drove a Jetta for a while. It was a very fast car with the turbo, but not really my cup of tea for the interior.

I had a friend that worked for a VW dealership and would hear the "inside scoop" so to speak of the service department there. It was never encouraging. Consumer Reports also seldom has anything good to say about Volkswagen. Moving some production to Mexico didn't help the brand.

True, however mine is German made.....and i know some ppl will say it doesn't make a difference, in my experience & opinion it does.

[bembol]

I'm not surprised with Audi's but VW?

About Ford Taurus' domination back in the day wasn't really about how great it was but I think it was because consumers believe it was very expensive maintaining Imports. That's the excuse I heard why most of my family/friends didn't touch them. Even I fell for it when I bought my first car. LOL

[npinc]

True, however mine is German made.....and i know some ppl will say it doesn't make a difference, in my experience & opinion it does.

Hey, the Germans make awesome tanks.... :razz:

[aleks]

I can't think of any new 2010 sports car under 50K that's better than the GTI. Awsome combination of fun and practicality, looks, features etc.

[corrupt123]

but then, when the ford tarus wins best car in a category.... it's a pretty funny joke of a list

Lol. If a Ford makes the list, especially a Ford Taurus, it's a pretty useless list.

Why

[TT333]

yes... Go VW!

edit: yeee 500 posts

[Anonymouse]

What's disappointing about these tests is that they only consider models that are new i.e. released in the past year. What I want to know is the best car presently being sold, for a reasonable (and preferably objectively measured, e.g. stopping distance, 0-62, speed through cones, etc.) definition of "best".

[kenchau]

Seriously people, stop the hating. If there is one real joke on the list, it is the Porsche Panamera - that is the most hideous looking vehicle ever.

I mean with Porsches, you either like them or you don't, since they're all very similar styles for the most part, but even Porsche-lovers can't lie to themselves about the Panamera can they? - It's UGLY!!!

[ES_Revenge]

You should get your facts correctly, VW may have some reliability issues (certain models) but Audi isn't in the bottom of the reliabilty list, not even close!

LMAO. Asking gilboman to get his facts straight will only result in him posting his usual JD Power nonsense and continuing to bash VAG cars, all while owning like three of them and refusing to get rid of them even though they are oh-so-bad :rolleyes:

Thanks, I'll stick to JD Power.
So you'll "stick to" a meaningless list of meaninglessness? Okay then, good luck with that! Keep in mind as well that this list is just cars of the year, not most reliable cars (which I think is what you are on about). At least this list makes it known these are largely subjective picks, while JD Power seems to tout their garbage as if it's the Holy Grail of measure of reliabilty, when really it's a a bunch of nonsense.

[kyoshiro]

Seriously people, stop the hating. If there is one real joke on the list, it is the Porsche Panamera - that is the most hideous looking vehicle ever.

I mean with Porsches, you either like them or you don't, since they're all very similar styles for the most part, but even Porsche-lovers can't lie to themselves about the Panamera can they? - It's UGLY!!!

the panamera grows onto you the more you look at it :)

[kenchau]

LMAO. Asking gilboman to get his facts straight will only result in him posting his usual JD Power nonsense and continuing to bash VAG cars, all while owning like three of them and refusing to get rid of them even though they are oh-so-bad :rolleyes:


So you'll "stick to" a meaningless list of meaninglessness? Okay then, good luck with that! Keep in mind as well that this list is just cars of the year, not most reliable cars (which I think is what you are on about). At least this list makes it known these are largely subjective picks, while JD Power seems to tout their garbage as if it's the Holy Grail of measure of reliabilty, when really it's a a bunch of nonsense.

+1

That's exactly it. JD Power is utter nonsense as well. I mean this so-called "initial quality" rating. What is that? Oh right, it's based on user/owner survey results of number of "problems" reported within the first x months of owning the car. Of course, there in lies the question of how each and every owner interprets what constitutes a problem. It's a compilated score of inconsistent, uncontrolled, and subjective findings.

the panamera grows onto you the more you look at it :)

Oh it's growing alright. It's growing more increasingly irrating with each glance of that vehicle that passes in front of my eyes. :(

[new_vr]

Let's not forget the Golf was the 2009 World Car of the Year

[Wolfskin]

Right now, AUDI is the best brand in the world.

[zzz3]

Right now, AUDI is the best brand in the world.

that might be a stretch, it would be more appropriate to say vw and its subsidiaries are the best brand in the world.

[urameatball]

I personally like VW's, would have bought one if it weren't for the horror stories from pretty much every single VW owner in modern history.

The one VW owner I know who hasn't experienced electrical problems ended up totaling it in a crash. By my records, he crashed the one and only reliable VW ever made.

[stealth]

Alex, how many A5 convertibles have been sold in Canada?

A5's n general seem hard to come by, not to mention a topless (I know I havent seen any).

Also, please PM me if Audi has released any additional incentives for the A5's since we last met in Sept.

[afretes]

224 A5s were sold in October, I don't have a break down that shows cabs only.
I don't anticipate any incentives any time soon, in fact some of our rates went up for Nov.


Alex, how many A5 convertibles have been sold in Canada?

A5's n general seem hard to come by, not to mention a topless (I know I havent seen any).

Also, please PM me if Audi has released any additional incentives for the A5's since we last met in Sept.

[superdeals]

that's what happens when it's a slow year in new cars. But all the VW/Audi cars will end up at the bottom of the reliability list (except the porsche) in 3yrs:lol:

but then, when the ford tarus wins best car in a category.... it's a pretty funny joke of a list

+1. What these guys are smoking?! Ford Taurus! What a joke!

[new_vr]

+1. What these guys are smoking?! Ford Taurus! What a joke!

Could you please explain what is a joke about the Ford Taurus? I have only heard praise for it.

[aleks]

Take a look at the new C&D as well. New GTI handlily beats the MS3 in a comparo. MS3 dominated pretty much in the last 3 yrs. New GTI is one awsome car.

[Wolfskin]

I personally like VW's, would have bought one if it weren't for the horror stories from pretty much every single VW owner in modern history.

The one VW owner I know who hasn't experienced electrical problems ended up totaling it in a crash. By my records, he crashed the one and only reliable VW ever made.

I'm another one that does not have any issues with electronics. That's because except A/C, ABS and a good Stereo, my car doesn't have anything. No options at all. :lol:
I've never had any problems, and so far I am very satisfied both with reliability and fuel economy. I've heard that Golf auto tran. are very bad.
In Europe, GOlf is number 1 car, and it is well known as very reliable, sturdy, and stylish. That's why I bought VW GOlf here.I had no idea that it was made in Brazil.I thought it was German. But apparently almost everything for the NA market is meant to be obsolete in just a couple of years.

[gilboman]

+1

That's exactly it. JD Power is utter nonsense as well. I mean this so-called "initial quality" rating. What is that? Oh right, it's based on user/owner survey results of number of "problems" reported within the first x months of owning the car. Of course, there in lies the question of how each and every owner interprets what constitutes a problem. It's a compilated score of inconsistent, uncontrolled, and subjective findings.



Oh it's growing alright. It's growing more increasingly irrating with each glance of that vehicle that passes in front of my eyes. :(


yes all reliability are nonsense...can only take the word of a VW fanboy for the truth:lol:

[gilboman]

LMAO. Asking gilboman to get his facts straight will only result in him posting his usual JD Power nonsense and continuing to bash VAG cars, all while owning like three of them and refusing to get rid of them even though they are oh-so-bad :rolleyes:


So you'll "stick to" a meaningless list of meaninglessness? Okay then, good luck with that! Keep in mind as well that this list is just cars of the year, not most reliable cars (which I think is what you are on about). At least this list makes it known these are largely subjective picks, while JD Power seems to tout their garbage as if it's the Holy Grail of measure of reliabilty, when really it's a a bunch of nonsense.

so what meaningful contribution can you come up with?

none.

I have owned/own various VW's..and i've always said they are horrible in reliability and service, and value. But those things werent important to me.

Just because I own a VW means i have to think they are reliable or good value.

[afretes]

Wow, I wonder how "positive" your other 10,384 posts were.

so what meaningful contribution can you come up with?

none.

I have owned/own various VW's..and i've always said they are horrible in reliability and service, and value. But those things werent important to me.

Just because I own a VW means i have to think they are reliable or good value.

[kenchau]

yes all reliability are nonsense...can only take the word of a VW fanboy for the truth:lol:

For the record, I ain't a VW fanboy. I'm rootin for the up-and-comer, HYUNDAI baby!!! :D

I'm just saying, the JD Power initial quality rankings are no better. Certainly not the biblical be-all and end-all of car rankings like they make themselves to be, if you know what I mean.

[gilboman]

Wow, I wonder how "positive" your other 10,384 posts were.

well unlike you, I gain nothing from lying about VW/Audi or promoting them. So your 469 posts of VW/Audi promotion benefits you directly, I have nothing to gain/lose from pointing out the obvious problems with Vw/Audi, so I'm not stuck in Cheerleader mode for VW/Audi like you are.

if you want fanboy posts of VW/Audi, Join Audiworld

[gilboman]

For the record, I ain't a VW fanboy. I'm rootin for the up-and-comer, HYUNDAI baby!!! :D

I'm just saying, the JD Power initial quality rankings are no better. Certainly not the biblical be-all and end-all of car rankings like they make themselves to be, if you know what I mean.

i was referring to the dependability studies actually, they measure problems after 3 years of ownership.

No JD Power's is not perfect, but its all relative, I mean unless you say VW/Audi owners are a lot more anal about their cars and report 2x as much problems year after year after year after year after year after year than say a Lexus. It means something. Also doesnt help other studies have put VW at the bottom of the pack as well.

[afretes]

Thanks?!

well unlike you, I gain nothing from lying about VW/Audi or promoting them. So your 469 posts of VW/Audi promotion benefits you directly, I have nothing to gain/lose from pointing out the obvious problems with Vw/Audi, so I'm not stuck in Cheerleader mode for VW/Audi like you are.

if you want fanboy posts of VW/Audi, Join Audiworld

[ES_Revenge]

so what meaningful contribution can you come up with?

none.
Hello pot, this is kettle calling! :lol:

Seriously, you spam every thread that even mentions an Audi/VW thread with the same crap every... single... time. Believe me, I have much more meaningful contributions in general that your tired posts about VW that never seem to end, ever. Everyone knows it here too, don't just take my word for it.

I have owned/own various VW's..and i've always said they are horrible in reliability and service, and value. But those things werent important to me.
LOL then what was important to you? Owning them so you could post the same thing again and again on RFD?

Just because I own a VW means i have to think they are reliable or good value.
And just because you continually post the same nonsense everytime you post, doesn't mean they aren't. ;)

[stealth]

224 A5s were sold in October, I don't have a break down that shows cabs only.
I don't anticipate any incentives any time soon, in fact some of our rates went up for Nov.

Thats a lot more A5 sales than I would have expected, although I suspect only a handful would have been ragtops.

Is the A5 (coupe) included in this list of cars who's rates increased?