Published: December 6, 2016, 2:30 AM
Updated: November 21, 2021, 3:21 PM
Eight category winners announced
From an initial group of 34 vehicles, the ‘Best-New’ vehicles in eight categories have now been selected by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), based on four days of intensive back-to-back testing in October. The overall 2017 AJAC Car and Utility Vehicle of the Year will come from these eight category winners.
The overall winners will be revealed at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto in February 2017.
By Gerry Malloy
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Best New Small Car & Best New Sports/Performance Car - Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai was the only double winner in the group with the Elantra claiming Best New Small Car and the Elantra Sport Best New Sports/Performance Car honours.
The Elantra, with a score of 682 points, edged out the Chevrolet Cruze (680) and Subaru Impreza, scoring highest in terms of value, for the Best New Smal Car title.
The Elantra Sport, with 682 points, beat the Ford Focus RS (670) and Fiat 124 Spider (637), scoring highest in Occupant Environment and Ride Dynamics. to become Best New Sports/Performance Car.
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Best New Large Car - Volkswagen Golf Alltrack
The Volkswagen Golf Alltrack was named Best New Large Car, earning 680 points and scoring highest in Exterior Styling and Engine & Transmission Performance.
The Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid ranked second (674) and the Kia Optima HEV third (672).
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Best New Large Premium Car - Buick LaCrosse
The Buick LaCrosse, claimed the Best New Large Premium Car laurels with 656 points and scored highest in class in Fuel Efficiency.
It beat out the Volvo S90 (655) and Mercedes-Benz E-Class (653).
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Best New Premium Sports/Performance Car - BMW M2
The BMW M2 earned the Best New Premium Sports/Performance Car honours, with 658 points, and scored highest in Value.
The Porsche 911 Carrera 4S ranked second (656) and the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupe (648) was third.
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Best New Small Utility - Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester took the Best New Small Utility title with 678 points, scoring highest in Value, Off-Road Capability and Occupant Environnent.
The Ford Escape (670) came second and the Kia Sportage (664) third.
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Best New Large Utility - Chrysler Pacifica
In one of the closest races of all, the Chrysler Pacifica, with 664 points, edged out the second-place Mazda CX-9 (663) to become Best New Large Utility. The Pacifica scored highest in Value.
The GMC Acadia (634) ranked third.
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Best New Premium Utility Vehicle - Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Matic
The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4Matic was elected best New Premium Utility Vehicle with 658 points and scored highest in Interior Styling, Occupant Environnent and Ride Dynamics.
The Buick Envision ranked second (654) and the Cadillac XT-5 (650) third.
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