Car of the Year 1964 - 2009
1964 Rover 2000
The last pre-Leyland new Rover, styled by D.Bache, had a considerable production for a low volume manufacturer. This original chassis (independent front suspension, De Dion rear axle, rear drive), with excellent ride and handling, would get a V8 3500 engine much later. An OHC 4-cyl 2-liter (91 hp) was the weakest point of this appealing mid-size saloon (4.53 m), even if a TC version (110) made performance much better. British quality and good value was a formula of success in its time.
1965 Austin 1800
Front wheel drive and transverse engine was a BMH trademark in the ‘60s, following the celebrated Mini tradition. Result in 1800 was not as brilliant as in the 3-meter car, but it offered good room, practicality and a 480-liter boot in a very moderate length. 4-door saloon, 4.24 m long. Independent suspension all round, with Hydrolastic compounds. 4-speed manual gearbox or auto 3-speed transmission. OHV 1.8 4-cylinder engine: 87 hp.
1966 Renault 16
To replace a rear-drive car of limited success, the Frégate, Régie Nationale gave front wheel drive (with gearbox in front end, as in R-4/6) to its new top of range. Later, this mechanical unit would be fitted to Alpine’s 2-seat berlinette. Unusual, and very determining for looks, was the rear hatch access to load area. 5-door body, 4.23 m long. Independent suspension at 4 wheels. 4-speed manual or 3-speed auto transmission. OHV 4-cylinder 1.5 (55 hp) and 1.6 (83) engines.
1967 Fiat 124
While still keeping in its product line the slightly smaller but obsolete 1100, Fiat launched an affordable and practical model of 4/5 seats. The boxy 4-door saloon or 5-door estate bodies had no good air drag to boast of, but offered boot capacities from 385 to 570 dm3 in a length of only 4.03 m. Rear wheel drive and live axle, but also 4-disc brakes. 4-speed gearbox. OHV 4-cylinder 1.2 (60 hp) and 1.4 (70) engines; DOHC 1.4 90 hp engine for later Coupe/Spider versions.
1968 NSU Ro80
The big (4.78 m long), fast saloon impressed everyone for its sleek looks and luxury approach. Its technical masterpiece was a compact twin-rotor Wankel engine (115 hp) that later showed fuel unefficient and also unreliable in the long run. The Neckarsulm brandname never overcame the failure and would eventually disappear through a merge with Audi, inside VW group. All independent suspension. Front wheel drive, semi-auto 3-speed transmission with clutch and converter.
1969 Peugeot 504
Pininfarina elegance and an approach of sturdiness, refinement and classicism combined again to make the closest thing to a German car. Rear drive saloon (4.49 m) offered very good ride and road behaviour, thanks to its all independent suspension and 4-disc brakes; estate, coupe and cabrio derivatives appeared later. Initially, there only was a reliable OHV 4-cyl 1.8 engine, in 76 hp (carb.) and 90 (injection) versions; its lack of technical freshness did not deter a general praise for the car.
1970 Fiat 128
The neat success of this car was based in the fact that was the first Fiat truly modern for a long time. Initially a compact 2/4door saloon and 3-door estate (3.86 m) with 370-liter boot; later, also an Sport Coupe with hatchback. Front wheel drive and transverse engine-gearbox. Front McPherson and rear transverse leaf spring independent suspension. The 4-cylinder engine, an OHC for the first time in an affordable model, was a 1.1 55 hp, then also a 1.3 75 hp.
1971 Citroën GS
The press saluted enthusiastically the aerodynamic (as much as an air-cooled car can be) 5-door hatchback and estate, with front ‘boxer’ engine and drive. The hydropneumatic independent suspension was a first in this size (4.12 m) and one reason for outstanding roadholding. 4-disc brakes and sensitive rack & pinion steering also added to the excellent dynamics. Performance was limited, as the air-cooled OHC 1/1.2 liter engines with 4 horizontal opposed cylinders gave only 55/60 hp.
1972 Fiat 127
Fiat technical modernity was transferred from 128 to a more affordable segment for a big sales story. 127 offered honest room and boot in only 3.6 m, with very good road behaviour. The body could either be a 2-door or 3-door hatch; later 4/5door were also developped. Front wheel drive, 4-speed gearbox. The engine was a modest OHV 4-cylinder with only 3 main bearings in crankshaft. But it gave 47 hp from only 0.9 liter, showing lively and fuel efficient.
1973 Audi 80
Still just a parallel manufacturer to VW, Audi launched its 80 almost one year earlier than its counterpart, the Passat. Closely exceeding cute Renault 5 to win de award, the car made wonders to affirm an uprising brandname, with a certain touch of class. This 2/4-door saloon was extremely lightweight for the size (4.24 m.), what enabled very good performance from its 1.3 to 1.6 engines. In coincidence with the famous VW Golf GTI, Audi would offer later an sporty 80 GTE, also with fuel injection 1.6 engine and 110.
1974 Mercedes 450 S
Even if the S-class had been introduced in 1972, the new big Mercedes ( 5 m.) was identified with the mighty 450 SE/SEL versions added the following year. It was the first modern-style car from Stuttgart, already with horizontal road lights installation instead of the classic vertical clusters. Brightest point, however, was the performance coming from the new 4.5 V8 with fuel injection and well over 200 hp; a figure partly tamed by 3-speed automatic transmission and optional limited slip differential.
1975 Citroën CX
After twenty years of legendary ID/DS, Citroën came out with another design surprise, not so unconventional in this case. Looks were again entwined with aerodynamics, as was suggested by a name meaning in French penetration coefficient. And the improved hydroneumatic suspensions had also to see with comfort, great body control and a height levelling that affected aerodynamics again. 4-cylinder engine line was topped by a fuel injection 2.4 nearing 130 hp that authorised very good performance.
1976 Simca 1307-1508
Produced under Chrysler control, the top of Simca range told the story of scarce investments by mother company in its French subsidiary. Looks were appealing, hatchback layout very practical, room and load area generous. The car also offered driving pleasure, with a safe road behaviour. But push-rod engines neared obsolescence, limiting performance and fuel efficiency. Double denomination corresponds to 1.3 and 1.4 versions of the veteran OHV engines.
1977 Rover 3500
In a middle position inside BLMC group, between prestigious Jaguar and other more prosaic brandnames, Rover had to make a surviving trick for its car division. SD1, as British specialists liked to name it, was an appreciable product, fruit of an agreement with unions to enable a reduced-cost production. Extra-competitive prices were short-lived, but the big 2-box car with a rear hatch gained nonetheless the hearts of press and customers for its nice looks, road attitude and the powerful push of the veteran V8.
1978 Porsche 928
Porsche put at work all its resources to conceive and develop an outstanding car likely to replace the technically decaying 911. The obsolete points of the veteran were overcome with a front engine, water cooling, noise suppression, good weight balance and a road attitude that made fast driving much easier and more predictable. The aluminum 4.5 liter V8 was also smooth, torquey and fuel efficient. A deserving award winner, the fine looking 928 would eventually fail in the role of succeeding a myth.
1979 Simca-Chrysler Horizon
Porsche put at work all its resources to conceive and develop an outstanding car likely to replace the technically decaying 911. The obsolete points of the veteran were overcome with a front engine, water cooling, noise suppression, good weight balance and a road attitude that made fast driving much easier and more predictable. The aluminum 4.5 liter V8 was also smooth, torquey and fuel efficient. A deserving award winner, the fine looking 928 would eventually fail in the role of succeeding a myth.
1980 Lancia Delta
As Giugiaro conceived it, Delta was ment the first car with a longitudinally sliding rear bench. Deprived of this feature for production, spacious cabin won over a limited trunk. Still, the elegant, compact 5-door had a lot of charm, remarkable comfort and a roadholding unrivalled by other cars its size. Big contradiction in a car that later would have a long, triumphant career in world rallying: some overweight and poor engine offer (1.5, 85 hp as top option) limited performance in the early stages.
1981 Ford Escort
For a totally new model with transversal engine and front wheel drive, Ford choosed to keep a famous name identified with rear wheel drive and big success in racing/rallying scene. New Escort, an almost parallel development to previous year’s Opel Kadett, hardly delivered as a base tool for sport activity, but was a honest, good value product for everyday use. Low maintenance CVH line of engines was a plus. This world project also gave birth to an Americant Escort with a long, fruitful career.
1982 Renault 9
R9 was not the first modern, compact car from Renault, but this 4-door saloon had a much better acceptation than R14 hatchback. What is more, the manufacturer has had a successful 3-box car in this segment ever since. Even a veteran OHV power line with lateral camshaft was no deterrent for its recorgnition by the Jury and the consistent commercial trajectory. Functionality, comfort and roadholding were its best points, while availability of 5 speed gearbox was very uncommon then in an affordable car.
1983 Audi 100
Highly praised for the unprecedented refinemente of its aerodynamics, the new 100 won the award and gave Audi a big impulsion in its trajectory as an specialist manufacturer. Confirming that front wheel drive and excellence in a big car where fully compatible, Audi 100 offered a safe, enjoyable behaviour, and also set new in-house quality levels. 5-cylinder engines, mostly in 2.2 displacement, served well the big saloon and Avant bodies; also the first 5-cyl turbodiesel, with a mere 87 hp, made its debut in this car.
1984 Fiat Uno
Two remarkable small cars were top protagonists in this contest. Fiat Uno won by small margin and was extremely popular, but Peugeot 205 kept much longer a high market demand. The practical Uno was an ideal product for a limited budget, its basic version still keeping the veteran OHV 903 cc engine from 127, with 5-speed gearbox as an option; an OHC 1.3 with 70 hp was the alternative for good performance. Roomy cabin, good roadholding and very affordable prices were generally appreciated.
1985 Opel Kadett
Second generation of front wheel drive Kadett improved much over its predecessor while keeping most of main components. The old OHV Opel engine still lived as a basic 1.2, but the renovated OHC line with hydraulic tappets offered several power levels with very good fuel economy. Sporty GSI with 1.8 of 115 hp was the initial top, its streamlined body reaching record levels of aerodynamic efficiency. Besides 3/5-door and Caravan versions, a successful saloon contributed to popularity of the whole range.
1986 Ford Scorpio
After two generations of Granada, Ford Europe switched the approach for a medium-big car. Scorpio still was a typical fleet car, as the availability of a weak 1.8 engine showed, but looks and build quality changed for the better. New style, with a sharp nose and an rear hatch unusual for a car this size, was a refreshing point. A cozy interior, good equipment and the performance of a fuel injection 2.9 V6 gave it an edge. Real trick to clinch the award was fitting the then incipient ABS as standard for the whole range.
1987 Opel Omega
There still was some room in Europe for a medium-big, rear wheel drive car not coming from an specialist manufacturer, and Opel seized the opportunity. Omega was ment for an spot lower to Senator position, but in fact it had a longer wheelbase, more room and bigger trunk than the older big Opel. Refined suspensions, good comfort and advanced aerodynamics made a very pleasant car. Displacement was polarized between the modest 1.8/2.0 4-cylinder engines and a powerful, costly 3.0i V6 with 177 hp.
1988 Peugeot 405
Winning the award was a parade for 405, after a general praise all over Europe, and an overwhelming unanimity, with 54 top marks among 57 Jury members. Accentuating the style features started with 205, designers gave the mid-size saloon the role of new image carrier for Peugeot. With fine-tuned suspension even for basic versions, 405 was a joy to drive. Appreciable petrol engines were backed by the first advanced turbodiesel in PSA -a 90 hp 1.9-, the foundation of a big success across Peugeot/Citroën ranges.
1989 Fiat Tipo
Tipo was quite a shock in looks. But the design boldness of this tall hatchback was addressed to a new level of spaciousness in a compact car. What is more, its well conceived floorpan and rear suspension diverging from the ubiquitous torsional axle, gave birth to a whole generetion of models inside Fiat group. Limited luggage space and petrol engines rather poor did not mar a positive perception based in the courageous style, safe roadholding and, as usual in Fiat models, good value for money.
1990 Citroën XM
With top points from a large majority of the Jury, XM was a clear award winner. Spirited aerodynamics were combined this time with outstanding looks; Bertone-sourced lines gave elegance and class to the 2-box profile. A new evolution of hydroneumatic theme, Hydractive suspension with full variable control of flexibility and damping gave top ride comfort. Also 3.0 V6 with 24 valves and 200 hp was a refined performer. Initial problems with electronics would mar the commercial career of XM.
1991 Renault Clio
Renault interrupted its long love affair with R5/Superfive to strike something really new. Not only an inspiring name; the new small car had also remarkable style, good quality level, generous cabin/luggage space and a richness of equipment never offered before in a model of this size from a popular manufacturer. Most of supporters appreciated the overall character of the car, the variety of range and powerful engines and, mostly, a safe and enjoyable road behaviour.
1992 VW Golf
A best-seller from its introduction in the '70s, the Volkswagen Golf had been crucial to make the segment of compacts the gravity centre of European market. Car of the Year Jury rewarded it only in its third generation, a car full of maturity and a reference in build quality. The pleasant to drive 2.0 GTI version would have the complement of a powerful 16v engine. Conceived prior to a general trend to reduce engine size, Volkswagen also offered an impressive V6 2.8 version with 175 hp as top of the range.
1993 Nissan Micra
Even it it was assembled in Britain, Micra performed a big feat in Europe: to become the first Car of the Year designed in Japan; Primera had been second in 1991. The car gathered sympathies for its round, compact line that made it look smaller than it really was (3.7 m.); and also for its build quality, higher than usual British standards for unexpensive models. Good performer and with a brilliant fuel economy, Micra had as a technical distinction the first DOHC 16 valves engine under 1.0 litre available in Europe.
1994 Ford Mondeo
Mondeo was the third and finest incursion of Ford in transversal engine/front wheel drive technique. Ambitious project of `world car`was backed by massive investments at both sides of the Atlantic. Improving dramatically the features of its predecessor —the Sierra— the range of saloon, hatchback and estate car versions was an instant success in Europe. Reasonable prices, sleek looks, good roadholding and an efficient Zetec line of petrol 1.6/1.8/2.0 engines were its winning points.
1995 Fiat Punto
Not even a hundred percent new VW Polo was an obstacle in the winning trajectory of Fiat Punto. The Italian manufacturer succeeded in offering a very stylish packaging in an small car. Ample room and big trunk contributed to a commercial success that would eventually put Punto in top of European sales for some time. For specialists appreciating energy conservation, such a compact, lightweight car with low fuel consumption was a good alternative to bigger vehicles. Prices were just irresistible.
1996 Fiat Bravo/Brava
Fiat won again a close fight against Peugeot 406 to clinch its seventh Car of the Year award for Bravo/Brava. Differentiation of name and looks between 3-door and 5-door body styles was saluted as a fresh approach, even if 5-door Brava had a lesser acceptation than Fiat had anticipated. Very good value for money, reasonable performance, distinctive design, safe behaviour and a remarkable improvement in build quality gave the pair the winning chance.
1997 Renault Scénic
A honest average product in itself, the Mégane offer had an unprecedented variety of body styles as main asset. But almost everybody focused in one ot them, the Scénic, a pioneer in the incipient subsegment of compact multi-purpose-vehicles. Thus, this version was considered as a model of its own and won the award hands down. Voters fell in love with the clever, practical approach, while the surprised manufacturer had to make a rush effort to adjust the shy Scénic production capacity to the wild demand.
1998 Alfa Romeo 156
Another case of love at first sight. This time, mostly for the appealing looks Walter da Silva masterly gave to 156. Elegant, muscular lines mixed with undeniable Alfa Romeo family airs of classic times. The perfect balance to restore the Alfa image. In top of an enjoyable engine line and much improved quality, this median saloon had new and very refined suspension layout so to offer an impeccable roadholding. In an unusual coincidence, 40 out of 56 Jury members gave their top points to the Alfa.
1999 Ford Focus
After trying it in less popular models, Ford gave a big role to its New Edge style in a car of the segment with most weight in Europe. The challenge was won; Focus would turn the world best-selling car, adding European and American sales. Besides courageous and fresh looks, Focus was praised for its wide range of versions, equipment, build quality and a roadholding that was the new reference in its category, thanks to multi-link rear suspension. Again a high synchrony in the Jury: 42 top marks.
2000 Toyota Yaris
A new dog fight for the first place, but this time the innovative MPV Fiat Multipla would lose in front of the Toyota Yaris. The Japanese car, bound to future production in France, had also unusual but much more pleasant looks inside and out, and a certain versatility in its cozy cabin, with an sliding rear bench. The small car was also given the most brilliant and efficient 1.0 liter engine money can buy, with 68 hp. Two-box 3 and 5-door body styles had the complement of a tall Verso MPV version.
2001 Alfa Romeo 147
Winner by a single point, the 147 impressed for its looks, a mix of retro and boldness with clear Alfa genes in its lines. Roadholding reminded its chassis derives from the 156. Alfa Romeo also offered a high-ever level of quality and a rich interior. Boot capacity and rear seat room got some criticizing. Initial range of 3-door body with three petrol engines and "Selespeed" gearbox gave soon place to 5-door derivatives (with dissimulated rear door handles) and an efficient Diesel JTD engine.
2002 Peugeot 307
In the new generation of hatchbacks, 307 was recognised as the one with best balance. Appealing looks similar to 206 combined with build quality and cosy interior. Cabin offered functionality, space and a versatility that would be about perfect with sliding rear seats. Compared with former Peugeots, suspensions were more oriented to ride comfort. Big windshield, low noise level and powerful brakes enhanced ease of driving. Clean 2.0 HDI Diesel engine with particulate filter, a big first in the segment.
2003 Renault Mégane
Mégane’s new generation was launched with two body styles, but Renault soon enriched the number of versions: 3 and 5door hatchback, 4-door saloon, stawion wagon, a cabrio-coupe, plus 5 and 7-seat derivatives of compact MPV Scénic. Bold looks were a major plus in the trophy-winning car for 2003. It was also praised for a number of bright aspects: active and passive safety equipment, materials and fit in the cabin, good ride, handling, brakes and the lively 1.9 dCi engine and its 6speed gearbox.
2004 Fiat Panda
This model with city-car size offers the usefulness and equipment of a much bigger vehicle. A single body style was enough for this tall mini to get general praise. Roominess and cabin flexibility , as well as the reputation of Fiat to conceive clever, practical small cars at very competitive prices, were behind the election. Driving position and high-mounted gear lever are a plus. While petrol engines go almost unnoticed, the impressive, fuel-sparing 1.3 Multijet diesel is quite unusual in the segment.
2005 Toyota Prius II
The pioneer Prius of 1997 set a new standard for clean emissions among petrol-powered cars but Toyota’s first hybridlackedsome refinement. The Car of the Year 2005 is everything the original was not. It has appealing looks and good accommodation. Performance is relatively lively, with the availability of 110 hp when combining the thrust of the Atkinsoncycle engine and the electric motor. Fuel economy may be outstanding when a gentle driving style is applied, encouraged by the character of this vehicle.
2006 Renault Clio
The Renault Clio III has been nominated Car of the Year 2006. This is the first repeat win in the 43-year history of the award; the first Clio was Car of the Year 1991. Competition for the 2006 title was fierce. All of the seven cars on the short list were put in first place by two or more of the 58 members of the international Jury and the Clio emerged as the winner with just five points more than the Volkswagen Passat.
2007 Ford S-Max
The S-Max, winner of the award with a margin of only two points from the Opel/Vauxhall Corsa, was seen by the Jury as a sporty and spacious seven-seater with strong personality and design and excellent safety. The balance between family roominess and versatility and, at the same time, pleasant dynamics, refinement and driving fun, was the most praised feature of this good looking MPV that started a new line of design in Ford.
2008 Fiat 500
Beyond its reality as a practical urban car, it was clear from its inception that the retro-chic 500 has enormous public appeal. Everybody, especially in Italy, has loved it well before it would go on sale. This cute car copies the aesthetics of the legendary 500 of half a century ago, but it is a modern vehicle in functionality and safety features, reasonably roomy for its size and shape, and with efficient engines that provide performance and economy.
2009 Opel Insignia
The Insignia is the first Opel to win in 22 years but General Motors’ European company has been runner-up four times – and in 2007 the Opel Corsa lost by just two points to the Ford S-Max. Ford has won the award five times but this is the second occasion it has lost by one point. This year’s narrow victory emphasizes the high level of this year’s competition, which has 37 initial candidates and seven finalists. Of the 59 car of the Year jurors representing 23 European countries, 20 gave the Insignia top points, while 19 put the Fiesta in first place. Opel has defined Insignia design as artistry with German precision: premium values at an affordable price. Many Jury members appreciated the looks and visual quality of this model but the new C/D car from Russelsheim is much more than style. Active and passive safety, comfort and a wide array of efficient engines characterize this model. The richness of equipment can be increased with sophisticated options such as the ‘Opel Eye’, that reads road signals, FlexRide suspension and nine-mode Adaptive Forward Lighting. An efficient, adaptive 4X4 transmission, standard with the 2.8V6 Turbo engine, is an optional in the 2.0 Turbo petrol engine. 6-gear automatic transmission, also standard in the V6, is available in the 2.0 Turbo and 130/160 hp Diesel engines. Excellence of design has been applied, not only to the look-alike 4/5-door sleek derivatives, but also to a Sports Tourer that combines the practicality of a wagon and good access to the large cargo area with elegance of lines and appealing looks. Outstanding aerodynamics is also a feature in the Insignia, following an Opel tradition of decades. TECHNICAL DATA Body: 4/5-door saloons, Sports Tourer wagon Size: 4.83 (4.91) X 1.86 X 1.50 m. Transmission: Front Wheel Drive/ Four Wheel Drive Petrol Engines: 1.6 (115 hp), 1.8 (140), 2.0 Turbo (220), 2.8 V6 Turbo (280) Diesel Engines: 2.0 Turbo (110, 130, 160 hp), 1.9 Twin Turbo (190)
Maximum speed - 0-100 km/h acceleration: Petrol engines: 192 to 250 km/h. - 12.9 to 6.9 s. Diesel engines: 186 to 218 km/h. - 13.9 to 9.5 s. Combined fuel consumption - CO2 emissions: Petrol engines: 7.6 to 11.6 l/100 km – 179 to 272 g/km Diesel engines: 5.8 to 6.8 l/100 km – 154 to 179 g/km
http://www.caroftheyear.org/