Economy car of the year nominess:
Kia Spectra5
Chevy Cobalt/Pontiac Pursuit
Ford Focus ZX4

Its interesting to see how econocars improved nowaday. Our 3 entrants are the perfect example. Ford has given Focus the power that it needed. The new 2.0L 130hp as a replacement for the outgoing Zetec base motor really give this chassis a huge boost. The Cobalt/Pursuit is GM’s latest attempt to comeback as a contender in the econocar segment. The improvements of quality, refinement, dynamic qualities and styling are huge compare to the forgettable Cavalier/Sunfire twins. The advent Delta platform that shares with European Opel Astra also given it a 100% radical change over previous car’s flimsy feel. A better ride, better handling, much improved engine performance and NVH sum up the new Spectra. With the introduction of the Spectra5, Spectra series’s versatility has taken into a whole new level. Unfortunately, its disgraceful for Kia to put ABS into the sunroof package that don’t give this decent car a price advantage over its competitors. Its a really tough choice in this category, however, we have to give nod to GM’s effort on building an econocar that is finally competitive in this segment. A car that they needed for such a long time: Cobalt and Pursuit.

Family car of the year nominess:
Saab 9-2X
Pontiac G6
Mazda 6 Sport

Just like the Cobalt, G6 shows the world giant General Motors is coming back. The improvements over the underwhelming Grand Am are significant. Everything from refinement, driving qualities, interior finishings and styling have put Pontiac back to the marketplace. Sadly, $600 for ABS really killed the whole package. While the 9-2X is nothing more than a rebadged Impreza, Saab engineers have worked overnight to ensure it got Swede’s ride comfort in order to justify the premium over the linking-star cousin. Linear’s 2.5L is more than adequate and Aero’s 2L turbo is a screamer. Unfortunately, the use of materials still haven’t reached the usual high standards by Saab. The 6 Sport is virtually a hatchback version of Mazda’s awesome mid-size offering. It still offers the same agile dynamics, excellent fit-and-finish and potent powerplant as its sedan cousin with more practicality. That’s an easy choice as 6 Sport provides the best package within this group.

Convertible of the year nominess:
Mercedes SLK350
Audi S4
Saab 9-3 Aero

The new SLK is what the original SLK should be. A roadster that handles like a sports car instead of a blvd cruiser. The intriguing 7-speed G-Tronic tranny and sports suspension also matched very well with its stiff chassis. If you are looking for a convertible with Swedish flair and performance, look no further than the 9-3. It finally got the chassis that it deserves since day 1. A platform that won’t flex when going through rough roads. 210hp 2.0 turbo engine provides plenty of performance for both 6-speed stick and 5-speed manumatic. S4 convertible continues the Audi’s tradition of combining sleek styling, AWD and elegant performance all together. Just like its sedan and Avant silibing, the S4 cab handles like on rail in all weathers. It also toppled all other entrants, in terms of build quality. That makes it a clear winner of our convertible of the year.

Luxury car of the year nominess:
Acura RL
Chrysler 300C
Volvo S60

S60 was the vehicle that put Volvo in the sports sedan map that has been dominated by Germans. Suffice to say, its one of Volvo’s best efforts by combing Swedish sensibility and dynamic capabilities in one interesting package. The latest facelift has given this strong offering with more competitive edge. More standard features, stiffer chassis and more responsive
handling are all for the better. While the previous RL was nothing but a ho-hum automobile, the new one is anything but. It got one of the better AWD systems in the business called Super Handling. Both exterior and interior styling are all for the better. Handling is far sharper and its dynamics finally well worthy in a family consists of nice handlers like TSX and RSX. Its also a decent value compares to some of its competitors. Speaking of value, nothing can compares to Chrysler’s 300C. The intriguing combination of Hemi V8, excellent Mercedes chassis and superior handling/ride compromise at a price that you can’t even get a 6-cylinder premium sports sedan. Its an obvious choice of our luxury car of the year winner.

Prestige car of the year nominess:
Audi A6
Cadillac STS V8
VW Phaeton

A new waterfall grille and MMI multi-media interface system are just the beginnings of new A6. Powered by both 3.2L FSI V6 and a 4.2 V8 with usual Audi goodies like proven Quattro AWD and excellent ride/handling compromose, that about sums up the near-perfect package. New STS is another comeback kid for Caddy. GM finally goes back to RWD in order to address previous Seville’s terrible handling issue. This car is also competitive enough with its V6 engine. Both the chassis and handling dynamics have take a huge step forward. While the styling is not as controversial as CTS, its easier to the eyes. Phaeton is VW’s first foray into the prestigous market. Powered by an Audi-sourced 4.2L V8 and an awesome 6L W12 engines. The chassis shares with the awesome Bentley Contential GT. It has one of the most beautifully made interiors ever in auto business. Handling wise, its confidence although can’t be described as fun. The prestige car award has to go to the A6. Audi has made an excellent car even better than before, its also the most balanced of all 3 cars in this group.

Wagon of the year nominess:
Dodge Magnum RT
Mazda 6
Subaru Legacy/Outback

Just like the 300, Magnum is based on excellent Mercedes chassis with a potent V8 engine. It also reprsents exceptional value with style. Unfortunately, RT’s Hemi V8 is just a bit too thirsty even with cylinder deactivation system. New Legacy/Outback are huge improvement over its predecessor, especially its interior quality and the addition of a powerful 2.5L 250hp turbo flat 4 engine. It also got style to go along with its performance character. The base 2.5L is adequate for most daily drivers. Sadly, Limited version of all Legacy/Outback models are way too overpriced. That left us to the clear winner in this group: the Mazda 6. Although it doesn’t have as much power as Legacy/Outback GT or Magnum RT, it doesn’t make you want more thanks to its sharp handling and docile chassis. A loaded GT that costs 35+ grand also respresents great value. That said, Mazda 6 is the winner of our wagon category.

Luxury SUV of the year nominess:
VW Touareg V10 TDI
Porsche Cayenne V6
BMW X5 4.8iS

After Porsche introduced 2 high-performance versions of Cayenne, they introduced a base 3.2 V6 for the masses. While it doesn’t have the stellar acceleration and edgy handling of the S and Turbo, it still feels very much like a Porsche with better fuel economy. BMW has upped X5’s ante with a newfound 4.8L V8 engine. Both power and handling have taken into a whole new level, along with better braking and even classier interior material. Sadly, its way too thirsty. Touareg has always been considered as an SUV benchmark since its debuted a year ago and its rightly so. This year VW introduced a V10 TDI that provides 535 lb/ft of torque which is able to outaccelerate many of those so-called sports cars. Combine with all the usual excellent package of Touareg and we got our best SUV for 2005.

Mini-ute of the year nominess:
Nissan X-Trail
Chevrolet Equinox
Hyundai Tucson

Instead of sharing the same flashy styling theme with recent Nissans, X-Trail has taken a more conservative route. The QR25DE is more than enough in X-Trail’s application. The interior is clean and nicely layout although a bit too plain for my taste. Powered by a Chinese-made 3.4L V6 with 185 ponies, Equinox is no slouch. The interior is surprisingly versatile with the best rear seat and cargo space in this group. Handling wise, its far superior than the unremarkable Tracker it replaces. Sadly, interior plastic has to be the cheapest known to human beings. Tucson is Hyundai’s latest attempt to strike in mini-ute segment. 2.0L 4 c-cylinder and 2.7L V6 with both 5-speed stick and maumatic, Tucson is a very responsive little ute. Based on the Elantra platform, its dynamic qualities are also surprisingly refined. All of these 3 entrants share the same FWD-bias AWD systems which latter only activate when it detects wheelspin in offending wheels. Out of this group, I chose Equinox as our mini-ute of the year simply because it has the space that most people needed while providing performance economically. Its also a huge step forward over its predecessor in every single areas.

Sports sedan of the year nominess:
Subaru Legacy 2.5GT
Volvo S40 T5
Nissan Altima SE-R

Nissan has taken their landmark Altima series to a new height with the addition of a performance-oriented SE-R. Its truly a sheep in a wolf’s clothing with 250hp V6 engine, a stiffer suspension and an understated body kit. Thanks to the extra boost of turbocharged character, Legacy GT is a sports sedan that comes with one of the world’s finest AWD system with potent performance. It also handles relatively well thanks to its newly found stiff chassis and dynamic suspension tuning. Unlike its predecessor, S40 T5 feels like a true sports sedan in every dimensions. It got typical Volvo Swedish styling, a comfortable interior and a proven T5 powerplant that delivers real power. While all are nice cars, Legacy GT took the honor as best sports sedan despite its Limited version is overpriced. It simply offers the best value for money with 250hp turbocharged engine, a proven AWD system and a style that is finally mainstream.

Econosport of the year nominess:
Ford Focus ZX4 ST
Toyota Corolla XRS
Saturn Ion Redline

The Ion was supposed to be a worthy replacement of the aging S-series, however, its numb electric steering and unrefined road manners made it a poor value. The advant of the Redline version has made this car a lot better, in terms of performance and handling. Unfortunately, it still fell short of refinement and quality in this group of cars. ST version of Focus serves as a replacement to the venerable SVT. The Mazda-derived 2.3L engine has given Focus a much needed power boost. Wider tires and firmer suspension also make ST as much as an entertainer as the outgoing SVT does. Since the introduction of current Corolla, we are always been a big fan of its ideal combination of performance, handling, quality and comfort. Toyota is smart enough to drop Matrix’s 1.8 VVTL-i into the hood of this agile car. Although it still suffers from the lack of sweet spot of both Matrix and Celica, Toyota’s nifty suspension retuning has transformed Corolla from a capable appliance into a really capable econosport. Along with the tasteful body kit, well-made interior with supportive sports seats and interior trim. That’s an easy pick of our econosport of the year winner.

Minivan of the year nominess:
Honda Odyssey
Dodge Caravan
Saturn Relay

The Relay is nothing more than a restyled GM minivan. It still got the same old chassis and marginally better powerplant. Simply put, the interior doesn’t hold a candle to any of its new competitors. While Chrysler finally figure out the way to stow the 2nd row of seats in their Caravan called Stow-and-Go, its driving dynamics still feel underwhelming while interior quality remains lackluster compares to the best in class. That left us to the Odyssey, Honda simply makes the best minivan even better. Not only does the VCM works like a champ in Touring model. The interior flexability, use of materials and driving experience also taken a huge step forward over its predecessor. Honda has upped the ante in the minivan class and so it deserves our best minivan for 2005.

Most disappointing car of the year nominess:
BMW X3
Chrysler Crossfire

You would have thought Crossfire would be a decent car to drive given its based on previous SLK’s underpinnings. Unlike 300/Magnum which Chrysler engineers tuned Mercedes chassis smartly, they have tuned Crossfire terribly. Terrible handling/ride compromise, poor versatility and lousy shifter. Its hard to imagine this car is based on a proven Mercedes chassis. BMW really wanted to cash in when they introduced the X3. Unfortunately, the exection has a lot to be desired. The interior is cheaply made and finished. Handling/ride balance is poor as it rides like an unloaden full-size pick-up with optional sports suspension. 2.5L straight 6 is simply a dog and 3.0L striaght 6 feels sluggish in this application. On the other hand, latter feels responsive, quick and refined in both 3 and 5-Series. A loaded X3 3.0i can easily upgrade into a proper X5. On the other hand, you can save enough money for mods if you happen to buy a 325iT over X3 2.5i. Despite that, X3 is not as solely disappointed as the crappy Crossfire.

Winners for 2005 car of the year
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Economy car: Chevrolet Cobalt/Pontiac Pursuit
Family car: Mazda 6 Sport
Luxury car: Chrysler 300C
Prestige car: Audi A6
Wagon: Mazda 6
Ecosport: Toyota Corolla XRS
Sports sedan: Subaru Legacy 2.5GT
Convertible: Audi S4
Mini-ute: Chevrolet Equinox
Luxury SUV: VW Touareg V10 TDI
Minivan: Honda Odyssey

This is indeed the year which domestic manufacturers are coming back strongly. They have a good showing in both economy car and luxury car segment, which they solely lack a competitive vehicle in the past. The overall car of the year winner is also a toss between the Cobalt and 300C. While the Cobalt is truly a remarkable improvement over the forgettable Cavalier, it doesn’t have the significance of 300C. Chrysler brought all the great technologies on the table with an excellent Hemi V8, cylinder de-activation system and classy American styling based on a proven Mercedes E-Class platform. Chrysler transformed the LH car from front-wheel-drive to rear-wheel drive in LX really does wonders for the whole segment.

OVERALL 2005 CAR OF THE YEAR: CHRYSLER 300C