Economy car below $21k nominess:
Honda Fit
VW City Golf
Hyundai Accent hatchback

The VW City Golf is basically a remarketed and repackaged Mk4 Golf, with a twist. That is a lower price tag. With a starting price of 14 grand up to a loaded one at 22 grand, that is a steal for a German chassis. However, its ancient 2.0 engine is not up to modern standard. With the introduction of the Accent hatchback, Hyundai has improved the entry-level econobox into an even better one. It got a decent powerplant and handles nicely. However, one has to go with uplevel model to get ABS. That leaves the Honda Fit. The Fit simply upped-the-ante in the subcompact segment. Its not only handles as sharply as any sports car out there. It got a powertrain that is powerful and Honda-refined. The interior space and flexability are nothing short of amazing. So it makes Honda Fit our obvious winner for econocar below 21 grand.

Economy car above $21k nominess:
VW Rabbit
Suzuki SX4 AWD
Hyundai Elantra

The SX4 replaces the controversial Aerio hatchback. It got a more conventional styling without losing Suzuki’s quirky character. The AWD system is an interesting feature as driver can adjust to their liking. Power comes from a 2.0L 140hp engine that no longer feels sluggish as in previous Suzuki units. Just like the Accent, Hyundai has made the Elantra an even better car. Nicer interior, an exterior that got Hyundai’s own design language. It also got performance and handling to match its character. However, its softly sprung handling characteristics through corners and lack of ABS in base model killed it for being a winner. With a torquery 150hp I-5 2.5L engine, a German-stiff chassis and well damped suspension. Not to mention a very attractive price tag and VW’s hallmark classy interior. Rabbit is the obvious winner in this year’s econocar above 21 grand.

Family car of the year nominess:
Toyota Camry
Nissan Altima
Saturn Aura

With the introduction of the new Altima, Nissan finally addressed the outgoing car’s horrible interior and torque steer in V6 version. Both 2.5 I-4 and 3.5 V6 come in a more pleasant handling/ride compromise with an interior that finally up to class standard. The Camry has always been a safe choice for a family sedan. The new version has finally addressed the lousy riding characteristics on washboard pavement, as well as the cheap interior pieces. Its ride quality is as comfortable as any Camry came before. With the introduction of hybrid version, it just makes this sensible family sedan makes more sense. The Aura is basically a next generation European Opel Vectra. It got a beautifully damped chassis, while its handling has typical European flair. Firm and supple ride quality. Interior is comfortable and nicely finished. The available 3.5 and 3.6 V6 are strong and refined. While Aura’s long-term ownership value might not be as sensible as Altima and Camry, we think its a breakthrough vehicle for struggling General. So it takes our family car of the year.

Luxury car of the year nominess:
Lexus ES350
Cadillac DTS
Nissan Maxima

The facelifted Maxima got a nicer face and an efficient Xtronic CVT. This tranny gives its VQ35DE a more refined character as a luxury car. Nissan has given Maxima some nicer interior trim pieces, altogether with all the changes. DTS is the only front-driver Caddy left in its family. Its very comfortable, ride quality is typical Deville floaty with a sense of Cadillac stability. However, one can get a Buick Lucrene for lower price. The ES350 is a default choice in this category, as there is nothing else in its class provides better value. With a sweet 3.5L V6, a soft but controllable suspension and interior that is the best of the bunch. If Lexus is not gonna win this segment, nothing else does.

Prestige car of the year nominess:
Audi S8
Mercedes-Benz S550
Jaguar XK8

Mercedes S-Class has always been considered as the trendsetter in upper-luxury class. Beautiful styling, comfortable interior and a wonderful 5.5L V8. Combined with its wonderful 7-Gronic, supple suspension and all the latest in automotive technologies. S550 is an engineering marvel. The introduction of XK8 signalled this struggling British luxury car maker has seen lights in the tunnel. Unfortunately, its handling is nothing special and AJ-V8 is only a competitive unit compares to its peers. Its not gonna win this blockbuster segment. With 450hp 5.2L V10, a sporty yet comfortable suspension. Beautiful exterior and interior styling. Not to mention the nicely balanced 40/60 Torsen Quattro and MMI that doesn’t take long to figure out, Audi S8 takes our prestige car of the year.

Performance car of the year nominess:
Audi RS4
Audi S6
BMW M5

BMW M5 used to consider as the pinnacle benchmark of performance car. While the new E65 still handles well with F1-derived 5.0L V10 engine, it doesn’t have the swiftness and nimbleness of its predecessor. The dreadful i-Drive just doesn’t cut it in the category. Just like the Audi S8, S6 is powered by Gallarado-derived 5.2L V10 with 435hp. Both of our Audi nominess use Torsen 40/60 rear-bias Quattro system. While the S6 mates to an excellent 6-speed Tiptronic, RS4 uses 6-speed manual gearbox. The final choice is between the S6 and RS4. At the end, we choose RS4 simply because it has sportier dynamics. Its handling dynamics is capable enough to beat its own compact performance competitors, as well as rivals cost twice as price.

Sports car of the year nominess:
BMW 335i
BMW M Coupe
Porsche Cayman S

Just like 3-Series sedan, the 3-Series coupe has always been judged as class standard. With the introduction of an awesome 3.0L twin-turbo unit with Valvetronic technology, an beautifully tuned suspension and sleek styling. 335i is a real sports car. The M Coupe is possibly the best handling BMW ever. It fits like a glove whenever getting behind the wheel of this beast. 330hp 3.2L I-6 BMW Motorsport motor just makes it an even more amazing car to drive. However, it doesn’t have the sure-footness of Porsche’s all-new Cayman S. The Cayman S combines the vitrunes of Boxster’s MR configuration with 294hp 3.4L flat-6, its handling is more balanced than M Coupe despite short of a few ponies. The interior is more practical with 2 trunks. In short, it worths every pennies over the already stunning M Coupe. So it takes our sports car of the year for 2007.

Sports sedan of the year below $35k nominess:
VW GTI
Mazdaspeed 3
Acura CSX Type-S

The CSX-S is basically a Canadian version of US’s Civic Si sedan with luxury bits. 200hp 2.0 i-VTEC with sport-tuned suspension has made this puppy a real screamer. The Mazdaspeed 3 is powered by the same 2.3L turbocharged engine as its larger Mazdaspeed 6 silibing. Both the performance and quality are top-notch Mazda3 standard. However, its weird powerband cut-off at 5000rpm and torque steer are what made this Mazda lost to this year’s winner. The introduction of Mk5 GTI has signalled the return of the “real GTI”. The suspension is taut and firm, without losing all the comfort of being a daily driver. 200hp 2.0T with nifty DSG is simply a blast to drive. Inside, its everything expect from a VW. Comfortable driving position and classy interior make for a great driver’s environment. Combined all these factors, GTI is the default choice of this segment.

Sports sedan above $35k of the year nominess:
Audi A3 3.2 Quattro S-Line
BMW 335i
Acura TL Type-S

After the successful launch of 2.0T A3, Audi has introduced an even more potent version of the A3 Sportback. The 3.2 scores well with Haldex AWD, a 250hp 3.2L V6 with the same awesome DSG transmission. Its comfortable yet without losing the sporty flair of A3. Just like CSX-S, TL-S is the spicy version of Acura’s highly successful TL series. With Type-S’s 286hp 3.5L VTEC V6 and sport-tuned suspension, it makes a TL from a sporty sedan into a real sports sedan. Simply put. A 3.0L twin-turbo BMW straight-6, a nearly perfect compromse of ride and handling. Perfect 50/50 FR balance. Comfortable interior with all the luxury of a BMW. That makes the 335i our 2007 sports sedan over 35 grand winner.

Convertible of the year nominess:
VW Eos
Audi A4 2.0T
Volvo C70

C70 used to be a wishy washy kind of flimsy convertible or a poorly handled coupe with nice styling. The new version addressed both issues. With its retractable hardtop and retuned suspension, it handling is finally on par with its rivals. Audi’s A4 convertible has always been a sleek one with excellent dynamics and powerplant. For 2007, Audi has given its cabriolet a potent 2.0T 200hp and a slight nose job. It remains a very worthy convertible. In the whole segment, nothing beaten the VW EOS. A full-opened convertible, a Panorama glass roof or a closed coupe are all 3-in-1 in the EOS. Interior is versatile enough for 4 persons without sacificing cargo space. 200hp 2.0T with a choice of DSG or 6-speed manual just make it a default winner in this segment.

Compact SUV of the year nominess:
Acura RDX
Mazda CX-7
Honda CR-V

Honda has matured its CR-V. A more classy styling and interior that is as comfortable as SUV twice as its price tag. This thing will do wonders for Honda despite its 2.4 i-VTEC is short on power and relies on its reactive Real-Time 4WD system. That left us only 2 choices in this segment. Both CX-7 and RDX are based on same concept. A crossover utility vehicle or CUV, which based on a worthy car platform. Both handle as well as any sports sedan out there. The RDX got one handed up with its awesome SH-AWD, as well as overall classier feel of its control. It makes RDX a tight win over the excellent CX-7.

Luxury SUV of the year nominess:
Audi Q7 4.2
Acura MDX
Mercedes-Benz ML320 CDI

The introduction of ML320 CDI means Mercedes finally given its excellent diesel technology into SUV. Its powerful and efficient, without losing the refinement and quietness of a gas-powered SUV. Since its inception in 2001, MDX has always been one of the best SUV in the planet. It combines value, technology, comfort and dynamics into one attractive package. The latest version’s SH-AWD has made a great ute into an even better one. However, its the Q7 that resetted the standard of a luxury SUV. Its simply the first luxury SUV that combines Sport and Utility into the equation. 4.2L FSI V8 with 40/60 Torsen Quattro and air suspension makes it a driver’s ute. All combines with typically well-finished Audi interior and sensibility, it makes our 2007 luxury SUV winner.

Most disappointed car of the year nominess:
Nissan Versa
Nissan Sentra
Dodge Caliber

All of these 3 cars had lots of promises before they introduced. Chrysler promised the Caliber to be a much better car than its Neon/SX2.0 predecessor, new Sentra is supposed to be good enough to compete with Mazda3 and Rabbit. While, at the same time, Versa has enough merits to go head-to-head with heavyweight Fit and Yaris. All of those are myths, the truth is all of them are garbage. The worse of the worse is simply Nissan Versa. Its, by far, the worse car I have driven this year.

Winners for 2007 car of the year
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Economy car below $21k: Honda Fit
Economy car above $21k: VW Rabbit
Family car: Saturn Aura
Luxury car: Lexus ES350
Prestige car: Audi S8
Performance car: Audi RS4
Sports car: Porsche Cayman S
Sports sedan below $35k: VW GTI
Sports sedan above $35k: BMW 335i
Convertible: VW EOS
Compact SUV: Acura RDX
Luxury SUV: Audi Q7

Thanks to the skyrocketing gas prices, this year has become the year of the economy car. On the other hand, it doesn’t distract any introduction of performance-oriented cars. Our finalists for overall car of the year belong to both economy car below $21k, Honda Fit. As well as sports sedan below $35k, VW GTI. Its delightful dynamics and extraordinary interior flexability have upped-the-ante in small car segment. The level of active and passive safety features are also unheard of in this segment.

However, our overall car of the year goes to the VW GTI. The 5th generation GTI have brought a lot to the parties. The world’s quickest and smartest sequential transmission, DSG. Its dynamics qualities have set a new benchmark. While it handles as sweet as performance cars cost twice as much, it rides as comfortably as any luxury sedan. If you opt for the versatile 5-door version, its as practical as any “boring” mid-size family sedan at the same cost. Not only GTI is back, it also set a very high standard for bringing practicality and performance in one intriguing package that is very hard to surpassed for years to come.

OVERALL 2007 CAR OF THE YEAR: VW GTI

We have an unofficial car of the year. If money is no object, RS4 would be this year’s top car. Its simply an astounishing machine. Its fast, its practical, its classy and its as understated as an A4.