Economy car used to be cheap and nasty. With trickle-down technologies from much more expensive cars, inexpensive no longer means cheap nowaday.

Economy car of the year nominess:
Subaru Impreza
Mitsubishi Lancer
Saturn Astra

Subaru decided to go mainstream with the introduction of the new Impreza. Making the sedan as blend as a toaster while ditching its wagon for a hatchback. The 170hp 2.5 liter engine has plenty of torque. With Subaru’s assymertical AWD and a good chassis, Impreza has always been one of the better econocars in the market. The Astra is a refreshing change from the crappy Ion. Not only does its basically a rebadged Opel Astra, its actually the best econocar GM has ever produced. Sharp handling, comfortable ride and a superb interior. A guaranteed winner from Saturn. While the previous Lancer was nothing to write home about, the new version is anything better. Its combination of a sexy looks, nicely put together interior, sharp handling dynamics, 152 hp 2.0L MIVEC engine mated with an efficient Sportronic CVT. Combine all of these merits, Mitsubishi has got a winner which no longer needs incentive to sell. At the same time, Lancer takes our honor as DirectShift’s 2008 economy car of the year.

3 familiar names. 1 is a revised version of an existing unsuccessful full-sizer, another a huge improvement over the outgoing unremarkable predecessor. The last one is an oldtimer and our all-time favourite. Here are the nominess for our family car of the year.

Family car of the year nominess:
Ford Taurus
Chevrolet Malibu
Honda Accord

The Accord has always been regarded as the family car benchmark. The latest 8th generation is no exception. With 2 torquery 2.4 i-VTEC motors and an awesome 3.5 liter V6 powertrains, producing 177, 190 and 268 horses respectively. Its ride and handling dynamics have upped-the-ante in this very segment again. Our biggest dislike is Accord has been getting controversially large. With the introduction of new Taurus, Ford actually reengineered and revised the sales flop of Ford FiveHundred. 263hp 3.5 liter V6 with CVT finally generating enough horses, although its handling and interior remain something subpar compare with its rivals. With 263 hp 3.6L V6 and a 2.4L 4-cylinder motor, a stiff chassis that finally make the Malibu handles competitively. Not to mention Malibu finally looks decently without looking like a microwave, GM has produced yet another competitive family car after last year’s Saturn Aura. Its also getting significantly larger, as with the new Accord. Unfortunately, its still not as refined as the new Accord. As good as a Malibu, its still not good enough to unsettle the excellent Accord. So our family car of the year winner goes to the Honda Accord. A car that continues to set the bar higher in its respective class.

Despite of the high gas prices, SUV remains a very popular choice in the marketplace. This year, we have 2 categories, small and mid-size SUVs. Here are the nominess in their respective categories.

Small SUV of the year nominess:
Mitsubishi Outlander
Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute
Saturn Vue

The Vue, as with the Astra, is basically a rebadged Opel Antara with a different interior. Even though GM has revised Antara’s interior for Vue, it remains a much better proportions than the outgoing version. Even with 222 hp and 217 lb/ft of torque, its hefty weight just take too much toll on Vue’s performance. That’s despite it got decent handling dynamics. The Escape and Tribute are more of an evolutionary than an evolutionary design. The same 200hp 2.5 liter V6 Duratec and 153hp 2.3 liter I-4. Its the hybrid version that is more of a standout for the Escape. The lack of a 5 or 6-speed automatic is also a let-down judging by recent Mazda efforts. That left the Outlander. Just like the Lancer, Outlander has served well as a comeback kid of Mitsubishi. Combine with bold styling, an excellent ride/handling compromise that’s both sporty and supple. The available of 2.4 and 3.0 MIVEC generating 168 and 220hp respectively and a good AWD system make Outlander a definite winner.

Mid-size SUV of the year nominess:
Toyota Highlander
Mazda CX-9
Saturn Outlook/GMC Acadia/Buick Enclave

The new Highlander got upsized, both power and interior size. The 3.5 liter V6 with 270 hp and 243 lb/ft makes this an even smoother and quieter ride than ever. The interior also goes for the better. The outgoing version’s low-rent materials have gone for history. Mazda’s CX-9 originally got a 3.5 liter V6 when it first debuts, then upgraded to an even more impressive 3.7 liter that is good for 273hp and 270 lb/ft of torque. Its handling dynamics have live up to Mazda’s Zoom..Zoom spirit. The 3rd row is quite comfortable. Interior craftsmanship is just impressive. As impressive as CX-9, we just can’t beaten the significance of the whole Lambada chassis family. This Lambada-chassis GM SUV bests all the previous GM minivans or SUVs of similar caliber on the market. The level of interior fit-and-finish, materials, space and versatility are something that GM can only dream of a couple of years ago. Cadillac’s derived 275hp 3.6 liter VVT’s refinement is astonishing. Both the Acadia, Outlook and Enclave have marketed and differentiated enough for different audience. So its an obvious winner.

For those who want as much interior space as a minivan but don’t want to seen in one. Crossover is the hottest segment right now, thanks to their combination of space and pace. Our crossover nominess consists of a jacked-up wagon, a people mover and a nimbler SUV lookalike. Here are the nominess.

Crossover of the year nominess:
Ford Taurus X
Kia Rondo
Volvo XC70

Exactly like its sedan silibing, X means the crossover version of the Taurus. The 263hp 3.5 liter V6 mated with CVT has addressed all the power issue previously with Freestyle. With new lower price, X is more competitive than ever. XC70 is more of a rugged-look jacked-up V70. 235hp 3.2 liter just got adequate performance if not significant improvement over the outgoing light-pressure turbo. Interior as as comfortable as one expected from Volvo. What makes the Kia Rondo as the best crossover has to do with its overall packaging. The level of fit-and-finish, performance from its 2.7 liter V6 is impressive even loaded with 7 passengers. Just when everyone is enjoying the comfy of the Rondo, a driver won’t be get bored thanks to the smart suspension tuning. Its sporty enough for enthuisasts without losing the comfort that needs in a crossover. Best of all, its a smoking deal.

We consider sports sedan as somewhere below family sedan and prestige car. This segment is also consider as entry-level luxury sedan, which is the most profitable and competitive of all passenger cars. All our nominess are huge improvement over their previous cars. But there are only 2 close winners.

Sports sedan of the year nominess:
Mercedes C350 Sport
Cadillac CTS
Saab 9-3 XWD

The new CTS is a sign to what the future of Cadillac is. Its FR platform with both 3.5 and 3.6 liter V6 engines. 304 hp and 273 lb/ft of torque, a well-damped suspension and best Caddy interior in recent years have made this the best Cadillac in the last 4 decades. Its surprisingly well-balanced dynamics also make it a proper sports sedan contender. In the past, Saab’s sports sedans have always been known for its level of competence and docile nature despite of its front-heaviness. With the introduction of Cross Wheel Drive on Aero model with 280hp, its level of torque steer and understeer have been eliminated for the most parts. Unfortunately, 9-3’s interior remain a sore point for this well-executed sports sedan.

Our finally choices narrowed down to CTS and C350 Sport. CTS is a significant step for Cadillac to be consider as a true luxury carmarker. The level of efforts GM have put through CTS is amazing, the same as its execution.

The new C-Class has proved to the world that Mercedes still be able to produce high-quality products. After years of nearly damaged reputation by cutting corners drastically, this giant is back with the introduction of C-Class. They have packaged both C300 and C350 smartly by making Sport an no-cost option. On the other hand, it finally has become a sharply handled sports sedan that run rings with the best from Ingolsdadt and Munich.

This is the toughest segment. But consider Mercedes’s reputation nearly tarished in the last decade, new C-Class really brought back the soul and spirit of this automotive giant. Its a narrow win for C350 Sport.

Sports coupe has been the victim of SUV’s success. This segment is shrinking significant in the last decade. The good news is there are still some carmakers willing to base their sports coupe on successful sedan platform. Our 2 nominess are perfect examples.

Sports coupe of the year nominess:
Nissan Altima
Honda Accord

After years of hiatus in the mid-size sports coupe segment, Nissan finally fights back with the Altima. Just like its sedan silibing, coupe looks sleek and sporty. With the sporty VQ35DE 3.5SE, Altima coupe’s dynamic abilities are certainly worthy enough to challenge the Accord. However, Accord V6 coupe with 6-speed manual just makes the whole packaging way too enticing. Although its huge, it’s handling makes you feel like in a much smaller coupe with superb ride. Yet Accord’s use of interior materials and fit-and-finish remain a notch above Altima. So Accord takes another honor after another, this time with the sports coupe segment.

Affordable performance of the year nominess:
Mini Cooper S
VW Jetta GLI
Subaru Impreza WRX

A year after VW introduced the wonderful GTI, this German firm uses the same ingredients for the Jetta sedan. Although its slightly softer than its hatchback silibing, its overall balance and packaging continue to impress. Its surprisingly versatile and comfortable wrapped in a tiny package. Best of all, GLI’s larger wheels and grille have made GLI the best-looking Jetta ever. As with the standard Impreza, the WRX continues to go mainstream with blendly styled sedan or the better-looking hatch. Either way, their styling will continue to generate lots of hot debates. However, its level of fun will definitely not generating debate between enthuisasts. 224hp, sports suspension and Subaru’s proven assymertical AWD won’t make any WRX fans disappointed. The new Cooper S’s most significant change is the transformation from supercharger to turbocharger. Its “sport” mode also changes the level of throttle response and boost, which is a nifty touch. Unfortunately, the 17″ wheels with sports suspension just ride too harshly despite its go-kart like handling sharpness. Interior space and versatility don’t have a significant improvement neither.

This segment comes down to personal preference. If you want sharp handling but don’t mind rough riding, Cooper S would take the honor definitely. WRX has been softened in order to go mainstream but I just can’t take its controversial styling change. That leaves Jetta GLI. 200hp, fastest sequential gearbox in the world: DSG, and a well-sorted suspension are just too irresistible.

Sports car of the year nominess:
Audi TT Coupe
BMW 328i

The original TT was all about styling element. Its hold design has gone down in history as the modern classic. But the dynamics has always been left to be desired. Not so with the new TT. With both 2.0T 200hp and 3.2 liter V6 250hp, both with fastest shifting sequential DSG in the world and excellent suspension setting. It finally becomes a true sports car. On the other hand, 3-Series coupe has always been the gold standard when it comes to dynamics. We are as impressed with its 230hp 2.8 liter I-6 as with its more expensive silibing, 335i. Handling dynamics is equally impressive. Its a pity the latest generation 3-Series’s interior just doesn’t live up to BMW’s usual standards.

However, our sports car of the year goes to the new TT. Its not only looks and put together as good as its predecessor. It finally has become a true sports car form that it always should be.

Convertible of the year nominess:
Audi TT Roadster
BMW 335i
Mazda MX-5 Miata RHT

Both the Miata and 3-Series adapated the hardtop convertible the 1st time. Mazda doesn’t sacifice any of Miata’s hallmark go-kart dyanmics despite the weight disadvantage of retractable hardtop. It handles as sweetly as any Miata we have driven before, just a little more softly sprung for hardtop’s cruiser natural than soft-top roadster’s curve eater character. The debut of 3-Series hardtop convertible has made the choice between cabriolet and coupe ever harder. Its very well-sealed without losing the worthy dynamics one expected from a 3-Series. Twin-turbo 300hp just make it even better. TT is the remaining soft-top convertible in this trio. Just like its coupe silibing, its finally a true sports car that it always should be. The available of 2 impressive powertrains make it even better. But its very hard to pass on the impressive Miata RHT. You can finally enjoy Miata’s fun character all-year-round with buying extra hardtop for winter. It might not have the twin-turbo power of 335i but you can the same amount of fun at close to half the price. That makes Miata an obvious winner in this group of impressive convertibles.

Here are the 2 segments which both can be consider as “money no objects”. Here we have the performance and prestige car of the year nominess.

Prestige car of the year nominess:
Maserati Quattroporte Automatica
Mercedes CL
Lexus LS

Performance car of the year nominess:
Audi R8
Porsche 911 Turbo
Mercedes SL65 AMG

When the original LS debuts in 1989, Lexus has proved to the world that Japanese is capable of building a proper luxury sedan. The new LS comes with both a 4.6 liter or a hybrid powertrain, both are mated to V8 engines. However, given the price Lexus is charging. We don’t think Lexus has yet reached the status of its German peers despite of its flawless workmanship and floaty ride. The CL is basically a 2-doors S-Class, a premium sedan that set the gold standards in the industry. Both 4.5 liter and 5.5 liter V8 in CL450 and CL550 are impressive enough, not to mention the 6.5 liter twin-turbo in CL65 AMG. Handling is much improved although it still rides like a landyatch with large side doors. When talking about superb dynamics with sexy styling with unique taste, nothing beaten the Maserati Quattroporte. When Maserati introduced the Automatica version, it serves as a more leisure and relaxed choice over the sequential gearbox. On the other hand, its 400hp Ferrari-derived powertrain never failed to provide sexy engine note at every rpm. Combined with beautiful interior and rare sight on the road, Quattroporte is a no-brainer choice when it comes to prestige car.

The SL65 is the flagship of the SL-Class. The usual merits of SL has been thoroughoutly shined in the newest AMG SL, with even more ponies under the bonnet thanks to its 6.5 liter twin-turbo that bumps out a whopping 603 ponies.738 lb/ft of AMG torque is just astonishing. Its downhill is there are just too much hp on tap, not all of them have used effectively due to the electronic intervention typical of Mercedes-Benz. 997 Turbo could well be the most tempting 911 driving. Along with the beautifully weighted steering, an excellent AWD system and an awesome rear-mounted 480hp 3.6 liter flat-6 turbo. Not to mention the world’s best 6-speed Tiptronic gearbox as an option. The 911 Turbo is a perfect performance car for both daily driving and track use. R8 is Audi’s 1st attempt on building a supercar. Building on the strenght of the RS4, by using its 420hp 4.2 liter V8 FSI with Mid-Ship engine layout, as well as Quattro AWD. It is as capable on the racetrack as it is on the black-top twisties. The interior is typical Audi cozy with usual form-follows-function design. Even if R8 is 60hp behind of 997 Turbo doesn’t mean its anything slower or lesser car. Its a supercar that is as comfortable as an A6 with the performance that’s matching its more expensive silibing, Lamborghini Gallarado. As great as a 911 Turbo does, R8 wins our performance car of the year by a narrow margin simply due to Audi’s wonderful 1st time effort.

Most disappointing car of the year nominess:
Volvo S80
Dodge Avenger
Jeep Patriot/Compass

Whenever you mention about Volvo, everyone would expect it to be a pretty decent car. The new S80 can barely be describe as “decent” even if it wears a Volvo badge. It doesn’t have the character that defined Volvo brand. The V8 is noisy and 6-cylinder is actually a more acceptable powertrain. Both handling, ride quality, interior workmanship and ergonomics aren’t up to the standards set by S80’s price tag. The Avenger, as well as Patriot/Compass are the usual craps that came out of Chrysler. While their chassis is acceptable, the executions of those Chrysler products still have a long way to go before it can be dubbed as an acceptable car. Poor handling and ride compromise, uninspiring fit-and-finish, horrible cargo area layout and noisy engines are just a-tip-of-the-iceberg. Instead of only 1 winner, we have 3 winners. All of them are 2008 Chrysler products. Dodge Avenger, Jeep Patriot and its twin, Compass.

Winners for 2008 car of the year
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Economy car: Mitsubishi Lancer
Family car: Honda Accord
Sports sedan: Mercedes C350 Sport
Sports coupe: Honda Accord
Affordable performance: VW Jetta GLI
Sports car: Audi TT Coupe
Convertible: Mazda MX-5 Miata RHT
Performance car: Audi R8
Prestige car: Maserati Quattroporte Automatica
Crossover: Kia Rondo
Small SUV: Mitsubishi Outlander
Mid-size SUV: Saturn Outlook/GMC Acadia/Buick Enclave

There are 2 cars that are significant enough to be the finalists of the overall car of the year. Before the new Lancer debuted, its hard to find any reasons to buy any of Mitsubishi’s products. Price included. At the same time, this company’s reputation was completely tarished due to its poor quality reputation, lack of exciting products; as well as in terrible financial situation. Another car that is significant enough to be the finalist is the R8. For such a long time, 911 has been considered as the benchmark and standards for which all sports cars are judged. NSX was deemed as too expensive and insufficient performance. Ferrari and Lamborghini are exotic class. BMW and Mercedes are not been able to produce a proper 911 rival. Audi is the 1st mainstream luxury manufacturer which is able to produce a bona-fide 911 competition, while selling at similar price.

The new Lancer is the sign to which future Mitsubishi is coming along. There will be a wave of exciting new products coming in Mitsubishi’s pipeline, another segment winner, Outlander, notwithstanding. The company is back at good financial health. As I have said before, it was hard to find a reason to buy any of Mitsubishi’s products in the past. But there are aplentry of those nowaday. Welcome back, Mitsubishi Motors!

OVERALL 2008 CAR OF THE YEAR: MITSUBISHI LANCER