This year, we divided small cars into 2 sub-categories, both above and below $23 grand. We also have seen the resurgence of hatchbacks in these affordable segments.

Small car of the year (below $23k) nominess:
Kia Soul
Nissan Cube
Toyota Yaris

The Soul serves as a halo vehicle for Kia because of its cute-as-a-bug styling and loads of standard features. In the 4U version, it got all the standard ESC and ABS without having to add them in a package is a real bonus. While the standard 122hp 1.6 liter 2U got decent enough power, its the 4U’s 142hp 1.8 liter that seal the deal. The Cube, is as its name suggests, looks like a box that it came in. With the 1.8 liter 122hp engine with an efficient CVT gearbox, a versatile interior and unique character. This car will definitely do well for Nissan as an entry-level subcompact for years to come. The Toyota Yaris, a replacement to the once trendsetter Echo, received a facelift for 2010. Despite of its hosts of improvements, it remains too plasticky and not practical in this field of subcompact. Not to mention its just too expensive if you opt for the loaded one. By a narrow margin, Soul wins our small car of the year below $23 grand simply because of the standard ESC and ABS in the 4U. Its amount of cargo space and plenty of power sold at a superb price has made it an obvious winner in this category.

One vehicle that is worth waiting for in this subcompact segment is the 2011 Ford Fiesta. The Fiesta will be the 1st car that is going to be nominee for our 2011 overall car of the year.

Small car of the year (above $23k) nominess:
Mazda3 Sport
Hyundai Elantra Touring
Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback

When the Lancer debut back in 2007, we loved it so much that we hailed it as our overall car of the year. It has served well as Mitsubishi’s comeback kid. Fast forward 3 years, Mitsubishi introduced the Sportback version. While GTS’s 168hp 2.4 liter is good, its the Ralliart’s 2.0 liter turbo with dual clutch gearbox that is one hell of a car. Its a light Evo without feeling losing anything. While the Ralliart gains in performance, Ralliart’s sloppy C-pillars have cut down rear headroom and cargo space. What a pity. There aren’t any carmaker has come a long way as much as Hyundai. It was known for building crap cars like Pony and Stella 2 decades ago, to our favourte Genesis today. The Elantra Touring is a great example of Hyundai’s car building philosophy. It combines an attractive package right from the powertrain the interior ambience. The European driving experience and smooth 138hp 2.0 liter engine have given us great impressions right from the start. Mazda3 has always been considered as a gold standard in compact class. The combination of excellent performance, even with base 148 2.0 liter GS in sedan. Mazda3 Sport’s 167hp 2.5 liter is just a screamer. Sporty driving dynamics and classy interior quality are truly defined its class leading status. In terms of versatility, the sedan is good and hatchback is great. Because Mazda3’s shoe is too large to fill, we have to give it our nod for small car over 23 grand.

Family car of the year nominess:
Subaru Legacy
Buick LaCrosse
Ford Taurus

Subaru Legacy, just like the rest of the Subaru line-up, has given a much more mainstream looks than its predecessors. However, it doesn’t sacifice its performance and AWD capability defined by this quirky Japanese brand. Right from the 2.5i’s 170hp with CVT to the amazing 2.5GT, Legacy got all the areas covered. The CVT has worked surprisingly well with the boxer engine, which is a perfect mate to Subaru’s assymertical AWD. 2.5GT is a screamer while 3.6 H6 serves as a good alternative to many European sports sedan. Its a pity Legacy no longer available in wagon form. When you mentioned the word “Buick”, the association of “1 leg in the grave” has been stereotyped. The LaCrosse is about to change that with good driving dynamics, a beautiful interior and a sweetheart of an engine. While the styling looks a bit too generic, it actually got a style called its own. The original Taurus was such an innovative car 2 decades ago, the last few Taurus were simply an insult to this great nameplate. The latest Taurus is about to change that. Not only does it got some style, the 263hp 3.5 liter Duratec has some power under its belly. The availability of both front and all-wheel-drive will appeal to different buyers. Ford has managed to produce some of the best interiors in domestic industry. The Taurus handles surprisingly well, without losing the ride comfort of an American sedan. This is another tough segment. Our final racking was between the Ford Taurus and Buick LaCrosse. At the end of the day, we chose the Ford Taurus simply because it represents a more significant step forward for an American car company. 2 decades ago, Taurus was the benchmark which Toyota and Honda have to measure against. A decade ago, Taurus was an unremarkable car with ugly styling. The latest one not only brought back the once halo nameplate, it also signifies how far Ford has come in the last few years.

After we announced the winners of the most mainstream segments in the market, its time for us to introduce the nominess of our new category.

Green car of the year nominess:
Honda Insight
Toyota Prius
Ford Fusion Hybrid

The Honda Insight was a quirky little car which focus only on fuel economy. The new Insight is a more complete package. Honda doesn’t sacifice the fuel economy of the original car while bringing the new Insight with more space, more power and more competitively priced. It handles exceptionally well for a hybrid, just a pity the ride quality is so bouncy and rough at times. If there is one iconic vehicle that represents the hybrid revolution, it has to be the Prius. Just like the new Insight, the Prius is going mainstream with its 3rd generation. The interior is practical and finally, Prius is available with an EV mode that can cruise with battery alone for maximum efficiency. Despite that, we still couldn’t get close to Toyota’s claimed fuel economy figure. The Ford Fusion is a hybrid that is virtually no compromise. The Aktinson cycle has worked exceptionally well with the gas engine to provide best fuel economy at all times. Its not only drive like any Fusion, it rides like one. Despite the lack of fold down rear seats, Fusion remains practical at all times. Best of all, we managed to get fuel economy that is closet to Ford’s claim. That alone enough to give Fusion Hybrid our first Green car of the year award.

Because luxury segment doesn’t have enough cars to fulfill this year, we will go straight to “money no object” prestige category. There is, however, one car worth mentioning to be a nominee in the luxury category. That’s BMW is exceptional 335d with 3.0 liter turbo diesel engine. This car is good enough to be our favourite 3-Series right now, even without a proper 6-speed manual and availability of Touring sportswagon.

Prestige car of the year nominess:
Mercedes E550 Coupe
BMW 750Li
Porsche Panamera

If there is one car represents Mercedes brand, that has to be the E-Class. The E-Class has long been Mercedes’s bread-and-butter product. For 2010, Mercedes introduced the new E-Class. The new E-Class has a more boxy looks that appeal for more substance. It also solves many of its predecessor’s quality problems. The E550 Coupe is not only looks apart, it also performs like what a Merc should be. The chassis is solid while handling is forgiving, if not exactly entertaining, the Mercedes way. Add a 382hp 5.5 liter V8 and a sublime ride quality, you got a perfect grand touring coupe. BMW’s 7-Series used to be consider as the benchmark in the upper crest, not anymore. Even if BMW has given the 7-Series a better appearance, more initutive i-Drive and all the electronic nannines you could possible want in a flagship BMW. Its no longer the trendsetter for the upper class. While the 400hp 4.4 liter V8 scored with twin-turbo, its hefty curb weight won’t save its cumbersome dynamics and questionable front end styling. That left our the obvious winner in the prestige segment. Panamera not only provides what one expects from Zufferhensen. Sporty driving dynamics and awesome performance. Its interior is very well-made and layout. While 4-seater does have some compromise, it got more than enough space for most getaway. Its also a upper luxury car that look at home as much as in the golf course. If the 400hp V8 isn’t enough, there is always a 500hp twin-turbo V8 with DPK would definitely make your heart pounding.

Sports sedan of the year (below $50k) nominess:
Kia Forte Coupe SX
Mazdaspeed3
Ford Taurus SHO
VW Golf GTI

Kia’s first foray into the sports compact is a nice one. the Forte Koup not only offers plenty of bang-for-the-bang, its 2.4 liter 173hp engine provides more than enough grunt and handling dynamics that is as good as anything else in its class. If there is one thing that ruled out the Forte as the winner in this segment is its rubbery and notchy shifter. Mazda3 has always been one of our favourite cars, Mazdaspeed3 makes a great car even better. It all begins with a messaged 2.3 liter turbo engine that bumps out 263hp and 280 lb/ft of torque. Even with so much torque going through the front wheels, it remains a truly wonderful car to drive thanks to smart chassis and suspension tuning. Combined with a beautiful interior, you can a delightful icing on the cake. Unfortunately, its slight torque steer has made us wish for an AWD system. After a 9 year hitaus, the Taurus Super High Output is back with force. The new SHO receives a much needed chassis improvement, including a better steering and Haldex AWD system. The icing on the cake is the engine. The 3.5 liter Ecoboost engine gives out 365hp and 350 lb/ft of torque without any serious turbo lag, all return with reasonable fuel economy. It is also surprisingly refined and civilized given its sporty intentions. Exactly how you can improved an already perfect car? VW Golf GTI is a prime example of how to improve a breed. It takes a wonderful 200hp 2.0T engine, a class-leading dual clutch or manual gearbox with a well-sorted out suspension. Then combined with a superb steering and delicate chassis while wrap in a practical yet nice-looking package. The result is a hot hatch that is able to haul groceries from Costco while having fun on black top twisties. As usual, the final tally was between MSP3 and Golf GTI. Our take is the Golf GTI, as its a more balanced dynamic package that combined Teutonic integrity and rigidty. Even with less horsepower than the MSP3, its overall chassis balance and fitness are more appealing to us.

Sports sedan of the year (above 50k) nominess:
Audi S4
Mercedes E63 AMG
Jaguar XFR

Based on a very worthy sports sedan, the new S4 has taken the A4 chassis to a new height. It all begins with a 333hp 3.0T supercharged engine, a rear-bias Torsen Quattro system with Audi Drive Select. Plus the Sport Differential that is able to distribute the power side-by-side. The result is nothing less than astounishing. AMG used to stand for straight-line performance but handling not anywhere close to its rivals. Mercedes decided to change that with the E63 AMG. With a 6.2 liter V8 that delivers up to 518 ponies, a balanced chassis and an interior that is very welcoming. All have done with proper handling dynamics that only has to take a backseat to smaller C63 AMG. You got a very sweet package. While previous S-Type R was an also-run in an upper luxury sports sedan class. The new XFR has given Jag a much needed boost, in terms of driving experience and character. Along with 510hp and wel-honored chassis, it got an interior that is no longer feels as old school as Jaguar of old. If only the Jaguar Drive Selector would work more initutively with the paddle shifters. However, our choice goes to the new S4. It is nearly half the price of both the Jag and Merc but its definitely not half the car. Its more than capable to challenge the other 2 rivals when it comes to racetrack and on a twisty mountain roads. You aren’t likely to run into a better deal when it comes to buying a sports sedan. Its pity the new S4 isn’t come with an Avant sportswagon anymore.

Sports car of the year nominess:
Ford Mustang
Nissan 370Z
Hyundai Genesis Coupe

The Ford Mustang has long been a muscle car favourite. As it combines classic good looks with decent performance. The new one has keeping with its tradition while giving it a much needed interior, which is a huge improvements over its predecessors. When it comes to handling, its the best of all the muscle cars. Its capable on both the racetrack and it is on the open road. Since the introduction of the Z, Nissan has defined what a true performance value really is. As its 3.7 liter V6 engine in full boiling, the Syncromatch 6-speed manual gearbox match it perfectly like a harmony. As with the Mustang, 370Z finally received the interior that it deserves back in 350Z day. When it comes to talking about bang-for-the-buck, there is a new kid in town. This kid is from South Korea called the Genesis Coupe. With the 3.8 liter V6 that bumps out 306hp to a sweet FR platform. A superb driving dynamics with plenty of driving pleasure delivered through the delicate chassis. All come in a package that is priced lower than its direct rival, you got this year’s sports car winner.

Performance car of the year nominess:
Audi R8 V10
Porsche 911 GT3-RS
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Talks performance car, no one would ever forget about Porsche 911. GT3-RS is a race ready track version of the already amazing GT3. Although it feels a bit harsh on the road, its full capable on the racetrack given its race car status. When Chevrolet introduced the ZR1, it 638hp supercharged motor has made Z06’s 505hp rather tame. Combined with a full race-ready chassis and a sweet 6-speed manual, all you got is possibly the best car GM has ever come out in history. If the original R8 V8 already set a new standard. R8 V10 just takes it to another level. Along with the 525hp 5.2 liter V10, the sweet 6-speed manual gearbox and magentic ride suspension. You got a ride that is equal to anything else on the racetrack, without losing the civilization one expects from this Ingolsdadt firm. As much as we love the 911 GT3-RS, our final choice has given to the R8 V10. We just feel its a more all-rounded performance car as a whole.

Convertible of the year nominess:
Infiniti G37
Ford Mustang
Lexus IS350

The G37 signifies Infiniti’s forey into the convertible market. It begins with a wonderful chassis with a 3.7 liter V6 engine. It also looks apart despite of its rather dismal trunk space. But it gains back with excellent value equation when it comes to feature laden content. Best of all, this car is the prove that Infiniti is fast gaining back the market share once lost to its Japanese rivals. One of G37’s direct rival is Lexus’s new IS350. Just like G37, its a fully retractable hardtop convertible that is good for all season open-top motoring but the lack of trunk space. Unfortunately, IS350 also lacks the real potent performance and dynamic capability of what makes the G37 so attractive. Just like the Mustang coupe, the new Mustang convertible received a much needed interior and dynamic improvement. The availability of both V6 and V8 engines would appeal to most audience. Along with classic good looks and lots of standard features, the Mustang convertible will certainly do well for Ford. Our convertible of the year winner goes to Infiniti’s G37. The combination of a nice chassis and a great engine at such a value package is attractive, it also serves as a halo car for Nissan’s luxury division.

Wagon of the year nominess:
Cadillac CTS
VW Golf TDI
Audi A6 3.0T

If we have to choose our favourite American luxury car, CTS should be the one. For 2010, Cadillac introduced a CTS sportswagon. This wagon has anything you want in a CTS with the extra cargo space, its also as capable as its sedan silibing does without have to give us anything. As with any compact wagon, it looks sleeker than a sedan. Unfortunately, the 304hp 3.6 liter needs more power to push this hefty wagon around. If its a CTS-V, it could possibly take our award already. Replacing the 3.2 V6 in A6 Avant, this 300hp supercharged motor already proven to be a beast. It all doesn’t have to sacifice fuel economy with wonderful acceleration. The handling is as delicate as one you expect in an Audi, as its Torsen Quattro and precise steering have proven it to be a capable performer. VW finally ditched the short-lived Rabbit badge for Mk5 in flavor of the evergreen Golf badge in Mk6 guise. The Golf receives an even richer interior materials, a recalibrated chassis and a 2.0TDI that has proven its worth in our long-term Mk5 Jetta wagon. Along with 140hp, it got 236 lb/ft of torque while returning only 6 liters per 100km average. Combined with sporty handling and a superb highway ride, it aces our wagon of the year award.

Crossover of the year nominess:
Subaru Outback
Toyota Venza
Chevrolet Equinox

The Outback has always been a jacked up Legacy wagon at best, Subaru has made no bones about it when they invented this segment. The new Outback has improved what its predecessor lacks. It got more space, more engine choices right from base 2.5i to uplevel 3.6 H6 and an excellent symmertrical AWD system. The higher center of gravity doesn’t detract anything when it comes to driving experience. It has a big shoe to fill as Outback has to take Legacy wagon’s loyal customers along when latter is gone for 2010. Based on the Camry platform, the Venza is the sportiest handling of the whole chassis family. Its not only looks apart, the Venza has 2 potent engines. The uplevel 3.5 liter V6 with 268hp is a sweetheart. Along with a nice interior and decent amount of cargo space, the Venza would have Toyota executives worry about Highlander’s existence. The new Equinox was the 1st vehicle introduced after GM filed for bankruptcy. If the Equinox is any indication, it means the giant is back. The outgoing Equinox’s nasty interior materials, blend styling and unsophiscated handling/ride quality have become a things of history. The new one is a competitive crossover with good performance, handles exceptionally well and looks quite good. Its also priced attractively compare to many of its rivals. The optional 3.0 liter V6 with 264hp is as refined as any Japanese rivals. It also got many nifty features that shown Chevrolet engineers’ attention-to-details. While all 3 contenders are all excellent cars, our crossover of the year goes to the Chevrolet Equinox as its the most significantly improved of the bunch.

Premium SUV of the year nominess:
Audi Q5
Volvo XC60 T6
Mercedes GLK350

When Mercedes introduced the GLK, we know its bound to be a hot seller due to its attractive price point and loads of standard feature. It also good decent handling and ride like a Mercedes does. The 268 hp 3.5 liter V6 with 7-speed manumatic gearbox is a nice match with the whole chassis. The XC60 could well be the sportiest Volvo ever made. Along with its excellent T6 engine that provide decent amount of torque and refinement, its ride quality is sublime. In the interior, Volvo’s hallmark seats and Swedish interior design are proven it to be a contender in this competitive segment. However, both of them lack the overall packaging of our winner. The Audi Q5. With 265hp 3.2 liter V6 and a 6-speed Tiptronic gearbox, the Q5 already have a sporty feel. The Torsen 40/60 Quattro system and optional Drive Select have added wings to the tiger. This is the sports car of the compact SUV. As sporty as it is, Audi doesn’t sacifice anything when it comes to cargo versatility and interior ambience. As expect from an Audi, the class-leading interior materials and design are something to die for. While the sporty driving experience is something you are looking forward to after starting the car.

Luxury SUV of the year nominess:
Acura MDX
BMW X5-M
Lincoln MKT

If you are looking for an SUV with beast like performance, BMW’s X5-M is the one to beat. With 555hp 4.4 liter V8 twin-turbo, its as fast as any sports car with the interior space to boot. It also got a sharp handling but ride comfort is a trade-off, no matter how soft you set it into M-Drive. The Lincoln MKT is loosely based on Ford’s highly rated Flex. The uplevel Ecoboost 3.5 liter V6 twin-turbo has proven its worth when it comes to performance and efficiency. Unlike large Lincolns of the past, its quite a capable handler with superb comfort. However, its garish styling takes something to get used to. That left us to our winner of the luxury SUV segment. If you are seeking for an SUV with plenty of luxury features, sporty handling and good performing engine, MDX is the obvious choice. For 2010, Acura has revised the gear ratio for better acceleration while returning impressive fuel economy for large vehicle. The cornering is confidence-inspiring without losing all the fun one expects from Acura. Ride quality is simply outstanding given MDX’s sporty dynamics. All in all, an obvious winner.

Winners for 2010 Car of the year
=========================
Small car below $23k: Kia Soul
Small car above $23k: Mazda3 Sport
Family car: Ford Taurus
Green car: Ford Fusion Hybrid
Prestige car: Porsche Panamera
Sports sedan below $50k: VW Golf GTI
Sports sedan above $50k: Audi S4
Sports car: Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Performance car: Audi R8 V10
Convertible: Infiniti G37
Wagon: VW Golf TDI
Crossover: Chevrolet Equinox
Premium SUV: Audi Q5
Luxury SUV: Acura MDX

2009 has to be the saddest year of the auto industry for decades. Both GM and Chrysler declared bankruptcy. Brands like Pontiac and Saturn will be going the way of Oldsmobile and Plymouth. Volvo’s future remains uncertain at this point of writing. This year hasn’t seen any particularly significant car that has changed the industry, unlike last year’s Hyundai Genesis. While the Audi R8 V10 has, once again, raised the benchmark when it comes to daily supercar. Its price tag won’t make it into the overall winner. But certainly would be a horonable mentioned. However, our overall car of the year is from the same German manufacturer. With its overall pricing and packaging, it has changed the scene of both sports sedan and luxury sedan. This car not only makes those who will be buying any entry-level luxury sedan think twice, it also would make those who are shopping for a much more expensive upper luxury sports sedan think twice before signing the dotted line. It got a wonderful powertrain, handles like its on rail, safe, comfortable and come with all the toys one could possibly wanted for making driving fun. Just like its more expensive R8 silibing when its comes to supercar class, it has reset the standard of what a sports sedan should be. DirectShift’s 2010 overall car of the year is the Audi S4.

OVERALL 2010 CAR OF THE YEAR: AUDI S4