Volkswagen Golf is 2013 World Car of the Year

Introduced in 2003, the World Car of the Year award program is one of the automotive industry's most prestigious, credible and significant event that combines the attributes and functionality of various other regional, national and continental Car of the Year titles. But, Volkswagen seems to be making a mockery of this award. Don't get us wrong. With all due respect to the title and the esteemed jury, we do not really know how else to express the fact that Volkswagen has won this title 4 times in the last 5 years.

Yes, following in the footsteps of Golf VI in 2009, Polo in 2010 and Up! in 2012, the all-new seventh-generation Volkswagen Golf has been selected as the 2013 World Car of the Year.

Selected by an international jury panel comprising of 66 automotive journalists from around the world, the award winners were announced at the ongoing 2013 New York International Auto Show. From an initial list of more than 40 new models, the candidates were trimmed to a short list of 10, out of which 4 finalists were chosen. The Mercedes-Benz A-Class, Porsche Boxster / Cayman and the combined trio of Scion FR-S / Subaru BRZ / Toyota GT 86 were the other cars that fought hard for the title.

Heaping praise on the all-new Golf, the jurors of the World Car Awards commented, "Honed over seven generations since its original launch in 1974, the Volkswagen Golf is as close to the perfect hatchback design as any car company has come yet. Right sized, but spacious, practical and comfortable inside, the latest Golf has been brought up to date with a fresh if evolutionary design, a range of new engines, plus an impressive list of equipment and safety features. What's more, it's fun to drive. If ever there was a car for everyman, the Golf is it."

Obviously pleased with the title, Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, said, "We at Volkswagen are all delighted that the Golf has been named 'World Car of the Year'. To win this award again shows that the Golf is and remains in a class of its own all around the world. This car sets new benchmarks again and again, not least in terms of efficiency and environmental credentials. Soon, for instance, the Golf will also be launched as a plug-in hybrid and as a 100% electric car."

* 2013 World Car of the Year - Volkswagen Golf

Previous WCOTY Winners:

* 2012 Volkswagen Up!
* 2011 Nissan Leaf
* 2010 Volkswagen Polo
* 2009 Volkswagen Golf
* 2008 Mazda 2 / Demio

As is the tradition, the World Car of the Year award was accompanied by titles such as World Performance Car of the Year, World Green Car of the Year and World Design of the Year.

Porsche won the 2013 World Performance Car of the Year title for the second straight year with its Boxster and Cayman twins. In the process, Porsche trumped the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta and the Scion FR-S / Subaru BRZ / Toyota GT 86 trio. Having been one among the finalists for all but one year of the existence of this award, Porsche has added yet another jewel to Volkswagen's star-studded crown.

* 2013 World Performance Car of the Year - Porsche Boxster / Cayman

Previous Winners:

* 2012 Porsche 911
* 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia
* 2010 Audi R8 V10
* 2009 Nissan GT-R
* 2008 Audi R8

When the Jaguar F-Type was unveiled last year, we knew that it was one of the most beautiful cars of our time. And we were right, as the Jaguar deservedly won the 2013 World Design of the Year award, beating Aston-Martin Vanquish and Mazda 6, the other two finalists. By doing so, the F-Type has proved to be a perfect successor to the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, that won this award in 2012.

* 2013 World Design of the Year - Jaguar F-Type

Previous Winners:

* 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
* 2011 Aston Martin Rapide
* 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
* 2009 Fiat 500
* 2008 Audi R8

Finally, the Tesla Model S, an all-electric car that has been creating shock waves across North America, has been chosen as the 2013 Green Car of the Year. Ever since its launch, the Tesla Model S has been redefining the term 'electric car', proving to the masses that electric cars are not a compromise in any sort of way. The other two finalists that came close to winning the title were Renault Zoe and Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid.

* 2013 World Green Car of the Year - Tesla Model S

Previous Winners:

* 2012 Mercedes-Benz S250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY
* 2011 Chevrolet Volt
* 2010 Volkswagen BlueMotion Cars
* 2009 Honda FCX Clarity
* 2008 BMW 118d Efficient Dynamics

Stripped-down variant of Nissan Micra spotted in Chennai

Renault-Nissan might have went on a new model rampage in India over the last few years, but only a couple of them have went on to become big success stories. Nissan Micra, sadly, isn't one of them. Ever since its launch in 2010, Micra's sales numbers in India can best be termed average. Its a different story in international markets though, as the Chennai plant keeps churning out Micras in significantly bigger numbers to cater to the export demand. Now that three years have passed since it went on sale, Nissan is planning to launch a mid-cycle facelift of the Micra in India and abroad. But, it looks like Nissan is not going to discontinue the existing Micra altogether.

 
The company is planning to launch a stripped down variant of the car that will be priced significantly lower than the current model. These pictures of the Micra hatchback caught testing in Chennai are proof of that. If reports in other automotive websites are to be believed, this variant will be called the 'Micra Active' and will continue to sell alongside the face-lifted Micra.

To reduce costs, Nissan is planning to cut down on many features like, for instance, the Driver Airbag that is currently standard across the Micra range. We also expect the stripped-down Micra to lose out on some of the NVH material and chassis safety structures that are currently designed for stricter European norms. Though the thin camouflage at the front hints at a subtle change for the Micra Active, the rear end is exactly same as the existing model. Expected to be launched within the next few months, the Micra Active is said to be targeting models like the Hyundai i10 and Honda Brio, which means it might end up priced significantly lower than the existing Micra.

Will this move work out for Nissan and help increase Micra's sales in India? Let's wait and watch.

Ford still testing the Ecosport, official launch date not announced yet

Sports Utility Vehicles might have become a rage in India, a few thousands of potential customers might be waiting for its launch ever since it was unveiled more than a year ago at the 2012 Auto Expo in New Delhi and the media might be carrying all sorts of speculations on the expected date of launch of this hugely-anticipated model. But, it looks like Ford is silently continuing with its work without giving a damn about these things. Neither has Ford confirmed the date of launch of the Ecosport nor is it done with the testing formalities. Three top-end diesel variants of the Ecosport caught testing yesterday in the busy Chennai-Trichy Highway (NH 45), some 50 km from Ford India's manufacturing facility, proves that.

Spy shots of the Ford Ecosport have become the most common thing on automotive websites these days. We at Anything On Wheels have shot the Ecosport testing in and around Chennai on two separate occasions before. While the first spotting was of a fully camouflaged model, the second set of spy shots gave us a clear glimpse of the base petrol variant. This time though, all three Ecosports caught testing were top-end diesel variants, as proved by the 'TDCi' and 'Titanium' badges on the rear door. As such, features like body-colored door handles and rear view mirrors, chrome-lined front grille, fog lamps with chrome surround and roof rails that were not available in the base variant earlier, have found their way into this variant.

Ever since its unveiling, the Ford Ecosport has been attracting people just by virtue of its looks. That is clearly evident on the road, more so in that bright shade of orange, that adds a lot of character to the Ecosport. The multi-layered, chrome-lined grille up front and the pillarless rear windscreen steal the show, as does the rear door-mounted spare wheel. The compact dimensions of the Ecosport will be a boon inside the city while the high stance will prove its worth on potholed country roads. Three engine options, a 1.5-liter TiVCT petrol engine, a 1.5-liter TDCi diesel engine and a 1.0-liter 'EcoBoost' petrol engine are expected to power the Ecosport. Being a Ford, we can safely expect the Ecosport to sport a superb ride and handling characteristics too.

All in all, the Ecosport looks to be perfectly armored to succeed in the Indian market. For that to happen though, the model should first go on sale in India. Of late, Ford has started a lot of marketing initiatives to keep the Ecosport in limelight ahead of its official launch. Apart from displaying the Ecosport at select malls in Delhi and Mumbai and releasing a schedule for public displays in other Indian cities, Ford is running an "Urban Discoveries" campaign to promote the Ecosport amongst the general public. The launch is expected only after the conclusion of these events, which means the Ecosport is not set for launch until end of May. So folks, let the wait continue!

2013 Geneva - Qoros makes its global debut with 3 Sedan

Holding their own against the heavyweight launches of the 2013 Geneva Motor Show were three cars that would have easily passed off as those belonging to an European automotive brand. Closer inspection revealed a hitherto unknown logo and the fact that the cars actually belonged to a new brand called 'Qoros'. The biggest surprise though is still to come. Qoros is an equal partnership venture between Chery Automobile, one of China's biggest automobile manufacturers and Israel Corporation, the country's largest holding company. Yes, we are referring to the same Chery that became popular for all the wrong reasons with its QQ, a model that was remarkably similar to the earlier Daewoo Matiz.

The models on display were the 3 Sedan, 3 Estate Concept and 3 Cross Hybrid Concept. As the names suggest, all three models belong to the same '3' platform with a couple of more models planned to bring in volumes. Though all three models look production-ready, the 3 Sedan is the one that's slated for commercial launch later this year in China and Europe.

For many reasons, Chinese cars don't bring along good sketches on our minds. Qoros might end up changing that, as the 3 Sedan and it's concept siblings are blessed with a thoroughly modern European design that wouldn't look out of place in a Volkswagen or Fiat. We might be exaggerating here, but the point is, the Qoros models are that good, relatively speaking.

The mesh grille filled in with black 'clouds', the thick chrome strip at the top of the grille, the chunky C-Pillar and the horizontal streaks of Light Emitting Diodes makes the Qoros 3 Sedan look like nothing else from China. In what can be termed as an emerging style statement, both the front and rear lights have the word 'Qoros' inscribed on them. The interiors are no less impressive, looking at the official shots revealed by the company. Though the layout isn't new, the execution, fit and finish seem to be good, with the Qoros 3 Sedan sporting a flat-bottom steering wheel, a high-resolution touch screen infotainment system and generous space along with other regular set of features including xenon headlamps and cruise control.

Developed in collaboration with AVL of Austria, two 1.6-liter engines are expected to power the 3 Sedan. While the naturally aspirated version churns out 126 bhp, the turbocharged version is good for 156 bhp. Mated to this is a standard 6-speed manual transmission and an optional 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. With the safety, ride and handling characteristics tuned to European standards, the Qoros 3 Sedan doesn't look like a compromise any which way you look at it. To be produced in an all-new facility in Changshu in China, we feel that the 3 Sedan has what it takes to have a genuine shot at success, even in markets outside of China.

Though the brand has used the 2013 Geneva Motor Show as a launchpad for its 3 platform, the company is planning to develop new platforms as it intends to keep growing. Such clarity and long-term planning has to be attributed to the management team at Qoros, which has executives from many different countries and continents, who seem to have successfully imparted a global mindset within the company.

With a plan to launch add models to its lineup every 6 to 8 months, Qoros gave a clear hint of the next two models to join the 3 Sedan. While the 3 Estate Concept is an extended estate variant of the 3 with increased passenger space and functionality, the 3 Cross Hybrid Concept is an attractive compact crossover. Featuring an advanced hybrid drive with a 50kW electric motor in addition to a 1.2-liter, 3-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine with 130 bhp and an automatic software to control transition between petrol engine four wheel drive, electric motor rear wheel drive and all wheel drive, Qoros is using the 3 Cross Hybrid Concept as a technological showpiece.

Coming after the demise of quite a few brands like Pontiac, Mercury, Hummer, Saturn and Saab over the last few years, the birth of Qoros is a reason to cheer. Let's join the party with the hope that the 3 Cross Hybrid will eventually reach our shores.

Ashok Leyland Jan Bus spotted testing in Chennai

As the buses plying on Indian roads keep improving towards international standards with the arrival of global brands like Volvo and Mercedes-Benz, the Indian commercial-vehicle manufacturers who have traditionally dominated the market are being pulled out of their comfort zones and forced to come up with something indigenous to stay afloat. Ashok Leyland, head-quartered in Chennai and the most traditional and conservative brand of all, is undergoing such a transformation now. The proof of that is what you see in this post.

Ashok Leyland made it to the headlines last year when it unveiled the Jan Bus, which the company claims is the world's first single-step entry, front engine and fully flat floor bus, at the 2012 Auto Expo in New Delhi. In the Jan Bus, Ashok Leyland seems to have found out a niche that none of the global brands have filled in for various reasons. In regular front-engined buses, there is an axle that runs below the passenger compartment transferring the power to the rear wheels. That's why most low floor buses gets rid of this axle by having their engines placed at the rear which invariably increases the cost. Ashok Leyland's Jan Bus bucks the trend, as it qualifies as a low floor bus inspite of having its engine at the front.

Unlike many models that disappear without a trace after the paparazzi of the Auto Show, the Jan Bus project is very much alive and kicking. If ever proof was needed, here it is.

Two Jan Bus prototypes were spotted testing in the busy GST Road in Chennai yesterday hinting that the project is running at a brisk pace. One was an air-conditioned model while the other was a regular model without air-conditioning. From the way in which the buses were driven, it was obvious that the Jan Bus was powerful, quick and agile. They were refined, accelerated quickly, changed lanes at will and, importantly, looked stable while doing so. Ashok Leyland has got the styling right as well, with the Jan Bus featuring a smooth and clean look. The front end, with it's Volvo-inspired headlights look great and the profile features an uncluttered look. The rear could have been slightly better though and the taillights seem to be a tad small for our liking. Large windshields and windows are sure to be well-received by the public, as does the well-appointed seats and driver's cabin that were clearly visible.

The brochure released by Ashok Leyland states that the Jan Bus will be powered by a 6-cylinder 'H Series' engine that's good for 235 HP of power at 2400 rpm and 720 Nm of torque between 1600 to 1800 rpm. This turbocharged, multi-point fuel injected engine runs on CNG and is BS4 compliant. Mated to this is Ashok Leyland's proprietary 'Leymatic' Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) that significantly reduces driver fatigue. If the brochure is to be believed, the interiors of the Jan Bus are sure to impress too, with features like a clutter-free gangway courtesy the cantilever-mounted seats and seat-mounted stanchions, infotainment system for the passengers, full air suspension and a stylish layout with good fit and finish. The seating and door placements are customizable and the Jan Bus can be configured for regular city transportation, Bus Rapid Transit Systems and airport tarmac applications as well.

With the Jan Bus, are we finally looking at a model that's not only going to mount a challenge to global players in India, but also trying to crack open a segment that's hitherto untouched in the global space? We definitely think so and would be surprised if the Jan Bus doesn't succeed.