Every year, the team at Motoring World sits down and takes a good look at all the four-wheelers that were launched in the previous year. We’ll admit it – it’s a fun exercise, and something that we look forward to. Having discussed, argued, fought, laughed and finally agreed our way through our Jury Rounds, we are left with a select set of the very best automotive products – the ones making up the Motoring World Awards. Here, then, are our winners for 2020!
Hatchback of the year
MUV of the year
Compact SUV of the year
Premium SUV of the year
Premium Car of the year
Luxury Car of the year
Performance Car of the year
Design of the year
EV of the year
Car of the year
Hatchback of the year
Hatchbacks are the bread and butter of the Indian automotive industry. For many, these are the first cars that have to live up to all of their expectations. Our hatchback of the year is the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, because of the way it just works, so well, and in every aspect.
MUV of the year
The Renault Triber is our MUV of the year for the masterstroke of packaging that Renault has managed to pull off. We’re sure there was some sorcery involved in incorporating three rows of seating and space for luggage in a sub-four-metre footprint.
Compact SUV of the year
With a compact SUV, you get a commanding driving position, ample interior space for passengers and their luggage, and car-like driving dynamics, all in a very manageable package, and it’s no wonder that the fun-to-drive and practical Hyundai Venue wins compact SUV of the Year.
Premium SUV of the year
The X5, when it was first launched, made the category its own and improved with each passing generation. The current model continues to impress, with its thoughtful design and blistering performance, and that is why its our premium SUV of the year.
Premium Car of the year
The premium car segment is one of the most hotly contested segments in our market, and the Camry Hybrid checks virtually every box in it. It is spacious, frugal, reliable to a T and loaded with features, which is why it takes top honours in this category.
Luxury Car of the year
The category went from representing state rooms on wheels to cars that take a more holistic approach to luxury. It’s not enough to just be comfortable any more; to be truly luxurious, a car must be reliable, powerful, packed with tech and striking to look at, all while still being comfortable. That describes the BMW 7 Series very aptly.
Performance Car of the year
The performance car of the year is a category that needs no introduction at all. The Mini Cooper JCW takes top honours in this class, for its ability to put a smile on your face every single time you get behind the wheel, and its unmatched bang for the buck.
Design of the year
The design of a car is the first thing you notice about it, and can very likely play a pivotal role in your purchase decision. It should come as no surprise, then, that the Kia Seltos wins the Design of the Year award. It immediately stands out from the crowd in its segment, which is no easy feat these days, considering how crowded the segment is.
EV of the year
Rising fuel prices should be reason enough to switch over to an electric vehicle right now, but the Hyundai Kona, our EV of the year, also offers excellent acceleration and a comprehensive suite of tech to keep you occupied. An ARAI-rated range of 452 km on a single charge means the Kona eliminates range anxiety altogether.
Car of the year
Now we arrive at our big-ticket item, the Car of the Year. More often than not, it’s a vehicle that advances not only its segment, but the automotive industry as a whole. This year, that honour goes to the Hyundai Venue. When you take into consideration the fact that the Venue is a true all-rounder, it’s not hard to see why our jury unanimously chose it as our Car of the Year.
