Taking a proper look at the cars we’ve driven over the last year is a good exercise in itself, resulting in healthy discussions, arguments, and of course some rather hilarious takes. We’ll kick things off with the best of 2024, starting with four-wheelers!
Hatchback of The Year — Maruti Suzuki Fronx
The Fronx delivers an entertaining and assured driving experience, with its fiesty turbo engine and responsive handling. Priced attractively and backed by Maruti Suzuki’s extensive service network, the Fronx comes across as a near-irresistible choice for Indian consumers.
MUV of The Year — Toyota Innova Hycross
The Hycross blends the cherished comfort and dependability of the Innova with top-notch hybrid technology and a touch of opulence. With Toyota’s renowned reliability and extensive service network, the Hycross remains an accessible choice, affirming its status as a gamechanger in the MUV segment.
Sedan of The Year — Hyundai Verna
The Verna underwent a complete reinvention, discarding its conservative history for a bold and sporty demeanour. Hyundai’s strategic pricing, the Verna‘s combination of premium features and great performance, and the brand’s reliability and expansive service network, made it an obvious choice in this category.
Luxury Sedan of The Year — BMW 7 Series
The BMW 7 Series takes the luxury sedan crown with a transformative redesign, while on the inside it becomes a tech-laden masterpiece. True to its roots, the 7 Series combines potent engines and agile handling, for an exhilarating yet refined driving experience. Yes, it’s better than the ‘the best’.
Performance Car of The Year — Mercedes-AMG SL 55
Beyond its stunning prowess as a sportscar, the SL 55 offers a luxurious cabin, a drop-top for that cool factor and an absolutely beautiful design. The SL name is truly back!
Compact SUV of The Year — Hyundai Exter
What sets the Exter apart is its unbeatable value for money, presenting a feature-packed deal that rivals envy. Its modern design and spacious cabin offer both aesthetics and comfort for family adventures.
SUV of The Year — Maruti Suzuki Jimny
Maruti Suzuki finally gave us the Jimny, and what a package it is. It’s made true off-road prowess accessible to all, and we rightly acknowledged it as more than an SUV; it’s a lifestyle statement. For raw capability and effervescent design packed into a small yet surprising package, look no further.
Premium SUV of The Year — Mercedes-Benz GLC
The GLC‘s trump card is its surprising value proposition, making premium luxury more accessible. It offers a great driving experience with powerful engines, while the advanced driver-assistance features add a layer of safety. Its luxurious interior adorned with new-tech features help seal the deal.
Luxury SUV of The Year — Lexus LX 500d
The LX 500d combines an imposing design, handcrafted details, and a spacious, meticulously crafted cabin to create an unparalleled experience. Beyond opulence, it boasts a potent twin-turbo diesel engine for commanding performance on any terrain.
EV of The Year — MG Comet
Beyond being an electric vehicle, the Comet is a game-changer. Its compact size, suite of tech equipment, and playful aesthetics make it a versatile urban companion, while the punchy electric motor adds zero-emission thrills to every journey.
Luxury EV of The Year — BMW i7
Besides being a tech showcase of epic levels, the i7 excels as an electric powerhouse, offering instantaneous torque and agile handling without compromising on luxury. And did we say mention that it looks smashing?
Design of The Year — Hyundai Ioniq 5
A design revolution on wheels from Hyundai, the Ioniq 5 captivates, with pixelated LED lights, a bold silhouette and sustainable interiors featuring recycled materials. Beyond its stunning exterior, the innovative platform enhances functionality with a flat floor and a sliding centre console. A shoo-in.
Manufacturer of The Year — Hyundai
From the pixelated Ioniq 5 to the all-new Exter and the Verna, each of these products embodies Hyundai’s unwavering pursuit of innovation. With its India-centric initiatives also tackling a multitude of social issues, Hyundai is not just a carmaker, but a visionary trailblazer.
Car of The Year — Hyundai Verna
You may be surprised to see a sedan drive off with our most important 4-wheeler award, at a time when the sedan segment has lost much of its importance. The Verna is that good, though. It’s got everything you may want or need – design, performance, features, comfort and more – all at a great price point. Well done, Hyundai!
Upgrade of The Year — Tata Nexon.ev
We reckon you saw this coming. We don’t need to mention the impact of the Nexon.ev on Tata Motors’ sales figures and image as an EV manufacturer. The recent facelift took things further, with major additions to its equipment list and interior, plus better range. It’s also one of the safest cars out there, as the cherry on the cake.
Concept of The Year — Mahindra Global Pik Up
In a sea of striking designs, the Mahindra Global Pik Up concept stood tall. It looks like something that can easily be made into a production model – and it also looks like a global car. We really hope Mahindra decides to go ahead with it!
