After a makeover flop in 2012, the Honda Civic is back with a vengeance. The sporty 2016 redesign and new turbocharged lumps have earned it brownie points and also the coveted 2016 North American Car of the Year award.
Judged by a 53-man strong panel of automotive journalists from US and Canada, the cars that made the final cut in the Car segment were the Honda Civic, Chevrolet Malibu and Mazda MX-5 Miata.
The judging criteria included cars that set new benchmarks in innovation, design, safety, handling, driver satisfaction and value. The awards are unique as it is judged by an independent jury, and not a single publication, website, radio or TV station.
Vehicles must be new or “substantially changed” to be qualified for the shortlist. There was a total of 49 eligible vehicles this year. Vehicles must be new or “substantially changed” to be qualified for the shortlist. There was a total of 49 eligible vehicles this yea
Also, while winners are always announced at NAIAS, there is no awards ceremony at the auto show.
In the history of the awards, domestic automakers have won the NACTOY away 12 times, while foreign automakers have lifted the title 10 times. Japanese, European automakers and Korean automakers have won three, five and two times respectively.
The past year winner was the VW Golf.
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Disclaimer: Ford Motor Company paid for my travel and accommodations at a three-day NAIAS Digital Summit. I was not compensated in any other manner for my time. My opinions posted here are my own.
