The short list of finalists for the 2012 North American Car and Truck of the Year were announced today with only a few surprises.
For NACOTY we have: Audi A6, Audi A7, Buick Verano, Chevy Sonic, Fiat 500, Chrysler 300/SRT-8, Ford Focus, Hyundai Accent, Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Veloster, Kia Rio/Rio5, Scion iQ, Subaru Impreza, Toyota Camry, Toyota Prius V, VW Beetle, VW Passat.
NATOTY isn't so simple and has the only surprise of the group with the addition of the Mini Countryman. Other entries in the truck field include the BMW X3, Honda CR-V, Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Mini Countryman, Nissan Quest and the Saab 9-4X.
The top three in each field will be announced in December and the winners will be announced at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. I've got solid money in iQ / 9-4X, you?
moparbad says:
02:58 PM, 10/ 5/11
Chevrolet Sonic or Ford Focus will win the car.
Honda CR-V or BMW X3 for truck.
roadburner says:
03:01 PM, 10/ 5/11
Most deserving IMNSHO-
Car: Focus
Truck: X3 or Evoque
altimadude05 says:
03:46 PM, 10/ 5/11
I'm going to go with either Chevy Sonic or Toyota Prius V for car.
Honda CR-V for truck.
brn says:
04:06 PM, 10/ 5/11
No real standouts.
cjasis says:
04:30 PM, 10/ 5/11
How the hell is the Honda CR-V on this list when the production version hasn't even been made public? Unless I missed something (entirely possible) the only aspects of the redesigned CR-V is the exterior which was shown at the OC Auto Show.
That merits NATOTY consideration?
stovt001 says:
04:34 PM, 10/ 5/11
"I love Audis so much I want to take them behind the middle school and get them pregnant. But, I may never own another one. You think they cost a lot up front, wait until you service them . . . "
I've been trying to not go there, but this ^ from the guy trying to obnoxiously make the case over and over and over again that Mike can't write?
stovt001 says:
04:35 PM, 10/ 5/11
Back on topic - There are a lot of cars on that list that don't actually exist in the public market yet.
firstwagon says:
06:43 PM, 10/ 5/11
I'd vote for the Fiat 500 for car of the year but I'll have to wait for the truck of the year until you include some trucks.
inlinesix says:
10:35 PM, 10/ 5/11
"I love Audis so much I want to take them behind the middle school and get them pregnant. But, I may never own another one. You think they cost a lot up front, wait until you service them . . . "
LOL
tomslick2 says:
05:46 AM, 10/ 6/11
Sorry, I didn't see any Trucks on that list. Looks like the MB M class is the only body on frame.
jeepsrt says:
06:20 AM, 10/ 6/11
"Sorry, I didn't see any Trucks on that list. Looks like the MB M class is the only body on frame."
M class is Unibody just like the Grand Cherokee it shares a platform with.
transpower says:
07:54 AM, 10/ 6/11
2012 is not a great year for innovations. I expect 2013-2014 to be much better....
lostboyz says:
08:39 AM, 10/ 6/11
"Mini Countryman" and "Truck" shouldn't be in the same sentence unless it is on a truck or being towed by one.
bodyblue says:
09:32 AM, 10/ 6/11
"I've been trying to not go there, but this ^ from the guy trying to obnoxiously make the case over and over and over again that Mike can't write?"
Point well taken but he is correct. MM's posts are filled with grammatical errors all the time as well as a writing style more suited to a Jr High yearbook. It is difficult to take an editor seriously when almost every article or post has a snide comment or something that insults his readers. I know that some will say that its my choice to read him and they are very correct, but I also get to say I dont like the style as well. I imagine some find the style smart and edgy....I just find it boorish. To each his own I guess.
ejd1984 says:
04:52 AM, 10/ 7/11
Seriously. You are calling these vehicles "trucks"? LOL
BMW X3
Honda CR-V
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
Mercedes-Benz M-Class
Mini Countryman
Nissan Quest
Saab 9-4X
What about Silverado, F-150, Ram, even the Honda Ridgeline.