Corolla, Prado, Others Honoured

As we get to the end of another motoring year, it’s time to hand out our annual best-of-the-best awards. New vehicle sales in Nigeria have bounced back 16 percent stronger than those of last year and motor companies have fired a barrage of new models into the market.

Because of the competition, vehicles are getting more refined, sophisticated and reliable, which is shown in customer satisfaction surveys. That’s encouraging, but there were vehicles that shone a little brighter than others. In our final motoring supplement of the year, we acknowledge those that revved our engines the most.

Out of the new models launched this year, our team of motoring journalists has chosen our best for the 2011 awards in various categories.

We chose the Toyota Corolla as our overall car of the year, the “baby” Toyota cash cow, spots a unique blend of practicality and excitement with stylish and sleek skin outside, a handsomely sculpted passenger compartment with standard leather upholstery and aluminum metal trim. All these and a reworked chassis with tight suspension elements gave her the coveted award.

“It was a close battle, but the Toyota Corolla edged out the competitors with its compelling combination of handsome styling, dynamic handling and advanced in-car technology. In this highly competitive market, it’s hard to be a standout, but Toyota did it with the Corolla. Likewise, we congratulate all of our finalists on bringing good-looking, quality vehicles to the market that are fun to drive,” said Daniels Ekugo, Secretary, Guild of Motoring Correspondents.

“The Corolla is the epitome of high style and artistry, with a design that is both sporty and elegant. A response to the launch of the Corolla has been outstanding. We’re proud to be selected by the Guild as the recipient of the Car of the Year award, SUV of the year and after-sales network of the year,” said Mrs Bukola Ogunnusi of Toyota Nigeria Limited.

Others winners are:

Geely Panda as the 2011 Budget Car of the Year, Toyota Landcruiser as the 2011 SUV of the Year, Mercedes Benz S Class as 2011 Luxury Car of the Year,

Kia Optima as Most Outstanding Design of the Year and Mack as Truck of the Year.

Ford Ranger won Pick Up of the Year Award, Jaguar as the New Entrant (brand) of the Year, while Peugeot 308 became the Hatchback of the Year.