After testing 57 new models, more than 70 members of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada – including Globe Drive contributors Bob English, Ted Laturnus, Michael Bettencourt, Dan Proudfoot and Richard Russell – have selected the best new cars for the 2012 model year.
From the 11 category winners, the Canadian Car of The Year and the Canadian Utility Vehicle of The Year will be determined; the two will be unveiled at the Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto in February.
The 2012 category winners are: (Please click on the photos below for more information about the cars nominated in each category)
Best New Small Car under $21,000: Hyundai Accent
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Best New Small Car over $21,000: Hyundai Elantra
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Best New Family Car under $30,000: Kia Optima LX
Best New Family Car over $30,000: Kia Optima Hybrid
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Best New Luxury Car: Mercedes-Benz C-Class C350 4Matic Sedan
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Best New Sports Performance (under $50,000): Hyundai Veloster
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Best New Sports Performance (over $50,000): BMW 1-Series M Coupe
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Best New Prestige: Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350 BlueTec 4Matic
***** Best New SUV-CUV (under $35,000): Dodge Journey
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Best New SUV-CUV ($35,000-$60,000): Volkswagen Touareg TDI
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Best New SUV-CUV (over $60,000): BMW X3