TORONTO, Ont. - The Automotive Journalists Association of Canada has awarded the 2012 "Canadian Car of the Year" to the Hyundai Elantra.
The award for the top "Canadian Utility Vehicle" went to the Volkswagen Touareg TDI Clean Diesel.
The announcements were made at the
2012 Canadian International AutoShow, which opens its doors to the public, Friday, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
Hyundai won three out of the eleven "Best New" categories when announced in October 2011. Elantra was also the winner in the "Best New Small Car over $21,000" class.
Hyundai Canada president Steve Kelleher told 680News the all-new Elantra was simply the single most important new vehicle that Hyundai has ever launched.
"I really thought when we brought it out and launched it last year, it was the best vehicle we had put on the road ever. I said that because of everything from fuel efficiency to the quality interior,and most importantly to the new design we had," he explained.
"We wanted to bring Canadians a new take on the compact sedan; one with great style, quality, safety and incredible fuel efficiency. So, we couldn't be more proud that AJAC agreed it should win Canada's highest automotive award," he added.
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List winner of 2012 winners:
- Canadian Car of the Year - Hyundai Elantra
- Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year - Volkswagen Touareg TDI Clean Diesel
- Best New Small Car (under $21,000) - Hyundai Accent
- Best New Small Car (over $21,000) - Hyundai Elantra
- Best New Family Car (under $30,000) - Kia Optima LX
- Best New Family Car (over $30,000) - Kia Optima Hybrid
- Best New Luxury Car - Mercedes-Benz C-Class C350 4MATIC Sedan
- Best New Prestige Car - Mercedes-Benz S-Class S350 BlueTEC 4MATIC
- Best New Sports/Performance Car (under $50,000) - Hyundai Veloster
- Best New Sports/Performance Car (over $50,000) - BMW 1 Series M Coupé
- Best New SUV/CUV (under $35,000) - Dodge Journey
- Best New SUV/CUV ($35,000 - $60,000) - Volkswagen Touareg TDI Clean Diesel
- Best New SUV/CUV (over $60,000) - BMW X3
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"Winning this award is a tremendous honour, said Mr. John White, president of Volkswagen Canada, said.
"The Volkswagen Touareg is extremely capable both on and off road, and surrounds its passengers in comfort and luxury. We are very pleased to be recognized for all of the hard work our engineers and designers have put in," White added.
The Touareg also won the "Best New SUV/CUV ($35,000 - $60,000)" class.
But it was not just the big winners drawing attention at the show. Chevrolet displayed a life size, one of a kind, limited edition Hot Wheels Chevy Camero.
"This concept car pays tribute to the original 1968 Hot Wheels custom Camero that had a spectra flame finish on the exterior," Melissa Chow of Hot Wheels told 680News.
The car was created as a way for Hot Wheels fans to feel like a kid again.
"The best thing about this concept car is that it really allows us to fulfill the dreams of those little boys who grew up playing with Hot Wheels and now their dream has come true," Chow explained.
The Camero, painted "Dazzling Green," was on display sitting on the classic orange Hot Wheels track.
Chow added that because Camero was made as a concept car, it will not be up for sale.