How Does ACOTY Define This Class?

Cars eligible for this class need to be priced at or under $200,000 with COE. This means only some Round 1 winning Cat A vehicles are eligible for this award.

Meet The Contenders

Toyota Sienta Hybrid

The Toyota Sienta Hybrid feels like more car for the money. Coupled with its excellent fuel economy and the fact that it can transport up to seven people at a go puts it in contention for this award.

BYD Dolphin

The BYD Dolphin Dolphin offers a very compelling value proposition here, and that the polished tech implementation within combined with how energy efficient it is makes it that much more of a contender for this title.

BYD Atto 3

Offering up great efficiency and how it feels the more complete package as an EV SUV, the BYD Atto 3 impressed the judging panel to make an appearance here for this award.

Peugeot 408

One cannot deny how well one will stand out and make a statement while driving the Peugeot 408. That it’s offered at a very compelling price-point puts it that much more in contention for this title.

So who won?

Four compelling Round 1 winners in their respective Cat A categories, but only one can claim this award.

Where the points tally in Round 1 was the final determinant of each category’s winner, here in Round 2, points are taken into consideration but are not the final arbiter of victory.

AutoApp Car Of The Year Overall Best Hybrid Vehicle
BYD Atto 3

The BYD Atto 3 won as a result of offering the best value proposition of the four here. That it is comfortable, quite well appointed, spacious and has a techy interior puts it on top, despite not being the highest points scorer from Round 1.

More on the scoring categories used to derive points in Round 1 here.

Congratulations to the BYD Atto 3 for winning the AutoApp Car of the Year 2024 Overall Best Value!

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV!

How Does ACOTY Define This Class?

Price notwithstanding, the Overall Best EV is chosen from the electric vehicles (EVs) that won in Round 1. We counted them. There were nine. Battle Royale indeed. Ding-ding-ding!

Check out their respective Round 1 awards below.

Meet The Contenders

BMW i7 xDrive 60

The BMW i7 xDrive 60 offers so much luxury car for its price. It’s expensive, no doubt, and we appreciate the technology inside that would keep wealthy tech geeks happy for hours on end and is pretty easy to use.

We are especially impressed by how well the i7 drives and rides, and how much of a compelling proposition it has become to the upper crust of society, and this is why it won Best Luxury EV in Round 1.

BMW i4 Gran Coupé eDrive35

The BMW i4 Gran Coupé eDrive35 brings brand cachet and sufficient technology to the table while driving, riding and handling well like a BMW should. Being a unique contender vis-a-vis price in the premium EV market segment sets the BMW i4 Gran Coupé eDrive35 apart from everyone else, and it’s also the most frugal premium EV we’ve tested to date. No surprise then that the i4 clinched Best Premium EV in Round 1.

Hyundai IONIQ 6

The Hyundai IONIQ 6 offers a very compelling price-to-performance ratio in its market segment. From a tech-focused interior to acceleration that can cause one to draw a sharp breath, there is much here that appeals to us.

Throw in the decidedly Saab-esque swooping and quirky aerodynamic exterior design, which likely caused a large leaf blown toward the IONIQ 6 on the highway to go absolutely space-shuttle status skywards upon contact with the front bumper, and it’s not difficult to see why it snaps heads and gets fingers pointing as it drives past. This is why it won Best Cat B EV in Round 1.

BYD Dolphin

The BYD Dolphin may be small in stature but it makes a big impression for sure. It looks bright and cheerful and turns heads as one drives by. It offers a tech-focused interior that’s nice, comfortable and modestly spacious.

Its battery pack offers great range, thanks to how efficient the Dolphin is. Its value-proposition is what won the Dolphin the Best Cat A Hatchback EV award in Round 1.

BYD Atto 3

The BYD Atto 3 is roomy, spacious, comfortable and has an infotainment screen that can be flipped from landscape to portrait and vice-versa. It also has a clean exterior design that will appeal to many.

On the road, the Atto 3 is quiet, comfortable and very energy-efficient with good range. It is also easy to drive and place into parking spots. Not difficult to see why it clinched the title of Best Cat A SUV in Round 1.

MG 4 EV

The MG 4 EV brings sharp and distinct looks to the table. Its tech-focused interior is comfortable, roomy and practical. That it goes like stink and sticks to the road through corners like a leech adds to its charm. Also, it’s rear-wheel driven, which stood out for us car enthusiasts in the judging panel.

It’s also priced attractively, and its value proposition clinched it the title of Best Cat B Hatchback EV in Round 1.

MAXUS MIFA 9

MAXUS, in its first overseas foray, has simply swooped in and swept up the win in the Best MPV EV category in Round 1 with the MIFA 9 Luxury. Now THAT’S a serious statement to make right there. Its price versus standard equipment and how well it performed on the road make this passenger paradise a stonking value proposition.

Volvo XC40 Recharge

The minimalists within us appreciated the clean aesthetic that the Volvo XC40 Recharge brings to the table. Add to that an interior that exudes functionality, practicality and eco-friendly material choices and a battery pack that offers very good real-world range and you have a very compelling package right here in the XC40 Recharge.

Not difficult to see, when combined with its price point why the XC40 Recharge won Best Cat B SUV EV in Round 1.

Opel Vivaro-e

We did say at the beginning that the Overall Best EV is chosen from the electric vehicles (EVs) that won in Round 1. That’s why we must not forget about the Opel Vivaro-e. It is an electric van. Its price, the offering of keyless start and stop, ease of driving and energy efficiency enabled it to clinch the win in the Best Commercial EV category.

So who won?

Nine EVs to choose from! This proved to be a massive headache for the judging panel indeed, but a good one. With the Battle Royale seeing numerous choke slams, body slams, figure-four leg locks and tombstone pile drivers delivered, there was only one left standing when the dust settled. No members of the judging panel were harmed in this process. Neither was any EV.

Where the points tally in Round 1 was the final determinant of each category’s winner, here in Round 2, points are taken into consideration but are not the final arbiter of victory.

AutoApp Car Of The Year Overall Best EV
Hyundai IONIQ 6

Of the line-up, the Hyundai IONIQ 6 is easily the most desirable EV of the lot. While it didn’t clinch the highest amount of points on the board, its price-to-performance ratio is spot on. Its looks may be polarising but it undoubtedly turns heads. It’s also very spacious on the inside, and one would not be the wiser that they’re in a Hyundai thanks to the dearth of Hyundai logos within.

More on the scoring categories used to derive points in Round 1 here.

Congratulations to the Hyundai IONIQ 6 for winning the AutoApp Car of the Year 2024 Overall Best EV!

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV!

How Does ACOTY Define This Class?

Price and powertrain don’t matter. From affordable to astronomical, internal combustion, hybrid and battery electric all make an appearance here. The Overall Best SUV is chosen from among a pool of Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) that won in Round 1. Check out their respective Round 1 awards below.

Meet The Contenders

BYD Atto 3

The BYD Atto 3 won Best Cat A SUV EV because the judging panel was impressed with how efficient it is, and how it feels the more complete package as an EV SUV. Being roomy, spacious, comfortable, and tech-focused, it also has a clean exterior design that will appeal to many.

BMW X1 xDrive16i

The BMW X1 sDrive16i brings technological accoutrements and a loud paint colour to the table, but tempers that with practicality, ease of driving and a punchy engine and smooth gearbox. Plus no one can argue with the BMW brand cachet, which is why it won Best Cat A SUV in Round 1.

Audi SQ 7

The Audi SQ7 features a clean design language that offers so much practicality and pace at its price point. Despite competing in the luxury SUV segment, value-for-money matters, which is why the SQ7 decisively won the Best Luxury SUV award.

BMW XM

The BMW XM is the absolute most expensive vehicle in the ACOTY 2024 line-up. What won it the Best Premium Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid award in Round 1 is that the XM is a strong statement in the automotive industry with its ballsy go-big-or-go-home nature.

Hyundai Palisade

The Hyundai Palisade comes across as well-deserving of its palatial-sounding name. It is the most competent SUV on test in its segment, and the practicality and comfort it offers, combined with value-proposition is why the Palisade won Best Premium SUV.

Audi Q3

The Audi Q3 feels like the most grown-up and well-put-together SUV in its segment to the judging panel. Audi’s renowned build quality and solidity, along with a clean and premium design aesthetic feature here. With ample technology and an interior that will take five occupants without too much bother, its frugality and comfortable nature clinched it Best Category B SUV in Round 1.

Volvo XC40 Recharge

The Volvo XC40 Recharge won Best Cat B SUV EV due to its price and the upmarket experience one receives for the money. Its clean minimalist aesthetic, an interior that exudes functionality, practicality and eco-friendly material choices, and a battery pack that offers very good real-world range makes the XC40 Recharge a winner in our books.

Nissan X-trail e-Power

The Nissan X-Trail e-Power shines in its ability to be cost-friendly, extremely practical, and stylish, doing everything a typical Singaporean family would desire. All of this while putting a smile on your face and wallet. This is why it won the Best Cat B Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid award.

So who won?

Eight SUVs to choose from, with each that shines as a beacon of light in their own categories. This was no easy task for the judging panel. However, once all was said and done, there was the one.

Where the points tally in Round 1 was the final determinant of each category’s winner, here in Round 2, points are taken into consideration but are not the final arbiter of victory.

AutoApp Car Of The Year Overall Best SUV
Nissan X-trail e-Power

The Nissan X-Trail e-Power brings so much to the table at its price point. It is well-appointed, very comfortable and easy to drive, and that pretty much sealed the deal for the judging panel, who unanimously love this SUV anyway.

More on the scoring categories used to derive points in Round 1 here.

Congratulations to the Nissan X-Trail e-Power for winning the AutoApp Car of the Year 2024 Overall Best SUV!

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV!

How Does ACOTY Define This Class?

The Overall Best Sports Car is chosen from the three Cat B performance and sports categories’ winners from Round 1. Check out their respective Round 1 awards below.

Meet The Contenders

BMW M3 Touring

The BMW M3 Touring won Best Performance Wagon due to how practical it is while being mental in a straight line and through corners. Its steroid-fuelled body sure looks the part, and has all the go-fast gubbins underneath and within to put a wide smile on enthusiasts’ faces.

BMW M2

The BMW M2 won Best Sports Car in Round 1 because it offers the necessary pace of a sports car along with pure rear-wheel driven handling characteristics and actually represents good value for its asking price. Plus there’s the special experience that comes with M-cars, and one can see why this is endearing.

Porsche 911 Carrera

Base is not just base with the Porsche 911 Carrera. It won Best Luxury Sports Car because it represents great value for money for what it is and can do. With ferocious performance off the line and leech-like characteristics in the corners, it’s not difficult to see why all members of the judging panel voted unanimously for it.

So who won?

All three excellent contenders have their own strengths. However, this is a competition and when all said and done, there can only be one.

Where the points tally in Round 1 was the final determinant of each category’s winner, here in Round 2, points are taken into consideration but are not the final arbiter of victory.

AutoApp Car Of The Year Overall Best Sports Car
Porsche 911 Carrera

The Porsche 911 Carrera won by virtue of its decades-old winning formula that’s been constantly refined. Plus it is the quintessential sports car benchmark that other manufacturers look at.

Moreover, once one is done with performance cars like the M2 and M3 Touring, where does one naturally progress to from there? The Porsche 911 Carrera of course!

More on the scoring categories used to derive points in Round 1 here.

Congratulations to the Porsche 911 Carrera for winning the AutoApp Car of the Year 2024 Overall Best Sports Car!

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV!

How Does ACOTY Define This Class?

The Overall Best Luxury Vehicle is chosen from the three Cat B luxury categories’ winners from Round 1. Check out their respective Round 1 awards below.

Meet The Contenders

Audi SQ 7

There’s a famous scene in The Godfather movie in which Marlon Brando, playing Don Corleone, says, “I’m gonna make him a deal he can’t refuse.” The Audi SQ 7 epitomises this line. It brings space, pace and practicality to the luxury car segment at a stonking price point. This is why it won Best Luxury SUV.

BMW XM

The BMW XM, despite being the absolute most expensive vehicle in the ACOTY line-up, won the Best Premium Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid Category in Round 1 because BMW’s M-division dares to do things differently. Being the first standalone model since the M1, the XM is a strong statement in the automotive industry, and its ballsy go-big-or-go-home nature is why it won.

BMW i7 xDrive60

Despite the BMW i7 xDrive 60 being so expensive, it also offers so much for the price. Regardless of its arguably polarizing looks, the Bavarian manufacturer must be applauded for daring to break with tradition and create something that snaps heads and looks like nothing else on the road. That’s why it clinched the win in the Best Luxury EV category in Round 1.

Moreover, the four of us in the judging panel agree that the i7 is objectively the better 7 Series when compared to its internal-combustion 735i sibling.

So who won?

Three brilliant luxury vehicles, but only one can win this category.

Where the points tally in Round 1 was the final determinant of each category’s winner, here in Round 2, points are taken into consideration but are not the final arbiter of victory.

AutoApp Car Of The Year Overall Best Luxury Car
Audi SQ 7

The Audi SQ 7 won due to the value proposition it brings to this line-up, which cannot be overlooked. Plus, its muted aggressive looks and turn of speed means the SQ 7 would be a luxury vehicle that a modern-day Godfather would be proud to ride in.

More on the scoring categories used to derive points in Round 1 here.

Congratulations to the Audi SQ 7 for winning the AutoApp Car of the Year 2024 Overall Best Luxury Car!

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV!

How Does ACOTY Define This Class?

The Overall Best Hybrid Vehicle is chosen from among the winners of the Cat A Hybrid, Cat B Hybrid and Premium Hybrid categories in Round 1.

Meet The Contenders

Kia Niro Hybrid

The Kia Niro Hybrid has sharp, unique looks, an angular, tech-infused cabin and spacious practicality in its favour. How comfy it is and how little fuel it sips means you’ll be wafting around while keeping your wallet firmly in your pocket for longer.

Nissan X-Trail e-Power

The Nissan X-Trail e-Power is refined, stylish, and in this era of historically high COEs, well-equipped enough to offer its owner a premium-feeling experience for a car that relatively speaking is positioned as a mass market model. Plus it has one of the judges’ Mom’s glowing seal of approval.

BMW XM

The BMW XM balances ride comfort and eye-watering performance off the line very well. It’s also nimble in carparks and offers an opulent tech-focused interior for its elite occupants.

So who won?

Three really great award-winners where one will not go wrong with any of them. However, there could only be one.

Where the points tally in Round 1 was the final determinant of each category’s winner, here in Round 2, points are taken into consideration but are not the final arbiter of victory.

AutoApp Car Of The Year Overall Best Hybrid Vehicle
Kia Niro Hybrid

The Kia Niro Hybrid won because, just like it did in Round 1, it offers the best value proposition of the trio. Despite scoring the lowest points of the three in Round 1, by being priced the way it is and yet still remaining practical and frugal, we believe that it represents the better offering to car buyers out there.

More on the scoring categories used to derive points in Round 1 here.

Congratulations to the Kia Niro Hybrid for winning the AutoApp Car of the Year 2024 Overall Best Hybrid Vehicle!

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV!

How Does ACOTY Define This Class?

The Overall Best Cat B Vehicle is chosen from among five Cat B winners from Round 1. Check out their respective Round 1 awards below.

Meet The Contenders

Audi Q3

The Audi Q3 feels like the most grown-up and well-put-together SUV of the trio to the judging panel, which is why it won the Best Cat B SUV category. Audi’s renowned build quality and solidity, along with a clean and premium design aesthetic puts it in contention here.

MG 4 EV

The MG 4 EV won Best Cat B Hatchback EV because how it’s priced versus what it offers in return makes it a spanking value and performance proposition. Which car enthusiast wouldn’t salivate at the prospect of a rear-wheel-driven hot hatch at this price point?

Nissan X-Trail e-Power

In this era of historically high COEs, the Nissan X-Trail e-Power is sufficiently well-equipped to offer its owner a premium-feeling experience for a car that, relatively speaking, is positioned as a mass-market model. This is why it won the Best Cat B Hybrid SUV award. It also helps that the mother of one of the judges absolutely loves it to bits.

Hyundai IONIQ 6

The Hyundai IONIQ 6 won Best Cat B EV due to its swooping, head-snapping looks, well-appointed interior that’s also sufficiently tech-infused, and performance that doesn’t disappoint one bit. Vivek is still waxing lyrical about “the Korean Saab” by the way.

BMW 330i Touring

That the BMW 330i Touring won the Best Cat B Premium Vehicle category is no surprise. Sufficient space to carry five people and their luggage, the way it drives, the way it handles and the way it makes one feel is why it is a contender here.

So who won?

All five vehicles are noteworthy in their own right. The diversity represented here made the judging panel’s work that much more difficult. However, there could only be one at the end.

Where the points tally in Round 1 was the final determinant of each category’s winner, here in Round 2, points are taken into consideration but are not the final arbiter of victory.

AutoApp Car Of The Year Overall Best Cat B Vehicle
BMW 330i Touring

The BMW 330i Touring won by virtue of its aforementioned offerings, plus the brand cachet that the blue and white roundel brings to dinner tables and at valet parking services. This is one desirable wagon.

More on the scoring categories used to derive points in Round 1 here.

Congratulations to the BMW 330i Touring for winning the AutoApp Car of the Year 2024 Overall Best Cat B Vehicle!

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV!

How Does ACOTY Define This Class?

Seven winners from Round 1 are sold with Category A COEs (Cat A COE). The Overall Best Cat A Vehicle is decided from amongst these seven.

In this round, we see all manners of body styles with internal combustion engine (ICE), hybrid and electric vehicle guises going up against one another.

Meet The Contenders

BMW 216i Active Tourer

The BMW 216i Active Tourer beat out the Volkswagen Golf Life, Honda Jazz Crosstar, Škoda Scala 1.0 and Suzuki Swift Mild Hybrid to win Best Cat A Hatchback. This practical and well-appointed Bimmer has tons of brand cachet, and lets one put their success on display. The points it garnered pointed to unanimity among the judging panel.

BYD Atto 3

The BYD Atto 3 beat the Peugeot e-2008, Kia Niro Electric and Mazda MX-30 to be crowned Best Cat A SUV EV. The judging panel was impressed with its efficiency and how it felt like the complete package as an SUV EV.

BYD Dolphin

The BYD Dolphin fought against the Hyundai IONIQ 5, Citroën e-C4 and Ora Good Cat and won Best Cat A Hatchback EV. We felt that the Dolphin offered the most complete value proposition in its class and that the polished tech implementation made it that much more desirable.

BMW X1 sDrive16i

The BMW X1 sDrive16i went up against the Citroën C5 Aircross, Opel Mokka and Opel Grandland, and won Best Cat A SUV. Oodles of brand cachet and feeling like the most complete package won this Bimmer the accolade, despite being the most expensive in its class.

Kia Niro Hybrid

The Kia Niro Hybrid went up against the Hyundai Kona Hybrid and the Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid and took home the title of Best Cat A Hybrid / Plug-in Hybrid. Its decisive victory came about because it felt like the most complete value proposition of the trio.

Peugeot 408

The Peugeot 408 fought hard against the Škoda Octavia 1.0 eTec and Audi A3 Sedan and clinched the title of Best Cat A Sedan. The controversy it ignited is what won its top spot, because if one wants to really stand out with their choice of car, then this is it!

Toyota Sienta Hybrid

Finally, the Toyota Sienta Hybrid went up against the Honda Freed and claimed the title of Best Cat A MPV. It felt like more car for the money, and coupled with its excellent fuel economy, decisively won this category’s crown.

So who won?

Seven excellent award-winning choices here, and suffice to say you won’t go wrong with any of them. However, we in the judging panel had a job to do, and that was to choose an overall winner.

Where the points tally in Round 1 was the final determinant of each category’s winner, here in Round 2, points are taken into consideration but are not the final arbiter of victory.

AutoApp Car Of The Year Overall Best Cat A Vehicle
BMW X1 sDrive16i

And our overall winner is the BMW X1 sDrive16i! The BMW X1 won because it represents a more attractive option to more people than its 216i Active Tourer counterpart. Despite it being the most expensive of the line-up, its brand cachet makes it super desirable in this segment, and the SUV body style has looks going for it.

Desirability is a strong factor that we acknowledge too, and we are confident most will be more than happy to own it.

More on the scoring categories used to derive points in Round 1 here.

Congratulations to the BMW X1 sDrive16i for winning the AutoApp Car of the Year 2024 Overall Best Cat A Vehicle!

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV!