WHEELS CAR OF THE YEAR
COTY: Past winners
The annual Wheels Car of the Year is one of the world’s longest-running automotive awards, with a history that stretches back to 1963.
That makes our award the grand old age of 60 and in that time a broad spectrum of cars have earned the title, ranging from obvious choices to properly left-of-field. Holden Camira, anyone?
The common thread among all of them, however, is that they were good enough to be judged the best of their time by a panel of Australia’s most seasoned motoring journalists. Here’s the list.
2017 Car of the Year: Behind the scenes
Ever wondered how Wheels picks one Car of the Year from so many contenders? Join us for the first 72 hours of ruthless testing.
2017 Car of the Year announced today
The winner of the 54th Wheels Car of the Year award is revealed tonight, at 9.15pm AEDT.
My first Car of the Year
Going behind the scenes at the 2017 Wheels Car of the Year is an eye-opening experience
2017 Car of the Year: The selection process
What defines a COTY contender? Here’s the checklist.
Archive: Ford Focus RS: Car of the Year 2010
Our review of the all-new Ford Focus RS lands this afternoon, so until then, why not refresh yourself on the last Focus to wear the RS badge
Readers choose Jaguar XE as their 2016 Car of the Year
Classy big Cat overwhelmingly popular in Wheels People’s Choice poll
Wheels Car of the Year 2016: People’s Choice – Deciding Poll
Cast your vote for Car of the Year from the five group-winners
2008 Car of the Year Finalist: BMW 1 Series Coupe and Convertible
COTY success evades BMW again despite engaging dynamics and refined drivetrains.
COTY 2008 – Audi A4
Law of diminishing returns sees Ingolstadt’s COTY challenge end at final four.
2008 Car of the Year Finalist: Smart ForTwo
Much improved, but needs a broader skill set to make sense in Oz.
World Car of the Year 2009
There were no surprises at this year’s WCOTY announcement in Detroit for awards judge Samantha Stevens …
2008 Car of the Year Finalist: Jaguar XF
A welcome return to form but let down by sub-standard petrol V6 powerplant.
Volkswagen Golf: 2010 Car of the Year Winner
Six generations and 33 years later, the Volkswagen Golf has again claimed Australia’s WHEELS Car Of The Year
2008 Car of the Year Finalist: Peugeot 308
Premium European pricing, but lacking the requisite je ne sais quoi.
In pictures: Wheels Car of the Year Covers
Wheels Car of the Year – the world’s longest running continuous car of the year award – is entering its 48th year. We look at past magazine covers that show the compelling history.
2008 Car of the Year Finalist: Mazda CX-9
A roomy, refined and surprisingly dynamic large SUV, but mould remains unbroken.
2008 Car of the Year Finalist: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Fabulous tech and undoubted bang for buck, but too hardcore for COTY greatness.
COTY 2008 – Mitsu Lancer Ralliart Sportback
‘Evo lite’ not without virtue, but lacks the depth to run with COTY heavyweights.
COTY 2008 – Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG
Uncompromising performance proves both a strength and a weakness.
GT-R RETROSPECTIVE: Car of the Year finalists – Nissan GT-R
Tradition or commonsense? That was the 1991 Car of the Year dilemma.
COTY 2008 – Subaru Forester
Once-sharp SUV loses its edge, despite being safer and more spacious.
COTY 2008 – Honda Accord
Big on value; useful V6 tech, but dull dynamics blunt Accord’s challenge.
COTY 2008 – Ford Falcon
Falcon was expected to fly in 2008; instead, it made a shock exit after Stage Two.
Corby’s rant: Holden’s advertising clanger
Does Holden’s ‘We’re here to stay’ ad make your blood boil? You’re not alone – just ask Stephen Corby
