After the LA Auto Show, we can expect not only to see the latest machinery from the world’s major automakers, but the announcement of a whole slew of awards – from best driver’s car to women’s “supreme winner” and anything in between.
Motor Trend announced its Car, Truck, SUV, and Person of the Year, while the combined jury short-listed the finalists for the North American Car, Truck, and Utility of the Year.
Now it’s Car and Driver‘s turn. Rather than name a single winner for each category, the auto mag every year identifies its 10 Best. And this year’s list includes the best of the latest wheels on the market.
In alphabetical order, C/D’s 10Best for 2017 are:
BMW M2/M240i
Chevy Bolt
Chevy Camaro
Chevy Corvette Grand Sport
Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 (and GT350R)
Honda Accord
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Mazda3
Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman
Volkswagen Golf (including the Alltrack, GTI and Golf R)
That’s particularly good news for Chevrolet, which got three of its models on the list this year. But Chevy’s gain was Tesla’s loss, with the Bolt EV taking the place of the Model S. It also came at the expense of its own sister brand, as the ‘Vette essentially bumped off the Cadillac CTS VSport.
Mazda and the Volkswagen Group each returned with two winners. The Golf and Boxster/Cayman in particular have been perennial favorites, selected every year since 2007 and 2006, respectively. The Boxster had a previous streak as well, from 1998 to 2003, and the Honda Accord for nine years (1983 to 1991).
The most dominant vehicle in the history of the awards, however, is one that’s not even present this time. The BMW 3-Series (including the 4-Series and M3) has racked up 23 consecutive wins. This year Munich was well represented by the smaller 2-Series, which returned in M spec for the second year running.