After an extended period of road tests, given the high number of entries, the Jury, composed of 17 journalists representing some of the most important Portuguese Media, selected a batch of candidates who are still in the race to succeed the Peugeot 3008 as Car of the Year in Portugal.
After the dynamic tests performed by the judges of the Essilor Car of the Year/Crystal Wheel Trophy, the choice of finalists fell on these 7 cars:
- Citroën C3 Aircross
- Hyundai Kauai
- Kia Stinger
- Seat Ibiza
- Škoda Kodiaq
- Volkswagen T-Roc
- Volvo XC60
Automobile Reason is one of the permanent members of the Car of the Year/Crystal Wheel Trophy
Growing Car of the Year
Car brands confirmed the good moment the sector is experiencing by entering 31 models in the competition. The number of entries also confirms the confidence of the manufacturers in the organization of the Essilor Car of the Year 2018/Troféu Volante de Cristal, which invested in increasing the efficiency of choosing the best cars on the Portuguese market, as well as the visibility and public impact of the initiative .The winning model will be distinguished with the title of “ Car of the Year/Essilor Crystal Wheel Trophy 2018 ”, the respective representative or importer receiving the “Crystal Wheel Trophy”. In parallel, the best automobile product (version) will be awarded in different segments of the national market. These awards will include six classes:
- Cityman;
- Familiar;
- Executive;
- Sports (includes convertibles);
- SUV (includes Crossovers);
- Ecological.
The creation of an annual award called "CAR OF THE YEAR" aims to reward the model that represents, at the same time, a significant technological advance in the scope of the national automobile market and the best commitment for the Portuguese motorist in terms of economy (price and usage costs), safety and pleasant driving.
Technology and Innovation Award
For this edition, the organization will once again select five innovative and technologically advanced devices that can directly benefit the driving and the driver, which will be appreciated and later voted on by the judges simultaneously with the final vote.
Special reference for the Ecological of the Year award. A distinction reserved for vehicles with electric or hybrid engines (combining electric motor and heat engine). The focus in this category is energy efficiency, consumption, emissions and autonomy approved by the brand, also taking into account the consumption revealed during the judges' test, as well as the real autonomy in daily use.
The ceremony and awards ceremony will take place on the 1st of March.
The Car of the Year/Trophy Essilor Volante de Cristal 2018 is organized by the weekly Expresso and by SIC/SIC Notícias.