Registration for the 35th edition of the Essilor Car of the Year 2018 / Crystal Wheel Trophy is now open and car brands can, from now on, register the models whose marketing has taken place from January 1 to December 31, 2017.
The judges are also starting to prepare to start dynamic tests with the different models in the competition. Aesthetics, performances, safety, reliability, price and environmental sustainability are some of the areas for evaluation by the judges. The name of all cars in the competition will be announced at the end of October . In a second phase, in mid-January, we will meet the seven finalists.
What's New for 2018
The creation of an annual award called “CARRO DO YEAR” aims to reward the model that represents, at the same time, a significant technological advance in the national automobile market and the best commitment for the Portuguese motorist in terms of economy (price and usage costs ), safety and pleasantness of driving.The winning model will be distinguished with the title of “Car of the Year/2018 Essilor Crystal Wheel Trophy”, 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 have been revised and now include six classes: City, Family, Executive, Sport (includes convertibles), SUV (includes Crossovers), and Green of the Year.
The Ecological of the Year award is reserved for vehicles with electric or hybrid engines. In focus in this category are 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 actual autonomy in daily use.
In the case of hybrid vehicles it is necessary to consider the period or distance that effectively allow running in purely electric mode and, in models 100% electric , the functional aspect, that is, the recharge time and autonomy.
Technology and Innovation Award
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.
RTP, SIC and TVI together in Car of the Year 2018
For the first time since the trophy has existed, the three biggest Portuguese television channels are part of the jury, guaranteeing unprecedented media coverage. A total of 18 journalists representing the written press, digital media, radio and television are present. The Car of the Year/Trophy Essilor Volante de Cristal 2018 is organized by the weekly Expresso and by SIC/SIC Notícias. Razão Automóvel is part of the permanent jury.