Last October 31, entries ended for this year's edition of the most important award in the automotive industry in our country. Car brands confirmed the good moment the sector is experiencing by signing up 31 models in competition . In the first ten months of 2017, 187,450 light passenger vehicles were sold, which represents a positive variation of 7.8 percent compared to the same period in 2016.
The number of entries also confirms the confidence of the manufacturers in the organization of the Essilor Car of the Year/Trophy Volante de Cristal 2018, which invested in increasing the efficiency in choosing the best cars in the Portuguese market, as well as the visibility and public impact of the initiative .
The judges, representing some of the most prestigious media in the country, are now getting ready to start dynamic tests with the different models in competition. Aesthetics, performance, safety, reliability, price and environmental sustainability are some of the evaluation areas. In a second phase, in mid-January, we will get to know the seven finalists.
Brands are betting heavily on SUVs and Crossovers
The evolution in the sales of SUV and Crossovers in the European market is a reality that has a direct influence on the number of models entered in the 35th edition of the Essilor Car of the Year/Crystal Wheel Trophy 2018. The brands are betting heavily on this category by entering 11 models in the competition. Currently, one in four vehicles purchased by European Union motorists are SUV/Crossovers. Of the 15 million cars sold in Europe in 2016, 25% were SUVs. This segment shows signs of not wanting to slow down.the car of the year
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 “Essilor Car of the Year/Crystal Wheel Trophy 2018”, and the respective representative or importer will receive 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: City, Family, Executive, Sport (includes convertibles), SUV (includes Crossovers), and Ecological — the latter a special 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.
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. The Car of the Year/Trophy Essilor Volante de Cristal 2018 is organized by the weekly Expresso and by SIC/SIC Notícias.The cars in competition
City:
- SEAT Ibiza
- Kia Picanto
- Nissan Micra
- Suzuki Swift
- Volkswagen Polo
Sport:
- Audi RS3
- Honda Civic Type-R
- Hyundai i30 N
- Kia Stinger
- Mazda MX-5 RF
- Volkswagen Golf GTI
Ecological:
- Hyundai Ioniq Electric
- Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In
- Kia Niro PHEV
Executive:
- Audi A5
- BMW 520D
- Opel Insignia
- Volkswagen Arteon
Familiar:
- Hyundai i30 SW
- Honda Civic
SUV/Crossover:
- SEAT Arona
- Audi Q5
- Citroën C3 Aircross
- Hyundai Kauai
- Kia Stonic
- Mazda CX-5
- Opel Crossland X
- Peugeot 5008
- Škoda Kodiaq
- Volkswagen T-Roc
- Volvo XC60
The winners of all editions
- 1985 – Nissan Micra
- 1986 – Saab 9000 Turbo 16
- 1987 – Renault 21
- 1988 – Citroën AX
- 1989 – Peugeot 405
- 1990 – Volkswagen Passat
- 1991 – Nissan Primera
- 1992 – SEAT Toledo
- 1993 – Toyota Carina E
- 1994 – SEAT Ibiza
- 1995 – Fiat Punto
- 1996 – Audi A4
- 1997 – Volkswagen Passat
- 1998 – Alfa Romeo 156
- 1999 – Audi TT
- 2000 – SEAT Toledo
- 2001 – SEAT Leon
- 2002 – Renault Laguna
- 2003 – Renault Megane
- 2004 – Vokswagen Golf
- 2005 – Citroën C4
- 2006 – Volkswagen Passat
- 2007 – Citroën C4 Picasso
- 2008 – Nissan Qashqai
- 2009 – Citroën C5
- 2010 – Volkswagen Polo
- 2011 – Ford C-Max
- 2012 – Peugeot 508
- 2013 – Volkswagen Golf
- 2014 – SEAT Leon
- 2015 – Volkswagen Passat
- 2016 – Opel Astra
- 2017 – Peugeot 3008