Among the few awards in the Middle East region, the Middle East Motor Awards (MEMA) are perhaps the most credible and prized, if only because the various journos and journals agree upon ceasefire and get together sort the rankings among them. Editors are not supermen, so we needn’t agree with them all the time which one is the best. But at least, the Middle East Motor Awards shortlist for most part is fair in placing the most deserved entrants in each category, in the fight for the best.
And looks like we are in familiar territory with most of them, except for most of the supercars and some luxury sport coupes. So you can check back for an earnest second opinion with the comprehensive DriveME reviews. I’ll give the links below the shortlisted models, wherever available.
The Car Of The Year 2013 happens to be the Jaguar F-Type, which currently tops our test car wish list for this season.
GROUP 1: SEDANS
Best Small Sedan Nominees:
Peugeot 301
Volkswagen Polo Sedan
Nissan Sentra
Kia Cerato
I was at the launch of the top 3 shortlisted. (That is except Kia). Space and comfort wise they all stand a good chance. I have driven the Sentra and wouldn’t have been surprised if it won the top slot. Well, a test drive of the other two is in order!
Best Midsize Sedan Nominees:
Honda Accord
Mazda 6
Nissan Altima
Opel Insignia
Even though I have no questions there about the Accord, I’m glad that the Opel Insignia made it to the top list. If there was a ‘looker prize’ sure the all new Mazda 6 would have clinched it!
Best Large Sedan Nominees:
Toyota Avalon
Chevrolet Impala
This should have been a close call for either. DriveME reviews of both are at the final-edit desk and will soon reach you. Let’s put them under the magnifying glass.
Best Executive Sedan Nominees:
Cadillac ATS
Kia Quoris
Lexus ES 350
Hmm… To begin with I wonder how did the ATS get to be compared with the other two in terms of size and roominess. A bit of an anomaly there, and a disappointment for the Quoris hopes of being compared to the 7-series! Did the ES look too obvious and predictable to win?
Best Luxury Sedan Nominees:
BMW 7 series
Cadillac XTS
Lexus LS 460
As you will read in the DriveME reviews, the Beamer 7 could please the driver more, but as for luxury detailing and executive comfort, I guess the LS has an edge with its totally first-class seat dynamics and silent cabin.
Read the Lexus LS 460 L review
Best Luxury Performance Sedan Nominees:
Audi S8
Maserati Quattroporte
Lexus LS 460 F Sport
BMW M6 Gran Coupe
The winner is the only one I couldn’t test! Given the class and character of the other three, it better be damn good! The Audi S8 and Maserati Quattroporte reviews will be out on drivemeonline.com in a couple of weeks. Meanwhile, check out the Quattroporte S First Drive
GROUP 2: SUVs
Best Crossover Nominees:
Ford Escape
Mazda CX-5
Toyota RAV-4
Not surprised here. All three are all-new and have their fine points which explains their presence here. I guess the off-roading edge of the RAV-4 would have been the final nail.
DriveME reviews of Toyota RAV 4 and the new Ford Escape
DriveME tests the Mazda CX-5
Best Midsize SUV Nominees:
Chevrolet Trailblazer
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Nissan Pathfinder
Kia Sorento
Hyundai Santa Fe
From the short drive I had in the Grand Cherokee, I think the new GC had it easy! Though not quite comparable, the Hyundai Santa Fe is a deserving presence in the list. Check out why
Best Luxury SUV Nominees:
Infiniti JX
Land Rover Range Rover
Mercedes G500
Any questions or doubts? I guessed as much.
Read the 4th gen Range Rover review here. Or the Infiniti JX account.
Best Performance SUV Nominees:
Porsche Cayenne Turbo S
Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT
No idea here but for hearsay. What is in order: Review requests for both these performers!
GROUP 3: HATCHBACKS
Best Small Hatchback Nominees:
Alfa Romeo Giulietta
Opel Astra GTC
Volkswagen Golf
Golf is a driver’s car, and in its 7th generation, things aren’t much different overall. At best, the Giulietta is a great comeback celebration for the Alfa fan, and as for the Astra GTC, been eyeing this one… as soon as I can free up some time.
Best Performance Hatchback Nominees:
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Renault Clio RS 200
Ford Focus ST
No comments. Yet to drive any of these!
Best Premium Hatchback Nominees:
Mercedes Benz A 250
Volvo V40
The V40 is a winner. Bad for them Merc had to launch the A 250 around the same time! Both reviews are at some point between the road and the desk. Soon…
GROUP 4: COUPES/CONVERTIBLES
Best Sports Coupe Nominees:
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Dodge Viper SRT
Porsche Cayman S
Best Premium Sports Coupe Nominees:
Porsche 911 Carrera 4S
Maserati Gran Turismo Sport
Aston Martin Vanquish
Best Premium Sports Convertible Nominees:
Porsche Carrera 4S Cabriolet
Jaguar F Type
Mercedes Benz SL 500
Best Premium Luxury Convertible Nominees:
Rolls Royce Phantom-Series II Drophead Coupe
Bentley Continental GT Speed
Best Supercar Nominees:
Ferrari F12 Berlinetta
Lamborghini Aventador Roadster
Mclaren MP4-12c Spider
Picture courtesy:
Ford Focus ST: netcarshow.com
The rest: DriveME archives or Supplied press images