Middle East Motor Awards 2013: Best Cars and Nominees

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.

The small sedan category seem to be really enriched this year, with some quality additions like the Nissan Sentra.

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

Best Small Sedan Winner: Peugeot 301

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

Best Midsize Sedan Winner: Honda Accord

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

Best Large Sedan Winner: 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

Best Executive Sedan Winner: Cadillac ATS

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

Best Luxury Sedan Winner: 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 BMW 750 Li Review

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

Best Luxury Performance Sedan Winner: 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

Best Crossover Winner: 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

Best Midsize SUV Winner: Jeep Grand Cherokee

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

Best Luxury SUV Winner: Land Rover Range Rover

Any questions or doubts? I guessed as much.

Read the 4^th gen Range Rover review here. Or the Infiniti JX account.

Best Performance SUV Nominees:

Porsche Cayenne Turbo S

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT

Best Performance SUV Winner: Porsche Cayenne Turbo S

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

Best Small Hatchback Winner: Volkswagen Golf

Golf is a driver’s car, and in its 7^th 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

Best Performance Hatchback Winner: Ford Focus ST

No comments. Yet to drive any of these!

Best Premium Hatchback Nominees:

Mercedes Benz A 250

Volvo V40

Best Premium Hatchback Winner: Mercedes Benz A 250

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