Canadian Car/Truck of the Year - Test Fest Tidbit, 1 of a series

Hybrids are the future, right? The cars that will bring us all into a new, greener paradise?

Not if the preliminary results of the 2010 Canadian Car/Truck of the Year Test Fest last week are any indication.

As near as I can make out, six hybrid models were entered.

One - the Lexus HS 250h - was disqualified before the event even began.

Another - the Lexus RX 450h - won the SUV/CUV over $60,000 category.

The other four - Honda Insight (Small Car over $21,000), Toyota Prius (Family Car under $30,000), Ford Fusion Hybrid (Family Car over $30,000), and Mercedes-Benz S400h (Prestige Car over $75,000) - all got smoked, you should pardon the expression.

(OK, Fusion Hybrid finished a close second to Ford Taurus; the others weren't even in their respective ballparks.)

And speaking of smoked, there were three Diesel cars entered - Volkswagen Golf Wagon TDI (Family Car under $30,000), BMW 335d (Luxury Car over $75,000), and Volkswagen Touareg TDI Clean Diesel (SUV/CUV $35,000 - $60,000) - and ALL THREE won their categories.

Regular readers will know I'm something of a Diesel fan, having owned three - 1982 GMC Suburban, 1991 VW Jetta TDI, and the current Kenzie Family Bus, a 2003 VW Jetta Wagon TDI.

Looks like my journalist colleagues are starting to figure it out too.

The Golf and BMW now vie with Mazda3 sedan, Mazda3 Sport, Ford Taurus, Volkswagen GTI, Porsche Panamera and Audi A5 Cabriolet for Overall Car of the Year; the Touareg takes on the Lexus Hybrid and the Subaru Outback for Utility Vehicle of the Year.

For what it's worth, my bets - usually the kiss of death - are on the VW Golf Wagon and Subaru Outback.

Comments

[Andrew]

I agree with your two choices 100%. However, if Subaru ever decide to drop a diesel into the Outback, then that will be my choice without a doubt.

[Brian]

It just goes to prove that people are still not considering hybrids as an alternative to "regular cars" in the same category. Mainly because of the price premium you have to pay. Your average hybrid owner shopped for a hybrid speciifcally.

[Larry]

As a fellow TDI driver, I don't get why hybrid drivers merit special parking spaces, 'green vehicle' plates, rebates, etc., when I get better fuel efficiency.

(Incidentally - regarding one of your previous columns- I love the sunroof in my car. No leaks, no rattles, no confusing shadows or glare, just a nice source of additional light, especially when it's overcast or raining.)