Many a people said “Oh heck, here comes yet another awards event for cars” But then they had to stuff their mouth quiet. Yes, CarWale has introduced CarWale Awards, but this isn’t ‘just another’ car-award. CarWale Awards gives you - the consumers - the power to vote for your favourite cars. There has been a lot mentioned already about the categories and since the winners have been purely decided by the consumers, things are in perspective and the result for all to see.

But there was one more category – Debut of the Year.

Yes yes, now that the results have been announced, we know you’ll be thinking that even CarWale has given the prestigious Debut of the Year award to Hyundai i10, just like the other automotive sources did. Some also go to the extent of saying that it is a sold property to manufacturers. But I feel so glad to kill your horses of imagination. We at CarWale have been the most forthcoming and candid lot. We have given sufficient reasoning for our words and the consumers have respected that. So it was not just about the final result, it was more about how it was reached upon.

The all-new cars that were introduced in the Indian market in 2007 were BMW 3 and 5 Series, Chevrolet Spark, Hyundai i10, Mahindra-Renault Logan, Maruti Suzuki SX4, Volkswagen Passat, Volvo S80 and the Volvo XC90. The ones that made it to the final list were Chevrolet Spark, Hyundai i10, Mahindra Renault Logan and Maruti Suzuki SX4. Why did we not include extremely exquisite cars like the BMW 3 Series, BMW 5 Series, Volkswagen Passat and the two Volvos?

Firstly because they are either CBUs or else SKDs which makes them fall in the not-so- affordable category. Secondly, and more importantly, the consumers’ research trend did not throw them even remotely close to a respectable figure, rather it was pretty dismal. You might argue with me on the fact that affordability is relative and that despite of the price, the high-end cars can be equally good value for money, and I can only but nod my head in agreement to that. But when we look at the numbers we find that all the competing cars are priced extremely close to each of their counterparts and that surely does not make any particular car stand out comprehensively.

Why this foregone-conclusion against CBUs and SKDs? Well, because we would like to see cars getting more affordable and within reach of some who think that they ‘could’ have surely bought that premium car, had it been a tiny bit cheaper. Since the government is not going to act upon it and cut the excise duties anytime soon, the manufacturers will have to take it upon themselves to establish production plants in the nation instead of just having assembly lines here.

To further clear your doubts and ambiguity, let me tell you that the genesis and essence of CarWale Awards is based upon the participation of consumers so we had to give it due consideration here as well. This made us look at our enormous database, which I have to admit, I could not decipher. So our techno geeks were only too happy to declare their preeminence in this department and translated all which was Greek and Spanish to me, into English and Math. Yeah alright, you don’t have to pull your flag up, geek buggers. We evaluated the contenders across 40 parameters, yes, you heard it right… 40! A panel of experts sat down, rated, argued, fought, reasoned-out and argued again. All this, to bring you the most even-handed and sought after result. After the cars were rated, the Mahindra Renault accumulated the least number of points followed by the Chevrolet Spark. The battle was severe. Maruti Suzuki SX4 and Hyundai i10 were really choking each other by the neck! Things were so intense that the jury members were giving each other nasty stares. But at the end of it all, sanity prevailed and a unanimous decision was reached upon.

The Hyundai i10 edged out Maruti Suzuki SX4 to convincingly grab the prestigious Debut of the Year award.

Let me tell you that the cars were rated in comparison to the cars that they compete against. So Hyundai i10 was in a battle ground against Chevrolet Spark, Hyundai Santro, Tata Indica, Maruti Wagon R and Maruti Zen Estilo while the SX4 fought against Chevrolet Aveo, Ford Fiesta, Honda City, Hyundai Verna and Mitsubishi Lancer.

The Hyundai i10 managed to bag consistent high scores and the end tally saw it stand tall as the winner. Gathering praise from all directions were the looks and fit and finish of the car while the i10 took away brownie points for having the best looking and ergonomically well laid out interiors among the small-cars. It was also complemented for its city drivability characteristics and precise gearbox while it scored well in the comfort department too. The on-road behaviour of the Hyundai i10 impressed all and sundry with its agility, maneuverability and stability while the good ride quality saw the car sport a composed nature almost all the time.

Then there was the practicality of the car that set it apart. It has lots of clever storage spaces and cubby holes which enhance its utility. Add to this a frugal engine and the widespread presence of Hyundai’s dealer and service network and the i10 presents itself as a very affordable and trouble-free set of wheels.

A very deserving winner of this prestigious award.