COTY 2020: It's WapCar's first Car of the Year awards and you're invited!

The year 2020 is coming to a close and that means it’s time for WapCar’s Car of the Year 2020. We have our very own shortlist but we’re also letting you, our beloved readers, to decide on the cars that deserve to win our inaugural Car of the Year award!

As we’ve said before, we have selected 18 cars across three categories for you to vote for. The categories are Luxury Car of the Year, 7-seater Family Car of the Year, and of course, the Overall Car of the Year. Without further ado, let’s introduce the nominees!

Luxury Car of the Year Nominees

2020 BMW 3 Series

For an ultimate driving machine, the 2020 BMW 3 Series (G20) is nothing short of excellent when it comes to the driving experience. With the addition of the performance-oriented M340i and the eco-friendlier 330e M Sport, you also can have an ultimate driving machine that suits your style.

2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

When it comes to luxury, of course nothing could beat the pedigree of the three-pointed star. This year, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has introduced the C200 AMG Line to the C-Class line-up which feels like a bargain compared to the C300. That being said, you are not missing out on the luxurious feeling of a traditional Mercedes-Benz.

2020 Lexus UX

Forget calling the Lexus UX a luxurious Toyota C-HR, this is more exclusive. In our review of the UX, we find the compact crossover to drive as well as a BMW, nay it’s more engaging to drive than a BMW. It also feels more refined, which is suitable for those who want a premium compact crossover.

2020 Range Rover Evoque

The 2020 Range Rover Evoque gets a new look that makes it as attractive as the Range Rover Velar. Even if it is marketed for the urban consumer, the Evoque still has a pedigree that makes Land Rovers the best 4x4xfar with a 600 mm wading depth so you could take it off-road or conquer the city’s flash floods with ease.

2020 Lexus NX

While the Lexus NX was given a comprehensive update in 2019 with a mildly restyled exterior and Lexus Safety Sense+ ADAS suite standard on all variants, 2020 saw the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. The famous prestige of being in a Lexus remains, however, which of course saw no complaints.

2020 Volvo S60

The locally-assembled (CKD) Volvo S60 T8 comes with a twincharged (supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-litre engine that is mated to a plug-in hybrid system. With a combined system output of 407 PS and 640 Nm, this luxury sedan packs a punch when it comes to performance.

7-seater Family Car of the Year Nominees

2020 Mitsubishi Xpander

As a B-segment 7-seater, the Mitsubishi Xpander has all the practicality you need as well as comfort. In terms of the former, we think for the price you pay you do get a lot of nifty compartments that even the ladies would love.

2020 Honda BR-V

If you’re looking for a 7-seater that doesn’t stray away from a regular car, then the Honda BR-V might be your choice. Due to its car platform, it also provides great ride comfort and low fuel consumption.

2020 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace

The Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace is proof that even a 7-seater SUV can be a performance car. The R-Line variant of the Tiguan Allspace is powered by a 2.0-litre TSI which also powers the Golf GTI. A 7-seater Golf GTI, anyone? It's a sleeper even the missus would appreciate.

2020 Kia Grand Carnival

With enough room for a football team, the 11-seater Kia Grand Carnival is huge. Despite that, it drives very smoothly and is actually quite capable around the corners. It still has a look that makes it more imposing and grander than even the Toyota Alphard.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB

Another addition to Mercedes-Benz’s SUV line-up, the GLB is one of the newest models and the first compact Mercedes-Benz model to offer a third-row seat. This being a Mercedes-Benz, even the third-row occupants are given amenities like storage compartments and USB ports.

2020 Mazda CX-9

The stunning Mazda CX-9 was given a running change for 2020. Nothing major in terms of looks but it does gain a bigger 9-inch infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Oh, and just like the Mercedes-Benz GLB, the third-row occupants get their own USB ports.

Overall Car of the Year Nominees

2020 Proton X50

Of course, the year 2020 is incomplete without the mention of the Proton X50. The B-segment SUV wowed Malaysians with its performance specs and safety features. Speaking of safety tech, not even more expensive offerings come with Level 2 autonomous driving.

2020 Honda City

The 2020 Honda City is definitely one of the most important models of 2020. With a brand-new 1.5-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine and LaneWatch equipped on the top-of-the-range City 1.5 V, it’s not hard to see why.

2020 Nissan Almera

It looks like the Nissan Almera is finally given the praise it deserves. With AEB standard across all variants, Nissan has definitely shown how it prioritises safety with this decision. Its 1.0-litre turbocharged engine might be the smallest among the B-segment sedans but it is smooth.

2020 Toyota Hilux

The king of pick-up trucks received an update this year with a new facelift and Toyota Safety Sense ADAS suite on the top-of-the-line Hilux Rogue. Even with enhanced safety features, the Toyota Hilux still retains its utilitarian capabilities off-road.

2020 Perodua Myvi

In terms of updates, the infamous King didn’t receive a drastic facelift but instead, its enhancement lies in the addition of the A.S.A 2.0 ADAS suite. And a brand-new Electric Blue colour. Perodua is also generous enough to offer A.S.A 2.0 on the 1.3 X variant.

2020 Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 is one of the first new models launched in 2020 and while it looks like a jacked-up Mazda 3 Hatchback, we don’t really have an issue with that. After all, it was voted the most beautiful car in Japan. Even the inside feels just right, from the driving position to the premium feel.

There you have it; those are the 18 cars we have shortlisted. Now that you’ve read about them, it’s time to vote for your favourite at this link! The voting period will be from 18-December 2020 to 8-January 2021.