In this line of work, we’re blessed with the opportunity to experience a variety of cars. With more cars under the belt, comes a set of subconscious expectations we have for newer cars.

But every now and then, there are still cars that go beyond our expectations in terms of driving experience, features or even price. So, here are the top 5 cars from our Car of the Year awards that exceeded our expectations.

1. 2020 Nissan Almera

The 2020 Nissan Almera surprised us in two aspects. First up, the 1.0-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine. Refinement of the engine is decent considering the architecture, but what’s impressive is the fuel consumption - we averaged a figure of 5.8-litre/100 km after two trials of fuel consumption test. To put things in context, the Perodua Axia returned 6.5-litre/100 km.

Next, the sound insulation. At 110 km/h, the Nissan Almera averaged 68 dB, making it the quietest B-segment sedan we’ve tested so far. In comparison, the Toyota Vios managed 69 dB while the 2020 Honda City did 70 dB at 110 km/h.

2. 2020 Toyota RAV4

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 is the first Toyota in Malaysia to feature the much-talked-about Dynamic Force engine. The 2.5-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine with direct injection is happy to rev all the way to the redline. The 8-speed transmission is a gem too, it feels direct while shifts are smooth and crisp.

Rivals like the Honda CR-V and Volkswagen Tiguan are great all-rounders, but we do have our niggles for each car. The CR-V’s suspension doesn’t deal well with undulations at high speed and its cabin is on the noisier side, the Tiguan lacks ADAS and ride quality is jarring at times.

The Toyota RAV4 has no such issues, making it the all-rounder. Now, if only it were more obtainable… 

3. 2020 Volkswagen Passat R-Line

When we tested the Volkswagen Passat Elegance, we concluded that it’s a competent D-segment sedan, but there were one or two criticisms pulling it back from greatness. There was the apparent tyre roar at high speed, the powertrain hesitancy in normal mode, and of course the lack of ADAS.

The recently introduced Volkswagen Passat R-Line appears to have quelled two of the former complaints. Tyre noise is subjectively less apparent, which is likely due to the change in tyres.

Even on 19-inch wheels, ride quality is top-notch on the adaptive dampers (DCC). With the mode selection, there are 3 settings for the powertrain and as long as “Eco” is not selected, the hesitancy is minimized.

We weren’t expecting such a noticeable difference from the additional features in the R-Line variant. It just brings out the best in the Volkswagen Passat. 

4. 2020 Honda Accord

If there’s a car that fulfills all criteria of what makes a great D-segment sedan, it’s the 2020 Honda Accord. As an overall package, it just exceeded our expectations, scoring the highest so far in our Ratings test. Comfort? Check. Space? Check. Safety? Check. Power? Check.

The only aspect it falls short compared to its rivals is driving engagement. But that’s only because rivals like the Toyota Camry and Mazda 6 put a little more emphasis on driving. The Honda Accord is a smooth cruiser that tackles bends in a graceful manner. Competent and elegant, but not so much on enthusiasm.

Then again, the Honda Accord is a D-segment sedan and at the risk of sounding like a broken record, its purpose is to be relaxing to drive with a comfortable and spacious interior. All of which are the Honda Accord’s forte.

5. Mitsubishi Xpander

The Mitsubishi Xpander may be late to the B-segment MPV game but as the saying goes, “better late than never.” What surprised us was how it blew the competition away in terms of ride and handling balance.

Ride is supple over broken surfaces, and yet the Mitsubishi Xpander holds its own pretty well when the road becomes tricky. Also, cabin insulation is the best among its closest rivals like the Honda BR-V and Toyota Rush/Perodua Aruz. We recorded an average of 68 dB at 110 km/h, which is D-segment levels of quietness.

Plus, there are tons of storage spaces, with 18 cupholders no less and plenty of compartments. Also, space in the third row is the largest among its rivals due to the longer wheelbase. If only the safety equipment level were more comprehensive, the Mitsubishi Xpander would be the ideal people carrier.

So there we have it, the 5 cars that surprised us. It's a great reminder to not hold any preconcieved notion towards a particular brand or model, whether it's because of past experience or merely perception. Always keep an open mind and you might just be pleasantly surprised.