Mazda takes home the most awards from the AJAC

By CRM staff

Toronto, Ontario — January 21, 2019 — Mazda swept away the most awards from the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), bringing them one step closer to winning the ultimate title of Canadian Car of the Year and Canadian Utility of the Year.

Among Mazda and Kia, some of the other OEMs that took home awards were Chrysler, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Hyundai and Ford.

Nearly 70 AJAC members selected vehicles they thought were the best in Canada in each of the 12 categories spanning from cars to utility vehicles to pick-up trucks.

These winners were selected from across 55 entries, including last year’s category winners and this year’s next-generation or significantly updated vehicles.

AJAC journalists, based across the country from Vancouver to Halifax, drove the vehicles for more than six months on the very same roads and in the same conditions experienced daily by Canadian drivers from coast-to-coast.

“Our journalist members are among the most discerning and objective automotive reviewers anywhere, and not one of them takes the duty of selecting these award winners lightly,” said Mark Richardson, president of AJAC. “Canadians can look to this list with confidence, knowing that each vehicle has been chosen as being a standout in its segment by experts who understand the unique challenges of daily driving in this country.”

All 12 of these vehicles now qualify to be named 2019 Canadian Car of the Year or 2019 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year. These awards will be presented as part of the opening ceremonies for the Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto on February 14, 2019.

2019 Canadian Car of the Year and 2019 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year Category Winners:

Best Small Car in Canada for 2019:
Kia Forte

Best Large Car in Canada for 2019:
Kia Stinger

Best Mid-Size Premium Car in Canada for 2019:
Mercedes-Benz E 400 4MATIC

Best Large Premium Car in Canada for 2019:
Volvo V90 R-Design

Best Sports-Performance Car in Canada for 2019:
Mazda MX-5

Best Small Utility in Canada for 2019:
Hyundai Kona

Best Mid-Size Utility in Canada for 2019:
Mazda CX-5

Best Large Utility in Canada for 2019:
Mazda CX-9

Best Mid-Size Premium Utility in Canada for 2019:
Infiniti QX50

Best Pick-up Truck in Canada for 2019:
Ford F150 Diesel

Best EV in Canada for 2019:
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid