Photo: WWCOTY
The 2024 Women's World Car of the Year winners have just been announced, and to no one's surprise, the gold medal bearers are mostly high-riders, with only one traditional car finding its way to the podium.
Consisting of 75 women motoring journalists from 52 countries on five continents, the jurors had to gradually narrow the list from 62 candidates to only five, one in each respective category. These include Family Car, Large Car, SUV, Exclusive Car, and 4x4 & Pick-Up. To qualify for the award, each vehicle had to be on sale on at least two continents from January 1 to December 31, 2023.
The 2024 Women's World Car of the Year road will come to an end on March 8, when the jurors will announce the big winner chosen from the models above. So, which one do you think deserves it?
Best Family Car – Volvo EX30
Praised for its comfort and roominess, as well as the build quality and safety equipment, the Volvo EX30 is the 2024 Women's World Car of the Year winner in the Family Car category. It is the brand's smallest and quickest model yet, offers up to 422 horsepower (428 ps/315 kW), does 0-60 mph (0-97 kph) in three and a half seconds, and kicks off from just under $35,000 in the United States before destination. This model has an EPA-estimated driving range of 265 miles (426 km) in the most agile flavor.Best Large Car – BMW 5 Series
Unveiled last year, the new generation BMW 5 Series won the Best Large Car category. It is the only traditional model to drive home with the golden medal in this year's Women's World Car awards. The model comes in two body styles, sedan, and wagon, featuring multiple powertrain options and, for the first time ever, a battery-electric variant that was christened the i5. Both the 5 Series and i5 are on sale in our market in the four-door body style, carrying respective starting prices of $57,900 and $66,800.Best SUV – Kia EV9
Said to stand out due to its "innovative design", as well as the "high technology," the Kia EV9 is the big winner in this category. It also won the North American Utility Vehicle of the Year award and comes in five trim levels stateside. The Light RWD is the most affordable version, starting at $54,900, and the GT-Line AWD is the priceiest at $73,900, before destination and dealer fees.Best 4x4 & Pick-Up – Volkswagen Amarok
Sharing its platform with the Ford Ranger and Everest, the second-generation Volkswagen Amarok has convinced the jurors that it deserves to sit on the top step of the podium in this category. The German company's pickup was praised for its "radical change," with the panel mentioning its improved interior comfort and equipment, as well as the five engines available in global markets.Best Exclusive Car – Aston Martin DB12
The second low-slung model after BMW's 5er to drive home with a gold medal is the Aston Martin DB12. The GT, which is arguably one of the best-looking machines in its class, packs a Mercedes-sourced 4.0L bi-turbo V8 that pushes out 671 hp (680 ps/500 kW) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque. It takes only 3.6 seconds to 62 mph (100 kph) and can keep pushing up to 202 mph (325 kph).The 2024 Women's World Car of the Year road will come to an end on March 8, when the jurors will announce the big winner chosen from the models above. So, which one do you think deserves it?
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