In the second-closest finish yet in our ST-Torque Awards, which were inaugurated in 2010 as Singapore’s most prestigious accolades in the motor trade, Lexus’ LC500 luxury coupe pipped the Peugeot 3008 by just two points in the scorebook and parked at the top of the podium for ST Car of the Year (COTY) 2017. In respectable third position is the Volvo XC60.
The closest finish in the history of our ST-Torque Awards was in the 2014 edition, where BMW’s i3 electric hatchback edged out the Mercedes-Benz S-Class limousine by just one point.
Lexus’ 2017 COTY victory is also a triumph for Japan, because the LC is the first Japanese car to win since 2010.
Of the past seven winners, four are German (Porsche in 2011, Volkswagen in 2013, BMWs in 2014 and 2015), two are British (Jaguar in 2010 and Land Rover in 2011), and one is Swedish (Volvo in 2016). The 5-litre Lexus LC500 is also the first 8-cylinder winner since 2010’s Jaguar XJ, which came with a V8 engine option.
The ST-Torque Awards panel of 12 judges congratulates Lexus and Borneo Motors on the LC500 being Straits Times Car of the Year 2017 – please enjoy the trophy.
ST-TORQUE AWARDS 2017 SCOREBOARD
Lexus LC500 – 336 points
Peugeot 3008 – 334 points
Volvo XC60 – 331 points
Porsche Panamera – 320 points
Audi Q2 – 296 points
Renault Grand Scenic – 294 points
Mazda CX-9 – 278 points
Volkswagen Tiguan – 267 points
Renault Megane Sedan – 258 points
STRAITS TIMES CAR OF THE YEAR – PAST WINNERS
2016: Volvo S90
2015: BMW i8
2014: BMW i3
2013: Volkswagen Golf
2012: Porsche 911
2011: Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
2010: Jaguar XJ
Related story: Straits Times Car of the Year 2017 – analysis of the results
Related story: Lexus LC500 shows its wild side
