Torque awarded trophies to the 10 “Best In Class” winners in the ST-Torque Awards 2016, including the coveted Straits Times Car Of The Year 2016 award, which was won by the Volvo S90.
For the sixth year running, Torque – a monthly motoring title published by SPH Magazines – has partnered with The Straits Times (ST) to select the best cars of the year, based on a robust voting system that sets the standard for automotive awards in Singapore.
The contenders were rated against their typical rivals based on nine criteria: performance, handling, ride, build quality, efficiency/ economy, ergonomics, styling, value for money and the X factor.
The awards ceremony was held in 1919 The Waterboat House, which serves contemporary European flavours in a historical setting. About 50 invited guests enjoyed a delicious four-course lunch with a delightful sea view.
There were 10 judges on the ST-Torque Awards 2016 panel, headed by Christopher Tan, senior transport correspondent at national newspaper The Straits Times, consulting editor at Torque magazine and Singapore’s foremost motoring journalist for the past 30 years.
The ST Car of the Year and the collaborative ST-Torque Awards are the country’s most authoritative editorial recognition of vehicular excellence.
Christopher Tan said: “It is fair to say the judges behind the awards all love cars. If nothing else, these annual accolades are a tribute to the cars which made their eyes spark a little brighter and their hearts beat a little faster in 2016.”
David Ting, editor of Torque, said: “Cars will get even better in the future and might not even need drivers, let alone testers. But until then, we’ve thoroughly tested these cars, which are now the ones to beat in their respective market segments. We congratulate the manufacturers and marketers of the latest batch of winning models.”
Sabrina Sng, general manager of Volvo, Wearnes Automotive, commented on the Straits Times Car of the Year 2016 award for the Volvo S90: “We are thrilled that the all- new S90 has clinched the prestigious Straits Times Car of the Year 2016 award. Winning this award, on top of many other global awards, is a testament to Volvo’s continued transformation as a luxury car brand and sets the tone for the future of all Volvo cars. The S90 has truly shaken up the premium sedan segment and now competes head-on with other competitors in the market.”
Commenting on the Audi RS3’s win for Best Hot Hatch, Lee Nian Tjoe, senior PR manager at Audi Singapore, said: “The arrival of the Audi RS3 Sportback in Singapore in 2016 also marked the debut of the Audi Sport brand in this country. Audi Sport represents the most thrilling cars we make and the RS3 Sportback certainly demonstrates what this means.”
Remarking on the BMW M2 Coupe being awarded Best 6-cylinder Coupe, BMW Asia’s managing director, Axel Pannes, said: “We are delighted that the M2 Coupé has won the Best 6-cylinder Coupé award. Today, the BMW M2 Coupé sets the benchmark for outstanding dynamics, unbeatable agility and optimal car control.”
Nicholas Wong, general manager of Kah Motor, had this to say about Honda’s two trophies: “We are pleased and happy to have the Civic winning the ST-Torque Award 2016 for Best Family Saloon and the Legend winning for Best 6-cylinder Hybrid. Both Honda models represent a charismatic design, premium sedan stance and best-in-class interior space with next-generation ride comfort.”
David Pang, executive director of Auto Germany, the official Opel agent in Singapore, said: “Awards are more than just titles – they are recognition for achieving excellence and setting benchmarks. We are extremely honoured to have won the ST-Torque Award 2016 for Best Family Hatchback. It’s going to be an exciting year for Opel and our customers.”
