Ward's Auto selects 40 finalists for Interior of the Year award
03-30-2010, 11:17 AM
#1
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Ward's Auto selects 40 finalists for Interior of the Year award
Most everyone is familiar with the Ward's Auto 10 Best Engines award where BMW, Audi and Ford took several honors for 2010, but a less prominent, though perhaps more eye-catching, award given by the magazine is the Ward's Interior of the Year awards.
The award recipients are chosen through a process that examines all new vehicles for the given model year. For 2010, Ward's had 40 vehicles, considered finalists meeting the requirements. Vehicles are placed in several different classes and judged based upon interior ergonomics, quality and feel of materials, comfort, fit and finish and overall value.
The winners in each class will be announced in mid-April, but you can continue after the jump to view the list of competitors in each class. It could be argued that many of the vehicles are deserving, but only one per class will be selected. The Buick Regal interior pictured above caught our eye, but tell us your own in the comments below.
[Source: Ward's Auto - Sub. Req.]
The award recipients are chosen through a process that examines all new vehicles for the given model year. For 2010, Ward's had 40 vehicles, considered finalists meeting the requirements. Vehicles are placed in several different classes and judged based upon interior ergonomics, quality and feel of materials, comfort, fit and finish and overall value.
The winners in each class will be announced in mid-April, but you can continue after the jump to view the list of competitors in each class. It could be argued that many of the vehicles are deserving, but only one per class will be selected. The Buick Regal interior pictured above caught our eye, but tell us your own in the comments below.
[Source: Ward's Auto - Sub. Req.]
WARD'S 2010 INTERIOR OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
<!--begin list--> POPULAR-PRICED CARS (-$29,999)
Buick Regal
Dodge Caliber
Hyundai Sonata
Kia Forte
Mazda3
Subaru Outback
Suzuki Kizashi
Volkswagen Golf
<!--end list--> <!--begin list-->PREMIUM-PRICED CARS (no cap)
BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo
Buick LaCrosse
Ford Taurus SHO
Infiniti M56
Lexus IS 250C
Nissan Maxima
Porsche Panamera
Mercedes E350 coupe
<!--end list--> <!--begin list-->
HYBRID-ELECTRIC VEHICLES (no cap)
Honda Insight
Lexus HS 250H
Nissan Altima Hybrid
Toyota Prius
<!--end list--> <!--begin list-->
SPORTS CARS (no cap)
Chevrolet Camaro
Hyundai Genesis coupe
Mazdaspeed3
Nissan Z roadster
<!--end list--> <!--begin list-->
POPULAR-PRICED TRUCKS (-$39,999)
Chevrolet Equinox
Honda Accord Crosstour
Hyundai Tucson
Jeep Patriot
Kia Sorento
Ram Heavy Duty pickup
Toyota 4Runner
<!--end list--> <!--begin list-->
PREMIUM-PRICED TRUCKS (no cap)
Acura ZDX
Audi Q5
Cadillac SRX
Land Rover LR4
Lexus GX 460
Lincoln MKT
Mazda CX-9
Volvo XC60
Toyota Sienna
<!--begin list--> POPULAR-PRICED CARS (-$29,999)
Buick Regal
Dodge Caliber
Hyundai Sonata
Kia Forte
Mazda3
Subaru Outback
Suzuki Kizashi
Volkswagen Golf
<!--end list--> <!--begin list-->PREMIUM-PRICED CARS (no cap)
BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo
Buick LaCrosse
Ford Taurus SHO
Infiniti M56
Lexus IS 250C
Nissan Maxima
Porsche Panamera
Mercedes E350 coupe
<!--end list--> <!--begin list-->
HYBRID-ELECTRIC VEHICLES (no cap)
Honda Insight
Lexus HS 250H
Nissan Altima Hybrid
Toyota Prius
<!--end list--> <!--begin list-->
SPORTS CARS (no cap)
Chevrolet Camaro
Hyundai Genesis coupe
Mazdaspeed3
Nissan Z roadster
<!--end list--> <!--begin list-->
POPULAR-PRICED TRUCKS (-$39,999)
Chevrolet Equinox
Honda Accord Crosstour
Hyundai Tucson
Jeep Patriot
Kia Sorento
Ram Heavy Duty pickup
Toyota 4Runner
<!--end list--> <!--begin list-->
PREMIUM-PRICED TRUCKS (no cap)
Acura ZDX
Audi Q5
Cadillac SRX
Land Rover LR4
Lexus GX 460
Lincoln MKT
Mazda CX-9
Volvo XC60
Toyota Sienna
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03-30-2010, 01:34 PM
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03-30-2010, 03:09 PM
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The pilot is based on Honda's light truck platform which has very little in common with the accord mid-size platform. The Pilot, Odyssey, MDX and Ridgeline are all cousins.
03-30-2010, 03:41 PM
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03-31-2010, 09:57 AM
#20
Yeah, pretty surprising that the TL isn't on the list. Not really a fan of the car, but that interior is light-years ahead of the competitions.
The Dodge Caliber though? Really? Should Dodge be on any "...of the year" awards?
The Dodge Caliber though? Really? Should Dodge be on any "...of the year" awards?
03-31-2010, 12:32 PM
#22
Senior Moderator
If the ZDX doesn't win an interior award, I'll assume the competition is fixed.
It may be funny-looking outside, but that interior is
Acura needs to give its interior designers a RAISE, stat!
It may be funny-looking outside, but that interior is
Acura needs to give its interior designers a RAISE, stat!
03-31-2010, 01:38 PM
#23
I drive a Subata.
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ZDX interior looks gorgeous.
03-31-2010, 02:57 PM
#25
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I'm surprised no SL or S/CL Class. E350 is one interior I'm not so hot on.
I hardly think the Buick Jack-off aka LaCrosse should be in the same category as the 5 Series.
I hardly think the Buick Jack-off aka LaCrosse should be in the same category as the 5 Series.
03-31-2010, 04:29 PM
#26
Someday, an RS6 Avant+
And here's a quick one of the Caliber:
The Buick is an Opel design, and looks nice:
The GM is light years ahead of the Dodge, but we'll see what Fiat does in the next 3 years.
The Buick is an Opel design, and looks nice:
The GM is light years ahead of the Dodge, but we'll see what Fiat does in the next 3 years.
03-31-2010, 06:26 PM
#27
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I have sat in a ZDX and I would say that it is certainly deserving. It is beautifully layed out.
I can't believe they picked the Gen Coupe over the Z. The Camaro does have a nice interior when fully equipped but winning...? I don't know.
I can't believe they picked the Gen Coupe over the Z. The Camaro does have a nice interior when fully equipped but winning...? I don't know.
04-02-2010, 01:12 AM
#32
'10 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
The Maxima does have a nice interior, but they use orange lights for all the buttons and it really iritates your eyes driving at night especially if you haven't slept much.
Caddilac is not on there which is a bit of a shocker as well.
Also the MS3 has a nice interior, albeit no leather seats.
Caddilac is not on there which is a bit of a shocker as well.
Also the MS3 has a nice interior, albeit no leather seats.
04-02-2010, 10:36 AM
#34
2010 TL AWD 6MT: New King
04-12-2010, 05:58 PM
#36
Safety Car
Winners
SOUTHFIELD, Mich., April 12 -- Ward's Auto Interior of the Year Awards, North America's only honors for excellence in automotive interiors, have been announced for 2010. The list features winners in pricing and vehicle type categories, as well as special award winners for design, versatility and brand expression.
The 2010 Ward's Auto Interior of the Year winners are:
-- Subaru Outback (Popular-priced car under $29,999)
-- Infiniti M56 (Premium-priced car)
-- Lexus HS 250h (Hybrid car)
-- Chevrolet Camaro (Sports car)
-- Chevrolet Equinox (Popular-priced truck under $39,999)
-- Volvo XC60 (Premium-priced truck)
-- Acura ZDX (Design Breakthrough)
-- Mazdaspeed3 (Brand Expression)
-- BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo (Design Versatility)
-- Porsche Panamera (Inspired Design)
A team of eight Ward's editors evaluated 40 vehicles that have either all-new or significantly upgraded interiors this year. The vehicles - both car and truck - were divided into segments, with one winner named in each category. In addition, Ward's bestowed special awards for outstanding achievements in key areas. Having both designations allowed judges to rank vehicles against the entire field, regardless of segment and price. Judging criteria included aesthetics and design harmony, comfort, driver information, ergonomics, fit and finish, materials, safety and overall value.
The awards will be presented during a ceremony held as part of the Ward's Auto Interiors Conference on May 19 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Dearborn, MI. Registration details can be found online at www.autointeriors.com.
About Ward's Automotive Group
Ward's Automotive Group is a world-leading provider of auto industry news, data and analysis, having served the industry's information needs for nearly 80 years. Ward's AutoWorld is a monthly magazine serving more than 68,000 automotive professionals. The twice-monthly newsletter Ward's Engine & Vehicle Technology Update provides analysis of engineering advancements and technical issues. WardsAuto.com is an online subscription service delivering virtually all the industry news, data and analysis compiled by Ward's Automotive Group, the world's leader in automotive industry information. A Southfield, MI - based division of Penton Media, Inc., Ward's Automotive Group also publishes the weekly industry newsletter Ward's Automotive Reports, the monthly magazine Ward's Dealer Business, and offers a wealth of other automotive information services including reference annuals, online databases, and customized data reports.
About Penton Media, Inc.
As a leading, independent, business-to-business media company, Penton knows business and how to create and disseminate the vital content that moves markets. Penton serves the information needs of more than six million business professionals every month in industries ranging from Agriculture and Aviation to Electronics, Natural Products, and Information Technology. With the majority of the company's properties ranked the #1 or #2 information source for their respective industries, Penton is where professionals turn to gain the critical insight, expert analysis, and relevant connections needed to compete and succeed. Headquartered in New York City, the privately held company is owned by MidOcean Partners and U.S. Equity Partners II, an investment fund sponsored by Wasserstein & Co., LP, and its co-investors. For additional information on the company and its businesses, visit www.penton.com.
Ward's Automotive Group is a world-leading provider of auto industry news, data and analysis, having served the industry's information needs for nearly 80 years. Ward's AutoWorld is a monthly magazine serving more than 68,000 automotive professionals. The twice-monthly newsletter Ward's Engine & Vehicle Technology Update provides analysis of engineering advancements and technical issues. WardsAuto.com is an online subscription service delivering virtually all the industry news, data and analysis compiled by Ward's Automotive Group, the world's leader in automotive industry information. A Southfield, MI - based division of Penton Media, Inc., Ward's Automotive Group also publishes the weekly industry newsletter Ward's Automotive Reports, the monthly magazine Ward's Dealer Business, and offers a wealth of other automotive information services including reference annuals, online databases, and customized data reports.
About Penton Media, Inc.
As a leading, independent, business-to-business media company, Penton knows business and how to create and disseminate the vital content that moves markets. Penton serves the information needs of more than six million business professionals every month in industries ranging from Agriculture and Aviation to Electronics, Natural Products, and Information Technology. With the majority of the company's properties ranked the #1 or #2 information source for their respective industries, Penton is where professionals turn to gain the critical insight, expert analysis, and relevant connections needed to compete and succeed. Headquartered in New York City, the privately held company is owned by MidOcean Partners and U.S. Equity Partners II, an investment fund sponsored by Wasserstein & Co., LP, and its co-investors. For additional information on the company and its businesses, visit www.penton.com.
04-12-2010, 06:06 PM
#37
Camaro interior won? 
I'm a Camaro guy and I admit my 4th gen's interior has crappy materials and quality (not that it matters too much to me) but the 5th gen interior is UGLY
I'm a Camaro guy and I admit my 4th gen's interior has crappy materials and quality (not that it matters too much to me) but the 5th gen interior is UGLY
04-12-2010, 06:08 PM
#38
I didn't find the ZDX's interior to be very good. The design is neat, but the materials were lacking for a car in that price range.
The leather stitching was nice, but the fake metal is just getting too cliched with Acuras. And I would let it alone if it weren't for the fact that the trunk area looks pretty damn good with the use of real metal accents back there. What were they thinking??
The leather stitching was nice, but the fake metal is just getting too cliched with Acuras. And I would let it alone if it weren't for the fact that the trunk area looks pretty damn good with the use of real metal accents back there. What were they thinking??
04-12-2010, 06:19 PM
#39
The sizzle in the Steak
How is the ZDX a "design breakthrough"?
It's nice, but it's no breakthrough design.
It's nice, but it's no breakthrough design.
04-12-2010, 07:10 PM
#40
Senior Moderator
Indeed, I got to sit in a ZDX at the NY Auto Show and while I did find it a little nicer than my MDX, I also wouldn't consider it a design breakthrough.