Getting the “Car of the Year” tag is a big deal for car manufacturers everywhere. But the associated prestige of being the chosen one multiplies, when it comes to the 2012 Active Lifestyle Vehicle Awards. The awards have already been announced with the Audi A7 and the Jeep Grand Cherokee winning from the luxury car sector. The Audi A7 received honors for being the “Best Luxury On Road” vehicle. Meanwhile, the Jeep Grand Cherokee took home the prize in the “Best Luxury Off Road” section. Both cars have proved that they have what it takes to win accolades in the luxury arena. But the value becomes greater when you consider that the people sitting on the judging panel at the Active Lifestyle Vehicle Awards are automotive journalists and top athletes.
In fact, the Active Lifestyle Vehicle Award is the only one of its kind to boast of a judging panel with this kind of a composition. The idea is to connect the people who make the cars with the ultimate consumer who will drive these vehicles. Each panel features 10 judges to assess various cars on a number of parameters. These include design, engine power, fuel efficiency and cargo capability. For the 2012 edition, 32 cars made the cut and were judged across seven categories – Luxury On Road, Luxury Off Road, Urban, Best Value On Road, Best Value Off Road, Green ALV and Family.
While the Audi A7 and the Jeep Grand Cherokee swept the luxury categories, Mazda 5 was adjudged the best “Urban” car, Subaru Impreza came up trumps for “Best Value On Road” and Jeep Wrangler for “Best Value Off Road”. The Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen TDI was named the best “Green ALV” and another Audi vehicle, the Audi Q7 TDI won in the “Family” category.
