New York - Mazda's MX-5 roadster has beaten every other car launched in the last year to take top honours in the 2016 World Car of the Year awards.
Runners up in the competition, judged by 73 motoring journalists from the round the world, were the new Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC.
SO WHY DID THE MX-5 WIN?
The World Car Awards official statement praised its lightness and driver appeal:
"With the launch of its all-new MX-5, Mazda has thrown out the blueprint and gone back to basics - back to 1989 basics. Shorter, lower, wider and - most importantly - lighter, the new MX-5 comes with a choice of either 1.5 or 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engines and the promise of unparalleled 'Jinba ittai' - a term meaning oneness between car and driver. And yes, it's still one of the best driver's cars around."
Mazda especially pleased: only manufacturer to win Design & overall WCOTY for same car in same year. #WCOTY2016 #MX5 pic.twitter.com/5dtVW1bQjD
— World Car Awards (@WorldCarAwards) March 25, 2016
CATEGORY WINNERS
World Performance Car Award - Audi R8 Coupe
"Arguably, Audi's Le Mans-inspired R8 has been the most desirable, head-turning supercar of the decade. Yet despite its racing car heritage and cutting edge technology it's a surprisingly easy and manageable car to drive - fast or slow." -World Car jurors
World Luxury Car Award - BMW 7 Series
"This is the flagship model for the Bavarian car maker, and so it simply has to be the epitome of what the brand represents in terms of technology, design and performance. And the new 7 Series certainly delivers. It is very much the new face of BMW in the new family design - and yet it is a classic BMW all at once." -World Car jurors
World Car Design Award - Mazda MX-5
"Our design team has pushed the boundaries of what people thought possible with our KODO - Soul of Motion language." -Masahiro Moro, Mazda CEO, North America
World Green Car Award - Toyota Mirai
"Just as Prius changed the world nearly 20 years ago, the hydrogen-powered Mirai is ready to make history. With a range of over 300 miles per tank (480km), a refuelling time of under five minutes, and emissions that consist only of water vapour, Mirai is leading the world forward toward a more sustainable future." -Bill Fay, Toyota VP.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
2015 - Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2014 - Audi A3
2013 - Volkswagen Golf
2012 - Volkswagen Up
2011 - Nissan Leaf
2010 - Volkswagen Polo
2009 - Volkswagen Golf
2008 - Mazda2
2007 - Lexus LS460