CIMB Autoworld Car of the Year Awards 2010 judging nears conclusion
The judging team behind the inaugural CIMB Autoworld Car of the Year Awards 2010 is almost ready to deliver its verdict having already evaluated majority of the nominated cars since judging commenced in August 2010. Over 2,500km of roads have been covered as the team of twelve judges strived to ensure that each car was subject to highest standard of evaluation possible.
In their quest to give the respective cars a genuine test of their abilities, the judges have traversed the nation far and wide, having driven from the Klang Valley to destinations such as Malacca, Penang, Cameron Highlands, and most recently, Kuantan. For each test drive outing, the judges will get together and drive to a selected location in a convoy of six to seven cars, rotating drivers along the way to ensure everyone had sufficient time behind the wheel to give a fair verdict.
After spending nights in Malacca and Penang for the first and second sessions respectively, the judges continued their efforts with lunch trips to Cameron Highlands and Kuantan for the third and fourth sessions. To the judges’ credit, the reduced hours of working did not reduce their commitment as they continued to test every car thrown their way with unrelenting dedication.
Four cars were taken up to Cameron Highlands, with the Ford Ranger and Mazda CX-7 admirably mixing it with the Porsche duo Cayenne and Panamera. It was no stroll in the park, with Chief Judge and Autoworld.com.my editor Mr YS Khong plotting the lengthier scenic route passing by Bentong, Sungai Koyan, Lipis, and Gua Musang.
For their troubles, the judges were rewarded with a treat at the classy Smokehouse Restaurant before taking the more direct route home. As a side note, the scones served by Smokehouse proved to be a hit with the judges. An amusing sign was also spotted in the hotel bar, reminding us that the area is ‘No Swearing’.
A fortnight later, the team once again passed by Bentong, but this time en route to Kuantan, with the Mazda6, Suzuki Swift, RenaultSport Megane RS, Proton Exora, Hyundai Tucson 2.4, Nissan Navara and Toyota Corolla Altis in tow. Unable to resist the temptation, Chief Judge YS Khong took the judges off the Karak Highway and led them through a merry chase along the old KL-Bentong road.
The convoy’s schedule was briefly set back by construction works encountered when passing through Temerloh, but the test drive session once again went without a hitch. Throughout the journey, endless streams of laughter and chatter over the walkie-talkie channels highlighted the camaraderie built between the judges when putting the cars to the test.
As the year draws to a close, the CIMB Autoworld Car Awards 2010 is also set to arrive at a well-deserved conclusion. Before the eagerly anticipated awards dinner in January, the team of judges will work to evaluate the remaining cars in hopes of delivering their final verdict in time for the inaugural CIMB Autoworld Car of the Year Awards 2010.
