Toyota RAV4 wins 2019-2020 Japan Car of the Year

Toyota RAV4 wins 2019-2020 Japan Car of the Year

The fifth-generation Toyota RAV4 has been named Japan Car of the Year 2019-2020, marking the first time the carmaker won the award since the Prius took the top prize back in 2009-2010. The RAV4 triumphed by scoring a total of 436 points, beating out the Mazda 3 in second place (328 points) as well as the BMW 3 Series in third (290 points).

According to JCOTY, the RAV4 impressed as it “responded to all needs at a high level,” and was available in three types of all-wheel drive systems. Other positives include the enjoyment and comfort that came with the TNGA platform used, pricing, luggage space and the Japan-exclusive data communication module.

The RAV4 is the 40th vehicle to win the coveted JCOTY title, with past winners being the Volvo XC40 (2018-2019), XC60 (2017-2018), Subaru Impreza (2016-2017), Mazda Roadster/MX-5 (2015-2016), Mazda Demio/2 (2014-2015) and Volkswagen Golf (2013-2014).

Further down the list, the Toyota Corolla took the fourth post (118 points), and is followed by the Jaguar I-Pace (109 points), Jeep Wrangler (56 points), Honda N-WGN (54 points), Mercedes-Benz A-Class (53 points), Nissan Days/Mitsubishi eK (35 points) and finally, the Daihatsu Tanto (21 points).

Special awards were also given out to the Jeep Wrangler, which took the Emotional Award for its robust on- and off-road capabilities, while the Nissan Skyline secured the Innovation Award for its ProPilot 2.0 “hands-off” semi-autonomous driving system.

Meanwhile, the Small Mobility Award went to the Mitsubishi eK and Nissan Dayz, thanks to the kei cars’ improved manoeuvrability, safety and driving support systems. The jurors were also receptive to the models’ high level of comfort, effective utilisation of space, and unique styling.

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Gerard Lye

Originating from the corporate world with a background in finance and economics, Gerard’s strong love for cars led him to take the plunge into the automotive media industry. It was only then did he realise that there are more things to a car than just horsepower count.

 

Comments

  • Chavez on Dec 09, 2019 at 10:36 am

    Japan needed to regain their honour after their kemaluan besar last year when a China foreign car (XC40) won in their homeland. They had to make sure this time, an equally excellent foreign car have no chance of winning so they re-rigged the scoring system and now kept the new 3Series far far away from having chance of winning. Congrats Japan you did it again, now I would like to see the World COTY car for a really worthy winner.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 18 Thumb down 26
    • Celup King on Dec 09, 2019 at 12:12 pm

      When Proton succeeds, Jap fanbois bashed Proton.
      When Japan succeeds, Jap fanbois jizz themselves like one below.
      Bodoh kan these Jap fanbois? Somemore on a car never to be sold here officially. Even Jap brands feel geli for their marque cars to be covered with fanboi jizzes, so they prefer not to sell them here.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 2
  • Stanley Sinnapa on Dec 09, 2019 at 10:46 am

    This is why people in Malaysia buy Toyota. It is high quality and has won so many awards.

    China car, has won ZERO awards. I think Malaysians prefer cars that have been recognised globally. Many in Malaysia now rather pay a bit more to have a car that has permission to be sold in 200 over countries.

    China car is not allowed to be sold in any first world country. You cannot see it in US, Europe, Japan.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 25
    • Toyota RAV4 too underrated here, not many Otr.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 8
    • Proton oh Proton on Dec 09, 2019 at 11:26 am

      Don’t expect Japan quality in Malaysia…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 15
    • China car won their last year’s award. What say you now?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 8
      • Volvo is not a chinese brand lmao. their cars are still 100% made by the swedes

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
        • Logical Deduction on Dec 09, 2019 at 11:32 pm

          Basher logic says Proton is half owned by Geely hence they are now a Chinese brand, ergo Volvo Cars which is 100% owned by Geely is thus a Chinese brand, hence XC40 qualifies to be termed a China car if follow basher logic.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
    • Really Jaguh Kampung, haha!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
  • Rulered on Dec 09, 2019 at 1:08 pm

    Will UMW bring RAV4 to Malaysia?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
    • If Japan can still sell their lousy cars here and maximise profits, why would they allow UMW to bring it in?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 2
    • altimi on Dec 09, 2019 at 9:12 pm

      Malaysians prefer Rush & Fortuner over rav4 or chr

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • Panashe on Dec 10, 2019 at 4:32 am

    Amazing

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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