The long wait is finally over. After spending a total of eight test days under the sun, several weeks tallying score sheets, and countless sleepless nights in anticipation, it all boiled down to one special awards night as the Car Awards Group Inc. (CAGI) hailed a new a successor to the Car of the Year title last March 29, 2012 at the 8th Manila International Auto Show (MIAS). Selecting through a total of 36 nominees and 11 finalists, the Hyundai Elantra is now the 2011 - 2012 Car of the Year Philippines (COTY-P).

The Hyundai Elantra stood out not only amongst the vehicles in its class, but also above the rest of the entries for this year's COTY-P. It ranked high in the Qualitative tests, where it was scored based on criteria such as aesthetics, comfort, and drivability, and was one of the top performers in the Technical test that evaluated the acceleration, braking, and handling characteristics of each vehicle, while offering great value for money. Presenting the award to the Hyundai Elantra once again proves that the title of Car of the Year Philippines is not for the fastest, cheapest, or most popular car in the market. Rather, it is an award for the car that offers best value to the consumers.

Making history, this is the first time that a Korean automaker has won Car of the Year in Philippines, and is the Elantra's fourth Car of the Year worldwide, winning the same title previously in Canada, North America, and South Africa.

“The COTY-P award is well-deserved by the Hyundai Elantra and makes this the 4th COTY award received worldwide by the Elantra. The results are also a validation that CAGI's COTY testing procedures are internationally up to par,” remarked CAGI President Ferman Lao.

Aside from the prestigious Car of the Year title, there were also 11 category and special award winners recognized:

Best Subcompact Car - Kia Picanto 1.0 M/T
Best Subcompact Car - Suzuki Swift 1.4 A/T
Best Compact Car - Hyundai Elantra 1.8 GLS A/T
Best Crossover - Kia Sportage 2.0
Best Luxury Midsized Car - Volvo S60 T4
Best Luxury Compact Crossover - Mini Countryman S
Best Midsize SUV 4x2 - Mitsubishi Montero Sport 4x2 M/T
Best Midsize SUV 4x4 - Mitsubishi Montero Sport GT-V
Best Luxury SUV Ford Explorer 3.5 V6 Limited
Best Pick-Up 4x2 - Mitsubishi Strada 4x2 M/T
Best Pick-Up 4x4 - Mitsubishi Strada 4x4 A/T

Special Awards

Standard Insurance Worry-Free Awards - Chevrolet Cruze Diesel
BOSCH Technical Innovation Award - MyFord Touch with SYNC (Ford Explorer)
AAP Road Safety Award - Volvo S60
Papa J's Best Value Award - Kia Picanto 1.0 M/T
Caltex with Techron Enjoy the Journey Award - Nissan Teana 350 XV
Cartridge World iSwap iCare Award - Suzuki Swift 1.4 A/T
All Terra All Activity Vehicle Award - Toyota Hilux 3.0 G 4x4
Victoria Court Most Spacious Award - Foton MP-X 2.8 CRDi LWB
Red Rock Travel Most Affordable Car Award - Lifan LF320 M/T
Speedlab Tuner's Choice Award - Hyundai Elantra 1.6 M/T
Clark International Speedway Motorsports Award - Tuason Racing School and Ford Group Philippines

For eight years running, CAGI has recognized the best vehicles in the market, awarding the coveted title of Car of the Year Philippines (COTY-P) to the car with the best value for money for consumers. The COTY-P awards is an annual consumer-oriented event organized by CAGI, a non-stock, non-profit organization composed of more than 50 motoring journalists from various print, broadcast, and online media outlets.

The 2011 - 2012 COTY-P awards is presented by the Manila International Auto Show and is supported by the Clark International Speedway, SpeedLab, Caltex Techron, Standard Insurance, BOSCH, Worldbex, Ortigas Home Depot, Automotive Association of the Philippines, Cartridge World, Papa J's Witches n Wings, MG Madrid & Co., All Terra Cyclery,  Red Rock Travel, Life Line Ambulance Rescue, Winner Graphics, and Victoria Court with media partners Sunshine TV, Auto Extreme, Auto Review, Stoplight TV, Motoring Today, Auto Focus, 99.5RT, Jam 88.3, Wave 89.1, Kotse.com, Motioncars.com, Autoindustriya.com, Sprocket.ph, MotorCycle Magazine, Gadgets Magazine, Speed Magazine, C! Magazine, Power Wheels, Top Gear Philippines, Business World, Business Mirror, The Philippine Daily Inquirer, The Manila Standard Today, World News, The Philippine STAR, Daily Tribune, Malaya Business Insights, Manila Times, and The Manila Bulletin.