Japan Car of the Year 2007/2008

The second generation of the  Honda Fit is the winner of the 2007/2008 Japan Car of the Year (JCOTY) Award, making it the second time this model has won the coveted title; the first generation won in 2001. This is the tenth time Honda has won a JCOTY title since the event began in 1980.

In this year’s event, 55 new models introduced in the Japanese market made it to the finalists’ list and the Top Ten, in alphabetical order, were as follow:

1.Daihatsu Mira
2.Honda Fit
3.Mazda Demio
4.Mercedes-Benz C-Class
5.Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X
6.Nissan Skyline/Skyline Coupe
7.Peugeot 207 (and variants)
8.Subaru Impreza/WRX STI
9. Toyota Mark X Zeo
10.Volkswagen Golf GT TSI

As in previous years, the JCOTY committee also selected four of the finalists for special awards (2006/2007 recipients shown in brackets):

Most Advanced Technology: Volkswagen Golf GT TSI (Mitsubishi i-car)

Best Import Car: Mercedes-Benz C-Class (Citroen C6)

Best Value: Daihatsu Mira (Honda Stream)

Most Fun: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X (Audi TT Coupe)

VW Golf GT TSI and its advanced 1.4-litre engine

Daihatsu Mira	Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

PAST JAPAN CAR OF THE YEAR WINNERS:
1980/1981: Mazda 323 Familia
1981/1982: Toyota Soarer
1982/1983: Mazda 626 Capella
1983/1984: Honda Civic
1984/1985: Toyota MR2
1985/1986: Honda Accord
1986/1987: Nissan Pulsar
1987/1988: Mitsubishi Galant
1988/1989: Nissan Silvia SX
1989/1990: Toyota Celsior
1990/1991: Mitsubishi Galant
1991/1992: Honda Civic
1992/1993: Nissan March
1993/1994: Honda Accord
1994/1995: Mitsubishi FTO
1995/1996: Honda Civic
1996/1997: Mitsubishi Galant
1997/1998: Toyota Prius
1998/1999: Toyota Altezza
1999/2000: Toyota Vitz
2000/2001: Honda Civic
2001/2002: Honda Fit
2002/2003: Honda Accord
2003/2004: Subaru Legacy
2004/2005: Honda Legend
2005/2006: Mazda MX5
2006/2007: Lexus LS460