Hyundai Grand Starex wins top prize at People's Choice Awards

The public's heart belongs to the Hyundai Grand Starex, results of the 2009 Auto Focus People's Choice Awards show.

The Hyundai Grand Starex earned the Automobile of the Year title with more than 23,000 voters rooting for the Korean-made full-size family van. Public voting was done by sending in printed ballots in Top Gear Philippines and Philippine Star, through SMS via Magic 89.9 FM radio, and online via the Auto Focus website.

Here is the complete result of the 2009 Auto Focus People's Choice Awards:

Subcompact sedan

Honda City (winner)
Hyundai i10 (runner-up)

Compact sedan

Honda Civic (winner)
Mitsubishi Lancer (runner-up)

Midsize sedan

Toyota Camry (winner)
Honda Accord (runner-up)

Large sedan

Porsche Panamera (winner)
Lexus LS460 (runner-up)

Sports car

Hyundai Genesis (winner)
Subaru Impreza WRX (runner-up)

Asian utility vehicle

Isuzu Crosswind (winner)
Toyota Innova (runner-up)

Minivan

Kia Carens (winner)
Toyota Previa (runner-up)

Fullsize van

Hyundai Grand Starex (winner)
Kia Carnival (runner-up)

Pickup truck

Mitsubishi Strada (winner)
Toyota Hilux (runner-up)

Compact sport utility vehicle (SUV)

Hyundai Tucson (winner)
Honda CR-V (runner-up)

Midsize SUV

Mitsubishi Montero Sport (winner)
Hyundai Santa Fe (runner-up)

Large SUV

Porsche Cayenne (winner)
Isuzu Alterra (runner-up)

Auto Focus also gave special awards to the top media choices for various categories.

Best on-board entertainment setup - Isuzu Alterra

Most functional passenger cabin - Honda Jazz

Most comfortable ride - Lexus LS400

Best safety features - Volvo XC60

Most fuel-efficient - Honda Jazz (gas), Ford Focus TDCi (diesel)

Best bang for buck (or best value for money) - Mitsubishi Montero Sport and Hyundai i10

Best engine performance - Subaru Impreza WRX STi

Best handling - Subaru Impreza WRX STi

Best design - Audi R8