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
