Subaru Impreza Named Japan Car of the Year

Fuji Heavy Industries Inc.’s Subaru Impreza hatchback/sedan has been named the Japan Car of the Year by a panel of 59 journalists.

The redesigned Impreza beat the Toyota Prius hybrid car by a score of 420 to 371 to win the award. Audi’s A4 small car finished third overall and was named Import Car of the Year, edging out the Volvo XC90 by four votes.

The Impreza’s new global platform will underpin nearly all Subaru models over the next decade. The carmaker last won Japan’s Car of the Year title in 2003 with the larger Legacy sedan.

Vehicles are judged on a combination of performance, styling and technical features. Jurors award 10 points to their top selection and can allot another 15 points among three other vehicles.

The Nissan Serena captured the Innovation Award for its Propilot driver-assist, hands-free sliding door system and seating technology. Other award winners were the Daihatsu Move Canbus (Small Mobility), BMW M2 (Emotional) and the Honda NSX, which received the “Special Award” for its V-6 twin-turbo hybrid powertrain.