ROAD & TRAVEL Magazine Announces 2006 International Car of the Year Awards Winners

ROAD & TRAVEL Magazine (RTM) announced its
10th Annual International Car of the Year Awards (ICOTY) winners at a black
tie ceremony today. Held at the Detroit Marriott Hotel, RTM hosted more than
600 industry leaders and media on the eve of press week of the North American
International Auto Show.
A jury of 12 nationally-renowned automotive journalists selected the Top
10 automobiles with ballots tabulated by J.D. Power and Associates.

And the winners are:
* Car of the Year: Dodge Charger
* Truck of the Year: Hummer H3
* Pick Up Truck of the Year: "Most Athletic" Honda Ridgeline
* Sports Car of the Year: "Most Sex Appeal" Pontiac Solstice
* Sedan of the Year: "Most Dependable" Hyundai Sonata
* Luxury Car of the Year: "Most Respected" Mercedes-Benz CLS500
* Minivan of the Year: "Most Compatible" Honda Odyssey
* Entry Level Car of the Year: "Most Spirited" Audi A3
* Crossover of the Year: "Most Versatile" Dodge Magnum SRT8
* SUV of the Year: (Tie) "Most Resourceful" Ford Explorer and
Range Rover Sport

"The ICOTY awards focus on the emotional connection between car and
consumer; how vehicles reflect our lifestyles and self image, an attitude the
average consumer can identify with," says RTM Editor-In-Chief Courtney
Caldwell.
RTM also recognized veteran automotive journalist David E. Davis, Jr. with
its third annual Lifetime Achievement Award. Described as "the dean of
America's automotive critics" by Time Magazine, Davis is widely recognized as
the guru of the automobile industry. RTM also presented its second annual
HEART STRING Award for best car commercial in 2005 for the Nissan 350Z.
ICOTY sponsors included DaimlerChrysler Corporation, Detroit Marriott
Hotel, Shell Oil, Dolby Laboratories, Ford Motor Company, General Motors
Corporation, OnStar, Hyundai Motor America, Subaru of America, American
Suzuki, BMW NA, American Honda, Nissan NA, and U-Haul International. Media
sponsors included MSN Autos, Edmunds.com and Vehix.com.

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Can anyone tell me when the A3 was introduced and when its due for a facelift or replacement?

Thanks.

How bout that BMW avatar Mr. Mercedes

lets not rush thing hey?

Ok there ya go...doesnt really go with the nick though.

Audi A3 3 door --> - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Audi A3 Sportback --> - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

3 door A3 already had a minor facelift last year with the new Audi grill being used. No major facelift is planned for the future. The A3 is sceduled to be completely redesigned in 2009.

Starting from new A6 Allroad all new Audis will "loose" the plastic strip for the front licence plate.

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That change will be implemented in the A6 during a facelift but i 'm not certain if A3 will be affected too. Anyway that's just a minor thing.

Ok thanks Yannis.

good news for the CLS..most respected.. sure.. i can belive that..
but not here..ppl mention it in top 10 uglyiest car thread: