Judging New England’s best winter vehicle

Published February 11, 2009 by Zane Merva

Filed Under: New Models

Over the weekend I had the chance, along with fellow New England Motor Press Association members, to drive some of the best winter capable vehicles on the market and vote for our favorite.

This is my third round of NEMPA winter vehicle judging. Despite the economic conditions, the quality of vehicles this year was outstanding. Josh and I arrived at John Lawlor’s (from NPR’s Car Talk) Automotion garage in Massachusetts around 10:30am in one of this year’s contenders- a 2009 Hummer H3T. With enough coffee, donuts, and food set out to put us into a coma- we started taking cars out for a spin.

Around 30 popular models were neatly parked outside the garage. Each had the keys in the ignition, waiting and ready to be tested. Automaker diversity was good. General Motors, Ford, Toyota, Nissan, Volkswagen, Suzuki, and Kia all send their best examples. We were surprised that Porsche, Volvo, and Mitsubishi were strangely absent despite having previously submitted vehicles for judging in the past. Bentley, who submitted a Continental GTC for judging last year was also a no-show.

The coveted title of “Winter Vehicle of the Year” will be announced in the next month. Last year Volvo’s XC70 took home the prize (but didn’t show this year). in 2007 the Ford Edge won the crown.

So who did Josh and I both happen to vote for? The new Subaru Forester.

My notable favorites

BMW X6 xDrive 50i: We enjoyed the X6 so much we stole the keys and drove it home at the end of the day.
Infiniti G37xS: A four door 370Z with all-wheel-drive. Need I say more?
VW’s Passat CC: Drop dead gorgeous interior
Toyota Venza: Nothing unexpected. A typical Toyota. Read our First Drive Report
Mercedes G500: Perhaps the highlight of the day. Our friend and Automobile Magazine Columnist, Ezra Dyer did something you’d never expect to a $100k+ SUV. We got some great behind the scenes photos to share when the story runs
Hummer H3T: A focus of an upcoming Road Test here at AutoInsane. If you can take the heat from other drivers, the H3T is the best Hummer yet.

Also check out:
Fried chicken, 30 cars, and an award [Boston.com]
NEMPA holds 2009 Winter Vehicle Awards judging [NEMPA.org]