Announcing the Overall Winners of OneShift Car Of The Year 2024

We announced the Category Winners as well as Segment Outperformers last week. Now is the time to announce the Overall Winners!

Overall Car Of The Year 2024 and Overall EV Of The Year 2024: Denza D9

Of the 76 cars that were fielded for Car Of The Year (COTY) 2024, more than half of them were full-electric vehicles.

Thus, it goes without saying that the most competitive categories were among EVs. That the all-electric Denza D9 scored a hat-trick this year, clinching a total of 3 awards - Luxury EV MPV Of The Year 2024, Overall EV Of The Year 2024 and Overall Car Of The Year 2024 - is nothing short of impressive.

Denza was just introduced to Singapore in the second half of this year. Virtually a new entrant, Denza emphatically didn’t come to the scene as a greenhorn. With a bonanza of a launch, the D9 already secured hundreds of orders even before customers saw the car in person.

The D9 easily captured the top prize in its Luxury EV category as it literally has very few competitors in this space, at least until contenders like the Zeekr 009 and XPENG X9 come round to our hands for a test drive.

Even against those, the D9 offers better bang for buck with its starting price of just under S$300k. Its luxury easily benchmarks the long-established German stalwarts like Mercedes-Benz (coincidentally, Denza was once co-owned by the Stuttgart-based manufacturer), while its refinement is close to super-luxury levels. Think Bentley or Mercedes-Maybach. We do not say this lightly or with any jest.

With its double-glazed windows and incredible sound insulation, the D9 is the standard bearer of quietness even among quiet EVs. At least until the legal speed limit in Singapore, all you’re hearing is the ventilation or massaging functions from the seats. Or the rich sound from the incredible 14-speaker Dynaudio sound system.

Yet you get very respectable power, especially from the 369 bhp AWD version which does 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds - hot hatch pace from not too long ago. The 103.36 kWh LFP Blade battery which BYD produces itself is safe, clever and efficient - giving a maximum range of up to 520 km in the FWD version. It can be charged up via AC at 11 kW or DC at 166 kW. BYD’s highly integrated production value chain for its EVs, that brings cost and product efficiencies, earns the D9 its Overall EV winner badge.

Furthermore, the D9 has all of the luxury you could wish for, like a built-in refrigerator (or heater), captain seats, pull-out tables, soft nappa leather and an Alcantara-lined headliner. Whether you are driving or enjoying the car as a passenger, the D9 can’t help but to impress.

Best of all, Denza has thought of the long-term ownership aspect as well. In addition to a 6 year / 150,000 km vehicle warranty, there are two industry firsts: a 10 year / 200,000km battery warranty and 10 years / 200,000km of free servicing thrown in. With such aftersales support, it is practically stress-free to own the D9.

In these days of increasing pressure from highly inflated prices and rising cost of living, the D9 is dishing out proper luxury for less - a winning combination for the times.

Overall Hybrid Of The Year 2024: Toyota Camry Hybrid

Among the hybrids, the Toyota Camry Hybrid brings familiarity to the table while incorporating Lexus-style luxury. By applying incremental - but very critical - enhancements, the Camry Hybrid the riposte to the new world that old-school can be world-class too.

There’s no need to reach for the options list because well, there isn't one. Everything is thrown into the Camry Hybrid as standard, including a 9-speaker JBL sound system, head-up display, ventilated genuine leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, a centre control panel for rear passengers and electrically reclinable rear seats. There is literally everything you wish for in the Camry Hybrid.

Yet it is now even more efficient than ever before. Those who still worry about charging will appreciate the self-charging nature of the Camry Hybrid, which can now easily hit more than 20 km/l thanks to more frequent coasting with the engine off. But when you need the power, the Camry Hybrid’s 227 bhp is more than enough for effortless progress and overtaking.

And then there is the pleasant yet modern looks, as well as the exceptionally good ride quality. I think it is nearly impossible to get angry behind the wheel of the Camry Hybrid. It is just too relaxing and calming.

Among its hybrid competitors, Toyota’s tried-and-tested hybrid system is still the most reliable and perhaps one of the most efficient ones around too. If you value something to tide you through for the next decade, the Camry Hybrid will be your faithful companion - and that’s why it clinches Overall Hybrid Of The Year.

Overall ICE Car Of The Year 2024: Skoda Kodiaq

Lastly, the standout among ICE vehicles is the Skoda Kodiaq. Initially, we were extremely impressed with the Volkswagen Tiguan, and it was a close fight. But it was the more utilitarian Kodiaq that clinched the Premium ICE SUV Of The Year award for its exceptional value and tasteful updates that gave it more identity and distinctiveness.

Its horizontal light stripe on the front grille makes the Kodiaq an unmistakable sight at night, while its chunky and blocky looks are tough and gruff compared to the more sedate Tiguan. Despite that, the aerodynamic efficiency of the Kodiaq is impressive, with a Cd value of just 0.282.

All of that squarishness translates to a roomy interior that gives even more legroom and headroom to the second and third rows (+15 mm headroom) compared to its predecessor. Now, even with the third row used, there is still a usable 340-litres of boot space. The previous Kodiaq was more suitable as an occasional 7-seater; the latest generation’s 7 seats can be used all day long without compromising on boot space.

Then there are also the little Skoda details that set the Kodiaq apart. Like the customisable Smart Dials on the centre console, or the screen cleaner that comes standard that wards off fingerprints. Even the wireless phone charging compartment is cooled to prevent overheating phones.

The Kodiaq has a more efficient and punchy 1.5-litre turbo, which is in its full Cat B state of tune with 150 PS and 250 Nm. This feels altogether more lively than the Cat A Tiguan, and given the close prices of both categories it makes sense to go for the more powerful Kodiaq. Paired with the 7-speed DSG, the Kodiaq does 0-100 km/h in 9.9 seconds - but in reality, it feels a lot faster than that with a groundswell of torque to draw from. This tried-and-tested ICE drivetrain from the VW Group still stands the test of time for its responsiveness and efficiency. For that, the Kodiaq gets its Overall ICE Car Of The Year award.

A well-judged 7-seater ride with a potent drivetrain, the Kodiaq is a perfect start for any family.

Photos by James Wong

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