Our Vehicles Have Won Half of AJAC's Canadian Car of the Year Categories

Things are looking a little different at this year’s AJAC Canadian Car of the Year Awards. Despite the challenges of living and working through a global pandemic, nothing could stop Canadian automotive journalists turned jurors from choosing 2021’s category winners. 

With over 250 eligible vehicles to choose from including newly designed vehicles, recently refreshed rides, and cars carried over from last year, it was clear AJAC jurors had their work cut out for them. They put the pedal to the metal testing vehicles on the same roads and in the same conditions Canadian drivers face on a daily basis to determine which vehicles earned their esteemed  ‘Car of the Year’ honours. 

On February 20th, AJAC announced that winners across eight categories including cars, utility vehicles, and pickup trucks had been selected, and we at Centennial Auto Group are thrilled to reveal we’re taking home titles in half of the Canadian Car of the Year Awards categories! So let’s get down to business and see which of our models made the cut. 

Mazda3 - Best Midsize Car in Canada for 2021

After being crowned the overall winner of AJAC’s 2020 Canadian Car of the Year Awards, you shouldn’t be surprised to hear that the Mazda3 has taken the top spot in the Midsize Car category for the second consecutive year.  But you might be surprised to find out that this is the Mazda3’s thirteenth category or overall AJAC award since it was introduced. 

Of the win, David Klan, President & CEO, Mazda Canada, said “even with new and improved models being introduced all the time, the Mazda3 can stand the test of time thanks to it’s combination of award-winning design, premium craftsmanship, engaging driving dynamics, and long-term reliability.”

Kia K5 - Best Large Car in Canada for 2021

Hot off the heels of its recent debut, the Kia K5 is already making a splash among automotive journalists. Since its arrival in October of last year, the all-new K5 has already taken home an Edmund’s ‘Top Rated’ award, Motorweek’s ‘Drivers Choice Award,’ and made AutoTrader’s shortlist of ‘Best New Cars for 2021,’ to name a few. 

It’s safe to say the K5 has been an instant hit that’s here to stay. This newly released sedan packs top-notch tech into its sleek and sporty exterior, while keeping passenger safety and performance top of mind. 

Nissan Rogue - Best Midsize Utility Vehicle in Canada for 2021

Since 2012, the Rogue has established itself as the best-selling leader of Nissan’s Canadian lineup. This third-generation model has quickly become one of the most popular SUVs on PEI, and has already claimed a ‘Automotive Best Buy Award’ from Consumer Guide. We have a feeling it’s just getting started. 

Following the win, Steve Milette, president of Nissan Canada Inc., said "The all-new Nissan Rogue rose above the pack in a popular segment where the competition is fierce. This new generation of the Rogue meets consumers’ needs with its bold all‑new design, upscale interior, exceptional driving dynamics and an array of cutting‑edge safety technologies fitted as standard.”

Kia Telluride - Best Large Utility Vehicle in Canada for 2021 

Last but not least, the Kia Telluride has been named AJAC’s ‘Best Large Utility Vehicle’ for the second year running. The Telluride was a huge success during the 2020 automotive awards season, and we have no reason to expect 2021 will be any different. 

The Telluride offers luxury at bargain prices without skimping on space, safety, or any high-level tech features you’d expect from any other luxury SUV. Its’ undeniably upscale interior comes standard with three rows of seating, 600 litres of cargo space, and as much modern tech as you could possibly want. As one reviewer said, “this SUV is better than it needs to be.”

After earning their spots as category award winners, each of the above-mentioned vehicles is now eligible to take home AJAC’s top titles - ‘Canadian Car of the Year’ and ‘Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year.” Winners will be presented in March, so stay tuned to find out which models will be named this year’s champions!