USA - The Hyundai Elantra has been named, as a winner, in the inaugural Wards 10 Best User Experiences list.

• Model Recognized for its Aesthetic, Ergonomic and Design Aspects 

The 2017 Hyundai Elantra was named to the inaugural Wards 10 Best User Experiences (UX) list. The Elantra is recognized as a value leader in this year’s competition for its user-friendliness and sophistication.

“We are honored the Elantra is included in the Wards 10 Best User Experiences list among the likes of luxury models,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president, corporate and product planning, Hyundai Motor America. 

“The Elantra was designed with advanced technology and premium convenience to bring our customers an exceptional user-friendly driving experience at a great price.”

The 2016 Wards 10 Best UX competition was created as a spin-off of 10 Best Interiors. Wards 10 Best UX drills deeply into the user-friendliness of vehicle systems designed to minimize distraction and frustration, prevent accidents and improve safety. 

Points are awarded based on a vehicle’s performance in the areas of connectivity, intuitive controls, displays, navigation/maps, materials, infotainment and driver-assistance systems. Are there any “surprise and delight” elements to the user experience? 

Finally, there is no price cap, but a vehicle’s overall value is considered as well. Wards Auto editors evaluated 29 all-new or significantly redesigned light vehicles available in the U.S. Only 10 vehicles were honored for delivering outstanding user experiences.

The all-new 2017 Elantra truly advances ahead of the compact car class with innovative technology that enhances driver confidence and convenience, without the premium price. The Elantra enhances the driver experience with available all-new Dynamic Bending Light and Smart Cruise Control technology. 

All Elantras come standard with iPhone®/USB and auxiliary input jacks and SiriusXM® satellite radio. New for 2017, the Elantra features two advanced infotainment systems beyond the base audio system that perfectly cater to the digitally connected—an available 7.0-inch Display Audio touchscreen system with rearview camera and Hyundai’s next-generation 8.0-inch navigation system. 

Both multimedia systems are equipped with Apple® CarPlay and Android® Auto support for seamless and intuitive operation of the most commonly used smartphone functions including app-based navigation, streaming audio, voice-controlled search capabilities, plus any approved smartphone apps. Since smartphone integration requires a wired connection to the vehicle, Elantra provides an available second USB port for charging—the first application on a Hyundai vehicle. 

The 2017 Elantra also offers the next-generation Hyundai Blue Link system with enhanced safety, service and infotainment telematics.

USA - WardsAuto has named the 2016 Lexus RX SUV to the 1st-ever Wards 10 Best User Experience 2017 list.

WardsAuto today announced that the all-new, fourth-generation 2016 Lexus RX has been named to its first-ever “Ward’s 10 Best User Experiences” list. 

Twenty eight vehicles were evaluated by the publication’s trusted and experienced editors on their routine daily commutes, with points awarded for easy smartphone integration, user-friendly and intuitive controls, advanced intelligent driver assistance technology, and the usage of appealing interior materials as part of the overall user experience.

“Lexus has a knack for designing quiet, comfortable vehicles, and we see the new RX as a calm connection to an otherwise busy world,” said WardsAuto Senior Editor Tom Murphy. 

“That means trouble-free smartphone pairing, an outstanding color head-up display, detailed maps and multiple ways to access menus and information, including an ergonomic palm-rest and joystick that, once learned and adjusted for a driver’s preference, becomes second nature. 

The connection to the outside world comes in another important way, as all-speed radar cruise control is excellent, bringing the RX to a complete stop behind a lead vehicle. The RX makes the outside world a lot less scary.”

The 2016 RX is the latest generation of Lexus’ best-selling vehicle and continues to be the midsize luxury CUV that defined its segment when it was launched nearly 18 years ago. 

The Lexus RX has proven itself to be immensely popular with those needing the flexibility of a sport-utility vehicle combined with the driving comfort of a luxury sedan, all wrapped in an attractive, elegant package.

“At Lexus, we drive ourselves to make every aspect of owning our cars and SUVs a rewarding experience,” said Jeff Bracken, group vice president and general manager, Lexus. “

To have the RX honored as having one of the best overall ‘user experiences’ in the market by the respected editors at WardsAuto means a great deal to our team, who spent countless hours ensuring that every part of the vehicle, inside and out, would delight our customers.”  

Lexus launched in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since that time, Lexus has expanded its line-up to meet the needs of global luxury customers. 

Lexus is now going beyond its reputation for high quality vehicles with the integration of innovative technology, emotional exterior and interior designs, and engaging driving dynamics and performance.  With six models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. 

Lexus also offers seven F SPORT models and two F performance models.  In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 236 dealers who are committed to exemplary customer service.

The 2016 Lexus RX has earned a spot among the 2016 Wards 10 Best Interiors awards

Today, Ward’s announced that the all-new 2016 Lexus RX has earned a spot on its highly regarded annual “10 Best Interiors” list. To be eligible for the list, vehicles must have interiors that are all-new or significantly redesigned for the U.S. market, and are evaluated on materials, ergonomics, safety, comfort, value and fit-and-finish

“Open the door to the new RX, slide into the driver’s seat and the reasons for its dominance among luxury utility vehicles are evident in the impeccable fit-and-finish, the satin brushed-aluminum trim, the form-fitting seats and the richly finished Espresso Walnut wood that curves gently up from the center console toward the glovebox,” said WardsAuto Senior Editor Tom Murphy. 

“But the RX is much more than a luxury experience, never seeming to forget its utilitarian purpose. Second-row seats are spacious and comfortable, and they fold nearly flat, exposing a massive cargo hold to accommodate at least a dozen flats of gardenias for hauling home from the nursery.”

The 2016 RX is the latest generation of the best-selling midsize luxury CUV that defined its segment when it was launched, and continues to be Lexus’ No.1 seller. 

From its inception, the Lexus RX has proved immensely popular with those needing the flexibility of a sport-utility vehicle combined with the driving comfort of a luxury sedan, all wrapped in an attractive, elegant package.

“Since the RX was first introduced nearly 18 years ago, it has been the leader in its segment,“ said Jeff Bracken, group vice president and general manager, Lexus. “Now in its fourth generation, we’re extremely honored to have the 2016 RX’s interior recognized by the experts at Ward’s. 

The team who worked on this all-new iteration put a tremendous amount of effort into keeping its luxurious character intact while maintaining a balance of functionality and comfort. This award recognizes their amazing attention to detail, which can be seen in every facet of the interior.”      

The 2016 Nissan Maxima has earned a spot among the 2016 Wards 10 Best Interiors awards

WardsAuto today named the all-new 2016 Nissan Maxima as one of its "10 Best Interiors" for 2016. The Maxima features a bold new exterior design and a premium-crafted interior anchored by a command central fighter jet-inspired driver's cockpit that rivals luxury vehicles.

Maxima was chosen among a field of 47 nominees with all-new or significantly improved cabins, including 15 sedans. 

Also included among the "10 Best" nominees were the freshened Nissan Altima and all-new Nissan TITAN full-size pickup. The Maxima will be honored at the WardsAuto Interiors Conference on May 11 in Detroit.

Now in its eighth generation, the flagship Maxima sedan was noted by the editors of WardsAuto for being the ideal front-wheel-drive sport sedan with a warm, inviting interior that competes with significantly more expensive vehicles from luxury brands.

"This interior makes a brilliant first impression," said WardsAuto Senior Editor Tom Murphy. "The Maxima exhibits expert craftsmanship and reminds us once again why it serves as Nissan's flagship. We love the black-and-camel color scheme, two-tone flat-bottom steering wheel, 'Liquid Chrome' metallic trim and Alcantara diamond-quilted seating surfaces. Nissan took some chances with the Maxima interior, but the rewards are evident."

Eight WardsAuto editors selected the "10 Best Interiors" after spending February and March evaluating the vehicles and scoring each based on materials, ergonomics, driver information, safety, comfort, fit-and-finish and aesthetics. There is no price cap for the competition, though value remains an important judging criterion. This is the sixth year that the "10 Best Interiors" awards have been given. The new Nissan Murano was named to the list in 2015.

"WardsAuto editors have said that the line continues to blur between luxury and mainstream brands in terms of premium materials, connectivity, driver-assistance and infotainment systems – and the new Maxima certainly fits that positioning," said Michael Bunce, vice president, Product Planning, Nissan North America, Inc. "Nissan products are developed in a global collaboration and so was the new Maxima. We are especially proud that Nissan Design America and Nissan Technical Center North America played significant roles in that process. This strongly validates that here in North America we can design, develop and manufacture highly competitive world-class products with global appeal, as recognized by WardsAuto."

The all-new Volvo XC90 has earned a spot among the 2016 Wards 10 Best Interiors awards

The all-new Volvo XC90 has earned a spot among the 2016 Wards 10 Best Interiors awards, which recognizes new or significantly improved passenger vehicle interiors. The Volvo XC90’s interior is designed to make occupants feel better when they arrive at their destination than they did when they set out. 

Natural materials such as Nappa leather and open pore wood skillfully highlighted by faceted rotary controls and polished trim provide a clean, crisp, calming environment worthy of any modern Scandinavian home.

“The XC90 interior arguably makes the most dramatic styling statement in this year’s competition, leveraging a uniquely Scandinavian-sensibility,” said WardsAuto Senior Editor Tom Murphy. “From the diagonal grain of the Linear Walnut wood inlays and Oreffors crystal gear shifter to the user-friendly tablet-shaped display screen and gleaming brightwork, the XC90’s cabin is a credit to all things Swedish.”

“The interior of the all-new XC90 sets new standards for the segment, if not the industry,” said Robin Page, Head of Interior Design at Volvo Car Group. “I am proud of the many talented Volvo designers and engineers who executed flawlessly to create something XC90 drivers can be deeply proud of.”

Eight editors at WardsAuto, a leading trade publication for the global automotive industry, selected the XC90’s interior after evaluating 47 vehicles -- including 18 utility vehicles -- for interior materials, ergonomics, driver information, safety, comfort, fit-and-finish and aesthetics.

Page will accept the trophy at the Wards Interiors Conference May 11 in the Grand Riverview Ballroom at Detroit’s Cobo Center. He will also be a keynote speaker.

The All-New cadillac XT5 Sports utility Vehicle has been named one of WardAuto's best Interiors for 2016.

FLAWLESS FIT-AND-FINISH PRAISED

The 2017 Cadillac XT5 crossover today was named to the 2016 Wards 10 Best Interiors list from WardsAuto. The first-ever XT5 was noted for its “first-rate materials” and integration of advanced technology, like the award-winning Rear Camera Mirror.

Cadillac debuted a new interior design on the XT5, emphasizing space and craftsmanship. It features expanded use of authentic materials and decorative trim options, best exemplified on the top-level XT5 Platinum Edition. The new XT5 begins production this month.

Cadillac Executive Director of Global Design Andrew Smith will be speaking at the WardsAuto Interiors Conference in Detroit on May 11. 

According to WardsAuto, the award criteria is as follows:

• Eight WardsAuto editors selected the winners after spending February and March evaluating all 47 interiors. To be eligible, an interior must be all-new or significantly redesigned.
• Each vehicle is scored based on aesthetics and design harmony, as well as materials, ergonomics, safety, comfort, value and fit-and-finish. Editors also test the user-friendliness of the human-machine interface to see how effectively vehicle information is communicated.

The Volkswagen Touran MPV takes a "Best-In-Class" award from the Euro NCAP 2015 assessment programme.

• Touran wins in 'Compact MPV' category
• Affirmation of the popular family car's comprehensive safety concept

The New Touran has been acclaimed by the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) as the best compact MPV. The Touran is thus one of the most crash-resistant vehicles of 2015.

The latest generation of the popular family MPV passed the demanding series of Euro NCAP crash tests in September and gained the highest rating of five stars. The rating takes account of the results from four sub-sections: occupant protection for children and adults, pedestrian protection and driver assistance systems.

The NCAP test specifications were toughened in 2015. The introduction in particular of an additional head-on collision of the entire front of the vehicle into a solid obstacle saw increased significance placed on occupant safety. The Touran showed itself to be well equipped to cope: thanks to its optimised vehicle body structure and standard systems such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with countersteer assistance, including ABS and Automatic Post-Collision Braking, it is one of Europe’s safest cars.

The Pre-Crash proactive occupant protection system also plays a special role. It activates ahead of any crash in order to minimise its severity by taking preventative measures. In addition to automatic tautening of the safety belts, the system recognises if the vehicle is in danger of skidding and automatically closes the windows and sliding sunroof. The best possible support of the head and side airbags is thus guaranteed.

Euro NCAP publishes a list of the top-ranking vehicles each year. In 2015, a total of 40 models from a range of manufacturers were subjected to the demanding series of NCAP tests.