The winner for this category was the Toyota Mirai. The judges were looking for environmental responsibility, that's to say tailpipe emissions and fuel efficiency among other things. That's why the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCV) Mirai took first place - zero emissions yet 153 bhp and 335 Nm.
To reach first place, the Mirai was up against its own sibling, the facelifted Toyota Hybrid, and foreign rival Chevrolet Volt. Previous winners for this category have included the BMW i8 (2015), BMW i3 (2014), Tesla Model S (2013), Mercedes S250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY (2012), Chevrolet Volt (2011), Volkswagen's BlueMotion (which was available on the Polo, Golf and Passat) (2010), Honda FCX Clarity (2009), BMW 118d EfficientDynamics (2008), Mercedes E320 BlueTEC (2007) and Honda Civic Hybrid (2006).
World Luxury Car Award
Taking the gold medal this year was the BMW 7 Series which received its upgrade in the autumn of 2015. Starting from a little under £65,000, it comes as standard with a smartkey, a 10.25-inch infotainment display, LED headlights and four-zone climate control.
The Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90 were its competitors for first place. Previous winners only include the Mercedes S-Class Coupé (2015) and Mercedes S-Class Saloon (2014), as that's when the award was introduced.
World Performance Car Award
With an all-new look, the Audi R8 Coupé wowed supercar fans. It also wowed the judges at this year's WCOTY Awards, more so than the Honda Civc Type-R and Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coupé which it was up against. For £110,000, 533 bhp is yours, but step up to £135,000 and get the full 602 bhp of the V10 plus model. Power comes from a 5.2-litre naturally-aspirated V10 engine and quattro all-wheel-drive.
Former winners of this award include the Mercedes-AMG GT (2015), Porsche 911 GTE (2014), Porsche Boxter/Cayman (2013), Porsche 911 (2012), Ferrari 458 Italia (2011), Audi R8 V10 (2010), Nissan GT-R (2009), Audi R8 (2008), Audi RS 4 (2007) and Porsche Cayman S (2006). So there we have it - Audi's R8 is no stranger to the World Performance Car Award!
World Car Design of the Year
In with a chance of winning were the Jaguar XE and Mazda CX-3, but the Mazda MX-5 took it away from them. According to the judges, Mazda's MX-5 has a design that's "exciting, distinct and fresh".
It was the shocking Citroën C4 Cactus that won the award in 2015, with the BMW i3 in 2014. Following these are the Jaguar F-Type (2013), Range Rover Evoque (2012), Aston Martin Rapide (2011), Chevrolet Camaro (2010), Fiat 500 (2009), Audi R8 (2008), Audi TT (2007) and Citroën C4 (2006).
World Car of the Year Award
Lastly, the 2016 overall winner. Yet again, it's the Mazda MX-5. Competitively priced and substantially under £20,000, this roadster delivers all the driving thrills anyone could ask for, which helps it take the highest position above the Audi A4 Saloon and Avant, and Mercedes GLC.
A long list of previous winners includes the Mercedes C-Class (2015), Audi A3 (2014), VW Golf (2013), VW up! (2012), Nissan LEAF (2011), VW Polo (2010), VW Golf (2009), Mazda2 (2008), Lexus LS 460 (2007), BMW 3 Series (2006) and Audi A6 (2005).
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