Our old mates at EVO feel it’s important to reward cars that have brought something special to motorists in the GCC. So here, for your viewing pleasure, we present their Middle East Cars of the Year 2011. These are the cars that have won their hearts and minds over the past year, across a variety of genres. The boys have debated long and hard over these choices, disagreed with each other, shouted and sulked before arriving at the final decisions you see here.

Sports Saloon of the Year: 
BMW M5

“What can we say about the new M5 that hasn’t already been said? The latest generation of an iconic series of big Bavarian bruisers is thoroughly deserving of the coveted M badge. It might not be as flat-our brutal as its predecessors, but the F10 mixes long-range cruisability with supreme handling and epic power. Still the sports saloon daddy.”

Hot Hatch of the Year: 
Volkswagen Golf R

“It hides its light under a bushel, does the Golf R. To the uninitiated, it’s just another hatchback, but underneath the familiar German bodywork lurks a mini-Nissan GT-R. With more than 250bhp and four wheel drive, the Golf R banishes memories of the slightly anodyne R32 with crisp steering, incredible traction and amazing grip. It’s an absolute riot both on road and track.”

Small Car of the Year: 
Audi A1

“We’ve been admirers of Audis for years, but we rarely find them lovable. They tend to be extremely well made and worthy, but not really designed to get the adrenaline flowing. But the Audi A1 is different. With its quirky design, colourful interior and nippy handling, it brings the legendary Audi quality to the supermini sector and finally offers a serious challenge to the MINI. Now we’re rubbing our hands in anticipation of an S1 and maybe even a hardcore RS1. John Cooper Works, beware.”

Convertible of the Year: BMW 650i Convertible

“Our first taste of the new 6 Series convertible was on the launch in South Africa, and we were concerned that the incredible scenery might have influenced our view of the car. But no such worries. At home or abroad, the 650i is fast and accomplished, all the while putting the wind in your hair. Refined, tech-filled and luxurious, it uses its twin-blown V8 to whisk you along at a lick, changing direction superbly for its size. But it’s at its best at a cruise, top down, along a coastal road. In that setting, there’s little better.”

Big saloon of the Year: Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG

“We approached the new-generation CLS with an air of suspicion. It doesn’t have the radical, oft-copied looks of its predecessor and we feared it would be a watered down experience. But on driving it, we changed our minds with AMG-like speed. It’s a monster of a car with a kind and gentle side, capable of wafting you in comfort to a business meeting before being encouraged into glorious long slides to the accompaniment of an epic V8 soundtrack. It mixes pin-sharp handling with a pin-striped suit and we love it.”

Muscle Car of the Year: Chevrolet Camaro 
Convertible

“We were big fans of the Camaro Coupe when it was released. That stance, that swagger. That history and heritage. Oh, and that big V8 under the bonnet of the SS model. Now it’s available without a roof, which means there’s nothing between you and that glorious, multicylindrical woof. In fact, shouldn’t all muscle cars be convertible? All the better for really soaking up that muscle car feel. And burning off other cars at the lights.”

4×4 of the Year: 
Toyota Land Cruiser Xtreme

“We’ll make this clear at the start – the Xtreme hasn’t won this award for its on-road prowess. No, it’s actually not that great on the tarmac. Big wheels, soft suspension and a high centre of gravity do not a sharp drive make. But take it into its natural habitat, in the dunes or on rocks, and it’s awesome. The Land Cruiser is already one of the most involving of the current breed of SUVs, and the extra capablity offered by Arctic Trucks’ beefier conversion make it King of the Desert.”

Sports Car of the Year: Nissan GT-R

“Stop your complaints, we know the GT-R isn’t new for 2011. But our 2009 car of the year has had a very sizeable overhaul, which we reckon qualifies it. A thorough engine remap meant power from the mighty twin-turbo V6 rose from 478bhp to 520bhp, while torque was beefed up from 434lb ft to 451 while the suspension got stiffer. The result? An even more efficient supercar killer, at a fraction of the price.”

Supercar of the Year: McLaren MP4-12C

“Much has been made of the arrival of the MP4-12C challenging the incredible Ferrari 458 Italia; one of the most exciting cars of 2010. And McLaren Automotive has produced a simply awesome piece of kit. The MP4-12C is faster, more powerful and more impressive than the Ferrari in almost all areas. It might not quite have the emotional pull of the Italian car, but that an independent car maker can create a machine of this calibre at the first attempt is very, very exciting indeed.”

Premium SUV of the Year: Land Rover Evoque

“Well, it was always going to be, wasn’t it? We’ve been anxious for the LRX concept to make it to reality for years, and hoping against hope that it would drive as well as it looks. And now it’s here, and it does, matching those stunning visuals with hot-hatch like performance and handling. It’s set to be the must-have car of 2012, and it thoroughly deserves to be.”

Concept Car of the Year: Jaguar C-X16

“There have been plenty of exciting concepts in 2011, and special mention must go to the likes of the rear-wheel drive Kia GT and Land Rover’s controversial DC100. But Jaguar wins with what looks like the foundations of an epic mid-size sportscar. Ignore any PR coyness; Jaguar will build this car, and we expect a serious rival for Porsche’s Cayman. The concept is so cool, even the badge is wearing sunglasses.”

Luxury Car of the Year: Bentley Mulsanne

“One could make a case for Bentley losing a bit of the exclusivity it once had. The Continental GT has been such a hit that it’s in danger of becoming common. But one glance at the Mulsanne pretty much disproves that theory. This is opulence and luxury, but with a class sometimes lacking among rivals. Hand crafted beauty inside and out mix with effortless power and grace. Get a Mulsanne, and you know you’ve arrived.”

Project of the Year: Nissan Juke-R

“We love the concept of the Juke-R so much that we decided to create a new award in its honour. The Project of the Year award recognises a determination to bring a new vehicle to life in spite of adversity. And putting the drivetrain from the Nissan GT-R into a diminutive little compact SUV certainly qualifies. Full marks to Nissan Europe and RML who brought this monster to life. Now, can we drive it please?”

EVO Middle East