autoX Awards 2024 Winners Announced: Maruti Suzuki, BMW, Ferrari and More Bag Top Honours

autoX Awards 2024: Every year autoX picks the finest cars, motorcycles and scooters launched over the past 12 months, and tests them thoroughly to find out the winner. After comprehensive testing, 10 winners are selected — of which, eight receive the title of 'Best of 2024', while two are recognised for setting the fastest lap times thereby earning the titles of Performance Car of the Year and Performance Bike of the Year.  The evaluation process assesses factors such as quality, comfort, ride, handling, refinement, design, drivetrain performance, practicality, value for money, the elusive X-factor, and lap times on the test track. A panel of experienced road testers, with over 50 years of collective expertise, forms the jury. To maintain fairness, final scores are averaged to eliminate bias. The test track serves as the evaluation ground, chosen to push each vehicle to its limits. This setting reveals the true engineering brilliance or shortcomings of every contender.

Who Chooses the 'Best of 2024'?

The autoX Awards 2024 evaluations are conducted by a seasoned team of road testers with over 50 years of combined experience. Each vehicle is meticulously scored across multiple parameters, with final scores averaged to ensure a transparent and unbiased assessment.

autoX Editor-in-Chief and part-time racer Dhruv Behl sets lap times for the four-wheelers, while two-time JK 1,000cc motorcycle champion Simranjeet Singh, known as Simran King, clocks the two-wheelers.

The 2024 car jury comprises Dhruv Behl (Editor-in-Chief), Ishan Raghava (Managing Editor), Manav Sinha (Digital Editor), Shivank Bhatt (Assistant Editor), and Ashish Jha (Consultant). The motorcycle jury features Manav Sinha (Digital Editor), Shivank Bhatt (Assistant Editor), Karan Mathur (Multimedia Producer), Naveen Soni (Multimedia Producer), and Aakash S Paul (Special Correspondent).

The Testing Ground

This year’s mega-test takes place at Buddh International Circuit, one of the team’s favourite tracks. With 50 vehicles to test, the focus is on the 2.0-kilometre technical loop at the back of the circuit, avoiding the long straights where powerful machines would dominate. The aim is to assess chassis balance and composure at the limit.

autoX Awards Best of 2024 Winners:

Here are the ones that made the cut this year. These are the Best of 2024!  

Winners for autoX Awards Best of 2023: Performance

-Ferrari Roma (Total Points: 62.0)

The Ferrari Roma Spider embodies everything a modern Ferrari should be—blisteringly fast, impeccably crafted, and an absolute delight to drive. This isn’t the first Ferrari to clinch our ‘Performance Car of the Year’ title, and it’s easy to see why.

Under the hood, it boasts a 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine delivering an impressive 620bhp and 760Nm of torque. Paired with an advanced 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the Roma Spider combines exhilarating performance with refined drivability, reaffirming Ferrari's unmatched legacy of precision engineering and driving pleasure.

Also Read: autoX Awards 2024: Ferrari Roma Performance, Quality and Value for Money Ranked

-Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R (Total Points: 73.5)

The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4RR features a 399cc inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 39Nm of peak torque at 13,000rpm and 76bhp at 14,500rpm (without RAM air), with power increasing to 80bhp with RAM air. This liquid-cooled engine pairs with a 6-speed gearbox, complemented by a standard bi-directional quick-shifter and slipper clutch. As a middleweight contender, it excels in agility, usable power, and affordability. While offering impressive speed and drama, its standout trait, according to the jury, is its exceptional approachability for riders.

Also Read: autoX Awards 2024: Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R Performance, Quality and Value for Money Ranked

Best of 2024: 4W

-Maruti Suzuki Swift (Total Points: 63.0)

The Swift has always been more than just a practical vehicle; it's a hatchback known for its fun-to-drive nature. Loved for its character, it brings a smile to drivers when tackling corners and delivering that thrill. With the launch of the new-generation Swift, however, some concerns arose. Fitted with the new Z-Series 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine, would it still maintain its signature charm? The best way to find out was to take it for a spin on the track—and the verdict is a resounding yes.

Also Read: autoX Awards 2024: Maruti Suzuki Swift Performance, Quality and Value for Money Ranked

-Mahindra Thar Roxx (Total Points: 64.6)

The Mahindra Thar has always been known for its rugged off-road capability, but the new Thar Roxx, a five-door variant, adds versatility and style. With a refreshed design featuring C-shaped LED DRLs, a redesigned grille, and 19-inch alloys, it’s more than just tough. The Thar Roxx offers multiple powertrain options, including 2.0-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engines, both available in different tunes, paired with either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Also Read: autoX Awards 2024: Mahindra Thar Roxx Performance, Quality and Value for Money Ranked

-BYD Seal (Total Points: 64.8)

The design of the BYD Seal immediately stands out with its sleek, aerodynamic profile. It features a coupe-like all-glass roof, crystal LED headlamps with boomerang-shaped DRLs, flush door handles, diamond-cut alloy wheels, and full-width LED taillights. Powered by an 82.56kWh battery pack, it delivers an impressive 522bhp and 650Nm of torque, with a claimed range of 580km. Its AWD system enables a blistering 0-100 km/h time of just 3.8 seconds. In short, the BYD Seal offers a performance that's fast, fun, and exceptionally smooth, with seamless throttle transitions.

Also Read: autoX Awards 2024: BYD Seal Performance, Quality and Value for Money Ranked

-Hyundai Creta N Line (Total Points: 67.3)

Among the cars tested by our jury, the Hyundai Creta N-Line stands out as a top contender in the crowded mid-size SUV market, earning its acclaim for offering ample space, a wealth of features, excellent comfort, and a satisfying driving experience. Our test model featured the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, paired with a responsive 7-speed DCT. The N-Line variant is unique in offering a 6-speed manual transmission option with a turbocharged petrol engine. The power output remains impressive, with 160bhp and 250Nm of peak torque.

Also Read: autoX Awards 2024: Hyundai Creta N Line Performance, Quality and Value for Money Ranked

-MG Windsor EV (Total Points: 68.1)

The MG Windsor may not impress at first, but it grows on you with time. Initially seen as van-like by some jurors, its design becomes more appealing. Powered by a 38 kWh battery and a 134 bhp motor, performance is brisk, though road and tyre noise increase at higher speeds. What truly sets Windsor apart is its value-for-money, thanks to the battery-as-a-service option, offering exceptional value for first-time EV buyers without compromising on quality.

Also Read: autoX Awards 2024: MG Windsor EV Performance, Quality and Value for Money Ranked

Best of 2024: 2W

-Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 (Total Points: 74.4)

The Royal Enfield Himalayan impressed jurors both in the Spiti Valley and on the bustling streets of Delhi. Its classic design features a curvier fuel tank, giving it a big-bike presence, while the LED headlight and sleek blinkers enhance its modern appeal. Powered by the new Sherpa 450 engine, delivering 39.5bhp and 40Nm of torque, the updated Himalayan offers remarkable capability. In an off-road test against the pricier Ducati DesertX, the homegrown Himalayan proved it could hold its own, keeping pace with the Italian contender on multiple fronts.

Also Read: autoX Awards 2024: Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Performance, Quality and Value for Money Ranked

-BMW R 1300 GS (Total Points: 76.6)

The BMW R 1300 GS elevates the GS series to new heights. Powered by BMW’s most potent series-production boxer engine, it delivers 144bhp and 149Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed gearbox beneath the engine. The bike is now more agile and stable, even on the racetrack. The new Dynamic ESA suspension with variable damping technology sharpens handling, making the GS feel precise and responsive in corners. With these upgrades, the R 1300 GS is set to remain the leader in the ADV segment for years.

Also Read: autoX Awards 2024: BMW R 1300 GS Performance, Quality and Value for Money Ranked

-Aprilia RS 457 (Total Points: 81.1)

Aprilia has undoubtedly delivered a standout performance with the RS 457. From the moment the jury first saw it, the bike instantly captivated them. Its bold design, ideal sports bike proportions, vibrant paintwork, and flawless fit-and-finish make the RS 457 nearly faultless in terms of aesthetics. When its exhilarating parallel-twin engine comes to life, the bike’s true thrill begins.

Also Read: autoX Awards 2024: Aprilia RS 457 Performance, Quality and Value for Money Ranked

Powered by a 457cc parallel-twin engine with a 270-degree crank, it produces a sound reminiscent of a larger V-twin. Although it took Aprilia some time to launch their first made-in-India sports bike, according to the jury, the wait proved to be well worth it.