Honda on top

HONDA has topped the latest JD Power survey, winning four awards.

The American market research group has released its latest survey, called the JD Power Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) study, which was based on 92,000 responses.

The survey measured the satisfaction of new car owners, taking into account their impressions of ride and handling, engine and transmission, comfort and convenience, with awards given to the top-ranked models in 19 vehicle segments.

Honda took out awards for the best mid-sized SUV with the CR-V, best people mover with the Odyessey and best mid-sized pick-up with the Ridgeline, while its Jazz (sold as Fit in the US) shared the award for the best sub-compact car with the Toyota Yaris.

Mercedes finished with three trophies including the best mid-sized premium model won by the E-class, the best large premium car won by the S-class and the best large premium SUV won by the GL, tied with the Cadillac Escalade.

BMW matched its arch-rival with three pieces of silverware, including the awards for best premium sportscar with the 6 Series, best premium entry car with the 3 Series and best mid-sized premium SUV with the X5.

Ford cars won two awards. The Ford Edge finished at the top of the class in the mid-sized SUV category and the Mustang edged out the competition in the mid-sized sporty car field.

Volkswagen also took home two trophies, one for best compact with the Jetta and the other for best compact sportscar with the Golf GTI.

Nissan won awards for best mid-sized model with the Maxima (sold as the Altima in the US) and best large SUV with the Armada.

Hyundai won the award for the best large model with the Grandeur (sold as Azera in the US), the Porsche Cayman was voted best compact premium sportscar and the GMC Sierra won the award for best large pick-up.