Hyundai’s sixth generation Elantra has been named as the best new Small Sedan at the Middle East Car of the Year (Mecoty) awards for 2016.

The Elantra was named ahead of joint-finalist in the Small Sedan category, the VW Jetta, while the Hyundai Tucson was among the finalists for Small SUV. The Mecoty awards were announced during a gala event at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre on March 31.

Commenting on the win, Jin (James) Kim, vice president and head of Hyundai Africa and Middle East, said: “Hyundai models lead their segments in several Middle East markets, with customers consistently making us their first choice for quality, service and value. To win at these awards, which are exclusively for cars sold in the Middle East, and judged by experts based in the Middle East, is an honor both for Hyundai as a company, and for the distributors who have worked so hard in building our success.”

First held in 2014, the Mecoty awards reflect the distinct preferences of Middle East buyers, with an emphasis on sedan and SUV models across a range of sizes. Hyundai has seen considerable success in the Mecoty program’s first three years, with the Sonata named as best Midsize Sedan in 2015. –TradeArabia News Service