Chevrolet Volt named MotorWeek's best car

CHICAGO, Feb. 9 (UPI) -- The hybrid Chevrolet Volt Wednesday was named MotorWeek's Driver's Choice "Best of the Year" at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show.

"The Volt is the car all electrics and advanced electric hybrids will have to beat," said MotorWeek host John Davis at the show's media preview at the McCormick Place Exposition Center on Chicago's lakefront. "The Volt takes the idea of an electric car from fantasy to total practicality, combining the latest gas-saving, plug-in technologies for an uncompromising driving experience."

The Hyundai Sonata, named MotorWeek's "Best Family Sedan," also was winner of the first Family Vehicle of the Year award by the Midwest Automotive Media Association. The 2011 Sonata beat out the Honda Odyssey and the Jeep Grand Cherokee for the honor.

Volkswagen's Jetta was named MotorWeek's "Best Small Car," the BMW 5-Series "Best Sport Sedan," the Infinity M "Best Luxury Sedan," the Cadillac CTS Coupe "Best Sport Coupe" and the Ford Mustang GT "Best Performance Car."

The Chevrolet Equinox was named "Best Small Utility," the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango "Best Large Utility," Honda Odyssey "Best Minivan," Ford F-Series "Best Pickup Truck," Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet "Best Convertible" and the Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible, Audi R8 Spyder and Alfa Romero 8C Spider were named "Best Dream Machine."

MotorWeek's Driver's choice awards have been handed out annually since 1983.