Editor's note: In the first annual CultureMap Auto Awards, automotive writers Nic Phillips and Kevin McCauley bestow honors in 10 categories for the top 2012 cars and trucks and explain why they're deserving of a good, hard look. Our third award:

Smart Energy Car of the Year: 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid

Aston Martin-inspired styling, driving dynamics to match, interior design and materials with a European look and feel, claimed 47/47/47 mpg, and a gas pedal in a hybrid that when floored emotes driving passion without sounding like it may explode at any second — the 2013 Ford Fusion is a game changer.

It almost doesn't matter that some are challenging Ford and the EPA's 47 mpg figure, the Fusion Hybrid is the most fun to drive and best-looking hybrid under $30,000 on the road today. In fact, it starts just under $28,000, and adding technology like lane-departure warning with active lane-keeping steering, self parallel parking, automatic highbeams, adaptive radar cruise control, and voice-activated MyFord Touch with Microsoft Sync, one can keep the price in the mid-$30,000s.

The Ford Fusion Hybrid has raised the bar high and is the sort of sedan you'd be proud to own.

Smart Energy Car of the Year Runner-up:2013 Infiniti M Hybrid

At the other end of the spectrum, we have the world's fastest accelerating full hybrid — the Infiniti M Hybrid. Rather than go for all-out efficiency, Infiniti kept all the parts that make a sports sedan just that, a true sports sedan.

Instead of some mushy CVT, it gets a properly sorted 7-speed automatic transmission. It has rear-wheel drive and near 50/50 weight distribution. Steering is direct with a hybrid electric/hydraulic setup, and it keeps a 3.5L V6 but adds a 50kW electric motor for a combined system output of 360 horsepower.

While 360 hp may not sound like much, it's the 457 lb-ft of torque (40 more than the V8-powered M) that puts even most diesels to shame, and 199 lb-ft of it comes on instantly from the electric motor with a 0-60 time near five seconds.

All this performance comes at a cost, nearly $56,000 base and $67,000 optioned out. But with 27/32 mpg ratings, this high performer keeps its green car cred real.

Editor's note: In the first annual CultureMap Auto Awards, automotive writers Nic Phillips and Kevin McCauley bestow honors in 10 categories for the top 2012 cars and trucks and explain why they're deserving of a good, hard look. Now for our second award:

CUV of the Year: Audi Q7 TDI

Crossovers are king when it comes to utility vehicles, offering the benefits of a SUV without the mostly unused off-road or heavy-duty capabilities of a truck-based SUV. Although there are many CUV options, when it comes to great fuel economy there are few, so it's the Audi Q7 TDI that gets our award.

With its turbo direct-injected clean diesel technology, coupled with a best-in-industry 8-speed automatic transmission, the Q7 delivers 28 mpg on the highway (22 mpg combined) without compromising a fun-to-drive disposition and family-pleasing, three-row accommodations.

While the 3.0L V6 diesel delivers only 240 horsepower, it's a whopping 406 lb-ft of torque that make the full-sized CUV feel fast while using less gas. Add to the mix understated Teutonic styling, the latest MMI navigation with slick Google Maps integration, an expansive panoramic sunroof, the performance and safety of Audi's legendary Quattro all-wheel-drive system, and a highly competitive starting price just below $53,000, and the Q7 TDI is a clear winner.

CUV Runner-up: 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport

It's remarkable to us how quickly Hyundai's newest models continue to improve and rightfully give their more established competition serious cause for concern. The all new 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is no exception.

Starting at just $24,450, the Santa Fe packs class-leading content and features typically found on higher-end utes in a sharp-looking and efficient package. We prefer the 2.0L twin-scroll turbo version, with its 264 hp delivering a good push back in the seat and 19-inch wheels giving a truly premium look.

Clever touches abound. This is the first ever utility vehicle with an in-floor storage space for the load-space cover when not in use.

Editor's note: In the first annual CultureMap Auto Awards, automotive writers Nic Phillips and Kevin McCauley bestow honors in 10 categories for the top 2012 cars and trucks and explain why they're deserving of a good, hard look. First up:

Hot Hatch of the Year: Fiat 500 Abarth

As smaller cars increasingly become cool again, a nice side benefit is the louder, quicker performance versions that often make their way into showrooms. There was no hatch hotter in 2012 than the Fiat 500 Abarth.

It wasn't the quickest or the most refined, but it brought style, character and a stinging exhaust growl backing up the Scorpion badge. It was one of the most emotive cars we drove all year, and we remember it fondly as the little car that put the biggest smile on your face.

This year, the 500 Abarth loses its top — making it all the more desirable.

The Fiat 500 Abarth starts at just $22,700 and breaks at around $27,000 with all the tricks.

Hot Hatch Runner-up:MINI Coupe John Cooper Works

MINI has taken the charm amp and dialed it up to 11 in the JCW Coupe, the most hardcore MINI ever offered.

It's a superior car in many ways to the 500 Abarth in that it's a serious sports car with a thoroughly sorted suspension and powertrain to match. It has vastly better fit and finishes but is not any faster than the regular MINI despite not having a backseat.

And with a starting price at around $32,000 (nearly $10,000 dollars more than the Fiat) and surpassing $40,000 with options, the choice was clear.