The Honda Accord was named winner of the 2013 car of the year award Thursday by Canada's automotive journalists.

The prestigious award for the familiar mid-sized sedan reflects Honda's successful effort to revitalize the model, according to award program chairman Richard Russell.

"The Accord had grown old and some new competitors had come along that were much more modern," he said. "[But] this new Accord had a lot of 'new' about it, and I think there's a tendency for people to like family cars that become fun. And that's what this one has done."

Other award winners announced Thursday include:

  • Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0T as the Canadian utility vehicle of the year.
  • Porsche 911 Carrera S as the best new design.
  • A best new technology award for GM of Canada for its front centre airbag.

The awards came as the Canadian International Auto Show was set to open in Toronto.

To arrive at their winning picks, 80 automotive writers put 180 vehicles through their paces at a four-day "TestFest" last October in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont.

Category winners, which were previously announced, include:

  • Best new city car: Ford Focus EV.
  • Best new small car (under $21,000): Mazda3 Skyactiv sedan.
  • Best new small car (over $21,000): Hyundai Elantra GT.
  • Best new family car (under $30,000): Honda Accord sedan.
  • Best new family car (over $30,000): Ford Fusion Hybrid.
  • Best new luxury car: Cadillac ATS.
  • Best new prestige/performance car: Porsche 911 Carrera S.
  • Best new sports/performance car (under $50,000): Ford Focus ST.
  • Best new sports/performance car (over $50,000): Porsche Boxster.
  • Best new SUV/CUV (under $35,000): Ford Escape 1.6L EcoBoost.
  • Best new SUV/CUV ($35,000 to $60,000): Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T.
With files from The Canadian Press