Judges found a lot to love about the BRZ, as editor-in-chief Angus MacKenzie summed up: "Terrific chassis; superb balance, steering. Though more mid-corner understeer than the Scion, it's the better road car." Despite the pining for more than the 200 horses that the BRZ's 2.0-liter boxer-four produces, most felt that a 2700-pound curb weight more than made up for any lack of muscle.

Read more about the BRZ:$28k High-Performance Two-Door Comparison

One surprising takeaway was discovered by driving the automatic and manual versions of the BRZ back-to-back. Per editor-in-chief Edward Loh, "I was able to drift the automatic BRZ easier than the manual. This could be the best automatic transmission available at the price."

The BRZ also offers exceptional packaging, with a large trunk for its class and a rear seat with a folding back. It's enough room and more for a week-long, two-person road trip or a light IKEA run.

Other Car of the Year Contender WOT Posts:

To compete for the 2013 Motor Trend Car of the Year title, contenders must be all new or significantly revised 2013-model-year cars or 2012-model-year cars that went on sale too late for 2012 COTY consideration. All eligible vehicles are invited to compete. Check back to MotorTrend.com on November 12 at 3:30 p.m. PST / 6:30 p.m. EST to discover what will become the 2013 Motor Trend Car of the Year!