Cadillac's ATS compact luxury sedan won the 2013 "Best Luxury Car of the Year" award from the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) on Thursday.

In a press release issued by General Motors, the company was relieved to know the car had won the award despite intense back-to-back testing against top competitors like the 2013 Hyundai Azera, the 2013 Volkswagen Passat or 2013 Dodge Charger.

"This award confirms the all-new ATS was designed and built to compete and win in the compact luxury segment," said Neil Macdonald, vice president of corporate affairs at GM Canada. "This recognition by over 80 of Canada's top automotive media is testament to Cadillac setting the standard of the world for luxury cars."

Over 80 of Canada's top automotive journalists judged this year's competition. Their job is to judge which car provides owners with the best overall experience for each specific category.

"Developed on an all-new, lightweight rear-drive architecture, the ATS reflects a new expression of Cadillac's Art & Science execution philosophy, centered on a foundation of driving dynamics and mass efficiency," the company stated in the press release.   

It is hands down the lightest and quickest Cadillac of its kind thanks to 3,400 pounds or 1,542 kg in base trim. The car includes a 2.0-liter engine with 270-horsepower and comes in either a six-speed automatic or manual.

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