MUMBAI: Business and finance channel CNBC India will host the second edition of its Autocar Auto Awards in New Delhi on 14 January.

The awards aim at analysing every car manufacturer's commitment to the Indian market and its unique environment.The cars are broken down against parameters. These include 'fitness for purpose' - the most important criterion and essentially examines how well the car does the job it was made for and if it would live up to the expectation of the owners.

Another criteria is 'value for money' - not the cheapest car but how much car you get for your money. Then there is 'design and styling' which is a subjective rating of the jury on the looks and aesthetic qualities of a car, which is an important considerations in any purchasing decision.

The most prestigious award is car of the year. Vehicles that have been nominated include Mahindra Scorpio Petrol, Opel Vectra, Old Mitsubishi Pajero 2.8. Other awards include Most Technologically Advanced Car, manufacturer of the year and most improved car of the year. Jury members include Dilip Chhabria, India's leading car designer and three-time national rally champion Farad Bhathena.

The channel is also running a contest for car buffs for the car of the year award. A Blaupunkt Car Audio System is up for grabs Entries should reach before 6:30 pm on 14 January. For more details log on to http://www.autoawardsindia.com/carcontest/contest.php.