PCOTY 2016: Good and bad design

Our award-winning design expert Paul Cockburn evaluates our 11 contenders.

Good

MX-5 CONTROLS
Only one stalk per side of the wheel and both are easily read. WHY is this unusual?!MX-5 ROOF
A simple and single-handed five-second conversion from open to closed. AMG BOOT(S)
These include a first-aid kit and safety jacket; which should be provided in every car.BMW GULLWING DOORS
Handy in tight parking, head-friendly and infinitely superior to the Mercedes variant.XR8 ENGINE BAY
A visual delight that also allows swift assessment of fluid levels and filter condition.

Bad

AMG GT S CONTROLS
Irresponsibly requires the driver to divert attention and hands for more performance.BMW i8 BOOT
Minimal capacity and engine heating mean tiny stowage in this nominal four-seater.HOLDEN DASH
In an Australian car, mass chrome arrayed under a raked screen is simply inexcusable.PEUGEOT PAINT
Matte finish is unnecessarily grainy, sure to hinder easy cleaning of dust and droppings.LEXUS FRONT
All you could ever need to comprehend the basic difference between style and design.