The contest for 2013 Car of the Year is hotting up, with the shortlist for Europe’s most prestigious new car award announced. The final eight contenders are:
- Ford B-max
Hyundai i30
- Mercedes A-class
- Peugeot 208
- Renault Clio
- Subaru BRZ/Toyota GT86
- Volkswagen Golf
- Volvo V40
This year, there are eight finalists instead of the usual seven, thanks to a dead heat between two contenders. According to the Car of the Year jury, the award’s goal ‘is to acclaim the most outstanding new car to go on sale in the [last] 12 months.’
Not much fuel for enthusiasts in the 2013 CotY list…
There’s a bit: the sporty, rear-wheel-drive mantle is upheld by the Toyobaru twins. But what about the excellent new Porsche Boxster which shone in CAR’s recent sports car of the year shootout? Or the new Range Rover, which won the ‘world’s best car’ group test in the December 2012 issue of CAR. And what of the new F30 BMW 3-series? CAR ranks it top of the mid-size saloon class.
How are the eight Car of the Year finalists selected?
The 32 nominees are decided by a panel of 59 motoring journalists, spread across 23 different countries. Each shortlists their seven favourites from the past year. Practical mass-market machines have clearly been appealing more in these economically uncertain times.
The judge’s criteria cover all areas of a car’s design and performance, meaning virtually any new machine could be in with a legitimate chance of victory, if it stands truly head-and-shoulders above others. Safety, practicality and economy are weighted just as strongly as handling, driver satisfaction and price, while technical innovation and value for money are also important factors.
When will the final Car of the Year 2013 result be announced?
After an extensive programme of test driving in 2013, the panel will announce their final result on 4 March 2013, at the Geneva motor show.
>> What’s your favourite for the 2013 CotY title, and which cars do you think deserved a place on the list (or don’t?) Leave your thoughts by clicking ‘Add your comment’ below