European Car of the Year: the journalists narrow it down
The European car market is filled with all sorts of interesting models that we only wish we had Stateside, and every year our counterparts across the pond pick the best with the European Car of the Year awards. Last year Ford's S-Max, the minivan that makes grocery runs exciting, won the citation, preceeded by the new Renault Clio in 2006 and the greentastic Toyota Prius before it.
The gaggle must have had a real challenge this year, but managed to narrow down the field to seven nominees out of a total 33 contenders. While you may not be surprised to see the likes of the SsangYong Actyon and Daihatsu Materia cut from the list, Lexus and Audi might feel a bit differently about their LS600h and A5, respectively.
In the end, the Fiat 500, Ford Mondeo, Kia cee'd, Mazda2, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Nissan Qashqai and Peugeot 308 will be holding the stage on November 19 when the envelope is opened, and with such stiff competition, this year they're bound to have a real winner on their hands. Watch this space in six week's time to see which one takes the crown.
[Source: CarOfTheYear.org]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
justin 9:34AM (10/08/2007)
My money is on the Mondeo. God, that's a beautiful car!
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far jr 9:42AM (10/08/2007)
Fiat 500 is such a neat little package, how could it not win?
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John R 9:50AM (10/08/2007)
I'd be mildly surprise if the Mondeo didn't win.
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AndyMF 9:54AM (10/08/2007)
I want the Fiat 500 to win. It's based on the Panda (which won in 2004) and looks a lot better.
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Mark 10:30AM (10/08/2007)
don't think the 500 is based on the panda, thought it was a new platform. anyway, the mondeo will win i think
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AndyMF 10:53AM (10/08/2007)
I'm pretty sure it's got Panda underpinnings. I think the judges will be swayed by the 500's character.
Fabri91 10:59AM (10/08/2007)
It is, cars based on the panda include the Panda itself obviously, the 500 and the Ford Ka, which is coming next year.
Colin Smith 11:33AM (10/08/2007)
The 500 IS based on the Panda.
The Mondeo is a fine car, but now they are everywhere I can't see what all the fuss was about - just another anonymous, if very well engineered, big car amongst all the others. I reckon it'll be the 500, because of its 5* safety (difficult in small car), the economy, the performance, and the fact that it is just so very desirable and appropriate in a world of diminishing resources.
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Rafa 12:26PM (10/08/2007)
I believe the FIAT is going to win. The mondeo is great but since last year it was a Ford I don´t believe they are going to win twice.
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Devin 12:33PM (10/08/2007)
I really don't know enough about any of these european cars, because America isn't offered them. If it was based on styling alone, there is no question the mondeo would win. However, I know that's not the only thing considered.
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Eldiablo 12:50PM (10/08/2007)
I think its gonna be between 500 and Mondy, and whilst I want the big blue to win, that 500 is just soo darn cool. I want both, but can afford neither! :)
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Robert 2:12PM (10/08/2007)
I have no doubt the 500 will win. While the Mondeo is great, it's not quite an 86 Taurus if it's going to win on looks. The Fiat 500 revives an icon and out minis the Mini. It's the most appealing car being made. It's Tiger Woods joining your group at the community course. It's a sure win.
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SPG 3:30PM (10/08/2007)
This is going to be a close competition.
Maybe if the Mondeo wins we'll be able to buy it here as a Mercury soon?
Yea right, but it's still a nice thought.
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