The Car of the Year is an international award, judged by a panel of senior motoring journalists across Europe. Its object is to acclaim the most outstanding new car to go on sale in the 12 months preceding the date of the title.
Obviously this requires the Jury to assess cars of very different types and price, which means assessing them against their market rivals. The 58 members of the Car of the Year Jury all test cars as part of their journalistic work. In selecting the car of the year they use the following criteria: design, comfort, safety, economy, handling, performance, functionality, environmental requirements, driver satisfaction, and price. Technical innovation and value for money are particularly important factors. Eligible cars must be essentially new models, not simply changed cosmetically or by the installation of new engine or a transmission. They are considered irrespective of their country of origin but must be available in at least five European countries at the time of voting and have an expected sales volume of 5,000 a year.
The Jury then elects a short list of seven cars in a simple vote. For the second stage, each Jury member has 25 points to apportion to at least five cars, with a maximum of 10 points for any one of them, and produces a statement of justification for the vote, which is published at the time of the award presentation.
NOMINEES FOR 2009 CAR OF THE YEAR
Alfa Romeo MiTo
Audi A4
Audi Q5
BMW X6
BMW series 7
Chevrolet HHR
Chrysler Grand Voyager
Citroën Berlingo / Peugeot Partner
Citroën C5
Dacia Sandero
Dodge Journey
Fiat Linea
Ford Fiesta
Ford Kuga
Honda Accord
Honda Jazz
Hyundai H1
Hyundai i10
Hyundai i20
Hyundai i55
Jaguar XF
Jeep Cherokee
Lancia Delta
Mazda6
Mercedes-Benz GLK
Mitsubishi Lancer
Opel Agila / Suzuki Splash
Opel Insignia
Renault Kangoo
Renault Koleos
Renault Mégane
Seat Ibiza
Skoda Superb
Subaru Forester
Toyota Land Cruiser 200
Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Scirocco
Volvo XC60