Following a recent first round of voting by 59 international motoring journalists, including the only South African juror, CAR’s Hannes Oosthuizen, the ten finalists in the annual World Car of the Year competition have been revealed.
The top three contenders for the 2010 World Car of the Year and Performnace Car of the Year were announced at this year’s Geneva Motor Show in preparations for the final awards ceremony due to take place on April 1 at the New York Auto Show.
The original list of candidates for 2010 World Car of the Year numbered 31 models represented in at least five countries across two continents, while the Performance Car of the Year candidates originally numbered 15 models – both have now been pared down to three contenders apiece:
World Car of the Year finalists:
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Toyota Prius
Volkswagen Polo
Performance Car of the Year finalists:
Audi R8 V10
Ferrari California
Porsche 911 GT3
Now in its seventh year, the World Car of the Year and Performance Car of the Year awards are an independent global recognition of the best new car models on the market.
In addition to the above-mentioned categories, the awards also encompass the World Green Car and World Car Design titles. Last year saw the Volkswagen Golf 6 scoop the World Car of the Year gong, while the World Performance Car award went to the Nissan GT-R.