Thirty contenders named for 2014 Car of the Year award
The shortlist for the 2014 European Car of the Year features 30 new models from city cars to luxury saloons, with the winner to be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show.
The organisers of the 2014 European Car of the Year have published the full list of 30 candidates, with models from 20 different brands now in the running for one of Europe’s most recognised motoring awards. The winner will be announced at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2014, following a final shortlist of seven to be confirmed in December.
Eligibility for the award requires each candidate to be a new model available for purchase in at least five European countries by the end of 2013. The jury consists of 58 automotive journalists representing 22 nations, who will vote in two rounds to determine the eventual winner.
Full list of 2014 Car of the Year candidates
- BMW 4-Series Coupe
- BMW i3
- BMW X5
- Citroën C4 Picasso
- Ford EcoSport
- Ford Kuga
- Hyundai i10
- Jaguar F-Type
- Kia Carens
- Range Rover Sport
- Lexus IS
- Maserati Ghibli
- Mazda3
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class
- Mitsubishi Space Star
- Nissan Note
- Opel Cascada
- Peugeot 2008
- Peugeot 308
- Porsche Cayman
- Renault Captur
- Renault Zoe
- SEAT Leon
- Škoda Octavia
- Subaru Forester
- Suzuki SX4
- Tesla Model S
- Toyota Auris
- Toyota Corolla
- Toyota RAV4
The 2014 field covers a broad spectrum, from city cars such as the Hyundai i10 and Mitsubishi Space Star, through family hatchbacks like the Mazda3 and Peugeot 308, to luxury and performance models including the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Jaguar F-Type and Maserati Ghibli. Electric vehicles are again represented, with the BMW i3, Renault Zoe and Tesla Model S all nominated.
Key models and trends among the nominees
The inclusion of three BMWs, the 4-Series Coupe, i3 and X5, demonstrates the brand’s product push across segments, while Toyota fields three models of its own. Peugeot and Renault each have two cars on the list, reflecting their recent model renewals. The presence of the Tesla Model S, already on sale in several European markets, marks the continued rise of electric vehicles in mainstream awards.
The shortlist will be cut to seven in December, with the jury’s final votes cast ahead of the Geneva Motor Show. The Car of the Year award has often influenced showroom traffic and shaped perceptions of new models among European buyers, making it a closely watched contest for manufacturers and dealers alike.
For more on the European new car market and recent award winners, see our coverage of the VW Golf’s sales performanceand the Cadillac ATS’s recognition by Esquire.
