World Car of the Year 2018: XC60, CX-5 and Velar in final three

The Volvo XC60, Mazda CX-5 and Range Rover Velar are the official finalists for the 2018 World Car of the Year award. The winner will be revealed on 28 March at the New York International Auto Show, following a vote by 82 journalists from 24 countries.

All three contenders are SUVs, reflecting the continued global dominance of crossovers in both sales and critical attention. The absence of a traditional passenger car from the final shortlist underlines how far the segment has shifted in recent years, with manufacturers focusing investment and product launches on high-riding models.

Who are the finalists?

• Volvo XC60: Mid-sized premium SUV, following on from the larger XC90 and based on Volvo’s Scalable Product Architecture. It has already drawn attention for its safety technology and clean Scandinavian design.
• Mazda CX-5: Mazda’s global compact SUV, known for its efficient engines and keen handling, representing the brand’s push for premium without abandoning value.
• Range Rover Velar: Positioned between the Evoque and Range Rover Sport, the Velar is Land Rover’s most design-led model, intended to attract buyers seeking luxury and technology in a mid-size SUV.

The World Car of the Year is judged by an international panel of motoring journalists who each evaluate new vehicles as part of their professional work. The process involves extensive road testing and comparison across global markets. The 2018 finalists were selected from a longlist that included a wide range of models launched in the preceding year.