World Car Awards top three

Following the announcement of the World Car Awards finalists at the beginning of February, the jurors have voted once again to decide the top three candidates in each category.

There’s now a short wait until the New York International Auto Show, which begins on 22 April, to find out the winners.

The three models up for each award - in alphabetical order - are:

2011 World Car of the Year

· Audi A8
· BMW 5 Series
· Nissan Leaf

BMW 5 Series Saloon

The outsider here is probably the Audi, but whether enough jurors have been swayed by the Leaf remains to be seen. Many might have been reluctant to give their votes to the Nissan because, despite its green credentials, it nevertheless represents first generation electric car technology which comes with associated issues of purchase price, recharging time and range.

2011 World Performance Car

· Ferrari 458 Italia
· Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
· Porsche 911 Turbo

Ferrari 458 Italia

It’s difficult to foresee the Ferrari not winning this category.

2011 World Car Design of the Year

· Alfa Romeo Giulietta
· Aston Martin Rapide
· Ferrari 458 Italia

Aston Martin Rapide

Perhaps the surprise here is that the Citroën DS3, which was in the top ten shortlist, hasn’t make it through to the top three. Naturally this is a very subjective category but, from an aesthetic perspective, surely the Aston Martin just about beats the other contenders?

2011 World Green Car

· BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition
· Chevrolet Volt
· Nissan Leaf

Chevrolet Volt

This award is hard to predict, because the three finalists represent three very different technologies: internal combustion, range extender and pure electric. However, because the Volt combines the benefits of battery power with a total absence of range anxiety, it deserves to clinch the title.

Related post:
World Car Awards finalists

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