2013 World Car Awards top finalists

Following a second round of voting by a jury of sixty-six motoring journalists, the top contenders for the 2013 World Car Awards have been announced.

World Car of the Year

Usually at this stage of the competition it’s the top three finalists that are named. However, this year the ballot must have been very close because four models have been listed:

• Mercedes-Benz A-Class
• Porsche Boxster / Cayman
• Scion FR-S / Subaru BRZ / Toyota GT86 / Toyota 86
• Volkswagen Golf

Given that it has just been declared the 2013 European Car of the Year, the Golf is certainly a strong runner in this category. A win would see Volkswagen taking the title for a second year in succession, after 2012’s success with its Up! city car.

2013 Volkswagen Golf

World Performance Car

As can be seen, there’s a lot of overlap between the World Car of the Year and World Performance Car nominees:

• Ferrari F12 Berlinetta
• Porsche Boxster / Cayman
• Scion FR-S / Subaru BRZ / Toyota GT86 / Toyota 86

All three finalists appeal to very different market segments, which makes the result very tricky to predict. The Scion / Subaru / Toyota triplets should get the award though, as they combine rear-wheel drive, light weight and accessible power in a fresh package.

2013 Scion FR-S

World Green Car

Similarly, the World Green Car candidates represent a broad spectrum of technologies:

• Renault Zoe
• Tesla Model S
• Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid Diesel

Of the three, the Volvo most deserves recognition because of its efficient diesel-hybrid powertrain and decent electric-only range.

2012 Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid Diesel

World Car Design of the Year

This category features the only two British models to make it this far in the contest:

• Aston Martin Vanquish
• Jaguar F-Type
• Mazda 6

While the Vanquish is undoubtedly a striking car, it still looks very similar to any other Aston Martin coupé of recent years. Conversely, the F-Type’s design is much more original, so it ought to be the victor.

2013 Jaguar F-Type

The winners of each award will be revealed at the New York International Auto Show on the 28th of March.

Related posts:
2013 Euro COTY winner
2013 World Car Awards finalists
2013 NACTOY winners
2012 World Car Awards