2017 European Car of the Year nominees

Following a first round of voting, seven nominees for the 2017 European Car of the Year award have been named. They comprise a diverse group, but none are especially exciting or innovative.

In alphabetical order, the seven contenders are:

Alfa Romeo Giulia
This rear- or all-wheel sports saloon will doubtless help to revive the Italian brand's standing. However, a late launch (by a few years) means a win wouldn't really be appropriate.

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio (2016) Front Side 2

Citroën C3
The C3 brings some design flair to the supermini class, particularly if the C4 Cactus-inspired Airbump side mouldings are specified. It's exactly the type of car that can do well in this contest.

Citroën C3 (2017) Front Side

Mercedes-Benz E-Class
1974 was the last time a Mercedes-Benz was named European Car of the Year. Given a predilection for non-premium marques in recent years, the new E-Class seems unlikely to repeat the feat.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain (2017) Front Side

Nissan Micra
If judging was based purely on whether a model is vastly better than its predecessor, then the latest Micra deserves to beat the six other nominees.

Nissan Micra (2017) Front Side

Peugeot 3008
In the transition from crossover to SUV, the second-generation 3008 gains sharper styling (but there's no all-wheel drive). Both factors are likely to appeal to Peugeot's target audience.

Peugeot 3008 (2017) Side

Toyota C-HR
Toyota's product planners must have decided that a Nissan Juke rival was required, so the C-HR is the result. Wacky looks plus a hybrid powertrain from the Prius could be a tempting package.

Toyota C-HR (2017) Front Side

Volvo S90 / V90
2016's European Car of the Year saw the XC90 achieve a creditable second place. Volvo's large saloon and estate vitalise their respective segments, but they probably won't be ranked any higher.

Volvo S90 T6 (2016) Front Side

There'll now be another ballot to determine the overall winner. 58 jurors each have 25 points, which they must allocate to at least five nominees.

The result is then going to be announced on the 6th of March, just before the 2017 Geneva Motor Show opens.

Related posts:
2017 NACTOY finalists
2016 European Car of the Year winner named

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