2018 European Car of the Year nominees

A first vote by sixty European Car of the Year jurors has determined the seven models that could win the 2018 title. Clearly some rather peculiar thought processes were followed, because a few seemingly strong contenders haven’t made the cut.

The Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo aren’t on the nominees list, for instance. Neither are the Land Rover Discovery, Škoda Karoq or Vauxhall / Opel Insignia.

While it's likely to become a big seller, the new Ford

Fiesta won't be named 2018 European Car of the Year.

Here – in alphabetical order – is the septet of cars that were deemed good enough to be finalists:

• Alfa Romeo Stelvio
• Audi A8
• BMW 5 Series
• Citroën C3 Aircross
• Kia Stinger
• Seat Ibiza
• Volvo XC40

As is often the case with this type of award, it’s a varied collection. The Stelvio, Stinger and XC40 are arguably the most interesting, but they’ll need to demonstrate numerous other qualities in order to achieve success.

Next, there’s going to be a second ballot to elect the overall victor. The result is due to be announced just before the Geneva Motor Show in March 2018.

Related posts:
2018 NACTOY semi-finalists
2018 World Car Awards eligibility lists
2017 European Car of the Year winner named