[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/world-car-year-shortlist-revealed\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/world-car-year-shortlist-revealed\/","headline":"World Car of the Year shortlist revealed","name":"World Car of the Year shortlist revealed","description":"What\u2019s the best car to hit showrooms in the last year or so? It\u2019s a question that is asked every October when the longlist for the World Car of the Year awards is published. You\u2019ll find all the first stage nominees here but now, the no-hopers have been whittled off and the remaining candidates have been rounded-up into six categories, recognising luxury, performance, eco-credentials, urban prowess, design and the headline World Car of the Year award. The next stage will […]","datePublished":"2017-02-10","dateModified":"2017-02-15","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/matthew-collett\/#Person","name":"Matthew Collett","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/matthew-collett\/","identifier":5,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/64eca1152247aa111ace79ff1c03782b175df9dc21d2092364ff21e1cf5e38fa?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/64eca1152247aa111ace79ff1c03782b175df9dc21d2092364ff21e1cf5e38fa?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/feature-11.jpg","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/feature-11.jpg","height":520,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/world-car-year-shortlist-revealed\/","about":["BLOG"],"wordCount":713,"keywords":["Audi Q2","Audi R8 Coupe","Bentley Bentayga","BMW 7 Series","BMW i3","Mazda MX-5","McLaren 570S","Toyota C-HR","Toyota Mirai","Toyota Prius","World Car Of The Year"],"articleBody":"What\u2019s the best car to hit showrooms in the last year or so? It\u2019s a question that is asked every October when the longlist for the World Car of the Year awards is published.You\u2019ll find all the first stage nominees here but now, the no-hopers have been whittled off and the remaining candidates have been rounded-up into six categories, recognising luxury, performance, eco-credentials, urban prowess, design and the headline World Car of the Year award.The next stage will see a jury made up of auto journalists from around the world test each car before the winners are named at the New York Motor Show on April 13th.So which cars form the five shortlists?World Car of the Year2016\u2019s winner: Mazda MX-5Audi A5\/S5 CoupeAudi Q2Audi Q5Fiat\/Abarth 124 SpiderHonda CivicJaguar F-PaceMazda CX-9Skoda KodiaqToyota C-HRVolkswagen TiguanWhat we think:It\u2019s really tough to pick an outright winner here. Previous victors over the years have been the C-Class, A3, Golf, Polo, Nissan Leaf; so it\u2019s not just a case of simply picking the fanciest car.There are some firsts here though that may make the right impression. The Skoda Kodiaq and Jaguar F-Pace are debut SUVs for their respective brands, while the Q2 is Audi\u2019s inevitable entry into the compact SUV market.The 124 Spider is not much more than a rebadged MX-5 – last year\u2019s winner – but we suspect the jury won\u2019t be hoodwinked that easily.Our choice: Audi Q2World Luxury Car of the Year2016\u2019s winner: BMW 7 SeriesBentley BentaygaBMW 5 SeriesHyundai Genesis G90Mercedes E-ClassVolvo S90\/V90What we think:Another SUV-shaped first with the Bentayga and it\u2019s quite possible that the Bentley will ride off with the gong here. Considering the category focuses on outright luxury, the Crewe-based brand should be a safe bet.However, the 5 Series repackages much of its big brother and last year\u2019s winner – the 7 Series – so it\u2019s not going to be a cakewalk for the bolshy Bentley.Our choice: Bentley BentaygaWorld Performance Car of the Year2016\u2019s winner: Audi R8 CoupeAston Martin DB11Audi R8 SpyderHonda\/Acura NSXMcLaren 570SPorsche 718 Boxster\/CaymanWhat we think:The R8 Spyder is essentially a drop-top version of last year\u2019s winner, so Audi will fancy its chances again. But there\u2019s some hefty rivals in the shape of the much-anticipated NSX and Aston\u2019s DB11, that\u2019s good for 62mph in 3.9 seconds.The quickest of the bunch though is McLaren\u2019s 570S, hitting 62mph in 3.2 seconds, and was named Motor Trend\u2019s Best Driver\u2019s Car in 2016. Meanwhile, the Boxster\/Cayman has won this award twice before, which makes picking a winner very tricky.Our choice: McLaren 570SWorld Green Car of the Year2016\u2019s winner: Toyota MiraiChevrolet BoltHonda ClarityHyundai IoniqTesla Model XToyota Prius PrimeWhat we think:The Prius has never won this award despite all its hard work in bringing hybrids into the mainstream. Toyota won in 2016 with the hydrogen-fueled Mirai; could finally this be its year? Possibly.Tesla bagged this award with the Model S in 2013 so the Model X is a good call.Our choice: Toyota Prius PrimeWorld Car Design of the Year2016\u2019s winner: Mazda MX-5Audi A5\/S5 CoupeJaguar F-PaceMazda CX-9Mercedes S-ClassToyota C-HRWhat we think:Going off what makes for the most visually striking car, you have to say the C-HR packs the biggest punch. It has so many sharp edges you should be made to wear goggles before looking at it.The F-Pace is certainly an impactful car while the S-Class and A5 are eternally beautiful.Our choice: Toyota C-HRWorld Urban Car of the YearNew category for 2017BMW i3 (94Ah)Citroen C3Ford Ka+Smart CabrioletSuzuki IgnisWhat we think:Although there are no previous winners, the jury has a reputation for choosing the most deserving winner on the whole. BMW\u2019s i3 has a strong chance after reimagining inner-city driving a few years back, winning the Green Car category in 2014. The Ka+ is essentially a slightly shrunken Fiesta, so keep an eye on that one.Our choice: BMW i3"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"World Car of the Year shortlist revealed","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/blog\/world-car-year-shortlist-revealed\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]