Only the cars launched in 2020 and present on at least five markets throughout Europe will be eligible for the next year’s European Car of the Year award. The long list of candidates includes 29 items.
Specifically, there are 9 crossover SUVs, 1 heavy-duty SUV, 5 EVs, 3 part-electric models, several hybrids, and even a hydrogen car.
The all-electric list contains such hatchbacks as the Fiat 500, the Honda e, the Polestar 2 and the Volkswagen ID.3, as well as one crossover SUV, the Mazda MX-30.
The CUV segment of the market is represented by the Cupra Formentor, Ford Explorer & Kuga, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sorento, Peugeot 2008, and as many as three Mercedes models: the GLA, GLB, and GLS. Then there is the fuel-cell-powered Toyota Mirai, the executive Mercedes S-Class, and the go-anywhere Land Rover Defender.
VAG has four C+ models on the list sharing the same platform and tech: the Audi A3, the Seat Leon, the Skoda Octavia, and the Volkswagen Golf. BMW looks modestly represented in comparison with only the 4 Series and the 2 Series Gran Coupe included.
Wrapping up the long list are six compact-sized hatchbacks: the Dacia Sandero, the Toyota Yaris, the Hyundai i10 and i20, the Citroen C4, and the Honda Jazz hybrid.
The short list will be announced on January 8, 2021, and the ultimate winner should become known on March 1 or close to that date. This year’s award went to the Peugeot 208, which you can have a closer look at in the attached video.