Ten electric vehicles (EVs) are in the running for the prestigious World Car of the Year award.
special Electric Car of the Year category has been created for the first time in recognition of the global transition towards EVs.
The World Car awards committee this week published the latest list of eligible vehicles for a variety of categories.
There are 28 cars vying for the overall award: Acura MDX*, Audi Q4 e-tron*, BMW i4*, Chevrolet Bolt EV/EUV, Chevrolet Corvette C8, Citroen C3, Citroen C5 X*, Dacia Sandero, Ford Mach-E*, Genesis G70, Honda Civic, Hyundai Ionic 5, Hyundai Staria people carrier, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Grand Cherokee/Grand Cherokee L*, Kia EV6*, Kia Sportage, Lexus NX, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Pathfinder, Renault Kiger SUV, Subaru BRZ, Subaru Outback, Toyota Corolla Cross, Toyota GR86, Toyota Yaris Cross, Volkswagen Taigun, Volkswagen Taos SUV.
Competing for the World Luxury Car award are: Audi e-tron GT, Audi Q5 Sportback, BMW iX, BMW iX3, Genesis GV70, Land Rover TBD, Toyota Land Cruiser, Volvo C40 Recharge.
World Performance Car rivals are: Audi RS3, BMW M3/M4, Hyundai Elantra N, Hyundai Kona N, Porsche 911 GT3, Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, Subaru BRZ, Toyota GR 86, Volkswagen Golf GTi/Type R.
World Urban Car contenders are: Citroen C3, Dacia Sandero, Renault Kiger, Volkswagen Taigun, Toyota Yaris Cross.
And the World Electric Car competitors are: Audi e-tron GT, Audi Q4 e-tron, BMW iX, BMW iX3, BMW i4, Chevrolet Bolt EV/EUV, Ford Mach-E*, Hyundai Ionic 5, Kia EV6, Volvo C40 Recharge.
All vehicles eligible for other World Car award categories automatically go forward for the World Car Design prize.
The voting panel comprises more than 100 international automotive journalists, in- cluding the Irish Independent’s Motoring Editor. The finalists will be declared in March. Overall winners will be announced at the New York Show on April 13, 2022.
Meanwhile, Ford has facelifted the Fiesta which includes a 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain in the line-up.
What it calls ‘next generation’ technologies – such as new Matrix LED headlamps, 12.3-inch customisable instrument display and wrong-way alert – are now on the menu.
And it has unveiled a new 200 PS Fiesta ST which benefits from a 10pc peak torque boost to 320 Nm.
The basic car gets new styling outside and in and Ford claims the EcoBoost Hybrid 48-volt mild hybrid technology helps get the most out of fuel. The SUV-inspired Active version is made to look even more rugged.
The 1-litre EcoBoost Hybrid engine comes with 125PS and 155PS outputs. The 125PS version can also come with a seven-speed, Powershift dual-clutch automatic transmission.
There are some notable driver assistant technologies, among them the wrong-way alert. This uses a windscreen-mounted camera and information from the navigation system to provide an audible and visual warning if you drive through two No Entry signs on a motorway ramp. Also on board is Adaptive Cruise Control and Speed Sign Recognition as well as Active Park Assist.
*May change category as soon as pricing information has been received by the World Car Awards.