The countdown to the World Car Finals has begun this week, with a list of 10 finalists announced for the overall title, along with the contenders in five specialist categories.
According to the firm, a jury of 86 "distinguished international automotive journalists" selected the finalists by secret ballot, based on their own assessment of the vehicle as part of their professional work.
The initial list of 40 models has been shaved to 10 finalists, with representation from around the world.
Contending for the 2019 World Car of the Year are:
- Audi e-tron quattro
- BMW 3 Series
- Ford Focus
- Genesis G70
- Hyundai Nexo
- Jaguar I-Pace
- Mercedes-Benz A-Class
- Suzuki Jimny (pictured)
- Volvo S60 and V60
- Volvo XC40
Meanwhile, several other categories will announce winners at the New York motor show, supplementing the overall title.
First is 2019 World Urban Car of the Year, with the top five finalists being:
- Audi A1 (pictured)
- Hyundai AH2/Santro
- Kia Soul
- Seat Arona
- Suzuki Jimny
Next is 2019 World Luxury Car of the Year. The five finalists are:
The 2019 World Performance Car of the Year will be decided from the following:
- Aston Martin Vantage (pictured)
- BMW M2 Competition
- Hyundai Veloster N
- McLaren 720S
- Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door
On the other side of the spectrum, the finalists for the 2019 World Green Car are:
- Audi e-tron quattro
- Honda Clarity
- Hyundai Nexo (pictured)
- Jaguar I-Pace
- Kia Niro EV
Finally, there's the award for 2019 World Car Design of the Year, which can be any contenders across the six award categories.
The finalists for the design award are as follows:
- Citroen C5 Aircross
- Jaguar E-Pace
- Jaguar I-Pace
- Suzuki Jimny
- Volvo XC40
Following this week's announcement, the top three finalists for the overall category will be announced at the Geneva motor show on March 5, along with the 2019 World Car Person of the Year.
Winners in each category will be awarded at the New York motor show, which kicks off on Wednesday, April 17.
