2010 Car of the Year candidates announced

The European motoring press has announced their list of candidates for the 2010 Car of the Year award, which was given most recently to the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia. To qualify for the prestigious award, candidates must be on sale by the end of September in at least five European markets.

Sales projections for candidates also must exceed 5,000 units.

The list, published below, could increase, the organizations have said, as the on-sale cutoff date has not occurred.

Candidates:

• BMW Z4
• Chevrolet Cruze
• Citroen C3 Picasso
• Ford Ka
• Honda Insight
• Hyundai i20
• Hyundai ix55
• Kia Sorento
• Land Rover Discovery IV (LR4)
• Lexus RX 450h
• Mazda Mazda3
• Mercedes-Benz E-Class
• Mitsubishi Colt
• Nissan 370Z
• Nissan Cube
• Opel/Vauxhall Astra
• Peugeot 3008
• Porsche Panamera
• Renault Scenic
• Seat Exeo
• Skoda Yeti
• Subaru Legacy
• Suzuki Alto/Nissan Pixo
• Toyota Avensis
• Toyota iQ
• Toyota Prius
• Toyota Urban Cruiser
• Toyota Verso
• Volkswagen Polo