The contenders are the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, Audi A1, Audi A5 Sportback, Audi A8, BMW 5 Series, BMW X1, Citroen C3, Citroen C3 Picasso, Citroen DS3, Fiat Doblo Passenger, Fiat Punto Evo, Ford C-Max, Honda Insight, Hyundai ix20, Hyundai ix35, Jaguar XJ, Kia Venga, Kia Sorento, Kia Sportage, Mercedes Benz SLS, Mini Countryman, Mitsubishi ASX, Mitsubishi iMIEV, Nissan Pixo, Nissan Juke, Nissan 370Z, Opel Astra, Opel Meriva, Peugeot RCZ, Peugeot 5008, Renault Fluence, Saab 9-5, Seat Exeo, Skoda Yeti, Subaru Legacy, Suzuki Swift, Toyota Prius, Toyota Verso, and Volvo S60.
Michael Moroney, Chairman of the IMWA, said the easy job is drawing up the full list of cars that are eligible for the award. "Now on behalf of Irish motorists, we must select a deserving winner from this list of worthy cars," he said. "Our final choices are based on a vehicle’s particular suitability to Irish motorists and the conditions of the Irish market."
Paddy Murphy of the award's sponsor Continental Tyres Ireland said any Irish motorist looking to buy a new car for 2011 would be well advised to pay attention to the IMWA’s recommendations as they whittle the list of entries down to one winning model.
The 10 shortlisted vehicles will be announced in early November. The winning car will be revealed at a ceremony in the Convention Centre Dublin, Spencer Dock, on Thursday, November 25, 2010.
The Continental Irish Car of the Year and Irish Van of the Year awards are adjudicated by the Irish Motoring Writers Association. Last year the Continental Irish Car of the Year title went to the Peugeot 3008 while the van accolade was won by the Ford Transit Connect.
