He added that the general economic slowdown has impacted on the number of new models coming onto the market, but this year's field of runners shows that the quality of the eligible cars is being maintained - from really exciting superminis right up to luxury / sport models, they are all there in this year's crop.
"For the average motorist, it might seem that we have a bewildering range of cars vying for the title this year," commented Paddy Murphy of Continental Tyres Ireland, Irish Car of the Year sponsor. "But the real value of the awards is that each year, the expert IMWA jurors can help Irish motorists navigate through the bewildering range of choices, by identifying the key models that fit with the likes and requirements of the average Irish driver."
Last year's title went to the Nissan Juke while the van accolade was won by the Mercedes-Benz Vito.
Pictured above at the launch of the 2012 competition in the Convention Centre in Dublin are - Paddy Murphy of Continental Tyres Ireland; model Karena Graham; and Gerry Murphy, Chairman of the Irish Motoring Writers' Association.
