Members of the Irish Motoring Writers Association, including this writer and colleague Trish Whelan, have now voted on what will be the overall Continental Irish Car of the Year 2013, having recently had a refresher day with the shortlist of 11 cars selected from the original field of 36, writes Brian Byrne. In addition, the voting will decide a number of category winners, including Small Car, Compact Family Car, Medium Family/Executive Car, Sports Car, and Luxury Car. The awards will be announced at a lunch this Thursday, 22 November. In Category and Alphabetical order, here are the contenders.
SMALL CAR
The FORD B-MAX is a brand-new and very interesting addition to the Small Car segment. Replacing the former Ford Fusion, this small MPV is based on the Fiesta platform, but in design is a completely different car. Notable innovations are the sliding rear doors, and a unique pillarless structure that provides unbeatable access to the back of the car. The powertrains are extensive for a small-segment in this country, three petrol engines including the award-winning 3-cylinder EcoBoost, and a brand new 1.5 diesel. I like the style, the drive, and the access.
The PEUGEOT 208 is the latest in an iconic line of small hatchbacks, beautifully styled and well thought out for practicality. It has a distinctive interior design, and is well specified with the gadgetry that is required by the smartphone generation. Engines are two petrol, including a sweet 3-cylinder 1.0, and a 1.4 diesel. I particularly like this one for its sexy looks, and the engines are as refined as we expect from the brand.
COMPACT FAMILY
The KIA CEE'D in this new generation is already available in 5-door hatch and a Sportwagon estate, and both are turned out in the best of 21st century style thinking as well as exceptional comfort inside. The engines are a 1.4 petrol in the hatchback only, and 1.4 and 1.6 diesels, all right on the button in terms of refinement and frugality. I like these for the looks and the top-notch quality, as well as great long-distance driving.
The MAZDA CX-5 is this carmaker's shift into contention in the growing and very important compact SUV arena. It has a strong styling, is a good roomy 5-seater with lots of cargo space, and has an interior level of finish that will stand up to longterm tough usage. Power is from a 2.0 petrol or 2.2 a diesel that's good to drive and adds to the economy which a large degree of weightsaving allows for the car. I like it for its comfort, ruggedness, and frugality without sacrifice in power.
The VOLVO V40 is a totally new generation of compact cars from the Swedish-ethos brand. While traditional Volvo style cues are still there, the extended hatchback is a much more cool-looking car than what it replaces. Good room inside, a top level of finish, and a range of 1.6 turbocharged petrol, and 1.6 2.0 diesels make it attractive to a wide variety of potential owners. I like this one for the looks, the drive, and the quietness.
MEDIUM FAMILY/EXECUTIVE
The latest BMW 3 SERIES is stylistically and from an engineering perspective a very worthy evolution of its famous nameplate. More room, unmistakeable in its pedigree, and even more efficient than before, there's also that particular detailing outside and in that is incontrovertibly BMW. I like the looks, the driving, the whole ethos of engineering excellence that permeates the car.
The new KIA OPTIMA is a perfect example of how Korean makers are targeting the mainstream in fleet and medium family markets, with a growing degree of success. Very individually stylish, and with a seriously strong specification, the Optima has potential to change the game here. Power is from a 1.7 diesel that is more than adequate for this large car, performing with verve and economy. I like this for a really distinctive look, its comfort, and a long drive.
LUXURY CARS
The BMW 6 SERIES GRAN COUPE has to be the sexiest car in contention this year, with stunning looks and an elegant sportiness that arguably no other brand on this market can touch. The engineering excellence is a given, and the 3.0 and 4.4 petrol and 3.0 diesel engines are tours de force. I like this for the way they have merged individuality with the essential of being a BMW, and for being simply gorgeous.
The MERCEDES-BENZ M-CLASS has been gently evolved upwards from its already excellent positioning in the large luxury SUV firmament. Smoother looking, and with serious efficiency improvements in its 2.2 and 3.5 diesel powertrain options, this 7-seater can waft large families and their luggage from end to end of a state or country. I like it for its uncomplaining attitude in any circumstance.
SPORTS CARS
The BMW M5 is the ultimate in the 5 Series range and offers neck-snapping acceleration and extreme handling capability in a package that remains a practical large family saloon. There are styling cues that set it off from its humbler brethern, and the 4.4 V8 is a benchmarker in its species. I like this for its achievement in meshing impossibilities.
The TOYOTA GT86 has brought its maker back into a circuit from which it has been too long absent, and has done so without having had to develop extreme technologies. Closer to the true ethos of the affordable sports car, this one offers a pure enthusiastic driving experience without ever having to break driving laws and regulations. I like this one for its honesty and integrity.
The KIA CEE'D in this new generation is already available in 5-door hatch and a Sportwagon estate, and both are turned out in the best of 21st century style thinking as well as exceptional comfort inside. The engines are a 1.4 petrol in the hatchback only, and 1.4 and 1.6 diesels, all right on the button in terms of refinement and frugality. I like these for the looks and the top-notch quality, as well as great long-distance driving.
