The 7 finalists for the European Car Of The Year award have been announced and the winning vehicle will be announced at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2017.

A panel of 58 motoring journalists from 22 European countries have chosen the 7 finalists for the European Car Of The Year award. It’s interesting to note that Nissan and Toyota are the only two non-European brands to feature and no Korean or American brands made the final list. Electric Vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles are also absent from the final list.

The 7 finalists were whittled down from 30 vehicles and include products from Alfa Romeo, Citroen, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Peugeot, Toyota and Volvo. The winner will be announced at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show next year. The new Opel Astra claimed the award in 2016, while the Volkswagen Passat won in 2015.

On a local note, the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank, will determine the best vehicles in South Africa across 13 categories and the winners will be announced on 19 January 2017.

For more information on the#CarsAwards, visit the official Cars.co.za Consumer Awards – powered by WesBank website.

The 7 finalists in the running for the European Car Of The Year award are as follows…

Alfa Romeo Giulia

The highly-anticipated Alfa Romeo Giulia is expected to arrive in South Africa in the first quarter of 2017. The Giulia Quadrifoglio will top the range with its 375 kW/600 Nm 2.9-litre twin turbo V6 engine while a 2.0-litre engine in both Base and Super trim levels will also be offered with 150 kW and 330 Nm of torque.

[Updated] Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio (2016) First Drive

Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUV Revealed

Finda new or used Alfa Romeo on Cars.co.za

Citroen C3

The new Citroen C3 appears to be an impressive product, but it sadly won’t be offered in South Africa. The new C3 features a fresh design, combining elements from the C1 and C4 Cactus. A host of customisation options are offered with the new C3.

All-new Citroen C3 Unveiled

Find a new or used Citroen on Cars.co.za

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class was introduced earlier in 2016 and it has proven to be a hugely impressive product, especially in terms of refinement and on-board technology. Buyers have the choice between petrol and diesel engines with outputs ranging from 135 kW to 245 kW. A plug-in hybrid version is expected to join the range in 2018.

Can new BMW 5 Series match Mercedes-Benz E-Class for tech?

Comparative Review: BMW 520d vs Mercedes-Benz E220d (2016)

Find a new or used Mercedes-Benz on Cars.co.za

Nissan Micra

The fifth-generation Nissan Micra was revealed at the 2016 Paris Motor Show donning a new design with at least 125 different interior and exterior personalisation options on offer. The new Nissan Micra is currently being considered for introduction in South Africa and its arrival on local soil is yet to be confirmed.

All-new Nissan Micra Revealed in Paris

Find a new or used Nissan on Cars.co.za

Peugeot 3008

Earlier this year, we travelled to Italy to drive the new Peugeot 3008 and found it to stylish on the outside with a well-built and hugely impressive interior design. The 3008 will arrive in South Africa in the first quarter of 2017 with a 121 kW/240 Nm 1.6-litre turbopetrol engine and a 133 kW/400 Nm 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine.

Peugeot 3008 (2016) First Drive

Peugeot 3008 2.0 HDi Allure (2014) Review

Find a new or used Peugeot on Cars.co.za

Toyota C-HR

The forthcoming Toyota C-HR is set to rock the crossover market when it arrives in South Africa in the first quarter of 2017. The C-HR features a bold, head-turning design and will be fitted with a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine offering 87 kW and 185 Nm of torque.

Toyota C-HR (2017) First Drive

Toyota C-HR Concept shows new compact SUV

Find a new or used Toyota on Cars.co.za

Volvo S90/V90

The S90 is Volvo’s answer to the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the new BMW 5-Series and by all accounts, it’s bound to be a formidable rival. A range of 2.0-litre turbopetrol and turbodiesel engines will be offered, as well as the powerful T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid. The S90 arrives in South Africa early in 2017 and due to the lack of demand for station wagons in our market, the V90 station wagon sadly won’t be offered.

Flagship Volvo S90 Pricing Revealed

5 reasons why the Volvo S90 matters

Find a new or used Volvo on Cars.co.za