Three new models are finalists for the World Car of the Year title

Among the frenzy of super, hyper and mega cars revealed at the Geneva motor show last week, the top three finalists for the 2016 World Car of the Year (WCOTY) award were announced.

With four key categories covered, comprising World Luxury Car, World Performance Car, World Green Car and World Car Design of the Year, the top prize is the coveted title of World Car of the Year.

In the hunt for overall bragging rights is an all-new trio made up of the ninth-generation Audi A4, fourth-generation ND Mazda MX‐5 and first-ever Mercedes‐Benz GLC (Below).

In the luxury stakes it’s the second-generation Audi Q7, sixth-generation BMW 7 Series and second-gen Swedish powerhouse, the new Volvo XC90.

Accounting for front-, rear- and all-wheel-drive cars, the 2016 battle for World Performance Car will comes down to the second-generation Audi R8, the new turbocharged fourth-generation-based Honda Civic Type R and the mighty twin-turbocharged Mercedes‐AMG C63 Coupe.

At the other end of the spectrum, the Chevrolet Volt range-extender hybrid takes on the hydrogen fuel cell-powered Toyota Mirai (pictured below) and ‘traditional’ hybrid hero, the Toyota Prius, in the 2016 World Car Awards’ green car grudge match.

Always the source of much debate pre- and post-awards, for 2016, the World Car Design of the Year award will go to either the Jaguar XE, Mazda CX‐3 or Mazda MX‐5.

Regardless of what we humble onlookers may think, winners will be announced on March 24, when a jury of 73 “distinguished international automotive journalists” present their final decisions at the 2016 New York International Auto Show.

Which cars are you tipping will take home the silverware this year?

 2016 World Car of the Year Top Three Finalists

Audi A4 Sedan/Avant Mazda MX‐5 Mercedes‐Benz GLC

2016 World Luxury Car Top Three Finalists

Audi Q7 BMW 7 Series Volvo XC90

2016 World Performance Car Top Three Finalists

Audi R8 Coupe Honda Civic Type R Mercedes‐AMG C63 Coupe

2016 World Green Car Top Three Finalists

Chevrolet Volt (Range-extender hybrid) Toyota Mirai (Hydrogen fuel cell) Toyota Prius (Hybrid)

2016 World Car Design of the Year Top Three Finalists

Jaguar XE Mazda CX‐3 Mazda MX‐5

-CARADVICE.COM.AU