IRELAND - Irish Car Of The Year nominations whittled down to 14, with our choice highlighted.

The shortlist of models for the 38^th annual Continental Irish Car of the Year 2015 has been announced by the Irish Motoring Writers Association (IMWA).  Sponsored by Continental Tyres Ireland, the overall winner of the 2015 title will be announced at an awards ceremony in The Marker Hotel, on Friday 28^th November.

The shortlisted models are as follows (in alphabetical order):

1. Alfa Romeo 4C
2. BMW 2 Series
3. BMW 2 Series Active Tourer
4. Citroen C1
5. Citroen Cactus - The Motoring World Choice
6. Citroen Grand C4 Picasso
7. Hyundai i10
8. Mercedes-Benz C-Class
9. Mercedes-Benz GLA
10. Nissan Qashqai
11. Nissan X-Trail
12. Peugeot 308
13. Peugeot RCZ R
14. Toyota Aygo

From 39 eligible cars, selection of the shortlisted vehicles is based on votes from the 18 voting members of the IMWA, taking into account such factors as value for money, style, engineering and performance. 

Tom Dennigan of sponsor Continental Tyres Ireland said: “We’re delighted to see such a dynamic shortlist announcement today, one that features some of Ireland’s most recognisable car manufacturers - some of who have a number of models shortlisted which only goes to show their popularity in Ireland.”

Austin Shinnors, Chairman of the IMWA, said: “Once again this year’s shortlist does not fail to excite.  It’s going to be a very difficult decision making process for all our members - we look forward to honouring the overall winner on November 28^th.”

The winner of last year’s Continental Irish Car of the Year was the Citroen C4 Picasso.

Honda looks to win readers award with the new HR-V at 2015 What Car? awards ceremony.

• Honda HR-V shortlisted for What Car? Reader award
• Small SUV among the most eagerly anticipated new cars of 2015
• Voting open now until Monday 1^st December

Honda’s forthcoming small SUV, the HR-V, has been shortlisted for the 2015 What Car? Reader Award. Compiled by What Car? experts and voted for by readers, the shortlist features the most eagerly anticipated new models coming to the UK market in the next twelve months.

Arriving in the UK and across Europe next summer, the HR-V is Honda’s new entry into the fast-growing small SUV segment. Unveiled recently at the Paris Motor Show, the prototype of the new built-for-Europe model echoes that of a coupé, with sharp, dynamic lines that link the sleek upper body with the stable and planted lower body.

This coupé-esque elegance is achieved without compromising the interior practicality of the HR-V. It features a centre fuel tank location to create one of the most spacious and adaptable small SUV cabins, while Honda’s Magic Seats^® make use of this versatility by enabling a wide range of seating configurations, with the ability to fold the second row seats completely flat for additional cargo space.

The Reader Award is part of the 38^th annual What Car? Car of the Year Awards, in association with Warranty Direct. A valuable indication of sentiment towards cars being brought to market in the next year, last year more than 10,000 readers cast their vote.

Jim Holder, Editor of What Car? comments: “Once again, next year will see Britain’s motoring public spoiled for choice when it comes to new and exciting cars hitting the market. The Reader Award has a special prestige for manufacturers purely because it is voted for by their paying public. To get this particular prize is a very good indication that the car you’re toiling over is getting the right reaction from consumers.”

Leon Brannan, Head of Car at Honda (UK) comments: “The HR-V is a very welcome addition to our line-up, in what is a very popular and fast growing market segment. While being shortlisted for any award is fantastic, I’m particularly pleased with this one as it’s voted for by the general public and based on the opinions of the trusted experts at What Car?.”

Voting is open until 00.01 on Monday 1^st December 2014, with the HPI-sponsored Reader Award winner announced at the What Car? awards ceremony on Wednesday 7^th January 2015. To view the shortlist and to vote please visit: www.wcreaderaward.com.