Europe car of the year 2017
The shortlist:
Superminis
Executive
Crossovers
Nissan Micra
The big surprise at this years Paris motor show was the introduction of the new Nissan Micra supermini which stole the limelight from the Citroën stand, which was literally across the aisle.
To the surprise of many, they did not expect the Micra to look so radically different and rejuvenated compared to the previous generations. It’s probably the first Micra you could actually see yourself buy.
Citroën C3
The Citroën, which some believe to be the chic-est little car on the market and very French in its styling. It’s fun to drive and nice to be in.
Peugeot 3008
This car is part SUV, part estate, part hatchback, part MPV. It’s tall, but (in most models) lacks four-wheel drive, offering instead a ‘grip control’ system that does clever things with the traction control and ESP on slippery surfaces such as snow, mud or sand.
Alfa Romeo Giulia
The official line is that the Quadrifoglio engine is “inspired by Ferrari technology and technical skills.” This is the most powerful Alfa Romeo ever to be sold, and the first saloon with the rear-wheel drive since the 75 went out of production in 1992.
Mercedes E-Class
Mercedes-Benz E-Class is now in its 10th generation. Last century’s undisputed king of the executive car. The headlines are impressive: the car is lighter and has an ultra-aerodynamic body with the lowest drag in its class.
Toyota C-HR
“C-HR” stands for “Coupe High-Rider,”. Safety tech includes a forward-collision warning system with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control.
Volvo S90/V90
The Volvo estate is a motoring icon. But with the new V90, it’s more beautiful than ever. With its T8 Twin Engine, the Volvo V90 accomplishes the ultimate in performance without compromise. The hybrid mode gives smooth and efficient everyday driving. In pure electric mode, journeys are near silent with zero emissions. Power mode combines petrol and electric power to give you maximum performance.
Author
Justin Kavanagh
Justin Kavanagh is a recognised leader
in automotive intelligence and vehicle
data supply to the entire motor industry.
He has almost 20 years experience in
building systems from the ground up.
As the Managing Director of Vehicle
Management System, he understands the
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reliable vehicle history and advice to
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