7 November 2001: The five cars shortlisted for the Semperit Irish Car of the Year 2002 have been selected by members of the Irish Motoring Writers Association and a number of other motoring journalists invited onto the voting panel.

The Alfa Alfa Romeo 147, Citroen C5, Ford Mondeo, Honda Civic, and Renault Laguna II were chosen in an initial ballot from over 30 contenders for this year's competition.

The members of the voting panel to attend the Refresher Day next Monday where all shortlisted cars will be available for further assessment. The final decision will be announced at a lunch event in the Berkley Court Hotel on November 22.