Contenders announced for ICOTY

Brian Smith of Semperit Ireland (left) and Tony Conlon, Chairman of the Irish Motoring Writers Association.

21 October 2003: The candidates for the Semperit Irish Car of the Year 2004 have been announced by the Irish Motoring Writers Association. The winning car will be announced at a ceremony in the Berkeley Court Hotel on Thursday 20 November 2003.

The 43 Contenders are Audi A3, Audi A8, BMW 5-Series, BMW Z4, BMW X3, Citroen C8, Daewoo Nubira, Daihatsu Charade, Fiat Ulysse, Ford Streetka, Honda Accord, Hyundai Getz, Jaguar XJ, Kia Sorento, Kia Carens, Lexus RX300, Mazda 2, Mazda RX8, Maybach, Mercedes Benz E-Class, Mercedes Benz S-Class, Mercedes Benz CL, MG City Rover, Mitsubishi Lancer, Nissan Micra, Opel Meriva, Opel Signum, Peugeot 807, Porsche Cayenne, Renault Megane, Renault Scenic, Renault Coupe, Renault Espace, Seat Cordoba, Skoda Superb, Smart, Subaru Forester, Toyota Avensis, Toyota Land Cruiser, Volkswagen Touran, Volkswagen Toureg, Volkswagen Phaeton, Volvo XC90.

Brian Smith of Semperit Ireland said choice for the customer grows and grows, ‘and the judging for the members of the Irish Motoring Writers Association gets harder and harder’.

“Every year standards of vehicle manufacture and specification are improved, and this is evident in the calibre of vehicles vying for the title 'Semperit Irish Car of the Year'. Most importantly for today’s motorists, safety continues to be foremost among the technological advances we are witnessing."

Shortlisted vehicles will be announced in early November and the members of the Irish Motoring Writer’s Association will have a final chance to test-drive contending vehicles at a refresher day before final judging takes place.

Last Year the Semperit Irish Car of the Year was the Mazda 6, while the Semperit Irish Van of the Year went to the Citroen Relay, Fiat Ducato and Peugeot Boxer.

©2003 irishcar.com