Honda Jazz will not be Car of the Year 2009

[RichardA]

The new Jazz has not been shortlisted for the European Car of Year 2009 award. The initial list of 37 new models which included the new Jazz and Accord, was whittled down to seven models: Alfa MiTo, Citroen C5, Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Insignia, Renault Megane, Skoda Superb and VW Golf.

Knowing how this usually plays out, I think the gong will be handed to either the Alfa MiTo or Renault Megane. Personally myself, I think out of that list the Fiesta is the best choice.

Last year's winner was the Fiat 500.

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[guest581]

shocking,it deserves to be because of all the innovations it carries for a start.also how far ahead of its time it is.if the fiesta gets i know it will be rigged

[RichardA]

Well I never! The Insignia got it!

http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle/Vauxhall-Insignia/236028/

[bill888]

The Telegraph has an article and adds a car must be on sale in at least 5 european countries in past 12 months, for it to be considered.  Jazz only just went on sale in Holland last week, and due to go on sale in Germany next week.  Thats perhaps why the Jazz wasn't nominated this year.

[RichardA]

The Telegraph has an article and adds a car must be on sale in at least 5 european countries in past 12 months, for it to be considered.  Jazz only just went on sale in Holland last week, and due to go on sale in Germany next week.  Thats perhaps why the Jazz wasn't nominated this year.

It appears the Jazz was on the list:

http://www.caroftheyear.org/pages/cars_candidates09/Lista09.htm

Insignia sounds like a 1980's deodorant! 

Also...remember that the Insignia (like most Vauxhalls) is actually an Opel....and it's built by Opel in Rüsselsheim, Germany.

[guest238]

The new Accord should be Car of the Year. I checked one out when I went to see the new Jazz, one very impressive car and indistinguishable from the German prestige brands.

I can't for my life understand why the Skoda was on the list (unless you're a Brighton taxi driver), and the Golf?? The motoring press have always had a strange obsession with this overrated box on wheels, even though VW havent made a decent one since they killed off the Mk2. And it's not even all-new, simply a cynical move by VW to increase its bottom line.

[RichardA]

What the judges chose (overall points awarded in bold):

1. Opel/Vauxhall Insigina (321)
2. Ford Fiesta (320)
3. VW Golf (223)
4. Citroen C5 (198)
5. Alfa MiTo (148)
6. Skoda Superb (144)
7. Renault Megane (121)

My ranking from that list:

1. Fiesta
2. Insignia
3. Golf
4. MiTo
5. C5
6. Superb
7. Megane

My prefered choice based on cars launched in 2008:

1. VW Scirocco - I wouldn't mind one of these
2. Jaguar XF - Jaguar can take on the Germans....and win. Makes a 5-series look stale.
3. Ford Fiesta - huge improvement over the old one, but most of credit should go to Mazda ('07 Mazda2 shares 50% parts)
4. Honda Accord - really classy effort.
5. Insignia - Well, it can't be any worse then the old Vectra!
6. Honda Jazz - still not convinced about the new Jazz over the old one, but it deserves more credit then given.
7. Suzuki Splash/Vauxhall/Opel Aglia - funky-looking city car - Suzuki version does without the indignity of the Vauxhall badge, but try finding a dealer!

[guest436]

My prefered choice based on cars launched in 2008:

1. VW Scirocco - I wouldn't mind one of these
....
7. Suzuki Splash/Vauxhall/Opel Aglia - funky-looking city car - Suzuki version does without the indignity of the Vauxhall badge, but try finding a dealer!

Great choice Richard in the Scirocco....I'm ordering one to replace the Civic in Jan.

I did spot the new Aglia and actually, I quite like it 

[guest238]

I've changed my mind...Nissan GT-R would be my pick if it could qualify. A fantastic car if rather inappropriate these days, considering how  difficult it is to enjoy driving thanks to congestion, fuel prices, the idiot in front in the Prius, etc.