European Car of the Year

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
View Threaded
Wed 20 Nov 2002 19:13
European Car of the Year - Cardew
I see the Renault Megane has been voted European Car of the Year for 2003.

The following are the results for European Car of the Year 1963-2001
Year
1963: Rover 2000 76 pt
1964: Austin 1800 78 pt
1965: Renault 16 98 pt
1966: Fiat 124 144 pt
1967: NSU Ro80 197 pt
1968: Peugeot 504 119 pt
1969: Fiat 128 235 pt
1970: Citroën GS 233 pt
1971: Fiat 127 239 pt
1972: Audi 80 114 pt
1973: Mercedes-Benz 450 115 pt
1974: Citroën CX 229 pt
1975: *
1976: Simca 1307/1308 192 pt
1977: Rover 3500 157 pt
1978: Porsche 928 261 pt
1979: Simca Horizon 251 pt
1980: Lancia Delta 369 pt
1981: Ford Escort 326 pt
1982: Renault 9 355 pt.
1983: Audi 100 410 pt
1984: Fiat Uno 346 pt
1985: Opel Kadett 326pt
1986: Ford Scorpio 337 pt
1987: Opel Omega 275 pt
1988: Peugeot 405 464 pt
1989: Fiat Tipo 356 pt
1990: Citroën XM 390 pt
1991: Renault Clio 312 pt
1992: VW Golf 276 pt
1993: Nissan Micra 338 pt
1994: Ford Mondeo 290 pt
1995: Fiat Punto 370 pt
1996: Fiat Bravo/Brava 378 pt
1997: Renault Megane Scénic 405 pt
1998: Alfa Romeo 156 454 pt
1999: Ford Focus 444 pt
2000: Toyota Yaris 344 pt
2001: Alfa Romeo 147 238 pt
In 1975 the title wasn't given in the year of introduction of the car but for the year after the election

History has not been kind to some of the selections! How will the 2003 choice shape up.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 20 Nov 2002 20:27
European Car of the Year - jud
This award has been given to some terrible cars, i never give the results serious consideration
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 21 Nov 2002 09:09
European Car of the Year - Steve S
Quite right. Experience of the majority of previous winners has merely confirmed that first impressions can be deceptive.

Many of them would now feature highly in a "dog" list.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 21 Nov 2002 09:43
European Car of the Year - TrevorP
Too many French "judges"?
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 21 Nov 2002 10:16
European Car of the Year - Baskerville
British influence here is only a small part, and our tastes tend to be different. For example, the Fiat Tipo was very popular, and successful, as a taxi on the continent. My parents had two, and they were very tough, and huge inside. The Punto is also hugely successful, as was the Pug 405. I don't think anyone could dispute the revolutionary design of the Renault Megane (every manufacturer has copied), the gorgeousness of the Alfa 156 (let's not mention the build quality), or the huge popularity of the Focus and Yaris. And as for the Golf, well...

I think they've got it right a lot of times. Of course they only pick new designs, so they don't know what the long-term performance will be.

Chris
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 21 Nov 2002 10:27
European Car of the Year - joe
It's all about design, innovation, looks etc with a healthy dose of politics thrown in. Nobody cares if the chosen car will fall to bits in 3 years time.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 25 Nov 2002 19:00
European Car of the Year - Marcus
I think innovation is way down the pecking order. It is all about commercial interests.

I understand that motoring journalists form the voting jury. IMHO most of these journalists are so dependant on the manufacturer's advertising in their publications they are 'bought' men.

There are very few motoring hacks with the courage to give objective appraisals of the cars they test - HJ and Clarkson being notable exceptions.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 25 Nov 2002 19:08
European Car of the Year - volvoman
Hear hear Marcus. These awards are about as relevant, meaningful, justified and unbiased as the Eurovision 'Song' Contest !

As for the Megane - European Ugly Car of the Year would be more appropriate !
Reply | Report as offensive | Link

If you cover no more than 100 miles per day and have easy access to a charging point at home or work, then an EV is ideal for you.

Is an electric car right for me?