A
FIELD of 46 candidates are in the running for the Continental Irish Car of the
Year 2010 awards, announced by the Irish Motoring Writers Association (IMWA)
last week.
The
Continental Irish Car of the Year and Continental Irish Van of the Year will be
revealed at a gala event in the Convention Centre on Thursday, November 17.
Gerry
Murphy, Chairman of the IMWA, said:
“There has been a very small rise in car
sales this year in relation to 2010, and reflecting that slight increase, we
also have an increased number of entries for the Continental Irish Car of the
Year title – up from 39 last year to 46 this year.
“Certainly
the general economic slowdown has impacted on the number of new models coming
onto the market but this year’s field of runners shows that the quality of the
eligible cars is being maintained – from really exciting superminis right up to
luxury/sport models, they are all there in this year’s crop
?.
The
24 voting members of the Irish Motoring Writers’ Association assess each
vehicle, attributing points on the basis of criteria ranging from innovation
and safety, to space, comfort, build quality, driving quality and value for
money.
“For
the average motorist, it might seem that we have a bewildering range of cars
vying for the title this year
?, commented Paddy Murphy of Continental Tyres
Ireland, Irish Car of the Year sponsor.
“But the real value of the awards is that each year, the expert IMWA
jurors can help Irish motorists navigate through the bewildering range of
choices, by identifying the key models that fit with the likes and requirements
of the average Irish driver.
?
Last
year the Continental Irish Car of the Year title went to the Nissan Juke while
the van accolade was won by the Mercedes-Benz Vito.