The list with the initial nominees for the 2009 European Car of the Year has been released. Currently there are thirty candidates but the organizing committee noted that more cars could be added by September. The contenders must be new models available in at least five European countries at the time of voting, with projected sales of at least 5,000 units per year. Toyota has five entries this year including the Avensis, the iQ, the Prius, the Urban Cruiser and the Verso people carrier. Other notable candidates include the Chevy Cruze, Honda Insight, Porshe Panamera and the new generation Opel - Vauxhall Astra which has yet to go on sale. Check out the complete shortlist below.
BMW Z4
Chevrolet Cruze
Citroen C3 Picasso
Ford Ka
Honda Insight
Hyundai i20
Hyundai ix55
Kia Sorento
Kia Soul
Land Rover Discovery4
Lexus RX450h
Mazda 3
Mercedes-Benz E-class
Mitsubishi Colt
Nissan 370Z
Nissan Cube
Opel / Vauxhall Astra
Peugeot 3008
Porsche Panamera
Renault Scenic / Grand Scenic
Seat Exeo
Skoda Yeti
Subaru Legacy
Suzuki Alto / Nissan Pixo
Toyota Avenis
Toyota iQ
Toyota Prius
Toyota Urban Cruiser
Toyota Verso
Volkswagen Polo
