The new Peugeot e-3008, Renault Scenic, Volvo EX30 and Kia EV9 electric crossovers are four of the seven cars on the shortlist for the 2024 Car of the Year.
The trio are joined by the BMW 5 Series, BYD Seal and Toyota CH-R.
A total of 59 jurors from 22 countries selected seven cars each from a long list of 28 eligible cars for the 2024 award and the seven cars with the most votes made it onto the shortlist. The winner will be announced in late February 2024.
The Peugeot e-3008, a nomination which also includes the standard non-electric 3008 version, will be looking to reclaim a crown for Peugeot that the second-generation 3008 won when it launched in 2017.
The Renault Scenic is the first car fully created under the Luca de Meo era at Renault. The Scenic is another former COTY winner, having claimed the title in 1997.
The Volvo EX30 breaks new ground for the Swedish brand as an entry-level model design to compete in the booming small SUV segment. Volvo‘s only COTY win was with the Volvo XC40 in 2018.
The Seal is the first BYD to ever make the COTY shortlist while BMW has never won the award. The Munich firm will be hoping to with the new 5 Series, a nomination that includes the BMW i5.
The Kia EV9 is a new seven-seat electric SUV and follows the Kia EV6, which was Car of the Year in 2022.
The Toyota CH-R is the sole hybrid model on the shortlist with the other six finalists all being either solely electric or offering an all-electric version alongside with the line-up. Toyota’s last COTY win came in 2021 with the Toyota Yaris.
Autocar is one of nine titles across Europe which sponsors Car of the Year. The award has been running since 1964, making the 2024 running of the competition the 60th anniversary. The 2023 Car of the Year was won by the Jeep Avenger.