COUNTDOWN TO GLORY

reflecting the changing tastes of buyers.

In all, there are five SUVs, one hatchback and a sedan.

Judges with decades of experience will put the field through their paces, examining the vehicles according to five key criteria: value for money, performance, design, safety and technology. The winner, and the best cars in each category, will be named on Friday, December4.

FORD FIESTA ST

Compact cars are disappearing( Honda Jazz ), becoming expensive( To yo taYar is ), or focusing on performance( Hyundaii20N) as buyers adopt SUVs. Ford’ s Fiesta ST is for buyers who don’ t want a dynamically compromised, highriding crossover. Packed with features, powered by a charming three-cylinder turbo engine and blessed with engaging cornering ability, the Fiesta is for folks on a budget who love to drive.

FORD PUMA

By replacing the Ford Eco Sport with the Puma, the Blue Oval traded its worst car for one of its best. Fun to drive, generously-appointed and competitively priced, the Ford Puma is a worthy addition to the baby SUV crowd. Safe, fun and interesting to look at, the Puma is a return to form for Ford.

SKODA KAMIQ

Volkswagen’ s Czech cousin has format Car of the Year, taking the trophy in 2017 with the Kodiaq family SUV. The Kamiqi sits smaller cousin, blending sophisticated engineering with myriad“simply clever” touches in an attractive package. Based onVW’ s similarsized T-Cross, the Kamiq brings loads more equipment for the money, including a powered tailgate and rear arm rests to join handy features such as US B points in the back seat.

TOYOTA YARIS CROSS HYBRID

First-rated river aids and the addition of a new central air bag help make the new Toyota Yaris Cross an impressive machine. It also brings to seven the number of high-riding Toyota st here are to choose from. The baby SUV is surprisingly spacious—bigger than Toyota’ s original R AV 4— and an affordable hybrid option brings impressive efficiency.

VW T-ROC

Volkswagen introduced a pair of SUV sin the compact T-Cross and larger, Golf-based T-Roc. While the smaller model is bested by its Skoda Kamiq cousin, the T-Roc’s sharp looks, impressive road holding and clever tech make it a contender. As hatchback sales decline, the TRoc is positioned to attract customers who don’t want a Golf.

KIA SORENTO

The previous Kia Sorento made history in 2015 as the first SUV to win our annual award. Bigger and better than before, the S or en to GT-Line combines generous space for seven people with luxury-carte chat an affordable price.

AUDIA4

Sedans might be out of vogue for luxury buyers, but that doesn’ t make them irrelevant. BMW’ s 3 Series came close to winning in 2019, and Audi’ s A 4 has the ingredients to spring a surprise. Attractive, dynamic, and loaded with innovative features, the new A 4 is the quintessential Audi.