And then there were three ... World Car finalists announced

JUST three models remain in contention for the World Car of the Year award. They are the Mazda CX-5, Range Rover Velar and Volvo XC60.

The top three in six award categories have also been announced. Outright winners will be revealed at the New York Show on March 28.

The finalists were chosen by a jury of 82 international automotive journalists (including myself) from 24 countries. Each juror was appointed by the World Car Awards’ Steering Committee on the basis of expertise, experience, credibility and inf luence.

Jurors typically drive and evaluate new vehicles on a regular basis. KPMG tabulated the jurors’ ballots.

The final three in the World Urban Car category are: Ford Fiesta, Suzuki Swift, Volkswagen Polo. Luxury Car finalists are: Audi A8, Porsche Cayenne, Porsche Panamera. Performance car: BMW M5, Honda Civic Type R, Lexus LC 500. Green Car: BMW 530e iPerformance, Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, Nissan LEAF. And World Car Design is between the Lexus LC 500, Range Rover Velar and Volvo XC60.

In other news, Håkan Samuelsson (pictured),

Volvo Car Group’s chief has been awarded the inaugural World Car Person of the Year accolade.