The countdown is on for the announcement of World Car of the Year and for the first time in the competition’s 15-year history, the results will be announced online.

In previous years, the winner has been revealed live at the New York motor show, but as that has been cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak the announcements will take place in a ceremony online at 10.30am on Wednesday April 8th 2020 (2.30am NZ, Thursday April 9th).

A jury of 86 international automotive journalists select the finalists by secret ballot based on their evaluation of each eligible vehicle (*ahem* judging committee, I’m available to be on the jury).

Last year the Jaguar I-Pace electric vehicle (above) won the award.

The event is the flagship title of the awards show and the top 10 finalists for the 2020 award include: Hyundai Sonata, Kia Soul EV, Kia Telluride, Range Rover Evoque, Mazda 3, Mazda CX-30, Mercedes-Benz CLA, Mercedes-Benz GLB, Volkswagen Golf and Volkswagen T-Cross.

But at the India motor show in February, the top three vehicles were revealed: Kia Telluride, Mazda CX-30 and Mazda3.

So, what are the top three vehicles? The Kia is a medium SUV sold in America and revealed at last year’s Detroit motor show. It’s named after a city in Colorado.

The first ever CX-30 crossover is a big deal for Mazda and sits between the CX-3 and CX-5. The CX-30 has a four-wheel drive system on the highest trim level, and lightweight construction to improve performance and economy. It was just about to be launched in New Zealand when the lockdown was implemented.

The Mazda3 (above) is also a showstopper for the Japanese brand. Available as a sedan or hatch, it’s famous for its concave-looking side panels that took a year to perfect in Mazda’s design studio. It is for sale in New Zealand.

So, which car will win?

It will be a Mazda, that’s a given. I’d vote for the CX-30 but the Mazda3 may take the title, as more judges would have evaluated it.

Other categories include World Urban Car and the top three are: Kia Soul EV, Mini Electric, and Volkswagen T-Cross World. Winner? I’d love the Mini to take the title but I think the Kia (below) will succeed.

Luxury Car has the Mercedes-Benz EQC, Porsche 911 and Porsche Taycan as finalists. The EQC and Taycan are electric vehicles but I think the 911 (below) will win.

Porsche has the final three in the World Performance Car with the 718 Spyder/Cayman GT4, 911 and Taycan. This is a tough one but again I pick the 911 – though I can’t wait for the Taycan to launch in New Zealand.

The final category is World Car Design of the Year with the Mazda3, Peugeot 208 and Taycan in the top three and this time the Taycan (below) is sure to win.

For all the finalists go to worldcarawards.com.