The shortlist for the annual UK Car of the Year competition has been revealed, whittling 56 entrants down to 12.
Each finalist came top in their respective categories, as voted for by a panel of 27 leading UK motoring journalists.
Four manufacturers have won awards for the first time – Hyundai with its Ioniq won in the small hatch category, Toyota’s Prius triumphed in the family car class and the Renault Scenic was named as the best MPV. Meanwhile, the Seat Ateca topped the crossover category.
Mercedes, meanwhile, scooped two awards, with the E-class saloon topping the executive car category, and the drop-top S-class winning the cabriolet gong.
The overall UK Car of the Year will be announced on 24 February. Last year, the Mazda MX-5 took top spot, while the 2015 award went to the BMW i8.
Best Small Hatch – Hyundai Ioniq
Best Family Car – Toyota Prius
Best Executive Car – Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Best Luxury Car – Rolls-Royce Dawn
Best Estate Car – Volvo V90
Best MPV – Renault Scenic/Grand Scenic
Best Crossover – Seat Ateca
Best Large Crossover – Jaguar F-pace
Best Coupe – Porsche 718 Cayman
Best Cabriolet – Mercedes-Benz S-class Cabriolet
Best Sports Car – Porsche 718 Boxster
Best Performance Car – Ford Focus RS
