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A Few Surprises Makes for an Eventful 2006 European Car of the Year

A Near-Victory for VWs New Passat

On Monday, November 14th, 2005, the European Car of the Year for 2006 models was announced. Normally, our focus wouldnt be on such an event being that North America has its own various car and truck of the year awards. But there are no less than six reasons why Europes winner and runners up might be of interest to you.

The winner, crowned by a panel of 58 journalists from 22 different countries, was the Renault Clio III. This is Renaults subcompact
Renaults Clio III, which will enter the North American market in revised form as the Nissan Versa, just won the European Car of the Year for 2006 models. (Photo: Renault)
car, recently redesigned for 2006. Its a city car designed for the masses: plenty of space, refined interior, decent drivetrain and a list of safety accolades
Nissan will bring a version of Renaults Clio III to the U.S., dubbed Versa. (Photo: Nissan North America)
and features for occupants and pedestrians that is about as long as the European Union itself.

But if youre expecting this to be an article of hopefuls and crossed-fingers about how automobile manufacturers should export small, intelligently-designed diesel-powered superminis, think
Volkswagens new Passat came five points from winning. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)
again. The reality of this years competitions is that we North Americans will be sure to feel the effect. Four of the seven vehicles that made the top cut are currently on sale here, while two more are on the way in one form or another.
This list, in descending of winners is as follows:

1. Renault Clio III (256 points)
2. VW Passat (251 points)
3.
Third place went to Alfa Romeos 159, a respectable finish for Italys only contender. (Photo: Alfa Romeo)
Alfa Romeo 159 (212 points)
4. BMW 3-Series (203 points)
5. Mazda5 (198 points)
6. Toyota Aygo/Peugeot 107/Citroen C1 (187 points)
7. Toyota Yaris (143 points)

So how does a compact hatchback from a French brand that last sold products through AMC-Chrysler dealerships rate as something North Americans will be able to buy? Renaults inherent lack of North American presence hasnt stopped the process; it will be brought here through its
The Alfa beat BMWs fourth place 3-Series (E90) in terms of points. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)
business partner, Nissan.

For 2007, Nissan will launch the Versa compact sedan and hatchback. Essentially a mildly facelifted version of the Tiida compact sold in Japan, it is based off the Nissan-Renault B-Platform, used to underpin countless Renaults and Nissans including the Japanese automakers Cube, Micra (also said to be headed our way), and of course the Renault Clio III.
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