Official nominees for ''2010 European Car of the Year'' award

We now officially know the models that will battle for the title of "2010 European Car of the Year."

The 33 nominees all meet a number of specific criteria. First, eligible cars must be essentially new models available now or soon to be released for the 2010 model year. They must be available in at least five European countries at the time of voting, and have an expected sales volume of 5,000 units a year.

The 59 members of the European Car of the Year jury have until November 2 to announce the seven models that will advance to the final round. The big winner will be crowned on November 30.

Nissan 370 Z

Last year, the "2009 European Car of the Year" title was awarded to the Opel Insigna, which surpassed the Ford Fiesta by a single point (for a total of 321 points).

The nominees for the "2010 European Car of the Year" award are:

BMW 5-Series GT (Touring wagon)
BMW X1 (Compact SUV)
BMW Z4 (Roadster)
Chevrolet Cruze (Compact sedan)
Citroën C3 Picasso (Compact hatchback)
Ford Ka (Microcar)
Honda Insight (Hybrid compact hatchback)
Hyundai i20 (Sub-compact)
Hyundai ix55 ("Veracruz", Midsize crossover)
Kia Sorento (Midsize SUV)
Kia Soul (Compact wagon)
Land Rover Dicovery4 ("LR4", Premium SUV)
Lexus RX 450h (Premium hybrid SUV)
Mazda 3 (Compact sedan)
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (Premium sedan/coupe)
Mitsubishi Colt (Sub-compact)
Nissan 370Z (Sports coupe)
Nissan cube (Compact wagon)
Opel/Vauxhall Astra (Compact hatchback)
Peugeot 3008 (Crossover wagon)
Peugeot 5008 (Minivan)
Porsche Panamera (Sports sedan)
Renault Scénic/Grand Scénic (Wagon)
Seat Exeo (Midsize sedan)
Skoda Yeti (Compact SUV)
Subaru Legacy/Outback (Midsize sedan/wagon)