Opel Astra named car of the year 2016

Opel's Astra is the Car of the Year in Europe for 2016. Announced at an awards event at the Geneva motor show, the new family hatchback pipped the latest Volvo XC90 to the title.

From an initial list of 35 candidates this year, the 58 jury members had a seven-car shortlist of finalists comprising the Audi A4, BMW 7-Series, Jaguar XE, Mazda MX-5, Opel Astra, Skoda Superb and Volvo XC90.

Each jury member had 25 points to allocate, with a maximum of 10 points to award to any one car. All voting is transparent and the scoring published along with the verdict on each car.

The final score was 309 points for the Opel Astra; 294 for the Volvo XC90; 202 for the Mazda MX-5; 189 for the Audi A4; 163 for the Jaguar XE; 147 for the Skoda Superb; and 143 for the BMW 7-Series.

The car of the year is an independent operation sponsored by several major automotive titles in Europe including Auto in Italy, Autocar in the UK; Stern in Germany; L'Automobile in France; and ViBilgare in Sweden.

As one of the 58 jury members, my votes this year went first to the Mazda MX-5 and then to the Volvo XC90 and Opel Astra. My 25 points were allocated as follows: Mazda MX-5 - 7 points; Volvo XC90 - 5 points; Opel Astra - 5 points; Skoda Superb 4 points; BMW 7 Series - 2 points; Audi A4 - 1 point; Jaguar XE - 1 point.

Here is a brief summary of my views on each of the finalists:

Audi A4

Another feat of engineering by the four-ringed brand, although conservatively packaged. While the Quattro versions are great to drive, the regular fare is still refined, fun and economical. The A4’s interior remains the benchmark in its class.

BMW 7-Series

It’s a template for new technology, as stylish and whizz-bang as you would expect in a premium flagship. Strip away the tech frills and you get a great driver’s car as well. However a key criteria of the tech is meaningful innovation and I’m not sure all the features on offer meet the mark. Gesture controls are certainly a welcome new technology in the automotive world, but the system fitted here still seems a relatively beta version of what’s hopefully to become a common feature in cars.

Jaguar XE

It’s great to see the Big Cat return to this all-important market segment, and with a car that looks as sharp as any of its rivals. The XE’s handling is worth a mention as well and it’s clearly trying to take on the BMW 3-Series in terms of its engaging drive. The cabin is a weak point, however and the diesel engine is not as refined as rivals.

Opel Astra

It epitomises the latest advances in everything from safety and weight-saving to fuel efficiency. It’s all encompassed in a package that handles well and is affordable for many families. From interior space improvements to the use of lightweight metals, every element of the Astra has been improved, updated and advanced. The new engine line-up features some real stars like the 1-litre petrol, while notable features like the OnStar system should definitely lure buyers back to the brand.

Skoda Superb

From the family buyer to the corporate fleet the new Superb delivers. Previously the lure was the incredible spaciousness at a competitive price. Skoda has added stylish design and a real touch of premium class to that mix. The ride quality is really impressive and the car beats all rivals in terms of space and comfort. It's a great all-round package with the latest safety and infotainment features courtesy of the R&D clout of its parent, VW Group. All things considered it's at the top of its class.

Volvo XC90

A bold statement of intent from the Swedish brand and further proof it intends to live up to its bold promise that no one will be killed or seriously injured in a Volvo after 2020. An array of safety features is mixed with a brave new cabin design and an impressive mix of powertrains. The big talking point - the tablet-style touchscreen - has some ergonomic flaws but it’s on the right track. No question of its premium pedigree, but similarly its scale makes it a little unwieldy for some European roads. Styling is relatively divisive, particularly amongst previous owners. But for me it works.

Mazda MX-5

Fun, pure and simple. It’s the world’s best-selling sports car and rightly so. Others have tried to imitate its mix of driving fun and affordability: none have succeeded. A veritable motoring luddite compared to the rest of the tech-laden finalists yet it showcases the very essence of why we still love to drive. Amid plans of autonomus driving, it’s worth reminding ourselves what we lose out on when we hand over control to the computers. Impractical, relatively noisy and not the most eco-friendly choice. Yet it’s pure driving pleasure and it puts a smile on my face every time. That’s why it’s my car of the year 2016.