Narrowing its field from a shortlist of 29, the jurors of the World Car of the Year revealed its 10 finalists. Chosen by 86 international automotive journalists, the finalists were selected by secret ballot. This year’s list is interesting to say the least with three Koreans in the Top 10 and only one Japanese brand, Mazda.

In alphabetical order, the 2020 World Car of the Year finalists are: Hyundai Sonata

• Kia Soul EV
• Kia Telluride
• Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
• Mazda3
• Mazda CX-30
• Mercedes-Benz CLA
• Mercedes-Benz GLB
• Volkswagen Golf
• Volkswagen T-Cross

For the 2020 World Urban Car, the top five finalists are: Kia Soul EV, Mini Electric, Peugeot 208, Renault Clio, and Volkswagen T-Cross.

Meanwhile, for the 2020 World Luxury Car finalists, they are the BMW X5, BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz EQC, Porsche 911, and Porsche Taycan.

Finally, for the 2020 World Performance Car, the finalists are: BMW M8, Porsche 718 Spyder/Cayman GT4, Porsche 911, Porsche Taycan, and Toyota GR Supra.

For the 2020 World Car Design of the Year, all cars competing in these four categories were automatically eligible. However, to choose the finalists, a design panel consisting of seven highly respected world design experts was asked to first review each candidate, and then establish a shortlist of recommendations for the jurors’ final vote.

The five finalists chosen by the design panel for the jurors’ final vote are, in alphabetical order:

• Alpine 110S
• Mazda3
• Mazda CX-30
• Peugeot 208
• Porsche Taycan

Next stop would be the Geneva International Motor Show in March where the World Car Awards will announce the Top Three in the World finalists. The grand finale will be at the New York International Auto Show in April.