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2014 European Car of the Year finalists revealed. Could the Mercedes S-Class win?

Could the 2014 Mercedes S-Class (pictured) win the Car of the Year? We’re at the end of 2013, so the time has arrived to take a look at the finalists for the 2014 European Car of the Year award. In the last few years, despite Europe producing some of the most impressive luxury and performance cars on the planet, the Car of the Year Award has gone to much more prosaic machinery.

Volkswagen Taigun concept (2014): VW’s new baby SUV

It seems the tailgate-mounted spare wheel could be making a comeback – first Ford launches the EcoSport, now VW has followed suit with this updated Taigun concept. Both cars are small crossover SUVs, aimed at emerging markets, particularly Brazil and India. With the EcoSport appearing in UK dealerships this May, however, we don’t think it will be too long before a production version of the Taigun offers VW’s take on the idea to European buyers as well.

Porsche says Panamera avoids gas-guzzler tax

Few expenses were spared in conceiving the Porsche Panamera, but consumers will avoid at least one cost of ownership: the ignominious gas-guzzler tax. Porsche has announced ratings for the 2010 sedan; it will get a combined figure of 18 mpg or 19 mpg from the EPA, depending on the model. This means Porsche’s four-door foray will avoid a fairly substantial cost of ownership--a tax of up to $7,700 is levied on the most prolific guzzlers.