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Car of the Year shortlist revealed

Shortlist for Car of the Year 2009 is announced today By Tim Pollard Motor Industry 02 October 2008 00:27 The European Car of the Year shortlist is announced today – and it looks like being a close-run battle this year. Take a look at the contenders below and have your say who should win by clicking 'Add your comment' at the foot of the story: Alfa Romeo MitoCitroen C5Ford FiestaOpel/Vauxhall InsigniaRenault MeganeSkoda SuperbVW GolfThat means that numerous contenders have fallen by the wayside; BMW's new 7-series, the Ford Kuga, Jaguar XF and VW Scirocco were deemed unworthy by the jury of top-flight journos from around Europe.And this year, CAR has its jury place back – editor Phil McNamara is now one of the UK's handful of judges for Car of the Year.

Smart eScooter

Smart is the latest car manufacturer to present a sub-car commuter vehicle. The eScooter will be shown at the Paris motor show in concept form, but has been confirmed as part of Smart's future urban mobility strategy. Like the Smart ForTwo, the eScooter uses a steel and aluminum frame with interchangeable plastic body finishers.

Cyclists tackle round-the-world race

FOUR RIDERS have set off on what is described as the world's longest bicycle race. Three started from London and one from Bangkok in a bid to break the Guinness World Record for the fastest circumnavigation of the planet. The World Cycle Race launched from the prime meridian next to the Royal Observatory in Greenwich Park.