Judging

Each year, the Irish Car of the Year judging panel conducts a comprehensive assessment of all eligible vehicles. Members of the jury road-test each car individually (at least one road test per juror per vehicle) at official launch events hosted by car brands or on week-long drive appraisals. 

The ICOTY jury also hosts a refresher drive day each October, giving jurors an additional opportunity to familiarise themselves with eligible models. Vehicles are judged against the following criteria:

• New technology / ideas
• Safety factors
• Equipment level, fuel economy, practicality
• Environmental impact (emissions, recyclability)
• Use of space, comfort, ventilation, layout
• Build quality, fit and finishing
• Ride, dynamic qualities, road-holding, steerability, manoeuvrability
• Engine, ease of driving, braking
• Price, warranty, dealer network, after-sales service
• Driver / user feedback

Once all vehicles have been comprehensively assessed, the ICOTY jury compiles a shortlist of contenders for each category prizes plus overall title of Irish Car of the Year.