BMW 3 Series CC
Less rigid and more expensive than the impressive 3 Series coupe it’s based on.

Chrysler Sebring
Stodgy offering from Chrysler, with dud dynamics, coarse drivetrain and low-quality interior.

Citroën C4 Picasso
Sharp ride inherited from C4 hatch an issue, along with prices, starting at $40,000.

Dodge Avenger
Dodgey version of Sebring. Same problems…

Dodge Nitro
A cubist take on the Jeep Cherokee. Packaging and vision both suffer as a consequence of squared-off exterior design.

Ford Focus CC
Out for similar reasons to the BMW 3 Series convertible; foldaway hardtop is based on a better-value model that didn’t win an earlier COTY. In the case of the Focus, it’s also overshadowed by the car that rewrites the small, front-drive hardtop convertible textbook – the Volkswagen Eos.

Holden Epica
Nice price and better than expected refinement, but this Korean-made middleweight is utterly outclassed by medium-category A-graders.

Hummer H3
Technically outdated (it’s basically a Rodeo ute underneath), poorly packaged, high-priced and a dud on-road drive. Also offensively marketed, though this didn’t bear on the decision not to nominate.

Jeep Compass
Most convincing of the new-wave Jeeps, but low-quality interior and mediocre 2.4-litre petrol engine were too much for the COTY committee to overlook.

Jeep Patriot
See prior. (Patriot is a Compass with different exterior styling and slightly lower prices).

Mini Cooper
Eliminated in pre-COTY nomination testing.

Peugeot 207
Yet another unconvincing Peugeot. Poor ride and (electrically assisted) steering, packaging not brilliant, exterior design not great, feeble
petrol engine in base XR models.

Peugeot 207 CC
Really only a two-seater, not a great drive thanks to steering and weight. Other brands do this sort of car much better…

Proton Satria
Sluggish performance, with punishing depreciation.

Skoda Octavia
Basically a rebodied Volkswagen Jetta, with stand-out ride and pretty good handling. Good standard equipment, but Skoda hasn’t delivered on promise of value to compete with Japan’s A-grade mediums.

Ssangyong Actyon
It’s the super heavyweight of the compact-SUV class, but despite its near two-tonne mass it doesn’t ride very well. Comprehensively outclassed by Japanese competitors.

Suzuki SX4
Dud steering (electric again), unrefined 2.0-litre engine and high NVH levels blunt its appeal.

Volvo C30
Like Mini Cooper, eliminated in pre-COTY nomination testing.

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