And the nominations are...

The Car of the Year award has moved into high gear with finalists for this year's award now decided. Of the 35 eligible models 19 models have made it through to fight out for the chance to earn the most coveted motoring award in the country. 

But deciding those 19 was not a straightforward procedure... well not for some anyway.

Since 2003,  our expert road-testing team has debated the merits (or otherwise) of each eligible model. After the initial nominations this year, 15 cars shot straight through to the final round, while 14 others were sent home with their tails between their legs. This left six models in a kind of limbo -- not enough backing to proceed, but worthy of further investigation.

These cars -- the BMW 1 Series Coupe and Convertible, Citroën C5, Peugeot 308 hatch and wagon, and Volvo XC70 -- then proceeded to a round of COTY qualification tests based at Oran Park in Sydney's south-west.

The two-day examination is formatted like a mini COTY. Wheels judges John Carey and Sean Poppitt first conducted a walk-around evaluation of the cars, followed by a slalom test and 80km/h double lane change.

Day two saw the hopeful half-dozen driven over a 30km road loop to evaluate ride and refinement in the real world.

Of the six cars under the COTY-qualifying magnifying glass, four were given the green light: BMW's 1 Series Coupe and Convertible models, and Peugeot's hatch and wagon models. (It's important to remember that because of significant structural differences, the two BMW 1 Series models and two Peugeot 308s are considered separate models.)

After two days under the microscope, the Citroën C5 and Volvo XC70 failed to convince Carey and Poppitt of their merit.

Through the slalom, the big Citroën teamed lifeless electric steering with an understeer-prone chassis. On the road, the soft C5 lacked body control, yet still suffered crash-through over sharp hits. Over coarse-chip tarmac, there was also a surprising -- and unwelcome -- amount of road noise.

The XC70 fell at all the same hurdles as the C5, but had more bodyroll and less grip. Stability control was not well judged through the lane change, but the Volvo was even more of a handful with ESP switched off.

Audi A4
A dynamic quantum leap over the previous-gen car, Audi's new A4 offers more space and better interior quality than either Mercedes-Benz C-Class or BMW 3 Series.

BMW 1 Series Coupe
Strong dynamic performance in pre-COTY qualifying saw 1 Series Coupe get the nod.

BMW 1 Series Convertible
Like the Coupe, the 1 Series Convertible offers a good ride and handling balance. Impressively rigid for a drop-top.

Fiat 500
Questionable value, but 500 receives nomination with decent packaging and strong efficiency. Despite the invite, no 500s were available for testing.

Ford FG Falcon
Strong against most of the COTY criteria, the FG was a unanimous nomination. It's important to note that FPV models are considered part of the FG range and will be judged as one model.

Honda Accord
Dynamically a huge improvement over the old Accord; brings interesting tech with cylinder shut-down of V6 model; strong packaging story closes Accord's case.

Honda Accord Euro
Refined and well built, Euro also offers convincing value. Drivetrains and dynamics are all well above par, as is packaging.

Honda Jazz
Though lacking stability control, even as an option, Jazz ticks most other boxes: sweet drivetrains, great dynamics and outstanding packaging.

Jaguar XF
Like XK coupe, XF sedan is a huge return to form for Jaguar. Packaging is still an issue with tight interior and small boot. Dynamics, drivetrains and quality, however, all strong points.

Mazda 6
Mazda's second-generation 6 builds on the dynamic strengths of the first car, while addressing some of the refinement issues.  

Mazda CX-9
Impressive dynamics for such a big wagon, coupled with refinement, space and value gets CX-9 a guernsey.

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG
Range-topper of reining Wheels Car of the Year, C63 AMG brings bombastic V8 engine, smooth auto, crisp dynamics and relative value.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evo
Razor-sharp dynamics and chock-full of new drivetrain and chassis technology. Thirsty engines may count against it.

Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback
Ralliart is an Evo-lite but still full of tech and rewarding dynamics. Value equation is well balanced, as is packaging.

Peugeot 308 hatch
Decent ride and well-judged ESP saw 308 hatch through pre-COTY qualification testing (see main story).

Peugeot 308 Touring
Longer wheelbase means more polished ride and more predictable handling. Flexible packaging is a standout.

Smart ForTwo
Improved dynamics over first-gen car, combined with excellent efficiency and decent packaging.

Subaru Forester
Bigger Forester offers better packaging for passengers and luggage. Refinement also improved and still decent value.

Volkswagen Tiguan
VW's late entry into the compact SUV market offers a range of excellent petrol and diesel engines, along with quality interior, and car-like dynamics.

Audi A3 Cabriolet
Despite offering strong engines and decent rigidity, soft-top A3 Cabrio represents questionable value next to folding-hardtop Volkswagen Eos.

BMW X6
Brilliant, if thirsty, engines (including new twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8) and excellent dynamics cannot make up for extremely flawed packaging and questionable value.

Chrysler Grand Voyager
Though offering space aplenty for seven, Grand Voyager has questionable value, ordinary dynamics and sub-par quality.

Chrysler Sebring cabrio
Woeful dynamics heads a list of reasons Sebring Cabrio fails to make the grade. Poor quality, value, and resale also feature. 

Citroën C5
Jarring low-speed ride; suspension noise; odd-feeling electric steering with disconcerting self-centring behaviour.

Dodge Journey
Its practicality and versatility are selling points, but poor rough-road ride, soggy handling, sub-par cabin quality and torque-lacking V6 killed its chances. 

Fiat Ritmo
Steering is overly light and lacks sense of connection; poor ergonomics for driver; no automatic transmission option.

Hyundai iMax
Eight seater with decent equipment levels but it's based on a light commercial vehicle and it shows. Quality and dynamic prowess are sorely lacking.

Jeep Cherokee
Typical Jeep bugbears abound with poor build quality and lifeless steering. Packaging is an issue, as is economy from petrol V6 which struggles to motivate 2000kg kerb mass.

Kia Rondo
Cheap and cheerful seven-seater but its 2.0-litre four-cylinder and four-speed auto combo destroys performance, economy and refinement.

Lexus LX570
No diesel option means thirsty 5.7-litre petrol V8 is your only choice. Starting at $140K, value is questionable next to LandCruiser on which it's based.

Mini Clubman
Despite longer wheelbase than Mini hatch, Clubman suffers same ride quality issues. Non-turbo engines lack performance.

Proton Persona
Poor resale makes value of entry price hard to justify. Engine lacks torque and four-speed auto is a shocker.

Renault Koleos
Packaging compromised by tight second-row seating. Plenty of road noise and suspect Korean build quality.

Renault Laguna
Inconsistently weighted steering; lacks both body control and ride comfort; auto lacks refinement.

Volvo XC70
Lacking body control and handling precision; too much road noise. ESP was late-acting during double lane change.