French car maker Renault's new Megane model was named the 2017 car of the year in Romania.

A jury made of journalists specialized in the automotive sector selects the car of the year in an event organized every year by the Automotive Press Association in Romania (APAR), The 2016 winner was Opel Astra, Opel Corsa won in 2015, Renault Captur - 2014, and Dacia Logan - 2013.

This year, the Renault Megane came first, with 206 points out of 240 possible. Peugeot 3008 came second with 200 points, followed by Alfa Romeo Giulia, Kia Sportage, Volkswagen Tiguan, Citroen C2, and Suzuki SX4, reports local Capital.ro.

In a first stage, the jury selected 16 semifinalists, which this year included Alfa Romeo Giulia, Audi Q2, Citroen C3, Honda CR-V, Kia Niro, Kia Sportage, Peugeot 3008, Renault Megane, Seat Ateca, Suzuki Baleno, Suzuki Ignis, Suzuki SX4, Toyota CH-R, Volvo S90, Volvo XC90, and VolkswagenTiguan.

However, only seven models made it to the shortlist, namely Alfa Romeo Giulia, Citroen C3, Kia Sportage, Peugeot 3008, Renault Megane, Suzuki SX4, and Volkswagen Tiguan. Then, in the final stage organized in December, the finalists had to pass several tests on the road and on track.

The jury took into account the driving test results, as well as other elements such as the design, technical novelties, comfort, active and passive security, fuel consumption, environmental impact, price, brand image and the relevance on the Romanian market.

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com

(Photo source: Renault.ro)