Last night, the shortlist for this year’s Diesel Car, Car of the Year Awards 2012 were announced.

Unlike previous years, the finalists are being revealed ahead of the final results to add a touch of suspense and magic to the proceedings. It doesn’t seem like a year since the announcement of last year’s awards, but it is. The full results and winners will be announced in full in our June 2012 issue of the magazine, which goes on sale in the shops on 10th May 2012.

In true X-Factor, Britain’s got talent style, the shortlisted finalists are revealed in no particular order (other than being arranged alphabetically, of course).

Best small car                          Citroën DS3, Ford Fiesta, Kia Rio

Best medium car                      Ford Focus, Hyundai i30, Volkswagen Golf

Best large car                           Citroën DS5, Ford Mondeo, Hyundai i40

Best executive car                    BMW 3 Series, BMW 5 Series, Jaguar XF

Best estate car                          Ford Mondeo, Hyundai i40, Skoda Superb

Best MPV                                 Ford S-MAX, SEAT Alhambra, Vauxhall Zafira Tourer

Best crossover                         Kia Sportage, Range Rover Evoque, Skoda Yeti

Best 4×4                                   BMW X3, Land Rover Discovery 4, Range Rover

Best sports car                         MINI Coupé, Peugeot RCZ, Vauxhall Astra GTC

Best eco car                             Chevrolet Volt, Citroën DS5 HYbrid4, Renault Twizy, Vauxhall Ampera