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Civic Type R races into the final five of World Performance Car of the Year 2016

• Honda's Civic Type R voted as one of the finalists in the World Performance Car of the Year award for 2016
• First time that a Honda vehicle has made the final five
• 73 World Car of the Year jurors represent 23 countries and regions

The World Car of the Year jury has voted Honda's Civic Type R as a finalist in the "World Performance Car of the Year" award. The Japanese brand is making its debut as a finalist, with the winner set to be announced at the New York motor show on March 24.

The nomination is the latest good news in a successful year for Honda's European produced ‘race car for the road'. As the car hit showrooms during September, it secured its first motorsport titles taking the drivers and constructors championship in the British Touring Car Championship. Towards the end of the year, French publications Echappement and L'Automobile Sportive declared Civic Type R sports car of the year, with the latter being decided by readers themselves.

The World Car of the Year jury is composed of 73 motoring writers from across 23 countries and regions globally. For cars to be considered, they must be sold in at least five countries globally, on at least two continents. The first award was announced in 2004, with the performance car category added in 2006.

Honda has tasted success previously in the World Car of the Year awards, taking the "World Green Car of the Year" crown in 2006 (Civic Hybrid) and 2009 (FCX Clarity).

World Car of the Year website