The list with the initial nominees for the 2009 European Car of the Year has been released. Currently there are thirty candidates but the organizing committee noted that more cars could be added by September. The contenders must be new models available in at least five European countries at the time of voting, with projected sales of at least 5,000 units per year. Toyota has five entries this year including the Avensis, the iQ, the Prius, the Urban Cruiser and the Verso people carrier.

Other notable candidates include the Chevy Cruze, Honda Insight, Porshe Panamera and the new generation Opel - Vauxhall Astra which has yet to go on sale. Check out the complete shortlist below.

• BMW Z4

• Chevrolet Cruze

• Citroen C3 Picasso

• Ford Ka

• Honda Insight

• Hyundai i20

• Hyundai ix55

• Kia Sorento

• Kia Soul

• Land Rover Discovery4

• Lexus RX450h

• Mazda 3

• Mercedes-Benz E-class

• Mitsubishi Colt

• Nissan 370Z

• Nissan Cube

• Opel / Vauxhall Astra

• Peugeot 3008

• Porsche Panamera

• Renault Scenic / Grand Scenic

• Seat Exeo

• Skoda Yeti

• Subaru Legacy

• Suzuki Alto / Nissan Pixo

• Toyota Avenis

• Toyota iQ

• Toyota Prius

• Toyota Urban Cruiser

• Toyota Verso

• Volkswagen Polo