Tata Vista nominated for European car of the year

Tata’s mid-size hatchback the Vista has been nominated for the 2013 European car of the year award. The only Indian entry in the competition, the Vista, will compete with the likes of the Audi A3, BMW 3-Series, Hyundai Santa Fe, Renault Clio, VW Golf, Volvo V40 and many other international models.

Eligible cars must be essentially new models, not simply changed cosmetically or by the installation of new engine or a transmission. They are considered irrespective of their country of origin but must be available in at least five European countries at the time of voting and have an expected sales volume of 5,000 a year.

The entries will undergo the scrutiny of an expert jury that consists of fifty eight journalists from twenty two European countries. The nominated vehicles will vye for the title of the most outstanding new car to go on sale in Europe in the 12 months preceding the date of the title.

Hoping that the Tata Vista will bag this title is face of such competition in Europe will be a more than little overoptimistic. But it is a good start for by an Indian car maker to qualify for the title; it has aspirational value that may be few more Indian cars will qualify in coming years.