FORD'S new Mondeo was yesterday chosen as the Semperit Irish Car of the Year 2008.

The Mondeo won easily, with 122 points, from the Kia cee'd on 104, with Nissan's Qashqai in third on 86 points.

In fourth place was the Renault Laguna.

The votes were cast by the 28 members of the Irish Motoring Writers' Association.

Points were awarded on specific criteria including innovation, space, safety, comfort, build quality, and value for money.

The finalists were as follows: Fiat Bravo, Ford Mondeo, Kia c'eed, Nissan Qashqai, Renault Laguna.

The shortlisted cars cover a range of interests in the market. The Fiat Bravo and Kia c'eed at the entry level, with the Ford Mondeo and Renault Laguna competing at the larger car level. Nissan's Qashqai comes under the 'crossover' category as a car that combines regular motoring features with a 4x4 system.