Jaguar XE (miromiro/Bigstock.com)

Two UK-built cars have made the final seven short list for Car of the Year Award 2016.

The Jaguar XE and the Vauxhall/Opel Astra made the last group, joining the new Audi A4 and BMW 7-Series from Germany, the Volvo XC90 from Sweden, the Skoda Superb from Czech Republic and the Mazda MX-5 from Japan.

The short list was drawn up by 58 leading motor journalists from across Europe.

The winner will be announced on the evening before the Geneva Motor Show begins, on February 29.

The Jaguar XE is built in JLR's Solihull plant in the West Midlands, while the Astra is built in Ellesmere Port in Merseyside.

Jaguar, owned by Indian firm Tata, has been expanding its model range in recent years and has enjoyed a significant rise in sales.

However, the recent downturn in the Chinese economy has affected demand for Jaguar's luxury vehicles.

Vauxhall, which has been owned by General Motors since 1925, is affiliated with Opel on continental Europe – sharing many of the same models. However, Vauxhall maintains two plants in the UK (including one in Luton).

Winning the coveted Car of the Year Award (COTY) would deliver a huge boost to either Jaguar or Vauxhall. However, this year's competition is stiff. Which car do you think will win?

The 2016 COTY shortlist:

  • Audi A4

  • BMW 7-series

  • Jaguar XE

  • Mazda MX-5

  • Skoda Superb

  • Vauxhall/Opel Astra

  • Volvo XC90