VOLKSWAGEN’S NEW Polo has been voted Europe’s Car of the Year for 2010. It saw off stiff competition from over 30 rivals to become the first VW to win the prestigious title in 18 years.
The last time the German brand won was for the Golf in 1992. And it was the Golf-like tendencies of the Polo that won the jury plaudits.
All 59 jury members from 23 European countries gave points to the winner, and 25 of them chose it as their favourite.
“The Polo convinced most of all thanks to its complete safety package and its range of modern engines,” said jury president Hakan Matson.
Jurors’ votes are published along with their written verdicts on the cars and many referred to the fact the new Polo offered Golf-like space and ability but at Polo prices.
The Polo saw off a challenge from Toyota’s iQ, which was just 10 points behind and received points from 58 jurors, with 20 top marks.
The rest of the contenders were some way off the leading two, with 116 points between the IQ and the third-placed Opel Astra. Global orders for the new VW Polo have exceeded 130,000 since its May launch, according to VW. The car was launched in Ireland in October.
Meanwhile the Peugeot 3008 has won Irish car of the year.
Europe’s Car of the Year 2010
The top-scoring Cars of the Year for 2010 in Europe were as follows:
1. VW Polo(347)
2. Toyota iQ(337)
3. Opel Astra(221)
4. Skoda Yeti(158)
5. Mercedes E-class(155)
6. Peugeot 3008(144)
7. Citroën C3 Picasso(113)