VW wins third World Car of the Year

Intent on becoming the world's biggest selling auto brand, Volkswagen has now become the most decorated.

In taking the trophy, awarded at the recent  New York International Auto Show, the Up became the third VW to win after the Polo (2010) and the Golf VI (2009) meaning the German juggernaut has won each year with successively smaller cars.

Except for the Leaf, which has yet to be released in Australia, WCOTY and Carsguide Car of the Year have reflected the other -- the Polo and Golf also winnig our award.

Carsguide -- and Australia -- are represented on the 64-member, 25-nation jury by veteran chief reporter Paul Gover.

The Up was chosen from an initial entry list of thirty-four (34) new vehicles from around the world, then short listed of 10, and then whittled down to three finalists: the Volkswagen Up !, the BMW 3 Series and the Porsche 911.

Each juror was appointed by the World Car Steering Committee on the basis of his or her expertise, experience, credibility, and influence. Each juror typically drives and evaluates new vehicles on a regular basis as part of their professional work. Through their respective outlets they collectively reach an audience of many millions world-wide.

Jurors observed: "the little Volkswagen Up has altered what we have come to expect from the city car segment. Of note are the responsive steering, sophisticated suspension setup, new efficient engines and the quality of materials and finish. Never before in this economy segment have owners felt so premium.

"Look for every builder of citycars to up its game just to compete with the new VW."

To be eligible for the overall World Car award, the candidates must become available for sale on at least two continents during the period beginning January 1, 2011 and ending May 30, 2012.

"This award shows once again that in the Up our designers and engineers have created a vehicle that has been thought through in minute detail. A vehicle that sets standards in its class for efficient use of space, safety, motoring fun and environmental compatibility," VW chairman Martin Winterkorn says.

The World Performance Car trophy went to the Porsche 911, while the Mercedes Benz S250 CDI BlueEfficiency picked up the World Green Car award.  The World Car Design if the year went to the Range Rover Evoque.

ROLL OF HONOUR

2012 VW Up
2011 Nissan Leaf
2010 VW Polo
2009 VW Golf in 2009
2008 Mazda2
2007 Lexus LS460
2006 BMW 3 Series
2005 Audi A6