PoloDriver

Not content with being named as European Car of the Year 2010, the new Polo is also contesting the World Car of the Year 2010 title. An award from across the Pond, the new fifth-generation has made the final shortlist of ten cars for the award, now in its seventh year.

Drawn up in a secret ballot by 59 international motoring journalist jurors, who represent (among others) Asia, Europe, North America and South America, the ten cars in the running for World Car of the Year 2010 are:

• Audi Q5
• BMW X1
• Chevrolet Cruze
• Kia Soul
• Mazda3
• Mercedes-Benz E-Class
• Opel/Vauxhall Insignia/Buick Regal
• Porsche Panamera
• Toyota Prius
• Volkswagen Polo

A final round of voting will take place later this month, after the judging panel have re-evaluated the top ten cars, rating them in terms of overall merit, value, safety, environmental responsibility, emotional appeal and significance (whatever that may be).

The top three finalists for World Car of the Year 2010 (and sister gong World Performance Car of the Year 2010) will be announced at the Geneva motor show on Tuesday 2 March 2010, with the winners revealed at the New York International Auto Show on Thursday 1 April 2010. Will the Polo win? We’d be surprised as it’s not currently sold in the US, but Volkswagen is no stranger to the World Car of the Year podium – the Mk 6 Golf won the coveted award last year.

Do you think the Polo should be crowned Word Car of the Year 2010 in addition to European Car of the Year 2010? Start the discussion by leaving a comment below.