PoloDriver

Second victory in a row for the Volkswagen brand; BlueMotion models declared 2010 World Green Cars

It’s no April Fool’s joke. Not only is the new fifth-generation Polo 2010 European Car of the Year, but it is also now 2010 World Car of the Year, and we’ll be honest, we didn’t think it would win. Why? Announced today at the start of the New York International Auto Show in Manhattan, the Polo isn’t even sold in the US, although rumours persist about its Stateside introduction.

Merit, value, safety, environment, significance and emotional appeal are the criterias for the World Car of the Year and it’s the second time Volkswagen has been victorious; the Mk 6 Golf was declared the winner last year. The Polo fought off its European Car of the Year adversaries the Mercedes E-Class and the Toyota Prius to come out on top. The decision was unanimous, too; the majority of the 59 World Car jurors from 25 countries across the world chose the Polo from 30 entries.

‘One brilliant supermini’
Praising the fifth-generation Polo, the jurors stated: ‘Holding its own in the most competitive market segment, the all-new Polo Mk V is one of VW’s star performers. Boasting best-in-segment packaging and handling, this supermini’s blend of classy looks, reliability and quality has meant it’s consistently been one the market’s best-sellers.

‘Draped in head-turning stylish curves, the Polo is certainly one of the classiest small VWs ever built. It’s also safe; generating a maximum five-star Euro NCAP crash-test rating. Behind the wheel, the Polo demonstrates mature manners and boasts a superb driving position that’s adjustable and, in common with the latest Golf, all the controls are well weighted and precise. The Polo is just one brilliant supermini.’

‘Unique and timeless design’
The award was presented to Walter de silva, Head of Design at the Volkswagen Group at a ceremony this morning. Accepting the prize, he said: ‘The new Volkswagen Polo generation fascinates by its uncomplicated, unique and timeless design plus its high efficiency. Already more than 230,000 customers worldwide have placed orders.’

Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG was equally pleased: ‘We’re honored that the Volkswagen Polo was chosen by this distinguished group of jurors. After the great triumph of the Golf last year, we are delighted to repeat this success with the new Polo. These automobiles have reaped numerous awards, winning almost every prize the automotive industry has to award. This shows Volkswagen is on the right track and is offering arguably the best range of products in its history.’

Lowest fuel consumption and emissions
At the same ceremony, Volkswagen’s BlueMotion models (Polo, Golf and Passat) were announced as the recipients of the 2010 World Green Cars award, ahead of the Honda Insight and the Toyota Prius. The lowest fuel consumption and emissions in their respective classes earned the Volkswagens their wins. Now in their seventh year, the annual World Car awards have become one of the world’s most prestigious, credible and significant prizes of their kind.