Volkswagen Polo – World Car of the Year 2010

Volkswagen’s latest Polo has added to its European Car of the Year gong by adding the title of World Car of the Year for 2010. This means the Polo has followed the same path as its larger sibling, the Golf, which won the WCOTY in 2009.

Using the criteria of merit, value, safety, environment, significance and emotional appeal the Polo topped a field of 30 cars after it was shortlisted to the final three, along with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the Toyota Prius.

The 59-member jury for the WCOTY praised the Polo, saying, “Holding its own in the most competitive market segment, the all-new Polo MkV 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.

“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.”

High praise indeed. Praise that Volkswagen Chairman Prof Dr Martin Winterkorn was happy to accept, “We’re honored that the Volkswagen Polo was chosen by this distinguished group of jurors as the 2010 World Car of The Year. 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 well-nigh 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.”

Australian customers will be able to get their hands on the all new Polo early next month after its local launch. In other good news for Polo fans AUSmotive has learned that the new Polo GTI should be available with a 6-speed manual transmission, in addition to a 7-speed DSG.

Volkswagen Polo Wins World Car of the Year-Award

• Second victory in a row for the Volkswagen brand

At the New York International Auto Show in Manhattan on 1st April 2010 the Volkswagen Polo was declared the 2010 World Car of the Year.

Merit, value, safety, environment, significance and emotional appeal are the criteria for the World Car of the Year. Already in 2009, a Volkswagen model ranked the highest: the Golf. This year the top three contenders for World Car of the Year title were, in alphabetical order, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the Toyota Prius and the Volkswagen Polo.

“We’re honoured that the Volkswagen Polo was chosen by this distinguished group of jurors,” said Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG. “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 wellnigh 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.”

The award was received in New York City on Thursday morning by Walter de Silva, head of design Volkswagen Group. “The new Volkswagen Polo generation fascinates both ways – by its uncomplicated, unique and timeless design plus its high efficiency. Already more than 230,000 customers worldwide placed their orders.”

The new Polo will go on-sale in Australia on 8th May 2010.

Now in their seventh year, the annual World Car awards have become one of the world’s most prestigious, credible and significant programs of its kind. The majority of the 59 World Car jurors from 25 countries throughout the world chose the Polo from 30 entries. Each juror drives and evaluates new vehicles on a regular basis as part of their on-going full-time professional work. Through their respective outlets they collectively reach an audience of many millions worldwide.