The Nissan Juke has been voted the Continental Irish Car of the Year 2011 by the Irish Motoring Writers’ Association.
The results were as follows:
1 Nissan Juke 185 points
2 Kia Venga 166 points
3 BMW 5 Series 158 points
4 Skoda Yeti 149 points
5 Opel Astra 144 points
The Irish Motoring Writers’ Association judges awarded points on the basis of criteria which included innovation and safety, space, comfort, build quality, driving quality and value for money.
Presenting the award to Paul O’Sullivan, marketing director of Nissan Ireland, Paddy Murphy of awards sponsor Continental Tyres Ireland commented: “The Irish motoring writers have selected an exciting model and no doubt the 2011 Irish Car of the Year accolade will provide a huge boost to the popularity of the Nissan Juke in the Irish market, particularly in the context of the current economic environment.”
Awards were made in five categories, reflecting the diversified nature of today’s car market in Ireland.
•Continental Irish Small Car of the Year: Nissan Juke
• Continental Irish Compact Family Car of the Year: Skoda Yeti
• Continental Irish Family Car of the Year: Peugeot 5008
• Continental Irish Executive / Luxury Car of the Year: BMW 5 Series
• Continental Irish Performance Car of the Year: Peugeot RCZ
The Nissan Juke succeeds the Peugeot 3008 which took the title last year. A great week was capped for Nissan with the news that its 100 per cent electric Nissan Leaf was voted 2011 European Car of the Year, despite not being on sale yet in Europe.
Irish Van of the Year
The Mercedes Benz Vito has been voted Continental Irish Van of the Year 2011.
The Mercedes Benz Vito, with 50 points, finished ahead of the Volkswagen Transporter on 43 points and the Nissan NV200 on 36 points.
All nine voting members of the Irish Motoring Writers’ Association van jury took part. Value-for-money, reliability, versatility, and lasting residual value were among the attributes sought by the judging panel.
Presenting the award to Ciaran Allen, sales director of Mercedes Benz Ireland, Paddy Murphy of award sponsors Continental Tyres Ireland commented: “The Vito has won the endorsement of the Irish motoring writers and, in the current tough CV market conditions, I am sure the award will support the van’s success in the Irish market.”
The Vito succeeds the Ford Transit Connect.
