The Volkswagen Polo has just been declared the 2010 World Car of the Year
The Volkswagen Polo was chosen from an initial entry list of 30 entries nominated by 59 World Car jurors from 25 countries throughout the world, including our motoring correspondent Padraic Deane, who represents Ireland.
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 ongoing full-time professional work. Through their respective outlets they collectively reach an audience of many millions worldwide.
The jurors voted in January 2010 to establish a top 10 shortlist. A second round of voting occurred in February when jurors were asked to score the top 10 candidates based on merit, value, safety, environment, significance, and emotional appeal. The World Car of the Year was chosen from those top 10 finalists as tabulated by the international accounting firm KPMG.
The World Car Awards jurors observed that, “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. 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.”
The top three contenders for the 2010 World Car of the Year title were, in alphabetical order, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the Toyota Prius, and the Volkswagen Polo.
Previous World Car of the Year winners were the Volkswagen Golf in 2009, the Mazda2 in 2008, the Lexus LS460 in 2007, the BMW 3-Series in 2006, and the Audi A6 in 2005.
Now in their seventh year, the annual World Car awards have become one of the world’s most prestigious, credible, and significant programmes of its kind.
Volkswagen BlueMotion (Golf Passat, Polo ) - 2010 World Green Car
The Volkswagen BlueMotion (Golf, Passat, Polo ) was declared the 2010 World Green Car. Again, it was chosen from an initial entry list of 13 contenders nominated by 59 World Car jurors from 25 countries throughout the world. The World Green Car award is sponsored by Bridgestone.
Due to the complexity of some of the ‘green’ technologies, three green experts were appointed by the World Car Steering Committee to extensively review all documentation and specs associated with each candidate.
They were asked to create a shortlist of finalists for review by the 59 jurors in their second round of voting in February. Their ballots will be tabulated by the international accounting firm KPMG. The three green experts are in alphabetical order.
Jurors felt that “It is not necessary to add an electric motor and a heavy battery pack to achieve class-leading efficiency. Based on Volkswagen’s common-rail diesel engines, the BlueMotion models are among the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the market. In fact, the Passat BlueMotion can travel just about 1,000 miles on one tank of fuel in the European cycle. As far as internal combustion engines go today, these models are the ultimate you can get.”
Previous World Green Car winners are the Honda FCX Clarity in 2009, the BMW 118d with Efficient Dynamics in 2008, the Mercedes-Benz E320 Bluetec in 2007, and the Honda Civic Hybrid in 2006.
Audi R8 V10 is the 2010 World Performance Car
The Audi R8 V10 was declared the 2010 World Performance Car. It was chosen from an initial entry list of 16 entries nominated by 59 World Car jurors from 25 countries throughout the world.
While the winner of the overall World Car of the Year award must excel in a broad range of attributes, there is a segment of the car-buying public for whom performance - in its broadest sense - overrides all other priorities.
Candidates for the World Performance Car award must demonstrate a specific and overt sports/performance orientation. They must also satisfy the same availability criteria as for the overall World Car award and may be chosen from that list of eligible vehicles.
The jurors voted in January 2010 to establish a top 10 shortlist. A second round of voting occurred in February when jurors were asked to score the top 10 candidates based on merit, value, safety, environment, significance, and emotional appeal. The World Performance was chosen from those top 10 finalists as tabulated by the international accounting firm KPMG.
The top three contenders for 2010 World Performance Car title were, in alphabetical order, the Audi R8 10, the Ferrari California, and the Porsche 911 GT3.
Previous World Performance Car winners were the Nissan GT-R in 2009, the Audi R8 in 2008, the Audi RS4 in 2007, and the Porsche Cayman S in 2006.
Chevrolet Camero is the 2010 World Car Design of the Year
The World Car Design of the Year was also announced, with the Chevrolet Camaro declared the 2010 winner.
This category, and the corresponding award, is meant to highlight new vehicles with innovation and style that push established boundaries. Cars eligible for this award are taken from the list of 30 World Car candidates nominated by 59 World Car jurors from 25 countries across the globe.
A design panel consisting of five highly respected world design experts was asked to first review each candidate, and then establish a shortlist of recommendations for the jurors, that again include Padraic Deane, representing Ireland.
