The Citroen C5 has been voted Semperit Irish Car of the Year 2009 by the Irish Motoring Writers Association, writes Padraic Deane.
The announcement was made at an awards ceremony in Dublin, which was attended by leading figures from the motor industry.
In determining the winner, the IMWA jurors, including myself as IMWA secretary, voted on a shortlist of 10 cars over five categories.
The results of the vote were as follows:
1. Citroen C5 (200 pts. );
2. Ford Fiesta (158 );
3. Jaguar XF (156 );
4. Mazda6 (149 );
5. Seat Ibiza (124 );
6. Volvo XC60 (115 );
7. Ford Kuga (105 );
8. Volkswagen Passat CC (83 );
9. Citroen Berlingo Multispace (77 );
10. Renault Grand Modus (43 ).
The 28 members of the Irish Motoring Writers Association awarded points on the basis of criteria, including innovation, safety, space, comfort, build quality, driving quality, and value for money.
For the first time in the 30 years history of the award, this year’s awards were spread over five categories representing the diverse nature of today’s car market in Ireland.
The Citroen C5 was also the winner of the Semperit Irish Family Car of the Year category and then went on to win the overall Semperit Irish Car of the Year award.
Presenting the award to Paul Cregan, managing director of Citroen Gallic Distributors, Paddy Murphy of Semperit Ireland commented: “With this year’s introduction of the five categories to the awards, the choices of the IMWA members are an even more valuable indication to Irish motorists who might be looking to change their car in the new year. The Citroen C5 is a worthy winner and I am sure it will do well in the 2009 marketplace in Ireland.”
Category Winners
• Semperit Irish Small Car of the Year Winner - Ford Fiesta
• Semperit Irish Family Car of the Year Winner - Citroen C5
• Semperit Irish SUV/Crossover of the Year Winner - Volvo XC60
• Semperit Irish MPV of the Year Winner - Citroen Berlingo Multispace
• Semperit Irish Luxury/Sport Car of the Year Winner - Jaguar XF
The Citroen C5 succeeds the Ford Mondeo which took the title last year.
