The year 2010 will forever be etched in the great halls of Volkswagen as one which brought the company not only good financial results but industry accolades like none before. The new Polo has been announced as the 2010 World Car of the Year at the 2010 New York International Auto Show. It beat the other two finalists, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Toyota Prius.
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.”
New Polo was launched here in South Africa in January and has been very well-received, shooting to the top of the sales charts over March 2010 with total sales of 2 367 units.
Previous World Car of the Year winners were the Volkswagen Golf in 2009, the Mazda2 / Mazda Demio in 2008, the Lexus LS460 in 2007, the BMW 3 Series in 2006, and the Audi A6 in 2005.
A second VW Group accolade went to the Audi R8 V10 which took World Performance Car of the Year honours, trouncing the Ferrari California and the Porsche 911 GT3 in the top 3 race. Audi has dominated this award recently. Previous 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.
The final crown on the Volks is the World Green Car of the Year award which was given to the Bluemotion system used by the Golf, Passat and Polo.
I love the idea of having joined the VW family!
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