Volkswagen’s new budget beater, the Up!, has been awarded the prestigious World Car of the Year (WCOTY) title. This follows previous winners from the marque in 2009 (Golf) and 2010 (Polo). The Up! was chosen from an initial entry-list of 34 new vehicles by a panel of 64 experienced international motoring journalists. The only South African on the jury, CAR editor Hannes Oosthuizen, drove the Up! in January for WCOTY voting purposes – see a driving impression in the April issue of CAR – and said; “The Up!’s South African future will unfold soon enough. Until then, we’re missing out on the best car in its class.” The Up! beat two other top three finalists, the BMW 3 Series and Porsche 911 to the title. The 911 didn’t go home empty handed, and received the World Performance Car of the Year title.
“This award shows once again that in the Up! our designers and engineers have created a vehicle that has been thought through in minute detail. A vehicle that sets standards in its class for efficient use of space, safety, motoring fun and environmental compatibility,” remarks Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chariman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG.
The World Car Awards jurors observed that, “The little Volkswagen Up! has altered what we have come to expect from the citycar segment. Of note are the responsive steering, sophisticated suspension setup, new efficient engines and the quality of materials and finish. Never before in this economy segment have owners felt so premium. Look for every builder of citycars to up its game just to compete with the new VW”.
Previous World Car of the Year winners were the Nissan Leaf in 2011, the Volkswagen Polo in 2010, 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.
During the same ceremony at the New York International Auto Show the Range Rover Evoque was announced as the recipient of the World Car Design of the Year award. The Mercedes-Benz S 250 CDI BlueEfficiency was named the World Green Car of the Year.
