Volkswagen Up! wins World Car of the Year Award

Tweet The results are in and the Volkswagen Up!, that small, classy city car, has won the World Car of the Year Award announced at the New York International Auto Show yesterday.  The VW Up! came up against the BMW 3-Series and the Porsche 911 and the win marks the third time that Volkswagen has won the World Car of the Year Award.

"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," said Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG.

The World Car of the Year Award is judged by 64 of the world’s top car journalists with a total of 34 entries in this year’s competition. There are four categories for the World Car of the Year Award and they include World Car of the Year, World Performance Car of the Year, World Green Car of the Year and World Design Car of the Year. 

The winner of the World Performance Car of the Year went to the all time classic, the Porsche 911 that trumped the Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 and the McLaren MP4-12C.

In the category World Green Car of the Year Award, the Mercedes-Benz 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY came out on top with the Ford Focus Electric and Peugeot 3008 Hybrid driving away empty handed.

The World Design Car of the Year Award was awarded to none other than the world’s favourite Range Rover, the Evoque, that has received much praise over the last year. Similarly, the Citroen DS5 and Volkswagen Up! had to bow before the Evoque in defeat.

Are you happy with the results?

Range Rover Evoque Impresses Worldwide

Tweet Since its debut at the Geneva Motor Show last year, the Range Rover Evoque has experienced tremendous success worldwide. Not only is the Evoque the smallest and lightest Range Rover ever made but it’s also the most efficient, that’s a big smiley face on Range Rover’s forehead.

My response upon sighting the Range Rover Evoque for the first time was “what the hell is that?” The tapering exterior styling threw me off at first but then I had a long hard look at it and finally concluded that I actually like the Evoque, and there is much to like. The large panoramic sunroof offers passengers a unique view of the world outside while being pampered by the luxurious interior that makes the Evoque so special.

Reviews reveal that the Evoque drives like a dream, offering more than enough power for the average person and delivers a smooth ride on almost any terrain. The Range Rover Evoque also seems to be a master on dirt roads overcoming challenges easily and without hassle. All-round the Evoque is destined to do well worldwide and sales are already through the roof.

The Range Rover Evoque has also been nominated for World Design Car of the Year Award to be announced at the New York International Auto Show this week, coming up against the Citroen DS5 and the Volkswagen Up!. With curves like that, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Evoque steals the show.

What are your thoughts on the Range Rover Evoque?

Citroen DS5 for World Design Car of the Year Award

Tweet The Citroen DS5 is the third model to rise from the DS range and Citroen seems to have done something right with the new Citroen DS5. The superb styling of the DS5 is something to look at and it’s no surprise then that the DS5 is in the running for the World Design Car of the Year Award, with the winners being announced at the New York International Auto Show this week.

The road to victory won’t be easy though as the Citroen DS5 will be going head to head with the Land Rover Evoque and the Volkswagen Up!. There’s no doubt that this will be a tough decision to make but the DS5 may just have what it takes.

The DS5 range is the first Citroën model to feature HYbrid4 diesel hybrid technology, providing enhanced performance with a CO2 emission of 99g / km. The advanced HYbrid4 system delivers 149kW with four-wheel drive capability with an acceleration boost function for the open road.

The interior is classy and modern, offering drivers the best that Citroen has to offer and proves to be a smooth, effortless ride on the road. The Citroen DS5 also offers heaps of space with a 465 litre boot compartment and seats five people comfortably.

The Citroen DS5 will be available in South Africa in mid 2012.

Do you think the Citroen DS5 has what it takes to win the World Design Car of the Year Award? 

 

Volkswagen Up! for World Car of the Year

Tweet There is something about the Volkswagen Up! that appeals to me. The fact that the Up! is small, compact and fuel efficient counts for a lot making it the perfect car for city dwellers who don’t need much from a car other than driving to work and back.

The Volkswagen Up! is a direct rival to the Fiat 500 and has set the bar high in the compact city car segment. The VW Up! is more spacious than the Fiat 500 and fits four passengers with reasonable comfort. The VW Up! comes with an all new 1.0 L three cylinder engine that will take the Up! to 100 km/h in 13.2 seconds with carbon emissions well below the 100g / km mark.

Reviews indicate that the Up! drives like a dream with light, responsive steering and good suspension making it a superb car for your everyday driving needs. Unfortunately there are no current plans to introduce the VW Up! in South Africa even though it could do very well in the South African Market.

The Volkswagen Up! has also been nominated for World Car of the Year Award to be announced on April 5 at the New York International Auto Show. Volkswagen seems to have done something right.

Do you like the Volkswagen Up!?