10.4.2012 VW Up! wins World Car of the Year Award

At a press conference hosted by Bridgestone and the New York International Auto Show, the Volkswagen Up! was declared the 2012 World Car of the Year.

The Volkswagen Up! was chosen from an initial entry list of thirty-four new vehicles from all over the world, then a short list of ten, then three finalists: the Volkswagen Up!, the BMW 3 Series and the Porsche 911.

"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.

The World Car Awards jurors observed that, "The little Volkswagen Up! has altered what we have come to expect from the city car 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 city cars to up its game just to compete with the new VW."

To be eligible for the overall World Car award, the candidates must become available for sale on at least two continents during the period beginning January 1, 2011 and ending May 30, 2012. The Up! is now available to purchase in the UK with a starting price of £7,995.

Vehicles are selected and voted on by an international jury panel comprised of sixty-four top-level automotive journalists from twenty-five countries around the world. 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 professional work.

The Volkswagen Up! is available now with CO2 emissions from just 96 gCO2/km, which means free VED road tax and exemption from London's congestion charge. With official combined fuel economy of 68.9 mpg, running cost will be kept low despite the rising cost of fuel.

Previous World Car of the Year winners were the Nissan Leaf in 2011, the Volkswagen Polo in 2010 and Volkswagen Golf in 2009 – this was Volkswagen's third win therefore in the last four years of this prestigious award.

2012 World Car of the Year Awards