It may have been beaten by the Opel Ampera for the European Car of the Year gong but the Volkswagen up! has gone one better by scooping the World Car of the Year award.
The announcement, made at a press conference hosted by Bridgestone Corporation and the New York International Auto Show, means it is the third time in recent years that Volkswagen has won the prestigious award with the Polo taking the honours in 2010 and the Golf VI in 2009.
In winning the 2012 title the VW up! beat 34 qualifying cars with the BMW 3 Series and Porsche 911 the other top finalists. In awarding the prize 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".
Commenting on the award Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG said: "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."