VOLKSWAGEN has scored a back-to-back win in Australia’s longest running motoring award, with its Polo range taking out Wheels magazine’s car of the year.
The fifth-generation VW Polo eclipsed 47 versions of the 22 finalists represented 16 different manufacturers in road tests covering 15,000km.
It is the first time in a quarter of a century a manufacturer has won two years in a row. The VW Golf won last year.
Wheels editor Bill Thomas said the VW Polo range represented outstanding value for the motorist at $16,690 with a range of options, including diesel and seven-speed gearboxes, right through to the power-packed, sporty GTI at $27,790.
“Volkswagen has elevated Polo’s quality, safety, performance, efficiency, refinement, practicality and value to the top of its class,” Mr Thomas said.
“It’s a case of mission accomplished, and the achievements read like a virtual checklist for our tough award criteria.”
Twenty-two finalists underwent rigorous week-long testing, after a number of big names failed the initial eligibility requirements – including Ford Fiesta, Ferrari 458 and the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.
The latest Commodore was one of a swag of new releases declared ineligible to win the prestigious award after being declared not new enough.
Only one Australian-built car was eligible this year, the Toyota Camry Hybrid, and more than half the field came from Europe.
In just five years VW has more than doubled its market share, with the manufacturer focused on boosting the technology and overall quality of its range.