THE Vauxhall Insignia is the new European Car of the Year 2009.
The Insignia takes over from last year’s winner, the Fiat 500.
The Insignia beat the new Ford Fiesta by one point. The VW Golf was third.
The award is voted by 59 senior motoring journalists from 23 countries. Their objective is to choose the most outstanding new car to go on sale in the past 12 months. Jurors vote twice: first to select a short-list of seven from the new cars launched in Europe; then to choose the winner.
“We are delighted to deliver good news at such a tough time,” commented Steve Cropley, Autocar editor-in-chief, COTY’s British-based sponsoring magazine.
“The market’s the toughest we’ve seen for 20 years. But nothing alters the fact that the Insignia is a great car. However, this result is undoubtedly something of an upset. The Ford Fiesta seemed to many a winning contender.”
Bill Parfitt, chairman and managing director of General Motors UK, added: “Vauxhall has made great strides in recent years, particularly in design and dynamics.
“The Insignia illustrates what we’re capable of achieving. It offers great quality and value in a prestige package that will provide an exceptional ownership experience to our customers.”
Car of the Year 2009
- 1Vauxhall Insignia
- 2Ford Fiesta
- 3Volkswagen Golf
- 4Citroen C5
- 5Alfa Romeo
- 6 Skoda Superb
- 7 Renault Megane