Volvo XC60 voted World Car of 2018
THE Volvo XC60 has been named the best car on sale today at the 2018 World Car of the Year awards.
The Swedish car manufacturer’s mid-sized SUV has proved hugely popular with the motoring press since it went on sale last year, and was presented with the 2018 World Car of the Year award following voting by 82 motoring journalists from 24 countries.
Håkan Samuelsson, president and CEO of Volvo Cars, said: ‘I am pleased to see our company’s product investments paying off.
‘We are up against some tough competition, but this award for the XC60 shows that Volvo has the right combination of design, connectivity and safety that appeals to customers across the world.’
The SUV, which was also named the highest-rated car for safety by Euro NCAP last year, was also up for an award for car design, but was pipped to that title by the Range Rover Velar.
The British firm’s newest SUV joined the line-up last year to much acclaim, sporting a smart exterior, modern interior and relaxing driving experience. Its classy look saw it pip the XC60 and Lexus LC coupe to the World Car Design of the Year gong.
Gerry McGovern, chief design officer for Land Rover, said: ‘We’re honoured that the jury recognised the tireless endeavours of our designers and engineers in delivering a vehicle with compelling design, tailored technology and relevant innovation which come together to create a vehicle of instant desirability.’
Other award winners included the Audi A8, which was named the best luxury car, the BMW M5, which took the title for top performance car, and the Volkswagen Polo, which won best urban car. The updated version of the world’s best-selling electric car, the Nissan Leaf, took the eco-friendly award.
