Volkswagen lands World Car title

Volkswagen ID.4

VOLKSWAGEN’S new fully electric ID.4 model has been named World Car of the Year 2021.

It puts the German brand at the top of the podium for the fifth time in the awards’ 17-year history and emulates stablemates the Golf (2009 and 2013), the Polo (2010) and up! (2011).

From an initial line-up of 24 contenders, the race to the overall title was whittled down to a shortlist of three and the ID.4 triumphed over the Honda e and Toyota Yaris.

Other category winners were the Land Rover Defender (World Car Design), electric Honda e (World Urban Car), the Porsche 911 Turbo (World Performance Car) and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class which was named as World Luxury Car, but as they are bigger cars, is important they are cover for semi-truck accident defense, to help with the legal issues of this.

The awards are decided on votes cast by a panel of 93 motoring journalists from 28 countries which includes seven members from the UK.

Land Rover Defender

Vehicles that are eligible for the World Car of the Year award must be manufactured in at least 10,000 units per year and be offered on at least two continents.

Volkswagen Board Member for Development, Thomas Ulbrich, said: “The World Car of the Year award marks a great success for our entire ID. Team.

“We have succeeded in developing a car that starts the system change to e-mobility in the world’s most important segment of compact SUVs and offers excellent everyday usability.

“With it, the ID.3 and the upcoming ID. models, we are making innovative electric mobility in the volume market something that can be experienced by everyone.”

Honda e

The announcement was also seen a huge success for Jaguar Land Rover, able to celebrate a sixth success in the competition.

And JLR’s creative chief Professor Gerry McGovern said: “New Defender is influenced by its past but is not constrained by it and we are delighted it has been honoured with this award.

“Our vision was to create a 21st century Defender by pushing the boundaries of engineering, technology and design while retaining its renowned DNA and off-road capability. The result is a compelling 4×4 that resonates with customers on an emotional level.”