Volkswagen Has Collected the 'Drive Car of the Year 2010' for the Polo 77TSI.

The Golf 118TSI has followed up its ‘Drive Car of the Year 2009’ win with a consecutive category win as the ‘Best Small Car’, to reaffirm its position as the benchmark in this segment.

The Passat CC 125TDI – another repeat award winner – has yet again led the way in its class to collect the ‘Best Luxury Car under $60,000’.

Anke Koeckler, Volkswagen Group Australia’s Managing Director, accepted the award with enthusiasm. “After our win last year with the Golf, I was excited to discover we have followed up on our success with the new Polo.

“Volkswagen’s designers and engineers continue to deliver great products and I look forward to sharing this great news with my colleagues at our head office in Wolfsburg.

“The Polo is a fantastic product and will help us bring new customers to the brand and give them the chance to experience Volkswagen’s technology, design and engineering expertise in a very affordable package,” said Ms Koeckler.

Eleven of Australia's most experienced judges spent six days and more than 20,000km to determine the Polo - the first city car to fit six airbags and stability control as standard on every model - best met the Drive Car of the Year criteria, covering everything from value, practicality and environmental friendliness to how it drives, comfort and safety.

Judge and National Drive Editor Toby Hagon said the Polo 77TSI was a clear winner in the 2010 awards.

“The Polo sets new standards for refinement, driving enjoyment and overall class in a segment where price often overrides other considerations,” Mr Hagon said.

“Judges decided the Polo’s impressive credentials could tempt buyers from larger, more expensive cars with a city-friendly hatchback that’s surprisingly practical and fuel efficient.”

The Drive Car of the Year Awards are regarded as the ultimate consumer guide in Australia.