World Car of the Year winners announced

Wednesday, 21 April 2021

These are the three finalists in each of the 2021 World Car of the Year categories.

The big winners for the 2021 World Car of the Year awards have been announced, after a year marred by the Covid-19 pandemic.

A total of 93 international journalists from 28 countries voted on the World Car of the Year categories

Starting from the top, the big winner was the Volkswagen ID.4 electric SUV. The win marks the fifth World Car of the Year award for Volkswagen, following other victories in 2009 (Golf), 2010 (Polo), 2012 (Up!) and 2013 (Golf).

The 2021 World Car of the Year is the all-electric Volkswagen ID.4 SUV.

It was chosen out of a list of 24 other vehicles, which was then narrowed to three. The other finalists were the Honda e and Toyota Yaris, which won the arguably more prestigious Stuff Motoring 2020 Top Car.

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Ralf Brandstätter, CEO of Volkswagen, said: “We are particularly pleased about our ID.4 being named “World Car of the Year”. Not only because it is one of the most important car awards in the world - but because the jury also honoured a great idea and a great team. The first ID model for the key markets of Europe, China and the U.S. carries our electric offensive around the world. A convincing car, a great idea - and the “World Car of the Year” award? That goes well together for us!”

Moving on to the World Urban Car, this year’s winner was the Honda e. The little electric hatchback was chosen out of a list of seven cars, beating the new Honda Jazz and Toyota Yaris to the title.

Koji Watanabe, Operating Executive & Chief Officer of Brand and Communications Operations said: “We are very proud to receive this prestigious award from the World Car Awards organisation.

“We have strived to create new value through products like Honda e, and it is rewarding to see those efforts recognised. We aim to be a company which society wants to exist, and awards like this only strengthen our commitment to provide joy to our customers for years to come.”

The World Performance Car award went to the Porsche 911 Turbo, with the Audi RS Q8 and Toyota GR Yaris running up.

Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser, Vice President Model Line 911 and 718 said, “We could not be more excited to accept this award, which represents the eighth instance of Porsche winning a World Car Awards title. The 911 Turbo is the peak of performance and luxury from Porsche, a fact this recognition underscores. With the new generation 992, we continue to push the boundaries.”

Finally, the World Car Design gong was taken home by the Land Rover Defender, marking the sixth World Car Design of the Year award for Jaguar Land Rover.

Previous awards were given in 2019 for the I-Pace, 2018 for the Range Rover Velar, 2017 for the F-Pace, 2012 for the Range Rover Evoque and 2013 for the F-Type.

The Defender was given the Design award over the Honda e and Mazda MX-30.

Gerry McGovern, Chief Creative Officer, Jaguar Land Rover, 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 4x4 that resonates with customers on an emotional level.”