The new Volkswagen Polo has been named Car of the Year 2010 by an international jury of motoring experts from 23 European countries.

Speaking after an awards ceremony in Madrid, Professor Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management, Volkswagen Group, said the new Polo stands for German engineering craftsmanship and superior cutting edge technology. 

He went on to say the fifth generation Polo was designed to address customer expectations with even greater uncompromising standards, and added that he was pleased to see the company's efforts validated in the form of this award.

Selection as Car of the Year is one of the oldest and most esteemed awards in Europe. The best of all new car introductions have been awarded annually since 1964.

The last time a Volkswagen won was in 1992 when the third generation Golf emerged victoriously over the Opel Astra and Citroen ZX. This year the new Polo won ahead of the Toyota IQ. 

Hakan Matson, president of the jury said the Polo's comprehensive safety equipment and advanced range of engines impressed judges the most.

On the Polo BlueMotion, Volkswagen was also able to add a very fuel-efficient yet affordable car to its car programme, he added.