Car of the Year 2010: VW Polo wins the match

  The Volkswagen Polo is the Car of the Year 2010. It won a close contest with the Toyota iQ. Just ten points,347 to 337, separated the two leading contenders, while the Opel/Vauxhall Astra took third place, with 221 points.

The Polo, a car which in the eyes of many jurors looks and feels like a scaled-down Golf, has been even more appreciated than its bigger stable-mate, which took third place last year. In fact, it is the first Volkswagen CotY winner in 18 years, following the win in 1992... by a Golf. All the 59 Jury members from 23 European countries gave points to the winner, and 25 of them chose it as their favourite. The iQ received points from 58 jurors, with 20 top marks. The Opel/Vauxhall Astra was voted by 55 Jury members, with five of them giving top points.
Even if the VW model is shorter than a number of competitors in the B segment, this generation of Polo is fully capable of accommodating at least four adult people in comfort. Room, performance, refinement and a reasonable cargo space endorse that affirmation. As well as practical reasons, the small VW appeals for its fine exterior design and the impeccable execution of the cabin, which has a level of perceived quality unprecedented in this category.
Energy efficiency is also an important point for potential customers, with the current trend for downsizing. The Polo offers an interesting line of engines, and also the pleasant-to-use DSG automatic/sequential transmission, with two clutches. The new 1.6 litre TDi diesel engine perfectly suits the size of the car, while among the petrol engines is a lively 1.2 litre TSI with turbo which also balances performance and fuel economy. The Polo is offered in two kinds of Blue Motion derivatives, both with diesel engines. The 1.2 litre three-cylinder engine with 75 HP is homologated for an average fuel consumption of 3.3 litre/100 km, equivalent to an emission of 87 g/km of CO2.

2010 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and 2010 Audi R8 GT

                                                2010 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Another Corvette that is destined to heat up the streets and turn envious heads is the 2010 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. The vehicle features a recent Performance Traction System that maximizes the tractions for optimum on-road performance. It is also run by an intercooled and supercharged 6.2L engine assembled manually by a team of specialists from GM’s Performance Build Center. Its horsepower is jaw dropping, recording 638 hp at 6500 rpm, making the Corvette ZR1 known as Chevrolet and GM’s most powerful car ever. Add to that the torque which reaches 604 lb-ft at 3800 rpm, the fuel economy rated at 14/20, and the rear wheel drive concept that is gaining more points in quality.

  In addition to that, this more than great performance comes in a very flashy, stylish package. This 2-door hatchback coupe’s low ride height is striking from afar. With regaid to colors, it can be in Torch Red exterior color, as well as blue and yellow. The interior is of Cashmere color, and the wheels can be willed to be in grey paint. Durability and style are achieved by the body panel that is cut out of composite carbon fiber, and the aluminum frame that is hydroformed and with structural and chassis components that are made of aluminum and magnesium.

                                                              2010 Audi R8 GT

Audis have always been cars that love the rush and the elegant yet sporty appearance, and the 2010 Audi R8 GT is simply another attractive proof of this well-known reputation.

The Audi R8 GT is powered by a 5.2 liter V10 hand-built engine that efficiently generates a monstrous horsepower of 560 counts. It weighs 3362 lbs and has a HP/Weight rate of 6 lbs per hp. The car can accomplish a speed of 100 km in just 3.6 seconds, and run in a maximum speed of 199 mph. The dual flapped exhaust system lets the vehicle run smoothly and quietly despite its immense power. Changing gears is also efficiently done with the R Tronic sequential manual transmission. The clutch and switch function electronically, allowing for a fast transmission in the six gears.

  The car’s engine frame is of a type of magnesium that is extra lightweight, while its windshields are of glass that is much thinner than the others in its class. The bulkhead flanked by the engine compartment and the passenger cell is also manufactured out of durable, lightweight polycarbonate. Also, the extensive rear hatch is composed of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic or CFRP, which also cuts down on weight. True enough, the GT’s designers decreased the weight of the car to allow for more speed.