At the annual ceremony, held last night at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, the new Polo kicked off a successful evening for Volkswagen claiming the hotly contested Supermini title and was also named Best Buy in the more than £11,000 sub-category. These accolades for the SE 1.4-litre 5dr model add to a string of awards which the new Polo has won since launch in September 2009, including the 2010 European Car of the Year title.

Presenting the Polo’s award, What Car? Group Editor, Steve Fowler commented: ‘We first got behind the wheel of the new Polo at the Geneva Motor Show and we were immediately blown away by its airiness and the quality of its interior. The Polo’s fine drive and a cabin that is effectively a Golf in miniature had us convinced.’

Volkswagen’s second major award of the evening went to the Golf hatchback which successfully defended the honour of Small Family Car for the fourth year running. Shortlisted for the award as the Best Buy in the £13,000 to £18,000 sub-category, and in a repeat of the 2009 Awards, the title went to the Golf SE 1.4-litre TSI 122 PS 5dr model.

Steve Fowler commented: ‘The Golf is a great all-rounder with a record-breaking star rating tally that has yet to be beaten and, to be honest, we’re not sure it ever will be. With a cosseting ride that shames that of many luxury cars, it’s all the car that most people will ever need.’

Completing a strong showing for Volkswagen at this year’s awards, the Scirocco was also highly commended. The 1.4-litre 160 PS model was named as the Best Buy coupé in the under £25,000 category.

Chris Craft, Director of Volkswagen UK said: ‘I am extremely proud of these awards and to see three of our key models performing so strongly this evening. The new Polo has enjoyed a fantastic reception since its launch last year, and these latest awards are a good foundation for continued success looking forward.’