In a very close competiton, the Opel Insignia (Vauxhall) has taken out the 2009 European Car of the Year title with 321 points.
The Insignia edged out the Ford Fiesta by a single point, while the Volkswagen Golf took third place with 223 points.
The Insignia is the first Opel to win in 22 years, but the fourth time GM has been runner-up.
The European Car of the Year awards is judged by a panel of 59 members, representing 23 European countries. National representation on the panel is related to the size of the country’s car market and its importance in car manufacturing, with France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy and Spain topping the list with six members each.
Of the total 59 judges, 20 gave the Insignia top points, while 19 put the Fiesta in first place.
To be eligible, the cars must be available for sale in at least five European countries within the 12 month period prior.
The results:
Opel Insignia – 321 points
Ford Fiesta – 320 points
Volkswagen Golf – 223 points
Citroen C5 – 198 points
Alfa Romeo MiTo – 148 points
Skoda Superb – 144 points
Renault Megane – 121 points
