The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
The Ford Mondeo has been voted Continental Irish Car of the Year 2016 by the Irish Motoring Writers’ Association.
The announcement of the 39th Irish Car of the Year Award was made at an awards ceremony in Dublin today.
The winning car was revealed by Rosemary Smith, to mark the 50th anniversary of her victory in the Tulip Rally in April 1965. She is the only woman to have won the rally.
The overall results, with weighted scores, were as follows:
1. Ford Mondeo 148 points
2. Volvo XC90 147 points
3. Mercedes Benz GLE 144 points
4. Kia Sorento 144 points
5. Skoda Superb 140 points
The Irish Motoring Writers’ Association judges awarded points on the basis of criteria ranging from design, comfort, safety, economy, handling and performance as well as driver satisfaction, value for money and technical innovation, with a maximum of 20 points under each heading.
John Galvin, Chairman of the Irish Motoring Writers’ Association, commented: “The Irish motoring writers have selected an exciting model and no doubt the 2016 Irish Car of the Year accolade will provide a huge boost to the popularity of the Ford Mondeo in the Irish market, particularly in the context of the current competitive economic environment.”
Awards were made in six categories, reflecting the diversified nature of today’s car market in Ireland.
Continental Irish Small Car of the Year
Opel Corsa
Continental Irish Compact Family Car of the Year
Honda HR-V
Continental Irish Medium Car of the Year
Ford Mondeo
Continental Irish Large Car of the Year
Kia Sorento
Continental Irish Executive Car of the Year
Volvo XC90
Continental Irish Performance Car of the Year
Audi TT
The Ford Mondeo succeeds the Nissan Qashqai which took the title last year.
John Galvin
Motoring editor - The Clare Champion
Former Chairman and voting member of Irish Motoring Writers' Association
