Volvo’s XC40 compact SUV has been named Car of the Year in Europe for 2018.
Six other new cars – the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Audi A8, BMW 5-Series, Citroen C3 Aircross, Kia Stinger and Seat Ibiza – were vying for the prestigious title.
A jury of 60 journalists from 23 countries across Europe cast their votes and the Volvo secured 325 votes, compared to the Seat Ibiza (242), BMW 5 Series (226), Kia Stinger (204), Citroen C3 Aircross (171), Audi A8 (169) and Alfa Romeo Stelvio (163).
It’s the first time that Volvo Cars has won the European Car of the Year title. The award means all the Swedish premium brand’s new SUVs, which also include the XC60 and XC90, have each been named Car of the Year in either Europe or North America.
The Volvo XC40 also won the What Car? Car of the Year 2018 award in January, plus the Best Family SUV category.