The Continental Tyres Irish Car of the Year award was established in 1978 based on similar
Car of the Year awards. It is organised and judged by the Motoring Media Association of Ireland (MMAI), comprising journalists across the country. The award was initially sponsored by
Semperit and more recently by Semperit's owners,
Continental Tyres.
The awards have eleven categories: Irish Car of the Year (overall winner), Compact Car, Medium Car, Large Car, Compact SUV, Medium SUV, Large SUV, Green/Efficient Car, Performance/Luxury Car, Hot Hatchback, and, since 2019, MPV.
Ford has won the competition eight times, with the
Ford Mondeo winning the overall title the most times for an individual model. The winner for 2023 was the
Volkswagen ID. Buzz. The awards ceremony is usually held each November in
Dublin
Dublin is the capital and largest city of Republic of Ireland, Ireland. Situated on Dublin Bay at the mouth of the River Liffey, it is in the Provinces of Ireland, province of Leinster, and is bordered on the south by the Dublin Mountains, pa ...
, with the awards presented for the following year. The awards ceremony for 2023 was held at the Westin Dublin Hotel.
Current rules
Cars are assessed by a jury of 34 of the most experienced motoring journalists in Ireland. Each jury member road tests every car individually on the following criteria:
* use of new technology/new ideas
* safety factors
* equipment level, fuel economy, practicality
* environmental impact (emissions, recyclability)
* use of space, comfort, ventilation and layout
* build quality, fit and finishing
* ride, dynamic qualities, road holding, steering, manoeuvrability
* engine, ease of driving, braking
* price, warranty, dealer network, after sales service
* driver/user feedback
Results
The first winner of the award was the
Volkswagen Golf Diesel, which debuted four years after the regular Volkswagen Golf.
The
Ford Mondeo is the only model to have won the title three times, in 1994, 2008 and 2016. It was beaten into second place in 2001 by the
Renault Laguna.
The 2023 winner was the
Volkswagen ID. Buzz with the van version, the
ID. Buzz Cargo, winning the Irish Van of the Year title.
By manufacturer
See also
*
Car of the Year
*
List of motor vehicle awards
References
{{Reflist
External links
Irish Car of the Year WebsiteIrish Motoring Writers Association
Motor vehicle awards
Road transport in Europe