German Car Zone

In the very closest of contests, the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia emerged victorious as Car of the Year 2009 with 321 points against the 320 for the Ford Fiesta. The Volkswagen Golf took third place with 223 points.

The Insignia is the first Opel to win in 22 years but General Motors’ European company has been runner-up four times – and in 2007 the Opel Corsa lost by just two points to the Ford S-Max. Ford has won the award five times but this is the second occasion it has lost by one point.

This year’s narrow victory emphasizes the high level of this year’s competition, which has 37 initial candidates and seven finalists. Of the 59 car of the Year jurors representing 23 European countries, 20 gave the Insignia top points, while 19 put the Fiesta in first place.

Opel has defined Insignia design as artistry with German precision: premium values at an affordable price. Many Jury members appreciated the looks and visual quality of this model but the new C/D car from Russelsheim is much more than style. Active and passive safety, comfort and a wide array of efficient engines characterize this model. The richness of equipment can be increased with sophisticated options such as the ‘Opel Eye’, that reads road signals, FlexRide suspension and nine-mode Adaptive Forward Lighting.


Source: http://www.caroftheyear.org/pages/Coty09.htm

I'm glad that the Insignia wins and not the Fiesta. Nevertheless I'm not a fan of this automobile.

In Japan I believe the Toyota Smart, excuse me, Toyota iQ won.

I had the change to sit in an Opel Insingia a few days ago and I must say it not only looks great, it feels great too. A big improvement against the last Vectra gen. Opel did a great job and this car definitely deserves this award.

That's correct, Christian. The Citroen C5 took the second place ahead of the GT-R.

The Insigni-yawn might be a thousand times better than the Vectra it replaces, but then again it needs to be...

I am pleased that the Citroen C5 got that high a recognition in Japan. A great car. I would love to have one.

Yeah! It is a great looking car and the interior is also well designed…

Opel Vectra was the definition of the word "Mediocre" , i 'm glad that Insignia is lightyears ahead in every possible way.

I would take one instead of Passat or Mondeo anyday.

On the other hand Mazda 6 is still my favorite budget price sedan.

I'm disappointed that the Fiesta didn't win - but kudos to Opel. That Insignia must be one very good car despite it having zero emotive appeal with me.

I've had a good look at the new Fiesta and it really does seem to be a cracking good small car. So much more globally pertinent than the Euro-only Insignia.

Interesting how the Megane faired so poorly - unusual for Renualt as their new hatches typically make a good showing at the ECotY. Golf 5.5 did far better - as it ought to have - because of what's underneath, I'm certain.

Also, considering that the Alfa 147 was a one-time winner, the MiTo doesn't seem to convince the panel as its maker would've hoped. It doesn't convince me either.

Yannis, I think a Mondeo is a far better car than the Mazda 6 and the Honda Accord is also better.

Hopefully the Insignia won't be Euro only for long, this car would do hellish business over here as a Saturn. Now bring on that coupe version GM. Just keep telling yourself that you can be saved!

M