Volvo XC60 is the 2017-2018 Japan Car of the Year

Volvo XC60 is the 2017-2018 Japan Car of the Year

The Volvo XC60 has been named 2017-2018 Car of the Year Japan, ending a three-year winning streak for Japanese marques – Subaru Impreza (2016-2017), Mazda MX-5 (2015-2016) and Mazda 2 (2014-2015). The Volkswagen Golf made a similar interruption when it picked up the 2013-2014 title.

First unveiled at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, the second-generation XC60 rides on the same Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) as the 90 Series models (XC90, S90, V90). It can be had with a T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid powertrain, which serves up a total system output of 407 hp and 640 Nm.

The model has since been launched in countries like Singapore and Thailand, although it has yet to be introduced in Malaysia. However, we’ve already sighted the SUV in Glenmarie a few weeks ago, so the wait shouldn’t be too long.

With a score of 294 points, the Swedish SUV triumphed above the BMW 5 Series (242 points) in the second place as well as the Toyota Camry (232 points). The three are then followed by the Suzuki Swift (210 points) and Honda N-Box (189 points).

In the second half of the top 10 list, the Lexus LC (115 points) occupied the sixth spot in front of the Alfa Romeo Giulia (89 points), Mazda CX-5 (83 points), Citroen C3 (35 points) and finally, the Volkswagen Tiguan (11 points).

Other awards were also handed out during the announcement, with the Toyota Prius PHEV picking up the Best Innovation Award. Meanwhile, the Lexus LC won in the Emotional Award category, and the Toyota Prius received the Special Achievement Award for selling no fewer than 10 million hybrids in 20 years.

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Gerard Lye

Originating from the corporate world with a background in finance and economics, Gerard’s strong love for cars led him to take the plunge into the automotive media industry. It was only then did he realise that there are more things to a car than just horsepower count.

 

Comments

  • Volvo Geely > All

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 260 Thumb down 2
  • a german car wins a japunis award … cool

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 100 Thumb down 31
  • All i need is money on Dec 12, 2017 at 3:30 pm

    Scandinavian – zhui bang what a mixture, all the scandinavian need is just funds from geely. They turned around Volvo’s brand perception back n even better than it’s glorious days. What a feat!

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 148 Thumb down 0
  • tokmoh. on Dec 12, 2017 at 3:40 pm

    Volvo > all

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 119 Thumb down 2
  • Ex-VGM staff on Dec 12, 2017 at 4:21 pm

    Even Honda fabulous Accord, CRV, HRV, city and civic are not recognised in Japan to be in the top 10 list COTY. Too many flaws, I think.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 141 Thumb down 3
  • Not sure how Suzuki swift find a spot there! Known for low safety rating and built quality!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 21 Thumb down 0
 

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