Why we should all buy German cars

German manufacturers have swept the board at the latest What Car? magazine awards ceremony...

Those prone to European economic envy should look away now.

The German economy has somewhat bucked the doom-laden trend established throughout Europe in 2011. Growth in the country has increased robustly. And this has in turn has shrunk the public deficit. Unemployment levels have also ducked.

Depressing, I know.

The reason for this success? Commentators have in part put it down to the country’s range of world class companies.

So it may come as no surprise to hear that the jewels in Germany’s business crown - car manufacturers - have cleaned up at the 2012 What Car? awards. Yes, German automobile companies took ten of 16 category wins, as well as the overall prize for car of the year.

Car of the year

Volkswagen’s 'up!' picked up the award for car of the year. The model is on sale in the UK from March starting at £7,995 for the three doors 'Take up!' model. According to What Car? the up! has a fuel economy of 60.1mpg, a top speed of 100mph and is in insurance group five (the lower the group, the lower the insurance cost).

The magazine’s editor-in-chief Chas Hallet said: “The Volkswagen up! is the best car we've seen this year because it combines refinement, quality, space and economy. It sets new standards for the £10,000 price bracket. It feels at home in town and copes admirably on the motorway; it is the right car for the time.”

The up! also took best city car as well as the safety award for its innovative ‘City Emergency Braking System’. The feature watches the road while at low speeds and applies the emergency brakes if you are about to drive into the car ahead.

Volkswagen’s fourth award was in the best small family car category, given to the Golf for the fourth year in a row.

Other German winners

Audi emerged from the awards as another successful German brand, picking up three awards. The A1 – winner of last year’s car of the year award – was named best supermini, the TT was awarded best coupe, while the TT Roadster took best convertible.

Best SUV went to the BMW X3. What Car? praised the 50mpg fuel efficiency of the model. BMW also took best executive car for the 3-Series. The German group of ten was completed by the Mercedes-Benz S Class, winner of the best luxury car award.

The rest

Ford was the next most successful make at the awards. The American manufacturer’s Mondeo took two awards: best family car and best estate car. What Car? praised the spacious nature of both models, along with their handling and fuel efficiency.

Renault picked up its only award for the Megane, winner of the best hot hatch category.

The MPV prize was given to the Seat Alahambra. The magazine did criticise the model’s visual shape but said that the square lines did allow for better manoeuvring and parking.

Porsche’s 911 won out in the sports category. But with a price tag of over £80,000, would you expect anything less?

The low carbon, fuel consumption award was given to Kia. What Car? highlighted the Rio as an example of one of the manufacturer’s models that prices up well (at £11,415) and boasts a good interior, while also emitting a small amount of CO2.

The MG 6 hatch picked up the best security award for its new alarm and immobiliser system, a feature that comes complete with perimeter detection.

And finally the readers' award for the most exciting car set to hit the market in 2012 was given to the Jaguar C-X16. The model will be unveiled at the Geneva motor show in the spring and is expected to have a price tag starting at around £50,000.

Do you agree?

Do you agree with these awards? Are German cars really the best?

Have your say using the comment box below.

The What Car? Awards 2012 full results

Car of the year and best city car: Volkswagen up!

Best Supermini: Audi A1.

Best Small Family Car: Volkswagen Golf.

Best Family Car: Ford Mondeo.

Best Estate Car: Ford Mondeo.

Best Sports Car: Porsche 911.

Best MPV: Seat Alahambra.

Best Coupe: Audi TT.

Best Hot Hatch: Renault Megane.

Best SUV: BMW X3.

Best Executive Car: BMW 3-series.

Best Convertible: Audi TT Roadster.

Best Luxury Car: Mercedes-Benz S Class.

Fuel Consumption Award: Kia

Car Safety Award: Volkswagen up! braking system.

Car Security Award: MG 6.

Reader Award (most exciting car to be launched in 2012): Jaguar C-X16.

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