Volvo XC40 is the 2018 European Car of the Year

Volvo has taken the European Car of the Year award for the first time ever with its brand new XC40 SUV.

After its initial introduction to the public in the fall of 2017, the XC40 has been impressing the automotive community the world over, and this latest honor is just an additional accolade to the numerous other awards it has garnered over the past few months.

ALSO SEE: 2019 Volvo XC40 Review and First Drive

Despite strong competition from the Kia Stinger, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Seat Ibiza, Citroen C3 Aircross, Audi A8 and BMW 5 -Series, a panel of 60 judges spread across 23 European countries made the final decision and crowned the Volvo the best all-rounder out of the bunch. Critics liked the clean styling, comfortable ride and amicable handling.

This award is also significant for the Volvo brand as this is the first time they taken the prestigious award after coming very close with the V40 and XC90 in 2013 and 2016, respectively.

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