Volkswagen's UP has won the World Car of the Year Award, beating off competition from the BMW 3 Series and the Porsche 911. While we don't know specifically why the judges chose the UP, the reasons behind its success are likely to be related to its very economical, green credentials, and the fact that it is hailed as one of the best city cars ever built. The 'everyman' feel of the UP, and the fact that an electric-only version will be available in 2013, are also likely key factors to its popularity among judges. Reliability is sure to be a contributing factor too – most VWs tend not to cause their owners to reach for their annual breakdown cover policy too often.

The Brits weren't disappointed at the awards either, as Tata’s British built Land Rover's Evoque picked up World Car Design of the Year, coming ahead of the Citroen DS5 and VW's UP.

The British automotive industry had a look in as regards the World Performance Car Award too, fielding the dazzling McLaren MP4-12C against the Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 and the Porsche 911: in the end, the latter Porsche came out on top aided by its classic good looks.

The World Green Car Award went to the snappily titled Mercedes-Benz 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, staving competition from the Ford Focus Electric and the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4.

The winners will be officially announced at the New York Motor Show on the 21st April.