Geneva Motor Show 2018 - Car of the Year Ceremony

Volvo snatched its first "Car of the Year" award in more than 50 years on Monday, as its XC40 SUV was crowned on the eve of this year's Geneva International Motor Show. XC40 was made winner by a jury of 60 journalists from 23 European countries after gathering 325 points, an ample margin over the other six finalists that include the second place Seat Ibiza from Spain, the third place BMW 5-series, as well as Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Audi A8, Citroën C3 Aircross, and Kia Stinger. The group of seven finalists came last November from a long list of 37 candidates. The award takes consideration a span of criteria such as innovation and security, design and the value for money. Volvo has been a finalist on a number of occasions, but this is the first time it has won this prestigious award, with 83 points separating it from its competitors.