Nissan's Juke wins another award

Nissan's diminutive Juke crossover continues its winning ways being named the Continental Irish Car of the Year for 2011 (previously named "CUV of Texas"). The Juke beat out the BMW 5-Series (named Continental Irish Executive / Luxury Car of the Year), the Skoda Yeti (named Continental Irish Compact Family Car of the Year), the Kia Venga, and the Opel Astra (which was available previously, last gen, as a Saturn). As car markets overlap, we will see more cars that are available in the US win accolades abroad. Plus it is interesting to see other country's tastes in automotive conveyances.

Source: Newspress - Press release and pics (of other winners) after the jump.

Press Release:

NISSAN JUKE TAKES CONTINENTAL IRISH CAR OF THE YEAR CROWN

The Nissan Juke has been voted Continental Irish Car of the Year 2011 by the Irish Motoring Writers Association. The announcement was made at an awards ceremony today in the Convention Centre Dublin attended by leading figures from the motor industry.

The results were as follows:

1. Nissan Juke 185 points

2. Kia Venga 166 points (right)

3. BMW 5 Series 158 points

4. Skoda Yeti 149 points

5. Opel Astra 144 points

The Irish Motoring Writers Association judges awarded points on the basis of criteria ranging from innovation and safety to space, comfort, build quality, driving quality and value for money.

Presenting the award to Paul OSullivan, Marketing Director of Nissan Ireland, Paddy Murphy of awards sponsor, Continental Tyres Ireland, commented: The Irish motoring writers have selected an exciting model and no doubt the 2011 Irish Car of the Year accolade will provide a huge boost to the popularity of the Nissan Juke in the Irish market, particularly in the context of the current economic environment.

Awards were made in five categories, reflecting the diversified nature of todays car market in Ireland.

Continental Irish Small Car of the Year
Nissan Juke

Continental Irish Compact Family Car of the Year
Skoda Yeti

Continental Irish Family Car of the Year
Peugeot 5008

Continental Irish Executive / Luxury Car of the Year
BMW 5 Series

Continental Irish Performance Car of the Year (below)

Peugeot RCZ

The Nissan Juke succeeds the Peugeot 3008 which took the overall title last year.

The Continental Irish Van of the Year 2011 title was awarded to the Mercedes Benz Vito.
The Irish Motoring Writers' Association has organised the Irish Car of the Year Awards each year, for the past 33 years.