Irish Car of the Year

The Continental Tyres Irish Car of the Year award was established in 1978 based on similar Car of the Year awards. It is organised and judged by the Motoring Media Association of Ireland (MMAI), comprising journalists across the country. The award was initially sponsored by Semperit and more recently by Semperit's owners, Continental Tyres.

The awards have eleven categories: Irish Car of the Year (overall winner), Compact Car, Medium Car, Large Car, Compact SUV, Medium SUV, Large SUV, Green/Efficient Car, Performance/Luxury Car, Hot Hatchback, and, since 2019, MPV.

Ford has won the competition eight times, with the Ford Mondeo winning the overall title the most times for an individual model. The winner for 2023 was the Volkswagen ID. Buzz. The awards ceremony is usually held each November in Dublin, with the awards presented for the following year. The awards ceremony for 2023 was held at the Westin Dublin Hotel.

Current rules
Cars are assessed by a jury of 34 of the most experienced motoring journalists in Ireland. Each jury member road tests every car individually on the following criteria:


 * use of new technology/new ideas
 * safety factors
 * equipment level, fuel economy, practicality
 * environmental impact (emissions, recyclability)
 * use of space, comfort, ventilation and layout
 * build quality, fit and finishing
 * ride, dynamic qualities, road holding, steering, manoeuvrability
 * engine, ease of driving, braking
 * price, warranty, dealer network, after sales service
 * driver/user feedback

Results
The first winner of the award was the Volkswagen Golf Diesel, which debuted four years after the regular Volkswagen Golf.

The Ford Mondeo is the only model to have won the title three times, in 1994, 2008 and 2016. It was beaten into second place in 2001 by the Renault Laguna.

The 2023 winner was the Volkswagen ID. Buzz with the van version, the ID. Buzz Cargo, winning the Irish Van of the Year title.