It’s the first time the award has been given to three cars at once, with the range-extended electric vehicles’ shared technology claiming 330 points against the second place Volkswagen up! at 271 and Ford Focus at 256. Some 35 recently launched vehicles were entered.

The award was presented to Vauxhall/Opel chief executive Karl-Friedrich Stracke and Chevrolet president and managing director for Europe Susan Docherty at the Geneva Motor Show today.

Susan Docherty said: ‘It is a proud moment for us and an honor to receive this award from Europe’s leading jury of automotive journalists. Our car demonstrates that electric driving can be fun and reliable without ever compromising the owners’ lifestyle.’

Karl-Friedrich Stracke added: ‘We are extremely pleased that our revolutionary electric vehicle has emerged as the winner in such a tough field of competitors. And we are very proud of this accolade. This encourages us further to continue our leadership role in the area of e-mobility.’