The Fleet World Honours are presented annually, and the judging process combines the expert opinion of theFleet World editorial team with the objective values provided by a number of leading leasing companies and fleet data providers.

The judging panel is chaired by Steve Moody, Editor of Fleet World, and includes John Kendall, Alex Grant and Ross Durkin from the Fleet World editorial team.  Residual value, maintenance and reliability data is provided by ALD Automotive, Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions, Lex Autolease, LeasePlan and Arval. Market value data is provided by EurotaxGlass and VIPDATA.

Commenting on the up!, Fleet World Editor, Steve Moody, said: ‘Volkswagen’s up! is a breath of fresh air, managing to be both characterful and practical, retro and modern.  A clever infotainment system, bright spacious cabin and parsimonious three-cylinder engines ensure the up! is a classy addition to the sector.’

Fleet World’s Managing Editor, Ross Durkin, added: ‘Judging the Fleet World Honours does not get any easier.  In the last year we have seen some tremendous new cars launched – many powered by alternative fuels – as well as the introduction of some very innovative new fleet services.  When judging the car awards we were very mindful of key issues such as emissions levels, safety, resale values and reliability.  However we also have to remember that essential ingredient – desirability – when assessing a car’s overall position and that can be seen in the results.’

The Volkswagen up! is a small car in need of a large trophy cabinet.  The Fleet World Honour will be added to its list of current awards which includes small/city car accolades from CarBuyer website and Top Gear magazine, as well as the overall What Car? Car of the Year and 2012 World Car of the Year titles.

Volkswagen’s Fleet Marketing manager, Rob Taylor, claimed the award on behalf of the brand, and commented: ‘We’re delighted to win this award for the up!.  Because of its size and sector, the up! is very much seen as a retail proposition, but there’s no doubt it’s punching above its weight in the fleet market.  Fleet managers are attracted by its low whole-life cost proposition, high quality and big car feel, while drivers enjoy its on-road manners, low tax liability and Volkswagen badge.’  He added: ‘For a small car it’s clearly capable of big things!’

The up! is available now, costing from £7,995 RRP OTR.  For more details on the multi award-winning up! please visit www.volkswagen.co.uk/up or for more details on Volkswagen’s range of fleet services, go towww.volkswagen.co.uk/fleet.