Volvo Voted Top Car Tech Brand in U.K.

Volvo has been selected the "Tech Brand of the Year" in the U.K. by car review website carbuyer.com.uk and technology specialist Alphr.com as part of their inaugural Car Tech Awards.

Judges from the two organizations praised Volvo for its Sensus infotainment system and partnership with Uber to develop autonomous vehicle systems. They also cited the Swedish carmaker’s ongoing efforts to improve safety and reduce roadway fatalities and serious injuries.

The panelists, who evaluated 45 vehicles for the awards, chose the Vauxhall Astra as "Tech Car of the Year" in the under-£25,000 ($30,600) category. The Volkswagen Passat topped its competitors in the over-£25,000 segment.

The "Tech of the Year" award went to Audi’s Virtual Cockpit. The system, which is available on several models, replaces traditional instrumentation displays with a large full-color screen. Tesla’s Model S electric sedan was deemed to have the best autonomous drive technology.

Other winners included:

• Best audio system
  • Volkswagen Golf Dynaudio (under £25,000)
  • Volvo XC90 Bowers and Wilkins (over £25,000)
• Best in-car connectivity
  • Audi A3 (under £25,000)
  • Volkswagen Passat (over £25,000)
• Best satellite navigation
  • SEAT Ibiza (under £25,000)
  • Volkswagen Passat (over £25,000)
• Best self-parking system
  • Vauxhall Astra (under £25,000)
  • Mercedes C-Class (over £25,000)
• Most user-friendly tech
  • Audi A3 (under £25,000)
  • Volvo XC90 (over £25,000)

• Best safety innovation
  • Vauxhall Astra – OnStar (under £25,000)
  • Ford S-MAX Intelligent Speed Limiter (over £25,000)